Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of communications. Provided are a communication method and apparatus, which are used for reducing a service processing delay and improving a network resource utilization rate and communication efficiency. The method can comprise: a first apparatus receiving first data, and matching the first data with a corresponding first data packet detection rule; on the basis of the first data packet detection rule, determining an associated first data processing rule, wherein the first data processing rule is associated with a first service function; and on the basis of the first data processing rule, executing, on the first data, one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function, so as to obtain second data.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office on November 15, 2023, with application number 202311524889.9 and application name “A Communication Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0003] The core network of the fifth generation mobile communication (5G) includes the user plane function (UPF) network element, which is used to forward data and implement the user plane transmission channel between the user terminal and the data network.

[0004] Currently, the UPF only supports the function of a data transmission pipeline. The UPF forwards service data to the data network. The core network itself does not process service data, and service processing is performed by the data network. For example, after the UPF forwards service data to the data network, the service data can be processed by the application server (AS). The above implementation process is not ideal if the data network is far away from the user terminal, the service processing delay is long, and the forwarding of large amounts of data consumes a large amount of network transmission resources. For example, in video surveillance services, there is a lot of redundancy in video data, resulting in low communication efficiency.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus for reducing service processing delays and improving network resource utilization and communication efficiency.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by a first device or a module (such as a chip or circuit) of the first device. The method includes: receiving first data; matching the first data packet detection rule with a corresponding first data packet detection rule; determining an associated first data processing rule based on the first data packet detection rule, wherein the first data processing rule is associated with a first service function; and performing one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function on the first data based on the first data processing rule to obtain second data.

[0009] In the above embodiment, the first device supports specific service functions, so that when the terminal sends or receives data, the first device can perform corresponding data processing during the data forwarding process, so that the service functions of some business processing can be realized within the mobile network, thereby effectively reducing the business processing delay, improving resource utilization, and further improving communication efficiency.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method further includes: sending the second data to the internal interface. In the above embodiment, the first device can send the second data obtained after performing data processing to the internal interface for buffering so as to be forwarded later.

[0011] In one embodiment, before executing one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule, the method further includes: sending the first data to an internal interface. In the above embodiment, the first device may first send the first data to the internal interface, and then execute the service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain the second data.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method further includes: matching a corresponding second data packet detection rule for the second data; determining an associated forwarding action rule based on the second data packet detection rule, and sending the second data to a corresponding second device.

[0013] In the above embodiment, the first device obtains the second data after processing the data. It can match the corresponding data packet detection rules for the second data and determine the associated forwarding action rules to complete the forwarding of the user data. The second device continues to perform business processing on the second data, thereby improving the flexibility of business processing.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second device includes a radio access network RAN, a user plane function UPF, or a router or gateway of a data network.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the second data after data processing by the first device of the user plane network element may be sent to the RAN or transmitted to the terminal through the RAN for downlink transmission, or may be sent to the next user plane network element for further forwarding or data processing, or, for uplink transmission, may be sent to a router or network element of the data network to complete the forwarding function of the user plane. The present application increases the data processing capability within the mobile network (such as the user plane function), thereby effectively reducing the service processing delay, improving resource utilization, and further improving communication efficiency.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes: sending the service functions supported by the third device, including the first service function, to the third device.

[0017] In the above embodiment, the first device can report the service functions supported by itself to the third device that manages or selects the user plane network element, so that when the third device selects the user plane network element for data processing and forwarding operations based on the user's service request, it can determine the preferred forwarding path based on the service functions supported by each user plane network element and the service functions corresponding to the user's service request, which can reduce service processing delay and improve communication efficiency.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method further includes: obtaining at least one of the following processing rules: the first data packet detection rule, the second data packet detection rule, the first data processing rule, or a forwarding action rule.

[0019] In the above embodiment, the first device supports specific service functions, so that when the third device selects the first device to provide services for the terminal, the third device can configure data processing rules for the first device. When the terminal sends or receives data, the first device can perform corresponding data processing during the data forwarding process, so that the service functions of some business processing can be realized within the mobile network (such as user plane functions), thereby effectively reducing business processing delays, improving resource utilization, and further improving communication efficiency.

[0020] In one embodiment, the first device may be a user plane function UPF or an enhanced user plane function UPF.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first data processing rule is associated with a first service function list, and the first service function list corresponds to one or more service functions.

[0022] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be performed by a third device or a module (such as a chip or circuit) of the third device. The method includes: receiving a service request from a user; determining a first device based on the service request, wherein the first device supports a first service function corresponding to the service request; and sending a first data processing rule to the first device, wherein the first data processing rule is associated with the first service function.

[0023] In one embodiment, determining the first device based on the business request includes: determining one or more service functions corresponding to the business request based on the business request; determining that a first service function among the one or more service functions is executed by the first device, wherein the first service function includes at least one service function.

[0024] In one embodiment, the business request determines one or more service functions corresponding to the business request, including: negotiating with a global domain controller, a network intelligent management and orchestration function, or an application controller to determine one or more service functions corresponding to the business request.

[0025] In one embodiment, determining the first device according to the first service function includes: determining the first device according to the user's location, the first service function, and service functions supported by the first device.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method further includes: determining a second service function to be executed by the application server according to the service request, wherein the second service function includes one or more service functions.

[0027] In one embodiment, the determining the first device further includes: determining the first device according to a location of the application server.

[0028] In one embodiment, the method further includes: determining, based on the service request, one or more service functions corresponding to the service request;

[0029] It is determined that a third service function among the one or more service functions is executed by a fourth device, wherein the third service function includes at least one service function.

[0030] In one embodiment, the method further includes: determining the fourth device according to the user's location, the third service function, and the service functions supported by the fourth device, wherein the fourth device is configured to execute the third service function.

[0031] In one embodiment, the method further includes: sending a second data processing rule to a fourth device, where the second data processing rule is associated with the third service function.

[0032] In one embodiment, the method further includes: determining, according to the service request, a service function list corresponding to the service request, wherein the service function list includes a first service function, a second service function, and a third service function.

[0033] In a third aspect, a communication device is provided for implementing the above method. The communication device may be the first device described in the first aspect, or the third device described in the second aspect, or a node or device including the first or third device, or a module in the first or third device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit, or a logical node, logic module, or software that can implement some or all of the functions.

[0034] The communication device includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above-mentioned method, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or hardware executing corresponding software implementation. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0035] In conjunction with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication device may include a processing module and a transceiver module. The processing module may be configured to implement the processing functions described in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The processing module may, for example, be a processor. The transceiver module, also referred to as a transceiver unit, may be configured to implement the transmitting and / or receiving functions described in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof. The transceiver module may be comprised of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface.

[0036] In combination with the third aspect above, in a possible implementation, the transceiver module includes a sending module and a receiving module, which are respectively used to implement the sending and receiving functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementations thereof.

[0037] In a fourth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor; the processor is configured to be coupled to a memory, read instructions from the memory, and then execute the method described in any of the above aspects according to the instructions. The communication device may be the first device described in the first aspect, or the third device described in the second aspect, or a node or device including the first or third device, or a module in the first or third device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit, or a logical node, logic module, or software that can implement some or all of the functions.

[0038] In combination with the fourth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the communication device further includes a memory, which is used to store necessary program instructions and data.

[0039] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of a chip or include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0040] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: a processor and an interface circuit; the interface circuit is configured to receive a computer program or instruction and transmit it to the processor; and the processor is configured to execute the computer program or instruction, so that the communication device performs the method described in any of the above aspects. The communication device may be the first device described in the first aspect, or the third device described in the second aspect, or a node or device including the first or third device, or a module in the first or third device, such as a chip, chip system, or circuit, or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing some or all of the functions.

[0041] In conjunction with the fifth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the communication device is a chip or a chip system. Optionally, when the communication device is a chip system, it can be composed of a chip or include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0042] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein instructions are stored in the computer-readable storage medium. When the computer-readable storage medium is run on a computer, the computer can execute the method described in any one of the above aspects.

[0043] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method described in any one of the above aspects.

[0044] In an eighth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes a first device for executing any possible implementation of the first aspect, and a third device for executing any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0045] In combination with the eighth aspect above, in a possible implementation, the communication system further includes a second device for executing any possible implementation of the first aspect above.

[0046] Among them, the technical effects brought about by any possible implementation method in the second to eighth aspects can refer to the technical effects brought about by different possible implementation methods in the above-mentioned first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0047] It is understandable that, provided that the solutions are not contradictory, the solutions in each aspect can be combined. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system provided by the present application;

[0049] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a communication system provided by the present application;

[0050] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a UPF data forwarding provided by the present application;

[0051] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided by the present application;

[0052] FIG5 is a flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0053] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a process flow of a first device processing data provided by the present application;

[0054] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a data processing process provided by the present application;

[0055] FIG8 is a flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0056] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system provided by the present application;

[0057] FIG10 is a flow chart of another communication method provided by the present application;

[0058] FIG11 is a schematic diagram of a communication device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments.

[0060] First, the implementation scenario of the embodiment of the present application is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, including but not limited to: non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, narrowband Internet of Things system (NB-IoT), global system for mobile communications (GSM), enhanced data rate for GSM evolution system (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access system (WCDMA), code division multiple access 2000 system (CDMA2000), time division-synchronization code division multiple access system (TD-SCDMA), long term evolution system (LTE), 5G mobile communication system and next generation such as 6G mobile communication system.

[0062] The following uses the communication system shown in Figure 1 as an example to introduce the communication scenario of an embodiment of the present application.

[0063] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a possible, non-limiting system. As shown in Figure 1 , the communication system 10 includes a radio access network (RAN) 100 and a core network (CN) 200. RAN 100 includes at least one RAN node (e.g., 110a and 110b in Figure 1 , collectively referred to as 110) and at least one terminal (e.g., 120a-120j in Figure 1 , collectively referred to as 120). RAN 100 may also include other RAN nodes, such as wireless relay equipment and / or wireless backhaul equipment (not shown in Figure 1 ). Terminal 120 is wirelessly connected to RAN node 110. RAN node 110 is wirelessly or wiredly connected to core network 200. The core network equipment in core network 200 and RAN node 110 in RAN 100 may be separate physical devices, or they may be the same physical device that integrates core network logical functions and radio access network logical functions.

[0064] The RAN 100 may be a cellular system related to the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as a 4G or 5G mobile communication system, or a future-oriented evolutionary system (such as a 6G mobile communication system). The RAN 100 may also be an open access network (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system. The RAN 100 may also be a communication system that integrates two or more of the above systems.

[0065] The RAN node 110, which may also sometimes be referred to as access network equipment, RAN entity or access node, etc., constitutes a part of the communication system to help terminals achieve wireless access. The multiple RAN nodes 110 in the communication system 10 may be nodes of the same type or nodes of different types. In some scenarios, the roles of the RAN node 110 and the terminal 120 are relative. For example, the network element 120i in Figure 1 may be a helicopter or a drone, which may be configured as a mobile base station. For the terminal 120j that accesses the RAN 100 through the network element 120i, the network element 120i is a base station; but for the base station 110a, the network element 120i is a terminal. The RAN node 110 and the terminal 120 are sometimes referred to as communication devices. For example, the network elements 110a and 110b in Figure 1 may be understood as communication devices with base station functions, and the network elements 120a-120j may be understood as communication devices with terminal functions.

[0066] In one possible scenario, a RAN node may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), an access point (AP), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a next generation base station in a sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, or an access node in a WiFi system. A RAN node may be a macro base station (such as 110a in FIG1 ), a micro base station or an indoor station (such as 110b in FIG1 ), a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a CRAN scenario. Optionally, a RAN node may also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or an onboard device. For example, an access network device in vehicle to everything (V2X) technology may be a road side unit (RSU). All or part of the functions of the RAN node in this application may also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The RAN node in this application may also be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the RAN node functions.

[0067] In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU can be set separately, or they can be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0068] In different systems, CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, CU may also be called O-CU (Open CU), DU may also be called O-DU, CU-CP may also be called O-CU-CP, CU-UP may also be called O-CU-UP, and RU may also be called O-RU. For the convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU as examples for description. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0069] A terminal may also be referred to as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, mobile terminal, etc. Terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), Internet of Things (IOT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wearable, smart transportation, smart city, etc. A terminal may be a mobile phone, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, wearable device, vehicle, drone, helicopter, airplane, ship, robot, robotic arm, smart home device, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the device form of the terminal.

[0070] The terminal can also be a VR terminal, an AR terminal, or a mixed reality (MR) terminal. VR terminals, AR terminals, and MR terminals can all be referred to as extended reality terminals. An XR terminal can be, for example, a head-mounted device (such as a helmet, a head-mounted display (HMD) or glasses), an all-in-one machine, a TV, a monitor, a car, a vehicle-mounted device, a tablet or a smart screen, etc. The XR terminal can access the network wirelessly or wired, for example, through a WiFi or 5G system. The XR terminal can present XR data to the user, and the user can experience a variety of XR services by wearing or using the XR terminal.

[0071] The core network is primarily responsible for maintaining the subscription data of mobile network terminals and users and providing terminal functions such as session management, mobility management, policy management, and security authentication. The core network can be a centralized network architecture, with network functions (NFs) deployed by the management plane. The deployed NFs can be called network elements or network devices.

[0072] Exemplarily, the network elements of the core network may include but are not limited to: access management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), network exposure function (NEF), network storage function (NF repository function, NRF), policy control function (PCF), unified data management (UDM), application function (AF), edge application server discovery function (EASDF) or authentication service function (AUSF), etc.

[0073] Furthermore, the communication system may include a user plane transmission channel between the terminal and the data network (DN), thereby enabling the UE to access the data services of the DN. The user plane path is shown in Figure 2 as UE-RAN-UPF-DN. Among them, UPF can be used to be responsible for the related functions of routing and forwarding of user plane data packets in the 5G core network. As a user plane network element of the communication network, UPF mainly supports routing and forwarding of user service data, data and service identification, action and policy execution, etc. UPF can interact with the session management function SMF through the N4 interface, and is directly controlled and managed by SMF, and performs service flow processing according to various policies issued by SMF.

[0074] As shown in Figure 3, the current process of data forwarding by UPF mainly includes: UPF obtains the first data of the user plane from a certain interface, finds the Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) session that matches the first data, and the Packet Detection Rule (PDR) corresponding to the PFCP session, and performs corresponding processing on the business data according to the Forwarding Action Rule (FAR) associated with the PDR, such as discarding, caching or forwarding. Optionally, UPF can also perform QoS control according to the Quality of Service (QoS) enforcement rule (QER) associated with the PDR, and report usage according to the Usage Reporting Rule (URR) associated with the PDR.

[0075] The communication system shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 is for example only and is not intended to limit the technical solution of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that in a specific implementation, the communication system may also include other network elements or devices, and the number of nodes may also be determined based on specific needs without limitation.

[0076] Optionally, each network element or device in Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the present application can also be referred to as a communication device, which can be a general device or a dedicated device, and the present application does not make specific limitations on this.

[0077] Optionally, the relevant functions of each network element or device in Figure 1 or Figure 2 of the present application can be implemented by a single device, or by multiple devices, or by one or more functional modules within a single device, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions on this. It is understood that the above functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or a combination of hardware and software, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0078] In specific implementations, each network element or device in Figures 1 or 2 of this application may adopt the structure shown in Figure 4, or include the components shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device applicable to this application. The communication device 40 includes at least one processor 401 and at least one communication interface 404, which are used to implement the methods provided in this application. The communication device 40 may also include a communication circuit 402 and a memory 403.

[0079] The processor 401 may be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the present application.

[0080] The communication link 402 may include a path for transmitting information between the above components, such as a bus.

[0081] Communication interface 404 is used to communicate with other devices or communication networks. Communication interface 404 can be any transceiver-like device, such as an Ethernet interface, a radio access network (RAN) interface, a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface, a transceiver, a pin, a bus, or a transceiver circuit.

[0082] The memory 403 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and instructions, or an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or 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 to this. The memory can be independent and coupled to the processor 401 via the communication line 402. The memory 403 can also be integrated with the processor 401. The memory provided in this application can generally be non-volatile.

[0083] Among them, the memory 403 is used to store computer-executable instructions involved in executing the solution provided by this application, and is controlled by the processor 401. The processor 401 is used to execute the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 403, thereby implementing the method provided by this application. Alternatively, optionally, in this application, the processor 401 may also perform processing-related functions in the method provided in the following embodiments of this application, and the communication interface 404 is responsible for communicating with other devices or communication networks, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0084] Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in this application may also be referred to as application code, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0085] The coupling in this application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units or modules.

[0086] As an embodiment, the processor 401 may include one or more CPUs, such as CPU0 and CPU1 in FIG. 4 .

[0087] As an embodiment, the communication device 40 may include multiple processors, such as processor 401 and processor 407 in FIG4 . Each of these processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. The processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

[0088] As an embodiment, the communication device 40 may further include an output device 405 and / or an input device 406. The output device 405 is coupled to the processor 401 and can display information in a variety of ways. For example, the output device 405 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT) display device, or a projector. The input device 406 is coupled to the processor 401 and can receive user input in a variety of ways. For example, the input device 406 can be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensor device.

[0089] It is understandable that the composition structure shown in Figure 4 does not constitute a limitation on the communication device. In addition to the components shown in Figure 4, the communication device may include more or fewer components than shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or arrange the components differently.

[0090] The method provided by the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Each network element in the following embodiment may include the components shown in FIG4 , which will not be described in detail.

[0091] It can be understood that the message names between network elements or the names of parameters in the messages in the following embodiments of the present application are only examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations, and the present application does not make any specific limitations on this.

[0092] In order to facilitate the description of the technical solution of the present application, in the present application, words such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish between technical features with the same or similar functions. The words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the words such as "first" and "second" do not necessarily limit them to be different. For example, the first service function in the specific embodiment of the specification may be the same as or different from the first service function in the claims; the second service function in the specific embodiment of the specification may be the same as or different from the third service function in the claims. The first / second / third service functions in the embodiments of the claims and the specification in this application are only examples of service functions and do not refer to specific service functions. The serial number does not represent a limitation on the quantity or execution order, and will not be elaborated on later.

[0093] In this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. The use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner to facilitate understanding.

[0094] It is understood that the "embodiment" mentioned throughout the specification means that the specific features, structures or characteristics related to the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. Therefore, the various embodiments in the entire specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, these specific features, structures or characteristics can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. It is understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence number of each process does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the present application.

[0095] It can be understood that in this application, "when", "if" and "if" all mean that corresponding processing will be taken under certain objective circumstances, and do not limit the time, nor do they require judgment actions when implementing them, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0096] The term "simultaneously" in this application may be understood as at the same time point, within a period of time, or within the same cycle.

[0097] It is understood that some optional features in this application may, in certain scenarios, be implemented independently of other features, such as the solution on which they are currently based, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. They may also be combined with other features in certain scenarios as needed. Accordingly, the devices provided in this application may also implement these features or functions accordingly, which will not be described in detail here.

[0098] It is understandable that the same step or steps or technical features with the same function in different embodiments of the present application can be referenced to each other.

[0099] It should be noted that in this application, the term "RAN node" can be expressed differently, such as "network device." Unless otherwise specified, the term "network device" is used throughout this application. The term "network device" is a reference to an access network device (e.g., a base station).

[0100] It can be understood that in this application, "sending certain information (such as first configuration information) to (such as a terminal)" can be understood as the destination end of the information being the terminal. It can include sending the information to the terminal directly or indirectly. "Receiving certain information (such as first indication information) from (such as a terminal)" can be understood as the source end of the information being the terminal, which can include receiving information from the terminal directly or indirectly. The information may be processed as necessary between the source end and the destination end of the information transmission, such as format changes, etc., but the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0101] It can be understood that in this application, "sending certain information (such as first indication information) to (such as a first device)" can be understood as the destination end of the information being the first device. It can include sending the information to the first device directly or indirectly. "Receiving certain information (such as first configuration information) from (such as a second device)" can be understood as the source end of the information being the second device, which can include receiving information from the second device directly or indirectly. The information may be processed as necessary between the source end and the destination end of the information transmission, such as format changes, etc., but the destination end can understand the valid information from the source end. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated here.

[0102] It is understood that the method provided below in this application uses a node or communication device as an example to illustrate the method, but this application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction diagram. For example, the method executed by the communication device in this application can also be executed by a module of a network device (such as a chip, chip system, or processor), and can also be implemented by a logical node, logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0103] The present application provides a communication method that configures data processing rules within a mobile network (such as a user plane function) so that the user plane function can implement the service functions of some business processing. In other words, the present application provides a model and method for user plane functions to implement some business processing or data processing functions, thereby effectively reducing business processing delays, improving resource utilization, and further improving communication efficiency.

[0104] As shown in FIG5 , the present application provides a communication method, which may include the following steps.

[0105] 501: A first device receives first data.

[0106] In one embodiment, the first device may be a UPF, or an enhanced user plane function (X-UPF), or may be other logical functions or functional entities in the core network. X-UPF represents an enhancement based on the UPF, and may also be a new network element. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the name of the communication device.

[0107] The first data may be service data sent by the user or service data sent to the user, for example, it may be a service message corresponding to a service requested by the user, or a service message sent to the user by a data network.

[0108] Exemplarily, the first device can receive the first data from an interface such as the N6 interface, the N3 interface, the N9 interface, the N19 interface or an internal interface. For example, the first device can receive data from a data network such as an AS from the N6 interface, or the first device can receive data from other UPFs from the N9 interface or the N19 interface, or the first device can receive data from an access network device from the N3 interface, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not impose any specific restrictions on the manner in which the first device obtains the first data.

[0109] 502: The first device matches the first data packet detection rule corresponding to the first data.

[0110] The first device determines the first PDR that matches the first data by querying. For example, as shown in FIG3 , the first device can query the PFCP session that matches the first data to determine the PDR associated with the PFCP session.

[0111] Illustratively, the information included in the PDR may include at least one of the following: source interface, tunnel information, destination address, service information, associated data processing rule information, identification information of the associated FAR (such as a FAR ID), or instructions for decapsulating the tunnel header, etc. The source interface, tunnel information, destination address, service information, etc. may be referred to as matching information.

[0112] The data processing rules may be associated with one or more service functions for executing the associated service functions. For example, the service functions associated with the data processing rules may include data processing such as feature extraction, encoding, compression, computational processing, or artificial intelligence (AI) analysis of video data.

[0113] Optionally, the data processing rule may also be referred to as a processing action rule (PAR) or other names, which are not specifically limited in this application. In the following embodiments, PAR may be used as an example for introduction, and the corresponding identification information may be represented as a PAR ID.

[0114] In addition, the source interface is used to indicate from which interface the first device receives the first data, such as an indication including an N3 interface, an N9 interface, an N6 interface or an internal interface. Tunnel information is used to indicate from which tunnel the first data is received, for example, by identifying it through a tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID). The destination address (Destination IP) is used to indicate the destination address of the data. Service information can be used to indicate to which service the data belongs, such as service information can be indicated by a task identifier (such as Task ID) or a service identifier (such as Service ID). The indication of removing the tunnel header (removal Outer header) can, for example, be an indication of removing the General Packet Radio Service Tunneling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U) tunnel header. The associated data processing rule information can be rule identification information or an associated service function, and the identification information of the associated data processing rule is used to indicate the data processing rule that matches the first data, so that the first device can process the first data according to the data processing rule. The identification information of the associated FAR is used to indicate the FAR that the first data matches, so that the first data or the data (such as the second data) processed according to the data processing rule can be forwarded accordingly.

[0115] In one implementation, a first PDR is configured on the first device, and the first PDR includes the following information: source interface N3, tunnel information TEID#1, and PAR ID#2. When the first device receives first data from the RAN through the tunnel corresponding to TEID#1, the first PDR can be matched.

[0116] 503: The first device determines an associated first data processing rule according to the first data packet detection rule.

[0117] The first data processing rule is associated with a service function (SF). The first device supports one or more service functions. Specifically, the one or more service functions can be associated with the first data processing rule. For example, the service function associated with the first data processing rule may include feature extraction processing of video data according to a configured algorithm. For another example, the service function associated with the first data processing rule may include feature extraction processing and encoding compression of video data.

[0118] Exemplarily, the first device supports multiple service functions, and a first service function list or a first service function set can be associated through a first data processing rule, wherein the first service function list or the first service function set includes one or more service functions supported by the first device.

[0119] In one implementation, a first PDR is configured on a first device. The first PDR includes the following information: source interface N3, tunnel information TEID #1, and PAR ID #2. When the first device receives first data from the RAN through the tunnel corresponding to TEID #1, the first PDR is matched, thereby determining the data processing rule corresponding to the associated PAR ID #2.

[0120] 504: The first device performs a corresponding service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain second data.

[0121] Specifically, the first device can execute the service function associated with the first data processing rule on the first data. For example, the first service function list associated with the first data processing rule includes two service functions: feature extraction processing and encoding compression on video data. The first device can perform feature extraction processing and encoding compression processing on the first data based on a preset algorithm to obtain second data.

[0122] In one embodiment, the first device may send the processed second data to an internal interface and cache it for subsequent forwarding.

[0123] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the first device may first send the first data to the internal interface, and then perform a service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain the second data.

[0124] That is to say, the first device may first send the first data to the internal interface and then execute SF, or the first device may first execute SF and then send the processed second data to the internal interface. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0125] In one embodiment, after the first device processes and obtains the second data, the following steps may also be included: the first device matches the second data packet detection rule corresponding to the second data packet; based on the second data packet detection rule, determines the associated forwarding action rule, and sends the second data to the corresponding second device. For example, a second PDR is configured on the first device, and the second PDR contains the following information: the source interface is an internal interface, the destination address is IP add#1, and FAR ID#1. When the first device obtains the second data on the internal interface, it can match the second PDR based on the destination address of the second data (IP add#1), thereby determining the forwarding action rule corresponding to the associated FAR ID#1.

[0126] In one implementation, the second device may be a RAN node, a user plane function UPF, a router or a gateway of a data network, etc.

[0127] 6 , the first device processes the first data in the following steps: PDR1 — PAR1 — FAR1 — PDR2 — FAR2. PDR1 — PAR1 corresponds to steps 501 and 502, FAR1 forwards the data to the internal interface in step 504, and PDR2 — FAR2 corresponds to the detection and forwarding of the second data in step 504.

[0128] If the first device is UPF1 (or X-UPF1), and the destination address corresponding to the second data is a RAN node, the forwarding action rule matched by the first device for the second data can be used to send the second data to the RAN node; if the destination address corresponding to the second data is another UPF such as UPF2 (or X-UPF2), the forwarding action rule matched by the first device for the second data can be used to send the second data to UPF2 (or X-UPF2).

[0129] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG7 , UPF2 can be used to perform a second service function, such as AI analysis or computational processing in video processing. UPF2 supports this second service function and can be associated with it through a second data processing rule, such as PAR2. Similar to the aforementioned process, UPF2 receives the second data, matches it with a corresponding PDR, such as PDR3, and then determines the PAR2 associated with PDR3. Based on PAR2, UPF2 can perform a corresponding service function, such as AI analysis, on the second data to obtain third data. Then, UPF2 determines the associated forwarding action rule, FAR3, for the third data and sends the third data to the DN for further processing.

[0130] In one embodiment, the first device may send the service functions it supports, such as including the first service function, to the third device, so that the third device can select the third device as the terminal service based on the service functions supported by the first device and configure data processing rules for the first device.

[0131] In one embodiment, the first device may obtain at least one processing rule from a third device or other network element or node: a first data packet detection rule, a second data packet detection rule, a first data processing rule, or a forwarding action rule. That is, the network may configure corresponding rules for the first device based on the processing capabilities or processing requirements of the first device, such as supported service functions, received data types, or data forwarding requirements. These rules may include, but are not limited to, one or more PDRs, one or more PARs, one or more FARs, one or more QERs, or URRs.

[0132] In the above embodiment, the first device supports specific service functions, so that when the third device selects the first device to provide services for the terminal, the third device can configure data processing rules for the first device. When the terminal sends or receives data, the first device can perform corresponding data processing during the data forwarding process, so that the service functions of some business processing can be realized within the mobile network (such as user plane functions), thereby effectively reducing business processing delays, improving resource utilization, and further improving communication efficiency.

[0133] In addition, the present application also provides another communication method, as shown in FIG8 , which may include the following steps.

[0134] 801: The third device receives a service request from a user.

[0135] Specifically, the third device may receive a service request from a user via a RAN node. Optionally, the service request may include an indication of a service function requested to be executed, and the service request may include the user's location information.

[0136] 802: The third device determines the first device according to the service request, configured to execute the first service function corresponding to the service request, wherein the first device supports the first service function corresponding to the service request.

[0137] In one embodiment, the third device first determines the user's location information. This determination can be based on the location information included in the service request in step 801, or the third device can request the user's location information from another network element or device. The third device first determines a set of candidate devices based on the user's location information, with the first device set being closer to the user. The third device then determines a first device based on the service functions supported by each device in the candidate set and the first service function corresponding to the service request. The first device supports the first service function corresponding to the service request.

[0138] In one embodiment, in addition to determining that the first device performs the first service function corresponding to the service request, the third device may also determine that the fourth device performs the third service function corresponding to the service request, and the third service function corresponds to one or more service functions. For example, the service functions corresponding to the service request include SF#1, SF#2, and SF#3. The third device determines that the first device performs the first service function (associated with SF#1 and SF#2), and the second data processed by the first device can be forwarded to the fourth device, and the fourth device performs the third service function (associated with SF#3). It should be understood that the third device can determine multiple user-plane network elements / devices (for example, the first device, the fourth device, and several fifth devices) to perform the service function corresponding to the service request, and the number is not limited. The process of the third device determining the fourth device is consistent with the above embodiment and will not be repeated.

[0139] 803: The third device sends the first data processing rule to the first device.

[0140] The first data processing rule is associated with the first service function. That is, the third device can configure corresponding data processing rules for the first device based on the service function to be processed by the first device. As described in the aforementioned embodiment, the third device can also configure corresponding rules for the first device, which may include but are not limited to one or more PDRs, one or more PARs, one or more FARs, one or more QERs or URRs, etc.

[0141] Optionally, if the third device also determines that the third service function corresponding to the business request is executed by the fourth device, the third device can send data processing rules (such as the second data processing rules) and other rules to the fourth device, which is similar to step 803 and will not be repeated.

[0142] The fourth device or the fifth device may be a network element of the user plane, such as UPF or X-UPF or other functional network elements, or the fourth device may be a network element of the data network, such as an application server AS.

[0143] That is, in one embodiment, the user's service request can be divided and executed by multiple UPFs. For example, the first device (UPF#1) executes the first service function (associated with SF#1 and SF#2), and the fourth device (UPF#1) executes the third service function (associated with SF#3). In another embodiment, the user's service request can be divided and executed by the UPF and the application server. That is, some SFs in the service function list corresponding to the user's service request are executed by the core network side, and the other SFs are executed by the data network. For example, the first device (UPF#1) executes the first service function (associated with SF#1 and SF#2), and the fourth device (application server) executes the second service function (associated with SF#3).

[0144] Specifically, the third device may determine, based on the user's location, the third service function, and the service functions supported by the fourth device, that the fourth device execute the third service function corresponding to the user's request. The third device may then send data processing rules and other rules to the fourth device. For details, please refer to the description of step 803 above and will not be repeated here.

[0145] The fourth device performs a third service function among the one or more service functions.

[0146] In one embodiment, the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to the network architecture shown in Figure 9. The communication system may include a Network AI management and orchestration (NAMO) function for managing and controlling the functions of each node in the core network. It can also be called a global controller.

[0147] As shown in Figure 9, the communication system may further include a third device for implementing functions such as selecting and controlling multiple UPFs and issuing rules to the UPFs. The third device stores topology information for multiple X-UPFs and information about the SFs supported by each X-UPF. Optionally, the third device may also obtain information about SFs supported by the UE or RAN.

[0148] Exemplarily, the third device may be any network service-control function (XN-C), or may be an SMF or other network element, and this application does not make any specific limitation on the network element.

[0149] Optionally, the communication system may include multiple X-UPFs, where the business processing functions (such as data, technical, or security services) supported within the X-UPF may be represented by service functions (SFs), which support dynamic deployment or instantiation. The SFs supported by each X-UPF may be the same or different. For example, the communication system shown in FIG9 includes X-UPF1 and X-UPF2, where X-UPF1 supports SF1 and SF2, and X-UPF2 supports SF3 and SF4.

[0150] As shown in Figure 9, the communication system may further include an Application Function Controller (AF-C) for managing and controlling an application server AS. For example, the AF-C may select an AS that supports the corresponding SF according to a user's service request.

[0151] In one embodiment, the third device determines the first device, which may specifically include: the third device may negotiate with the global controller, the network intelligent management and orchestration function NAMO or the application controller AF-C to determine the division of labor between the core network and the data network for specific data processing, that is, to determine the service functions executed on the core network side and the service functions executed by the application server.

[0152] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG10 , the method includes the following steps.

[0153] 1. Each X-UPF sends the service functions it supports to XN-C.

[0154] 2. AF-C sends the service functions it supports to NAMO.

[0155] The execution order of steps 1 and 2 is not limited.

[0156] 3. XN-C or NAMO receives the service request and negotiates to determine the SF to be executed on the network side and the SF to be executed on the cloud side based on the service request.

[0157] For example, XN-C or NAMO receives a service establishment request requesting to establish a forwarding and processing channel for a video surveillance service, and XN-C determines one or more SFs executed on the network side and one or more SFs executed on the cloud side.

[0158] In a possible implementation, the XN-C and the AF-C interact with each other to perform collaborative division of labor and determine one or more SFs to be executed by each.

[0159] In another possible implementation, the global controller or NAMO may allocate and determine the SFs that the core network and the cloud side are responsible for processing, and then notify the XN-C and AF-C respectively of the SFs that need to be executed.

[0160] 4. XN-C or NAMO can determine the X-UPF corresponding to each SF and determine the processing and forwarding rules corresponding to each X-UPF.

[0161] For example, the XN-C or NAMO may determine the SF executed on each X-UPF, as well as the corresponding processing and forwarding rules, such as PDR, PAR, or FAR.

[0162] 5. XN-C sends the corresponding processing and forwarding rules to each UPF.

[0163] For example, if step 4 determines that X-UPF1 and X-UPF2 are used to implement SF1 and SF2, then XN-C may send corresponding processing and forwarding rules to X-UPF1 and X-UPF2 respectively.

[0164] In one embodiment, the third device may determine the first device based on the user's location, the first service function, and the service functions supported by the first device. In other words, the third device may determine the service function SF to be executed on the network side based on the specific service being requested, and select an X-UPF based on the user's location, X-UPF capabilities, and other factors to ensure the optimal forwarding path.

[0165] The third device may be XN-C or the network intelligent management and orchestration function NAMO.

[0166] In one embodiment, if the data obtained after processing by the first device needs to be forwarded to the application server for subsequent data processing, the third device can also determine the first device based on the location of the application server, thereby selecting the optimal processing path and reducing processing delay.

[0167] For example, after XN-C determines one or more SFs to be executed on the DN side, it can select one or more X-UPFs based on the user's location, the application server's location, the capabilities of the X-UPF, etc., to determine a better forwarding path for the service data.

[0168] In the above-mentioned implementation mode, the user-side network elements that perform data processing and forwarding functions can be selected through the management or control network elements of the core network, and the corresponding data processing and forwarding rules can be issued. Optionally, the core network and the data network can also realize the division of labor and negotiation of data processing, thereby optimizing the data forwarding path, reducing the processing delay of business data, and improving the flexibility of data processing and communication efficiency.

[0169] The various embodiments mentioned above in this application can be combined without limitation if there is no contradiction between the solutions.

[0170] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. Accordingly, this application also provides a communication device, which can be the first device in the above method embodiment, or a node or device including the above first device, or a component that can be used for the first device; or, the communication device can be the third device in the above method embodiment, or a node or device including the above third device, or a component that can be used for the third device.

[0171] It is understandable that, in order to implement the above functions, the above communication device includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithmic operations of the various examples 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.

[0172] It should be understood that the above description only uses the first device, the second device, or the third device as an example to describe the interaction between various network elements. In fact, the processing performed by the above terminal is not limited to being performed by a single network element, and the processing performed by the above network device is not limited to being performed by a single network element.

[0173] The present application can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional modules. It is understood that the division of modules in this application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used.

[0174] For example, in the case of dividing the functional modules in an integrated manner, FIG11 shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1100. The communication device 1100 includes an interface module 1101 and a processing module 1102.

[0175] In some embodiments, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 11 ) for storing program instructions and data.

[0176] Exemplarily, the communication device 1100 may be used to implement the function of the first device. The communication device 1100 is, for example, the first device described in each of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0177] The interface module 1101 is used to receive first data.

[0178] The processing module 1102 is used to match the first data packet detection rule corresponding to the first data; determine the associated first data processing rule based on the first data packet detection rule, and the first data processing rule is associated with the first service function; execute one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain second data.

[0179] In one implementation, the interface module 1101 is further configured to send the second data to an internal interface.

[0180] In one embodiment, the interface module 1101 is further configured to send the first data to an internal interface before the processing module 1102 performs one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule.

[0181] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 is configured to match the second data packet with a corresponding second data packet detection rule and determine an associated forwarding action rule based on the second data packet detection rule. The interface module 1101 is configured to send the second data to a corresponding second device.

[0182] In one embodiment, the second device includes a radio access network RAN, a user plane function UPF, or a router or gateway of a data network.

[0183] In one implementation, the interface module 1101 is further configured to send the service functions supported by the interface module 1101 to the third device, including the first service function.

[0184] In one embodiment, the interface module 1101 is further configured to obtain at least one of the following processing rules: the first data packet detection rule, the second data packet detection rule, the first data processing rule, or a forwarding action rule.

[0185] In one embodiment, the first device may be a user plane function UPF or an enhanced user plane function UPF.

[0186] In one embodiment, the first data processing rule is associated with a first service function list, and the first service function list corresponds to one or more service functions.

[0187] In addition, the communication device 1100 can also be used to implement the steps performed by the third device in the embodiment shown above, for example.

[0188] The interface module 1101 is used to receive a service request from a user.

[0189] The processing module 1102 is configured to determine a first device according to the service request, where the first device supports a first service function corresponding to the service request.

[0190] The interface module 1101 is further configured to send a first data processing rule to the first device, where the first data processing rule is associated with the first service function.

[0191] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 is used to determine one or more service functions corresponding to the business request based on the business request; determine that the first service function among the one or more service functions is executed by the first device, wherein the first service function includes at least one service function.

[0192] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 is configured to negotiate with a global domain controller, a network intelligent management and orchestration function, or an application controller to determine one or more service functions corresponding to the business request.

[0193] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 is configured to determine the first device according to the user's location, the first service function, and the service functions supported by the first device.

[0194] In one implementation, the processing module 1102 is configured to determine a second service function to be executed by the application server according to the service request, wherein the second service function includes one or more service functions.

[0195] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 is configured to determine the first device according to a location of an application server.

[0196] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 is used to determine one or more service functions corresponding to the business request based on the business request; determine that a third service function among the one or more service functions is executed by a fourth device, wherein the third service function includes at least one service function.

[0197] In one embodiment, the processing module 1102 is configured to determine the fourth device according to the user's location, the third service function, and the service functions supported by the fourth device, and the fourth device is configured to execute the third service function.

[0198] In one embodiment, the interface module 1101 is configured to send a second data processing rule to the fourth device, where the second data processing rule is associated with the third service function.

[0199] In one implementation, the processing module 1102 is configured to determine, based on the service request, a service function list corresponding to the service request, wherein the service function list includes a first service function, a second service function, and a third service function.

[0200] In summary, when the communication device 1100 is used to implement the functions of the first device or the third device in the above embodiments, for other functions that the communication device 1100 can implement, please refer to the relevant introduction of any of the above embodiments, and no further details will be given.

[0201] In a simple embodiment, those skilled in the art may appreciate that the communication device 1100 may be in the form shown in Figure 4. For example, the processor 401 in Figure 4 may call the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 503 to enable the communication device 1100 to execute the method described in the above method embodiment.

[0202] Exemplarily, the functions / implementation processes of the processing module 1102 in FIG. 11 may be implemented by the processor 401 in FIG. 4 .

[0203] Exemplarily, the function / implementation process of the interface module 1101 in FIG. 11 may be implemented through the communication interface 404 in FIG. 4 .

[0204] It is understandable that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of the two. When any of the above modules 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. The processor can be built into an SoC (system on chip) or an ASIC, or it can be an independent semiconductor chip. In addition to the core used to execute software instructions to perform calculations or processing within the processor, it can further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), PLDs (programmable logic devices), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0205] When the above modules 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.

[0206] Optionally, the present application also 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 method in any of the above method embodiments is executed. In one possible implementation, the chip system also includes a memory. Optionally, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices, which is not specifically limited in this application.

[0207] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. All or part of the processes in the above-mentioned method embodiments can be completed by a computer program to instruct the relevant hardware. The program can be stored in the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it can include the processes of the above-mentioned method embodiments. The computer-readable storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the communication device of any of the above-mentioned embodiments, such as a hard disk or memory of the communication device. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also be an external storage device of the above-mentioned communication device, such as a plug-in hard disk, a smart memory card (smart media card, SMC), a secure digital (secure digital, SD) card, a flash card (flash card), etc. equipped on the above-mentioned communication device. Furthermore, the above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also include both the internal storage unit of the above-mentioned communication device and an external storage device. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium is used to store the above-mentioned computer program and other programs and data required by the above-mentioned communication device. The above-mentioned computer-readable storage medium can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or is to be output.

[0208] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer program product. All or part of the processes in the above method embodiments may be completed by a computer program instructing related hardware. The program may be stored in the above computer program product, and when executed, the program may include the processes in the above method embodiments.

[0209] Optionally, the present application also provides a computer instruction. All or part of the process in the above method embodiment can be completed by the computer instruction to instruct the relevant hardware (such as a computer, processor, network device or terminal, etc.). The program can be stored in the above computer-readable storage medium or in the above computer program product.

[0210] Optionally, the present application also provides a communication system, including: the first device and the third device in the above embodiment.

[0211] Optionally, the present application also provides a communication system, including: the first device and the second device in the above embodiment.

[0212] Optionally, the present application also provides a communication system, including: the first device, the second device and the third device in the above embodiment.

[0213] Through the description of the above implementation methods, technical personnel in the relevant field can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, only the division of the above-mentioned functional modules is used as an example. In actual applications, the above-mentioned functions can be assigned to different functional modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional modules to complete all or part of the functions described above.

[0214] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the modules or units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another device, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0215] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may be one physical unit or multiple physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed in multiple places. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0216] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0217] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited to this. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to a first device, the method comprises: receiving first data; Matching a first data packet detection rule corresponding to the first data; Determine, according to the first data packet detection rule, an associated first data processing rule, wherein the first data processing rule is associated with a first service function; One or more service functions corresponding to the first service function are executed on the first data according to the first data processing rule to obtain second data.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further comprises: The second data is sent to the internal interface.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Before executing one or more service functions corresponding to the first service function on the first data according to the first data processing rule, the method further includes: The first data is sent to the internal interface.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Matching a corresponding second data packet detection rule for the second data; According to the second data packet detection rule, an associated forwarding action rule is determined, and the second data is sent to a corresponding second device.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The second device comprises: Radio access network RAN, user plane function UPF, or router or gateway of data network, etc.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The service functions supported by the third device are sent to the third device, including the first service function.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The method further comprises: At least one of the following processing rules is obtained: the first data packet detection rule, the second data packet detection rule, the first data processing rule, or a forwarding action rule.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The first device may be a user plane function UPF or an enhanced user plane function UPF.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The first data processing rule is associated with a first service function list, and the first service function list corresponds to one or more service functions.

10. A communication method, characterized in that: Applied to the third device, the method includes: Receive user's business request; determining a first device according to the service request, the first device supporting a first service function corresponding to the service request; A first data processing rule is sent to the first device, where the first data processing rule is associated with the first service function.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The determining the first device according to the service request includes: Determine, according to the service request, one or more service functions corresponding to the service request; It is determined that a first service function among the one or more service functions is to be performed by the first device, wherein the first service function includes at least one service function.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: Determining, according to the service request, one or more service functions corresponding to the service request, including: Negotiate with the global controller, the network intelligent management and orchestration function, or the application controller to determine one or more service functions corresponding to the business request.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: Determining a first device according to the first service function includes: The first device is determined according to the location of the user, the first service function, and the service functions supported by the first device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A second service function to be executed by the application server is determined according to the service request, wherein the second service function includes one or more service functions.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that The determining the first device further includes: The first device is determined according to the location of the application server.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that: The method further comprises: Determine, according to the service request, one or more service functions corresponding to the service request; It is determined that a third service function among the one or more service functions is executed by a fourth device, wherein the third service function includes at least one service function.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The method further comprises: The fourth device is determined according to the location of the user, the third service function, and the service functions supported by the fourth device, and the fourth device is used to execute the third service function.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that The method further comprises: A second data processing rule is sent to the fourth device, where the second data processing rule is associated with the third service function.

19. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 18, characterized in that: The method further comprises: According to the service request, a service function list corresponding to the service request is determined, wherein the service function list includes a first service function, a second service function, and a third service function.

20. A communication device, characterized in that: include: A processor, wherein the processor is coupled to a memory, wherein the memory is used to store programs or instructions, and when the programs or instructions are executed by the processor, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is executed.

21. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or instruction stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program or instructions are executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is performed.

22. A computer program product, comprising computer program code, characterized in that: When the computer program code is run on a computer, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 19 is executed.

23. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system comprises a communication device for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a communication device for executing the method according to any one of claims 10 to 19.

Images