Data channel establishment method and apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a data channel establishment method and apparatus, and a storage medium. In the method, a UPF network element which is relatively close to or has a data network connection relationship with an SF network element can be selected on the basis of the IP address, serving region and data network connection identifier of the SF network element, so that when a first data channel between an access network device and the SF network element is established via the UPF network element, the connection relationship between the UPF network element and the SF network element is ensured, the transmission distance of the first data channel is shortened, and the transmission duration of sensing data is reduced.

Description

Data channel establishment method, device and storage medium

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on September 25, 2023, with application number 202311256642.3 and application name “Data channel establishment method, device and storage medium”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, device, and storage medium for establishing a data channel. Background Art

[0003] With the advancement of mobile communication technology, communication frequency bands (such as millimeter wave bands) have developed sensing capabilities. Leveraging the wide and long-range coverage, large bandwidth, high precision, and low latency of communication networks, communication systems can sense and identify specific areas, objects, or events, achieving sensing capabilities that exceed those of existing radar. For example, upon receiving a sensing request, the SF network element can instruct the access network device to perform a sensing operation. When the access network device performs the sensing operation and obtains sensing data, it can report the sensing data to the SF network element via a data channel, allowing the SF network element to obtain sensing measurement results based on the sensing data.

[0004] In one implementation, the data channel between the access network device and the SF network element is built based on the data channel between the access network device and the UPF network element, and the data channel between the UPF network element and the SF network element. In other words, the UPF network element is the network element between the access network device and the SF network element, and the UPF network element can transmit the sensing data from the access network device to the SF network element. However, how to select the appropriate UPF network element is an urgent problem that needs to be solved.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a data channel establishment method, apparatus, and storage medium, which can select a UPF network element that is close to or has a data network connection relationship with the SF network element based on the IP address, service area, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element. This is beneficial for ensuring that the UPF network element and the SF network element have a connection relationship when establishing a first data channel between the access network device and the SF network element via the UPF network element, shortening the transmission distance of the first data channel, and reducing the transmission time of the perception data.

[0007] In a first aspect, a data channel establishment method is provided, which includes: a session management function SMF network element receives a first data channel establishment request, and the first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting perception data between an access network device and a perception function SF network element; the SMF network element selects a user plane function UPF network element; the SMF network element sends a first tunnel information acquisition request to the UPF network element, and the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request the acquisition of information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element, and the first tunnel is used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; the SMF network element receives a first tunnel information acquisition response from the UPF network element, and the first tunnel information acquisition response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; the SMF network element sends a first data channel establishment response, and the first data channel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element.

[0008] Among them, the UPF network element and the SF network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF network element belong to the same IP address range, the service area of ​​the UPF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, and the data network connection identifier of the UPF network element is the same as the data network connection identifier of the SF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element.

[0009] As can be seen, in the method described in this aspect, the UPF network element is selected based on the IP address, service area, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element. The UPF network element is close to the SF network element or has a data network connection relationship with it. This can ensure the existence of a connection relationship between the UPF network element and the SF network element, shorten the transmission distance of the first data channel, and reduce the transmission time of the perception data. In addition, the embodiment of the present application also includes the establishment process of the first tunnel as a sub-process of the first data channel establishment process. Compared with two independent processes, the number of signaling round trips between the access network device and the SF network element can be effectively reduced.

[0010] Optionally, the perception data is transmitted between the UPF network element and the SF network element through the N6 interface channel or the second tunnel.

[0011] In an optional implementation, the first data channel establishment request includes at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; the first tunnel information acquisition request includes at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element;

[0012] At least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element is used to establish an association relationship between at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel.

[0013] It can be seen that in this embodiment, the IP address of the access network device or at least one of the IP addresses of the SF network element can be transmitted to the UPF network element through the first data channel establishment request and the first tunnel information acquisition request, which is beneficial for the UPF network element to establish an association relationship between the IP address of the access network device, at least one of the IP addresses of the SF network element and the first tunnel, that is, to establish a forwarding rule.

[0014] Optionally, this implementation may be applied to a data plane protocol stack based on IP address communication.

[0015] In another optional implementation, a second tunnel exists between the UPF network element and the SF network element for transmitting sensing data between the UPF network element and the SF network element, and the second tunnel is associated with the first tunnel. Optionally, this implementation can be applied to a data plane protocol stack that is not based on IP address communication.

[0016] In another optional embodiment, the data network connection identifier includes at least one of the data network name DNN, the data network access identifier DNAI, or the network slice selection service information S-NSSAI.

[0017] In another optional implementation manner, the SF network element is a user plane function-sensing SF-U network element.

[0018] It can be seen that in this embodiment, the SF network element can separate the SF-U network element, which is conducive to enhancing the user plane function of the SF-U network element and facilitating the deployment of the separated SF-U network element closer to the access network device, effectively shortening the transmission distance of the first data channel and reducing the transmission time of the perception data.

[0019] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another method for establishing a data channel, which includes: a UPF network element receives a first tunnel information acquisition request from an SMF network element, and the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request to obtain information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; the first tunnel is used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element; the UPF network element generates a forwarding rule for forwarding the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element based on the first tunnel information acquisition request; the UPF network element sends a first tunnel information acquisition response to the SMF network element; the first tunnel information acquisition response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element.

[0020] It can be seen that in the method described in this aspect, the UPF network element can generate forwarding rules for forwarding perception data between the access network device and the SF network element, which is conducive to ensuring that the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element is successfully forwarded at the UPF network element.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the first tunnel information acquisition request includes at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; the forwarding rule includes the association relationship between the IP address of the access network device or at least one of the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel.

[0022] It can be seen that in this embodiment, the UPF network element can generate a forwarding rule based on at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element in the first tunnel information acquisition request.

[0023] Optionally, this implementation may be applied to a data plane protocol stack based on IP address communication.

[0024] In another optional implementation, there is a second tunnel between the UPF network element and the SF network element for transmitting perception data between the UPF network element and the SF network element, and the forwarding rule includes an association relationship between the second tunnel and the first tunnel.

[0025] Optionally, this embodiment may be applied to a data plane protocol stack that is not based on IP address communication.

[0026] In another optional embodiment, the SF network element is an SF-U network element. Thus, in this embodiment, the SF network element can be separated from the SF-U network element, which is beneficial for enhancing the user plane functions of the SF-U network element and facilitating the deployment of the separated SF-U network element closer to the access network equipment, effectively shortening the transmission distance of the first data channel and reducing the transmission time of the perception data.

[0027] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another method for establishing a data channel, which includes: an access and mobility management function AMF network element receives a first data channel establishment request from an access network device, and the first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the SF network element; the AMF network element selects an SMF network element; the AMF network element sends a first tunnel establishment request to the SMF network element, and the first tunnel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first tunnel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; the first tunnel is the first tunnel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; the AMF network element receives a first tunnel establishment response from the SMF network element, and the first tunnel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element; the AMF network element sends a first data channel establishment response to the access network device, and the first data channel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element. Among them, the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network equipment, or the SMF network element and the SF network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, there are UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as that of the SF network element, and there are UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element whose data network connection identifier is the same as that of the SF network element.

[0028] It can be seen that in the method described in this aspect, the SMF network element is selected based on the service area of ​​the access network device, the IP address of the SF network element, the service area, and the data network connection identifier, which is conducive to the SMF network element selecting a UPF network element that is close to the SF network element or has a data network connection relationship. It can ensure that the UPF network element and the SF network element have a connection relationship and shorten the transmission distance of the first data channel, thereby reducing the transmission time of the perceived data. In addition, the embodiment of the present application also uses the establishment process of the first tunnel as a sub-process of the first data channel establishment process. Compared with two independent processes, it can effectively reduce the number of signaling round trips between the access network device and the SF network element.

[0029] In an optional embodiment, the first data channel establishment request includes at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; the first tunnel establishment request includes at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; and the at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element is used to establish an association between the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element can be transmitted to the SMF network element via the first data channel establishment request and the first tunnel establishment request, which facilitates the SMF network element to transmit at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element to the UPF network element.

[0030] Optionally, this implementation may be applied to a data plane protocol stack based on IP address communication.

[0031] In another optional implementation, a second tunnel exists between the UPF network element and the SF network element for transmitting sensing data between the UPF network element and the SF network element, and the second tunnel is associated with the first tunnel. Optionally, this implementation can be applied to a data plane protocol stack that is not based on IP address communication.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another method for establishing a data channel, which includes: an access network device sends a first data channel establishment request to an AMF network element, and the first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the SF network element; the access network device receives a first data channel establishment response from the AMF network element, and the first data channel establishment response includes information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element. The UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element, and the first tunnel is used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element.

[0033] It can be seen that in this embodiment, the access network device can obtain information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element from the first data channel establishment response, which is beneficial for the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element through the first tunnel based on the information, thereby facilitating the access network device to send perception data to the SF network element through the first data channel.

[0034] In an optional implementation, the first data channel establishment request includes at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; the at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element is used to establish an association between the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel. Thus, in this implementation, the at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element can be transmitted to the AMF network element via the first data channel establishment request.

[0035] Optionally, this implementation may be applied to a data plane protocol stack based on IP address communication.

[0036] In another optional implementation, a second tunnel exists between the UPF network element and the SF network element for transmitting sensing data between the UPF network element and the SF network element, and the second tunnel is associated with the first tunnel. Optionally, this implementation can be applied to a data plane protocol stack that is not based on IP address communication.

[0037] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another method for establishing a data channel, the method comprising: the SF network element selects the SMF network element; the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SMF network element and the SF network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, there is a UPF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, there is a UPF network element whose data network connection identifier is the same as that of the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element; the SF network element sends a first data channel establishment request to the SMF network element, and the first data channel establishment request is used The first data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the SF network element is requested to be established; the SF network element receives a first data channel establishment response from the SMF network element, and the first data channel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element, and the first tunnel is used to transmit the perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; the SF network element sends the first perception data channel information to the AMF network element, and the first perception data channel information includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element.

[0038] It can be seen that in the method described in this aspect, the SMF network element is selected based on the service area of ​​the access network device, the IP address of the SF network element, the service area, and the data network connection identifier, which is conducive to the SMF network element selecting a UPF network element that is close to the SF network element or has a data network connection relationship. It can ensure that the UPF network element and the SF network element have a connection relationship and shorten the transmission distance of the first data channel, thereby reducing the transmission time of the perceived data. In addition, the embodiment of the present application also uses the establishment process of the first tunnel as a sub-process of the first data channel establishment process. Compared with two independent processes, it can effectively reduce the number of signaling round trips between the access network device and the SF network element.

[0039] In an optional embodiment, the first data channel establishment request includes the IP address of the SF network element; the IP address of the SF network element is used to establish an association between the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel. Thus, in this embodiment, the IP address of the SF network element can be transmitted to the SMF network element via the first data channel establishment request, which facilitates the SMF network element to transmit the IP address of the SF network element to the UPF network element.

[0040] Optionally, this implementation may be applied to a data plane protocol stack based on IP address communication.

[0041] In another optional implementation, there is a second tunnel between the SF network element and the UPF network element for transmitting perception data between the UPF network element and the SF network element, and the second tunnel is associated with the first tunnel.

[0042] Optionally, this embodiment may be applied to a data plane protocol stack that is not based on IP address communication.

[0043] In another optional implementation, the data network connection identifier includes at least one of DNN, DNAI, or S-NSSAI.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another method for establishing a data channel, which includes: the perception control function SF-C network element selects the SMF network element; the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SMF network element and the perception user plane function SF-U network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF-U network element, there is a UPF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as the SF-U network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, or there is a UPF network element whose data network connection identifier is the same as that of the SF-U network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element; the SF-U is associated with the SF-C; the SF-C network element sends a first data channel to the SMF network element. Establishment request, the first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the SF-U network element; the SF-C network element receives the first data channel establishment response from the SMF network element, and the first data channel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF-U network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF-U network element, and the first tunnel is used to transmit the perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; the SF-C network element sends the first perception data channel information to the AMF network element, and the first perception data channel information includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element.

[0045] It can be seen that in the method described in this aspect, the SMF network element is selected based on the service area of ​​the access network device, the IP address of the SF-U network element, the service area, and the data network connection identifier, which is beneficial for the SMF network element to select a UPF network element that is close to the SF-U network element or has a data network connection relationship, and can ensure that the UPF network element and the SF network element have a connection relationship and shorten the transmission distance of the first data channel, thereby reducing the transmission time of the perceived data. In addition, the embodiment of the present application also uses the establishment process of the first tunnel as a sub-process of the first data channel establishment process. Compared with two independent processes, it can effectively reduce the number of signaling round trips between the access network device and the SF network element. At the same time, the SF network element can separate the SF-C network element, which is beneficial to enhancing the control plane function of the SF-C network element.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, the method further includes: the SF-C network element selecting the SF-U network element; the load of the SF-U network element is lower than a threshold, the service area of ​​the SF-U network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SF-U network element has a data network connection identifier; the SF-C network element sends an association request to the SF-U network element, the association request being used to request association between the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element; the SF-C network element receives an association response from the SF-U network element; the association response indicates that the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element are associated. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the SF-C network element can flexibly select the SF-U network element, and the SF-U network element has better scalability.

[0047] In another optional embodiment, the method further includes: the first data channel establishment request includes the IP address of the SF-U network element, and the IP address of the SF-U network element is used to establish an association relationship between the IP address of the SF-U network element and the first tunnel. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the IP address of the SF-U network element can be transmitted to the SMF network element through the first data channel establishment request, which is conducive to the SMF network element transmitting the IP address of the SF-U to the UPF network element.

[0048] Optionally, this implementation may be applied to a data plane protocol stack based on IP address communication.

[0049] In another optional implementation, there is a second tunnel between the SF-U network element and the UPF network element for transmitting perception data between the UPF network element and the SF-U network element, and the second tunnel is associated with the first tunnel.

[0050] Optionally, this embodiment may be applied to a data plane protocol stack that is not based on IP address communication.

[0051] In another optional implementation, the data network connection identifier includes at least one of DNN, DNAI, or S-NSSAI.

[0052] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another method for establishing a data channel, the method including: the SF-U network element receives an association request from the SF-C network element; the association request is used to request association between the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element; the SF-U network element sends an association response to the SF-C network element; the association response indicates that the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element are associated.

[0053] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another method for establishing a data channel, the method comprising: an AMF network element receiving first perception data channel information, the first perception data channel information indicating that a first data channel for transmitting perception data between an access network device and a SF network element has been established; the first perception data channel information including information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to a UPF network element; the UPF network element being a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for transmitting perception data of the access network device to the SF network element, the first tunnel being used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; and the AMF network element sending the first perception data channel information to the access network device. It can be seen that in the method described in this aspect, the AMF network element can directly obtain information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element from the SF network element, and forward the information to the access network device.

[0054] In an optional implementation, the SF network element is an SF-U network element. The SF network element can be separated into an SF-U network element, which is beneficial for enhancing the user plane functions of the SF-U network element and facilitating the deployment of the separated SF-U network element closer to the access network equipment, effectively shortening the transmission distance of the first data channel and reducing the transmission time of the perception data.

[0055] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another method for establishing a data channel, the method comprising: an access network device receiving first perception data communication information from an AMF network element, the first perception data channel information indicating that a first data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the SF network element has been established; the first perception data channel information including information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; the UPF network element being a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for transmitting the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element, and the first tunnel being used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element. It can be seen that in the method described in this aspect, the access network device can directly obtain information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element from the AMF network element.

[0056] In an optional implementation, the SF network element is an SF-U network element. The SF network element can be separated into an SF-U network element, which is beneficial for enhancing the user plane functions of the SF-U network element and facilitating the deployment of the separated SF-U network element closer to the access network equipment, effectively shortening the transmission distance of the first data channel and reducing the transmission time of the perception data.

[0057] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another data channel establishment method, the method comprising: an SF-C network element sending a second data channel establishment request to an SF-U network element; the second data channel establishment request is used to request establishment of a second data channel for transmitting perception data between the SF-U network element and an access network device; the SF-U is associated with the SF-C; the SF-C network element receives a second data channel establishment response from the SF-U network element; the second data channel establishment response includes information about a second data channel used by the access network device to send perception data to the SF-U network element; and the SF-C network element sends second perception data channel information to the AMF network element, the second perception data channel information including information about the second data channel used by the access network device to send perception data to the SF-U network element. It can be seen that in the method described in this aspect, the SF-C network element can also trigger establishment of a second data channel between the SF-U network element and the access network device, and the second data channel does not pass through the UPF network element.

[0058] In an optional embodiment, before the SF-C network element sends a second data channel establishment request to the SF-U network element, the method includes: the SF-C network element selects the SF-U network element; the load of the SF-U network element is lower than a threshold, the service area of ​​the SF-U network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the slices supported by the SF-U network element include the slices supported by the access network device; the SF-C network element sends an association request to the SF-U network element, the association request being used to request association between the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element; the SF-C network element receives an association response from the SF-U network element; the association response indicates that the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element are associated. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the SF-C network element can flexibly select the SF-U network element, and the SF-U network element has better scalability.

[0059] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another data channel establishment method, the method comprising: an SF-U network element receiving a second data channel establishment request from an SF-C network element; the second data channel establishment request being used to request establishment of a second data channel for transmitting perception data between the SF-U network element and an access network device; the SF-U being associated with the SF-C; the SF-U network element sending a second data channel establishment response to the SF-C network element; the second data channel establishment response including information regarding the second data channel used by the access network device to transmit perception data to the SF-U network element. It can be seen that in the method described in this aspect, the SF-U network element can provide feedback to the SF-C network element regarding the second data channel used by the access network device to transmit perception data to the SF-U network element, thereby facilitating the establishment of the second data channel between the SF-U network element and the access network device.

[0060] In an optional embodiment, before the SF-U network element receives the second data channel establishment request from the SF-C network element, the method includes: the SF-U network element receiving an association request from the SF-C network element, the association request being used to request association between the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element; the SF-U network element sending an association response to the SF-C network element; the association response indicating that the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element are associated. It can be seen that in this embodiment, the association relationship between the SF-U network element and the SF-C is not fixed.

[0061] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another data channel establishment method, the method comprising: an AMF network element receiving second perception data channel information from an SF-C network element, the second perception data channel information including information about a second data channel used by an access network device to send perception data to an SF-U network element, and the AMF network element sending the second perception data channel information to the access network device. It can be seen that in the method described in this aspect, the AMF network element can directly obtain information about the second data channel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element from the SF-C network element, and forward the information to the access network device.

[0062] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides another data channel establishment method, the method comprising: an access network device receiving second perception data channel information from an AMF network element, the second perception data channel information including information about a second data channel used by the access network device to send perception data to the SF-U network element. It can be seen that in the method described in this aspect, the access network device can obtain information about the second data channel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element directly from the AMF network element.

[0063] In a fourteenth aspect, a data channel establishment device is provided, which can implement the data channel establishment method in the first to thirteenth aspects. For example, the data channel establishment device can be an access network device, an AMF network element, an SMF network element, an UPF network element, an SF network element, an SF-C network element, or an SF-U network element, or a chip in the access network device, the AMF network element, the SMF network element, the UPF network element, the SF network element, the SF-C network element, or the SF-U network element. The above method can be implemented by software, hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software.

[0064] In one possible implementation, the apparatus includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to perform receiving and / or sending operations, for example, the transceiver network element is configured to receive a first data channel establishment request; and the processing unit is configured to perform processing operations, for example, the processing unit is configured to select a UPF network element. Other steps are not described in detail here.

[0065] In another possible implementation, the data channel establishment device may include a processor coupled to a memory; the processor is configured to support the device in executing the corresponding functions in the above-mentioned data channel establishment method. The memory is coupled to the processor and stores the necessary programs (instructions) and / or data for the device. Optionally, the data channel establishment device may further include a communication interface for supporting communication between the device and other network elements. Optionally, the memory may be located inside the data channel establishment device or outside the data channel establishment device.

[0066] In another possible implementation, the data channel establishment device may further include a processor and a transceiver device, wherein the processor is coupled to the transceiver device, and the processor is used to execute a computer program or instruction to control the transceiver device to receive and send information; when the processor executes the computer program or instruction, the processor is also used to implement the above method through a logic circuit or execute code instructions. The transceiver device may be a transceiver, a transceiver circuit, or an input-output interface, which is used to receive signals from other devices outside the data channel establishment device and transmit them to the processor, or to send signals from the processor to other devices outside the data channel establishment device. When the data channel establishment device is a chip, the transceiver device is a transceiver circuit or an input-output interface.

[0067] When the above-mentioned data channel establishment device is a chip or a chip module, the sending unit may be an output unit, such as an output circuit or a communication interface; the receiving unit may be an input unit, such as an input circuit or a communication interface.

[0068] In a fifteenth aspect, a data channel establishment system is provided, the system including an access network device, an AMF network element, an SMF network element, a UPF network element, and a SF network element;

[0069] The access network device is used to send a first data channel establishment request to the AMF network element, where the first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the SF network element;

[0070] The AMF network element is used to receive a first data channel establishment request from the access network device, and select an SMF network element; the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SMF network element and the SF network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element has an IP address in the same IP address range as the SF network element, and the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element has a data network connection identifier identical to that of the SF network element.

[0071] The AMF network element is further used to send a first tunnel establishment request to the SMF network element, where the first tunnel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first tunnel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element;

[0072] The SMF network element is used to receive a first tunnel establishment request from the AMF network element and select a UPF network element; the UPF network element and the SF network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF network element belong to the same IP address range, the service area of ​​the UPF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, and the data network connection identifier of the UPF network element is the same as the data network connection identifier of the SF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element;

[0073] The SMF network element is further configured to send a first tunnel information acquisition request to the UPF network element, where the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; the first tunnel is used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element;

[0074] The UPF network element is used to receive a first tunnel information acquisition request from the SMF network element;

[0075] The UPF network element is further configured to generate, based on the first tunnel information acquisition request, a forwarding rule for forwarding the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element, and send a first tunnel information acquisition response to the SMF network element; the first tunnel information acquisition response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element;

[0076] The SMF network element is further configured to send a first tunnel establishment response to the AMF network element, where the first tunnel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element;

[0077] The AMF network element is further configured to receive a first tunnel establishment response from the SMF network element, and send a first data channel establishment response to the access network device, where the first data channel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element;

[0078] The access network device is used to receive a first data channel establishment response from the AMF network element.

[0079] In a sixteenth aspect, another data channel establishment system is provided, the system including an access network device, an AMF network element, an SMF network element, a UPF network element, and a SF network element;

[0080] The SF network element is used to select the SMF network element; the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SMF network element and the SF network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, there is a UPF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, and there is a UPF network element whose data network connection identifier is the same as that of the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element;

[0081] The SF network element is further configured to send a first data channel establishment request to the SMF network element, where the first data channel establishment request is used to request establishment of a first data channel for transmitting sensing data between the access network device and the SF network element;

[0082] The SMF network element is used to receive a first data channel establishment request from the SF network element and select a UPF network element; the UPF network element and the SF network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF network element belong to the same IP address range, the service area of ​​the UPF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, and the data network connection identifier of the UPF network element is the same as the data network connection identifier of the SF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element;

[0083] The SMF network element is further configured to send a first tunnel information acquisition request to the UPF network element, where the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; the first tunnel is used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element;

[0084] The UPF network element is used to receive a first tunnel information acquisition request from the SMF network element;

[0085] The UPF network element is further configured to generate, based on the first tunnel information acquisition request, a forwarding rule for forwarding the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element, and send a first tunnel information acquisition response to the SMF network element; the first tunnel information acquisition response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element;

[0086] The SMF network element is further configured to receive a first tunnel information acquisition response from the UPF network element, and send a first data channel establishment response to the SF network element, where the first data channel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used for sensing data sent by the access network device to the UPF network element;

[0087] The SF network element is further used to receive a first data channel establishment response from the SMF network element, and to send first perception data channel information to the AMF network element, where the first perception data channel information includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element;

[0088] The AMF network element is used to receive the first perception data channel information from the SF network element, and send the first perception data channel information to the access network device;

[0089] The access network device is used to receive the first perception data channel information from the AMF network element.

[0090] In a seventeenth aspect, a data channel establishment system is provided, the system including an access network device, an AMF network element, an SMF network element, a UPF network element, an SF-C network element, and an SF-U network element, wherein the SF-U network element is associated with the SF-C network element;

[0091] The SF-C network element is used to select the SMF network element; the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SMF network element and the SF-U network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF-U network element, there is a UPF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as the SF-U network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, and there is a UPF network element whose data network connection identifier is the same as that of the SF-U network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element;

[0092] The SF-C network element is further configured to send a first data channel establishment request to the SMF network element, where the first data channel establishment request is used to request establishment of a first data channel for transmitting sensing data between the access network device and the SF-U network element;

[0093] The SMF network element is used to receive a first data channel establishment request from the SF-C network element and select a UPF network element; the UPF network element and the SF-U network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF-U network element belong to the same IP address range, the service area of ​​the UPF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF-U network element, and the data network connection identifier of the UPF network element is the same as the data network connection identifier of the SF-U network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF-U network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF-U network element;

[0094] The SMF network element is further configured to send a first tunnel information acquisition request to the UPF network element, where the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; the first tunnel is used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element;

[0095] The UPF network element is used to receive a first tunnel information acquisition request from the SMF network element;

[0096] The UPF network element is further configured to generate, based on the first tunnel information acquisition request, a forwarding rule for forwarding the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element, and send a first tunnel information acquisition response to the SMF network element; the first tunnel information acquisition response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element;

[0097] The SMF network element is further configured to receive a first tunnel information acquisition response from the UPF network element, and send a first data channel establishment response to the SF-C network element, where the first data channel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used for sensing data sent by the access network device to the UPF network element;

[0098] The SF-C network element is further used to receive a first data channel establishment response from the SMF network element, and to send first perception data channel information to the AMF network element, where the first perception data channel information includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element;

[0099] The AMF network element is configured to receive the first perception data channel information from the SF-C network element, and send the first perception data channel information to the access network device;

[0100] The access network device is used to receive the first perception data channel information from the AMF network element.

[0101] In an eighteenth aspect, a data channel establishment system is provided, the system including an access network device, an AMF network element, an SF-C network element, and an SF-U network element, wherein the SF-U network element is associated with the SF-C network element;

[0102] The SF-C network element sends a second data channel establishment request to the SF-U network element, where the second data channel establishment request is used to request establishment of a second data channel for transmitting sensing data between the access network device and the SF-U network element;

[0103] The SF-U network element is configured to receive a second data channel establishment request from the SF-C network element, and send a second data channel establishment response to the SF-C network element, where the second data channel establishment response includes information about the second data channel used for sensing data sent by the access network device to the SF-U network element;

[0104] The SF-C network element is further configured to receive a second data channel establishment response from the SF-U network element, and send second perception data channel information to the AMF network element, where the second perception data channel information includes information about the second data channel used by the access network device to send perception data to the SF-U network element;

[0105] The AMF network element is configured to receive the second perception data channel information from the SF-C network element, and send the second perception data channel information to the access network device;

[0106] The access network device is used to receive the second perception data channel information from the AMF network element.

[0107] In a nineteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When a computer executes the computer program or instruction, the methods described in the above aspects are implemented.

[0108] In a twentieth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided. When the instructions are executed on a data channel establishment device, the data channel establishment device executes the methods described in the above aspects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0109] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application will be described below.

[0110] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture of a 5G network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a network system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] FIG3A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a data plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] FIG3B is a schematic diagram of the structure of another data plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] FIG4A is a schematic diagram of a perception service process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] FIG4B is a schematic diagram of another perception service process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0116] FIG5 is a flow chart of a method for establishing a data channel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0117] FIG6 is a flow chart of another method for establishing a data channel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0118] FIG7 is a flow chart of another method for establishing a data channel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0119] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of another network system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0120] FIG9 is a flow chart of another method for establishing a data channel according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0121] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of a data channel establishment device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0122] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of another data channel establishment device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0123] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages disclosed in this application clearer, this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0124] The following at least one (item) involved in this application indicates one (item) or more (items). More than one (item) refers to two (items) or more than two (items). "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. In addition, it should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe each object in this application, these objects should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish each object from each other.

[0125] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof mentioned in the description of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include other steps or units that are not listed, or may optionally include other steps or units that are inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices. It should be noted that, in this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations or descriptions. Any method or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be interpreted as being more preferred or more advantageous than other methods or designs. Specifically, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present related concepts in a concrete way.

[0126] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present application. Those skilled in the art can understand other advantages and effects of the present application from the contents disclosed in this specification. Although the description of the present application will be introduced in conjunction with the preferred embodiment, this does not mean that the features of this application are limited to this implementation. On the contrary, the purpose of introducing the application in conjunction with the implementation is to cover other options or modifications that may be extended based on the claims of the present application. In order to increase the in-depth understanding of the present application, the following description will contain many specific details. The present application can also be implemented without using these details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion or blurring the focus of the present application, some specific details will be omitted in the description. It should be noted that the embodiments in the present application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other unless there is a conflict.

[0127] Hereinafter, if used, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature qualified as "first," "second," etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. Throughout the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0128] In mobile communication systems, when access network equipment utilizes higher frequency bands, such as millimeter waves or even terahertz, radar-like sensing capabilities can be achieved. These devices can utilize the transmission, reflection, and scattering of radio waves to perceive the physical world. By acquiring distance, speed, and angle information from wireless signals, they generate sensory measurement data that can be used to detect and identify specific areas, objects, or events.

[0129] Optionally, the mobile communication system of the embodiment of the present application may include but is not limited to: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) system, enhanced Long Term Evolution-advanced (eLTE), the fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system New Radio (NR) system, and may also be extended to similar wireless communication systems such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WIMAX), and the continuously evolving cellular system of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0130] When 5G access network equipment has sensing capabilities, the system can provide sensing services. The following details examples of sensing application scenarios.

[0131] (1) Autonomous driving

[0132] Scenario 1 (V2X and UAV):

[0133] Among them, V2X stands for vehicle-to-everything, and UAV stands for unmanned aerial vehicle.

[0134] Since vehicles or drones have a short perception distance or cannot perceive non-line of sight (NLOS) paths, dynamic maps can be generated based on perception.

[0135] Scenario 2 (V2X and UAV):

[0136] When a vehicle or drone is driving, if a person or object suddenly appears, or a dangerous event such as a ghosting occurs, the dangerous event can be identified based on perception and the UE can be notified to perform emergency operations.

[0137] Scenario 3 (V2X and UAV):

[0138] For vehicle or drone autonomous driving assistance, customized high-precision dynamic maps are generated based on perception to assist UE in autonomous driving.

[0139] (2) Safety supervision

[0140] Scenario 1 (V2X and UAV):

[0141] In the event of illegal driving, such as a vehicle occupying the emergency lane or a drone driving off the route, the drone can identify the vehicle violation based on perception and issue real-time warnings / post-event penalties.

[0142] Scenario 2 (National Railway Perimeter and UAV): If a foreign object intrudes into the railway track, or a drone intrudes into a no-fly zone (for example, an airport), the offending object can be tracked based on perception and recognition, and real-time emergency processing can be performed.

[0143] (3) Family Health:

[0144] Scenario 1: Detecting abnormal postures such as when a person falls. This can be done based on perception to identify abnormal postures and issue an alarm.

[0145] Scenario 2: Health checks such as human breathing and heartbeat can identify abnormal indicators and issue alarms based on perception.

[0146] (4) Meteorological monitoring: Perception and prediction of environmental, climate, and weather changes.

[0147] Next, we will use the network elements in a 5G system as an example to introduce the specific solution details. For example, the system architecture of a 5G network can be shown in Figure 1.

[0148] 1. Terminal devices: These include various handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, as well as various forms of terminals, including mobile stations (MS), terminals, user equipment (UE), and soft terminals. Examples include water meters, electricity meters, and sensors.

[0149] 2. Radio access network (RAN) element: It is used to provide network access for authorized terminal devices in a specific area and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities based on the level of the terminal device and service requirements.

[0150] RAN network elements can manage wireless resources, provide access services for terminal devices, and then complete the forwarding of control signals and terminal device data between terminal devices and the core network. RAN network elements can also be understood as access network devices in traditional networks.

[0151] In this application, when an access network device uses millimeter wave frequency bands for wireless communication, the access network device will naturally possess radar-like perception capabilities, that is, the access network device will have both wireless communication capabilities and perception and recognition capabilities. Therefore, in this application, the access network device can also serve as a perception network element that provides perception services. This perception network element can perform perception services, or in other words, can detect and / or collect perception data.

[0152] Optionally, the access network device is a device that connects the fixed part and the wireless part in the mobile communication system and is connected to the mobile terminal device through a wireless channel in the air. The access network equipment may include, but is not limited to: evolved node B (eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home network equipment (e.g., home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (BBU), access point (AP) in wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, wireless relay node, wireless backhaul node, transmission and reception point (TRP or transmission point, TP), etc. It may also be equipment used in 4G, 5G or even 6G systems, such as evolved base station (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutional Node B) in LTE, next-generation LTE base station (next-generation eNodeB, ng-eNB), next-generation base station (next-generation NodeB, gNodeB or gNB), transceiver point, or transmission point (TRP or TP), or it can also be a network node constituting a gNB or transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU), or a distributed unit (DU), or a picocell (Picocell), or a femtocell (Femtocell), or a road side unit (RSU) in an intelligent driving scenario, etc.

[0153] 3. User plane network element: used for packet routing and forwarding, as well as quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data.

[0154] In a 5G communication system, the user plane network element may be a user plane function (UPF) network element. In future communication systems, the user plane network element may still be a UPF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0155] Among them, UPF mainly provides user plane service processing functions, including service routing, packet forwarding, anchoring function, quality of service (QoS) mapping and execution, uplink identification and routing to the data network, downlink packet caching and notification triggering of downlink data arrival, and connection to external data network.

[0156] 4. Data network element: a network used to provide data transmission.

[0157] In a 5G communication system, the data network element may be a data network (DN) element. In future communication systems, the data network element may still be a DN element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0158] 5. Access management network element: It is mainly used for mobility management and access management. It can be used to implement other functions of the mobility management entity (MME) in addition to session management, such as legal monitoring and access authorization / authentication.

[0159] In a 5G communication system, the access management network element may be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the access and mobility management function network element may still be an AMF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0160] 6. Session management network element: mainly used for session management, Internet protocol (IP) address allocation and management of terminal devices, selection of endpoints for manageable user plane functions, policy control and charging function interfaces, and downlink data notification.

[0161] In a 5G communication system, the session management network element may be a session management function (SMF) network element. In future communication systems, the session management network element may still be an SMF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0162] 7. Policy control network element: A unified policy framework used to guide network behavior and provide policy rule information for control plane functional network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0163] In a 5G communication system, the policy control network element may be a policy control function (PCF) network element. In future communication systems, the policy control network element may still be a PCF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0164] 8. Authentication server: used for authentication services, generating keys to achieve two-way authentication of terminal devices, and supporting a unified authentication framework.

[0165] In a 5G communication system, the authentication server may be an authentication server function (AUSF) network element. In future communication systems, the authentication server function network element may still be an AUSF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0166] 9. Data management network element: used to process terminal device identification, access authentication, registration and mobility management, etc.

[0167] In a 5G communication system, the data management network element may be a unified data management (UDM) network element. In future communication systems, the unified data management may still be a UDM network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0168] 10. Application network element: used for data routing affected by applications, accessing network open function network elements, interacting with the policy framework for policy control, etc.

[0169] In a 5G communication system, the application network element may be an application function (AF) network element. In future communication systems, the application network element may still be an AF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0170] 11. Network storage network element: used to maintain real-time information of all network function services in the network.

[0171] In a 5G communication system, the network storage network element may be a network repository function (NRF) network element. In future communication systems, the network storage network element may still be an NRF network element, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0172] 12. Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) network element: used to determine the network slice instance that the terminal device is allowed to access based on the terminal device's slice selection auxiliary information, contract information, etc.

[0173] 13. Network Slice-Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) network element: used to receive slice authentication requests initiated by the AMF network element and interact with the authentication and billing services to transmit authentication-related parameters and results.

[0174] 14. Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element. The NEF network element is located between the 5G core network and external third-party application function bodies (there may also be some internal AF network elements). It is responsible for managing network data open to the outside world. All external applications that want to access the internal data of the 5G core network must go through the NEF network element. The security protection provided by the NEF network element can ensure the security of external applications to the 3GPP network.

[0175] 15. Service Control Point (SCP): SCP is used to implement routing policy selection based on IP addresses, fully qualified domain names (FQDN) addresses, user identifiers (such as Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI)), and local data configuration.

[0176] It should be noted that the aforementioned "network element" may also be referred to as an entity, device, apparatus, or module, and this application does not specifically limit this. Furthermore, in this application, for ease of understanding and explanation, the term "network element" is omitted in some descriptions. For example, the GMF network element is referred to as GMF. In this case, the "GMF" should be understood as the GMF network element or GMF entity. The following descriptions of identical or similar situations are omitted.

[0177] In the present application, the network architecture may further include a sensing function (SF) network element, which is used to receive sensing service requests, configure sensing measurements of access network equipment, receive and process sensing measurement data, and report sensing measurement results. For example, when the SF network element obtains a sensing demand, it may control the access network equipment to detect and / or collect sensing measurement data, receive sensing measurement data, process the sensing measurement data to obtain sensing measurement results, and report the sensing measurement results to the demander. In other embodiments, the sensing function may also be referred to as a sensing service function, a sensing service management function, a sensing management function, etc., without limitation. It should be noted that in a 5G network, the SF network element may be one of the network elements of the 5G core network (5G core, 5GC). Alternatively, the SF network element may also be a non-core network element, which is not particularly limited in this application.

[0178] Optionally, the SF network element can separate the control plane and the user plane, and be divided into a sensing control function (SF-C) network element and a sensing user plane function (SF-U) network element. The SF-C network element is used to receive sensing service requests, configure sensing measurements of access network equipment, manage and select SF-U network elements, and report sensing measurement results. The SF-U network element is used to receive sensing measurement data, process the sensing measurement data to obtain sensing measurement results, and report the sensing measurement results to the SF-C network element. In other implementations, the sensing control plane function may also be referred to as a sensing service control plane function, a sensing service management control function, a sensing management function, a sensing computing management function, etc., and the sensing user plane function may also be referred to as a sensing service user plane function, a sensing service management user plane function, etc., without limitation.

[0179] It should be understood that the above-mentioned network architecture applied to the embodiment of the present application is only an example of a network architecture described from the perspective of a service-oriented architecture, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiment of the present application. For example, in some network architectures, network function entities such as AMF, SMF, PCF, GMF and UDM are all referred to as network function (NF) network elements; or, in other network architectures, a collection of network elements such as AMF, SMF, PC, GMF and UDM can be referred to as control plane function (CPF) network elements.

[0180] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of a network system applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, the network system includes an SF network element 201 (or, the SF network element 201 includes an SF-C network element 201-1 and an SF-U network element 201-2, and the NS4 interface is an interface between the SF-C network element 201-1 and the SF-U network element 201-2, which is used to transmit perception measurement results), an SMF network element 202, a UPF network element 203, an AMF network element 204, and an access network device 205. Among them, the SF network element 201 provides perception services. Among them, the access network device 205 is an entity with perception capabilities, which can transmit and receive electromagnetic waves, detect and / or collect perception measurement data. Among them, the AMF network element 204 is used to forward signaling messages between the access network device 205 and the SF network element 201 (or the SF-C network element 201-1). Among them, the UPF network element 203 is used to forward perception data between the access network device 205 and the SF network element 201 (or SF-U network element 201-2). For example, the perception data may be perception measurement data detected and / or collected by the access network device and transmitted to the SF network element; for another example, the perception data may also be perception confirmation information transmitted by the SF network element to the access network device, etc., without limitation. Among them, the SMF network element 202 is responsible for the selection and management of the UPF network element 203. When the access network device 205 needs to send the perception data to the SF network element 201 (or SF-U network element 201-2) through the UPF network element 203, the SMF network element 202 needs to establish a first tunnel between the access network device 205 and the UPF network element 203, or the SMF network element 202 needs to establish a first tunnel between the access network device 205 and the UPF network element 203, and a second tunnel between the UPF network element 203 and the SF network element 201 (or SF-U network element 201-2). Thus, a first data channel via the UPF network element can be established between the access network device 205 and the SF network element 201 (or SF-U network element 201-2).

[0181] Optionally, the NS5 interface is the interface between the SF network element 201 (or SF-C network element 201-1) and the SMF network element 202, used to transmit the first data channel establishment request; the NS6 interface is the interface between the SF network element 201 (or SF-U network element 201-2) and the UPF network element 203, used to transmit perception data; the N4 interface is the interface between the SMF network element 202 and the UPF network element 203, used to transmit the first tunnel information acquisition request, the first tunnel information acquisition response, etc.; the N11 interface is the interface between the SMF network element 202 and the AMF network element 204, used to transmit the first tunnel establishment request, the first tunnel establishment response, etc.; the N3 interface is the interface between the UPF network element 203 and the access network device 205, used to transmit perception data; the N2 interface is the interface between the AMF network element 204 and the access network device 205, used to transmit the first data channel establishment request, the first data channel establishment response, etc.

[0182] Based on the network system shown in Figure 2, in one feasible implementation, after obtaining a sensing demand, the SF network element 201 can control the access network device 205 to detect and / or collect sensing data. After the access network device 205 detects and obtains the sensing data, it transmits the sensing data to the SF network element 201 via the UPF network element 203. The SF network element 201 then provides sensing services based on the sensing data. For example, the SF network element 201 provides sensing measurement results to the demand side. Alternatively, the SF network element 201 optimizes the internal network based on the sensing data. It should be noted that this can also be achieved when the SF network element 201 is separated into the SF-C network element 201-1 and the SF-U network element 201-2, and will not be further described.

[0183] It should be understood that Figures 1 and 2 are only exemplary network architectures, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0184] The following describes concepts that may be involved in the embodiments of this application:

[0185] 1. SF network element information

[0186] Among them, the information of the SF network element includes but is not limited to at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element. The service area of ​​the SF network element can be identified by the Tracking Area Identity (TAI) and / or the Cell ID. Among them, the data network connection identifier is used to indicate the connection relationship between the SF network element and the UPF network element, including but not limited to at least one of the Data Network Name (DNN), Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI), and Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI). Optionally, the SF network element can register its own information with the NRF network element.

[0187] Optionally, when the SF network element is separated into an SF-C network element and an SF-U network element, the SF-U network element may register its own information with the NRF network element and / or the SF-C network element. The SF-U network element information includes at least one of the SF-U network element's service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier. The SF-C network element may also register its own information with the NRF network element. The SF-C network element information includes at least one of the SF-C network element's service area, the IP address of the managed SF-U network element, the managed service area of ​​the managed SF-U network element, and the managed data network connection identifier of the managed SF-U network element.

[0188] 2. UPF network element information

[0189] The information of the UPF network element includes but is not limited to at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the UPF network element. Optionally, the UPF network element may register its own information with the NRF network element and / or the SMF network element.

[0190] 3. Information of SMF network elements

[0191] Among them, the information of the SMF network element includes but is not limited to at least one of the service area of ​​the SMF network element, the service area of ​​the managed UPF network element, the IP address of the managed UPF network element, and the data network connection identifier of the managed UPF network element. Optionally, the SMF network element can register its own information with the NRF network element.

[0192] 4. First Tunnel

[0193] The first tunnel refers to a tunnel used to transmit sensing data between the access network device and the UPF network element. Optionally, the first tunnel may be a GTP-U tunnel. The GTP-U tunnel may be established based on the N3 interface between the access network device and the UPF network element.

[0194] 5. First Tunnel Information of Access Network Devices

[0195] The first tunnel information of the access network device refers to the information of the first tunnel used by the UPF network element to send perception data to the access network device. Optionally, the first tunnel information of the access network includes the first tunnel address and / or identifier of the access network allocated by the access network, and the first tunnel identifier may indicate the first tunnel address.

[0196] 6. First tunnel information of UPF network element

[0197] The first tunnel information of the UPF network element refers to the information of the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element. Optionally, the first tunnel information of the UPF network element includes the first tunnel address and / or identifier of the UPF network element allocated by the UPF network element.

[0198] 7. Second Tunnel

[0199] The second tunnel refers to a tunnel used to transmit perception data between the SF network element and the UPF network element. Optionally, the second tunnel can be any point-to-point tunnel. It should be noted that in a data plane protocol stack based on IP address communication, perception data is transmitted between the SF network element and the UPF network element over the N6 interface. In a data plane protocol stack not based on IP address communication, perception data is transmitted between the SF network element and the UPF network element over the second tunnel.

[0200] 8. Second tunnel information of UPF network element

[0201] The second tunnel information of the UPF network element refers to the information of the second tunnel used by the SF network element to send perception data to the UPF network element. Optionally, the second tunnel information of the UPF network element includes the second tunnel address and / or identifier of the UPF network element allocated by the UPF network element.

[0202] 9. Second tunnel information of SF network element

[0203] The second tunnel information of the SF network element refers to information about the second tunnel used by the SF network element to send perception data to the UPF network element. Optionally, the second tunnel information of the SF network element includes the second tunnel address and / or identifier of the SF network element allocated by the SF network element.

[0204] 10. Forwarding Rules

[0205] Among them, the forwarding rule refers to the forwarding rule used to forward the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element. Specifically, when the first data channel between the access network device and the SF network element passes through the UPF network element, in order to ensure that the UPF network element can forward the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element (for example, the UPF network element can forward the perception data from the SF network element to the access network device; for another example, the UPF network element can forward the perception data from the access network device to the SF network element), the UPF network element needs to generate a forwarding rule that enables the UPF network element to forward the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element based on the first tunnel information acquisition request.

[0206] In an optional embodiment, the forwarding rules established by the UPF network element are related to the data plane protocol stack on which the first data channel depends. Optionally, the data plane protocol stack on which the first data channel depends may include the following two possible situations: (1) Based on IP address communication; Figure 3A shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a data plane protocol stack based on IP address communication. (2) Not based on IP address communication. Figure 3B shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a data plane protocol stack not based on IP address communication.

[0207] (1) For the data plane protocol stack shown in FIG3A , the forwarding rule includes an association between at least one of the IP address of the access network device and the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel. Optionally, in actual application, the first tunnel information of the UPF network element and the first tunnel information of the access network device are usually used to represent the first tunnel. Then, the forwarding rule may specifically include:

[0208] a. Associating the IP address of the access network device with the first tunnel information of the access network device;

[0209] b. The IP address of the SF network element is associated with the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0210] Based on the data plane protocol stack shown in FIG3A and the corresponding forwarding rules, the following describes in detail how to transmit the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element through the first data channel.

[0211] For example, when the access network device needs to send perception data to the SF network element through the first data channel, the access network device can first encapsulate the perception data into an IP data packet (the destination address is the IP address of the SF network element, and the source address is the IP address of the access network device). Then, the access network device further encapsulates the IP data packet into a data packet that can be transmitted in the first tunnel (such as using the GTP-U protocol to encapsulate it into a data packet that can be transmitted in the first tunnel). When the access network device transmits the IP data packet to the UPF network element through the first tunnel, the UPF network element can decapsulate the data packet transmitted in the first tunnel based on the forwarding rules to obtain the IP data packet again, and transmit the IP data packet to the SF network element. The SF network element can further decapsulate the IP data packet to obtain the perception data. It should be noted that in this case, the destination address of the first tunnel can be determined by the first tunnel information of the UPF network element, and the source address of the first tunnel can be determined by the first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0212] For another example, when the SF network element sends perception data to the access network device through the first data channel, the SF network element can encapsulate the perception data into an IP data packet (the destination address is the IP address of the access network device, and the source address is the IP address of the SF network element). When the IP data packet is transmitted to the UPF network element, the UPF network element can further encapsulate the IP data packet into a data packet that can be transmitted in the first tunnel based on the forwarding rules (such as using the GTP-U protocol to encapsulate it into a data packet that can be transmitted in the first tunnel). When the UPF network element transmits the IP data packet to the access network device through the first tunnel, the access network device first decapsulates the data packet transmitted in the first tunnel to obtain an IP data packet, and then further decapsulates the IP data packet to obtain the perception data. It should be noted that in this case, the destination address of the first tunnel can be determined by the first tunnel information of the access network device, and the source address of the first tunnel can be determined by the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0213] (2) For the data plane protocol stack shown in FIG3B , the forwarding rule includes an association relationship between the second tunnel and the first tunnel; the second tunnel is used to transmit perception data between the UPF network element and the SF network element.

[0214] Optionally, for the data plane protocol stack shown in FIG3B , the first tunnel information of the UPF network element and the first tunnel information of the access network device are generally used to represent the first tunnel, and the second tunnel information of the UPF network element and the second tunnel information of the SF network element are used to represent the second tunnel. The second tunnel information of the UPF network element is information about the second tunnel used by the SF network element to send perception data to the UPF network element, and the second tunnel information of the SF network element is information about the second tunnel used by the UPF network element to send perception data to the SF network element. Therefore, the forwarding rules may specifically include:

[0215] a. Associating the first tunnel information of the access network device with the second tunnel information of the UPF network element;

[0216] b. The first tunnel information of the UPF network element is associated with the second tunnel information of the SF network element.

[0217] Based on the data plane protocol stack shown in FIG3B and the corresponding forwarding rules, the following describes in detail how to transmit the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element through the first data channel.

[0218] For example, when the access network device needs to send perception data to the SF network element through the first data channel, the access network device can encapsulate the perception data into a data packet that can be transmitted in the first tunnel (such as using the GTP-U protocol to encapsulate it into a data packet that can be transmitted in the first tunnel). When the access network device transmits the perception data to the UPF network element through the first tunnel, the UPF network element can first decapsulate the data packet transmitted in the first tunnel based on the forwarding rules to obtain the perception data, and then encapsulate the perception data into a data packet that can be transmitted in the second tunnel (such as using the GTP-U protocol, VxLAN tunnel protocol, UDP tunnel protocol, GRE tunnel protocol, or other protocol to encapsulate it into a data packet that can be transmitted in the second tunnel). When the UPF network element transmits the perception data to the SF network element through the second tunnel, the SF network element decapsulates the data packet transmitted in the second tunnel to obtain the perception data. It should be noted that in this case, the destination address of the first tunnel can be determined by the first tunnel information of the UPF network element, and the source address of the first tunnel can be determined by the first tunnel information of the access network device; the destination address of the second tunnel can be determined by the second tunnel information of the SF network element, and the source address of the second tunnel can be determined by the second tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0219] For another example, when the SF network element needs to send perception data to the access network device via the first data channel, the SF network element may encapsulate the perception data into a data packet that can be transmitted within the second tunnel (e.g., using the GTP-U protocol, VxLAN tunnel protocol, UDP tunnel protocol, GRE tunnel protocol, or other protocol to encapsulate the data packet that can be transmitted within the second tunnel). When the perception data is transmitted to the UPF network element via the second tunnel, the UPF network element may first decapsulate the data packet transmitted within the second tunnel based on the forwarding rules to obtain the perception data, and then encapsulate the perception data into a data packet that can be transmitted within the first tunnel (e.g., using the GTP-U protocol to encapsulate the data packet that can be transmitted within the second tunnel). When the UPF network element transmits the perception data to the access network device via the first tunnel, the access network device may decapsulate the data packet transmitted within the first tunnel to obtain the perception data. It should be noted that in this case, the destination address of the second tunnel may be determined by the second tunnel information of the UPF network element, and the source address of the second tunnel may be determined by the second tunnel information of the SF network element; the destination address of the first tunnel may be determined by the first tunnel information of the access network device, and the source address of the first tunnel may be determined by the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0220] It should be noted that when the SF network element is separated into SF-C network element and SF-U network element, the first data channel refers to the first data channel between the access network device and the SF-U network element for transmitting perception data, and the SF network element described in the forwarding rule can be replaced by the SF-U network element.

[0221] 11. Perceiving Business Processes

[0222] Please refer to Figure 4A, which shows a schematic diagram of a perception service process. As shown in Figure 4A, the perception service process includes but is not limited to steps s11 to s16:

[0223] s11: The SF network element receives the perception service information, where the perception service information indicates the requirements corresponding to the perception service.

[0224] In an optional implementation, the perception demand information can be obtained by the SF network element from internal network demand (such as AMF network element, NEF network element, gateway sensing center (GSC), or from other perception service demand parties (such as AF network element, external application server (AS) or terminal equipment), without limitation. It should be noted that when the AF network element is a third-party AF network element, the perception demand information needs to be forwarded through the NEF network element.

[0225] Optionally, the perceived service information includes at least one of a service area and a service type.

[0226] Optionally, the perception service information may also be carried in the perception service request, without limitation.

[0227] s12: The SF network element selects access network equipment based on the perceived service information.

[0228] Among them, at least one of the service area and service type in the perception service information is used to select an access network device. For example, taking the perception service information including the service area as an example, when an SF network element receives the perception service information, the SF network element can select an access network device whose service area includes the service area of ​​the perception service information from at least one access network device. For another example, taking the perception service information including the service type as an example, when an SF network element receives the perception service information, the SF network element can select an access network device that supports the slice corresponding to the service type from at least one access network device. It should be noted that at least one access network device refers to an access network device that has executed the perception capability registration process on the SF network element.

[0229] It should be noted that if the access network device selected in step s12 has not yet established a data channel with the SF network element, the data channel establishment method of Figure 5 or Figure 6 can be triggered to establish a data channel (such as the first data channel). In other words, steps s11 and s12 can be performed before or after the data channel is established, without limitation.

[0230] s13: SF network element allocation perception service association identifier.

[0231] The perception service association identifier is used to identify the perception service currently being executed, which is helpful for distinguishing the perception service from other services, or distinguishing different perception services based on the perception service association identifier.

[0232] s14: The SF network element sends a perception control request to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends a perception control request to the access network device.

[0233] The sensing control request is used to request the access network device to perform a sensing operation, which may include at least one of the following: sensing distance, sensing angle, sensing the distribution of objects within a range, sensing speed, and the like.

[0234] Optionally, the perception control request may include a perception service association identifier and perception configuration information, and the perception configuration information includes but is not limited to perception distance, perception angle, perception range, perception speed range, distance resolution, speed resolution, angular measurement accuracy (or angle resolution), and perception duration. Among them, the perception range may be an area identified by TAI, Cell ID, or geographical area. Distance resolution can distinguish adjacent targets in distance (that is, when the distance interval between two objects is less than the distance resolution, the two objects cannot be distinguished). Velocity resolution can distinguish adjacent targets in radial velocity (that is, when the radial velocity difference between two objects is less than the velocity resolution, the two objects cannot be distinguished). Measurement accuracy can distinguish adjacent targets in angle (that is, when the angle difference between two objects is less than the measurement accuracy, the two objects cannot be distinguished).

[0235] s15: The access network device transmits the perception service association identifier and perception data to the SF network element through the data channel.

[0236] For example, the access network device transmits the perception service association identifier and the perception data to the SF network element through the first data channel.

[0237] Optionally, the perception data may be perception measurement data detected and / or collected by access network equipment.

[0238] Optionally, the perception service association identifier and the perception data may be carried in a data plane uplink message.

[0239] s16: The SF network element returns the sensing data and / or sensing measurement results.

[0240] The perception data is perception measurement data detected and / or collected by the access network.

[0241] The perception measurement result is obtained based on the perception measurement data, and the perception measurement result includes but is not limited to an object presence indication, an object movement speed, position, distance, angle, etc.

[0242] Optionally, if the sensing service information in step s11 is carried in the sensing service request, the sensing data and / or the sensing measurement result may be correspondingly carried in the sensing service response.

[0243] In an optional embodiment, after step s15, the perception service process may further include: the SF network element sending a perception service association identifier and perception data to the access network device via the first data channel. Optionally, the perception data includes at least one of perception confirmation information and a perception release indication. The perception release indication is used to instruct the access network device to release perception resources. The perception confirmation information may be sent periodically or aperiodically, without limitation. Optionally, the perception service association identifier and perception data may be carried in a data plane downlink message.

[0244] Please refer to Figure 4B, which shows a schematic diagram of another perception service process. As shown in Figure 4B, the perception service process includes but is not limited to steps s21 to s28:

[0245] s21: The SF-C network element receives the perception service information, where the perception service information indicates the requirements corresponding to the perception service.

[0246] s22: The SF-C network element selects access network equipment and SF-U network elements based on the perceived service information.

[0247] At least one of the service area and service type in the perceived service information is used to select an SF-U network element. For example, taking the case where the perceived service information includes the service area, when an SF-C network element receives the perceived service information, the SF-C network element may select an SF-U network element whose service area includes the service area of ​​the perceived service information from at least one SF-U network element managed by the SF-C network element. For another example, taking the case where the perceived service information includes the service type, when an SF-C network element receives the perceived service information, the SF-C network element may select an SF-U network element that supports the slice corresponding to the service type from at least one SF-U network element managed by the SF-C network element.

[0248] It should be noted that the SF-C network element selects the access network device based on the perceived service information, which can be seen in step s12 and will not be described in detail.

[0249] It should be noted that if a data channel has not yet been established between the access network device selected in step s22 and the SF-U network element, the data channel establishment method of Figure 7 or Figure 9 can be triggered to establish a data channel (such as the first data channel or the second data channel). In other words, steps s21 and s22 can be performed before or after the data channel is established, without limitation.

[0250] s23: SF-C network element allocation perception service association identifier.

[0251] s24: The SF-C network element sends the perception service information and the perception service association identifier to the SF-U network element.

[0252] Optionally, the awareness service information and the awareness service association identifier may be carried in the awareness service request.

[0253] s25: The SF-C network element sends a perception control request to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends a perception control request to the access network device.

[0254] s26: The access network device transmits the perception service association identifier and perception data to the SF-U network element through the data channel.

[0255] For example, the access network device transmits the perception service association identifier and the perception data to the SF-U network element through the first data channel or the second data channel.

[0256] s27: The SF-U network element sends the sensing data and / or sensing measurement results to the SF-C network element.

[0257] Optionally, if the perception service information and the perception service association identifier in step s24 are carried in the perception service request, the perception data and / or perception result may be correspondingly carried in the perception service response.

[0258] s28: The SF-C network element returns the sensing data and / or sensing measurement results.

[0259] Optionally, if the sensing service information in step s21 is carried in the sensing service request, the sensing data and / or sensing result may be carried in the sensing service response. For details, please refer to step s16 of FIG. 4A , which will not be described in detail.

[0260] In an optional embodiment, after step s26, the perception service process may further include: the SF-U network element sending a perception service association identifier and perception data to the access network device via a data channel. Optionally, the perception data includes at least one of perception confirmation information and a perception release indication. For a detailed description, please refer to Figure 4A and will not be repeated here.

[0261] It should be noted that for other descriptions of steps s21 to s28, please refer to steps s11 to s16 in Figure 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0262] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this application, the following three points are explained.

[0263] (1) The scenarios in the embodiments disclosed in this application are described using the scenarios of the NR network in the wireless communication network as an example. It should be noted that the solutions in the embodiments disclosed in this application can also be applied to other wireless communication networks, and the corresponding names can also be replaced by the names of corresponding functions in other wireless communication networks.

[0264] (2) The embodiments disclosed herein will present various aspects, embodiments, or features of the present invention in the context of systems including multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Furthermore, combinations of these schemes may also be used.

[0265] (3) The embodiments disclosed in this application are not limited to the message names listed, and other message names may be used instead. It should be understood that the relevant information included in the message may also be carried in other messages, and this application document does not limit this.

[0266] An embodiment of the present application provides a method for establishing a data channel, in which the SMF network element can select a UPF network element that is close to the SF network element or has a data network connection relationship based on the IP address, service area, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element, and establish a first data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the SF network element based on the data channel between the access network device and the UPF network element, and the data channel between the UPF network element and the SF network element.

[0267] The following describes in detail how to establish the first data channel between the access network device and the SF network element based on the network system described in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, a flow chart of a data channel establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application is provided. Optionally, the data channel establishment method can be executed by the access network device, the AMF network element, the SMF network element, the UPF network element, and the SF network element. Optionally, in the data channel establishment method, the SF network element is not separated into the SF-C network element and the SF-C network element, and the first data channel between the access network device and the SF network element passes through the UPF network element. Exemplarily, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0268] S101: The access network device sends an interface establishment request to at least one AMF network element respectively. Correspondingly, each AMF network element in the at least one AMF network element receives the interface establishment request from the access network device.

[0269] Optionally, the interface establishment request includes first capability information, where the first capability information is used to indicate the perception capability of the access network device. For example, the first capability information includes, but is not limited to, an identifier of the access network device, a perception indication of the access network device (used to indicate whether the access network device has perception capability), a service area supported by the access network device for perception, slices supported by the access network device for perception, a perception distance supported by the access network device, a perception angle, a perception range, a perception speed range, a distance resolution, a speed resolution, an angle measurement accuracy, and the like, without limitation.

[0270] S102: Each AMF network element sends an interface establishment response to the access network device respectively. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the interface establishment response of each AMF network element from at least one AMF network element respectively.

[0271] Optionally, the interface establishment response includes second capability information, where the second capability information is used to indicate the perception capability of the AMF network element. For example, the second capability information includes but is not limited to the identifier of the AMF network element, the perception indication of the AMF network element, the slices supported by the AMF network element for perception, and the like.

[0272] S103: The access network device selects an AMF network element.

[0273] Among them, the specific perception capability of the AMF network element (i.e., the AMF network element selected by the access network device), or the slices supported for perception by the AMF network element include the slices supported for perception by the access network device.

[0274] It should be noted that the AMF network element in the subsequent steps of Figure 5 may refer to the AMF network element selected by the access network device.

[0275] S104: The access network device sends a perception capability registration request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the perception capability registration request from the access network device.

[0276] The sensing capability registration request is used to request to perform sensing capability registration to the SF network element, and the sensing capability registration request includes first capability information.

[0277] Optionally, the perception registration capability request may carry an identifier of the SF network element, which is beneficial for the access network device to register the perception capability with a specific SF network element.

[0278] Optionally, the awareness registration capability request may be carried in the first N2 message.

[0279] S105: The AMF network element selects the SF network element.

[0280] In an optional implementation, if the perception capability registration request includes the identifier of the SF network element, the AMF network element can directly use the SF network element indicated by the identifier as the selected SF network element.

[0281] In another optional implementation, the AMF network element may obtain the service area and slices supported for perception of at least one SF network element from the NRF network element, and select a SF network element from the at least one SF network element. The SF network element and the access network device satisfy at least one of the following: the service area of ​​the SF network element includes the service area (or perception range) of the access network device, or the slices supported for perception by the SF network element include the slices supported for perception by the access network device. It should be noted that the perception range supported by the access network device can be obtained by the AMF network element from the first capability information. It should be noted that the at least one SF network element may include the SF network element indicated by the identifier carried in the perception capability registration request, or may not include it, without limitation.

[0282] It should be noted that the SF network element in the subsequent steps of Figure 5 may refer to the SF network element selected by the AMF network element.

[0283] Optionally, the AMF network element may also obtain at least one of the IP address, service area or data network connection identifier of the selected SF network element from the NRF network element.

[0284] S106: The AMF network element sends a perception capability registration request to the SF network element. Correspondingly, the SF network element receives the perception capability registration request from the AMF.

[0285] In an optional implementation, the AMF network element may directly forward the perception capability registration request to the SF network element without identifying the first capability information in the perception capability registration request. For example, the perception capability registration request may be carried in a perception capability container or a protocol data unit, and the AMF network element may transparently transmit the perception capability registration request through the perception capability container or the protocol data unit.

[0286] In another optional implementation, the AMF network element may also process the sensing capability registration request before forwarding it. For example, the AMF network element may select an SF network element based on the first capability information in the sensing capability registration request and then forward the sensing capability registration request to the SF network element.

[0287] S107: The SF network element sends a perception capability registration response to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends a perception capability registration response to the access network device. The perception capability registration response indicates that the perception registration is successful.

[0288] Optionally, the sensing capability registration response may include the IP address of the SF network element.

[0289] Optionally, the sensing capability registration response may further include an identifier of the SF network element, and the identifier of the SF network element is used to search for information of the SF network element. Alternatively, the sensing capability registration response may further include a data network connection identifier of the SF network element.

[0290] Optionally, the perception capability registration response may be carried in the perception capability registration response message without limitation.

[0291] It should be noted that if the AMF network element needs to store the information of the SF network element, the AMF network element may store the information of the SF network element, and the information of the SF network element may include at least one of the IP address, service area, or data network connection identifier of the SF network element. At least one of the IP address, service area, or data network connection identifier of the SF network element may be obtained by the AMF network element from the NRF network element, or may be obtained from the perception capability registration response of step S107 (for example, searching for the information of the SF network element based on the identifier of the SF network element carried in the perception capability registration response, or for example, directly obtaining the data network connection identifier and IP address of the SF network element from the perception capability registration response), without limitation. It should be noted that if the AMF network element does not store the information of the SF network element, the AMF network element may release resources related to the perception capability registration process.

[0292] It should be noted that steps S101 to S107 are the sensing capability registration process between the access network device and the SF network element. The sensing capability registration process is used to send the first capability information of the access network device to the SF network element. The sensing capability registration process can be replaced by a sensing capability association / transmission / transmission process, and the sensing capability registration process between the access network device and the SF network element can be replaced by a registration / association / transmission / transmission process between sensing devices or sensing nodes.

[0293] S108: The access network device sends a first data channel establishment request to the AMF network element; correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the first data channel establishment request from the access network device.

[0294] The first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting sensing data between the access network device and the SF network element.

[0295] In an optional implementation, the first data channel establishment request may include the first tunnel information of the access network. It should be noted that when the first data channel needs to support bidirectional transmission of perception data between the access network device and the SF network element (i.e., the first data channel simultaneously supports the access network device sending perception data to the SF network element, and supports the SF network element sending perception data to the access network device), the first data channel establishment request includes the first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0296] In an optional implementation, the first data channel establishment request may include an identifier of the SF network element, where the identifier of the SF network element is used to search for information about the SF network element. The information about the SF network element includes at least one of a service area, an IP address, and a data network connection identifier of the SF network element. The information about the SF network element is used to select the SMF network element.

[0297] Optionally, the first data channel establishment request may also include at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; the IP address of the access network device or at least one of the IP addresses of the SF network element is used to establish an association relationship between the IP address of the access network device, at least one of the IP addresses of the SF network element and the first tunnel, that is, to establish forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3A.

[0298] S109: The AMF network element selects the SMF network element.

[0299] In an optional implementation, the SMF network element (i.e., the SMF network element selected by the AMF network element) and the SF network element satisfy at least one of the following: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, there is a UPF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as that of the SF network element, or there is a UPF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element whose data network connection identifier is the same as that of the SF network element.

[0300] Optionally, the AMF network element obtains at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element, and obtains at least one of the service area of ​​each SMF network element in at least one SMF network element, the IP address of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element, or the data network connection identifier, and selects an SMF network element from at least one SMF network element based on the service area of ​​each SMF network element, the IP address of the UPF network element managed by each SMF network element, or the data network connection identifier, and the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element. It should be noted that the number of UPF network elements managed by each SMF network element can be one or more.

[0301] The following details how to select SMF network elements based on information such as service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier.

[0302] (1) Service area

[0303] Optionally, the service area can be identified by TAI and / or Cell ID. Taking TAI as an example, when the area identified by the TAI of the SMF network element includes the area identified by the TAI of the SF network element, the SMF network element is the SMF network element selected by the AMF network element. When the service area is identified by Cell ID, it will not be repeated. In other implementations, the service area may also be referred to as the perceived service area, perceived service coverage area, perceived service coverage area, etc., without limitation.

[0304] (2) IP address

[0305] When there is a UPF network element in the UPF managed by the SMF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as the SF network element, the SMF network element is the selected SMF network element. In other words, when the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF network element belong to the same IP address range, the SMF network element used to manage the UPF network element is the SMF network element selected by the AMF network element.

[0306] Optionally, the IP address range may be a Class A address range, a Class B address range, a Class C address range, a Class D address range, or a Class E address range specified in the protocol. For example, if the IP address of the UPF network element is 1.16.24.28 and the IP address of the SF network element is 125.21.20.120, both the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF network element are Class A addresses. For another example, if the IP address of the UPF network element is 128.16.24.28 and the IP address of the SF network element is 135.21.20.120, both the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF network element are Class B addresses. In other implementations, the IP address range may also be an IP address range specified in other ways, such as a preconfigured IP address range, without limitation.

[0307] It should be noted that in other implementations, the IP address involved in the embodiments of the present application can also be replaced by a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) address without limitation.

[0308] (3) Data network connection identifier

[0309] Among them, the data network connection identifier includes but is not limited to at least one of the data network name (Data Network Name, DNN), the data network access identifier (Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI), and the network slice selection service information (Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information, S-NSSAI). Taking the data network connection identifier including DNAI as an example, when the DNAI of the UPF network element is the same as the DNAI of the SF network element, the SMF network element used to manage the UPF network element is the SMF network element selected by the AMF network element. Taking the data network connection identifier including DNN and S-NSSAI as an example, when the DNN of the UPF network element is the same as the DNN of the SF network element, and the S-NSSAI of the UPF network element is the same as the S-NSSAI of the SF network element, the SMF network element used to manage the UPF network element is the SMF network element selected by the AMF network element. It should be noted that in other implementation methods, DNN, DNAI, and S-NSSAI can also be replaced by other data network connection identifiers that can represent the connection relationship between the SF network element and the UPF network element, without limitation.

[0310] Optionally, when the AMF network element stores the information of the SF network element (or the AMF network element maintains the association relationship between the access network device and the SF network element, the AMF network element maintains the perception capability registration between the access network device and the SF network element, the AMF network element maintains the context of the first data channel between the access network device and the SF network element, etc.), the AMF network element can directly obtain the information of the SF network element. It is simpler and more convenient. It should be noted that in this case, the first data channel establishment request may include the identifier of the SF network element, or may not include the identifier of the SF network element, without limitation.

[0311] In another optional implementation, when the AMF network element does not store the information of the SF network element, and the first data channel establishment request of step S101 includes the identifier of the SF network element, the AMF network element can search for the information of the SF network element from the NRF network element or locally based on the identifier of the SF network element. It can be seen that when the first data channel establishment request includes the identifier of the SF network element, the AMF network element that does not store the information of the SF network element can also successfully obtain the information of the SF network element based on the identifier of the SF network element. In this case, it can avoid the information of the SF network element occupying the storage space of the AMF network element, and improve the utilization rate of the storage space of the AMF network element. It should be noted that the information of the SF network element in the NRF network element can be registered in advance by the SF network element.

[0312] It should be noted that the service area of ​​the SMF network element and the information of the UPF network element (including but not limited to IP address, data network connection identifier, etc.) can be obtained by the AMF network element from the NRF network element or locally, without limitation. It should be noted that the service area of ​​the SMF network element can be the SMF network element registered in advance with the NRF network element, and the information of the UPF network element managed by the SMF network element can be the UPF network element registered in advance with the NRF, or the SMF network element registered with the NRF network element, without limitation.

[0313] In another optional implementation, the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, which will not be repeated.

[0314] It should be noted that the SMF network element in the subsequent steps of Figure 5 may refer to the SMF network element selected by the AMF network element.

[0315] S110: The AMF network element sends a first tunnel establishment request to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the first tunnel establishment request from the AMF network element.

[0316] Among them, the first tunnel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first tunnel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element.

[0317] Optionally, the first tunnel establishment request may also be carried in the first data channel establishment request. That is, the AMF network element sends the first data channel establishment request to the SMF network element, and correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the first data channel establishment request from the AMF network element, and the first data channel establishment request includes the first tunnel establishment request.

[0318] Optionally, the first tunnel establishment request may include a first perception indication, which is used to indicate that the first tunnel establishment request is used to request establishment of a first tunnel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element.

[0319] Optionally, the first tunnel establishment request includes first tunnel information of the access network device. For example, when the first data channel establishment request includes first tunnel information of the access network, the first tunnel establishment request includes the first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0320] In one optional implementation, the first tunnel establishment request may include an identifier of the SF network element. The identifier of the SF network element is used to search for information about the SF network element. The information about the SF network element includes at least one of the IP address, service area, or data network connection identifier of the SF network element. In another optional implementation, the first tunnel establishment request includes at least one of the IP address, service area, or data network connection identifier of the SF network element. The information about the SF network element is used to select the UPF network element.

[0321] Optionally, the first tunnel establishment request may also include at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; the IP address of the access network device or at least one of the IP address of the SF network element is used to establish an association relationship between the IP address of the access network device, at least one of the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel, that is, to establish forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3A.

[0322] S111: The SMF network element selects the UPF network element.

[0323] Among them, the UPF network element and the SF network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF network element belong to the same IP address range, the service area of ​​the UPF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, and the data network connection identifier of the UPF network element is the same as the data network connection identifier of the SF network element.

[0324] In an optional implementation, the SMF network element obtains at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element, and obtains at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of each UPF network element in at least one UPF network element, and selects a UPF network element from the at least one UPF network element based on at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of each UPF network element and at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element. Optionally, at least one UPF network element is a UPF network element managed by the SMF network element. For related implementations, please refer to step S109 and will not be repeated here.

[0325] In an optional implementation, when the first tunnel establishment request includes the identifier of the SF network element, the SMF network element can search for at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element from the NRF network element or locally based on the identifier of the SF network element. In another optional implementation, when the first tunnel establishment request includes at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element, the SMF network element can directly obtain the information of the SF network element. The SMF network element does not need to perform the search step, which is simpler and more convenient, saving processing time.

[0326] It should be noted that the information of each UPF network element in at least one UPF network element (including but not limited to the IP address, service area, data network connection identifier, etc. of the UPF network element) can be obtained by the SMF network element from the NRF network element or locally without restriction.

[0327] It should be noted that the UPF network element in the subsequent steps of Figure 5 may refer to the UPF network element selected by the SMF network element.

[0328] S112: The SMF network element sends a first tunnel information acquisition request to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first tunnel information acquisition request from the SMF network element.

[0329] Among them, the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request to obtain the information of the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element.

[0330] Optionally, the first tunnel information acquisition request may be carried in a first N4 message. That is, the SMF network element sends a first N4 message to the UPF network element, and correspondingly, the UPF network element receives a first N4 message from the SMF network element, where the first N4 message includes the first tunnel information acquisition request.

[0331] Optionally, the first tunnel information acquisition request may include a second perception indication, where the second perception indication is used to indicate that the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request acquisition of information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element.

[0332] Optionally, the first tunnel information acquisition request includes the first tunnel information of the access network device. For example, when the first tunnel establishment request includes the first tunnel information of the access network, the first tunnel information acquisition request includes the first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0333] Optionally, the first tunnel information acquisition request may further include at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element. The at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element is used to establish an association between the at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel.

[0334] S113: The UPF network element generates a forwarding rule for forwarding the sensing data between the access network device and the SF network element based on the first tunnel information acquisition request.

[0335] (1) For the data plane protocol stack shown in FIG3A , the forwarding rule includes an association relationship between at least one of the IP address of the access network device and the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel. Optionally, in actual application, the first tunnel information of the UPF network element and the first tunnel information of the access network device are usually used to represent the first tunnel. Then, the forwarding rule may specifically include: a. The IP address of the access network device is associated with the first tunnel information of the access network device; b. The IP address of the SF network element is associated with the first tunnel information of the UPF network element. Optionally, the IP address of the access network device may be obtained from the first tunnel information acquisition request; optionally, the first tunnel information of the access network device may be obtained from the first tunnel information acquisition request; optionally, the IP address of the SF network element may be obtained from the first tunnel information acquisition request; optionally, the first tunnel information of the UPF network element may be allocated by the UPF network element.

[0336] It should be noted that in this data plane protocol stack, the UPF network element and the SF network element communicate directly based on the N6 interface channel.

[0337] (2) For the data plane protocol stack shown in FIG3B , the forwarding rule includes the association between the second tunnel and the first tunnel. Optionally, in actual applications, the first tunnel information of the UPF network element and the first tunnel information of the access network device are generally used to represent the first tunnel, while the second tunnel information of the UPF network element and the second tunnel information of the SF network element are generally used to represent the second tunnel. Therefore, the forwarding rule may specifically include: a. Associating the first tunnel information of the access network device with the second tunnel information of the UPF network element; b. Associating the first tunnel information of the UPF network element with the second tunnel information of the SF network element.

[0338] Optionally, the first tunnel is established dynamically (ie, the first tunnel information of the access network device is obtained from the first tunnel information acquisition request; the first tunnel information of the UPF network element is dynamically allocated by the UPF network element).

[0339] Optionally, the second tunnel is preconfigured (ie, the second tunnel information of the UPF network element is preconfigured, and the second tunnel information of the SF network element is preconfigured).

[0340] It should be noted that for the specific content of the forwarding rules, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0341] S114: The UPF network element sends a first tunnel information acquisition response to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives a first tunnel information acquisition response from the UPF network element.

[0342] Among them, the first tunnel information acquisition response includes the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0343] Optionally, the first tunnel information acquisition response may be carried in a second N4 message. That is, the UPF network element sends a second N4 message to the SMF network element, and correspondingly, the SMF network element receives a second N4 message from the UPF network element, and the second N4 message includes the first tunnel information acquisition response.

[0344] S115: The SMF network element sends a first tunnel establishment response to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives a first tunnel establishment response from the SMF network element.

[0345] Among them, the first tunnel establishment response includes the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0346] S116: The AMF network element sends a first data channel establishment response to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the first data channel establishment response from the AMF network element.

[0347] Among them, the first data channel establishment response includes the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0348] It should be noted that step S108 to step S116 is a process of establishing the first data channel between the access network device and the SF network element.

[0349] It should be noted that after the first data channel is established based on steps S108 to S116, the perception service process shown in FIG4A can be executed and will not be described in detail.

[0350] It can be seen that in the embodiment of the present application, a first data channel between the access network device and the SF network element can be established based on the data channel (i.e., the first tunnel) between the access network device and the UPF network element, and the data channel (i.e., the N6 interface channel or the second tunnel) between the UPF network element and the SF network element. During the transmission of the perception data, the UPF network element can forward the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element based on the forwarding rules. Since the data channel between the access network device and the UPF network element and the data channel between the UPF network element and the SF network element are established based on the existing interface logic, the embodiment of the present application does not need to introduce additional interface logic between the access network device and the SF network element, which is simpler and more convenient. In addition, since the UPF network element in the embodiment of the present application is selected based on the IP address, service area, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element, the UPF network element is close to the SF network element or has a data network connection relationship, it can ensure that the two have a connection relationship and effectively shorten the transmission distance of the first data channel, thereby reducing the transmission time of the perception data. In addition, the embodiment of the present application also uses the first tunnel establishment process as a sub-process of the first data channel establishment process, which can effectively reduce the number of signaling round trips between the access network device and the SF network element compared to two independent processes.

[0351] Please refer to Figure 6, which shows a flow chart of another method for establishing a data channel. Compared with the data channel establishment method described in Figure 5, the data channel establishment method described in Figure 6 is to initiate a first data channel establishment request with the SF network element. Optionally, the data channel establishment method can be executed by the access network device, AMF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element, and SF network element. Optionally, in the data channel establishment method, the SF network element is not separated into SF-C network element and SF-C network element, and the first data channel between the access network device and the SF network element passes through the UPF network element. As shown in Figure 6, the data channel establishment method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0352] S201: The access network device sends an interface establishment request to at least one AMF network element respectively. Correspondingly, each AMF network element in the at least one AMF network element receives the interface establishment request from the access network device.

[0353] S202: Each AMF network element sends an interface establishment response to the access network device respectively. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the interface establishment response of each AMF network element from at least one AMF network element respectively.

[0354] S203: The access network device selects an AMF network element.

[0355] S204: The access network device sends a perception capability registration request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the perception capability registration request from the access network device.

[0356] Optionally, the perception registration capability request may also include the first tunnel information of the access network device, so that the SF network element obtains the first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0357] Optionally, the awareness registration capability request may be carried in the first N2 message.

[0358] S205: The AMF network element selects the SF network element.

[0359] S206: The AMF network element sends a perception capability registration request to the SF network element. Correspondingly, the SF network element receives the perception capability registration request from the AMF.

[0360] It should be noted that for other relevant descriptions of steps S201 to S206 , please refer to steps S101 to S106 in FIG. 5 , which will not be repeated here.

[0361] S207: The SF network element sends a perception capability registration response to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends a perception capability registration response to the access network device. The perception capability registration response indicates that the perception registration is successful.

[0362] Optionally, the sensing capability registration response may include the identifier of the SF network element.

[0363] Optionally, the perception capability registration response may be carried in the perception capability registration response message without limitation.

[0364] It should be noted that steps S201 to S207 are the sensing capability registration process between the access network device and the SF network element. The sensing capability registration process is used to send the first capability information of the access network device to the SF network element. The sensing capability registration process can be replaced by a sensing capability association / transmission / transmission process, and the sensing capability registration process between the access network device and the SF network element can be replaced by a registration / association / transmission / transmission process between sensing devices or sensing nodes.

[0365] S208: The SF network element selects the SMF network element.

[0366] In an optional implementation, the SMF network element (i.e., the SMF network element selected by the SF network element) and the SF network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, there is a UPF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, or there is a UPF network element whose data network connection identifier is the same as that of the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element. For the specific implementation method, please refer to step S109 and will not be described in detail.

[0367] S209: The SF network element sends a first data channel establishment request to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the first data channel establishment request from the SF network element.

[0368] The first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting sensing data between the access network device and the SF network element.

[0369] Optionally, the first data channel request is also used to request the establishment of a first tunnel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element.

[0370] Optionally, the first data channel establishment request includes information of the SF network element or an identifier of the SF network element. The identifier of the SF network element is used to search for information of the SF network element. The information of the SF network element includes but is not limited to at least one of the IP address, service area, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element. The information of the SF network element is used to select the UPF network element.

[0371] Optionally, the first data channel establishment request may also include the IP address of the SF network element; the IP address of the SF network element is used to establish an association between the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel, that is, to establish a forwarding rule corresponding to the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3A.

[0372] Optionally, the first data channel request also includes first tunnel information of the access network device. It should be noted that when the first data channel needs to support bidirectional transmission of perception data between the access network device and the SF network element (i.e., the first data channel simultaneously supports the access network device sending perception data to the SF network element, and supports the SF network element sending perception data to the access network device), the first data channel establishment request includes the first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0373] S210: The SMF network element selects the UPF network element.

[0374] Among them, the UPF network element and the SF network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF network element belong to the same IP address range, the service area of ​​the UPF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, and the data network connection identifier of the UPF network element is the same as the data network connection identifier of the SF network element.

[0375] In an optional implementation, the SMF network element obtains at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element, and obtains at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of each UPF network element in at least one UPF network element, and determines the selected UPF network element from the at least one UPF network element based on the at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of each UPF network element and the at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the SF network element. For related implementations, please refer to step S109 and will not be repeated here.

[0376] In an optional implementation, when the first data channel establishment request includes the identifier of the SF network element, the SMF network element can search for at least one of the IP address, service area or data network connection identifier of the SF network element from the NRF network element or locally based on the identifier of the SF network element. It can be seen that when the first data channel establishment request includes the identifier of the SF network element, the SMF network element can obtain the information of the SF network element based on the identifier of the SF. In another optional implementation, when the first data channel establishment request includes the IP address, service area, or data network connection identifier of the SF network element, the SMF network element can directly obtain the IP address, service area, or data network connection identifier of the SF network element from the first data channel establishment request. The SMF network element does not need to perform the search step, which is simpler and more convenient, saving processing time.

[0377] S211: The SMF network element sends a first tunnel information acquisition request to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first tunnel information acquisition request from the SMF network element.

[0378] Optionally, the first tunnel information acquisition request may include the first tunnel information of the access network device. For example, when the first data channel establishment request includes the first tunnel information of the access network, the first tunnel information acquisition request includes the first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0379] Optionally, the first tunnel information acquisition request may include the IP address of the SF network element. The IP address of the SF network element is used to establish an association relationship between the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel.

[0380] S212: The UPF network element generates a forwarding rule for forwarding the sensing data between the access network device and the SF network element based on the first tunnel information acquisition request.

[0381] Optionally, for the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3A , the forwarding rule includes an association between the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel. That is, the forwarding rule includes: b. Associating the IP address of the SF network element with the first tunnel information of the UPF network element. Optionally, the IP address of the SF network element may be obtained from a first tunnel information acquisition request; optionally, the first tunnel information of the UPF network element may be allocated by the UPF network element.

[0382] For the forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3B , if the first tunnel information acquisition request includes the first tunnel information of the access network device, the forwarding rules include: a) associating the first tunnel information of the access network device with the second tunnel information of the UPF network element; b) associating the first tunnel information of the UPF network element with the second tunnel information of the SF network element. If the first tunnel information acquisition request does not include the first tunnel information of the access network device, the forwarding rules include: b) associating the first tunnel information of the UPF network element with the second tunnel information of the SF network element.

[0383] Optionally, the first tunnel is established dynamically (ie, the first tunnel information of the access network device is obtained from the first tunnel information acquisition request; the first tunnel information of the UPF network element is dynamically allocated by the UPF network element).

[0384] Optionally, the second tunnel is preconfigured (i.e., the second tunnel information of the UPF network element is preconfigured, and the second tunnel information of the SF network element is preconfigured). Or it is dynamically established (i.e., the second tunnel information of the UPF network element is dynamically allocated, and the second tunnel information of the SF network element is dynamically allocated). The subsequent steps will describe the dynamic establishment process.

[0385] It should be noted that for the specific content of the forwarding rules, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0386] S213: The UPF network element sends a first tunnel information acquisition response to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives a first tunnel information acquisition response from the UPF network element.

[0387] It should be noted that for other relevant descriptions of steps S210 to S213, please refer to steps S111 to S114 in Figure 5, which will not be repeated here.

[0388] S214: The SMF network element sends a first data channel establishment response to the SF network element. Correspondingly, the SF network element receives a first tunnel establishment response from the SMF network element.

[0389] Among them, the first data channel establishment response includes the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0390] S215: The SF network element sends the first perception data channel information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends the first perception data channel information to the access network device.

[0391] Among them, the first perception data channel information includes the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0392] Optionally, the first perception data channel information may also include the IP address of the SF network element, which is beneficial for the access network device to obtain the IP address of the SF network element, so that the access network device can generate an IP data packet based on the IP address to transmit the perception data to the SF network element.

[0393] Optionally, the first perception data channel information indicates that the first data channel has been established. Alternatively, the first perception data channel information may also include a third perception indication, and the third perception indication is used to indicate that the first data channel has been established.

[0394] In some feasible implementations, if the first tunnel information of the access network device is not transmitted to the UPF network element through steps S209 and S211, the data channel establishment method may further include S216 to S220:

[0395] S216: The access network device sends the third perception data channel information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends the third perception data channel information to the SF network element.

[0396] Among them, the third perception data channel information includes the first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0397] Optionally, if the first data channel adopts the data plane protocol stack described in Figure 3A, the third perception data channel information may also include the IP address of the access network device.

[0398] Optionally, the third perception data channel information may be carried in the second N2 message without limitation.

[0399] S217: The SF network element sends a data channel update request to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the data channel update request from the SF network element.

[0400] Among them, the data channel update request is used to request the UPF network element to update the forwarding rules.

[0401] The data channel update request may include first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0402] Optionally, if the first data channel adopts the data plane protocol stack described in FIG. 3A , the data channel update request may further include the IP address of the access network device.

[0403] S218: The SMF network element sends data channel update information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives data channel update information from the SMF network element.

[0404] The data channel update information includes first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0405] Optionally, if the first data channel adopts the data plane protocol stack described in FIG. 3A , the data channel update information may further include the IP address of the access network device.

[0406] Optionally, the data channel update information may be carried in the third N4 message, without limitation.

[0407] S219: The UPF network element updates the forwarding rules based on the data channel update information.

[0408] Regarding the forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3A, the forwarding rules before the update include: b. The IP address of the SF network element is associated with the first tunnel information of the UPF network element. The forwarding rules after the update include: a. The IP address of the access network device is associated with the first tunnel information of the access network device; b. The IP address of the SF network element is associated with the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0409] Regarding the forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3B, the forwarding rules before the update include: b. Associating the first tunnel information of the UPF network element with the second tunnel information of the SF network element. The forwarding rules after the update include: a. Associating the first tunnel information of the access network device with the second tunnel information of the UPF network element; b. Associating the first tunnel information of the UPF network element with the second tunnel information of the SF network element.

[0410] S220: The SMF network element sends a data channel update response to the SF network element. Correspondingly, the SF network element receives a data channel update response from the SMF network element.

[0411] The data channel update response indicates that the forwarding rule has been updated.

[0412] It should be noted that if the first tunnel information of the access network device has been transmitted to the UPF network element through steps S209 and S211, and the first data channel uses the data plane protocol stack described in Figure 3A, the forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack described in Figure 3A can also be updated through steps S216 to S220. In this case, the third sensed data channel information of step S216, the data channel update request of step S217, and the data channel update information of step S218 may include the IP address of the access network device.

[0413] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the second tunnel can be pre-configured (that is, the second tunnel information of the UPF network element is pre-configured, and the second tunnel information of the SF network element is pre-configured), or it can be dynamically established (that is, the second tunnel information of the UPF network element is dynamically allocated by the UPF network element; the second tunnel information of the SF network element is dynamically allocated by the SF network element). For the scenario where the second tunnel is dynamically established, the SF network element needs to transmit the second tunnel information of the SF network element dynamically allocated by itself to the UPF network element. For example, the second tunnel information of the SF network element is transmitted to the UPF network element through the first data channel establishment request of step S209 and the first tunnel information acquisition request of step S211. That is, the first data channel establishment request of step S209 includes the second tunnel information of the SF network element, and the first tunnel information acquisition request of step S211 includes the second tunnel information of the SF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element also needs to transmit the second tunnel information of the UPF network element allocated to itself to the SF network element. For example, the second tunnel information of the UPF network element is transmitted to the SF network element through the first tunnel information acquisition response of step S213 and the first data channel response of step S214. That is, the first tunnel information acquisition response of step S213 includes the second tunnel information of the UPF network element, and the first data channel response of step S214 includes the second tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0414] It should be noted that step S208 to step S220 is a process of establishing the first data channel between the access network device and the SF network element.

[0415] It should be noted that after the first data channel is established based on steps S208 to S220, the perception service process shown in FIG4A can be executed and will not be described in detail.

[0416] As can be seen, in the embodiment of the present application, the SF network element can initiate a request to establish the first data channel based on demand, which can effectively improve the flexibility of establishing the first data channel. In addition, the second tunnel between the SF network element and the UPF network element can not only be pre-configured, but also dynamically established. The dynamically established second tunnel is more flexible and changeable, and thus the first data channel established based on the second tunnel is also more flexible and changeable.

[0417] Please refer to Figure 7, which shows a flow chart of another data channel establishment method. Compared with the data channel establishment method described in Figure 6, the data channel establishment method described in Figure 7 is that the SF network element in the data channel establishment method described in Figure 7 is separated into SF-C network element and SF-U network element, and the first data channel establishment request is initiated with the SF-C network element. Optionally, the data channel establishment method can be executed by the access network device, AMF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element, SF-C network element and SF-U network element. Optionally, in the data channel establishment method, the SF network element is separated into SF-C network element and SF-C network element, and the first data channel between the access network device and the SF-U network element passes through the UPF network element. As shown in Figure 7, the data channel establishment method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0418] S301: The access network device sends an interface establishment request to at least one AMF network element respectively. Correspondingly, each AMF network element in the at least one AMF network element receives the interface establishment request from the access network device.

[0419] S302: Each AMF network element sends an interface establishment response to the access network device respectively. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the interface establishment response of each AMF network element from at least one AMF network element respectively.

[0420] S303: The access network device selects an AMF network element.

[0421] S304: The access network device sends a perception capability registration request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the perception capability registration request from the access network device.

[0422] Optionally, the perception registration capability request may further include the first tunnel information of the access network device, so that the SF-C network element obtains the first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0423] Optionally, the awareness registration capability request may be carried in the first N2 message.

[0424] S305: The AMF network element selects the SF-C network element.

[0425] S306: The AMF network element sends a perception capability registration request to the SF-C network element. Correspondingly, the SF-C network element receives the perception capability registration request from the AMF.

[0426] S307: The SF-C network element sends a perception capability registration response to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends a perception capability registration response to the access network device. The perception capability registration response indicates that the perception registration is successful.

[0427] It should be noted that steps S301 to S307 are the sensing capability registration process between the access network device and the SF-C network element. The sensing capability registration process is used to send the first capability information of the access network device to the SF-C network element. The sensing capability registration process can be replaced by a sensing capability association / transmission / transmission process, and the sensing capability registration process between the access network device and the SF-C network element can be replaced by a registration / association / transmission / transmission process between sensing devices or sensing nodes.

[0428] It should be noted that for the relevant description of steps S301 to S307, please refer to steps S201 to S207. Compared with steps S201 to S207, the SF network elements in steps S201 to S207 can be replaced by SF-C network elements and SF-U network elements.

[0429] S308: The SF-C network element selects the SF-U network element.

[0430] Among them, the load of the SF-U network element (i.e., the SF-U network element selected by the SF-C network element) is lower than the threshold, the service area of ​​the SF-U network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SF-U network element has a data network connection identifier.

[0431] In an optional implementation, the SF-C network element can obtain the load, service area or data network connection identifier of at least one SF-U network element managed by the SF-C network element, and select an SF-U network element from at least one SF-U network element based on the load, service area or data network connection identifier of at least one SF-U network element.

[0432] It should be noted that the SF-U network element in the subsequent steps of Figure 7 may refer to the SF-U network element selected by the SF-C.

[0433] S309: The SF-C network element sends an association request to the SF-U network element. Correspondingly, the SF-U network element receives the association request from the SF-C network element.

[0434] The association request is used to request association between the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element.

[0435] S310: The SF-U network element sends an association response to the SF-C network element. Correspondingly, the SF-C network element receives the association response from the SF-U network element.

[0436] The association response indicates that the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element are associated.

[0437] Optionally, the association response may include the IP address of the SF-U network element, and the IP address of the SF-U network element is used to establish an association relationship between the IP address of the SF-U network element and the first tunnel.

[0438] Optionally, the association response may include at least one of the SF-U network element identifier, IP address, service area, or data network connection identifier.

[0439] S311: The SF-C network element selects the SMF network element.

[0440] In an optional implementation, the SMF network element (i.e., the SMF network element selected by the SF-C network element) and the SF-U network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF-U network element, there is a UPF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as the SF-U network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, or there is a UPF network element with the same data network connection identifier as the SF-U network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element. For the specific implementation method, please refer to step S109 and will not be described in detail.

[0441] S312: The SF-C network element sends a first data channel establishment request to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the first data channel establishment request from the SF-C network element.

[0442] The first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the SF-U network element.

[0443] Optionally, the first data channel request is also used to request the establishment of a first tunnel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element.

[0444] Optionally, the first data channel establishment request includes the information of the SF-U network element or the identifier of the SF-U network element. The identifier of the SF-U network element is used to search for the information of the SF-U network element. The information of the SF-U network element includes but is not limited to at least one of the IP address, service area, and data network connection identifier of the SF-U network element. The information of the SF-U network element is used to select the UPF network element.

[0445] Optionally, the first data channel establishment request may also include the IP address of the SF-U network element; the IP address of the SF-U network element is used to establish an association relationship between the IP address of the SF-U network element and the first tunnel, that is, to establish forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3A.

[0446] Optionally, the first data channel request also includes the first tunnel information of the access network device. It should be noted that when the first data channel needs to support bidirectional transmission of perception data between the access network device and the SF-U network element (that is, the first data channel simultaneously supports the access network device sending perception data to the SF-U network element, and supports the SF-U network element sending perception data to the access network device), the first data channel establishment request includes the first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0447] S313: The SMF network element selects the UPF network element.

[0448] Among them, the UPF network element and the SF-U network element meet at least one of the following conditions: the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF-U network element belong to the same IP address range, the service area of ​​the UPF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF-U network element, and the data network connection identifier of the UPF network element is the same as the data network connection identifier of the SF-U network element.

[0449] In an optional implementation, the SMF network element obtains at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the SF-U network element, and obtains at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of each UPF network element in at least one UPF network element, and determines the selected UPF network element from the at least one UPF network element based on the at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of each UPF network element and the at least one of the service area, IP address, and data network connection identifier of the SF-U network element. For related implementations, please refer to step S109 and will not be repeated here.

[0450] In an optional implementation, when the first data channel establishment request includes the identifier of the SF-U network element, the SMF network element may search for at least one of the IP address, service area, or data network connection identifier of the SF-U network element from the NRF network element or locally based on the identifier of the SF-U network element. In another optional implementation, when the first data channel establishment request includes the IP address, service area, or data network connection identifier of the SF-U network element, the SMF network element may directly obtain the IP address, service area, or data network connection identifier of the SF-U network element from the first data channel establishment request. The SMF network element does not need to perform the search step, which is simpler and more convenient, saving processing time.

[0451] Optionally, the first data channel establishment request may also include the IP address of the SF-U network element; the IP address of the SF-U network element is used to establish an association relationship between the IP address of the SF-U network element and the first tunnel, that is, to establish forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3A.

[0452] S314: The SMF network element sends a first tunnel information acquisition request to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives the first tunnel information acquisition request from the SMF network element.

[0453] Optionally, the first tunnel information acquisition request may include the first tunnel information of the access network device. For example, when the first data channel establishment request includes the first tunnel information of the access network, the first tunnel information acquisition request includes the first tunnel information of the access network device.

[0454] Optionally, the first tunnel information acquisition request may include the IP address of the SF-U network element. The IP address of the SF-U network element is used to establish an association relationship between the IP address of the SF-U network element and the first tunnel.

[0455] S315: The UPF network element generates a forwarding rule for forwarding the perception data between the access network device and the SF-U network element based on the first tunnel information acquisition request.

[0456] Optionally, for the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3A, the forwarding rule includes an association between the IP address of the SF-U network element and the first tunnel. That is, the forwarding rule includes: b. Associating the IP address of the SF-U network element with the first tunnel information of the UPF network element. Optionally, the IP address of the SF-U network element may be obtained from a first tunnel information acquisition request; optionally, the first tunnel information of the UPF network element may be allocated by the UPF network element.

[0457] For the forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3B , if the first tunnel information acquisition request includes the first tunnel information of the access network device, the forwarding rule includes: a) associating the first tunnel information of the access network device with the second tunnel information of the UPF network element; b) associating the first tunnel information of the UPF network element with the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element. If the first tunnel information acquisition request does not include the first tunnel information of the access network device, the forwarding rule includes: b) associating the first tunnel information of the UPF network element with the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element.

[0458] Optionally, the first tunnel is established dynamically (ie, the first tunnel information of the access network device is obtained from the first tunnel information acquisition request; the first tunnel information of the UPF network element is dynamically allocated by the UPF network element).

[0459] Optionally, the second tunnel is preconfigured (i.e., the second tunnel information of the UPF network element is preconfigured, and the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element is preconfigured). Or it is dynamically established (i.e., the second tunnel information of the UPF network element is dynamically allocated, and the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element is dynamically allocated). The subsequent steps will describe the dynamic establishment process.

[0460] It should be noted that for the specific content of the forwarding rules, please refer to the relevant descriptions in Figures 3A and 3B, which will not be repeated here.

[0461] S316: The UPF network element sends a first tunnel information acquisition response to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives a first tunnel information acquisition response from the UPF network element.

[0462] It should be noted that for other relevant descriptions of steps S311 to S316, please refer to steps S208 to S213 in Figure 6, which will not be repeated here.

[0463] S317: The SMF network element sends a first data channel establishment response to the SF-C network element. Correspondingly, the SF-C network element receives a first tunnel establishment response from the SMF network element.

[0464] Among them, the first data channel establishment response includes the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0465] S318: The SF-C network element sends a first data channel establishment response to the SF-U network element. Correspondingly, the SF-U network element receives the first tunnel establishment response from the SF-C network element.

[0466] Among them, the first data channel establishment response includes the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0467] S319: The SF-C network element sends the first perception data channel information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends the first perception data channel information to the access network device.

[0468] Among them, the first perception data channel information includes the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0469] Optionally, the first perception data channel information may also include the IP address of the SF-U network element, which is beneficial for the access network device to obtain the IP address of the SF-U network element, so that the access network device can generate an IP data packet based on the IP address to transmit the perception data to the SF-U network element.

[0470] Optionally, the first perception data channel information indicates that the first data channel has been established. Alternatively, the first perception data channel information may also include a third perception indication, and the third perception indication is used to indicate that the first data channel has been established.

[0471] In some feasible implementations, if the first tunnel information of the access network device is not transmitted to the UPF network element through steps S312 and S314, the data channel establishment method may further include steps S320 to S324:

[0472] S320: The access network device sends the third perception data channel information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends the third perception data channel information to the SF-C network element.

[0473] S321: The SF-C network element sends a data channel update request to the SMF network element. Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the data channel update request from the SF-C network element.

[0474] S322: The SMF network element sends data channel update information to the UPF network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element receives data channel update information from the SMF network element.

[0475] S323: The UPF network element updates the forwarding rules based on the data channel update information.

[0476] For the forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3A, the forwarding rules before the update include: b. The IP address of the SF-U network element is associated with the first tunnel information of the UPF network element. The forwarding rules after the update include: a. The IP address of the access network device is associated with the first tunnel information of the access network device; b. The IP address of the SF-U network element is associated with the first tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0477] Regarding the forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack shown in Figure 3B , the forwarding rules before the update include: b. Associating the first tunnel information of the UPF network element with the second tunnel information of the SF network element. The forwarding rules after the update include: a. Associating the first tunnel information of the access network device with the second tunnel information of the UPF network element; b. Associating the first tunnel information of the UPF network element with the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element.

[0478] S324: The SMF network element sends a data channel update response to the SF-C network element. Correspondingly, the SF-C network element receives the data channel update response from the SMF network element.

[0479] It should be noted that if the first tunnel information of the access network device has been transmitted to the UPF network element through steps S312 and S314, and the first data channel uses the data plane protocol stack described in Figure 3A, the forwarding rules corresponding to the data plane protocol stack described in Figure 3A can also be updated through steps S320 to S324. In this case, the third perception data channel information in step S320, the data channel update request in step S312, and the data channel update information in step S313 may include the IP address of the access network device.

[0480] It should be noted that for the relevant description of steps S320 to S324, please refer to steps S216 to S220. Compared with steps S216 to S220, the SF network elements in steps S216 to S220 can be replaced by SF-C network elements and SF-U network elements respectively.

[0481] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the second tunnel can be pre-configured (that is, the second tunnel information of the UPF network element is pre-configured, and the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element is pre-configured), or it can be dynamically established (that is, the second tunnel information of the UPF network element is dynamically allocated by the UPF network element; the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element is dynamically allocated by the SF-U network element). For the scenario where the second tunnel is dynamically established, the SF-U network element needs to transmit the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element dynamically allocated by itself to the UPF network element. For example, the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element is transmitted to the UPF network element through the association response of step S310, the first data channel establishment request of step S312, and the first tunnel information acquisition request of step S314. That is, the association response of step S310 may also include the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element, the first data channel establishment request of step S312 may also include the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element, and the first tunnel information acquisition request of step S314 may also include the second tunnel information of the SF-U network element. Correspondingly, the UPF network element also needs to transmit the second tunnel information of the UPF network element allocated to itself to the SF-U network element. For example, the second tunnel information of the UPF network element is sent to the SF network element through the first tunnel information acquisition response of step S316, the first data channel response transmission of step S317 and the first data channel establishment response of step S318. That is, the first tunnel information acquisition response of step S316 includes the second tunnel information of the UPF network element, the first data channel response transmission of step S317 includes the second tunnel information of the UPF network element and the first data channel establishment response of step S318 includes the second tunnel information of the UPF network element.

[0482] It should be noted that step S208 to step S220 is a process of establishing the first data channel between the access network device and the SF network element.

[0483] It should be noted that after the first data channel is established based on steps S208 to S220, the perception service process shown in FIG4A can be executed and will not be described in detail.

[0484] It should be noted that steps S308 to S324 are a process of establishing the first data channel between the access network device and the SF-U network element under the control of the SF-C network element.

[0485] It should be noted that after the first data channel is established based on steps S308 to S324, the perception service process shown in FIG4B can be executed and will not be described in detail.

[0486] It can be seen that in the embodiment of the present application, the SF network element can be separated into the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element, and the control plane and the user plane of the SF network element are decoupled and separated, which is conducive to respectively enhancing the control plane function of the SF-C network element and the user plane function of the SF-U network element, and is conducive to deploying the separated SF-U network element closer to the access network equipment, effectively shortening the transmission distance of the first data channel and reducing the transmission time of the perception data. In addition, the SF-C network element can flexibly select the SF-U network element, and the SF-U network element has better scalability. At the same time, since the SF-C network element can control the dynamic establishment of the second tunnel between the SF-U network element and the UPF network element, the dynamically established second tunnel is more flexible and changeable, so that the first data channel established based on the second tunnel is also more flexible and changeable.

[0487] In other implementations, a second data channel that does not pass through the UPF network element can also be established between the access network device and the SF network element. As shown in Figure 8, Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of another network system to which an embodiment of the present application is applicable. As shown in Figure 8, the network system includes an SF network element 201 (or, the SF network element 201 includes an SF-C network element 201-1 and an SF-U network element 201-2, and the NS4 interface is an interface between the SF-C network element 201-1 and the SF-U network element 201-2, used to transmit perception measurement results), an AMF network element 204, and an access network device 205. Among them, the NS1 interface is an interface between the SF network element 201 (or the SF-C network element 201-1) and the AMF network element 204, used to transmit a data channel establishment request. A second data channel can be established between the SF network element 201 (or the SF-U network element 201-2) and the access network device 205.

[0488] The following describes in detail how to establish a second data channel between the access network device and the SF network element based on the network system described in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 9, a flow chart of another data channel establishment method provided in an embodiment of the present application is provided. Optionally, the data channel establishment method can be performed by the access network device, the AMF network element, the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element. Optionally, in the data channel establishment method, the SF network element is separated into the SF-C network element and the SF-C network element, and the second data channel between the access network device and the SF-U network element does not pass through the UPF network element. Exemplarily, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0489] S401: The access network device sends an interface establishment request to at least one AMF network element respectively. Correspondingly, each AMF network element in the at least one AMF network element receives the interface establishment request from the access network device.

[0490] S402: Each AMF network element sends an interface establishment response to the access network device respectively. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the interface establishment response of each AMF network element from at least one AMF network element respectively.

[0491] S403: The access network device selects an AMF network element.

[0492] S404: The access network device sends a perception capability registration request to the AMF network element. Correspondingly, the AMF network element receives the perception capability registration request from the access network device.

[0493] Optionally, the first tunnel information of the access network device in the perception capability registration request may be replaced with the second data channel information of the access network device. The second data channel information of the access network device refers to information about the second data channel used by the SF-U network element to send perception data to the access network device. The second data channel information of the access network device includes the second data channel address and / or identifier of the access network device allocated by the access network device. The second data channel may be an AN tunnel.

[0494] S405: The AMF network element selects the SF-C network element.

[0495] S406: The AMF network element sends a perception capability registration request to the SF-C network element. Correspondingly, the SF-C network element receives the perception capability registration request from the AMF.

[0496] S407: The SF-C network element sends a perception capability registration response to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends a perception capability registration response to the access network device. The perception capability registration response indicates that the perception registration is successful.

[0497] It should be noted that other related descriptions of steps S401 to S407 can be found in steps S301 to S307 and will not be described in detail.

[0498] S408: The SF-C network element selects the SF-U network element.

[0499] Among them, the load of the SF-U network element (i.e., the SF-U network element selected by the SF-C network element) is lower than the threshold, the service area of ​​the SF-U network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the slices supported by the SF-U network element include the slices supported by the access network device.

[0500] In an optional implementation, the SF-C network element may obtain the load, service area, or slice supporting perception of at least one SF-U network element managed by the SF-C network element, and select an SF-U network element from at least one SF-U network element based on the load, service area, or slice supporting perception of at least one SF-U network element.

[0501] It should be noted that the SF-U network element in the subsequent steps of Figure 9 may refer to the SF-U network element selected by the SF-C.

[0502] S409: The SF-C network element sends an association request to the SF-U network element. Correspondingly, the SF-U network element receives the association request from the SF-C network element.

[0503] The association request is used to request association between the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element.

[0504] S410: The SF-U network element sends an association response to the SF-C network element. Correspondingly, the SF-C network element receives the association response from the SF-U network element.

[0505] The association response indicates that the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element are associated.

[0506] S411: The SF-C network element sends a second data channel establishment request to the SF-U network element. Correspondingly, the SF-U network element receives the second data channel establishment request from the SF-C network element.

[0507] The second data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a second data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the SF-U network element. Optionally, the second data channel establishment request is also used to request the acquisition of user plane data channel core network tunnel information (i.e., information about the second data channel used by the access network device to send perception data to the SF network element). The second data channel establishment request can also be replaced by a "user plane data channel core network tunnel information acquisition request."

[0508] Optionally, the second data channel establishment request may include the second data channel information of the access network device. It should be noted that when the second data channel needs to support bidirectional transmission of perception data between the access network device and the SF-U network element (i.e., the second data channel simultaneously supports the access network device sending perception data to the SF-U network element, and supports the SF-U network element sending perception data to the access network device), the second data channel establishment request includes the second data channel information of the access network device.

[0509] S412: The SF-U network element sends a second data channel establishment response to the SF-C network element. Correspondingly, the SF-C network element receives the second data channel establishment response from the SF-U network element.

[0510] The second data channel establishment response includes the second data channel information of the SF-U network element (or also referred to as user plane data channel core network tunnel information). The second data channel information of the SF-U network element is a channel identifier and / or address of the second data channel of the SF-U network element allocated by the SF-U network element. The second data channel may be an AN tunnel.

[0511] Optionally, the second data channel establishment response may further include the SF-U network element IP address. The SF-U network element IP address is used by the access network device to generate an IP data packet based on the IP address to transmit the sensing data to the SF-U network element.

[0512] S413: The SF-C network element sends the second perception data channel information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends the second perception data channel information to the access network device.

[0513] Among them, the second perception data channel information includes the second data channel information of the SF-U network element.

[0514] Optionally, the second perception data channel information may further include an SF-U network element IP address. The SF-U network element IP address is used by the access network device to generate an IP data packet based on the IP address to transmit the perception data to the SF-U network element.

[0515] In some feasible implementations, if the first tunnel information of the access network device is not transmitted to the SF-U network element through step S411, the data channel establishment method may further include steps S414 to S415:

[0516] S414: The access network device sends the fourth perception data channel information to the AMF network element, and the AMF network element sends the fourth perception data channel information to the SF-C network element.

[0517] Among them, the fourth perception data channel information includes the second data channel information of the access network device.

[0518] Optionally, the fourth perception data channel information may further include an IP address of the access network device. The IP address of the access network device is used by the SF-U network element to generate an IP data packet based on the IP address to transmit the perception data to the access network device.

[0519] S415: The SF-C network element sends the fourth perception data channel information to the SF-U network element.

[0520] It should be noted that if the second data channel information of the access network device has been transmitted to the SF-U network element through step S411, and the second data channel is based on IP address communication, the IP address of the access network device can also be transmitted to the SF-U network element through steps S414 to S415, that is, the fourth perception data channel information includes the IP address of the access network device.

[0521] It should be noted that in this embodiment, if the access network device and the SF-U network element communicate based on an IP address, then when the access network device sends perception data to the SF-U network element, the access network device may encapsulate the perception data to obtain an IP data packet, and further encapsulate the IP data packet into a data packet that can be transmitted within the second data channel (e.g., using the GTP-U protocol to encapsulate the data packet into a data packet that can be transmitted within the second data channel). When the access network device transmits the IP data packet to the SF-U network element via the second data channel, the SF-U network element may decapsulate the data packet transmitted within the second data channel to obtain an IP data packet, and further decapsulate the IP data packet to obtain the perception data. It should be noted that in this case, the destination address of the second data channel may be determined by the second data channel information of the SF-U network element, and the source address of the second data channel may be determined by the second data channel information of the access network device. When the SF-U network element sends perception data to the access network device, the SF-U network element may encapsulate the perception data to obtain an IP data packet, and further encapsulate the IP data packet into a data packet that can be transmitted within the second data channel. When the SF-U network element transmits the IP data packet to the access network device via the second data channel, the access network device may decapsulate the data packet transmitted in the second data channel to obtain the IP data packet, and further decapsulate the IP data packet to obtain the perception data. It should be noted that in this case, the destination address of the second data channel may be determined by the second data channel information of the access network device, and the source address of the second data channel may be determined by the second data channel information of the SF-U network element.

[0522] If the access network device and the SF-U network element do not communicate based on IP addresses, then when the access network device sends perception data to the SF-U network element, the access network device may encapsulate the perception data into a data packet that can be transmitted in the second data channel. When the access network device transmits the perception data to the SF-U network element through the second data channel, the SF-U network element may decapsulate the data packet transmitted in the second data channel to obtain the perception data. It should be noted that in this case, the destination address of the second data channel may be determined by the second data channel information of the SF-U network element, and the source address of the second data channel may be determined by the second data channel information of the access network device. When the SF-U network element sends perception data to the access network device, the SF-U network element may encapsulate the perception data into a data packet that can be transmitted in the second data channel. When the SF-U network element transmits the perception data to the access network device through the second data channel, the access network device may decapsulate the data packet transmitted in the second data channel to obtain the perception data. It should be noted that, in this case, the destination address of the second data channel may be determined by the second data channel information of the access network device, and the source address of the second data channel may be determined by the second data channel information of the SF-U network element.

[0523] It should be noted that steps S408 to S415 are a process of establishing a second data channel between the access network device and the SF-U network element under the control of the SF-C network element.

[0524] It should be noted that after the second data channel is established based on steps S408 to S324, the perception service process shown in FIG4B can be executed and will not be described in detail.

[0525] It can be seen that in the embodiment of the present application, the interface logic between the access network device and the SF-U network element can be additionally introduced to directly establish a second data channel between the access network device and the SF-U network element. The second data channel does not need to be forwarded through the UPF network element, which can effectively shorten the transmission distance of the data channel and reduce the transmission time of the perception data. At the same time, the SF network element in the embodiment of the present application can be separated into SF-C network elements and SF-U network elements. The control plane and user plane of the SF network element are decoupled and separated, which is conducive to respectively enhancing the control plane function of the SF-C network element and the user plane function of the SF-U network element, and is conducive to deploying the separated SF-U network element closer to the access network device, effectively shortening the transmission distance of the second data channel and reducing the transmission time of the perception data. In addition, the SF-C network element can flexibly select the SF-U network element, and the SF-U network element has better scalability.

[0526] It should be noted that the above four embodiments are described using the example of establishing a data channel between an access network device and an SF network element (or SF-U network element). For implementations of establishing data channels between an access network device and multiple SF network elements (or multiple SF-U network elements), establishing data channels between multiple access network devices and one SF network element (or one SF-U network element), and establishing data channels between multiple access network devices and multiple SF network elements (or multiple SF-U network elements), refer to the above embodiments. However, when there are multiple access network devices or multiple SF network elements (or multiple SF-U network elements), it is necessary to carry the identifier of the access network device and / or the identifier of the SF network element (or the identifier of the SF-U network element) during each signaling interaction. For example, taking the example of establishing a data channel between an access network device and a first SF network element (the first SF network element being any one of the multiple SF network elements), the perception control request in step s14 may carry the identifier of the first SF network element, so that after receiving the perception control request, the access network device transmits perception data using the first data channel corresponding to the first SF network element. Optionally, data channel association identifiers, perception association identifiers, perception channel association identifiers, perception routing identifiers, routing identifiers, etc. can also be introduced to identify the association relationship between the access network device and the SF network element (or SF-U network element), as well as the association relationship between the access network device and the UPF network element.

[0527] It can be understood that in each of the above embodiments, the methods and / or steps implemented by the access network device can also be implemented by components of the access network device (such as chips or circuits); the methods and / or steps implemented by the AMF network element can also be implemented by components of the AMF network element (such as chips or circuits); the methods and / or steps implemented by the SMF network element can also be implemented by components of the SMF network element (such as chips or circuits); the methods and / or steps implemented by the UPF network element can also be implemented by components of the UPF network element (such as chips or circuits); the methods and / or steps implemented by the SF network element can also be implemented by components of the SF network element (such as chips or circuits); the methods and / or steps implemented by the SF-C network element can also be implemented by components of the SF-C network element (such as chips or circuits); the methods and / or steps implemented by the SF-U network element can also be implemented by components of the SF-U network element (such as chips or circuits).

[0528] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of the interaction between various network elements. Accordingly, the embodiment of the present application also provides a data channel establishment device, which is used to implement the various methods mentioned above. The data channel establishment device can be implemented for the single-domain network service providing entity in the above method embodiment or a component of the single-domain network service providing entity; or, the data channel establishment device can be the air interface service providing entity or a component of the air interface service providing entity in the above method embodiment; or, the data channel establishment device can be the EMS or a component of the EMS in the above method embodiment; or, the data channel establishment device can be the network service consumption or a component of the network service consumption entity in the above method embodiment; or, the data channel establishment device can be the access network device or a component of the access network device in the above method embodiment; or, the data channel establishment device can be the cross-domain network service providing entity or a component of the cross-domain network service providing entity in the above method embodiment; or, the data channel establishment device can be the NMS in the above method embodiment, or a component of the NMS.

[0529] It is understandable that, in order to realize the above functions, the data channel establishment device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be easily appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0530] In the embodiment of the present application, the data channel establishment device can be divided into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each functional module can be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing unit. The above-mentioned integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0531] Based on the same concept of the above-mentioned data channel establishment method, the present application also provides the following data channel establishment device:

[0532] As shown in FIG10 , it is a structural diagram of a data channel establishment device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The data channel establishment device 1000 includes a transceiver unit 1001 and a processing unit 1002; wherein:

[0533] When the data channel establishment device is used to implement the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the access network device in S101, S102, S104, S107, S108, and S116 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operations of the access network device in S103 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5; or, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the access network device in S201, S202, S204, S207, S215, and S216 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operations of the access network device in S201, S202, S204, S207, S215, and S216 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6. The operation of the access network device in S203; or, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the access network device in S301, S302, S304, S307, S319, and S320 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operations of the access network device in S303 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, or, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the access network device in S401, S402, S404, S407, S413, and S414 in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operations of the access network device in S403 in the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

[0534] When the data channel establishment device is used to implement the functions of the AMF network element in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the AMF network elements in S101, S102, S104, S106, S107, S108, S110, S115, and S116 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operations of the AMF network elements in S105 and S109 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5; or, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the AMF network elements in S201, S202, S204, S206, S207, S215, and S216 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operations as shown in Figure 6. The operation of the AMF network element in S205 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6; or, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the AMF network elements in S301, S302, S304, S306, S307, S319, and S320 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operation of the AMF network element in S305 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, or, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the AMF network elements in S401, S402, S404, S406, S407, S413, and S414 in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operation of the AMF network element in S405 in the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

[0535] When the data channel establishment device is used to implement the functions of the SMF network element in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the SMF network elements in S110, S112, S114, and S115 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operation of the SMF network element in S111 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5; or, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the SMF network elements in S209, S211, S213, S214, S217, S218, and S220 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operation of the SMF network element in S210 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6; or, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the SMF network elements in S312, S314, S316, S317, S321, S322, and S324 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operation of the SMF network element in S313 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7.

[0536] When the data channel establishment device is used to implement the functions of the UPF network element in the above-mentioned method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to execute the operations of the UPF network elements in S112 and S114 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and the processing unit 1002 is used to execute the operations of the UPF network element in S113 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5; or, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to execute the operations of the UPF network elements in S211, S213, and S218 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, and the processing unit 1002 is used to execute the operations of the UPF network elements in S212 and S219 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6; or, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to execute the operations of the UPF network elements in S314, S316, and S322 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, and the processing unit 1002 is used to execute the operations of the UPF network elements in S315 and S323 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7.

[0537] When the data channel establishment device is used to implement the functions of the SF network element in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the SF network element in S106 and S107 in the embodiment shown in Figure 5; or, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the SF network element in S206, S207, S209, S214, S215, S216, S217, and S220 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operation of the SF network element in S208 in the embodiment shown in Figure 6.

[0538] When the data channel establishment device is used to implement the functions of the SF-C network element in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the SF-C network element in S306, S307, S309, S310, S312, S317, S318, S319, S320, S321, and S324 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operations of the SF-C network element in S308 and S311 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, or the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the SF-C network element in S406, S407, S409, S410, S411, S412, S413, S414, and S415 in the embodiment shown in Figure 9, and the processing unit 1002 is used to perform the operation of the SF-C network element in S408 in the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

[0539] When the data channel establishment device is used to implement the functions of the SF-U network element in the above method embodiment, the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the SF-U network element in S309, S310, and S318 in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, or the transceiver unit 1001 is used to perform the operations of the SF-U network element in S409, S410, S411, S412, and S415 in the embodiment shown in Figure 9.

[0540] As shown in Figure 11, it is a structural diagram of another data channel establishment device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The data channel establishment device 1100 includes a processor 1101 and a memory 1103. The memory 1103 is used to store instructions executed by the processor 1101, or to store input data required for the processor 1101 to run instructions, or to store data generated after the processor 1101 runs instructions. Optionally, the data channel establishment device 1100 may further include an interface circuit 1102 (represented by a dotted line in the figure), and the processor 1101 and the interface circuit 1102 are coupled to each other. It will be understood that the interface circuit 1102 can be a transceiver or an input and output interface. Among them, the processor 1101 is used to implement the functions of the processing unit 1002 in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 above; and the interface circuit 1102 is used to implement the functions of the transceiver unit 1001 in the embodiment shown in Figure 10 above.

[0541] When the data channel establishment device is a chip used in an access network device, the chip implements the functions of the access network device in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the access network device, or the chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the access network device.

[0542] When the above-mentioned data channel establishment device is a chip applied to an AMF network element, the chip implements the functions of the AMF network element in the above-mentioned method embodiment. The chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the AMF network element, or the chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the AMF network element.

[0543] When the data channel establishment device is a chip applied to an SMF network element, the chip implements the functions of the SMF network element in the above method embodiment. The chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the SMF network element, or the chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or an antenna) in the SMF network element.

[0544] When the data channel establishment device is a chip applied to a UPF network element, the chip implements the functions of the UPF network element in the above method embodiment. The chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the UPF network element, or the chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the UPF network element.

[0545] When the data channel establishment device is a chip applied to an SF network element, the chip implements the functions of the SF network element in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the SF network element, or the chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the SF network element.

[0546] When the data channel establishment device is a chip used in an SF-C network element, the chip implements the functions of the SF-C network element in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the SF-C network element, or the chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the SF-C network element.

[0547] When the data channel establishment device is a chip used in an SF-U network element, the chip implements the functions of the SF-U network element in the above method embodiments. The chip receives information from other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the SF-U network element, or the chip sends information to other modules (such as a radio frequency module or antenna) in the SF-U network element.

[0548] In addition, it should be noted that the aforementioned transceiver unit and / or processing unit may be implemented through virtual modules, for example, the processing unit may be implemented through a software function unit or a virtual device, and the transceiver unit may be implemented through a software function or a virtual device. Alternatively, the processing unit or transceiver unit may also be implemented through a physical device, for example, if the device is implemented using a chip / chip circuit, the transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit and / or a communication interface, performing input operations (corresponding to the aforementioned receiving operations) and output operations (corresponding to the aforementioned sending operations); the processing unit may be an integrated processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit.

[0549] The division of modules in this application is illustrative and represents only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the examples of this application may be integrated into a single processor, exist physically as separate modules, or two or more modules may be integrated into a single module. The aforementioned integrated modules may be implemented in either hardware or software functional modules.

[0550] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0551] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction is executed, the method in the above embodiment is implemented.

[0552] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method in the above embodiment.

[0553] An embodiment of the present application also provides a data channel establishment system, including the above-mentioned data channel establishment device.

[0554] The present application also provides a circuit, which is coupled to a memory and is used to execute the method shown in the above embodiment. The circuit may include a chip circuit.

[0555] It should be noted that the above units or one or more of the units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of the two. When any of the above units or units is implemented by software, the software exists in the form of computer program instructions and is stored in a memory, and a processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow.

[0556] In this application, a processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in this application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in this application may be directly executed by a hardware processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0557] The processor can be built into a system on chip (SoC) or ASIC, or it can be a standalone semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions to perform calculations or processing, the processor can also include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), or logic circuits that implement specialized logic operations.

[0558] When the above units or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, a microprocessor, a digital signal processing (DSP) chip, a microcontroller unit (MCU), an artificial intelligence processor, an ASIC, a SoC, an FPGA, a PLD, a dedicated digital circuit, a hardware accelerator or a non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or not rely on the software to execute the above method flow.

[0559] Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip system, comprising: at least one processor and an interface, wherein the at least one processor is coupled to a memory via the interface, and when the at least one processor executes a computer program or instruction in the memory, the chip system executes the method in any of the above method embodiments. Optionally, the chip system may be composed of a chip, or may include a chip and other discrete devices, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0560] In the present application, the memory may be a non-volatile memory, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), or a volatile memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory is any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory in the present application may also be a circuit or any other device that can implement a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0561] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a digital versatile disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disk (SSD)).

[0562] Although the present application is described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, in the process of implementing the claimed application, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other changes to the disclosed embodiments by reviewing the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple situations. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. Certain measures are recorded in different dependent claims, but this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0563] It is understood that the various numbers used in the embodiments of this application are merely for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. The order of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not necessarily imply a specific order of execution; the order of execution of the processes should be determined by their functions and inherent logic.

[0564] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0565] The components in the device of the embodiment of the present application can be merged, divided, or deleted according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can combine or combine the different embodiments and features of the different embodiments described in this specification.

[0566] The above embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application and are not intended to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they may still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or replace some of the technical features therein with equivalents; and such modifications or replacements do not deviate from the essence of the corresponding technical solutions within the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

[0567] In this application, under the premise of no logical contradiction, the examples can reference each other, for example, the methods and / or terms between method embodiments can reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device embodiments can reference each other, for example, the functions and / or terms between device examples and method examples can reference each other.

[0568] Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a data channel, characterized in that: The method comprises: The session management function SMF network element receives a first data channel establishment request; the first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the perception function SF network element; The SMF network element selects a user plane function UPF network element; the UPF network element and the SF network element satisfy at least one of the following: the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF network element belong to the same IP address range, the service area of ​​the UPF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, and the data network connection identifier of the UPF network element is the same as the data network connection identifier of the SF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element; The SMF network element sends a first tunnel information acquisition request to the UPF network element, where the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request to obtain information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; the first tunnel is used to transmit the perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; The SMF network element receives a first tunnel information acquisition response from the UPF network element; the first tunnel information acquisition response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The SMF network element sends a first data channel establishment response, and the first data channel establishment response includes information of the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first data channel establishment request includes at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; the first tunnel information acquisition request includes at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; At least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element is used to establish an association relationship between at least one of the IP address of the access network device, the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that There is a second tunnel between the UPF network element and the SF network element for transmitting sensing data between the UPF network element and the SF network element, and the second tunnel is associated with the first tunnel.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The data network connection identifier includes at least one of a data network name DNN, a data network access identifier DNAI, or network slice selection service information S-NSSAI.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The SF network element is a user plane function-sensing SF-U network element.

6. A method for establishing a data channel, characterized in that: The method comprises: The UPF network element receives a first tunnel information acquisition request from the SMF network element, where the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request to obtain information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; the first tunnel is used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element; The UPF network element generates, based on the first tunnel information acquisition request, a forwarding rule for forwarding the sensing data between the access network device and the SF network element; The UPF network element sends a first tunnel information acquisition response to the SMF network element; the first tunnel information acquisition response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The first tunnel information acquisition request includes at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; The forwarding rule includes an association relationship between at least one of an IP address of the access network device or an IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that There is a second tunnel between the UPF network element and the SF network element for transmitting perception data between the UPF network element and the SF network element, and the forwarding rule includes an association relationship between the second tunnel and the first tunnel.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that The SF network element is a SF-U network element.

10. A method for establishing a data channel, characterized in that: The method comprises: The access and mobility management function AMF network element receives a first data channel establishment request from the access network device, where the first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the SF network element; The AMF network element selects an SMF network element; the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SMF network element and the SF network element satisfy at least one of the following: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element include UPF network elements whose IP addresses belong to the same IP address range as the SF network element, and the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element include UPF network elements with the same data network connection identifier as the SF network element; The AMF network element sends a first tunnel establishment request to the SMF network element, where the first tunnel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first tunnel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; the first tunnel is the first tunnel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; The AMF network element receives a first tunnel establishment response from the SMF network element, where the first tunnel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element; The AMF network element sends a first data channel establishment response to the access network device, and the first data channel establishment response includes information of the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The first data channel establishment request includes at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; the first tunnel establishment request includes at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element; At least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element is used to establish an association relationship between at least one of the IP address of the access network device or the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that There is a second tunnel between the UPF network element and the SF network element for transmitting sensing data between the UPF network element and the SF network element, and the second tunnel is associated with the first tunnel.

13. A method for establishing a data channel, characterized in that: The method comprises: The SF network element selects an SMF network element; the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SMF network element and the SF network element satisfy at least one of the following: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, there is a UPF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, and there is a UPF network element with the same data network connection identifier as the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element; The SF network element sends a first data channel establishment request to the SMF network element, where the first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting sensing data between the access network device and the SF network element; The SF network element receives a first data channel establishment response from the SMF network element, where the first data channel establishment response includes information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element, and the first tunnel is used to transmit the perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; The SF network element sends first perception data channel information to the AMF network element, and the first perception data channel information includes information of the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The first data channel establishment request includes the IP address of the SF network element; the IP address of the SF network element is used to establish an association relationship between the IP address of the SF network element and the first tunnel.

15. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that There is a second tunnel between the SF network element and the UPF network element for transmitting sensing data between the UPF network element and the SF network element, and the second tunnel is associated with the first tunnel.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that The data network connection identifier includes at least one of DNN, DNAI, or S-NSSAI.

17. A method for establishing a data channel, characterized in that: The method comprises: The perception control function SF-C network element selects an SMF network element; the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SMF network element and the perception user plane function SF-U network element meet at least one of the following: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF-U network element, there is a UPF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as the SF-U network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, or there is a UPF network element with the same data network connection identifier as the SF-U network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element; the SF-U is associated with the SF-C; The SF-C network element sends a first data channel establishment request to the SMF network element, where the first data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first data channel for transmitting sensing data between the access network device and the SF-U network element; The SF-C network element receives a first data channel establishment response from the SMF network element, where the first data channel establishment response includes information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; the UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF-U network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF-U network element, and the first tunnel is used to transmit the perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; The SF-C network element sends first perception data channel information to the AMF network element, and the first perception data channel information includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that Before the SF-C network element selects the SMF network element, the method further includes: The SF-C network element selects the SF-U network element; the load of the SF-U network element is lower than a threshold, the service area of ​​the SF-U network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SF-U network element has a data network connection identifier; The SF-C network element sends an association request to the SF-U network element, where the association request is used to request association between the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element; The SF-C network element receives an association response from the SF-U network element; the association response indicates that the SF-C network element is associated with the SF-U network element.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that The first data channel establishment request includes the IP address of the SF-U network element, and the IP address of the SF-U network element is used to establish an association relationship between the IP address of the SF-U network element and the first tunnel.

20. The method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that There is a second tunnel between the SF-U network element and the UPF network element for transmitting perception data between the UPF network element and the SF-U network element, and the second tunnel is associated with the first tunnel.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that The data network connection identifier includes at least one of DNN, DNAI, or S-NSSAI.

22. A method for establishing a data channel, characterized in that: The method comprises: The SF-C network element sends a second data channel establishment request to the SF-U network element; the second data channel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a second data channel for transmitting sensing data between the SF-U network element and the access network device; the SF-U is associated with the SF-C; The SF-C network element receives a second data channel establishment response from the SF-U network element; the second data channel establishment response includes information that the access network device sends the second data channel used by the sensing data to the SF-U network element; The SF-C network element sends second perception data channel information to the AMF network element, and the second perception data channel information includes information about the second data channel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the SF-U network element.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein: Before the SF-C network element sends the second data channel establishment request to the SF-U network element, the method includes: The SF-C network element selects the SF-U network element; the load of the SF-U network element is lower than a threshold, the service area of ​​the SF-U network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the slices supported by the SF-U network element include the slices supported by the access network device; The SF-C network element sends an association request to the SF-U network element, where the association request is used to request association between the SF-C network element and the SF-U network element; The SF-C network element receives an association response from the SF-U network element; the association response indicates that the SF-C network element is associated with the SF-U network element.

24. A data channel establishment system, characterized in that: The system includes access network equipment, AMF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element, and SF network element; The access network device is used to send a first data channel establishment request to the AMF network element, where the first data channel establishment request is used to request to establish a first data channel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the SF network element; The AMF network element is used to receive the first data channel establishment request from the access network device, and select the SMF network element; the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SMF network element and the SF network element meet at least one of the following: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, there are UPF network elements whose IP addresses belong to the same IP address range as the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, and there are UPF network elements with the same data network connection identifier as the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element; The AMF network element is also used to send a first tunnel establishment request to the SMF network element, where the first tunnel establishment request is used to request the establishment of a first tunnel for transmitting perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; The SMF network element is used to receive the first tunnel establishment request from the AMF network element, and select the UPF network element; the UPF network element and the SF network element satisfy at least one of the following: the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF network element belong to the same IP address range, the service area of ​​the UPF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, and the data network connection identifier of the UPF network element is the same as the data network connection identifier of the SF network element; The UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element; The SMF network element is further used to send a first tunnel information acquisition request to the UPF network element, where the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request to obtain information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The first tunnel is used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; The UPF network element is used to receive the first tunnel information acquisition request from the SMF network element; The UPF network element is further used to generate a forwarding rule for forwarding the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element based on the first tunnel information acquisition request, and send a first tunnel information acquisition response to the SMF network element; the first tunnel information acquisition response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The SMF network element is further used to send a first tunnel establishment response to the AMF network element, where the first tunnel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send perception data to the UPF network element; The AMF network element is further used to receive the first tunnel establishment response from the SMF network element, and to send a first data channel establishment response to the access network device, where the first data channel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The access network device is used to receive the first data channel establishment response from the AMF network element.

25. A data channel establishment system, characterized in that: The system includes access network equipment, AMF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element, and SF network element; The SF network element is used to select the SMF network element; the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SMF network element and the SF network element satisfy at least one of the following: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, there is a UPF network element whose IP address belongs to the same IP address range as the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, and there is a UPF network element whose data network connection identifier is the same as that of the SF network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element; The SF network element is further used to send a first data channel establishment request to the SMF network element, where the first data channel establishment request is used to request to establish a first data channel for transmitting sensing data between the access network device and the SF network element; The SMF network element is used to receive the first data channel establishment request from the SF network element, and select the UPF network element; the UPF network element and the SF network element satisfy at least one of the following: the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF network element belong to the same IP address range, the service area of ​​the UPF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF network element, and the data network connection identifier of the UPF network element is the same as the data network connection identifier of the SF network element; The UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF network element; The SMF network element is further used to send a first tunnel information acquisition request to the UPF network element, where the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request to obtain information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The first tunnel is used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; The UPF network element is used to receive the first tunnel information acquisition request from the SMF network element; The UPF network element is further configured to generate, based on the first tunnel information acquisition request, a method for forwarding the access network device to the SF network element. The forwarding rules of the perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element, and sending a first tunnel information acquisition response to the SMF network element; the first tunnel information acquisition response includes information of the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The SMF network element is further used to receive the first tunnel information acquisition response from the UPF network element, and send a first data channel establishment response to the SF network element, where the first data channel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The SF network element is further used to receive the first data channel establishment response from the SMF network element, and send first perception data channel information to the AMF network element, where the first perception data channel information includes information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The AMF network element is used to receive the first perception data channel information from the SF network element, and send the first perception data channel information to the access network device; The access network device is used to receive the first perception data channel information from the AMF network element.

26. A data channel establishment system, characterized in that: The system includes access network equipment, AMF network element, SMF network element, UPF network element, SF-C network element, and SF-U network element, and the SF-U network element is associated with the SF-C network element; The SF-C network element is used to select the SMF network element; the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the access network device, or the SMF network element and the SF-U network element satisfy at least one of the following: the service area of ​​the SMF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF-U network element, there are UPF network elements whose IP addresses belong to the same IP address range as the SF-U network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element, and there are UPF network elements whose data network connection identifier is the same as that of the SF-U network element among the UPF network elements managed by the SMF network element; The SF-C network element is further used to send a first data channel establishment request to the SMF network element, where the first data channel establishment request is used to request to establish a first data channel for transmitting sensing data between the access network device and the SF-U network element; The SMF network element is used to receive the first data channel establishment request from the SF-C network element, and select the UPF network element; the UPF network element and the SF-U network element satisfy at least one of the following: the IP address of the UPF network element and the IP address of the SF-U network element belong to the same IP address range, the service area of ​​the UPF network element includes the service area of ​​the SF-U network element, and the data network connection identifier of the UPF network element is the same as the data network connection identifier of the SF-U network element; The UPF network element is a network element between the access network device and the SF-U network element for sending the perception data of the access network device to the SF-U network element; The SMF network element is further used to send a first tunnel information acquisition request to the UPF network element, where the first tunnel information acquisition request is used to request to obtain information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The first tunnel is used to transmit perception data between the access network device and the UPF network element; The UPF network element is used to receive the first tunnel information acquisition request from the SMF network element; The UPF network element is further used to generate a forwarding rule for forwarding the perception data between the access network device and the SF network element based on the first tunnel information acquisition request, and send a first tunnel information acquisition response to the SMF network element; the first tunnel information acquisition response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The SMF network element is further used to receive the first tunnel information acquisition response from the UPF network element, and send a first data channel establishment response to the SF-C network element, where the first data channel establishment response includes information about the first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The SF-C network element is further used to receive the first data channel establishment response from the SMF network element, and send first perception data channel information to the AMF network element, where the first perception data channel information includes information about a first tunnel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the UPF network element; The AMF network element is used to receive the first perception data channel information from the SF-C network element, and send the first perception data channel information to the access network device; The access network device is used to receive the first perception data channel information from the AMF network element.

27. A data channel establishment system, characterized in that: The system includes access network equipment, AMF network element, SF-C network element, and SF-U network element, and the SF-U network element is associated with the SF-C network element; The SF-C network element sends a second data channel establishment request to the SF-U network element, where the second data channel establishment request is used to request to establish a second data channel for transmitting sensing data between the access network device and the SF-U network element; The SF-U network element is used to receive the second data channel establishment request from the SF-C network element, and send a second data channel establishment response to the SF-C network element, where the second data channel establishment response includes information that the access network device sends the second data channel used by the perception data to the SF-U network element; The SF-C network element is further used to receive the second data channel establishment response from the SF-U network element, and send second perception data channel information to the AMF network element, where the second perception data channel information includes information about the second data channel used by the access network device to send the perception data to the SF-U network element; The AMF network element is used to receive the second perception data channel information from the SF-C network element, and send the second perception data channel information to the access network device; The access network device is used to receive the second perception data channel information from the AMF network element.

28. A data channel establishment device, characterized in that: The device includes a module or unit for implementing the method described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or the device includes a module or unit for implementing the method described in any one of claims 6 to 9, or the device includes a module or unit for implementing the method described in any one of claims 10 to 12, or the device includes a module or unit for implementing the method described in any one of claims 13 to 16, or the device includes a module or unit for implementing the method described in any one of claims 17 to 21, or the device includes a module or unit for implementing the method described in claim 22 or 23.

29. A data channel establishment device, characterized in that: including memory and processor; The memory is used to store instructions or computer programs; The processor is used to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory so that the communication device performs the method described in any one of claims 1 to 5, or the communication device performs the method described in any one of claims 6 to 9, or the communication device performs the method described in any one of claims 10 to 12, or the communication device performs the method described in any one of claims 13 to 16, or the communication device performs the method described in any one of claims 17 to 21, or the communication device performs the method described in claim 22 or 23.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which, when executed, implements the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or implements the method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, or implements the method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, or implements the method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, or implements the method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, or implements the method according to claim 22 or 23.

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