Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a first network element acquiring first configuration information, and sending the first configuration information, wherein the first configuration information is used for indicating a usage rule of first signaling between a terminal device and a first network function, the first signaling is associated with a first service, and the first network function supports the provision of the first service for the terminal device. In the technical solution of the present application, the terminal device and the first network function can acquire the first service by exchanging the first signaling, so that flexible and easy network service deployment and updating can be provided.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 22, 2023, with application number 202311788349.1, and invention name “A Communication Method and Communication Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method and a communication device. Background Art

[0003] Mobile network systems establish transmission channels for users, enabling fast and reliable data transmission of various service data packets between users and the data network (DN), providing ubiquitous access services. With the rapid development of communication technology, mobile networks can further provide additional functions such as computing, sensing, and data processing.

[0004] In the fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication network architecture, non-access stratum (NAS) signaling includes mobility management (MM), session management (SM), short message service (SMS), UE policy, and location service (LCS). Different NAS signaling corresponds to different services. NAS signaling exchanges between user equipment (UE) and network functions (NF) are forwarded through the access and mobility management function (AMF) to meet user service requirements.

[0005] However, the frequency of network function updates and iterations is increasing, and the existing standardized implementation methods are not conducive to the flexible deployment and updating of network services. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and a communication device that can provide flexible and convenient network service deployment and update.

[0007] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be executed by a first network element (e.g., a NAS control function (NACF)), or may be executed by a chip, circuit, or logic module of the first network element, although this application does not limit this. For ease of description, the following description uses execution by the first network element as an example.

[0008] The method includes: obtaining first configuration information, the first configuration information is used to indicate usage rules of first signaling between a terminal device and a first network function, the first signaling is associated with a first service, and the first network function supports providing the first service to the terminal device; and sending the first configuration information.

[0009] Exemplarily, the first signaling includes NAS signaling (or NAS message) and / or control plane signaling.

[0010] Exemplarily, the first service may be a service provided by the current 5G network, such as a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment / update service, a registration service, a positioning service, an access service, etc., or it may be a new service that the network may provide, such as a perception service, a computing service, a data service, an artificial intelligence (AI) service, a cloud terminal service, a data compression service, an AI model training service, a data caching service, a format conversion service, or a virtual user service, etc.

[0011] According to the above solution, by defining the usage rules of the first signaling, the first signaling is opened to the terminal device as a service, so that the first signaling can interact between the terminal device and the first network function, that is, the terminal device can flexibly use the first signaling to obtain the first service provided by the first network function, especially the various new service types that the network may provide, such as AI services, computing power services, or additional functions such as perception services. The network allows flexible definition and service orchestration of the first network function, so that the network functions and services within the network can be quickly implemented and applied to ensure user experience.

[0012] In some implementations, the first signaling is used to implement one or more of the following: controlling the first service; synchronizing the state of the first service; or transmitting data of the first service.

[0013] Exemplarily, the first signaling is used to control the first service, including: requesting the first service, requesting to change parameters of the first service, or requesting to release the first service, etc. The first signaling is used to synchronize the status of the first service, including: activating the first service, suspending the first service, or updating the status of the terminal device, etc. The first signaling is used to transmit data for the first service, including: transmitting data related to the first service, etc., via the first signaling.

[0014] Based on the above solution, by defining the function of the first signaling, different service requests of users can be met and user experience can be guaranteed.

[0015] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving a first request message, the first request message being used to request first configuration information, the first request message including information about the first network function and / or information about the first service; and sending a first response message, the first response message being used to indicate a configuration result of the first configuration information.

[0016] Based on the above scheme, the first network function can generate or obtain the first configuration information based on the first request message of the service requester (for example, Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM) / network control function (NCF) / task control function (TCF) / application function (AF)), so that subsequent terminal devices can flexibly use the first signaling to obtain the first service from the first network function, realize the definability of the transmission of the first signaling, ensure that the network functions and services within the network can be quickly implemented and applied, and improve the user experience.

[0017] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving a first request message, the first request message being used to request first configuration information, the first request message including information about a first network function and / or information about a first service; and sending the first configuration information, including: sending a first response message, the first response message including the first configuration information.

[0018] Based on the above scheme, the first network function can generate or obtain the first configuration information based on the first request message of the service requester (such as OAM / NCF / TCF / AF), and send the first configuration information to other nodes, so that subsequent terminal devices can flexibly interact with the first network function through the first signaling, and then obtain the first service from the first network function, thereby realizing the definability of the transmission of the first signaling, ensuring that the network functions and services within the network can be quickly implemented and applied, and improving the user experience.

[0019] In some implementations, sending the first configuration information includes: sending second information to a database, where the second information is used to store or update the first configuration information.

[0020] Based on the above scheme, the database can obtain the first configuration information through the first information. Assuming that the network function (such as the policy control function (PCF) responsible for terminal device policy control, the AMF responsible for terminal device mobility management, etc.) sends a subscription service update notification request to the database, then after receiving the second information, the database can send the first configuration information to the network function, or, when the subsequent terminal device comes online or the policy of the terminal device is updated, the database can send the second configuration information in the first configuration information to the terminal device through AMF / PCF, or, when the subsequent terminal device initiates a request for the first service through the first signaling, the forwarding node or processing node in the network can obtain the third configuration information in the first configuration information from the database, and then determine the forwarding logic and usage rules of the first signaling to ensure that the terminal device obtains the first service in a timely manner.

[0021] In some implementations, the first request message also includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the terminal device; the format of the first signaling; a service identifier associated with the first signaling; a service type associated with the first signaling; the content of the first signaling; an identifier of the first signaling; forwarding logic of the first signaling; a priority of the first signaling; or information and / or application information of the service requester that is allowed to use the first signaling.

[0022] In some implementations, before obtaining the first configuration information, the method also includes: determining, based on the first information, that the terminal device supports the use of the first service; wherein the first information includes one or more of the following: capability information of the terminal device, the capability information of the terminal device indicating that the terminal device supports the use of the first signaling to obtain the first service, and / or indicating that the terminal device supports the use of the first signaling to obtain the first service; an identifier of the terminal device, the identifier of the terminal device is associated with the capability information of the terminal device; contract information of the terminal device, the contract information indicating that the network authorizes the terminal device to use the first service, and / or indicating that the network authorizes the terminal device to use the first signaling to obtain the first service; or, policy information, the policy information indicating that the terminal device is allowed to use the first service, and / or indicating that the terminal device is allowed to use the first signaling to obtain the first service.

[0023] Based on the above scheme, the first network element can first determine whether the terminal device supports the use of the first service before obtaining the first configuration information, and if it is determined that the terminal device supports the use of the first service, obtain and send the first configuration information so that the terminal device can flexibly use the first signaling to obtain the first service from the first network function.

[0024] In some implementations, the first configuration information includes second configuration information and third configuration information, and sending the first configuration information includes: sending the second configuration information to the terminal device; and / or sending the third configuration information to the first network function.

[0025] It should be understood that the terminal device can send a service request message based on the second configuration information to obtain the first service, and the first network function can determine whether to provide the first service based on the third configuration information, that is, the usage rules of the first signaling are determined by the first configuration information, so that the first signaling can be flexibly used between the terminal device and the first network function, and the first service can be obtained, so that the network functions and services within the network can be quickly implemented and applied to ensure user experience.

[0026] In some implementations, the second configuration information includes one or more of the following: the format of the first signaling; the content of the first signaling; the priority of the first service; the name of the first signaling; the identifier of the first signaling; or other parameters associated with the first service.

[0027] In some implementations, the third configuration information includes one or more of: an identifier of the first service; information about applications that are allowed to use the first service and / or information about the service requester; forwarding logic for the first signaling; an identifier of the first signaling; or network information, allowing the terminal device to use the first service within the network indicated by the network information.

[0028] In some implementations, the method further includes: sending indication information to the terminal device, the indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to obtain the second configuration information and / or fourth configuration information through the first session, the fourth configuration information being used to instruct the terminal device to perform software update.

[0029] Based on the above scheme, by sending indication information, the terminal device can determine that it needs to obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information based on the first session, that is, obtain the usage rules and / or software update information of the first signaling, and then based on the obtained second configuration information and / or fourth configuration information, it can flexibly send the first signaling to the first network function and obtain the first service, so that the network functions and services within the network can be quickly implemented and applied to ensure user experience.

[0030] In some implementations, sending the second configuration information to the terminal device includes: sending policy update information to the terminal device, the policy update information includes the second configuration information; or, receiving a second request message from a user plane network element, the second request message is used to request to obtain the second configuration information; sending a second response message to the user plane network element, the second response message includes the second configuration information.

[0031] Based on the above solution, the second configuration information is carried in the policy update information, or the second configuration information is sent to the terminal device as policy update information, that is, the second configuration information is sent to the terminal device through policy update, so that the terminal device and the first network function can flexibly use the first signaling and obtain the first service, so that the network functions and services within the network can be quickly implemented and applied to ensure user experience.

[0032] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving a third request message from a user plane network element, the third request message being used to request fourth configuration information; and sending a third response message to the user plane network element, the third response message including the fourth configuration information, wherein the fourth configuration information is information indicating that the terminal device is to perform a software update.

[0033] The third request message may carry one or more of the following: information of the first application, an identifier of the first service, an identifier of the first signaling, an identifier of the terminal device, or an identifier and / or address information of the first network element.

[0034] Based on the above solution, the user plane network element initiates a request through a session, and the first network element feeds back the fourth configuration information to the user plane network element according to the received third request message, so as to facilitate subsequent terminal equipment to complete software upgrade or update to obtain the second configuration information.

[0035] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be executed by a second network element (e.g., an NCF, a TCF, or an OAM), or may be executed by a chip, circuit, or logic module of the second network element, which is not limited in this application. For ease of description, the following description uses execution by the second network element as an example.

[0036] The method includes: sending a first request message, the first request message is used to request first configuration information, the first request message includes information about the first network function and / or information about the first service, the first configuration information is used to indicate usage rules of first signaling between the terminal device and the first network function, the first signaling is associated with the first service, and the first network function supports providing the first service to the terminal device; receiving a first response message, the first response message is used to indicate a configuration result of the first configuration information; and / or the first response message includes the first configuration information.

[0037] According to the above scheme, the second network element, as a control plane functional network element, can trigger the sending of a first request message to the first network element, so that the first network element configures the first configuration information, that is, the second network element or other network elements (such as processing nodes or forwarding nodes) can obtain the usage rules of the first signaling from the first network element to support the call of the first service, ensuring that the terminal device can flexibly use the first signaling to obtain the first service from the first network function, especially the various service types that the network may provide, such as AI services, computing power services, or perception services and other additional functions, which can ensure that the network functions and services within the network can be quickly implemented and applied to ensure user experience.

[0038] In some implementations, before sending the first request message, the method further includes: deploying a first network function within the network.

[0039] In some implementations, deploying a first network function within a network includes: receiving a fourth request message, where the fourth request message is used by an application function or an operator management function to request deployment of the first network function within the network; and sending a fourth response message, where the fourth response message is used to indicate a deployment result of the first network function.

[0040] In some implementations, the first response message includes first configuration information, and the method further includes: sending third information to a database, where the third information is used to store or update the first configuration information.

[0041] In some implementations, the first configuration information includes second configuration information and third configuration information, and the method further includes: sending the second configuration information to the terminal device; and / or sending the third configuration information to the first network function.

[0042] In some implementations, the second configuration information includes one or more of the following: a format of the first signaling; content of the first signaling; a priority of the first service; a name of the first signaling; or other parameters associated with the first service.

[0043] In some implementations, the third configuration information includes one or more of: an identifier of the first service; information about applications that are allowed to use the first service and / or information about the service requester; forwarding logic for the first signaling; an identifier of the first signaling; or network information, allowing the terminal device to use the first service within the network indicated by the network information.

[0044] In some implementations, the method further includes: sending indication information to the terminal device, the indication information being used to instruct the terminal device to obtain the second configuration information and / or fourth configuration information through the first session, the fourth configuration information being used to instruct the terminal device to perform software update.

[0045] In some implementations, the method also includes: sending policy update information to the terminal device, the policy update information including second configuration information; or, receiving a second request message from the user plane network element, the second request message is used to request to obtain the second configuration information; sending a second response message to the user plane network element, the second response message including the second configuration information.

[0046] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving a third request message from a user plane network element, the third request message being used to request fourth configuration information; and sending a third response message to the user plane network element, the third response message including the fourth configuration information.

[0047] In some implementations, the first request message also includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the terminal device; the format of the first signaling; a service identifier associated with the first signaling; a service type associated with the first signaling; the content of the first signaling; an identifier of the first signaling; forwarding logic of the first signaling; a priority of the first signaling; or information and / or application information of the service requester that is allowed to use the first signaling.

[0048] The beneficial effects of the above-mentioned second aspect and certain implementation methods of the second aspect can be referred to the corresponding description of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0049] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method may be executed by a terminal device, or may be executed by a chip, circuit, or logic module of the terminal device, which is not limited in this application. For ease of description, the following description is based on an example of execution by a terminal device.

[0050] The method includes: receiving second configuration information, the second configuration information is used to indicate the usage rules of first signaling between the terminal device and the first network function, the first signaling is associated with the first service, and the first network function supports providing the first service to the terminal device; sending first signaling according to the second configuration information, the first signaling is used for the terminal device to obtain the first service.

[0051] According to the above scheme, the terminal device can determine the usage rules of the first signaling by receiving the second configuration information, and then the terminal device can flexibly use the first signaling to interact with the first network function to obtain the first service, especially the various service types that the network may provide, such as AI services, computing power services, or perception services and other additional functions, which can enable the network functions and services within the network to be quickly implemented and applied to ensure user experience.

[0052] In some implementations, before receiving the second configuration information, the method further includes: sending capability information, where the capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports obtaining the first service using the first signaling based on the second configuration information.

[0053] In some implementations, the capability information is further used to indicate that the terminal device supports opening the first signaling to the first application.

[0054] That is to say, the terminal device can flexibly process the first signaling based on the second configuration information obtained, and / or flexibly encapsulate the content of the first signaling based on the second configuration information. At the same time, the terminal device supports opening the first signaling to the first application, which means that after the first network element obtains the capability information, it can determine that the first application can use the signaling service of the first service based on the information of the first application provided by the terminal device. By flexibly defining the capability information to expand the function of the first signaling, that is, supporting the terminal device to obtain the first service by sending the first signaling, and also supporting the first application to use the first signaling, or supporting the first application to transmit the first signaling, or supporting the first application to transmit the data packet of the first service through the first signaling, the first signaling can be flexibly used to obtain the first service.

[0055] In some implementations, the second configuration information includes one or more of the following: a format of the first signaling; content of the first signaling; a priority of the first service; a name of the first signaling; an identifier of the first signaling; or other parameters associated with the first NAS service.

[0056] In some implementations, the method further includes: receiving indication information, where the indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information through the first session, and the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform software update.

[0057] In some implementations, the method further includes: obtaining session parameters, the session parameters being used to establish the first session; sending a session establishment request message based on the session parameters, the session establishment request message being used to request establishment of the first session; and receiving a session establishment response message, the session establishment response message being used to indicate an establishment result of the first session.

[0058] In some implementations, receiving the second configuration information includes: sending a fifth request message to the user plane network element through the first session, the fifth request message being used to request obtaining the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information; and receiving a fifth response message from the user plane network element through the first session, the fifth response message including the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information.

[0059] In some implementations, the method also includes: obtaining first node information, the first node information indicating the sending node of the second configuration information; sending a sixth request message to the user plane network element through the first session, the sixth request message is used to request obtaining the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information, the sixth request message includes the first node information; receiving a sixth response message from the user plane network element through the first session, the sixth response message includes the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information.

[0060] In some implementations, the sixth request message further includes information about the first service.

[0061] In some implementations, receiving the second configuration information includes receiving policy update information, where the policy update information includes the second configuration information.

[0062] The beneficial effects of the third aspect and certain implementation methods mentioned above can be referred to the relevant description of the first aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0063] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided. This method can be executed by a forwarding node (e.g., a wireless access node, an AMF, or an SCP), or by a chip, circuit, or logic module of the forwarding node, although this application does not limit this. For ease of description, the following description uses execution by a forwarding node as an example.

[0064] The method includes: receiving a first signaling, the first signaling is used by a terminal device to obtain a first service; obtaining forwarding logic for the first signaling, the forwarding logic for the first signaling includes information about a first network function, and the first network function supports processing the first signaling; and sending the first signaling to the first network function according to the forwarding logic of the first signaling.

[0065] This application does not limit the number of network functions (which may be referred to as processing nodes) that process the first service. Optionally, if there are multiple processing nodes, the forwarding logic of the first signaling also includes information about a second network function that supports processing the first signaling. For example, the first network function executes the first part of the first service, and the second network function executes the second part of the first service. After the forwarding node forwards the first signaling to the first network function, the first network function executes the first part of the first service, and then the second network function executes the second part of the first service.

[0066] In some implementations, obtaining the forwarding logic of the first signaling includes: receiving the forwarding logic of the first signaling from a first network element, where the first network element supports the first service.

[0067] In some implementations, obtaining the forwarding logic of the first signaling includes: sending a query message to the network storage function, where the query message is used to obtain information about the first network function.

[0068] In the fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which can be used for a first network element and may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect. The modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0069] In some implementations, the apparatus includes: a processing unit for obtaining first configuration information, the first configuration information being used to indicate usage rules of first signaling between a terminal device and a first network function, the first signaling being associated with a first service, and the first network function supporting provision of the first service to the terminal device; and a transceiver unit for sending the first configuration information.

[0070] The transceiver unit can perform the receiving and sending processing in the aforementioned first aspect and its possible implementations, and the processing unit can perform other processing except receiving and sending in the aforementioned first aspect and its possible implementations.

[0071] In the sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which can be used for a second network element and may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect. The modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0072] In certain implementations of the sixth aspect, the apparatus includes: a transceiver unit for sending a first request message, the first request message being used to request first configuration information, the first request message including information about a first network function and / or information about a first service, the first configuration information being used to indicate usage rules for a first signaling between a terminal device and the first network function, the first signaling being associated with a first service, and the first network function supporting provision of a first service to the terminal device; the transceiver unit being further used to receive a first response message, the first response message being used to indicate a configuration result of the first configuration information; and / or the first response message including the first configuration information.

[0073] The transceiver unit can perform the receiving and sending processing in the aforementioned second aspect and its possible implementations. Optionally, the device also includes a processing unit, which can perform other processing in addition to receiving and sending in the aforementioned second aspect and its possible implementations.

[0074] In the seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which can be used in a terminal device and may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect. The modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0075] In certain implementations of the seventh aspect, the device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving second configuration information, the second configuration information being used to indicate usage rules of a first signaling between a terminal device and a first network function, the first signaling being associated with a first service, and the first network function supporting provision of a first service to the terminal device; the transceiver unit is further used to send a first signaling according to the second configuration information, the first signaling being used for the terminal device to obtain the first service.

[0076] The transceiver unit can perform the receiving and sending processing in the aforementioned third aspect and its possible implementations. Optionally, the device also includes a processing unit, which can perform other processing in addition to receiving and sending in the aforementioned third aspect and its possible implementations.

[0077] In the eighth aspect, a communication device is provided, which can be used in a terminal device and may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third aspect. The modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0078] In certain implementations of the eighth aspect, the device includes: a transceiver unit for receiving a first signaling, the first signaling being used by a terminal device to obtain a first service; a processing unit for obtaining forwarding logic for the first signaling, the forwarding logic for the first signaling including information of a first network function, and the first network function supporting processing of the first signaling; the transceiver unit is further used to send the first signaling to the first network function according to the forwarding logic of the first signaling.

[0079] The transceiver unit can perform the receiving and sending processing in the aforementioned fourth aspect and its possible implementations. Optionally, the device also includes a processing unit, which can perform other processing in addition to receiving and sending in the aforementioned fourth aspect and its possible implementations.

[0080] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions, and / or logic circuits, so that the communication device performs a method as in any one of the first to fourth aspects, or any possible implementation of these aspects.

[0081] In certain implementations, at least one processor is coupled to at least one memory, wherein the at least one memory stores the computer program or instructions. Optionally, the communication device further comprises the at least one memory. Optionally, the at least one processor and the at least one memory are integrated.

[0082] In the tenth aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a processor and a communication interface, the communication interface being used to receive information and / or data to be processed and to send the information and / or data to be processed to the processor, the processor being used to process the information and / or data to be processed, so that a communication device in which the chip is installed executes a method as in any one of the first to fourth aspects, or any possible implementation of these aspects.

[0083] In the eleventh aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, in which computer instructions are stored. When the computer instructions are executed on a computer, the method of any one of the first to fourth aspects, or any possible implementation of these aspects, is implemented.

[0084] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes a computer program code. When the computer program code is run on a computer, the method in any aspect from the first to the fourth aspect, or any possible implementation of these aspects, is implemented.

[0085] In the thirteenth aspect, a wireless communication system is provided, comprising a communication device as described in any one or more of the fifth aspect, the sixth aspect, or the eighth aspect.

[0086] Optionally, the communication system may further include the communication device described in the seventh aspect.

[0087] Among them, the technical effects of the technical solutions of the fifth to thirteenth aspects can refer to the description of the corresponding technical effects of the first to fourth aspects and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of a first communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of a second communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of a third communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of a fourth communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of an interaction flow of a fifth communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of a protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of a first communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0096] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of a second communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0098] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: fourth generation (4G) communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) communication systems, 5G communication systems, such as 5G new radio (NR), 5G core network (5G Core, 5GC), or various communication systems evolved after 5G, such as sixth generation (6G) communication systems. The technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle to everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems or other communication systems.

[0099] In a communication system, the part operated by an operator may be referred to as a public land mobile network (PLMN), or an operator network, etc. A PLMN is a network established and operated for the purpose of providing land mobile communication services to the public. It is primarily a public network where mobile network operators (MNOs) provide mobile broadband access services to users. The PLMN described in the embodiments of this application may specifically be a network that complies with 3GPP standards, referred to as a 3GPP network. 3GPP networks generally include but are not limited to 5G mobile communication networks, 4G mobile communication networks, and other communication systems that have evolved after 5G, such as 6G mobile communication networks.

[0100] For ease of description, the embodiments of the present application will be described using PLMN or 5G network as an example.

[0101] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture 100 applicable to an embodiment of the present application, taking the 5G network architecture based on a service-based architecture (SBA) in a non-roaming scenario defined in the 3GPP standardization process as an example. As shown in FIG1 , the network architecture may include a terminal device portion, a data network (DN) portion, and an operator network PLMN portion. The operator network PLMN portion may include, but is not limited to, a (radio) access network (R)AN) 120 and a core network (CN) portion.

[0102] The following is a brief description of the functions of the network elements in each part.

[0103] The terminal device portion may include UE 110. The UE 110 in this application is a device with wireless transceiver functions, which can communicate with one or more core network (CN) devices via an access network device (or also referred to as an access device) in a (radio) access network (R) AN 120. The UE 110 may also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, user agent or user device, etc. The terminal device 110 may also be a device for providing voice and / or data connectivity to a user, or may also be an Internet of Things device. For example, the UE 110 includes a handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, a computing device or other device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device, a drone device or an Internet of Things, a terminal in an Internet of Vehicles, a terminal of any form in a 5G network and future networks, a relay user device or a terminal in a future evolved 6G network, etc. Currently, UE 110 can be: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a PDA, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device (such as a smart watch, a smart bracelet, a pedometer, smart glasses, etc.), an in-vehicle device (such as a car, a bicycle, an electric car, an airplane, a ship, a train, a high-speed train, etc.), a satellite terminal, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a smart home device (such as a refrigerator, a TV, an air conditioner, an electric meter, etc.), an intelligent robot, a robotic arm, a workshop equipment, a wireless terminal in unmanned driving, a wireless terminal in telemedicine, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home, a flying device (such as an intelligent robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. UE 110 may also be a vehicle device, such as a complete vehicle device, an onboard module, an onboard chip, an onboard unit (OBU), or a telematics box (T-BOX). UE 110 may also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, UE 110 may also be a device that functions as a terminal in D2D communication. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type or category of terminal devices.UE 110 can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld or vehicle-mounted; it can also be deployed on water (such as ships, etc.); it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites, etc.).

[0104] (R)AN 120 may include one or more access network elements or access network devices (also referred to as network devices). Specifically, the network devices are nodes in (R)AN 120, and may also be referred to as RAN nodes (or devices). The interface between the access network device and the terminal device may be a Uu interface (also referred to as an air interface, i.e., messages exchanged between the access network device and the terminal device may be referred to as air interface messages). Of course, in future communications, the interface name may remain unchanged or may be replaced by other names, and this application is not limited thereto. (R)AN 120 is a device that provides wireless communication capabilities for UE 110 and can connect the terminal device to a node or device in a wireless network. The network architecture 100 may include one or more (R)ANs 120, and multiple (R)ANs 120 may be nodes of the same type or different types. (R)AN 120 may be considered a subnetwork of the operator network and is the implementation system between a service node in the operator network and UE 110. For example, UE 110 may connect to a service node in the operator network through (R)AN 120 to obtain services provided by the service node.

[0105] In one possible scenario, (R)AN 120 includes but is not limited to: the next generation node base station (gNB) in the 5G system, the evolved Node B (eNode B) in the long term evolution (LTE), a home base station (for example, home evolved node B, or home node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), a transmission point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a small base station device, a mobile switching center, or the next generation base station in the 6G mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, or an access point (AP) in a WiFi system, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a network device in a mobile switching center non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, that is, it can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or a satellite, and the satellite can support the functions of the (R)AN 120. In addition, (R)AN 120 can also be deployed on land, such as outdoors; or, it can also be deployed on the water, such as on a ship. (R)AN 120 can be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. (R)AN 120 can also be a device that acts as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, Internet of Vehicles communication, drone communication, and machine communication. Optionally, the network device can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. For example, the access network device in the vehicle to everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU).

[0106] In another possible scenario, multiple (R)ANs 120 collaborate to assist terminals in achieving wireless access, with different (R)ANs 120 implementing portions of the base station's functionality. For example, the (R)AN 120 may 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 may be configured separately or included in the same network element, such as a BBU. The RU may be included in a radio frequency device or radio unit, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). It is understood that the (R)AN 120 may be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including both a CU node and a DU node. Furthermore, the CU may be classified as a network device in the access network RAN, or as a network device in the core network CN, without limitation herein.

[0107] 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, the radio access network may also be an open radio access network (ORAN) architecture. 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. Any unit of CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application may be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0108] The CN part may include but is not limited to the following network functions NF: user plane function (UPF) 130, network exposure function (NEF) 131, network function repository function (NRF) 132, policy control function PCF 133, unified data management function (UDM) 134, application function AF 135, authentication server function (AUSF) 136, access and mobility management function AMF 137, and session management function (SMF) 138.

[0109] The data network DN 140, also called a packet data network (PDN), is typically a network outside the operator's network, such as a third-party network.

[0110] The following is a brief description of the NF functions included in CN.

[0111] 1. UPF 130 is a user plane function provided by the operator and is responsible for communication between the operator network and DN 140. UPF 130 network functions include packet routing and transmission, packet detection, service usage reporting, Quality of Service (QoS) processing, uplink packet detection, downlink packet storage, and other user plane-related functions.

[0112] 2. NEF 131 is a control plane function provided by the operator. It mainly enables third parties to use the services provided by the network, supports the network to open its capabilities, event and data analysis, provide PLMN security configuration information from external applications, and convert interactive information within and outside the PLMN.

[0113] 3. NRF 132 is a control plane function provided by the operator, which can be used to maintain real-time information of network functions and services in the network.

[0114] 4. PCF 133 is a control plane function provided by the operator. It primarily supports providing a unified policy framework to control network behavior, provides policy rules to control-layer network functions, and is responsible for obtaining user subscription information relevant to policy decisions. For example, PCF 133 can be divided into two different PCFs: UE-PCF and SM-PCF.

[0115] 5. UDM 134 is a control plane function provided by the operator, responsible for storing information such as the subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI), generic public subscriber identifier (GPSI), and credentials of subscribers in the operator network. The SUPI will be encrypted during transmission, and the encrypted SUPI is called a hidden subscriber subscription identifier (SUCI). The information stored by the UDM network function 134 can be used for authentication and authorization of UE 110 to access the operator network. The subscribers of the above-mentioned operator network can specifically be users who use services provided by the operator network. The credentials of the above-mentioned subscribers can be a small file storing long-term keys stored in the mobile phone chip or information related to the encryption of the mobile phone chip, which is used for authentication and / or authorization. It should be noted that the permanent identifier, credentials, security context, authentication data, and token are equivalent to information related to verification / authentication and authorization. In the embodiment of the present application, for the sake of convenience of description, no distinction or limitation is made.

[0116] 6. AF 135 is a control plane function provided by the operator. It mainly provides corresponding services by interacting with other NFs in the PLMN, such as providing roaming UE with visitor network selection information, guiding the routing of data flows, and accessing NEF 131.

[0117] 7. AUSF 136 is a control plane function provided by the operator and is usually used for level 1 authentication, i.e., authentication between UE 110 (subscriber) and the operator network.

[0118] 8. AMF 137 is a control plane network function provided by the operator network, responsible for access control and mobility management of UE 110 accessing the operator network, such as mobility status management, allocation of user temporary identities, authentication and authorization of users, etc.

[0119] 9. SMF 138 is a control plane network function provided by the operator network. It is responsible for managing the PDU session of UE 110 (including session establishment, modification, and release), and is used for user plane function selection and reselection, terminal device Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, QoS control, etc. Among them, a PDU session is a channel for transmitting PDUs. Terminal devices transmit PDUs to and from DN 140 through PDU sessions. SMF 138 is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and deleting PDU sessions. SMF 138 includes session management (such as session establishment, modification, and release, including tunnel maintenance between the user plane function UPF 130 and (R)AN 120), selection and control of UPF network function 130, service and session continuity (SSC) mode selection, roaming, and other session-related functions.

[0120] It should be understood that the aforementioned network elements or NFs can be physical entities within hardware devices, software instances running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a shared platform (e.g., a cloud platform). Simply put, an NF can be implemented by hardware or software. Furthermore, the hardware (or software) that implements all the functions of an NF can be one or more.

[0121] It should be understood that the AMF, SMF, UPF, NEF, AUSF, NRF, PCF, UDM, etc. shown in Figure 1 can be understood as network elements used to implement different functions in the core network. These network elements can be combined into network slices as needed. They can be independent devices or integrated into the same device to implement different functions. This application does not limit the specific form of the above network elements.

[0122] It should also be understood that the above naming is defined only to facilitate the distinction between different functions and should not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of adopting other naming in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above network elements may continue to use the terminology used in 5G, or may adopt other names.

[0123] It should also be understood that Nnef, Nnrf, Npcf, Nudm, Nausf, Namf, Nsmf, Naf, N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, and N9 in Figure 1 are interface serial numbers. For example, the meanings of the above interface serial numbers can be found in the definitions in the 3GPP standard protocol, and this application does not limit the meanings of the above interface serial numbers. In addition, the interface names between the various network functions in Figure 1 are merely examples. In specific implementations, the interface names of the system architecture may also be other names, which are not limited by this application.

[0124] Currently, mobile networks can provide connection services. The standardization defines that when NAS signaling is exchanged between UE and NF, it needs to be forwarded through AMF to meet user service needs. With the development of communication technology, additional services such as computing, perception, and data processing can be further provided. However, updating NAS signaling through existing standardized methods is not conducive to the update and deployment of additional services. This is because the standardization cycle is generally long, and the content of NAS signaling corresponding to additional services may not be standardized. For example, AI escape recognition through text or voice, using AI technology to convert user text or voice requests into network-readable service requests, etc., may not be defined using a unified standardized format.

[0125] In order to solve the above technical problems, this application first adds task control function, network control function and NAS control function on the basis of the current network architecture, as shown in Figure 1.

[0126] The following briefly describes the newly added network functions (or network elements).

[0127] 1. Task Control Function (TCF) 139 may be a control plane function provided by the operator. As the control anchor for tasks, the TCF can perform orchestration and control of NF services after receiving service requests from external network elements or internal operator management planes. Specifically, the TCF can flexibly orchestrate the execution order of different NF services and the network resource control required for tasks, enabling the NF to support requests for first services via first signaling (e.g., NAS signaling and / or control signaling). For example, the TCF can schedule and combine services related to the first service, such as connectivity, computing, data, and algorithms, to implement the corresponding task (e.g., model training, perception, etc.).

[0128] 2. Network Control Function NCF 141 can be a control plane function provided by the operator. NCF can perform NF deployment, activation or capability update based on requests from external network elements or operator management network elements, so that NF supports services requested through NAS signaling.

[0129] 3. NAS control function NACF 142 can be a control plane function provided by the operator. The main services provided include but are not limited to: generating or obtaining NAS configuration information (i.e., the first configuration information in this application) based on the configuration request of the external network element or the internal network element, and sending the NAS configuration information to the terminal device or other network elements to support other network elements to call services.

[0130] It should be understood that the naming of the newly added network elements is only defined to facilitate the distinction between different functions and should not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of adopting other names in other networks. For example, the NAS control function refers to opening NAS signaling as a service to terminal devices, application servers or network devices (or network elements) for use. In the future, it may also be called the signaling service control function, etc. In this case, "NAS configuration information" may also be called "signaling service configuration information", etc. This application does not limit its name.

[0131] Based on the above-mentioned newly added network elements, the present application provides a communication method and a communication device that can provide flexible and lightweight network service deployment and updates to meet the service needs of users.

[0132] In this application, a network function can be understood as a network element used to implement different functions in a network. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, network function and network element are interchangeable. It should be noted that in the embodiments of this application, the first network element can represent a NACF, the second network element can represent an OAM, NCF, or TCF, and the first network function represents a processing node that executes the first service. Optionally, this application does not limit the number of processing nodes. For example, the processing node also includes a second network function.

[0133] The communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiment provided by the present application can be applicable to any communication scenario in which a sending device and a receiving device communicate, for example, it can be applied to the communication system shown in Figure 1 above. The present application proposes the following methods shown in Figures 2 to 5. It should be understood that the method embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5 can be combined with each other, and the steps in the method embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5 can be referenced to each other. In the embodiment of the present application, the method embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 5 can be regarded as possible implementation methods for realizing the functions of the method embodiment shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 mainly illustrates the generation and sending methods of NAS configuration information, Figure 4 mainly illustrates the sending of NAS configuration information through a session, and the software upgrade or installation and use of the terminal device, and Figure 5 mainly illustrates the forwarding logic for the forwarding node to identify and obtain NAS services.

[0134] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, the method flow can be executed by a first network element (for example, the NACF shown in Figure 1), a second network element (for example, OAM, or the NCF, TCF shown in Figure 1), a terminal device (for example, the UE shown in Figure 1), a forwarding node (for example, a service communication proxy (SCP), or the RAN, AMF shown in Figure 1), or by a module and / or device (for example, a chip or integrated circuit, etc.) with corresponding functions installed in the first network element, the second network element, and the terminal device, and the present application does not limit it. For the sake of ease of description, the following description is based on the first network element, the second network element, and the terminal device as the execution subjects, and the method includes the following multiple steps.

[0135] S210: The first network element obtains first configuration information.

[0136] Among them, the first configuration information is used to indicate the usage rules of the first signaling between the terminal device and the first network function, the first signaling is associated with the first service, and the first network function supports providing the first service to the terminal device.

[0137] Exemplarily, the first signaling may be NAS signaling (or NAS message) and / or control plane signaling.

[0138] In this application, the first service may be a service provided by the current 5G network, such as a protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment / update service, a registration service, a positioning service, an access service, etc., or a new service that may be provided by the network, such as a perception service, a computing service, a data service, an artificial intelligence (AI) service, a cloud terminal service, a data compression service, an AI model training service, a data caching service, a format conversion service, or a virtual user service, etc. Optionally, the first service in this application may be referred to as a network service, a network function service, or a NAS service, and may be represented by NF Service or Service.

[0139] It should be noted that, for ease of description, this application uses the first network function as the processing node for executing the first service. Optionally, one or more forwarding nodes for forwarding the first signaling may be included between the terminal device and the first network function. Optionally, the network function (i.e., the processing node) that provides the first service to the terminal device may also include a second network function. This application does not limit the number of processing nodes that execute the first service.

[0140] Optionally, the first network function may support one or more first services, which is not limited in this application. Furthermore, the first service may also be provided by one or more network functions. For example, the first network function may support the first part of the first service, and the second network function may support the second part of the first service. That is, the first network function and the second network function may serve as processing nodes for the first service and jointly provide the first service.

[0141] In this application, the first configuration information includes one or more of the following:

[0142] (1) Information about the first service;

[0143] Exemplarily, the information of the first service includes at least one of the following: an identifier or name of the first service (such as a Service ID / name), address information of the first service (such as an IP address, a MAC (Media Access Control) address, etc.), a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the first service, or an application programming interface (API). For example, when the first service is a PDU session establishment / modification service, the information of the first service may be a PDU session establishment / modification service; when the first service is a registration service, the information of the first service may be a registration service.

[0144] (2) information about the application (APP) that supports the use of the first service and / or information about the service requester;

[0145] Exemplarily, the application information includes APP ID and / or APP address. The service requester may be a terminal device, a third-party application server AF, a network function NF, or other network elements. The information of the service requester may include at least one of the following: an identifier of the service requester (such as NF ID, UE ID, or AF ID, etc.), an address of the service requester (such as NF address), or a type of the service requester (such as NF type), etc.

[0146] (3) forwarding logic of the first signaling;

[0147] Exemplarily, the forwarding logic of the first signaling includes at least one of the following: routing information (or transmission path information) of the first signaling, information of the first network function (for example, an identifier or name of the first network function (such as NF ID / name), address information of the first network function, or a type of the first network function (such as NF type).

[0148] Optionally, if there are multiple processing nodes that execute the first service, the forwarding logic of the first signaling further includes information about the second network function (e.g., an identifier or name of the second network function (e.g., NF ID / name), address information of the second network function, or a type of the second network function (e.g., NF type)). For example, assuming that the network functions that process the first service include a first network function NF1 and a second network function NF2, that is, NF1 and NF2 jointly provide the first service for the terminal device, the forwarding logic of the first signaling may be that the forwarding node first forwards the first signaling to NF1, and after NF1 executes (the first part of) the first service, the first signaling is forwarded to NF2, and NF2 executes (the second part of) the first service.

[0149] (4) Network information, allowing the terminal device to use the first service within the network indicated by the network information, or in other words, the terminal device can use the first service after accessing the network indicated by the network information.

[0150] Exemplarily, the network information may include at least one of the following: Network ID, PLMN ID, slice identifier, subnetwork identifier, or non-public network (NPN) identifier, etc.

[0151] (5) The format of the first signaling;

[0152] Exemplarily, the format of the first signaling may be a packet structure or a protocol layer design, and the format of the first signaling is used to indicate the content of the first signaling, such as how the parameters carried in the service request message are presented, for example, the parameters carried in the service request message are sent in the form of a character string in a specific format.

[0153] (6) the content of the first signaling;

[0154] Exemplarily, the content of the first signaling may include: a service request message name and / or specific parameters, wherein the service request message name is used to indicate that the terminal device requests the network function to provide the first service, and the specific parameters indicate the parameters used by the network function to provide the first service to the terminal device.

[0155] For example, the first signaling is used to request the first service Service 1, and the first signaling may be Service_1_request message (Parameter 1, Parameter 2, ...), wherein the service request message name is Service_1_request message, and the specific parameters are (Parameter 1, Parameter 2, ...).

[0156] In one implementation, the format and content of the first signaling may be generated by the first network element (eg, NACF) based on information provided by the service requester, and / or specific parameters may be provided by AF, OAM, TCF, or NCF.

[0157] When multiple network functions (e.g., a first network function NF1 and a second network function NF2) are involved in processing a first service requested by a terminal device, it may be necessary to construct a multi-layer first signaling. For example, if Service 1 needs to be processed sequentially by NF1 and NF2, the first signaling needs to carry the service request message name and specific parameters of NF1, as well as the service request message name and specific parameters of NF2. At the same time, if the calling sequence between NF1 and NF2 is involved, the calling sequence can optionally be carried in the first signaling. For example, the service request message name and specific parameters of NF2 can be included in NF1's message, NF1_Service request message(Parameter 1,{NF2_Service request message(Parameter 2)}). This means that after processing the NF1_Service request message, NF1 sends the NF2_Service request message(Parameter 2) to NF2, and NF2 continues to execute the first service.

[0158] Optionally, the content of the first signaling and / or the format of the first signaling may be placed in a container or an information body and forwarded by the first network element.

[0159] (7) Priority of first service;

[0160] It should be noted that the priority level and the priority value may have a certain correspondence, for example, the higher the priority level, the lower the corresponding priority value, or the lower the priority level, the lower the corresponding priority value. Taking the higher the priority level, the lower the corresponding priority value as an example, the priority value range may be an integer from 1 to 8 or an integer from 0 to 7. If the priority value range is 1-8, then a priority value of 1 represents the highest level of priority. For example, assuming that the priority of the first service is higher than that of other services, the priority value corresponding to the first service may be 1, and the priority value corresponding to other services may be 3.

[0161] The following briefly describes the first signaling and the first service, as well as the priority of the first signaling and the priority of the first service.

[0162] In one example, the first signaling is only used for the first service, that is, the terminal device sends the first signaling only to obtain the first service, and the priority of the first signaling (or the transmission priority of the first signaling) is equal to the priority of the first service.

[0163] In another example, the first signaling can be used for multiple services, and the multiple services include the first service. Then the terminal device can request to obtain multiple services by sending the first signaling, and the priorities corresponding to these multiple services may be different. Alternatively, different terminal devices request different services. When calling the first signaling at the same time, the priority of the terminal device calling the first signaling can be determined according to the priorities of different services. At this time, it can be understood that the priority of the first signaling is the priority of the first service it carries, or when multiple services need to use the first signaling for transmission, the priority of the service determines the priority of sending the first signaling. For example, the priority of the computing power service is higher than the priority of the perception service. When the terminal device requests to obtain the computing power service and the perception service through the first signaling, it can first send the first signaling to request to obtain the computing power service, and then send the first signaling to request to obtain the perception service, etc.

[0164] (8) Name of the first signaling;

[0165] Exemplarily, the name of the first signaling may include the following implementations:

[0166] (a) A specific NAS name, such as XX NAS. This NAS name (such as XX NAS) can be used as the name of the first signaling or as the name of a NAS container.

[0167] (b) A specific information element (IE), which may be carried in the first signaling.

[0168] (c) A specific flag bit, such as a segment of characters in the header of a packet carrying the first signaling.

[0169] (d) The identifier of the first signaling, such as NAS ID or NAS Session ID.

[0170] (9) Other parameters associated with the first service.

[0171] Exemplarily, other parameters may include at least one of the following: geographic location information for using the first service, time window information for using the first service, radio access technology (RAT) interface information for using the first service, QoS parameters required for using the first service, etc.

[0172] (10) Routing Information;

[0173] Exemplarily, the routing information includes a routing layer identifier (e.g., a NAS routing layer ID), which is used to indicate an identifier and / or address information of a processing node (e.g., a first network function and / or a second network function). For example, for a first service, the first network function may execute a first part of the first service after receiving the first signaling, and forward the first signaling to the second network function according to the routing information, and the second network function may continue to execute the second part of the first service, that is, the first network function and the second network function jointly provide the first service for the terminal device.

[0174] In the present application, routing information can be used to determine the forwarding logic of the first signaling. The specific implementation method can be referred to the relevant description below and will not be explained here.

[0175] It should be understood that based on at least one of the above parameters (1)-(10), the usage rule or method of the first signaling can be determined. For example, if the first configuration information includes the identifier of the first service (such as AI Service ID), it means that the terminal device can request the AI ​​service from the first network function through the first signaling; for another example, if the first configuration information includes the identifier of the first service (such as AI Service ID) and network information (such as PLMN ID), it means that the terminal device can request the AI ​​service from the first network function through the first signaling only when it is connected to the PLMN.

[0176] In this application, the association of the first signaling with the first service can be understood as: the first signaling is used by the terminal device to obtain the first service, or in other words, the first service can be obtained through the first signaling. The first signaling can be used to implement one or more of the following:

[0177] (1) Control the first service;

[0178] Exemplarily, controlling the first service through the first signaling includes: requesting the first service, or requesting to change parameters of the first service, or requesting to release the first service, etc. through the first signaling.

[0179] (2) Synchronize the status of the first service;

[0180] Exemplarily, synchronizing the state of the first service through the first signaling includes: activating the first service, or suspending the first service, or updating the state of the terminal device through the first signaling.

[0181] (3) transmitting data of the first service;

[0182] Exemplarily, data related to the first service is transmitted via the first signaling.

[0183] The following is an example of the first network element acquiring the first configuration information in the above step S210.

[0184] In one example, a first network element generates first configuration information.

[0185] In another implementation, the other network element generates the first configuration information and sends the first configuration information to the first network element. Optionally, the first network element sends a request message to the other network element to request the first configuration information. Exemplarily, the other network element may be an OAM, an AF, or a PCF. For example, the OAM sends the first configuration information to the first network element through a management plane function, the PCF carries the first configuration information in policy information or configures the first configuration information as a policy to the first network element, and the AF provides the first network element with APP information in the first configuration information that supports the use of the first service, such as APP ID and / or APP address information.

[0186] In one implementation, before executing step S210, the method further includes: the first network element determines whether the terminal device supports the first service, and / or the first network element determines whether the terminal device supports the use of the first signaling to obtain the first service. It should be understood that this application is based on the terminal device supporting the first service, and / or the terminal device supporting the use of the first signaling to obtain the first service, that is, only when the first network element determines that the terminal device supports the first service, and / or determines that the terminal device supports the use of the first signaling to obtain the first service, the first network element generates or obtains the first configuration information; if the first network element determines that the terminal device does not support the first service, or determines that the terminal device does not support the use of the first signaling to obtain the first service, the first network element may refuse to execute step S210.

[0187] In one example, the first network element determines, based on the first information, that the terminal device supports the first service, and / or the first network element determines, based on the first information, that the terminal device supports the use of the first signaling to obtain the first service.

[0188] Illustratively, the first information includes one or more of the following:

[0189] (1) Capability information of terminal equipment;

[0190] For example, the capability information of the terminal device is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the first service, and / or the capability information of the terminal device is used to indicate that the terminal device supports obtaining the first service using the first signaling. Optionally, the capability information of the terminal device can be actively reported by the terminal device, or can be obtained by the first network element from a database (DB) or UDM query.

[0191] (2) Identification of the terminal device;

[0192] For example, the terminal device identifier is associated with the terminal device capability information. The first network element can determine the terminal device capability information based on the terminal device identifier, thereby determining that the terminal device supports the first service and / or determines that the terminal device supports obtaining the first service using the first signaling.

[0193] (3) Contract information of the terminal device;

[0194] For example, the contract information is used to instruct the network to authorize the terminal device to use the first service, and / or the contract information is used to instruct the network to authorize the terminal device to obtain the first service using the first signaling. Optionally, the first network element can obtain the contract information from a UDM or a unified data repository (UDR).

[0195] (4) Strategy information;

[0196] For example, the policy information indicates that the terminal device is allowed to use the first service, and / or the policy information indicates that the terminal device is allowed to use the first signaling to obtain the first service. Optionally, the first network element may obtain the policy information from the PCF.

[0197] That is to say, the first network element can determine that the terminal device supports the first service and / or that the terminal device supports the use of the first signaling to obtain the first service based on one or more of the above-mentioned terminal device capability information, the terminal device identifier, the terminal device contract information, or the policy information.

[0198] In one implementation, before executing step S210, the method further includes step S220.

[0199] S220: The second network element or application function sends a first request message to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element or application function receives the first request message from the second network element. The first request message is used to request first configuration information.

[0200] Exemplarily, the first request message includes information about the first network function and / or information about the first service. For specific explanations, please refer to the above related description.

[0201] Optionally, the first request message further includes one or more of the following:

[0202] (1) Terminal device identification, such as UE ID / name, Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), or Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI);

[0203] (2) the format of the first signaling;

[0204] (3) the content of the first signaling;

[0205] (4) forwarding logic of the first signaling;

[0206] (5) The priority of the first signaling;

[0207] (6) information and / or application information of a service request method that allows the use of the first signaling;

[0208] (7) first information, such as at least one of the following: capability information of the terminal device, contract information of the terminal device, and policy information;

[0209] (8) Identification of the first signaling;

[0210] Exemplarily, the identifier of the first signaling may be a NAS ID, or a NAS Session ID, etc., which may be generated by the service requester (eg, UE, NF) or by the first network element.

[0211] (9) service identifier associated with the first signaling;

[0212] Exemplarily, the service identifier associated with the first signaling may be a Service ID / name, which may be generated by a service requester (eg, UE, NF). In the present application, the service associated with the first signaling may be the first service.

[0213] It should be understood that the NAS ID or NAS Session ID is used to identify the first signaling, and the Service ID / name is used to identify the first service using the first signaling. For example, the terminal device can use NAS Service ID_1 to transmit control messages and / or data of AI Service_1.

[0214] (10) service type associated with the first signaling;

[0215] Exemplarily, the service type associated with the first signaling may be a connection service, a perception service, or an AI service, etc.

[0216] The specific interpretations of the above parameters (2)-(7) can be found in the above related descriptions.

[0217] S230, the first network element sends a first response message to the second network element or the application function, and correspondingly, the second network element or the application function receives the response message from the first network element.

[0218] The first response message is used to indicate the configuration result of the first configuration information, such as configuration success or configuration failure.

[0219] It should be understood that the technical solution of the present application is implemented when the first configuration information is successfully configured. Optionally, if the first configuration information fails to be configured, the first response message may carry a failure reason value to indicate that the first configuration information has failed to be configured.

[0220] In one implementation, before executing step S220, the method further includes: the second network element deploying a first network function (i.e., a processing node) within the network, so that the first network function supports the first service. If the network function supporting the first service also includes a second network function, the second network element also needs to deploy the second network function within the network.

[0221] In the first example, the second network element receives a fourth request message from an application function or an operator management function, where the fourth request message is used to request deployment of the first network function within the network. Correspondingly, the second network element sends a fourth response message to the application function or the operator management function, where the fourth response message is used to indicate the deployment result of the first network function, for example, deployment success or deployment failure. It should be understood that the technical solution of the present application is based on the successful deployment of the first network function. Optionally, if the deployment of the first network function fails, the fourth response message may carry a cause value to indicate that the deployment of the first network function failed, such as the load of the first network function is too large to support the first service, or the first network function does not have the ability to provide the first service, or the network connection fails, etc.

[0222] In a second example, an operator management function (eg OAM) autonomously triggers the deployment of a first network function within the network.

[0223] Below, an example is given for describing how the second network element deploys the first network function within the network.

[0224] For example, the second network element adds a first network function within the network. For example, the operator management plane can initiate a network function deployment request to the second network element (e.g., NCF) to support certain additional features (i.e., the first service), and the NCF deploys the relevant network functions within the network, such as adding a first network function that supports providing the first service to the terminal device. For another example, the operator management plane can deploy network functions within the network, i.e., adding a first network function that supports the first service.

[0225] Exemplarily, the second network element updates the first network function within the network. For example, the operator management plane can initiate a deployment request for the first network function to the second network element (such as NCF), and the NCF updates the first network function within the network. For another example, the operator management plane can update the first network function within the network so that the first network function supports certain additional features, that is, allowing the first network function to provide a first service, providing differentiated exclusive services based on different users, etc. For another example, the application function or operator management function initiates an AI service or task execution request to the second network element (such as TCF). When executing the AI ​​service or task, the TCF can call the connection-related NF, the computing-related NF, the data-related NF, etc. for collaborative execution to realize the AI ​​service or task (such as model training, perception, etc.). Therefore, for different AI services or tasks, different first signaling may need to be transmitted.

[0226] Exemplarily, an external network element (such as AF) can request a second network element to deploy an AF image within the network. For example, the AF can directly initiate a request for image deployment or customized functions to the second network element (such as NCF or OAM), or the AF can also initiate a request for image deployment or customized functions to the second network element through NEF. In this implementation, the network provides a first service open function to external third-party applications, such as allowing the AF to deploy mirrors or customized network functions within the network, so that the terminal device can perform signaling interaction with the AF image or customized functions within the network, that is, the interaction between the terminal device and the AF is completed within the core network without the need for a DN connection, thereby reducing data forwarding and processing delays.

[0227] In one implementation, after executing step S210, the method further includes: the first network element sending the first configuration information. For example, the first network element may send the first configuration information to a forwarding node (such as a RAN, AMF, or SCP, which is used to forward the first signaling between the terminal device and the first network function), an application function AF, or a second network element, a database DB, etc.

[0228] Exemplarily, the first configuration information includes the second configuration information and the third configuration information, then the first network element may send the second configuration information to the terminal device and send the third configuration information to the processing node (eg, the first network function and / or the second network function).

[0229] For example, the second configuration information includes one or more of the following: the format of the first signaling, the content of the first signaling, the priority of the first service, the name of the first signaling, the identifier of the first signaling, or other parameters associated with the first service. For specific explanations, please refer to the relevant description of the above step S210.

[0230] For another example, the third configuration information includes one or more of the following: information about the first service, information about the application allowed to use the first service and / or information about the service requester, forwarding logic of the first signaling, network information, an identifier of the first signaling, or routing information. For specific explanations, please refer to the relevant description of the above step S210.

[0231] In a first example, the first network element may send first configuration information to the application function and / or the second network element, and the first configuration information may be carried in the first response message of step S230.

[0232] Optionally, the application function and / or the second network element may store the first configuration information in a database. For example, the application function and / or the second network element may send third information to the database for storing or updating the first configuration information. Alternatively, the application function and / or the second network element may send the second configuration information as policy update information of the terminal device to the terminal device via the PCF. Alternatively, the application function and / or the second network element may send the second configuration information to the terminal device via other NFs such as the AMF. Alternatively, the application function and / or the second network element may send the second configuration information to the terminal device via a base station. Optionally, the application function and / or the second network element may send the third configuration information to a forwarding node and / or a processing node.

[0233] In the second example, the first network element can send second information to the database DB for storing or updating the first configuration information, wherein the second information includes the first configuration information. Assuming that the NF (such as the PCF responsible for terminal device policy control, the AMF responsible for terminal device mobility management, etc.) sends a subscription service update notification request to the DB, the DB sends the first configuration information to the NF. When the subsequent terminal device is online or the policy of the terminal device is updated, the DB can send the second configuration information to the terminal device through the AMF / PCF, or when the subsequent terminal device initiates a request for the first service through the first signaling, the forwarding node or processing node in the network can obtain the second configuration information from the DB, and then determine the forwarding logic and usage rules of the first signaling.

[0234] In the third example, the first network element may send second configuration information to the terminal device, for details, see the following step S240.

[0235] S240, the first network element sends second configuration information to the terminal device, and correspondingly, the terminal device receives the second configuration information from the first network element.

[0236] In the first example, the first network element can send the second configuration information to the database DB and / or the second network element, and the DB and / or the second network element sends the second configuration information to the AMF / PCF / RAN in a policy update message (e.g., UE policy), which is then forwarded to the terminal device by the AMF / PCF / RAN.

[0237] In the second example, the first network element may forward the second configuration information to the terminal device through AMF / PCF / RAN, for example, the first network element sends policy update information to the terminal device through AMF / PCF / RAN, and the policy update information includes the second configuration information.

[0238] In the third example, the terminal device sends a fifth request message (corresponding to the newly created first session below) or a sixth request message (corresponding to the existing session) to the user plane network element through the first session, requesting to obtain the second configuration information, and then the user plane network element sends a second request message to the first network element or the second network element. Correspondingly, the first network element or the second network element sends a second response message to the user plane network element, and the second response message includes the second configuration information, and then the user plane network element sends the second configuration information to the terminal device through the first session.

[0239] It should be noted that the first session in the embodiment of the present application is associated with the first service, or in other words, the first session corresponds to the first service, which can be understood as follows: the first session is used for the terminal device to obtain the second configuration information through the user plane network element, and then determine the format of the first signaling and / or the content of the first signaling based on the second configuration information, and then send the first signaling to obtain the first service. Optionally, if a session already exists between the terminal device and the user plane network element, the terminal device can also use the existing session to send a request to the user plane network element to obtain the second configuration information. The existing session here may not have an association relationship with the first service, that is, the terminal device can obtain the second configuration information through a newly created first session that is bound to the first service, or through other existing sessions. This application does not limit this.

[0240] In the fourth example, the first network element may send third configuration information to the processing node (e.g., the first network function and the second network function) and / or the forwarding node (e.g., the RAN, AMF, or SCP), wherein the specific implementation method of the first network element sending the third configuration information to the first network function may be referred to the following step S250.

[0241] S250: The first network element sends third configuration information to the first network function and / or forwarding node. Correspondingly, the first network function and / or forwarding node receives the third configuration information from the first network element.

[0242] Optionally, if the method 200 does not include a forwarding node, that is, the terminal device does not need to forward the first signaling request to obtain the first service through the forwarding node, that is, the terminal device can directly send the first signaling to the first network function, the first network element may not execute the above step S250 to send the third configuration information to the forwarding node.

[0243] Optionally, if the method 200 includes a forwarding node, that is, the terminal device needs to forward the first signaling request to obtain the first service through the forwarding node, then the first network element sends the third configuration information to the processing node and the forwarding node. In this case, if the first network element only sends the third configuration information to the first network function, the forwarding node can request the first network element or database DB or the second network element (such as NCF or TCF or OAM) or application function to obtain the third configuration information; if the first network element only sends the third configuration information to the forwarding node, the first network function can request the first network element or database DB or the second network element (such as NCF or TCF or OAM) or application function to obtain the third configuration information, that is, in this case, both the processing node and the forwarding node obtain the third configuration information to ensure the transmission of the first signaling and the terminal device obtains the first service in a timely manner.

[0244] Optionally, before the first network element sends the third configuration information to the processing node and / or forwarding node, the processing node and / or forwarding node may send a configuration information request to the first network element to obtain the third configuration information. In other words, the first network element may autonomously send the third configuration information to the processing node and / or forwarding node, or may send the third configuration information to the processing node and / or forwarding node based on the configuration information request.

[0245] It should be noted that this application does not limit the order in which the above steps S240 and S250 are executed.

[0246] In one implementation, before the terminal device obtains the second configuration information, the method further includes: the terminal device reporting capability information.

[0247] Exemplarily, the terminal device can carry the capability information in a registration request message, a service request message, or other messages and report it to the network, which is not limited in this application. For example, the terminal device sends a registration request message to the AMF, and carries the capability information in the registration request message. The AMF confirms that the terminal device has the ability to use the first signaling to obtain the first service by querying the UDM for the contract information of the terminal device. The AMF can then record the capability information of the terminal device in the context of the terminal device. At the same time, the AMF can also send the authorization information of the first service to the RAN, so that the RAN can forward the first signaling for requesting the first service for the terminal device. Optionally, the terminal device can send the capability information to any one or more devices in the RAN, SMF, PCF, DB, NF, first network element, or second network element, which is not limited in this application.

[0248] Exemplarily, the capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports the use of the first signaling to obtain the first service based on the second configuration information, that is, the terminal device can use the first signaling to request the first service. It should be understood that the first service here means that the terminal device can flexibly process the first signaling based on the second configuration information (for example, use a specific NAS packet header to mark the first signaling, or use a specific signaling identifier to mark the first signaling), and / or flexibly encapsulate the content of the first signaling based on the second configuration information. For example, the network side can open the NAS service of the terminal device for AI services, such as the terminal device can carry AI semantic data in the first signaling, and then the AI ​​semantic parsing function on the network side escapes the content in the first signaling and provides AI services for the terminal device.

[0249] Exemplarily, the capability information is also used to indicate that the terminal device supports opening the first signaling to the first application (e.g., APP), which can be regarded as a second service supported by the terminal device. Alternatively, the second service can be understood as: transmitting the first signaling, or transmitting the data packet of the first service through the first signaling. Optionally, the terminal device sends information about the first application, such as the APP ID and / or APP address, to the network side. The network side can confirm that the first application can use the signaling service of the first service based on the information about the first application provided by the terminal device.

[0250] In one implementation, the method further includes: the network side sends instruction information through the control plane, instructing the terminal device to obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information through the first session.

[0251] Exemplarily, the terminal device may receive indication information from the first network element, the second network element, the application function AF, or the AMF, wherein the indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information through the first session, wherein the fourth configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform a software update or a chip upgrade.

[0252] Among them, the software update information can be information used by the terminal device to update software or download software, such as APP ID or APP address information. It is understandable that if the terminal device can only obtain the second configuration information after the software is updated (or software is installed) or the chip is upgraded, or in other words, the terminal device can only obtain the first service through the first signaling request after the software is updated (or software is installed) or the chip is upgraded, then the terminal device needs to obtain the fourth configuration information, and complete the software upgrade or chip upgrade according to the fourth configuration information, and then obtain the second configuration information through the upgraded or updated software. In this case, the software update or chip upgrade can be regarded as a part of the terminal device obtaining the second configuration information, or in other words, before obtaining the second configuration information, the terminal device obtains the fourth configuration information and completes the software update or chip upgrade according to the fourth configuration information.

[0253] Optionally, the indication information may be carried in the policy update message sent to the terminal device in step S240.

[0254] In the first example, the first session may be a session newly established by the terminal device according to the session parameters corresponding to the second configuration parameters. The session parameters include at least one of the following: slice information, session type, or data network name (DNN), and the session parameters are used to establish the first session.

[0255] Exemplarily, the terminal device obtains session parameters and sends a session establishment request message to the SMF based on the session parameters. The session establishment request message is used to request the establishment of a first session. Correspondingly, the SMF sends session configuration information to the UPF, carrying first node information (for example, information about the first network element, the second network element, or the application function). The first node information is used to indicate the node that issues the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information. Correspondingly, the UPF can establish a first session with the terminal device based on the session configuration information. The SMF sends a session establishment response message to the terminal device. The session establishment response message is used to indicate the establishment result of the first session, such as successful establishment or failed establishment. It should be understood that the acquisition of the second configuration information in this implementation is based on the successful establishment of the first session.

[0256] Optionally, the session parameters may be obtained by the terminal device from the network side after reporting the capability information. For example, the terminal device may obtain the session parameters from the SMF. Optionally, any one or more devices among the AMF, RAN, PCF, DB, NF, first network element, or second network element may also obtain the session parameters from the AMF and then send the session parameters to the terminal device. This application is not limited to this.

[0257] Optionally, the SMF may determine the first node information based on the session parameters provided by the terminal device. For example, the SMF may provide the session parameters to the PCF, and the PCF may send the first node information to the SMF; or the SMF may obtain the first node information by querying the NRF.

[0258] Based on this implementation method, the terminal device can send a fifth request message to the user plane network element through the first session to request the fourth configuration information, and then the user plane network element sends a third request message to the first node (for example, the first network element or the second network element or the application function) to request the fourth configuration information. Correspondingly, the first node sends a third response message to the user plane network element, and the third response message includes the fourth configuration information. Then, the user plane network element can send the fourth configuration information to the terminal device through the first session.

[0259] Exemplarily, the third request message or the fifth request message may carry one or more of the following: information of the first application (such as APP ID and / or address information of APP), information of the first service, identification of the first signaling, identification of the terminal device, or identification and / or address information of the first network element, etc. For specific interpretations, please refer to the relevant description above.

[0260] In the second example, the first session may be an existing general session.

[0261] Exemplarily, the terminal device obtains first node information, which indicates the sending node of the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information (for example, the application function, the second network element, or the first network element), and then sends a sixth request message to the user plane network element through the first session. The sixth request message is used to request the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information. The sixth request message includes the first node information. Optionally, the sixth request message may also include information about the first service. Correspondingly, the user plane network element obtains the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information from the first node, and sends a sixth response message to the terminal device through the first session. The sixth response message includes the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information.

[0262] In one implementation, the first node information may be obtained by the terminal device from the network after reporting the capability information. For example, the terminal device may obtain the first node information from any one or more of the SMF, AMF, RAN, PCF, DB, NF, first network element, second network element, or application function network element, although this application does not limit this. By determining the first node information, the terminal device may subsequently send a request message to the first node to obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information.

[0263] Based on the above steps S210 to S250, the terminal device may request the first service from the first network function through the first signaling, that is, execute the following steps S260-S290.

[0264] S260, the terminal device sends a first signaling to the forwarding node according to the second configuration information.

[0265] Among them, the forwarding node can be RAN, AMF or other network elements, which is not limited in this application.

[0266] Exemplarily, when the second configuration information includes an APP ID, it means that the APP can use the first signaling. For example, the APP can generate a data packet and then send it to the lower layer (such as the IP layer or other functional layer). The lower layer can encapsulate the data packet based on the second configuration information, for example, encapsulate the data packet in the Payload of the first signaling, and the packet header carries a specific identifier (such as the NAS ID in the second configuration information, or a specific NAS type, such as NAS Service ID, APP ID, etc.), and then the terminal device sends the first signaling to the network side. Optionally, if the NAS type of the first signaling can be determined through the packet header of the first signaling, then the first signaling may not carry the NAS Service ID, APP ID, etc. By performing specific processing or packaging on the first signaling, the subsequent forwarding node and / or processing node can accurately know that the first signaling is used to obtain the first service, and then forward and process the first signaling in a targeted manner, so that the terminal device can obtain the first service in a timely manner. By flexibly using the first signaling, the user service experience can be improved.

[0267] In one implementation, if the first signaling is used by a service within the network, the first signaling may be triggered by the terminal device instead of the app. For example, in an application scenario, a user may initiate a service request to the network via text or voice. For example, the user may input text or voice information via the terminal device, and the terminal device encapsulates the text or voice information as the payload of the first signaling. The message header may carry an AI identifier, and the message is sent to the network via the first signaling.

[0268] In one implementation, to enhance existing network services (e.g., session establishment services), additional parameters may be added to the session request message to support the provision of additional services (e.g., computing power services). It should be understood that these additional parameters may not be implemented through standardized channels. For example, after the terminal device undergoes a software update or chip upgrade, it may be possible to encapsulate and send the first signaling.

[0269] S270: The forwarding node obtains the forwarding logic of the first signaling.

[0270] Exemplarily, the forwarding logic of the first signaling includes information about the first network function, which supports processing the first signaling. It should be noted that this application does not limit the number of processing nodes that execute the first service. For example, if there are multiple nodes that execute the first service, the forwarding logic of the first signaling also includes information about the second network function, i.e., the second network function and the first network function jointly provide the first service for the terminal device. For example, the first network function supports the first part of the first service, and the second network function supports the second part of the first service.

[0271] In an example, the forwarding node may send a query message to a network storage function (eg, NRF, DB, UDM, or UDR) to obtain the forwarding logic of the first signaling.

[0272] In another example, after executing step S210, the first network element may actively send the forwarding logic of the first signaling to the forwarding node.

[0273] In another example, the forwarding node may send a message to the first network element to request the forwarding logic of the first signaling. Correspondingly, the first network element sends the forwarding logic of the first signaling to the forwarding node.

[0274] Exemplarily, the forwarding logic of the first signaling is carried in the third configuration information, and the forwarding node can obtain the forwarding logic of the first signaling by obtaining the third configuration information. The implementation method of the forwarding node obtaining the third configuration information can refer to the relevant description of the above step S250.

[0275] It should be noted that this application does not limit the execution order of the above steps S260 and S270.

[0276] S280: The forwarding node sends the first signaling to the first network function according to the forwarding logic of the first signaling.

[0277] Exemplarily, after obtaining the forwarding logic of the first signaling, the forwarding node may maintain a mapping relationship between an identifier of the first signaling (e.g., a NAS ID or a NAS Session ID) and information of the first network function (e.g., an NF1 ID or address information of NF1). For example, when the forwarding node receives a message (i.e., a first signaling) identified as a NAS ID from a terminal device (or a previous forwarding node), the corresponding first network function may be determined based on the mapping relationship and the NAS ID, and the first signaling may be forwarded to the first network function.

[0278] Optionally, the mapping relationship may be predefined or preconfigured by the network to the forwarding node, or the mapping relationship may be configured by the network device to the forwarding node through signaling. Optionally, the mapping relationship may exist in the form of a table, formula, character, or text, etc., which is not limited in this application.

[0279] It should be noted that if there is one network function (processing node) that executes the first service, namely, the first network function, then after receiving the first signaling, the forwarding node forwards the first signaling to the first network function based on the information about the first network function carried in the forwarding logic of the first signaling. If there are multiple network functions (processing nodes) that execute the first service, such as the first network function and the second network function, then after receiving the first signaling, the forwarding node forwards the first signaling to the first network function and / or the second network function based on the information about the first network function and the information about the second network function carried in the forwarding logic of the first signaling. Optionally, if the forwarding logic of the first signaling carries the calling order of the first network function and the second network function, such as if the calling order of the first network function takes precedence over the calling order of the second network function, then the forwarding node forwards the first signaling to the first network function.

[0280] S290: The first network function executes the first service.

[0281] In one example, if there is one network function (processing node) that executes the first service, namely the first network function, then after receiving the first signaling, the first network function determines that the terminal device supports the use of the first service based on the third configuration information, and then the first network function executes the first service.

[0282] In one example, if there are multiple network functions (processing nodes) that execute the first service, such as a first network function and a second network function, then after receiving the first signaling, the first network function determines based on the third configuration information that the terminal device supports the use of the first service, and then the first network function executes the first part of the first service. Then, the first network function may continue to send the first signaling to the second network function based on the information of the second network function carried in the forwarding logic of the first signaling, and then the second network function may determine based on the third configuration information that the terminal device supports the use of the first service, and then the second network function continues to execute the second part of the first service. Optionally, after executing the first part of the first service, the first network function may also continue to send the first signaling to the second network function based on the service request message name and specific parameters carried in the first signaling, or the calling order of the first network function and the second network function, so that the second network function continues to execute the second part of the first service.

[0283] It should be noted that steps S260-S290 are optional, i.e., the terminal device's request for the first service from the first network function via the first signaling is optional. Furthermore, this application does not limit the timing of the terminal device's request for the first service via the first signaling. For example, the terminal device may execute step S260 immediately after obtaining the first configuration information, or may execute step S260 when there is a need to obtain the first service.

[0284] 7 , the position of the routing information in the protocol stack and the specific implementation of determining the forwarding logic of the first signaling according to the routing information will be described below.

[0285] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the protocol stack provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, the signaling interaction between the UE and the processing node can be forwarded through a forwarding node. There can be one or more forwarding nodes and one or more processing nodes. Figure 7 (a) shows that there is one processing node providing the first service (e.g., processing node 1, i.e., the first network function); Figure 7 (b) shows that there are multiple processing nodes providing the first service (e.g., processing node 1 and processing node 2, i.e., the first network function and the second network function). For example, for a session establishment service (first service), the UE sends a session establishment request message to the RAN (e.g., forwarding node #1) via a first signaling, and the RAN sends a session establishment request message to the AMF (e.g., processing node 1) via a first signaling. Optionally, the RAN may also first forward the first signaling to the SCP (e.g., forwarding node #2), and the SCP sends a session establishment request message to the AMF (e.g., processing node 1). Then, the AMF first verifies the session establishment request message, i.e., the AMF continues to forward the first signaling to the SMF (e.g., processing node 2), and then the SMF performs the session establishment configuration, i.e., multiple processing nodes process the first signaling. In this case, after completing the processing of the first signaling, processing node 1 can perform subsequent forwarding based on the routing information carried in the NAS routing layer (for example, the routing information includes the identification and / or address information of the processing node), that is, forward the first signaling to processing node 2, or processing node 1 can also forward the processed first signaling to SCP (such as forwarding node #2), and SCP will perform subsequent forwarding based on the processing logic of the first signaling, that is, forward the first signaling to SMF, etc.

[0286] Optionally, the NAS routing layer is located above L3 of the protocol stack. This application does not limit the specific location of the NAS routing layer. For example, the NAS routing layer can be located between L3 and the NAS Service layer, or the NAS routing layer can be located below the APP layer. The APP layer can be used when the NAS Service needs to carry application layer data packets, such as when the AF deploys processing nodes within the network, or when certain data packets can be forwarded to the AF through the signaling plane. The data carried by the APP layer here is the data carried by the payload in the NAS Service.

[0287] Optionally, the IP layer is included below the APP layer. If the data of the APP layer needs to be forwarded to the AF by the forwarding node through the DN, or the identity of the UE is identified by the address information, or the path selection is performed by the address information (for example, the lower layer calls the first signaling transmission or transmits through the PDU session, etc., and this selection logic can be sent to the UE through the second configuration information), then the IP layer can be used. Optionally, the IP layer can also be replaced by other functional layers, such as a function for subpacketizing the data carried by the APP layer, or a selection function for determining whether the APP data packet is encapsulated through the first signaling or the user plane session.

[0288] The specific implementation manner in which the NAS routing layer is used to determine the forwarding logic of the first signaling is as follows.

[0289] In one example, the NAS routing layer can indicate the mapping relationship between the first service type of the terminal device and the processing node information. For example, the first service type includes AI service type, computing power service type and perception service type, and the corresponding processing nodes are NF1, NF2 and NF3 respectively. After the forwarding node receives the first signaling from the terminal device, for example, the first signaling is used to request the perception service, the forwarding node determines the corresponding processing node according to the mapping relationship and the perception service type. When it is NF3, the forwarding node forwards the first signaling to NF3. Optionally, in this way, the forwarding logic of the first signaling can be maintained by the forwarding node itself. Optionally, the mapping relationship can be predefined or preconfigured to the forwarding node by the network, or the mapping relationship can be configured to the forwarding node by the network device through signaling. Optionally, the mapping relationship can exist in the form of a table, formula, character, or text, and this application is not limited to this.

[0290] In another example, the NAS routing layer can carry routing information. For example, if routing is performed based on identification, the routing information includes the ID of the processing node; or, if routing is performed based on address, the routing information includes the address information of the processing node (such as IP address, MAC address, etc.), and the forwarding node routes based on the routing information carried by the NAS routing layer. For the terminal device, if the NAS routing layer exists, the NAS routing layer can carry the above-mentioned routing information; if the NAS routing layer does not exist, the forwarding node needs to obtain routing information from the NAS Service layer. For example, the forwarding node can determine the type of the first signaling based on the NAS packet header in the NAS Service layer, and then query the NRF for the NF information that can process the first signaling, and forward the obtained NF information as routing information. Alternatively, the forwarding node can also obtain routing information from the first network element (or the second network element or application function) and forward it.

[0291] According to the above technical solution, the first network element generates first configuration information and sends the first configuration information to the terminal device or other network elements to support other network elements to call services. The network allows flexible definition and service orchestration of network functions. The terminal device and the first network function can obtain the first service by exchanging the first signaling to provide flexible and lightweight network service deployment or update, ensuring that the first network function and the first service can be quickly implemented and applied to meet the user's service needs. In addition, a routing layer is added between the end-to-end (i.e., the terminal device and the first network function), and routing settings are set for the transmission of the first signaling to ensure that the first signaling can be transmitted normally between the terminal device and the first network function.

[0292] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the first network element is NACF, the second network element is OAM / NCF / TCF, and the terminal device is UE. This method is mainly described for network NF deployment or association, and includes the following steps. It should be understood that the method 300 shown in FIG3 can be regarded as a specific implementation of the method shown in FIG2 above. The relevant description in the embodiment shown in FIG2 above is also applicable to this implementation. The same or similar technical means may exist between FIG3 and FIG2 . The content described in the embodiment shown in FIG2 will not be repeated in FIG3 .

[0293] S301, UE capability reporting.

[0294] For example, the UE may send capability information to the network side (e.g., any one or more devices of the RAN, SMF, PCF, DB, NF, NACF, OAM, TCF, or NCF), and the network side correspondingly receives the capability information from the UE. The meaning of the capability information and its reporting method may refer to the relevant description of the above method 200.

[0295] S302: The network side (eg, NACF, OAM, TCF, or NCF) completes the deployment or association of the processing node NF.

[0296] It should be understood that the NF here refers to an NF associated with the first service, which can be understood as the NF supporting the first service or the NF supporting the invocation of the first service. For details about the meaning of the first service, information about the processing node, and the specific implementation of NF deployment or association, please refer to the description of method 200 above.

[0297] Exemplarily, OAM / NCF / TCF completes the deployment or orchestration of NF so that NF supports the first service. For example, if the first service is a computing service, OAM / NCF / TCF can send a request message to the NF related to the computing service to request NF deployment or association, wherein the request message can carry resource information and / or processing logic and other information to instruct the NF to process the first signaling according to the processing logic on the corresponding resources and provide the first service. Correspondingly, the NF sends a response message to OAM / NCF / TCF to indicate the execution result of NF deployment or association, such as execution success or execution failure. It should be understood that this application is based on the successful deployment or association of NF, that is, OAM / NCF / TCF can further request the first configuration information from NACF. Optionally, if the execution fails, the NF can send a cause value to OAM / NCF / TCF to indicate the failure of NF deployment or association.

[0298] It should be noted that the above OAM / NCF / TCF and NACF can be co-located or deployed independently. Optionally, NACF can also be co-located with PCF, which is not limited in this application.

[0299] In one implementation, before executing step S302, the method further includes step S303, that is, the external AF may request NF deployment or association from the network side.

[0300] S303: The AF sends a request message to the OAM / NCF / TCF. Correspondingly, the OAM / NCF / TCF receives the request message from the AF.

[0301] The request message is used to request NF deployment or association.

[0302] S304, OAM / NCF / TCF sends a response message to AF, and correspondingly, AF receives the response message from OAM / NCF / TCF.

[0303] The response message indicates the result of the NF deployment or association, such as success or failure. It should be understood that this application is based on the successful NF deployment or association, meaning that the AF can further request the NACF to obtain the NAS configuration. Alternatively, if the execution fails, the OAM / NCF / TCF can send a cause value to the AF, indicating the NF deployment or association failure.

[0304] In the solution shown in Figure 3, the network side can flexibly deploy or orchestrate NFs within the network, so that NFs can flexibly and easily provide the first service to the terminal device to meet the user's service needs.

[0305] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, taking the first network element as NACF, the second network element as OAM / NCF / TCF, and the terminal device as UE as an example for explanation, the method mainly generates first configuration information for the first network element, sends the second configuration information to the UE by means of policy update, and sends the third configuration information to the processing node NF for explanation, including the following multiple steps. It should be understood that the method 400 shown in Figure 4 can be regarded as a specific implementation of the method shown in Figure 2 above. The relevant description in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 above is also applicable to this implementation method. The same or similar technical means may exist between Figures 2 to 4. The content described in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 3 will not be repeated in Figure 4.

[0306] S401, UE capability reporting. For specific implementation and interpretation of related parameters, please refer to the relevant description of the above method 200.

[0307] S402 , OAM / NCF / TCF sends a request message # 1 to NACF. Correspondingly, NACF receives the request message # 1 from OAM / NCF / TCF.

[0308] S403: The AF sends a request message #2 to the NACF. Correspondingly, the NACF receives the request message #2 from the AF.

[0309] Among them, request message #1 or request message #2 is used to request first configuration information, wherein the first configuration information includes second configuration information and third configuration information. For specific interpretations, please refer to the relevant description of the above method 200.

[0310] Based on the above step S402 or S403, the NACF may generate the first configuration information according to the request message of the internal or external network element and issue the first configuration information.

[0311] S404: The NACF sends first configuration information to the DB. Correspondingly, the DB receives the first configuration information from the NACF.

[0312] The DB may be a UDR, a UDM, or an Unstructured Data Storage Function (UDSF).

[0313] Optionally, the NACF may also send third configuration information in the first configuration information to the processing node NF. For parameters included in the third configuration information, their interpretations, and specific implementations, refer to the description of method 200. Alternatively, the NACF may also send the first configuration information to the AF / OAM / NCF / TCF, for example, by including it in response message #1 of step S405 or response message #2 of step S406.

[0314] In response to step S402 or S403 , the method may further include step S405 or S406 .

[0315] S405 , NACF sends a response message # 1 to OAM / NCF / TCF. Correspondingly, OAM / NCF / TCF receives the response message # 1 from NACF.

[0316] S406: NACF sends a response message #2 to AF. Correspondingly, AF receives the response message #2 from NACF.

[0317] The response message #1 or the response message #2 is used to indicate the configuration result of the first configuration information, such as configuration success or configuration failure. Optionally, the response message #1 or the response message #2 includes the first configuration information.

[0318] It should be understood that the technical solution of the present application is implemented when the first configuration information is successfully configured. Optionally, if the first configuration information fails to be configured, the first response message may carry a failure reason value to indicate that the first configuration information has failed to be configured.

[0319] It should be noted that the above steps S402 and S403 can be executed alternatively, and correspondingly, steps S405 and S406 can also be executed alternatively, and this application does not limit this.

[0320] S407 , OAM / NCF / TCF / AF sends first configuration information to the DB, and correspondingly, the DB receives the first configuration information from the OAM / NCF / TCF / AF.

[0321] It should be noted that the above steps S404 and S407 can be performed either one or the other, and this application does not limit this.

[0322] Based on the above S404 and S407, the DB obtains the first configuration information. Further, the DB may send the second configuration information to the UE and / or send the third configuration information to the processing node NF.

[0323] S408, DB sends policy update message #1 to AMF / PCF, and correspondingly, AMF / PCF receives policy update message #1 from DB.

[0324] S409, AMF / PCF sends policy update message #2 to the UE, and correspondingly, the UE receives policy update message #2 from the AMF / PCF.

[0325] The policy update message #1 and the policy update message #2 include the second configuration information. Optionally, the policy update message #1 includes the first configuration information.

[0326] Exemplarily, after the first configuration information is stored in the DB, the DB may notify the NF that has subscribed to the service update notification (such as the PCF responsible for UE policy control, and / or the AMF responsible for UE mobility management, etc.). For example, the PCF / AMF may send a subscription request message to the DB in step S401, so that the DB notifies the AMF / PCF when determining that the first configuration information (or second configuration information) is updated. After receiving the updated first configuration information (or second configuration information), the AMF / PCF may send the second configuration information to the UE.

[0327] It should be noted that the methods shown in Figures 3 and 4 can be implemented independently or in combination, and this application does not limit this. For example, before the NACF generates the first configuration information, the OAM / NCF / TCF in the network completes the deployment or association of the processing node NF.

[0328] In the scheme shown in Figure 4, the NACF can generate or obtain the first configuration information based on the request of the external AF or internal OAM / NCF / TCF, and issue the first configuration information, including sending the second configuration information to the UE and sending the third configuration information to the processing node NF, so that the data related to the first service can be transmitted between the UE and the processing node through the first signaling, so that the NF can flexibly and easily provide the first service to the UE for the terminal device to meet the user's service needs.

[0329] It should be understood that FIG4 shows sending the second configuration information to the terminal device by means of policy update. The following description will be made with reference to FIG5 , showing sending the second configuration information to the terminal device by means of session.

[0330] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the first network element is NACF, the second network element is OAM / NCF / TCF, and the terminal device is UE. This method is mainly for the UE to obtain the fourth configuration information through the user plane session after obtaining the second configuration information, and to complete the software update or chip upgrade. It includes the following steps. It should be understood that the method 500 shown in Figure 5 can be regarded as a specific implementation of the method shown in Figure 2 above. The relevant description in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 above is also applicable to this implementation. The same or similar technical means may exist between Figures 2 to 5. The content described in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 4 will not be repeated in Figure 5.

[0331] S501, UE capability reporting. For specific implementation and interpretation of related parameters, please refer to the relevant description of the above method 200.

[0332] S502: Complete the deployment of the processing node NF and generate and send the first configuration information.

[0333] Among them, the specific implementation method of NF deployment can refer to the relevant description of the above method 300, and the specific implementation method of generating and sending the first configuration information can refer to the relevant description of the above method 400.

[0334] S503: The UE obtains session parameters and / or first node information.

[0335] Exemplarily, the UE obtains session parameters and / or first node information from the network. For specific interpretations of the session parameters and first node information, refer to the description of method 200. It should be understood that the first node information herein refers to node information used to deliver the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information, such as NACF / OAM / NCF / TCF / AF. In other words, the UE can request the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information from the first node.

[0336] In this implementation, the UE can obtain the second configuration information based on step S502. Furthermore, the UE needs to complete software update or chip upgrade before it can obtain the first service by sending the first signaling based on the second configuration information.

[0337] In the following, in conjunction with steps S504-S511, the UE obtaining the fourth configuration information through the first session is described. The fourth configuration information is information for instructing the UE to perform software update or chip upgrade (referred to as software information for short).

[0338] In the first example, the UE obtains session parameters in step S503, where the session parameters are used to establish a first session. In this case, the first session is newly created.

[0339] S504, the UE receives the indication information.

[0340] Exemplarily, the network side (e.g., AMF or NACF or OAM / NCF / TCF or AF) sends indication information to the UE, instructing the UE to obtain the fourth configuration information through the first session, that is, to download the corresponding software from the network side through the session. Optionally, the UE may also receive software information, such as a NAS Service ID, from the network side. Optionally, the software information may be sent simultaneously with the indication information or separately. Optionally, the indication information may be sent along with the policy update message in step S502, which is not limited in this application.

[0341] S505, the UE sends a session establishment request message to the SMF, and correspondingly, the SMF receives the session establishment request message from the UE.

[0342] The session establishment request message includes session parameters, and the session establishment request message is used to request establishment of the first session. Exemplarily, the session parameters include at least one of the following: DNN, slice information, or session type.

[0343] S506, SMF obtains node information. For specific implementation, please refer to the relevant description of the above method 200.

[0344] S507, SMF sends session configuration information to UPF, and correspondingly, UPF receives the session configuration information from SMF.

[0345] The session configuration information includes node information.

[0346] S508, SMF sends a session establishment response message to the UE, and correspondingly, the UE receives the session establishment response message from the SMF.

[0347] The session establishment response message is used to indicate whether the session establishment is successful or failed.

[0348] Next, the UE may obtain the fourth configuration information through the newly created first session, that is, execute steps S509 - S511 .

[0349] S509: The UE sends a request message to the UPF through the first session, and correspondingly, the UPF receives the request message from the UE through the first session, wherein the request message is used to obtain the fourth configuration information.

[0350] S510, UPF obtains fourth configuration information.

[0351] Exemplarily, the UPF sends a request message to the associated node based on the node information carried in the session configuration information of step S507 to obtain the fourth configuration information. Correspondingly, after receiving the request message, the associated node feeds back the fourth configuration information to the UPF.

[0352] S511, UPF sends fourth configuration information to UE through the first session, and correspondingly, UE receives the fourth configuration information from UPF through the session.

[0353] In the second example, the UE obtains the node information in step S503, and the UE can obtain the fourth configuration information through the first session. The first session can be an existing general first session or a newly created first session in steps S505-S508, which is not limited in this application.

[0354] S509: The UE sends a request message to the UPF via the first session. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the request message from the UE via the first session. The request message is used to obtain the fourth configuration information, and the request message carries the node information obtained in step S503.

[0355] S510, UPF obtains fourth configuration information.

[0356] Exemplarily, the UPF sends a request message to the associated node based on the node information carried in the request message, or the node information carried in the session configuration information sent by the SMF, to obtain the fourth configuration information. Correspondingly, after receiving the request message, the associated node feeds back the fourth configuration information to the UPF.

[0357] S511, UPF sends fourth configuration information to UE through the first session, and correspondingly, UE receives the fourth configuration information from UPF through the session.

[0358] In the solution shown in Figure 5, the UE can obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information through the first session, complete the software update or chip upgrade, and then use the first signaling to request the first service from the processing node to meet the user's service needs.

[0359] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6, the first network element is NACF, the second network element is OAM / NCF / TCF, and the terminal device is UE as an example for explanation. Compared with the above method 500, this method is mainly aimed at the UE obtaining the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information through the user plane session, and completing the software update or chip upgrade for explanation, including the following multiple steps. It should be understood that the method 600 shown in Figure 6 can be regarded as a specific implementation of the method shown in Figure 2 above. The relevant description in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 above is also applicable to this implementation method. The same or similar technical means may exist between Figures 2 to 6. The content described in the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5 will not be repeated in Figure 6.

[0360] S601, UE capability reporting. For specific implementation and interpretation of related parameters, please refer to the relevant description of the above method 200.

[0361] S602: The network side (eg, NACF, OAM, TCF, or NCF) completes processing node NF deployment and generates and sends first configuration information.

[0362] The specific implementation of NF deployment can refer to the relevant description of the above method 500, except that the UE in this implementation does not obtain the second configuration information. Therefore, the network side instructs the UE to obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information through the first session.

[0363] S603: The UE obtains session parameters and / or first node information.

[0364] For the interpretation of the session parameters and / or the first node information, and the specific implementation method, please refer to the relevant description of the above method 500.

[0365] In one possible implementation, the UE needs to complete a software update or chip upgrade before it can obtain the first service based on the second configuration information by sending the first signaling. In other words, before obtaining the first service through the first signaling, the UE needs to obtain the fourth configuration information to complete the software update or chip upgrade, that is, the UE obtains the second configuration information and the fourth configuration information through a user plane session. Optionally, this application does not limit the execution order of obtaining the second configuration information and the fourth configuration information.

[0366] In another possible implementation, the UE does not need to complete the software update or chip upgrade before obtaining the second configuration information. That is, after obtaining the second configuration information, the UE can obtain the first service through the first signaling without obtaining the fourth configuration information. Alternatively, the UE can complete the software update or chip upgrade by obtaining the fourth configuration information without obtaining the second configuration information.

[0367] In the following, in conjunction with steps S604-S611, the UE obtaining the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information through the first session is described. The fourth configuration information is information for instructing the UE to perform software update or chip upgrade (referred to as software information for short).

[0368] In the first example, the UE obtains session parameters in step S603, where the session parameters are used to establish a first session. In this case, the first session is newly established.

[0369] S604, the UE receives the indication information.

[0370] Exemplarily, the network side (e.g., AMF or NACF or OAM / NCF / TCF or AF) sends indication information to the UE, instructing the UE to obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information through the first session.

[0371] S605, the UE sends a session establishment request message to the SMF, and correspondingly, the SMF receives the session establishment request message from the UE.

[0372] The session establishment request message includes session parameters, and the session establishment request message is used to request establishment of the first session. Exemplarily, the session parameters include at least one of the following: DNN, slice information, or session type.

[0373] S606, SMF obtains node information. For specific implementation, please refer to the relevant description of the above method 200.

[0374] S607, SMF sends session configuration information to UPF, and correspondingly, UPF receives the session configuration information from SMF.

[0375] The session configuration information includes node information.

[0376] S608, SMF sends a session establishment response message to the UE, and correspondingly, the UE receives the session establishment response message from the SMF.

[0377] The session establishment response message is used to indicate whether the session establishment is successful or failed.

[0378] Next, the UE may obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information through the newly created first session, that is, execute steps S609 - S611 .

[0379] S609: The UE sends a request message to the UPF through the first session, and correspondingly, the UPF receives the request message from the UE through the first session, wherein the request message is used to obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information.

[0380] S610, UPF obtains second configuration information and / or fourth configuration information.

[0381] Exemplarily, the UPF sends a request message to the associated node based on the node information carried in the session configuration information of step S607 to obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information. Correspondingly, after receiving the request message, the associated node feeds back the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information to the UPF.

[0382] S611, UPF sends fourth configuration information to UE through the first session, and correspondingly, UE receives the fourth configuration information from UPF through the session.

[0383] In the second example, the UE obtains the node information in step S603, and the UE can obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information through the first session. The first session can be an existing general first session or a newly created first session in steps S605-S608, which is not limited in this application.

[0384] In step S609, the UE sends a request message to the UPF through the first session. Correspondingly, the UPF receives the request message from the UE through the first session. The request message is used to obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information, and the request message carries the node information obtained in step S603.

[0385] S610, UPF obtains second configuration information and / or fourth configuration information.

[0386] Exemplarily, the UPF sends a request message to the associated node based on the node information carried in the request message, or based on the node information carried in the session configuration information sent by the SMF, to obtain the fourth configuration information. Correspondingly, after receiving the request message, the associated node feeds back the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information to the UPF.

[0387] S611, UPF sends the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information to the UE through the first session. Correspondingly, the UE receives the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information from the UPF through the session.

[0388] In the solution shown in Figure 6, the UE can obtain the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information through the first session, complete the software update or chip upgrade, and then use the first signaling to request the first service from the processing node to meet the user's service needs.

[0389] The communication method embodiment of the present application is described in detail above in conjunction with Figures 1 to 7 . The communication device embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below in conjunction with Figures 8 to 9 . It should be understood that the description of the device embodiment corresponds to the description of the method embodiment. Therefore, for portions not described in detail, reference can be made to the above method embodiment.

[0390] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a communication device 800 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 800 includes a processing module 801 and a communication module 802. The communication device 800 can be a first network element (e.g., NACF), or a communication device applied to the first network element or used in conjunction with the first network element and capable of implementing the method executed by the first network element, such as a chip, a chip system, or a circuit; or, the communication device 800 can be a second network element (e.g., NCF, TCF, or OAM), or a communication device applied to the second network element or used in conjunction with the second network element and capable of implementing the method executed by the second network element, such as a chip, a chip system, or a circuit; or, the communication device 800 can be a terminal device (e.g., UE), or a communication device applied to the terminal device or used in conjunction with the terminal device and capable of implementing the method executed by the terminal device, such as a chip, a chip system, or a circuit; or, the communication device 800 can be a forwarding node (e.g., RAN, AMF, or SCP), or a communication device applied to the forwarding node or used in conjunction with the forwarding node and capable of implementing the method executed by the forwarding node, such as a chip, a chip system, or a circuit;

[0391] The communication module may also be referred to as a transceiver module, transceiver, transceiver, or transceiver device. The processing module may also be referred to as a processor, processing board, processing unit, or processing device. Optionally, the communication module is used to perform the sending and receiving operations of the first network element, second network element, forwarding node, or terminal device in the above method. The device used to implement the receiving function in the communication module can be considered a receiving unit, and the device used to implement the sending function in the communication module can be considered a sending unit. That is, the communication module includes a receiving unit and a sending unit.

[0392] When the communication device 800 is applied to the first network element, the processing module 801 can be used to implement the processing function of the first network element in the above embodiments, and the communication module 802 can be used to implement the transceiver function of the first network element in the above embodiments.

[0393] When the communication device 800 is applied to the second network element, the processing module 801 can be used to implement the processing function of the second network element in the above embodiments, and the communication module 802 can be used to implement the transceiver function of the second network element in the above embodiments.

[0394] When the communication device 800 is applied to a forwarding node, the processing module 801 may be used to implement the processing function of the forwarding node in the above embodiments, and the communication module 802 may be used to implement the transceiver function of the forwarding node in the above embodiments.

[0395] When the communication apparatus 800 is applied to a terminal device, the processing module 801 may be used to implement the processing functions of the terminal device in the above embodiments, and the communication module 802 may be used to implement the transceiver functions of the terminal device in the above embodiments.

[0396] In addition, it should be noted that the aforementioned communication module and / or processing module can be implemented by a virtual module, for example, the processing module can be implemented by a software functional unit or a virtual device, and the communication module can be implemented by a software function or a virtual device. Alternatively, the processing module or the communication module can also be implemented by a physical device, for example, if the device is implemented using a chip / circuit (such as an integrated circuit or a logic circuit, etc.). The communication module can be an input and 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 module is an integrated processor or microprocessor or circuit (such as an integrated circuit or a logic circuit, etc.).

[0397] 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.

[0398] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of another communication device 900 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG9 , the communication device 900 may optionally be a chip or a chip system. Optionally, in the present application, the chip system may be composed of a chip or may include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0399] The communication device 900 can be used to implement the functions of any network element (such as a first network element, a second network element, a forwarding node, or a terminal device) in the communication system described in the above examples. The communication device 900 may include at least one processor 910. Optionally, the processor 910 is coupled to a memory, and the memory may be located within the device, or the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be located outside the device. For example, the communication device 900 may also include at least one memory 920. The memory 920 stores the necessary computer programs, computer programs or instructions and / or data for implementing any of the above examples; the processor 910 may execute the computer program stored in the memory 920 to complete the method in any of the above examples.

[0400] The communication device 900 may further include a communication interface 930, through which the communication device 900 can exchange information with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface 930 may be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, a pin, or another type of communication interface. When the communication device 900 is a chip-type device or circuit, the communication interface 930 in the device 900 may also be an input / output circuit that can input information (or receive information) and output information (or send information). The processor 910 is an integrated processor, microprocessor, integrated circuit, or logic circuit, etc. The processor may determine output information based on input information.

[0401] Coupling in this application refers to 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. The processor 910 may operate in conjunction with the memory 920 and the communication interface 930. The specific connection medium between the processor 910, memory 920, and communication interface 930 is not limited in this application.

[0402] Optionally, as shown in FIG9 , the processor 910, the memory 920, and the communication interface 930 are interconnected via a bus 940. Optionally, the bus may include an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, and other types of buses. Furthermore, for ease of illustration, FIG9 shows one bus 940, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus.

[0403] It should be understood that the processors mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be the following devices or the circuit portions of the following devices used for processing functions: a central processing unit (CPU), other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0404] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0405] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0406] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0407] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which computer instructions are stored for implementing the methods executed by the first network element, the second network element, the forwarding node or the terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0408] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the first network element, the second network element, the forwarding node or the terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0409] The embodiment of the present application further provides a communication system, which includes the first network element, the second network element, and the forwarding node in the above embodiments. Optionally, the communication system also includes a terminal device.

[0410] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above and will not be described again here.

[0411] To facilitate understanding of the above embodiments provided in this application, the following points are explained:

[0412] 1) In this application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0413] 2) In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the text description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b and c. Where a, b and c can be single or multiple, respectively.

[0414] 3) Throughout this application, the terms "first," "second," and various numerical references (e.g., #1, #2, etc.) are used to distinguish between different messages for ease of description and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they are used to distinguish between different messages, rather than to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that such references are interchangeable, where appropriate, to allow for the description of scenarios beyond the embodiments of this application.

[0415] 4) In this application, descriptions such as "when...", "in the case of...", and "if" all mean that the device will perform corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They do not limit the time, nor do they require the device to perform judgment actions when implementing them, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0416] 5) In this application, "used to indicate" can include being used for direct indication and being used for indirect indication. When describing that a certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can include that the indication information directly indicates A or indirectly indicates A, and it does not mean that the indication information must carry A.

[0417] The indication methods involved in the embodiments of this application should be understood to encompass various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain information about the information to be indicated. The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. The transmission period and / or timing of these sub-information can be the same or different. This application does not limit the transmission method, for example.

[0418] In the embodiments of the present application, the "indication information" may be an explicit indication, i.e., a direct indication via signaling, or may be obtained based on parameters indicated by the signaling, in combination with other rules, other parameters, or by deduction. It may also be an implicit indication, i.e., based on a rule or relationship, or based on other parameters, or by deduction. This application does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0419] 6) In this application, "protocol" may refer to a standard protocol in the field of communications, such as 5G protocol, NR protocol, and related protocols used in future communication systems, which is not limited in this application. "Predefined" may include pre-definition. For example, protocol definition. "Preconfiguration" can be implemented by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device, and this application does not limit its implementation method.

[0420] 7) In this application, "communication" may also be described as "data transmission", "information transmission", "data processing", etc. "Transmission" includes "sending" and "receiving".

[0421] In various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes 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 embodiments of the present application.

[0422] 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.

[0423] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0424] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be described again here.

[0425] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, 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 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 system, 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.

[0426] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0427] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0428] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0429] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this 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: include: Acquire first configuration information, where the first configuration information is used to indicate a usage rule of first signaling between a terminal device and a first network function, where the first signaling is associated with a first service, and the first network function supports providing the first service to the terminal device; Send the first configuration information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first signaling is used to implement one or more of the following: controlling the first service; synchronizing the state of the first service; or, The data of the first service is transmitted.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The method further comprises: receiving a first request message, where the first request message is used to request the first configuration information, and the first request message includes information about the first network function and / or information about the first service; Sending a first response message, where the first response message is used to indicate a configuration result of the first configuration information, and / or; The sending the first configuration information includes: A first response message is sent, where the first response message includes the first configuration information.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The sending the first configuration information includes: Sending second information to a database, where the second information is used to store or update the first configuration information.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The first request message also includes one or more of the following: The identification of the terminal device; a format of the first signaling; an identifier of the first signaling; a service identifier associated with the first signaling; A service type associated with the first signaling; content of the first signaling; forwarding logic of the first signaling; a priority of the first signaling; or, Information of the service requester and / or application information that is allowed to use the first signaling.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Before obtaining the first configuration information, the method further includes: Determining, according to the first information, that the terminal device supports use of the first service; The first information includes one or more of the following: capability information of the terminal device, the capability information of the terminal device indicating that the terminal device supports the first service, and / or indicating that the terminal device supports using the first signaling to obtain the first service; An identifier of the terminal device, wherein the identifier of the terminal device is associated with capability information of the terminal device; The subscription information of the terminal device, the subscription information indicating that the network authorizes the terminal device to use the first service, and / or indicating that the network authorizes the terminal device to use the first signaling to obtain the first service; or Policy information, wherein the policy information indicates that the terminal device is allowed to use the first service, and / or indicates that the terminal device is allowed to use the first signaling to obtain the first service.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The first configuration information includes second configuration information and third configuration information, and the sending the first configuration information includes: sending the second configuration information to the terminal device; and / or, Send the third configuration information to the first network function.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The second configuration information includes one or more of the following: a format of the first signaling; content of the first signaling; the priority of the first service; an identifier of the first signaling; The name of the first signaling; or, Other parameters associated with the first service.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The third configuration information includes one or more items: an identifier of the first service; an identifier of the first signaling; Information of applications that are allowed to use the first service and / or information of the service requester; the forwarding logic of the first signaling; or, Network information, allowing the terminal device to use the first service within the network indicated by the network information.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send indication information to the terminal device, where the indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to obtain the second configuration information and / or fourth configuration information through the first session, and the fourth configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform software update.

11. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that The sending the second configuration information to the terminal device includes: Sending policy update information to the terminal device, where the policy update information includes the second configuration information; or, receiving a second request message from a user plane network element, where the second request message is used to request obtaining the second configuration information; A second response message is sent to the user plane network element, where the second response message includes the second configuration information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving a third request message from a user plane network element, where the third request message is used to request to obtain the fourth configuration information; Send a third response message to the user plane network element, where the third response message includes the fourth configuration information.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The first signaling includes NAS signaling and / or control plane signaling.

14. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending a first request message, where the first request message is used to request first configuration information, the first request message includes information about a first network function and / or information about a first service, the first configuration information is used to indicate a usage rule of a first signaling between a terminal device and the first network function, the first signaling is associated with a first service, and the first network function supports providing the first service for the terminal device; A first response message is received, where the first response message is used to indicate a configuration result of the first configuration information; and / or the first response message includes the first configuration information.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that Before sending the first request message, the method further includes: The first network function is deployed within a network.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that The deploying the first network function in the network includes: receiving a fourth request message, where the fourth request message is used by an application function or an operator management function to request deployment of the first network function within the network; Send a fourth response message, where the fourth response message is used to indicate a deployment result of the first network function.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The first response message includes the first configuration information, and the method further includes: Sending third information to the database, where the third information is used to store or update the first configuration information.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that The first configuration information includes second configuration information and third configuration information, and the method further includes: sending the second configuration information to the terminal device; and / or, Send the third configuration information to the first network function.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that The method further comprises: Send indication information to the terminal device, where the indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to obtain the second configuration information and / or fourth configuration information through the first session, and the fourth configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform software update.

20. A communication method, characterized in that: include: receiving second configuration information, where the second configuration information is used to indicate a usage rule of first signaling between a terminal device and a first network function, where the first signaling is associated with a first service, and the first network function supports providing the first service to the terminal device; The first signaling is sent according to the second configuration information, where the first signaling is used by the terminal device to obtain the first service.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that Before receiving the second configuration information, the method further includes: Send capability information, where the capability information is used to indicate that the terminal device supports using the first signaling to obtain the first service based on the second configuration information.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that The capability information is also used to indicate that the terminal device supports opening the first signaling to a first application.

23. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that The method further comprises: Receive indication information, where the indication information is used to instruct the terminal device to obtain the second configuration information and / or fourth configuration information through the first session, and the second configuration information is used to instruct the terminal device to perform software update.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: Acquire session parameters, where the session parameters are used to establish the first session; Sending a session establishment request message according to the session parameters, where the session establishment request message is used to request to establish the first session; A session establishment response message is received, where the session establishment response message is used to indicate an establishment result of the first session.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that The receiving the second configuration information comprises: Sending a fifth request message to the user plane network element through the first session, where the fifth request message is used to request obtaining the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information; A fifth response message is received from the user plane network element through the first session, where the fifth response message includes the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information.

26. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that The method further comprises: Acquire first node information, where the first node information indicates a sending node of the second configuration information; Sending a sixth request message to the user plane network element through the first session, where the sixth request message is used to request obtaining the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information, and the sixth request message includes the first node information; A sixth response message is received from the user plane network element through the first session, where the sixth response message includes the second configuration information and / or the fourth configuration information.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that The sixth request message also includes information about the first service.

28. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that The receiving the second configuration information comprises: Receive policy update information, where the policy update information includes the second configuration information.

29. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Receiving a first signaling, where the first signaling is used by a terminal device to obtain a first service; Obtaining forwarding logic of the first signaling, where the forwarding logic of the first signaling includes information of a first network function, and the first network function supports processing of the first signaling; The first signaling is sent to the first network function according to the forwarding logic of the first signaling.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that Obtaining the forwarding logic of the first signaling includes: The forwarding logic of the first signaling is received from a first network element, and the first network element supports the first service.

31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that The acquiring of the forwarding logic of the first signaling includes: A query message is sent to the network storage function, where the query message is used to obtain information about the first network function.

32. A communication device, characterized in that: include: One or more functional modules, wherein the one or more functional modules are used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or the one or more functional modules are used to execute the method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, or the one or more functional modules are used to execute the method according to any one of claims 20 to 28, or the one or more functional modules are used to execute the method according to any one of claims 29 to 31.

33. A communication device, characterized in that: include: a processor coupled to the memory; The processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory so that the device performs the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, or so that the device performs the method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, or so that the device performs the method according to any one of claims 20 to 28, or so that the device performs the method according to any one of claims 29 to 31.

34. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: A computer program is stored, which, when executed on a computer, causes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 to be executed, or causes the method according to any one of claims 14 to 19 to be executed, or causes the method according to any one of claims 20 to 28 to be executed, or causes the method according to any one of claims 29 to 31 to be executed.

35. A computer program product, characterized in that Contains instructions, which, when executed, cause the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 to be executed, or cause the method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19 to be executed, or cause the method as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 28 to be executed, or cause the method as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 31 to be executed.

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