Service data processing method and communication apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a service data processing method and a communication apparatus. The method comprises: a mobile communication device receiving first direction information, wherein the first direction information indicates that data of a first service is transmitted by means of a first UE, or the first direction information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted by means of the first UE / first network / first RAT, the first network being a network on which the first UE camps, the first RAT being a RAT supported by a first access network device, and the first access network device corresponding to the first UE; and on the basis of the first direction information, the mobile communication device transmitting the data of the first service by means of a first session of the first UE. On the basis of the method, a mobile communication device can receive information which is sent by a network side and is used for directing data of a service. In this way, the mobile communication device can be controlled to reasonably select a UE for transmitting service data.

Description

A business data processing method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 11, 2024, with application number 202410047108.X, and priority to the Chinese patent application entitled “A business data processing method and communication device”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] User equipment (UE), radio access network (RAN), user plane function (UPF), and data network (DN) are generally referred to as data plane network functions and entities. User data traffic can be transmitted through protocol data units (PDUs) established between the UE and DN, passing through the RAN and UPF network function entities.

[0004] In a communication system, a mobile communication device may include two UEs, for example, UE1 and UE2. For example, as shown in Figure 1, UE1 is connected to access network device 1, and UE2 is connected to access network device 2. Controlling which UE in a mobile communication device transmits service data is a pressing technical issue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application provides a service data processing method and a communication device, which can control a mobile communication device to reasonably select a UE to transmit service data.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a service data processing method, which is applied to a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device including a first user equipment (UE) and a second UE, characterized in that the method includes:

[0007] The mobile communication device receives first directional information; the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the first UE; or,

[0008] The first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first UE; or,

[0009] The first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; wherein the first network is the network where the first UE resides; or,

[0010] The first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first radio access technology RAT; wherein the first RAT is a RAT supported by the first access network device, and the first access network device corresponds to the first UE;

[0011] The mobile communication device transmits data of a first service through a first session of the first UE based on the first directional information.

[0012] The first RAT is a RAT supported by the first access network device, and the first access network device corresponds to the first UE. It can be understood that: the first UE is connected to the first access network device, and the first access network device supports the first RAT.

[0013] Based on the method described in the first aspect, the mobile communication device can receive information sent by the network side for directing service data, so that the mobile communication device can be controlled to reasonably select the UE for transmitting service data.

[0014] In a possible embodiment, the mobile communication device sends a registration request, where the registration request is used to request registration of the first UE with the network;

[0015] The specific implementation manner of the mobile communication device receiving the first directional information is as follows: the mobile communication device receives a registration acceptance message or a UE policy container, the registration acceptance message or the UE policy container includes the first directional information, and the registration acceptance message indicates that the first UE has successfully registered with the network.

[0016] Based on this possible embodiment, information for directing service data can be obtained when the first UE in the mobile communication device is registered, so that the mobile communication device can be controlled to reasonably select a UE for transmitting service data.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the registration request also includes a hidden user identity (SUCI) of the second UE or a dual-directional device indication, where the dual-directional device indication is used to indicate that the first UE is located in a dual-directional device, where the dual-directional device is a device including two UEs. Based on this possible embodiment, the first directional information is advantageously generated only when both UEs in the mobile communication device are registered with the network or when the first UE is located in the dual-directional device.

[0018] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method of a mobile communication device transmitting data of a first service through a first session of a first UE based on first directional information is as follows: the mobile communication device selects a first UE based on the first directional information and establishes a first session of the first UE; transmits data of the first service through the first session of the first UE; the method also includes: the mobile communication device sends a first message, the first message carries information of the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of a second session of the second UE.

[0019] In a possible embodiment, the mobile communication device may further establish a first session for the first UE; the mobile communication device may further send a first message, where the first message carries information about the first session of the first UE, an identifier of a second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of the second session for the second UE;

[0020] A specific implementation manner of the mobile communication device receiving the first directional information is as follows: the mobile communication device receives a session establishment accept message, the session establishment accept message includes the first directional information, and the session establishment accept message indicates that the second session of the second UE is successfully established.

[0021] Based on this possible embodiment, in the process of creating a second session of the second UE and establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, information for directing service data can be obtained, so that the mobile communication device can be controlled to reasonably select the UE to transmit service data.

[0022] In a possible embodiment, before the mobile communication device receives the first directional information, the mobile communication device may further establish a first session with the first UE; and the mobile communication device may further send a first message, where the first message carries information about the first session of the first UE, an identifier of a second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of the second session with the second UE;

[0023] The specific implementation manner of the mobile communication device receiving the first directional information is as follows: the mobile communication device receives the first directional information sent by a first network element, and the first network element is responsible for access management of the first UE.

[0024] Based on this possible embodiment, in the process of creating a second session of the second UE and establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, information for directing service data can be obtained, so that the mobile communication device can be controlled to reasonably select the UE to transmit service data.

[0025] In one possible embodiment, the information of the first session of the first UE includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first session of the first UE, a data network name DNN corresponding to the first session of the first UE, and single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI corresponding to the first session of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to accurately determine the first session of the first UE.

[0026] In a possible embodiment, the first message further includes the SUCI of the first UE or the user permanent identity SUPI of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to accurately determine the SUPI of the first UE.

[0027] In a possible embodiment, the first message is further used to request association of the first session of the first UE with the second session of the second UE.

[0028] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the mobile communication device establishing the first session of the first UE is: the mobile communication device sends the identifier of the first session of the first UE, DNN, S-NSSAI, a first session establishment request and first indication information, the first session establishment request is used to request to establish the first session of the first UE, and the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs.

[0029] By sending the first indication information, it is helpful to select a session management network element that supports association of service data between different UEs to provide services, which facilitates subsequent processing.

[0030] In a possible embodiment, the mobile communication device may further receive second indication information, where the second indication information indicates that the first session allows association between different UEs, or indicates that a session of the mobile communication device allows association between different UEs;

[0031] The specific implementation of the mobile communication device sending the first message is: the mobile communication device sends the first message according to the second indication information. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful for the mobile communication device to accurately determine whether the first session can be associated between different UEs.

[0032] In a second aspect, the present application provides a method for processing business data, the method comprising:

[0033] The session management network element receives a second message, which carries a user permanent identification SUPI of a first user equipment UE, an identifier of a first session of the first UE, a SUPI of a second UE, an identifier of a second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of a second session of the second UE; in response to the second message, the session management network element stores an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE; based on the second message, the session management network element sends first directional information; the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or, the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or, the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; wherein the first network is a network where the first UE resides; or, the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first radio access technology RAT; wherein the first RAT is a RAT supported by a first access network device, and the first access network device corresponds to the first UE.

[0034] Based on the method described in the second aspect, in the process of creating a second session of the second UE and establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the session management network element can be triggered to send information for directing service data to the mobile communication device, which is conducive to controlling the mobile communication device to reasonably select the UE to transmit service data.

[0035] In one possible embodiment, the specific implementation of the session management network element sending the first directional information based on the second message is as follows: the session management network element obtains control information from the first policy control network element based on the second message, where the control information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first RAT; and the session management network element sends the first directional information based on the control information. Based on this possible embodiment, the session management network element can generate reasonable first directional information based on the control information.

[0036] In one possible embodiment, the session management network element obtains control information from the first policy control network element based on the second message by: the session management network element sends a third message to the first policy control network element, the third message carrying a session policy association identifier associated with the identifier of the first session of the first UE, the SUPI of the second UE, and the identifier of the second session; and the session management network element receives the control information sent by the first policy control network element. Based on this possible embodiment, the session management network element can accurately obtain the control information.

[0037] In one possible embodiment, the first targeted information is sent by sending a session establishment accept message to the second network element, the session establishment accept message including the first targeted information. The session establishment accept message indicates that the second session of the second UE has been successfully established, and the second network element is responsible for access management of the second UE. Based on this possible implementation, the first targeted information can be successfully sent to the mobile communication device.

[0038] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation of sending the first directional information is: sending the first directional information to a first network element, which is responsible for access management of the first UE. Based on this possible implementation, the first directional information can be successfully sent to the mobile communication device.

[0039] In one possible embodiment, the session management network element may further send first information to the user plane function network element, where the first information is used to instruct the first service data to be sent to a first access network device; the first access network device is used to carry the first session of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, the downlink data transmission behavior of the user plane function network element can be reasonably controlled to prevent data for the same service from being transmitted simultaneously without passing through two UEs in the mobile communication device.

[0040] In a possible embodiment, the first information includes address information of the first access network device and an identifier of the first service.

[0041] In a possible embodiment, the second message is further used to request association of the first session of the first UE with the second session of the second UE.

[0042] In a possible embodiment, the session management network element may also receive the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the data network name DNN, the single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request and the first indication information, the first session establishment request is used to request the establishment of the first session of the first UE, the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs; and may also determine that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs; and may also send second indication information, which indicates that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0043] Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful for the mobile communication device to accurately determine whether the first session can be associated between different UEs.

[0044] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the session management network element determining that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs is: the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs based on the local configuration of the DNN; or, the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs based on the subscription data or policy information corresponding to the first session.

[0045] Based on this possible embodiment, the session management network element can accurately determine whether the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0046] In a third aspect, the present application provides a method for processing business data, the method comprising:

[0047] The first policy control network element receives a third message, which carries a session policy association identifier associated with the identifier of the first session of the first UE, the user permanent identifier SUPI of the second UE, and the identifier of the second session of the second UE; in response to the third message, the first policy control network element sends control information, the control information indicating that data of the first service is transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or, the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or, the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; wherein the first network is the network where the first UE resides; or, the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first radio access technology RAT; wherein the first RAT is a RAT supported by the first access network device, and the first access network device corresponds to the first UE.

[0048] The method described in the third aspect is helpful for the session management network element to accurately obtain control information.

[0049] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a business data processing method, the method comprising:

[0050] The first network element receives a registration request, which is used to request that the first UE be registered to the network; the first network element sends a fourth message, which is used to request to establish an access management policy association for the first UE, and the fourth message carries the user permanent identification SUPI of the first UE; the first network element receives first directional information; the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the first UE; or, the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first UE; or, the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; wherein the first network is the network where the first UE resides; or, the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first radio access technology RAT; wherein the first RAT is a RAT supported by the first access network device, and the first access network device corresponds to the first UE; the first network element sends a registration acceptance message or a UE policy container, which includes the first directional information, and the registration acceptance message indicates that the first UE is successfully registered with the network.

[0051] Based on the method described in the fourth aspect, information for directing service data can be sent when the first UE in the mobile communication device is registered, which is conducive to controlling the mobile communication device to reasonably select the UE for transmitting service data.

[0052] In a possible embodiment, the registration request also includes an identifier of the second UE or a dual-directional device indication, where the dual-directional device indication is used to indicate that the first UE is located in a dual-directional device, which is a device including two UEs; the fourth message also includes a user permanent identifier SUPI of the second UE or a dual-directional device indication.

[0053] Based on this possible embodiment, it is advantageous to generate the first orientation information only when both UEs in the mobile communication device are registered with the network or the first UE is located in a dual orientation device.

[0054] In one possible embodiment, in response to the registration request, the first network element may further send the first UE's SUPI to the unified data management network element; and may further receive the second UE's SUPI or a dual-directional device indication from the unified data management network element, where the dual-directional device indication is used to indicate that the first UE is located in a dual-directional device, where the dual-directional device is a device including two UEs; wherein the fourth message also includes the second UE's SUPI or the dual-directional device indication. Based on this possible embodiment, the first directional information is advantageously generated only when both UEs in the mobile communication device are registered with the network or the first UE is located in the dual-directional device.

[0055] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a business data processing method, the method comprising:

[0056] The second policy control network element receives a fourth message, which is used to request establishment of an access management policy association for the first user equipment UE, and the fourth message carries the user permanent identification SUPI of the first UE; in response to the fourth message, the second policy control network element sends a first directional information; the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the first UE; or, the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first UE; or, the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; wherein the first network is a network where the first UE resides; or, the first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first radio access technology RAT; wherein, the first RAT is a RAT supported by the first access network device, and the first access network device corresponds to the first UE.

[0057] Based on the method described in the fifth aspect, information for directing service data can be sent when the first UE in the mobile communication device is registered, which is conducive to controlling the mobile communication device to reasonably select the UE for transmitting service data.

[0058] In one possible embodiment, the fourth message also includes the SUPI or dual-directional device indication of the second UE. The dual-directional device indication is used to indicate that the first UE is located in a dual-directional device, where the dual-directional device is a device including two UEs. Based on this possible embodiment, the first directional information is generated only when both UEs in the mobile communication device are registered with the network.

[0059] In one possible embodiment, the second policy control network element obtains the subscription information of the first UE and generates first directional information based on the subscription information; the subscription information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the first UE; or the subscription information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first UE; or the subscription information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; or the subscription information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first RAT. Based on this possible embodiment, reasonable first directional information can be generated based on the subscription information of the first UE.

[0060] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a business data processing method, the method comprising:

[0061] The session management network element receives a second message, which carries the user permanent identification SUPI of the first user equipment UE, the identifier of the first session of the first UE, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session of the second UE, and the second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request to establish the second session of the second UE; in response to the second message, the session management network element stores the association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE; the session management network element sends first information to the user plane function network element based on the second message, where the first information is used to instruct that data of the first service be sent to the first access network device; the first access network device is used to carry the first session of the first UE.

[0062] Based on the method described in the sixth aspect, the downlink data sending behavior of the user plane functional network element can be reasonably controlled.

[0063] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method of the session management network element sending the first information to the user plane function network element based on the second message is: the session management network element obtains control information from the first policy control network element based on the second message; the control information indicates that the data of the first service is transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or, the control information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or, the control information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; wherein the first network is the network where the first UE resides; or, the control information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first radio access technology RAT; wherein the first RAT is the RAT supported by the first access network device, and the first access network device corresponds to the first UE; the session management network element sends the first information according to the control information.

[0064] Based on this possible embodiment, the downlink data sending behavior of the user plane functional network element can be reasonably controlled based on the control information.

[0065] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method of the session management network element obtaining control information from the first policy control network element based on the second message is: the session management network element sends a third message to the first policy control network element, where the third message carries a session policy association identifier associated with the identifier of the first session of the first UE, the SUPI of the second UE, and the identifier of the second session; and the session management network element receives the control information sent by the first policy control network element.

[0066] Based on this possible embodiment, the session management network element can accurately obtain control information.

[0067] In a possible embodiment, the first information includes address information of the first access network device and an identifier of the first service.

[0068] In a possible embodiment, the second message is further used to request association of the first session of the first UE with the second session of the second UE.

[0069] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a service data processing method, which is applied to a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device including a first user equipment UE and a second UE, the method comprising:

[0070] A mobile communication device establishes a first session for a first UE; the mobile communication device transmits data of a first service through the first session of the first UE; the mobile communication device establishes a second session for a second UE; the first session of the first UE is associated with the second session of the second UE; the mobile communication device sends a fifth message, the fifth message carries an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and the fifth message is used to request that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE be switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, or the fifth message is used to request that the data of the first service be switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission; the mobile communication device transmits the data of the first service through the second session of the second UE, and the data of the first service is transmitted through a first IP address, and the first IP address is an IP address associated with the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE.

[0071] Based on the method described in the seventh aspect, an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can be established in advance, and the service data can be subsequently triggered to switch and transmit between UEs in the mobile communication device according to demand. By establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can share the same IP address, and the IP address used by the service data before and after switching between UEs in the mobile communication device remains unchanged, which can maintain service continuity. In addition, the association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE is established in advance, which is conducive to the subsequent timely switching of service data to the second UE for transmission.

[0072] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method for a mobile communication device to establish a second session for a second UE is as follows: the mobile communication device sends a first message, which carries information about the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of a second session for the second UE.

[0073] Based on this possible embodiment, the second session of the second UE can be successfully established, and an association between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the first UE can be established.

[0074] In a possible embodiment, the first message is used to request association of a first session of the first UE with a second session of the second UE.

[0075] In a possible embodiment, the first message further includes an association indication, where the association indication is used to indicate that the first session of the first UE is to be associated with the second session of the second UE.

[0076] In one possible embodiment, the information of the first session of the first UE includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first session of the first UE, a data network name DNN corresponding to the first session of the first UE, and single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI corresponding to the first session of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to accurately determine the first session of the first UE.

[0077] In a possible embodiment, the first message further includes a first hidden user identity (SUCI) of the first UE or a user permanent identity (SUPI) of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to accurately determine the SUPI of the first UE.

[0078] In a possible embodiment, the mobile communication device may further receive second indication information, where the second indication information indicates that the first session allows association between different UEs, or indicates that a session of the mobile communication device allows association between different UEs;

[0079] The specific implementation of the mobile communication device sending the first message is: the mobile communication device sends the first message according to the second indication information. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful for the mobile communication device to accurately determine whether the first session can be associated between different UEs.

[0080] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the mobile communication device establishing the first session of the first UE is: the mobile communication device sends the identifier of the first session of the first UE, DNN, S-NSSAI, a first session establishment request and first indication information, the first session establishment request is used to request to establish the first session of the first UE, and the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs.

[0081] By sending the first indication information, it is helpful to select a session management network element that supports association of service data between different UEs to provide services, which facilitates subsequent processing.

[0082] In a possible embodiment, the fifth message also includes a switching indication, which is used to indicate that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, or the switching indication is used to indicate that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the UE associated with the second UE is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, or indicates that the data of the first service is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission.

[0083] In a possible embodiment, the mobile communication device may further receive third indication information, where the third indication information indicates that data of the first service is allowed to be switched between different UEs, or that service data transmitted in the first session is allowed to be switched between different UEs;

[0084] The specific implementation manner of the mobile communication device sending the fifth message is: the mobile communication device sends the fifth message based on the third indication information.

[0085] Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful for the mobile communication device to accurately determine whether the data of the first service can be switched between different UEs.

[0086] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the mobile communication device sending the fifth message is: when the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device deteriorates, or the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device is lower than the first threshold, or the service quality QoS requirement of the first session of the first UE is not met, the mobile communication device sends the fifth message, and the first access network device corresponds to the first UE.

[0087] Based on this possible embodiment, when the signal quality between the first UE and the first access network device deteriorates or is not good, or when the QoS requirement of the first session of the first UE is not met, it is possible to promptly switch to the second UE to transmit the data of the first service to ensure the transmission quality of the data of the first service.

[0088] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a service data processing method, the method comprising: a session management network element stores an association relationship between an identifier of a second session of a second UE and an identifier of a first session of a first UE; the session management network element receives a sixth message, the sixth message being used to request that the data of a first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE be switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, or the sixth message being used to request that the data of the first service be switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, the sixth message carrying session indication information, the session indication information being used to indicate the second session of the second UE; in response to the sixth message, the session management network element sends a second message to the user plane function network element, the second information indicating that the data of the first service is sent to the second access network device, the data of the first service is transmitted through a first IP address, the first IP address being an IP address associated with the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, and the second access network device being used to carry the second session of the second UE.

[0089] Based on the method described in the eighth aspect, an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can be established in advance, and the service data can be subsequently triggered to switch and transmit between UEs in the mobile communication device according to demand. By establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can share the same IP address, and the IP address used by the service data before and after switching between UEs in the mobile communication device remains unchanged, which can maintain service continuity. In addition, the association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE is established in advance, which is conducive to the subsequent timely switching of service data to the second UE for transmission.

[0090] In a possible embodiment, the second information includes a first N4 session identifier, address information of the second access network device, and an identifier of the first service, where the first N4 session identifier is an N4 session identifier associated with the first session of the first UE.

[0091] In a possible embodiment, the session management network element may further receive a second message, where the second message carries a user permanent identity SUPI of the first user equipment UE, an identifier of the first session of the first UE, a SUPI of the second UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of a second session for the second UE;

[0092] The specific implementation method of the session management network element storing the association relationship between the identifier of the second session of the second UE and the identifier of the first session of the first UE is: in response to the second message, the session management network element stores the association relationship between the identifier of the second session of the second UE and the identifier of the first session of the first UE.

[0093] Based on this possible embodiment, the second session of the second UE can be successfully established, and an association between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the first UE can be established.

[0094] In a possible embodiment, the second message is used to request association of a first session of the first UE with a second session of the second UE.

[0095] In a possible embodiment, the second message further includes an association indication, where the association indication is used to indicate that the first session of the first UE is to be associated with the second session of the second UE.

[0096] In a possible embodiment, the session management network element may also receive the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the data network name DNN, the single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request and the first indication information, the first session establishment request is used to request the establishment of the first session of the first UE, and the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs; the session management network element may also determine that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs; the session management network element may also send second indication information to the first network element, and the second indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0097] Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful for the mobile communication device to accurately determine whether the first session can be associated between different UEs.

[0098] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the session management network element determining that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs is: the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs based on the local configuration of the DNN; or, the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs based on the subscription data or policy information corresponding to the first session.

[0099] Based on this possible embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine whether the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0100] In a possible embodiment, the session indication information includes the SUPI of the second UE and an identifier of the second session, or the session indication information is information allocated by a session management network element and used to identify the second session of the second UE.

[0101] In a possible embodiment, the sixth message also includes a switching indication, which is used to indicate that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, or the switching indication is used to indicate that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the UE associated with the second UE is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, or indicates that the data of the first service is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission.

[0102] In a possible embodiment, the session management network element sends third indication information, where the third indication information indicates that data of the first service is allowed to be switched between different UEs or that service data transmitted in the first session is allowed to be switched between different UEs.

[0103] Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful for the mobile communication device to accurately determine whether the data of the first service can be switched between different UEs.

[0104] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a service data processing method, which is applied to a mobile communication device, the mobile communication device including a first user equipment UE and a second UE, the method comprising:

[0105] A mobile communication device establishes a first session for a first UE; the mobile communication device transmits data of a first service through the first session of the first UE; the mobile communication device establishes a second session for a second UE; the first session of the first UE is associated with the second session of the second UE; the mobile communication device receives second directional information, the second directional information indicating that data of the first service is transmitted through the second UE, or indicating that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the second UE, or indicating that data of the first service is switched from the first UE to be transmitted through the second UE; the mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through the second session of the second UE based on the second directional information, and the data of the first service is transmitted through a first IP address, which is an IP address associated with the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE.

[0106] Based on the method described in the ninth aspect, an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can be established in advance, and the service data can be subsequently triggered to switch and transmit between UEs in the mobile communication device according to demand. By establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can share the same IP address, and the IP address used by the service data before and after switching between UEs in the mobile communication device remains unchanged, which can maintain service continuity. In addition, the association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE is established in advance, which is conducive to the subsequent timely switching of service data to the second UE for transmission.

[0107] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the mobile communication device establishing the second session of the second UE is: the mobile communication device sends a first message to the second network element, the first message carries the information of the first session of the first UE, the identifier of the second session of the second UE and the second session establishment request, and the second session establishment request is used to request to establish the second session of the second UE.

[0108] Based on this possible embodiment, the second session of the second UE can be successfully established, and an association between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the first UE can be established.

[0109] In a possible embodiment, the first message is used to request association of a first session of the first UE with a second session of the second UE.

[0110] In a possible embodiment, the first message further includes an association indication, where the association indication is used to indicate that the first session of the first UE is to be associated with the second session of the second UE.

[0111] In one possible embodiment, the information of the first session of the first UE includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first session of the first UE, a data network name DNN corresponding to the first session of the first UE, and single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI corresponding to the first session of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to accurately determine the first session of the first UE.

[0112] In a possible embodiment, the first message further includes a first hidden user identity (SUCI) of the first UE or a user permanent identity (SUPI) of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to accurately determine the SUPI of the first UE.

[0113] In a possible embodiment, the mobile communication device may further receive second indication information, where the second indication information indicates that the first session allows association between different UEs, or indicates that a session of the mobile communication device allows association between different UEs;

[0114] The specific implementation of the mobile communication device sending the first message is: the mobile communication device sends the first message according to the second indication information. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful for the mobile communication device to accurately determine whether the first session can be associated between different UEs.

[0115] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the mobile communication device establishing the first session of the first UE through the first access network device is: the mobile communication device sends the identifier of the first session of the first UE, DNN, S-NSSAI, a first session establishment request and first indication information, the first session establishment request is used to request to establish the first session of the first UE, and the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs.

[0116] By sending the first indication information, it is helpful to select a session management network element that supports association of service data between different UEs to provide services, which facilitates subsequent processing.

[0117] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a business data processing method, the method comprising:

[0118] The session management network element stores the association relationship between the identifier of the second session of the second user equipment UE and the identifier of the first session of the first UE; the session management network element receives fourth indication information sent by the first access network device, the fourth indication information indicates that the quality of service (QoS) requirement of the quality of service (QoS) requirement flow identifier (QFI) bound to the data of the first service is not met, and the first access network device is used to carry the first session of the first UE; the session management network element sends second directional information based on the fourth indication information, the second directional information indicating that the data of the first service is transmitted through the second UE, or indicating that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the second UE, or indicating that the data of the first service is switched from the first UE to be transmitted through the second UE; the session management network element sends second information to the user plane function network element based on the fourth indication information, the second information indicating that the data of the first service is sent to the second access network device, the data of the first service is transmitted through the first IP address, the first IP address is the IP address associated with the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, and the second access network device is used to carry the second session of the second UE.

[0119] Based on the method described in the tenth aspect, an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can be established in advance, and the service data can be subsequently triggered to switch and transmit between UEs in the mobile communication device according to demand. By establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can share the same IP address, and the IP address used by the service data before and after switching between UEs in the mobile communication device remains unchanged, which can maintain service continuity. In addition, the association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE is established in advance, which is conducive to the subsequent timely switching of service data to the second UE for transmission.

[0120] In a possible embodiment, the second information includes a first N4 session identifier, address information of the second access network device, and an identifier of the first service, where the first N4 session identifier is an N4 session identifier associated with the first session of the first UE.

[0121] In a possible embodiment, the session management network element may further receive a second message, where the second message carries a user permanent identity SUPI of the first user equipment UE, an identifier of the first session of the first UE, a SUPI of the second UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of a second session for the second UE;

[0122] The specific implementation method of the session management network element storing the association relationship between the identifier of the second session of the second UE and the identifier of the first session of the first UE is: in response to the second message, the session management network element stores the association relationship between the identifier of the second session of the second UE and the identifier of the first session of the first UE.

[0123] Based on this possible embodiment, the second session of the second UE can be successfully established, and an association between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the first UE can be established.

[0124] In a possible embodiment, the second message is used to request association of a first session of the first UE with a second session of the second UE.

[0125] In a possible embodiment, the second message further includes an association indication, where the association indication is used to indicate that the first session of the first UE is to be associated with the second session of the second UE.

[0126] In a possible embodiment, before the session management network element receives the second message sent by the second network element, the session management network element may also receive the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the data network name DNN, the single network slice selection auxiliary information S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request and the first indication information sent by the first network element, the first session establishment request is used to request the establishment of the first session of the first UE, the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs; and it may also be determined that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs; and second indication information may also be sent to the first network element, the second indication information indicating that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0127] Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful for the mobile communication device to accurately determine whether the first session can be associated between different UEs.

[0128] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the session management network element determining that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs is: the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs based on the local configuration of the DNN; or, the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs based on the subscription data or policy information corresponding to the first session.

[0129] Based on this possible embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine whether the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0130] In a possible embodiment, if the data of the first service is allowed to be switched between different UEs, or the service data transmitted by the first session is allowed to be switched between different UEs, or the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted by the first UE, or the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network, the first network is the network where the first UE resides, or the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first RAT, the first RAT is the RAT supported by the first access network device, and the first access network device corresponds to the first UE, then the session management network element sends a fifth indication message to the first access network device, and the fifth indication message is used to indicate that when the QoS requirement of the QFI bound to the data of the first service is not met, the first access network device sends a fourth indication message.

[0131] Based on this possible embodiment, the first access network device can be notified to send the fourth indication information when the QoS requirement of the QFI bound to the data of the first service is not met only when the data of the first service is allowed to be switched between different UEs, which is conducive to saving signaling overhead.

[0132] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a method for processing business data, the method comprising:

[0133] The second network element receives a first message, where the first message carries information about a first session of a first user equipment UE, an identifier of a second session of a second UE, and a second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of a second session for the second UE; the second network element sends a second message to a session management network element based on the first message, where the second message carries a user permanent identifier SUPI of the first UE, an identifier of the first session, a SUPI of the second UE, an identifier of the second session, and the second session establishment request. The session management network element is a network element that manages the first session of the first UE.

[0134] Based on the method described in the eleventh aspect, it is helpful to successfully create the second session of the second UE and establish an association between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE.

[0135] In one possible embodiment, the information of the first session of the first UE includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first session of the first UE, a data network name DNN corresponding to the first session of the first UE, and single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI corresponding to the first session of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to accurately determine the first session of the first UE.

[0136] In a possible embodiment, the first message further includes a first hidden user identity (SUCI) of the first UE or the SUPI of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to accurately determine the SUPI of the first UE.

[0137] In a possible embodiment, the information of the first session of the first UE is an identifier of the first session of the first UE; and a specific implementation manner of the second network element sending the second message to the session management network element based on the first message is: the second network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element based on the device identification information and the identifier of the first session; wherein the device identification information is the SUPI of the second UE, or, if the first message also includes the SUCI of the first UE, the device identification information is the SUCI of the first UE; and the second network element sends the second message to the session management network element.

[0138] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, so as to send the second message to the session management network element.

[0139] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method of the second network element obtaining the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element based on the device identification information and the identifier of the first session is: the second network element sends the device identification information and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element; and the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element sent by the unified data management network element.

[0140] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE.

[0141] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method of the second network element obtaining the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element based on the device identification information and the identifier of the first session is: the second network element sends the device identification information to the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE sent by the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element sends the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element; and the second network element receives the identifier of the session management network element sent by the unified data management network element.

[0142] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE.

[0143] In a possible embodiment, the information of the first session of the first UE includes the DNN corresponding to the first session of the first UE and / or the S-NSSAI corresponding to the first session of the first UE; and a specific implementation manner of the second network element sending the second message to the session management network element based on the first message is: the second network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element, and the identifier of the first session based on the device identification information and the information of the first session of the first UE; wherein the device identification information is the SUPI of the second UE, or the first message also includes the SUCI of the first UE, and the device identification information is the SUCI of the first UE; and the second network element sends the second message to the session management network element.

[0144] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, and the identifier of the first session, so as to send the second message to the session management network element.

[0145] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the second network element obtaining the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element, and the identifier of the first session based on the device identification information and the information of the first session of the first UE is: the second network element sends the device identification information and the information of the first session of the first UE to the unified data management network element; the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element, and the identifier of the first session sent by the unified data management network element.

[0146] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, and the identifier of the first session.

[0147] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method of the second network element obtaining the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element, and the identifier of the first session based on the device identification information and the information of the first session of the first UE is: the second network element sends the device identification information to the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE sent by the unified data management network element; the second network element sends the SUPI of the first UE and the information of the first session of the first UE to the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element receives the identifier of the session management network element and the identifier of the first session sent by the unified data management network element.

[0148] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, and the identifier of the first session.

[0149] In a possible embodiment, the first message and the second message are used to request association of a first session of the first UE with a second session of the second UE.

[0150] In a possible embodiment, the first message and the second message further include an association indication, where the association indication is used to indicate that the first session of the first UE is to be associated with the second session of the second UE.

[0151] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a business data processing method, the method comprising:

[0152] The second network element receives a fifth message, which carries the identifier of the second session of the second UE, and the fifth message is used to request that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE be switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission; the first session of the first UE is associated with the second session of the second UE; the second network element sends a sixth message, which is used to request that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE be switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, and the sixth message carries session indication information, and the session indication information is used to indicate the second session of the second UE.

[0153] The method described in aspect 12 facilitates successful handover of data of a first service transmitted on a first session of a first UE to a second session of a second UE for transmission. Furthermore, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE share the same IP address, and the IP address used by the data of the first service remains unchanged before and after the handover between the UEs, thereby maintaining service continuity.

[0154] In a possible embodiment, a first message may also be received, where the first message carries information about the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of the second session of the second UE; and a second message may also be sent to the session management network element based on the first message, where the second message carries the user permanent identifier SUPI of the first user equipment UE, the identifier of the first session of the first UE, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session of the second UE, and the second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of the second session of the second UE, and the session management network element is a network element that manages the first session of the first UE.

[0155] In a possible embodiment, the first message and the second message are used to request association of a first session of the first UE with a second session of the second UE.

[0156] In a possible embodiment, the first message and the second message further include an association indication, where the association indication is used to indicate that the first session of the first UE is to be associated with the second session of the second UE.

[0157] In one possible embodiment, the information of the first session of the first UE includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first session of the first UE, a data network name DNN corresponding to the first session of the first UE, and single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI corresponding to the first session of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to accurately determine the first session of the first UE.

[0158] In a possible embodiment, the first message further includes a first hidden user identity (SUCI) of the first UE or the SUPI of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, it is helpful to accurately determine the SUPI of the first UE.

[0159] In a possible embodiment, the information of the first session of the first UE is an identifier of the first session of the first UE; and a specific implementation manner of the second network element sending the second message to the session management network element based on the first message is: the second network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element based on the device identification information and the identifier of the first session; wherein the device identification information is the SUPI of the second UE, or, if the first message also includes the SUCI of the first UE, the device identification information is the SUCI of the first UE; and the second network element sends the second message to the session management network element.

[0160] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, so as to send the second message to the session management network element.

[0161] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method of the second network element obtaining the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element based on the device identification information and the identifier of the first session is: the second network element sends the device identification information and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element; and the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element sent by the unified data management network element.

[0162] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE.

[0163] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method of the second network element obtaining the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element based on the device identification information and the identifier of the first session is: the second network element sends the device identification information to the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE sent by the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element sends the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element; and the second network element receives the identifier of the session management network element sent by the unified data management network element.

[0164] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE.

[0165] In a possible embodiment, the information of the first session of the first UE includes a DNN corresponding to the first session of the first UE and / or an S-NSSAI corresponding to the first session of the first UE; and a specific implementation manner in which the second network element sends the second message to the session management network element based on the first message is:

[0166] The second network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element, and the identifier of the first session based on the device identification information and information of the first session of the first UE; wherein the device identification information is the SUPI of the second UE, or, if the first message also includes the SUCI of the first UE, the device identification information is the SUCI of the first UE; and the second network element sends a second message to the session management network element.

[0167] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE.

[0168] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the second network element obtaining the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element, and the identifier of the first session based on the device identification information and the information of the first session of the first UE is: the second network element sends the device identification information and the information of the first session of the first UE to the unified data management network element; the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element, and the identifier of the first session sent by the unified data management network element.

[0169] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, and the identifier of the first session, so as to send the second message to the session management network element.

[0170] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method of the second network element obtaining the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element, and the identifier of the first session based on the device identification information and the information of the first session of the first UE is: the second network element sends the device identification information to the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE sent by the unified data management network element; the second network element sends the SUPI of the first UE and the information of the first session of the first UE to the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element receives the identifier of the session management network element and the identifier of the first session sent by the unified data management network element.

[0171] Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, and the identifier of the first session, so as to send the second message to the session management network element.

[0172] In a possible embodiment, the session indication information includes the SUPI of the second UE and an identifier of the second session, or the session indication information is information allocated by a session management network element and used to identify the second session of the second UE.

[0173] In a possible embodiment, the fifth message and the sixth message also include a switching indication, which is used to indicate that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, or the switching indication is used to indicate that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the UE associated with the second UE is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission.

[0174] The beneficial effects of the twelfth aspect can be found in the beneficial effects of the eleventh aspect and will not be repeated here.

[0175] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. For example, the communication device may be a mobile communication device, a first network element, a second network element, or a session management network element, or a module applied to the mobile communication device, the first network element, the second network element, or the session management network element, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system. The communication device may also be a logical node, a logical module, or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the mobile communication device, the first network element, the second network element, or the session management network element. The communication device includes a module / unit for performing any method of the first to twelfth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0176] In the fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, including a processor, the processor and a memory are coupled, the memory is used to store programs or instructions, when the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the device executes any one of the methods described in the above-mentioned first to twelfth aspects.

[0177] In the fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a chip, which includes a processor and an interface, and the processor and the interface are coupled; the interface is used to receive or output signals, and the processor is used to execute code instructions, so that the chip executes the method described in any one of the above-mentioned aspects 1 to 12.

[0178] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are called, any one of the above-mentioned first to twelfth aspects is executed.

[0179] In the seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, which includes: a computer program code, and when the computer program code is executed, any one of the above-mentioned first to twelfth aspects is executed.

[0180] In the eighteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which includes a mobile communication device for executing the method described in the first aspect, a session management network element for executing the second aspect, a first policy control network element for executing the third aspect, and a second network element for executing the eleventh aspect.

[0181] Alternatively, the communication system includes a mobile communication device for executing the method described in the first aspect above, a first network element for executing the method described in the fourth aspect above, and a second policy control network element for executing the method described in the fifth aspect above, a session management network element for executing the method described in the sixth aspect above, a first policy control network element for executing the method described in the third aspect above, and a second network element for executing the method described in the eleventh aspect above.

[0182] Alternatively, the communication system includes a mobile communication device for executing the method described in the seventh aspect, a session management network element for executing the method described in the eighth aspect, and a second network element for executing the method described in the twelfth aspect.

[0183] Alternatively, the communication system includes a mobile communication device for executing the method described in the ninth aspect, a session management network element for executing the method described in the tenth aspect, and a second network element for executing the method described in the eleventh aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0184] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile communication device including two UEs provided by the present application;

[0185] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a 5G communication system provided by this application;

[0186] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided by this application;

[0187] FIG4 is a flow chart of a business data processing method provided by the present application;

[0188] FIG5 is a flow chart of a business data processing method provided by the present application;

[0189] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a first UE session and a second UE session sharing the same IP address provided by the present application;

[0190] 7 to 14 are flowcharts of a method for processing business data provided by this application;

[0191] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1500 provided in this application;

[0192] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device 1600 provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0193] The specific embodiments of the present application are further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0194] The terms "first" and "second" and the like in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish between different objects, not to describe a particular order. Furthermore, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or elements is not limited to the listed steps or elements, but may optionally include steps or elements not listed, or may optionally include other steps or elements inherent to the process, method, product, or apparatus.

[0195] References herein to "embodiments" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein may be combined with other embodiments.

[0196] In this application, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, "more than one" refers to two or more, "at least two (items)" refers to two or three and more than three, and "and / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. 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 or c can mean: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0197] In order to enable data of the same service to be transmitted simultaneously without passing through two UEs in a mobile communication device, an embodiment of the present application provides a service data processing method and a communication device.

[0198] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present application, the 5G communication system is first introduced below. As shown in Figure 2, the network functions and entities included in the 5G communication system mainly include: UE, (R)AN, UPF, DN, AUSF, AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, PCF, UDM and AF. The full names of these network functions and entities are detailed in the description below. Figure 2 shows the interaction relationship between network functions and entities and the corresponding interfaces. For example, UE and AMF can interact through the N1 interface, and the interaction message is called N1Message. Some interfaces are implemented as service-oriented interfaces.

[0199] The UE, (R)AN, UPF, and DN in Figure 2 are generally referred to as data plane network functions and entities. User data traffic is transmitted through the PDU session established between the UE and DN, passing through the (R)AN and UPF network function entities. The remaining components are referred to as control plane network functions and entities, primarily responsible for authentication and authorization, registration management, session management, mobility management, and policy control, ensuring reliable and stable transmission of user-layer traffic. The user plane carries service data, while the control plane carries signaling messages.

[0200] 1. User equipment (UE): It can also be called terminal equipment. For example, the user equipment can be a handheld terminal, a laptop, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a handheld device, an AR device, a VR device, a machine type communication terminal or other device that can access the network. The UE and the access network device communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology). The UE and the UE can also communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology). In vehicle network communication, the communication terminal uploaded by the vehicle is a UE, and the roadside unit (RSU) can also be regarded as a UE. The drone carries a communication terminal and can be regarded as a UE.

[0201] 2. Radio access network (RAN) equipment: This equipment is primarily responsible for air interface functions such as radio resource management, quality of service management, data compression, and encryption. This equipment can include various base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, and access points. In systems using different radio access technologies, the names of devices with base station functionality may vary. For example, in fifth-generation (5G) systems, these are referred to as gNBs.

[0202] 3. User plane function (UPF) network element: This element is responsible for forwarding and receiving user data from the UE. It receives user data from the data network and transmits it to the UE via access network equipment. The UPF network element also receives user data from the UE via access network equipment and forwards it to the data network. The transmission resources and scheduling functions provided by the UPF network element to the UE are managed and controlled by the SMF network element.

[0203] 4. Data network (DN): Also known as a packet data network (PDN), this network is typically located outside the carrier network, such as a third-party network. The carrier network can access multiple DNs, which can host a variety of services and provide data and / or voice services to UEs.

[0204] 5. Authentication server function (AUSF) network element: supports 3GPP and non-3GPP access authentication.

[0205] 6. Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element: This belongs to the core network element and is mainly responsible for signaling processing, such as access control, mobility management, attach and detach, and gateway selection. When the AMF network element provides services for a session in the UE, it will provide control plane storage resources for the session to store the session identifier and the SMF network element identifier associated with the session identifier.

[0206] 7. Session Management Function (SMF) network element: responsible for user plane network element selection, user plane network element redirection, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, bearer establishment, modification and release, and QoS control.

[0207] 8. Network slice selection function (NSSF) network element: mainly responsible for network slice selection, and determines the network slice instance that the UE is allowed to access based on the UE's slice selection auxiliary information, contract information, etc.

[0208] 9. Network exposure function (NEF) network element: mainly supports the secure interaction between 3GPP networks and third-party applications.

[0209] 10. Network repository function (NRF) network element: supports registration and discovery of network functions.

[0210] 11. Policy control function (PCF) network element: responsible for policy control decisions, providing policy rules for control plane functions, and flow-based charging control functions.

[0211] 12. Unified data management (UDM) network element: Mainly responsible for UE subscription data management, including storage and management of UE identification, UE access authorization, etc.

[0212] 13. Application function (AF) network element: mainly supports interaction with the 3GPP core network to provide services, such as influencing data routing decisions, policy control functions or providing some third-party services to the network side.

[0213] To better understand the embodiments of the present application, the following describes the system architecture of the embodiments of the present application:

[0214] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: global system of mobile communication (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR) and future communication systems.

[0215] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the system architecture includes a mobile communication device, a first access network device, a second access network device, a first network element, a second network element, a session management network element, a user plane function network element, a first policy control network element, and a second policy control network element. As shown in Figure 3, the mobile communication device includes a first user equipment (UE) and a second user equipment (UE). The first user equipment (UE) and the first network element can communicate via the first access network device, the first network element can communicate with the second policy control network element, the first network element can communicate with the session management network element, and the session management network element can communicate with the user plane function network element. The second user equipment (UE) and the second network element can communicate via the second access network device, and the second network element can communicate with the session management network element. Optionally, the mobile communication device includes two sets of wireless transceiver equipment. While the first user equipment (UE) and the first access network device are communicating, the second user equipment (UE) and the second access network device can also communicate. That is, the first user equipment (UE) and the second user equipment (UE) can both be connected to the access network device at the same time, or the first user equipment (UE) and the second user equipment (UE) can both be in a connected state at the same time, or the first user equipment (UE) and the second user equipment (UE) can both access the network at the same time. Therefore, the first UE and the second UE can transmit data for the mobile communication device at the same time.

[0216] 1. Mobile communication device: It may also be called a dual-steer device. As shown in Figure 3, the mobile communication device includes a first UE and a second UE. Optionally, the mobile communication device may also include more UEs, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. In the embodiment of the present application, the two UEs included in the mobile communication device may be two devices / apparatuses. Alternatively, the two UEs included in the mobile communication device may be two universal subscriber identity modules (USIMs), for example, the first UE may be the first USIM, and the second UE may be the second USIM. Alternatively, the mobile communication device is a terminal device, which includes two USIMs, the first UE corresponds to the first USIM, and the second UE corresponds to the second USIM. Accordingly, in the embodiment of the present application, the mobile communication device may be replaced by a terminal device, the UE is replaced by a USIM, the first UE is replaced by the first USIM, and the second UE is replaced by the second USIM. Alternatively, the mobile communication device is a dual-steer device, which includes two USIMs, the first UE corresponds to the first USIM, and the second UE corresponds to the second USIM. Accordingly, in the embodiment of the present application, the mobile communication device can be replaced by a dual-directional device, the UE can be replaced by a USIM, the first UE can be replaced by a first USIM, and the second UE can be replaced by a second USIM.

[0217] 2. First access network device and second access network device: The first UE resides on the first network, and the second UE resides on the second network, that is, the first UE is registered on the first network, and the second UE is registered on the second network. The first network and the second network can be the same or different. For example, the network is a public land mobile network (PLMN), the first network is the first PLMN, and the second network is the second PLMN. After the first UE and the second UE reside on the network, the first UE and the second UE can both connect to the access network device at the same time, or in other words, the first UE and the second UE can both be in a connected state at the same time, or in other words, the first UE and the second UE can both access the network at the same time. For example, when the first UE is in a connected state, the second UE can also be in a connected state. The first access network device is the access network device corresponding to the first UE, that is, the first UE is connected to the first network through the first access network device. The second access network device is the access network device corresponding to the second UE, that is, the second UE is connected to the second network through the second access network device. Optionally, the first access network device and the second access network device can be the same device or different devices.

[0218] The access network device in the embodiment of the present application is mainly responsible for functions such as wireless resource management, service quality management, data compression and encryption on the air interface side. The access network device may include various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations, relay stations, access points, etc. For example, the access network device may be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), a next-generation base station in a sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, etc. All or part of the functions of the access network device in the present application may also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (such as a cloud platform). The access network device in the present application may also be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the access network device. In the embodiment of the present application, the form of the access network device is not limited. The device for implementing the functions of the access network device may be an access network device; it may also be a device that can support the access network device to implement the function, such as a chip system. The device may be installed in the access network device or used in conjunction with the access network device. The radio access technology (RAT) types supported by the first access network device and the second access network device may be the same or different. In other words, the radio access technology (RAT) provided by the first access network device and the second access network device may be the same or different. For example, the radio access technology type may be evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA), non-3GPP (Non-3GPP), 5G NR, 5G NR (satellite), 6G. Among them, 5G NR (satellite) can be divided into low earth orbit (LEO), medium earth orbit (MEO) and geostationary earth orbit (GEO).

[0219] 3. First network element and second network element: The first network element and the second network element are core network devices. The first network element can provide mobility management, access management, registration management, or session-related services for the first UE. The second network element can provide mobility management, access management, registration management, or session-related services for the second UE. The first UE can communicate with the first network element via the first access network device. The second UE can communicate with the second network element via the second access network device.

[0220] For example, the first network element may receive a registration request message sent by the first UE and perform relevant processing on the registration of the first UE; the second network element may receive a registration request message sent by the second UE and perform relevant processing on the registration of the second UE; for another example, the first network element may receive a request message sent by the first UE for establishing a session and perform relevant processing on the session establishment; the second network element may receive a request message sent by the second UE for establishing a session and perform relevant processing on the session establishment.

[0221] In a 5G system, the first network element and the second network element may be AMF network elements. In a 6G system or a system after 6G, the first network element and the second network element may be referred to as AMF network elements or other names, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application. Optionally, the first network element and the second network element may be the same network element or different network elements.

[0222] 4. Session Management NE: Responsible for user plane NE selection, user plane NE redirection, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation, bearer establishment, modification, and release, and QoS control. In 5G systems, the session management NE may be an SMF NE. In 6G systems or systems beyond 6G, the session management NE may be referred to as an SMF NE or other name, which is not limited in the present embodiment.

[0223] 5. User plane function network element: Responsible for forwarding and receiving user data in the UE. It can receive user data from the data network and transmit it to the UE via the access network equipment. It can also receive user data from the UE via the access network equipment and forward it to the data network. In 5G systems, the user plane function network element can be a UPF network element. In 6G systems or systems after 6G, the user plane function network element can be called a UPF network element or other name, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0224] 6. First Policy Control NE: This element is primarily responsible for session management policy control, for example, generating policy and charging control rules (PCC rules). For example, in a 5G system, the first policy control NE may be called an SM-PCF NE. In future communication systems, the first policy control NE may still be an SM-PCF NE, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0225] 7. Second policy control network element: Mainly responsible for access mobility policy control, for example, it can generate UE route selection policy (URSP). For example, in a 5G system, the second policy control network element can be called an AM-PCF network element. In future communication systems, the second policy control network element can still be an AM-PCF network element, or it can have other names, which are not limited in this application. Optionally, the first policy control network element and the second policy control network element can be located on the same policy control network element or different policy control network elements.

[0226] The service data processing method and communication device are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is understood that in the embodiments of the present application, a mobile communication device, a first access network device, a second access network device, a first network element, a second network element, a session management network element, a user plane function network element, a first policy control network element, and a second policy control network element are used as examples to illustrate the execution entities of the interaction diagram, but the present application does not limit the execution entities of the interaction diagram. For example, the mobile communication device (or the first access network device or the second access network device or the first network element or the second network element or the session management network element or the user plane function network element or the first policy control network element or the second policy control network element) in the method provided in the present application may also be a chip, a chip system, or a processor applied to the mobile communication device (or the first access network device or the second access network device or the first network element or the second network element or the session management network element or the user plane function network element or the first policy control network element or the second policy control network element), or may be a logical node, a logical module or software that can implement all or part of the mobile communication device (or the first access network device or the second access network device or the first network element or the second network element or the session management network element or the user plane function network element or the first policy control network element or the second policy control network element).

[0227] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a flow chart of a business data processing method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

[0228] 401. A mobile communication device receives first directional information.

[0229] The first directional information may be implemented in the following four ways:

[0230] 1) The first directional information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the first UE.

[0231] That is, the data of the first service is directed to the first UE for transmission.

[0232] 2) The first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first UE.

[0233] For example, the first directional information may include a UE priority list corresponding to the first service (the priority of the first UE is higher than that of the second UE). The first directional information indicates that the first UE is preferentially selected or more inclined to transmit data of the first service.

[0234] 3) The first directional information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; wherein the first network is the network where the first UE resides.

[0235] For example, the first directional information may include a network priority list corresponding to the first service (the first network has a higher priority than the second network), where the second network is the network where the second UE resides. The first directional information indicates that the first UE corresponding to the first network is preferentially selected or more inclined to transmit data of the first service.

[0236] 4) The first directional information indicates that data for the first service is preferentially transmitted via the first RAT; the first RAT is a RAT supported by the first access network device. As described above under the system architecture, the first access network device corresponds to the first UE. In other words, the first UE is connected to the first access network device, and the first access network device supports the first RAT.

[0237] For example, the first directional information may include a RAT priority list corresponding to the first service (the first RAT has a higher priority than the second RAT), where the second RAT is a RAT supported by the second access network device. The first directional information indicates that the first UE corresponding to the first RAT is preferentially selected or more inclined to transmit data of the first service.

[0238] Optionally, the first directional information specifically indicates that the data of the first service is transmitted through the first UE, or indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first UE / first network / first RAT. In other words, the first directional information can be used to control the mobile communication device to select a UE to transmit the first service data.

[0239] In a possible embodiment, in the process of establishing an association relationship between a first session of a first UE and a second session of a second UE, the session management network element is triggered to send first directional information to the mobile communication device. For example, the specific implementation methods can be referred to the description in the embodiments corresponding to Figures 5 to 7. Figures 5 to 7 take the example of the mobile communication device first creating a first session for the first UE, then creating a second session for the second UE, and establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE. The implementation principle of the case where the mobile communication device first creates the second session for the second UE, then creates the first session for the first UE, and establishes an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE is the same, and will not be repeated in the embodiments of the present application. The sessions involved in the full text of the embodiments of the present application may be PDU sessions, or may also be called other session names, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0240] In a possible embodiment, when a certain UE (first UE or second UE) in the mobile communication device registers, the second policy control network element may be triggered to send the first directional information to the mobile communication device. For example, the mobile communication device may trigger the second policy control network element to send the first directional information to the mobile communication device when the first UE in the mobile communication device registers. Alternatively, the mobile communication device may trigger the second policy control network element to send the first directional information to the mobile communication device when the second UE in the mobile communication device registers. For example, please refer to the description in the embodiments corresponding to Figures 8 to 10. Figures 8 to 10 are used as an example to illustrate that when the first UE registers, the second policy control network element is triggered to send the first directional information to the mobile communication device.

[0241] 402. The mobile communication device transmits data of a first service through a first session of a first UE based on first directional information.

[0242] In an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the first directional information, the mobile communication device associates the first service with the first UE based on the first directional information. When sending data for the first service, the mobile communication device sends uplink data of the first service and receives downlink data of the first service through the first session of the first UE. During data transmission, the PDU layer can associate the first service with the first session of the first UE to transmit the uplink data and downlink data of the first service through the first session of the first UE. The first session of the first UE is transmitted / carried through the first access network device.

[0243] For example, if, during the process of establishing an association between a first session of a first UE and a second session of a second UE, the session management network element is triggered to send first directional information to the mobile communication device, then after the mobile communication device establishes the first session of the first UE, it receives the first directional information. When a first service is triggered or there is first service data to be sent, the mobile communication device selects the first UE for the first service based on the first directional information and transmits the data of the first service through the first session of the first UE.

[0244] For another example, if when a UE (the first UE or the second UE) in the mobile communication device registers, the second policy control network element is triggered to send the first directional information to the mobile communication device, then after the mobile communication device receives the first directional information, when the first service is triggered or there is first service data to be sent, the mobile communication device selects the first UE for the first service based on the first directional information, and determines the session parameters corresponding to the first service (such as DNN and / or S-NSSAI) based on the policy information of the first UE (such as URSP), uses the session parameters to establish the first session of the first UE, and transmits the data of the first service through the first session of the first UE.

[0245] Optionally, if the first directional information indicates that the data of the first service should be transmitted preferentially through the first UE / first network / first RAT, the mobile communication device may transmit the data of the first service through the first session of the first UE based on the first directional information and the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device. For example, only when the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device is higher than a set signal threshold is the first UE selected and the data of the first service is transmitted through the first session of the first UE. When the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device is lower than the set signal threshold, and the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the second access network device is higher than the set signal threshold, the second UE is selected and the data of the first service is transmitted through the second session of the second UE.

[0246] In a possible embodiment, the mobile communication device may further receive third orientation information.

[0247] The third directional information may be implemented in the following four ways:

[0248] 1) The third directional information indicates that data of the second service is transmitted through the second UE.

[0249] 2) The third directional information indicates that data of the second service is preferentially transmitted through the second UE.

[0250] For example, the third directional information may include a UE priority list corresponding to the second service (the second UE has a higher priority than the first UE). The third directional information indicates that the second UE is preferentially selected or more inclined to be selected to transmit data of the second service.

[0251] 3) The third directional information indicates that the data of the second service is preferentially transmitted through the second network.

[0252] For example, the third directional information may include a network priority list corresponding to the second service (the second network has a higher priority than the first network). The third directional information indicates that the UE corresponding to the second network is preferentially selected or more inclined to transmit data of the second service.

[0253] 4) The third directional information indicates that the data of the second service is preferentially transmitted through the second RAT.

[0254] For example, the third directional information may include a RAT priority list corresponding to the second service (the second RAT has a higher priority than the first RAT). The third directional information indicates that the UE corresponding to the second RAT is preferentially selected or more inclined to transmit data of the second service.

[0255] Optionally, the third directional information specifically indicates that the data of the second service is transmitted through the second UE, or indicates that the data of the second service is preferentially transmitted through the second UE / second network / second RAT. In other words, the third directional information can be used to control the mobile communication device to select a UE to transmit the second service data. Similarly, the third directional information can also be triggered by the session management network element to send to the mobile communication device when creating a session for a certain UE (first UE or second UE), or received from the second policy control network element when a certain UE (first UE or second UE) registers.

[0256] Optionally, if the third directional information indicates that the data of the second service is preferentially transmitted through the second UE / second network / second RAT, the mobile communication device may transmit the data of the second service through the second session of the second UE based on the directional policy information and the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the second access network device. For example, the data of the second service is transmitted through the second session of the second UE only when the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the second access network device is higher than a set signal threshold. If the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the second access network device is lower than the set signal threshold, and the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device is higher than the set signal threshold, the first UE is selected and the data of the second service is transmitted through the first session of the first UE.

[0257] Throughout the embodiments of this application, the names of the directional information are not limited. For example, the first directional information, the second directional information, and the third directional information may also be referred to as other information names.

[0258] In another possible embodiment, the first UE and the second UE may share the first session, that is, the sessions of the first UE and the second UE are both the first session, or the session identifiers of the first UE and the second UE are the same as the first session. The second session of the second UE in the embodiment corresponding to FIG. 4 may be replaced with the first session of the second UE.

[0259] It can be seen that based on the method described in FIG. 4 , the mobile communication device can receive information sent by the network side for directing service data, so that the mobile communication device can be controlled to reasonably select a UE for transmitting service data.

[0260] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a flow chart of a service data processing method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the method embodiment described in Figure 5, the mobile communication device first creates a first session for the first UE, and then creates a second session for the second UE. During the process of creating the second session for the second UE and establishing an association between the first session for the first UE and the second session for the second UE, the session management network element is triggered to send first directional information to the mobile communication device. Among them:

[0261] 501. A mobile communication device establishes a first session for a first UE.

[0262] In the embodiment of the present application, the mobile communication device may initiate a process of establishing a first session of the first UE when the first service is initiated.

[0263] In a possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the mobile communication device establishing the first session of the first UE is: the mobile communication device sends the identifier of the first session of the first UE, the data network name (DNN), the single-network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), the first session establishment request (session establishment request) and the first indication information to the first network element, wherein the first session establishment request is used to request the establishment of the first session of the first UE, and the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs. For example, the first session establishment request is a PDU session establishment request (PDUsession establishment request).

[0264] Accordingly, the first network element can receive this information. After receiving this information, the first network element selects a session management network element based on the first indication information, and the session management network element supports the association of service data between different UEs. The first network element sends the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI and the first session establishment request to the session management network element. It can be seen that by sending the first indication information to the first network element, the first network element can select a session management network element that supports the association of service data between different UEs based on the first indication information, so as to facilitate subsequent processing. For example, relevant instructions can be found in the description under steps 701 to 702 in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 7 below, which will not be repeated here. Of course, the mobile communication device can also use other methods to establish the first session of the first UE, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0265] 502. The mobile communication device sends a first message to a second network element. The first message carries information about a first session of the first UE, an identifier of a second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request. The second session establishment request is used to request establishment of a second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the second network element may receive the first message.

[0266] In this embodiment of the present application, after the mobile communication device establishes the first session with the first UE, it can establish the second session with the second UE. Steps 502 to 505 are the specific process of establishing the second session with the second UE, creating an association between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, and directing service data.

[0267] In the embodiment of the present application, the second UE in the mobile communication device can send the first message to the second network element through the second access network device.

[0268] In a possible embodiment, the first message may be a NAS message. Optionally, the second session establishment request may include an identifier of the second session. For example, the second session establishment request may be a PDU session establishment request.

[0269] In one possible embodiment, the mobile communication device may also receive second indication information, which indicates that the first session allows association between different UEs, or indicates that the session of the mobile communication device allows association between different UEs. The mobile communication device may send the first message based on the second indication information. In other words, the mobile communication device only sends the first message when the first session allows association between different UEs, or when the session of the mobile communication device allows association between different UEs. Based on this possible embodiment, the mobile communication device can accurately determine whether the first session can be associated between different UEs.

[0270] Optionally, the second indication information indicates that the session of the mobile communication device allows association between different UEs. The mobile communication device may receive the second indication information from the second policy control network element via the first network element or the second network element when the first UE or the second UE registers. Accordingly, the second policy control network element may send the second indication information to the mobile communication device via the first network element or the second network element.

[0271] In a possible embodiment, if the second indication information indicates that the first session allows association between different UEs, the mobile communication device may receive the second indication information from the session management network element during the process of establishing the first session. For example, when the first network element sends the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI and the first session establishment request to the session management network element, it may also send the first indication information. After the session management network element receives this information, if it determines that the first session of the first UE allows association between different UEs, the session management network element sends the second indication information to the first network element so that the second network element sends the second indication information to the mobile communication device. After receiving the second indication information, the mobile communication device may send the first message based on the second indication information. For example, relevant instructions can be found in the description under steps 701 to 706 in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 7, which will not be repeated here.

[0272] Optionally, when the first service is initiated, the mobile communication device may first trigger establishment of a first session for the first UE, and then trigger establishment of a second session for the second UE.

[0273] Optionally, the first message also includes session parameters corresponding to the second session, such as DNN or S-NSSAI. For example, the mobile communication device determines that the session parameters corresponding to the first service are the session parameters corresponding to the second session of the second UE based on the URSP of the second UE. Optionally, when the session parameters corresponding to the second session of the second UE are the same as the session parameters corresponding to the first session of the first UE, the mobile communication device sends the first message to establish an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, so as to facilitate the switching of subsequent service data between the first UE and the second UE.

[0274] For another example, the mobile communication device generates session parameters corresponding to a second session based on the session parameters of the first session. Optionally, the session parameters corresponding to the second session are the same as the session parameters of the first session, that is, the mobile communication device sets the session parameters corresponding to the second session as the session parameters of the first session, or uses the session parameters corresponding to the first session as the session parameters of the second session.

[0275] Optionally, the mobile communication device receives third indication information, which is used to indicate that the data of the first service is allowed to be switched between different UEs. The mobile communication device generates session parameters corresponding to the second session based on the session parameters of the first session according to the third indication information, or sets the session parameters corresponding to the second session as the session parameters of the first session. It should be understood that at this time, the mobile communication device does not need to determine the session parameters corresponding to the second session according to the URSP of the second UE. When the data of the first service is allowed to be switched between different UEs, the session parameters corresponding to the second session can be directly set as the session parameters of the first session, so that the mobile communication device can send the first message. Or, further, the mobile communication device can only send the first message when it determines that the first service is allowed to use the session parameters corresponding to the second session according to the URSP of the second UE (for example, the session parameters corresponding to the second session may not have the highest priority among the session parameters corresponding to the first service).

[0276] For example, assuming that in the URSP of the second UE, the session parameters corresponding to the first service include DNN1 and DNN2, and DNN1 has a higher priority than DNN2, that is, the first service allows the use of DNN1 and DNN2. The session parameters corresponding to the first session of the first UE are DNN2. Based on the third indication information, the mobile communication device sets the session parameters corresponding to the second session to the session parameters of the first session, that is, sets the session parameters corresponding to the second session to DNN2. Further, the mobile communication device determines, based on the URSP of the second UE, that the first service allows the use of DNN2, and therefore, the mobile communication device can send the first message.

[0277] Optionally, the mobile communication device generates session parameters corresponding to the second session based on the session parameters of the first session according to the first directional information, or sets the session parameters corresponding to the second session as the session parameters of the first session, so that the mobile communication device can send the first message. It should be understood that at this time, the mobile communication device does not need to determine the session parameters corresponding to the second session according to the URSP of the second UE. Alternatively, further, the mobile communication device can only send the first message when it determines based on the URSP of the second UE that the first service is allowed to use the session parameters corresponding to the second session (for example, the session parameters corresponding to the second session may not have the highest priority among the session parameters corresponding to the first service).

[0278] For example, the first directional information includes a UE priority list (where the first UE has a higher priority than the second UE). Because the first directional information includes the second UE, this indicates that the mobile communication device is permitted to transmit data for the first service through the second UE, but the second UE has a lower priority than the first UE. Therefore, the session parameters corresponding to the second session can be directly set as the session parameters of the first session.

[0279] For example, the first directional information includes a network priority list (where the first network has a higher priority than the second network). Because the first directional information includes the second network, this indicates that the mobile communication device is permitted to transmit data for the first service via the second network, but the second network has a lower priority than the first network. Therefore, the session parameters corresponding to the second session can be directly set as the session parameters of the first session.

[0280] For example, the first directional information includes a RAT priority list (where the first RAT has a higher priority than the second RAT). Because the first directional information includes the second network, it indicates that the mobile communication device is permitted to transmit data for the first service via the second RAT, but the second RAT has a lower priority than the first RAT. Therefore, the session parameters corresponding to the second session can be directly set as the session parameters of the first session.

[0281] 503. The second network element sends a second message to the session management network element based on the first message. The second message carries the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session, and a second session establishment request. The session management network element is the network element that manages the first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the second message.

[0282] In a possible embodiment, the second message may be PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request.

[0283] In one possible embodiment, the information about the first session of the first UE includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first session of the first UE, a DNN corresponding to the first session of the first UE, and an S-NSSAI corresponding to the first session of the first UE. Based on this possible embodiment, the network side is facilitated to accurately determine which session to associate with the second session.

[0284] In one possible embodiment, the first message further includes a subscription concealed identifier (SUCI) of the first UE, a subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) of the first UE, or a binding UE indication. Based on this possible embodiment, the network side is facilitated to accurately determine the SUPI of the first UE.

[0285] Several possible implementations of the second network element sending the second message to the session management network element based on the first message are described below in different situations:

[0286] Case 1: the information of the first session of the first UE is the identifier of the first session of the first UE.

[0287] 1) A specific implementation manner in which the second network element sends the second message to the session management network element based on the first message is as follows: the second network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session based on the device identification information and the identifier of the first session; wherein the device identification information is the SUPI of the second UE, or, if the first message also includes the SUCI of the first UE, the device identification information is the SUCI of the first UE; and the second network element sends the second message to the session management network element. Based on this specific implementation manner, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, so as to send the second message to the session management network element.

[0288] The second network element is responsible for access and mobility management of the second UE, as well as registration management of the second UE. Therefore, the second network element pre-stores the SUPI of the second UE. Therefore, after the second network element receives the first message sent by the second UE in the mobile communication device, the second network element can obtain the SUPI of the second UE. Based on the SUPI of the second UE and the identifier of the first session, the second network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session, so as to send the second message to the session management network element.

[0289] Alternatively, the first message also includes the SUCI of the first UE. After the second network element receives the first message sent by the second UE in the mobile communication device, the second network element may obtain the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session based on the SUCI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session, so as to send the second message to the session management network element.

[0290] In one possible embodiment, a specific implementation of the second network element acquiring the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session based on the device identification information and the identifier of the first session is as follows: the second network element sends the device identification information and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element; and the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session from the unified data management network element. Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately acquire the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE.

[0291] In a 5G system, the unified data management network element may be a UDM network element. In a 6G system or a system after 6G, the unified data management network element may be called a UDM network element or other name, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0292] The unified data management network element stores the association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE and the SUPI of the second UE. For example, during the operator's account opening process for the first UE and the second UE, the unified data management network element stores the association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE and the SUPI of the second UE.

[0293] The unified data management network element also stores an association between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, session parameters (such as DNN and / or S-NSSAI), and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session. For example, in the process of establishing a first session for the first UE, the session management network element used to manage the first session may send the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element to the unified data management network element. After receiving this information, the unified data management network element may store the association between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element.

[0294] For example, take the device identification information as the SUPI of the second UE as an example. The second network element may send the SUPI of the second UE and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element. After receiving the SUPI of the second UE and the identifier of the first session, the unified data management network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE associated with the second UE based on the pre-stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE and the SUPI of the second UE. Then, the unified data management network element obtains the identifier of the session management network element associated with the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session based on the pre-stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session. The unified data management network element returns the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element to the second network element.

[0295] Optionally, if the device identification information is the SUPI of the second UE, when the second network element sends the SUPI of the second UE and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element, it may also send an associated UE indication (binding UE indication), where the associated UE indication is used to instruct the acquisition of the SUPI of the UE associated with the second UE. In this way, the unified data management network element obtains the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the UE associated with the SUPI of the second UE. Specifically, the unified data management network element determines that the SUPI of the UE associated with the second UE is the SUPI of the first UE based on the stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE and the SUPI of the second UE. Then, the unified data management network element determines the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE.

[0296] For another example, taking the SUCI of the first UE as the device identification information, the second network element may send the SUCI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element. After receiving the SUCI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session, the unified data management network element may first convert the SUCI of the first UE into the SUPI of the first UE. The unified data management network element then obtains the identifier of the session management network element associated with the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session based on a pre-stored association between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session. The unified data management network element returns the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element to the second network element.

[0297] In another possible embodiment, a specific implementation of the second network element obtaining the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session based on the device identification information and the identifier of the first session is as follows: the second network element sends the device identification information to the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE sent by the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element sends the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element; and the second network element receives the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session sent by the unified data management network element. Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE.

[0298] In a 5G system, the authentication service function network element may be an AUSF network element. In a 6G system or a system after 6G, the authentication service function network element may be called an AUSF network element or other name, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0299] For example, take the device identification information as the SUPI of the second UE as an example. The second network element may send the SUPI of the second UE to the unified data management network element. After receiving the SUPI of the second UE, the unified data management network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE associated with the second UE based on the pre-stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE and the SUPI of the second UE, and then returns the SUPI of the first UE to the second network element. After receiving the SUPI of the first UE, the second network element sends the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element. The unified data management network element obtains the identifier of the session management network element associated with the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session based on the pre-stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session. The unified data management network element returns the identifier of the session management network element to the second network element.

[0300] Optionally, if the device identification information is the SUPI of the second UE, when the second network element sends the SUPI of the second UE to the unified data management network element, it may also send an associated UE indication (binding UE indication), which is used to instruct to obtain the SUPI of the UE associated with the second UE.

[0301] For another example, take the SUCI of the first UE as the device identification information. The second network element may send the SUCI of the first UE to the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element. After receiving the SUCI of the first UE, the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element may first convert the SUCI of the first UE into the SUPI of the first UE, and then return the SUPI of the first UE to the second network element. After receiving the SUPI of the first UE, the second network element sends the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element. The unified data management network element obtains the identifier of the session management network element associated with the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session based on the pre-stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session. The unified data management network element returns the identifier of the session management network element to the second network element.

[0302] 2) The first message also includes the SUPI of the first UE; a specific implementation manner in which the second network element sends the second message to the session management network element based on the first message includes: the second network element obtains an identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session based on the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session; and the second network element sends the second message to the session management network element. Based on this specific implementation manner, the second network element can accurately obtain the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, so as to send the second message to the session management network element.

[0303] For example, the second network element may send the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element. The unified data management network element obtains the identifier of the session management network element associated with the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session based on a pre-stored association between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session. The unified data management network element returns the identifier of the session management network element to the second network element.

[0304] Case 2: The information of the first session of the first UE includes the DNN corresponding to the first session of the first UE and / or the S-NSSAI corresponding to the first session of the first UE. For ease of description, the DNN corresponding to the first session and / or the S-NSSAI corresponding to the first session of the first UE are referred to as session parameters of the first session below.

[0305] 1) A specific implementation method of the second network element sending the second message to the session management network element based on the first message is as follows: the second network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session, and the identifier of the first session based on the device identification information and the session parameters of the first session of the first UE; wherein the device identification information is the SUPI of the second UE, or, if the first message also includes the SUCI of the first UE, the device identification information is the SUCI of the first UE; and the second network element sends the second message to the session management network element. Based on this specific implementation method, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, and the identifier of the first session, so as to send the second message to the session management network element.

[0306] In one possible embodiment, a specific implementation of the second network element obtaining the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session, and the identifier of the first session based on the device identification information and information about the first session of the first UE is as follows: the second network element sends the device identification information and session parameters of the first session of the first UE to the unified data management network element; and the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session, and the identifier of the first session sent by the unified data management network element. Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, and the identifier of the first session.

[0307] For example, take the device identification information as the SUPI of the second UE as an example. The second network element may send the SUPI of the second UE and the session parameters of the first session to the unified data management network element. After receiving the SUPI of the second UE and the identifier of the first session, the unified data management network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE associated with the second UE based on the pre-stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE and the SUPI of the second UE. Then, the unified data management network element obtains the identifier of the session management network element associated with the SUPI of the first UE and the session parameters of the first session and the identifier of the first session based on the pre-stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session. The unified data management network element returns the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element, and the identifier of the first session to the second network element.

[0308] Optionally, if the device identification information is the SUPI of the second UE, when the second network element sends the SUPI of the second UE and the identifier of the first session to the unified data management network element, it may also send an associated UE indication, where the associated UE indication is used to instruct to obtain the SUPI of the UE associated with the second UE.

[0309] For another example, take the SUCI of the first UE as the device identification information. The second network element may send the SUCI of the first UE and the session parameters of the first session to the unified data management network element. After receiving the SUCI of the first UE and the identifier of the first session, the unified data management network element may first convert the SUCI of the first UE into the SUPI of the first UE. Then, based on the pre-stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session, the unified data management network element obtains the identifier of the session management network element associated with the SUPI of the first UE and the session parameters of the first session and the identifier of the first session. The unified data management network element returns the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element, and the identifier of the first session to the second network element.

[0310] In another possible embodiment, the second network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session, and the identifier of the first session based on the device identification information and information about the first session of the first UE in a specific manner as follows: the second network element sends the device identification information to the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE sent by the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element; the second network element sends the SUPI of the first UE and session parameters of the first session of the first UE to the unified data management network element; and the second network element receives the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session and the identifier of the first session sent by the unified data management network element. Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE, and the identifier of the first session.

[0311] For example, take the device identification information as the SUPI of the second UE as an example. The second network element may send the SUPI of the second UE to the unified data management network element. After receiving the SUPI of the second UE, the unified data management network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE associated with the second UE based on the pre-stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE and the SUPI of the second UE, and then returns the SUPI of the first UE to the second network element. After receiving the SUPI of the first UE, the second network element sends the SUPI of the first UE and the session parameters of the first session to the unified data management network element. Based on the pre-stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session, the unified data management network element obtains the identifier of the session management network element associated with the SUPI of the first UE and the session parameters of the first session and the identifier of the first session. The unified data management network element returns the identifier of the session management network element and the identifier of the first session to the second network element.

[0312] Optionally, if the device identification information is the SUPI of the second UE, when the second network element sends the SUPI of the second UE to the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element, it may also send an associated UE indication (binding UE indication), which is used to instruct to obtain the SUPI of the UE associated with the second UE.

[0313] For another example, take the SUCI of the first UE as the device identification information. The second network element may send the SUCI of the first UE to the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element. After receiving the SUCI of the first UE, the authentication service function network element or the unified data management network element may first convert the SUCI of the first UE into the SUPI of the first UE, and then return the SUPI of the first UE to the second network element. After receiving the SUPI of the first UE, the second network element sends the SUPI of the first UE and the session parameters of the first session to the unified data management network element. Based on the pre-stored association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session, the unified data management network element obtains the identifier of the session management network element associated with the SUPI of the first UE and the session parameters of the first session and the identifier of the first session. The unified data management network element returns the identifier of the session management network element and the identifier of the first session to the second network element.

[0314] 2) The first message also includes the SUPI of the first UE; a specific implementation of the second network element sending the second message to the session management network element based on the first message includes: the second network element obtains an identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session and an identifier of the first session based on the SUPI of the first UE and the session parameters of the first session; and the second network element sends the second message to the session management network element. Based on this possible embodiment, the second network element can accurately obtain the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session of the first UE and the identifier of the first session, so as to send the second message to the session management network element.

[0315] For example, the second network element may send the SUPI of the first UE and the session parameters of the first session to the unified data management network element. Based on the pre-stored association between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the session parameters, and the identifier of the session management network element used to manage the first session, the unified data management network element obtains the identifier of the session management network element associated with the SUPI of the first UE and the session parameters of the first session, and the identifier of the first session. The unified data management network element returns the identifier of the session management network element and the identifier of the first session to the second network element. After receiving the identifier of the session management network element and the identifier of the first session, the second network element sends a second message to the session management network element.

[0316] In a possible embodiment, the first message and the second message are used to request association of a first session of the first UE with a second session of the second UE.

[0317] In a possible embodiment, the first message and the second message further include an association indication, where the association indication is used to indicate that the first session of the first UE is to be associated with the second session of the second UE. Alternatively, the names of the first message and the second message indicate that the first session of the first UE is to be associated with the second session of the second UE.

[0318] 504. In response to the second message, the session management network element stores an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE.

[0319] In an embodiment of the present application, after the session management network element stores the association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can share the same IP address and the same N4 session identifier. The first session of the first UE is associated with the first IP address and the first N4 session identifier. Therefore, after the session management network element stores the association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the second session of the second UE is also associated with the first IP address and the first N4 session identifier. The session management network element does not need to allocate a new N4 session identifier and a new IP address for the second session of the second UE, and can reuse the first N4 session identifier and the first IP address.

[0320] Throughout the embodiments of this application, storing an association relationship can also be understood as creating an association relationship.

[0321] 505. The session management network element sends first directional information to the mobile communication device based on the second message. For a description of the first directional information, please refer to the description under step 401 and will not be repeated here. Accordingly, the mobile communication device may receive the first directional information.

[0322] There are two possible implementations of the session management network element sending the first directional information to the mobile communication device:

[0323] 1) A session establishment accept message is sent to the mobile communication device via the second network element. The session establishment accept message includes first directional information and indicates that the second session of the second UE has been successfully established. Accordingly, the mobile communication device can receive the session establishment accept message via the second network element. That is, the second UE in the mobile communication device receives the session establishment accept message via the second network element. For example, the solid line under step 505 in Figure 5 indicates that the session management network element sends the session establishment accept message to the second UE of the mobile communication device via the second network element and the second access network device. It can be seen that based on this possible implementation, the first directional information can be successfully sent to the mobile communication device.

[0324] The session establishment accept message indicating that the second session with the second UE has been successfully established can also be understood as a session establishment accept message used in response to the second session establishment request. Optionally, the session establishment accept message may also include third directional information, as described above under step 402. In other words, both the first directional information and the third directional information are sent to the second UE via the second network element.

[0325] 2) First directional information is sent to the mobile communication device via the first network element, which is responsible for mobility management of the first UE. Accordingly, the mobile communication device can receive the first directional information via the first network element. That is, the first UE in the mobile communication device can receive the first directional information via the first network element. For example, the dotted line under step 505 in Figure 5 indicates that the session management network element sends the first directional information to the first UE of the mobile communication device via the first network element and the first access network device. It can be seen that based on this possible implementation method, the first directional information can be successfully sent to the mobile communication device, and it is beneficial to reduce the interaction between UEs in the mobile communication device.

[0326] In this possible implementation, since the first directional information is used to direct or prioritize the first service to the first UE, the session management network element may send the first directional information to the first UE. Optionally, the session management network element may also send a session establishment accept message to the mobile communication device via the second network element. The session establishment accept message includes the third directional information, and the session establishment accept message indicates that the second session with the second UE has been successfully established. In other words, the first directional information is sent to the first UE via the first network element, and the third directional information is sent to the second UE via the second network element.

[0327] In one possible embodiment, a specific implementation of the session management network element sending the first directional information to the mobile communication device based on the second message is as follows: the session management network element may obtain control information from the first policy control network element based on the second message, wherein the control information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first RAT; and the session management network element sends the first directional information to the mobile communication device based on the control information. Based on this possible embodiment, the session management network element may generate reasonable first directional information based on the control information.

[0328] Optionally, the session management network element sends first directional information to the mobile communication device based on the control information and the access information of the first UE and the access information of the second UE. For example, the control information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network, the session management network element receives the access information of the first UE from the first network element (the first UE accesses the first network), and the session management network element receives the access information of the second UE from the second network element (the second UE accesses the second network), so that the session management network element determines that the first directional information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first session of the first UE. For another example, the control information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first RAT, the session management network element receives the access information of the first UE from the first network element (the first UE accesses the network through the first RAT), and the session management network element receives the access information of the second UE from the second network element (the second UE accesses the network through the second RAT), so that the session management network element determines that the first directional information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first session of the first UE.

[0329] Throughout the embodiments of this application, the information name of the control information may also be other information names, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0330] The possible implementation of how the session management network element obtains control information from the first policy control network element based on the second message can be found in the description of steps 710 and 711 of Figure 7 and will not be repeated here. Alternatively, the session management network element may obtain control information from the first policy control network element based on the second message through other means, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0331] In a possible embodiment, the session management network element may also send first information to the user plane function network element, where the first information is used to instruct that the data of the first service be sent to the first access network device; the first access network device is used to carry the first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the user plane function network element may receive the first information. After receiving the first information, the user plane function network element sends the data of the first service to the first access network device. The user plane function network element is used to transmit the data of the first session of the first UE and the data of the second session of the second UE, that is, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE share the same user plane function network element. For example, relevant instructions can be found in the description under step 713 in Figure 7, which will not be repeated here. Based on this possible embodiment, the downlink data sending behavior of the user plane function network element can be reasonably controlled to avoid the data of the same service being transmitted simultaneously without passing through the two UEs in the mobile communication device.

[0332] In one possible embodiment, the session management network element may further send third indication information to the mobile communication device, where the third indication information is used to indicate whether data of the first service is allowed to be handed over between different UEs. Optionally, the third indication information may be carried in the same message as the first directional information and sent to the mobile communication device. Optionally, the above-mentioned control information is further used to indicate whether data of the first service is allowed to be handed over between different UEs. The session management network element sends the third indication information to the mobile communication device specifically based on the control information. In this way, the mobile communication device can determine whether data of the first service can be handed over between different UEs based on the third indication information.

[0333] 506. The mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through the first session of the first UE based on the first directional information.

[0334] In an embodiment of the present application, when a first service is triggered or there is first service data to be sent, the mobile communication device selects a first UE for the first service based on the first directional information and transmits the data of the first service through the first session of the first UE.

[0335] As can be seen, based on the method embodiment described in FIG. 5 , during the process of creating the second session of the second UE and establishing an association between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the session management network element can be triggered to send information for directing service data to the mobile communication device. This allows the mobile communication device to reasonably select a UE to transmit service data. For example, assume that the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE share the same IP address. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE sharing the same IP address. The PDU layer is the IP layer. The dotted line can represent the second session of the second UE, and the solid line can represent the first session of the first UE. The first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE share the same first IP address. In this embodiment of the present application, the mobile communication device can receive information sent by the network side for directing service data. For example, if the network side directs the first service to the first UE and the second service to the second UE, the mobile communication device can transmit the first service corresponding to the first IP address through the first session of the first UE and transmit the second service corresponding to the first IP address through the second session of the second UE.

[0336] To facilitate understanding of the content described in the embodiment corresponding to FIG5, the business data processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application is further described below in conjunction with FIG7. Please refer to FIG7, which is a flow chart of a business data processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0337] 701. A mobile communication device sends a first session identifier, a DNN, an S-NSSAI, a first session establishment request, and first indication information of a first UE to a first network element. The first session establishment request is used to request establishment of a first session of the first UE, and the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the first session identifier, DNN, S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information of the first UE.

[0338] Among them, steps 701 to 706 are a possible implementation method for establishing a first session of the first UE.

[0339] Throughout the embodiments of the present application, the first indication information indicating that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs may also be replaced by: the first indication information indicating that the first session of the first UE needs to be associated between different UEs.

[0340] Optionally, the mobile communication device may send a NAS message to the first network element through the first access network device, where the NAS message carries the identifier of the first session of the first UE, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information. Optionally, the first session establishment request may include the identifier of the first session.

[0341] In an embodiment of the present application, by sending the first indication information to the first network element, the first network element can select a session management network element that supports associating sessions between different UEs based on the first indication information, to facilitate subsequent processing.

[0342] Optionally, the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs, and it can also be understood that the first indication information indicates that the service data of the first session of the first UE may be transmitted or switched between different UEs, or it can also be understood that the first indication information indicates that the type of the first session is a cross-UE session, and the cross-UE session can be understood as the session can be transferred or switched between different UEs.

[0343] Optionally, the mobile communication device may not send the first indication information to the first network element. For example, after the first network element receives the identifier of the first session of the first UE, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, and the first session establishment request sent by the mobile communication device, it may select by default a session management network element that supports association of sessions between different UEs to perform subsequent processes. Alternatively, if the mobile communication device does not send the first indication information to the first network element, the first network element may also select a session management network element to manage the first session based on an existing method. For example, the first network element may select a session management network element to manage the first session based on the DNN or S-NSSAI.

[0344] 702. The first network element selects a session management network element based on the first indication information, where the session management network element supports association of sessions between different UEs.

[0345] Optionally, the session management network element supports association of sessions between different UEs, which can also be understood as the session management network element supporting transmission or switching of service data between different UEs, or supporting session types across UEs.

[0346] 703. The first network element sends the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information to the session management network element. Correspondingly, the session management network element may receive the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information sent by the first network element.

[0347] By sending the first indication information to the session management network element, the session management network element can determine whether the first session is allowed to be associated between different UEs, and return the determination result to the mobile communication device so that the mobile communication device can subsequently decide whether to initiate the session association process.

[0348] Optionally, the first network element may not send the first indication information to the session management network element. For example, after receiving the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, and the first session establishment request sent by the first network element, the session management network element determines by default whether the first session allows association between different UEs and returns the determination result to the mobile communication device. Alternatively, if the first network element does not send the first indication information to the session management network element, the session management network element may not perform steps 704 and 705.

[0349] 704. The session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0350] In an embodiment of the present application, after receiving the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information, the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs. Throughout the embodiments of the present application, the word "allow" can also be replaced with "can" or "support".

[0351] In the embodiment of the present application, the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs, which can also be understood as the session management network element determining that the service data corresponding to the first session of the first UE is allowed to be switched / transmitted between different UEs. Alternatively, the session management network element determines that the type of the first session of the first UE is an inter-UE session, and an inter-UE session can be understood as the session being transferable or switchable between different UEs. Throughout the embodiments of the present application, "allowed" can also be replaced with "supported."

[0352] In one possible embodiment, the specific implementation of the session management network element determining that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs is as follows: the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs based on the local configuration of the DNN; or the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs based on the subscription data or policy information corresponding to the first session. For example, the session management network element may obtain the subscription data corresponding to the first session from the unified data management network element. The session management network element may obtain the policy information corresponding to the first session from the policy control function network element.

[0353] Optionally, if the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is not allowed to be associated between different UEs, the session management network element may send indication information to the mobile communication device through the first network element, where the indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE is not allowed to be associated between different UEs. In this way, the mobile communication device does not initiate step 707 based on the indication information and does not associate the first session of the first UE with the second session of the first UE. Alternatively, if the session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is not allowed to be associated between different UEs, the session management network element does not send any indication information to the mobile communication device. If the mobile communication device does not receive the second indication information, the mobile communication device does not initiate step 707 and does not associate the first session of the first UE with the second session of the first UE.

[0354] 705. The session management network element sends second indication information to the first network element, where the second indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the second indication information.

[0355] In the embodiment of the present application, the second indication information indicating that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs can also be understood as the second indication information indicating that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be transferred / switched between different UEs. Alternatively, the second indication information indicates that the type of the first session is an inter-UE session, and an inter-UE session can be understood as the session being transferable or switched between different UEs.

[0356] Optionally, the session management network element may also send the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI and the identifier of the session management network element to the unified data management network element, so that the unified data management network element stores the association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI and the identifier of the session management network element.

[0357] Optionally, the session management network element may further allocate a first N4 session identifier for the first session. The N4 session identifier is used to identify the N4 session between the session management network element and the user plane function network element. The session management network element may send the first N4 session identifier and address information of the first access network device to the user plane function network element, instructing the first access network device to send service data carried by the first IP address corresponding to the first N4 session identifier. The first IP address is the IP address allocated by the session management network element or the user plane function network element for the first session.

[0358] Optionally, the session management network element may further send address information of the user plane function network element to the first access network device, so that the first access network device can send uplink service data of the first session to the user plane function network element.

[0359] Optionally, the session management network element may also send the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, and the S-NSSAI to the first policy control network element. After receiving this information, the first policy control network element may allocate a session policy association identifier (SM Policy Association ID) for the first session of the first UE, and store the association relationship between the session policy association identifier, the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, and the S-NSSAI. The first policy control network element may also feed back the session policy association identifier to the session management network element. After receiving the session policy association identifier, the session management network element may store the association relationship between the session policy association identifier and the identifier of the first session of the first UE to facilitate subsequent management of the first session.

[0360] Optionally, the session management network element may also store the association relationship between the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, and the S-NSSAI, as well as the association relationship between the identifier of the first session and the first IP address, and the association relationship between the identifier of the first session and the first N4 session identifier, to facilitate subsequent management of the first session.

[0361] Optionally, the session management network element may further configure air interface resources between the first access network device and the first UE for the first session.

[0362] Optionally, the session management network element may send a session establishment acceptance message to the first network element, the session establishment acceptance message carrying the first IP address and the second indication information, the session establishment acceptance message indicating that the first session of the first UE is successfully established. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the session establishment acceptance message.

[0363] Alternatively, the mobile communication device may also establish the first session of the first UE in other ways, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0364] 706. The first network element sends second indication information to the mobile communication device. Correspondingly, the mobile communication device may receive the second indication information.

[0365] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the second indication information, the first network element sends the second indication information to the mobile communication device.

[0366] Optionally, the first network element may receive a session establishment acceptance message, the session establishment acceptance message carrying the first IP address and the second indication information, the session establishment acceptance message indicating that the first session of the first UE has been successfully established. The first network element sends the session establishment acceptance message to the mobile communication device. Accordingly, the mobile communication device receives the session establishment acceptance message.

[0367] Alternatively, the session management network element may also use other messages to send the second indication information to the mobile communication device through the first network element, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0368] In another possible embodiment, the mobile communication device may receive second indication information from the network side when the first UE or the second UE registers, where the second indication information indicates that the session of the mobile communication device allows association between different UEs.

[0369] 707. The mobile communication device sends a first message to the second network element based on the second indication information. The first message carries information about the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request. The second session establishment request is used to request establishment of the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the second network element may receive the first message.

[0370] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the second indication information, the mobile communication device sends the first message to the second network element only when it determines based on the second indication information that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0371] 708. The second network element sends a second message to the session management network element based on the first message. The second message carries the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session, and the second session establishment request. The session management network element is the network element that manages the first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the second message.

[0372] 709. In response to the second message, the session management network element stores the association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE.

[0373] Among them, steps 707 to 709 can refer to the description under steps 502 to 504 in the embodiment corresponding to FIG5 , and are not repeated here.

[0374] 710. The session management network element sends a third message to the first policy control network element. The third message carries the session policy association identifier, the SUPI of the second UE, and the identifier of the second session. Accordingly, the first policy control network element may receive the third message.

[0375] The session policy association identifier is a session policy association identifier associated with the identifier of the first session of the first UE. Optionally, the third message may further include a DNN and / or an S-NSSAI.

[0376] 711. In response to the third message, the first policy control network element sends control information to the session management network element. The control information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network, where the first network is a network where the first UE resides; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first RAT, where the first RAT is a RAT supported by the first access network device. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the control information.

[0377] In the embodiment of the present application, since the first policy control network element pre-stores the association between the identifier of the first session of the first UE and the session policy association identifier, after receiving the session policy association identifier, the SUPI of the second UE, and the identifier of the second session, the first policy control network element can determine that the first session of the first UE is associated with the second session of the second UE, and the first policy control network element can generate control information.

[0378] Based on steps 710 and 711, the session management network element can accurately obtain the control information.

[0379] Optionally, the control information may further instruct data for the second service to be transmitted via the second session of the second UE; or, the control information may instruct data for the second service to be preferentially transmitted via the second session of the second UE; or, the control information may instruct data for the second service to be preferentially transmitted via a second network, where the second network is the network on which the second UE resides; or, the control information may instruct data for the second service to be preferentially transmitted via a second RAT, where the second RAT is a RAT supported by the second access network device. Accordingly, the session management network element may further send third directional information to the mobile communication device based on the control information. For the third directional information, see the description under step 402 above.

[0380] Among them, steps 710 to 711 are a possible implementation manner of obtaining control information from the first policy control network element based on the second message.

[0381] 712. The session management network element sends first directional information to the mobile communication device according to the control information.

[0382] The two possible implementations of the session management network element sending the first directional information to the mobile communication device can be found in the description of step 505 of FIG. 5 and are not described in detail here. How the session management network element sends the first directional information to the mobile communication device based on the control information can be found in the description of step 504 and is not described in detail here.

[0383] 713. The session management network element sends first information to the user plane function network element, where the first information is used to instruct the first service data to be sent to the first access network device. The first access network device is used to carry the first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the user plane function network element may receive the first information.

[0384] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the first information, the user plane function network element sends the data of the first service to the first access network device. The user plane function network element is used to transmit data of the first session of the first UE and data of the second session of the second UE, that is, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE share the same user plane function network element.

[0385] In a possible embodiment, the first information includes address information of the first access network device and an identifier of the first service. The address information of the first access network device may be tunnel endpoint information of the first access network device, such as AN Tunnel Info.

[0386] Optionally, the first information may also include a first N4 session identifier. In this way, the user plane function network element can send the data of the first service carried by the first IP address corresponding to the first N4 session identifier to the first access network device. When establishing the first session of the first UE, the session management network element sends the first N4 session identifier and the first IP address to the user plane function network element, and the user plane function network element already knows the association between the first N4 session identifier and the first IP address. The first N4 session identifier, the address information of the first access network device and the identifier of the first service are subsequently transmitted between the session management network element and the user plane function network element, and the forwarding rule associated with the first N4 session identifier can be updated to send the data of the first service carried by the first IP address corresponding to the first N4 session identifier to the first access network device. For example, the session management network element sends an N4Session Modification Request message (first N4 session identifier, address information of the first access network device, identifier of the first service) to the user plane function network element.

[0387] In one possible embodiment, if the session management network element also sends third directional information to the mobile communication device, the session management network element may also send third information to the user plane function network element, where the third information is used to instruct the user plane function network element to send the data of the second service to the second access network device. The second access network device is used to carry the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the user plane function network element may receive the third information. After receiving the third information, the user plane function network element sends the data of the second service to the second access network device.

[0388] In one possible embodiment, the third information includes address information of the second access network device and an identifier of the second service. The address information of the second access network device may be tunnel endpoint information of the second access network device. Optionally, the third information may also include a first N4 session identifier. In this way, the user plane function network element can send data of the second service carried by the first IP address corresponding to the first N4 session identifier to the second access network device.

[0389] 714. The mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through the first session of the first UE based on the first directional information.

[0390] For step 714, please refer to the description under step 506 and will not be repeated here.

[0391] As can be seen, based on the method embodiment described in FIG. 7 , during the process of creating the second session of the second UE and establishing the association between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the session management network element can be triggered to send information for directing service data to the mobile communication device, thereby controlling the mobile communication device to reasonably select a UE to transmit service data. Furthermore, the first information can be sent to the user plane control network element to control the downlink data transmission behavior of the user plane function network element.

[0392] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a flow chart of a service data processing method provided by an embodiment of the present application. In the method embodiment described in Figure 8, when a first UE in a mobile communication device registers, a second policy control network element is triggered to send first directional information to the mobile communication device.

[0393] 801. A mobile communication device sends a registration request to a first network element, where the registration request is used to request that a first UE be registered with a network. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the registration request.

[0394] In the embodiment of the present application, the mobile communication device may send a registration request to the first network element through the first access network device.

[0395] 802. The first network element sends a fourth message to the second policy control network element. The fourth message carries the SUPI of the first UE. The fourth message is used to request establishment of an access management policy association for the first UE. Accordingly, the second policy control network element may receive the fourth message.

[0396] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the registration request, the first network element sends a fourth message to the second policy control network element.

[0397] 803. In response to the fourth message, the second policy control network element sends first directional information to the first network element. For a description of the first directional information, please refer to the description under step 401 and will not be repeated here. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the first directional information.

[0398] In one possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the second policy control network element sending the first directional information to the first network element is as follows: the second policy control network element can obtain the subscription information of the first UE and generate the first directional information based on the subscription information; the subscription information indicates that the data of the first service is transmitted through the first UE; or the subscription information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first UE; or the subscription information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; or the subscription information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first RAT. Based on this possible embodiment, the second policy control network element can generate reasonable first directional information based on the subscription information.

[0399] For example, the subscription information of the first UE includes association information between the SUPI of the first UE and the SUPI of the second UE, and also indicates association information between services and UEs, or indicates which UE, network, or RAT the data of which service is preferentially transmitted on. The second policy control network element determines the association between the first UE and the second UE based on the subscription information of the first UE. Because the first UE and the second UE are associated, the first UE and the second UE may have the problem of simultaneously transmitting the same service data. Therefore, the second policy control network element generates the first directional information based on the subscription information of the first UE.

[0400] 804. The first network element sends a registration acceptance message or a UE policy container to the mobile communication device. The registration acceptance message or the UE policy container includes the first directional information. The registration acceptance message indicates that the first UE has successfully registered with the network. Accordingly, the mobile communication device may receive the registration acceptance message.

[0401] In the embodiment of the present application, the first network element may send a registration acceptance message or a UE policy container to the mobile communication device through the first access network device.

[0402] The registration accept message indicating that the first UE has successfully registered with the network may also be understood as the registration accept message being used to respond to a registration request, where the registration request is used to request that the first UE be registered with the network.

[0403] In one possible embodiment, the second policy control network element may further send policy information, such as a UE route selection policy (URSP), to the first network element. Accordingly, the registration accept message or the UE policy container also carries the policy information. The policy information includes a correspondence between service data flows and session parameters (such as DNN and / or S-NSSAI).

[0404] In one possible embodiment, the second policy control network element may further send a UE policy container to the first network element, where the UE policy container includes the first directional information. After receiving the UE policy container, the first network element then sends the UE policy container to the mobile communication device. Optionally, the first network element first sends a registration accept message to the mobile communication device, then receives the UE policy container from the second policy control network element, and then sends the UE policy container to the mobile communication device, where the UE policy container includes the first directional information.

[0405] In one possible embodiment, the second policy control network element may further send third indication information to the mobile communication device, where the third indication information is used to indicate whether data of the first service is permitted to be handed over between different UEs. Optionally, the third indication information is carried in a registration accept message or a UE policy container. The mobile communication device can then determine whether data of the first service is permitted to be handed over between different UEs based on the third indication information.

[0406] 805. The mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through the first session of the first UE based on the first directional information.

[0407] In an embodiment of the present application, after the mobile communication device receives the registration acceptance message, when the first service is triggered or there is first service data to be sent, the mobile communication device selects a first UE for the first service based on the first directional information, and determines the session parameters (such as DNN and / or S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first service based on the policy information of the first UE (such as URSP), uses the session parameters to establish a first session of the first UE, and transmits the data of the first service through the first session of the first UE.

[0408] The embodiments of the present application can be applied to any of the following two scenarios:

[0409] 1) The first UE registers first, and the second UE registers later. That is, the registration process of the first UE to register can be enhanced, and when the first UE in the mobile communication device registers, the second policy control network element is triggered to send the first directional information to the mobile communication device.

[0410] 2) The second UE registers first, and the first UE registers later. That is, the registration process of the later-registered UE can be enhanced, and when the second UE in the mobile communication device registers, the second policy control network element is triggered to send the first directional information to the mobile communication device.

[0411] In a possible embodiment, the registration request also includes an identifier of the second UE or a dual-directional device indication, and the dual-directional device indication is used to indicate that the first UE is located in a dual-directional device, which is a device including two UEs; the identifier of the second UE can be the SUCI of the second UE or the permanent equipment identifier (PEI) of the second UE. Optionally, after the second UE completes the registration process, the registration request of the first UE includes the identifier of the second UE or the dual-directional device indication. The fourth message also includes the SUPI of the second UE or the dual-directional device indication. Based on this possible embodiment, it is beneficial for the second policy control network element to generate the first directional information only when both UEs in the mobile communication device are registered with the network or the first UE is located in the dual-directional device.

[0412] The identifier of the second UE or the dual-directional device indication may be understood as a triggering condition for the second policy control network element to generate the first directional information.

[0413] For example, the second UE registers first, and the first UE registers later. When the first UE sends a registration request, the identifier of the second UE can be carried in the registration request. After the first network element receives the registration request, it can convert the identifier of the second UE into the SUPI of the second UE, and send a fourth message carrying the SUPI of the second UE and the SUPI of the first UE to the second policy control network element. In this way, after the second policy control network element receives the fourth message, it can determine that both UEs in the mobile communication device are registered with the network or the first UE is located in a dual-directional device, and then generate the first directional information. In the case that both UEs in the mobile communication device are registered with the network or the first UE is located in a dual-directional device, it is necessary for the second policy control network element to generate the first directional information.

[0414] For another example, the second UE registers first, followed by the first UE. When the first UE sends a registration request, it may include a dual-directional device indication. After receiving the registration request, the first network element sends a fourth message to the second policy control network element, including the first UE's SUPI and the dual-directional device indication. Upon receiving the fourth message, the second policy control network element can determine that both UEs in the mobile communication device are registered with the network or that the first UE is in a dual-directional device, and then generates first directional information.

[0415] Alternatively, the dual-directional device indication may be replaced by other indication information. After receiving the indication information, the second policy control network element can determine that both UEs are registered with the network or the first UE is located in the dual-directional device, and then generate the first directional information.

[0416] In one possible embodiment, the first network element may further send the SUPI of the first UE to the unified data management network element in response to the registration request; accordingly, the unified data management network element may receive the SUPI of the first UE; the unified data management network element pre-stores an association between the SUPI of the first UE and the SUPI of the second UE. After receiving the SUPI of the first UE, the unified data management network element may determine whether both the first UE and the second UE are registered, that is, whether both the first UE and the second UE are in a registered state. If both the first UE and the second UE are registered, the unified data management network element sends the SUPI or dual-directional device indication of the second UE to the first network element. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the SUPI or dual-directional device indication of the second UE sent by the unified data management network element. After receiving the SUPI or dual-directional device indication of the second UE, the first network element sends a fourth message to the second policy control network element, where the fourth message carries the SUPI of the first UE and also carries the SUPI or dual-directional device indication of the second UE. Similarly, the second policy control network element may determine, based on the SUPI or dual-directional device indication of the second UE, whether both UEs in the mobile communication device are registered with the network or the first UE is located in a dual-directional device, and then generate the first directional information. Based on this possible embodiment, it is advantageous for the second policy control network element to generate the first directional information only when both UEs in the mobile communication device are registered with the network or the first UE is located in a dual-directional device.

[0417] Optionally, a specific implementation manner in which the first network element sends the SUPI of the first UE to the unified data management network element in response to the registration request is: the first network element sends a UE context management registration, i.e., UE Context Management Registration (SUPI of the first UE, identifier of the first network element) to the unified data management network element in response to the registration request.

[0418] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method of a mobile communication device transmitting data of a first service through a first session of a first UE based on the first directional information is as follows: the mobile communication device selects the first UE based on the first directional information, establishes a first session for the first UE, and transmits data of the first service through the first session of the first UE. For example, the mobile communication device may select the first UE for the first service based on the first directional information, determine session parameters (such as DNN and / or S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first service based on the policy information (such as URSP) of the first UE, establish the first session of the first UE using the session parameters, and transmit data of the first service through the first session of the first UE.

[0419] The mobile communication device may also send a first message carrying information of the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request for requesting to establish the second session of the second UE.

[0420] Correspondingly, the second network element can receive the first message and send a second message to the session management network element based on the first message. The second message carries the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session and the second session establishment request. The session management network element is the network element that manages the first session of the first UE.

[0421] Accordingly, the session management network element can receive the second message and, in response to the second message, store the association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE; and send first information to the user plane function network element based on the second message, where the first information is used to indicate that the data of the first service is sent to the first access network device; the first access network device is used to carry the first session of the first UE.

[0422] Based on this possible embodiment, the downlink data transmission behavior of the user plane functional network element can be reasonably controlled to prevent data of the same service from being transmitted simultaneously through two UEs in the mobile communication device. For a description of this possible embodiment, refer to the description under steps 905 to 910 in the embodiment corresponding to FIG. A detailed description thereof is omitted here.

[0423] It can be seen that based on the method described in Figure 8, when a UE in the mobile communication device registers, information for directing service data can be triggered to be sent to the mobile communication device, so that the mobile communication device can be controlled to reasonably select the UE to transmit service data.

[0424] To facilitate understanding of the content described in the embodiment corresponding to FIG8, the business data processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application is further described below in conjunction with FIG9. Please refer to FIG9, which is a flow chart of a business data processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0425] 901. A mobile communication device sends a registration request to a first network element, where the registration request is used to request that a first UE be registered with a network. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the registration request.

[0426] 902. The first network element sends a fourth message to the second policy control network element. The fourth message carries the SUPI of the first UE. The fourth message is used to request establishment of an access management policy association for the first UE. Accordingly, the second policy control network element may receive the fourth message.

[0427] 903. In response to the fourth message, the second policy control network element sends first directional information to the first network element. For a description of the first directional information, please refer to the description under step 401 and will not be repeated here. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the first directional information.

[0428] 904. The first network element sends a registration accept message or a UE policy container to the mobile communication device. The registration accept message or the UE policy container includes the first directional information. The registration accept message indicates that the first UE has successfully registered with the network. Accordingly, the mobile communication device may receive the registration accept message or the UE policy container.

[0429] The relevant descriptions of steps 901 to 904 can be found in the descriptions under steps 801 to 804 and are not repeated here.

[0430] 905. The mobile communication device selects a first UE based on the first directional information and establishes a first session for the first UE.

[0431] For example, when the first service is triggered, the mobile communication device selects the first UE based on the first directional information, establishes a first session of the first UE based on the policy information of the first UE (such as URSP), and then transmits data of the first service through the first session of the first UE.

[0432] For relevant instructions on the mobile communication device establishing the first session of the first UE, please refer to the description under step 501, which will not be repeated here.

[0433] 906. The mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through the first session of the first UE.

[0434] 907. The mobile communication device sends a first message to the second network element. The first message carries information about the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request. The second session establishment request is used to request establishment of the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the second network element may receive the first message.

[0435] Optionally, the mobile communication device may further receive third directional information, for which the description under 402 may be referred. When initiating the second service, the mobile communication device may select a second UE based on the third directional information, and send a first message to a second network element to establish a second session for the second UE, and send the second service through the second session of the second UE.

[0436] Optionally, when the first service is initiated, the mobile communication device may first trigger the establishment of a first session for the first UE, and then trigger the establishment of a second session for the second UE. The data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first session of the first UE, and the second session of the second UE serves as a backup and temporarily does not transmit the data of the first service. For example, if the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device subsequently deteriorates, or the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device is lower than a first threshold, or the QoS requirement of the first session of the first UE is not met, the data of the first service is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission.

[0437] Optionally, the first message also includes session parameters corresponding to the second session, such as DNN or S-NSSAI.

[0438] For example, the mobile communication device determines, based on the URSP of the second UE, that the session parameters corresponding to the first service are the session parameters corresponding to the second session of the second UE. Optionally, only when the session parameters corresponding to the second session of the second UE are the same as the session parameters corresponding to the first session of the first UE, does the mobile communication device send the first message to establish an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, thereby facilitating the subsequent switching of service data between the first UE and the second UE.

[0439] For another example, the mobile communication device generates session parameters corresponding to a second session based on the session parameters of the first session. Optionally, the session parameters corresponding to the second session are the same as the session parameters of the first session, that is, the mobile communication device sets the session parameters corresponding to the second session as the session parameters of the first session, or uses the session parameters corresponding to the first session as the session parameters of the second session.

[0440] Optionally, the mobile communication device receives third indication information, which is used to indicate that the data of the first service is allowed to be switched between different UEs. The mobile communication device generates session parameters corresponding to the second session based on the session parameters of the first session according to the third indication information, or sets the session parameters corresponding to the second session as the session parameters of the first session. It should be understood that at this time, the mobile communication device does not need to determine the session parameters corresponding to the second session according to the URSP of the second UE. When the data of the first service is allowed to be switched between different UEs, the session parameters corresponding to the second session can be directly set as the session parameters of the first session, so that the mobile communication device can send the first message. Or, further, the mobile communication device can only send the first message when it determines that the first service is allowed to use the session parameters corresponding to the second session according to the URSP of the second UE (for example, the session parameters corresponding to the second session may not have the highest priority among the session parameters corresponding to the first service).

[0441] For example, assuming that in the URSP of the second UE, the session parameters corresponding to the first service include DNN1 and DNN2, and DNN1 has a higher priority than DNN2, that is, the first service allows the use of DNN1 and DNN2. The session parameters corresponding to the first session of the first UE are DNN2. Based on the third indication information, the mobile communication device sets the session parameters corresponding to the second session to the session parameters of the first session, that is, sets the session parameters corresponding to the second session to DNN2. Further, the mobile communication device determines, based on the URSP of the second UE, that the first service allows the use of DNN2, and therefore, the mobile communication device can send the first message.

[0442] Optionally, the mobile communication device generates session parameters corresponding to the second session based on the session parameters of the first session according to the first directional information, or sets the session parameters corresponding to the second session as the session parameters of the first session, so that the mobile communication device can send the first message. It should be understood that at this time, the mobile communication device does not need to determine the session parameters corresponding to the second session according to the URSP of the second UE. Alternatively, further, the mobile communication device can only send the first message when it determines based on the URSP of the second UE that the first service is allowed to use the session parameters corresponding to the second session (for example, the session parameters corresponding to the second session may not have the highest priority among the session parameters corresponding to the first service).

[0443] For example, the first directional information includes a UE priority list (where the first UE has a higher priority than the second UE). Because the first directional information includes the second UE, this indicates that the mobile communication device is permitted to transmit data for the first service through the second UE, but the second UE has a lower priority than the first UE. Therefore, the session parameters corresponding to the second session can be directly set as the session parameters of the first session.

[0444] For example, the first directional information includes a network priority list (where the first network has a higher priority than the second network). Because the first directional information includes the second network, this indicates that the mobile communication device is permitted to transmit data for the first service via the second network, but the second network has a lower priority than the first network. Therefore, the session parameters corresponding to the second session can be directly set as the session parameters of the first session.

[0445] For example, the first directional information includes a RAT priority list (where the first RAT has a higher priority than the second RAT). Because the first directional information includes the second network, it indicates that the mobile communication device is permitted to transmit data for the first service via the second RAT, but the second RAT has a lower priority than the first RAT. Therefore, the session parameters corresponding to the second session can be directly set as the session parameters of the first session.

[0446] Steps 907 to 909 are the specific process of establishing the second session of the second UE and creating an association between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE. Other relevant instructions for steps 907 to 909 can be found in the description under steps 502 to 504 and are not repeated here.

[0447] 908. The second network element sends a second message to the session management network element based on the first message. The second message carries the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session, and a second session establishment request. The session management network element is the network element that manages the first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the second message.

[0448] 909. In response to the second message, the session management network element stores an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE.

[0449] 910. The session management network element sends first information to the user plane function network element based on the second message. The first information is used to instruct the user to send data of the first service to the first access network device. The first access network device is used to carry the first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the user plane function network element may receive the first information.

[0450] In one possible embodiment, the specific implementation method of the session management network element sending the first information to the user plane function network element based on the second message is as follows: the session management network element may obtain control information from the first policy control network element based on the second message, wherein the control information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first RAT; and the session management network element sends the first information to the user plane function network element specifically based on the control information. Based on this possible embodiment, the session management network element may generate reasonable first information based on the control information.

[0451] Among them, possible implementation methods of how the session management network element obtains control information from the first policy control network element based on the second message can be found in the description under steps 1016 and 1017 of Figure 10, which will not be repeated here.

[0452] For other instructions on step 910, please refer to the description under step 713 and will not be repeated here.

[0453] As can be seen, based on the method described in FIG. 9 , when a UE in a mobile communication device registers, information for directing service data can be triggered to be sent to the mobile communication device. This helps prevent data for the same service from being transmitted simultaneously through two UEs in the mobile communication device. Furthermore, first information can be sent to the user plane control network element to control the downlink data transmission behavior of the user plane function network element.

[0454] To facilitate understanding of the content described in the embodiment corresponding to FIG9, the business data processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application is further described below in conjunction with FIG10. Please refer to FIG10, which is a flow chart of a business data processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0455] 1001. A mobile communication device sends a registration request to a first network element, where the registration request is used to request that a first UE be registered with a network. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the registration request.

[0456] 1002. The first network element sends a fourth message to the second policy control network element. The fourth message carries the SUPI of the first UE. The fourth message is used to request establishment of an access management policy association for the first UE. Accordingly, the second policy control network element may receive the fourth message.

[0457] 1003. In response to the fourth message, the second policy control network element sends first directional information to the first network element. For a description of the first directional information, please refer to the description under step 401 and will not be repeated here. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the first directional information.

[0458] 1004. The first network element sends a registration accept message or a UE policy container to the mobile communication device. The registration accept message or the UE policy container includes the first directional information. The registration accept message indicates that the first UE has successfully registered with the network. Accordingly, the mobile communication device may receive the registration accept message or the UE policy container.

[0459] Among them, the relevant descriptions of steps 1001 to 1004 can be found in the descriptions under steps 801 to 804, and are not repeated here.

[0460] 1005. The mobile communication device selects a first UE based on the first directional information.

[0461] 1006. The mobile communication device sends a first session identifier, a DNN, an S-NSSAI, a first session establishment request, and first indication information of the first UE to the first network element. The first session establishment request is used to request establishment of the first session of the first UE, and the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the first session identifier, DNN, S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information of the first UE.

[0462] 1007. The first network element selects a session management network element based on the first indication information, where the session management network element supports association of sessions between different UEs.

[0463] 1008. The first network element sends the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information to the session management network element. Correspondingly, the session management network element may receive the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information sent by the first network element.

[0464] 1009. The session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0465] 1010. The session management network element sends second indication information to the first network element, where the second indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the second indication information.

[0466] 1011. The first network element sends second indication information to the mobile communication device. Correspondingly, the mobile communication device may receive the second indication information.

[0467] Among them, steps 1006 to 1011 are a possible implementation method for establishing the first session of the first UE. Steps 1006 to 1011 can refer to the description under steps 701 to 706 and are not repeated here.

[0468] 1012. The mobile communication device transmits data of a first service through a first session of the first UE.

[0469] 1013. The mobile communication device sends a first message to the second network element based on the second indication information. The first message carries information about the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request. The second session establishment request is used to request establishment of the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the second network element may receive the first message.

[0470] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the second indication information, the mobile communication device sends the first message to the second network element only when it determines based on the second indication information that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0471] 1014. The second network element sends a second message to the session management network element based on the first message. The second message carries the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session, and a second session establishment request. The session management network element is the network element that manages the first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the second message.

[0472] 1015. In response to the second message, the session management network element stores the association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE.

[0473] Among them, steps 1013 to 1015 can refer to the description under steps 907 to 908 and are not repeated here.

[0474] 1016. The session management network element sends a third message to the first policy control network element. The third message carries the session policy association identifier, the SUPI of the second UE, and the identifier of the second session. Accordingly, the first policy control network element may receive the third message.

[0475] The session policy association identifier is a session policy association identifier associated with the identifier of the first session of the first UE. Optionally, the third message may further include a DNN and / or an S-NSSAI.

[0476] 1017. In response to the third message, the first policy control network element sends control information to the session management network element. The control information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first session of the first UE; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network, where the first network is a network where the first UE resides; or the control information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first RAT, where the first RAT is a RAT supported by the first access network device. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the control information.

[0477] Steps 1016 to 1017 are a possible implementation method for obtaining control information from the first policy control network element based on the second message. Steps 1016 to 1017 can be referred to the description under steps 710 and 711 and are not repeated here.

[0478] 1018. The session management network element sends first information to the user plane function network element based on the control information. The first information is used to instruct the user plane function network element to send data of the first service to the first access network device. The first access network device is used to carry the first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the user plane function network element may receive the first information.

[0479] Among them, the relevant description of step 1018 can be found in the description under step 910, which is not repeated here.

[0480] As can be seen, based on the method described in FIG. 10 , when a UE in a mobile communication device registers, information for directing service data can be triggered to be sent to the mobile communication device. This helps prevent data for the same service from being transmitted simultaneously through two UEs in the mobile communication device. Furthermore, first information can be sent to the user plane control network element to control the downlink data transmission behavior of the user plane function network element.

[0481] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a flow chart of a service data processing method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The mobile communication device pre-establishes a first session of the first UE and a second session of the second UE, and establishes an association relationship between the first session and the second session. The mobile communication device subsequently triggers the switching of the data of the first service from the first session of the first UE to the second session of the second UE for transmission by sending signaling. The first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE share the same IP address, and the IP address used for the data of the first service before and after switching between UEs remains unchanged, so that service continuity can be maintained. Among them:

[0482] 1101. A mobile communication device establishes a first session for a first UE.

[0483] The detailed description of step 1101 can be found in the description of step 501 and will not be repeated here.

[0484] 1102. The mobile communication device transmits data of a first service through a first session of a first UE.

[0485] In the embodiment of the present application, the first session is associated with the first IP address, and data of the first service is transmitted through the first IP address on the first session of the first UE.

[0486] Optionally, the mobile communication device may also receive first directional information. For example, if in the process of establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the session management network element is triggered to send the first directional information to the mobile communication device, then after the mobile communication device establishes the first session of the first UE, it selects the first UE based on the received first directional information, and transmits the data of the first service through the first session of the first UE. For another example, if when a certain UE in the mobile communication device is registered, the second policy control network element is triggered to send the first directional information to the mobile communication device, then the mobile communication device selects the first UE based on the first directional information, establishes the first session of the first UE, and transmits the data of the first service through the first session of the first UE. How the mobile communication device receives the first directional information and transmits the data of the first service through the first session of the first UE based on the first directional information can be found in the description of the embodiments corresponding to Figures 4 to 10, which will not be repeated here.

[0487] 1103. The mobile communication device establishes a second session for the second UE.

[0488] The first session of the first UE is associated with the second session of the second UE.

[0489] 1104. The session management network element stores an association between the identifier of the second session of the second UE and the identifier of the first session of the first UE.

[0490] In a possible embodiment, a specific implementation method for a mobile communication device to establish a second session for a second UE is as follows: the mobile communication device sends a first message, which carries information about the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of a second session for the second UE.

[0491] Accordingly, the second network element sends a second message to the session management network element based on the first message. The second message carries the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session, and a second session establishment request. The session management network element is a network element that manages the first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the second message. Specifically, in response to the second message, the session management network element may store an association between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE.

[0492] Optionally, the first message and the second message are further used to request association of the first session of the first UE with the second session of the second UE.

[0493] Optionally, the first message and the second message further include an association indication, where the association indication is used to indicate that the first session of the first UE is to be associated with the second session of the second UE.

[0494] Optionally, the information of the first session of the first UE includes one or more of the following: an identifier of the first session of the first UE, a DNN corresponding to the first session of the first UE, and an S-NSSAI corresponding to the first session of the first UE.

[0495] Optionally, the first message further includes a first SUCI of the first UE or a SUPI of the first UE or an associated UE indication.

[0496] Optionally, the mobile communication device may further receive second indication information, where the second indication information indicates that the first session allows association between different UEs, or indicates that the session of the mobile communication device allows association between different UEs; the mobile communication device may specifically send the first message based on the second indication information. In other words, the mobile communication device sends the first message only when the first session allows association between different UEs, or when the session of the mobile communication device allows association between different UEs.

[0497] Optionally, the second indication information indicates that the session of the mobile communication device allows association between different UEs. The mobile communication device may receive the second indication information from the second policy control network element when the first UE or the second UE registers. Correspondingly, the second policy control network element may send the second indication information to the mobile communication device.

[0498] Optionally, if the second indication information indicates that the first session is allowed to be associated between different UEs, the mobile communication device may receive the second indication information from the session management network element during the process of establishing the first session. For example, when the first network element sends the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI and the first session establishment request to the session management network element, it may also send the first indication information. After the session management network element receives this information, if it determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs, the session management network element sends the second indication information to the first network element so that the second network element sends the second indication information to the mobile communication device. After receiving the second indication information, the mobile communication device may send the first message based on the second indication information. For example, relevant instructions can be found in the description under steps 1201 to 1208 in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 12, which will not be repeated here.

[0499] Among them, the possible implementation of the second network element sending the second message to the session management network element based on the first message, as well as other related introductions to establishing the second session of the second UE, can be found in the description under steps 502 to 504 and the description under steps 907 to 909, and are not repeated here. Alternatively, the second session of the second UE can be established by other means, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0500] In a possible embodiment, after the second network element receives the first message, the second network element may also record that the session management network element is responsible for the management of the second session of the second UE, so that when the second network element subsequently receives the fifth message sent by the mobile communication device, it can send a sixth message to the session management network element.

[0501] In an embodiment of the present application, after the session management network element stores the association relationship between the identifier of the second session of the second UE and the identifier of the first session of the first UE, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can share the same IP address and the same N4 session identifier. The first session of the first UE is associated with the first IP address and the first N4 session identifier. Therefore, after the session management network element stores the association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the second session of the second UE is also associated with the first IP address and the first N4 session identifier. The session management network element does not need to allocate a new N4 session identifier and a new IP address for the second session of the second UE, and can reuse the first N4 session identifier and the first IP address.

[0502] 1105. The mobile communication device sends a fifth message to the second network element. The fifth message is used to request that data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE be handed over to the second session of the second UE for transmission. Alternatively, the fifth message is used to request that data of the first service be handed over to the second session of the second UE for transmission. The fifth message carries an identifier of the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the second network element may receive the fifth message.

[0503] For example, the second UE in the mobile communication device may send the fifth message to the second network element through the second access network device.

[0504] Optionally, the fifth message may be a service request (service request) / PDU session modification request (PDU session modification request).

[0505] In a possible embodiment, the triggering condition for the mobile communication device to send the fifth message to the second network element may be: the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device deteriorates, or the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device is lower than the first threshold, or the QoS requirement of the first session of the first UE is not met.

[0506] In another possible embodiment, the triggering condition for the mobile communication device to send the fifth message to the second network element may be: the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device deteriorates, or the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the first access network device is lower than the first threshold, or the service quality QoS requirement of the first session of the first UE is not met; and the signal quality between the mobile communication device and the second access network device is higher than the second threshold.

[0507] In a possible embodiment, the mobile communication device may further receive third indication information, where the third indication information indicates that data of the first service is allowed to be handed over between different UEs, or that service data transmitted in the first session is allowed to be handed over between different UEs; and the mobile communication device sends the fifth message specifically based on the third indication information. That is, the mobile communication device sends the fifth message only when data of the first service is allowed to be handed over between different UEs, or when service data transmitted in the first session is allowed to be handed over between different UEs.

[0508] 1) The third indication information indicates that data of the first service is allowed to be switched between different UEs.

[0509] Optionally, the third indication information may come from a session management network element, that is, the session management network element may send the third indication information to the mobile communication device. Optionally, the mobile communication device first creates a first session for the first UE, and then creates a second session for the second UE. In the process of creating the second session for the second UE and establishing an association relationship between the first session for the first UE and the second session for the second UE, the session management network element is triggered to send the third indication information to the mobile communication device through the second network element. For example, the embodiment of the present application may be combined with the embodiment shown in Figure 5. The session management network element may send the third indication information together with the first directional information to the mobile communication device.

[0510] Optionally, the third indication information may come from a second policy control network element, i.e., the second policy control network element may send the third indication information to the mobile communication device. Optionally, when a first UE in the mobile communication device registers, the second policy control network element is triggered to send the first directional information to the mobile communication device via the first network element. For example, the embodiment of the present application may be combined with the embodiment shown in FIG8 . The second policy control network element may send the third indication information together with the first directional information to the mobile communication device.

[0511] 2) The third indication information indicates that the service data transmitted in the first session is allowed to be switched between different UEs.

[0512] Optionally, the third indication information may come from a session management network element, that is, the session management network element may send the third indication information to the mobile communication device. For example, the session management network element may be triggered to send the third indication information to the mobile communication device during the process of creating the first session.

[0513] In one possible embodiment, the mobile communication device may also receive first directional information. For details on how the mobile communication device receives the first directional information, see the descriptions in the embodiments corresponding to Figures 4 to 10 and are not further described here. The first directional information indicates that data for the first service is preferentially transmitted via the first UE / first network / first RAT. The mobile communication device specifically sends the fifth message based on the first directional information.

[0514] For example, the first directional information includes: a UE priority list (the first UE has a higher priority than the second UE). Because the first directional information includes the second UE, it indicates that the mobile communication device is allowed to transmit data of the first service through the second UE, but the second UE has a lower priority than the first UE. Therefore, the mobile communication device can send a fifth message to switch the data of the first service to the second UE for transmission. Correspondingly, if the first directional information only includes the first UE and does not include the second UE, the mobile communication device cannot send the fifth message.

[0515] For example, the first directional information includes a network priority list (the first network has a higher priority than the second network). Because the first directional information includes the second network, it indicates that the mobile communication device is allowed to transmit data for the first service through the second network, but the second network has a lower priority than the first network. Therefore, the mobile communication device can send a fifth message to switch the data for the first service to the second UE for transmission. Correspondingly, if the first directional information only includes the first network and does not include the second network, the mobile communication device cannot send the fifth message.

[0516] For example, the first directional information includes a RAT priority list (the first RAT has a higher priority than the second RAT). Because the first directional information includes the second network, it indicates that the mobile communication device is allowed to transmit data for the first service via the second RAT, but the second RAT has a lower priority than the first RAT. Therefore, the mobile communication device can send a fifth message to switch the data for the first service to the second UE for transmission. Correspondingly, if the first directional information only includes the first RAT and does not include the second RAT, the mobile communication device cannot send the fifth message.

[0517] In a possible embodiment, the mobile communication device may also first receive the first directional information, and then receive the fourth directional information. How the mobile communication device receives the first directional information can be found in the description of the embodiments corresponding to Figures 4 to 10, which will not be repeated here. When the subscription information of the first UE or the second UE or the mobile communication device changes, or the first service is preferentially transmitted through the second UE / second network / second RAT according to the AF request, the second policy control network element may generate fourth directional information and send the fourth directional information to the mobile communication device through the first network element or the second network element. The fourth directional information indicates that the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the second UE / second network / second RAT. The mobile communication device sends the fifth message specifically based on the fourth directional information.

[0518] For example, the fourth directional information includes: a UE priority list (the second UE has a higher priority than the first UE). Because the second UE has a higher priority than the first UE, the mobile communication device sends the fifth message.

[0519] For example, the fourth directional information includes a network priority list (the second network has a higher priority than the first network). Since the second network has a higher priority than the first network, the mobile communication device sends the fifth message.

[0520] For example, the fourth directional information includes: a RAT priority list (the second RAT has a higher priority than the first RAT). Because the second RAT has a higher priority than the first RAT, the mobile communication device sends the fifth message.

[0521] 1106. The second network element sends a sixth message to the session management network element based on the fifth message. The sixth message is used to request that data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE be handed over to the second session of the second UE for transmission. Alternatively, the sixth message is used to request that data of the first service be handed over to the second session of the second UE for transmission. The sixth message carries session indication information, and the session indication information is used to indicate the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the sixth message.

[0522] In a possible embodiment, the sixth message may be PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request.

[0523] In a possible embodiment, the fifth message and the sixth message also include a switching indication, which is used to indicate that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, or the switching indication is used to indicate that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the UE associated with the second UE is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, or the switching indication is used to indicate that the data of the first service is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission.

[0524] Optionally, the switching indication may be an indication message indicating that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, or that the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the UE associated with the second UE is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission, or that the data of the first service is switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission.

[0525] Alternatively, the handover indication includes two indication information. For example, one indication information is a traffic handover indication, which is used to indicate that the data of the first service is handed over to the second session of the second UE for transmission. The other indication information is an associated UE indication, which is used to indicate that the data of the first service is handed over from the UE associated with the second UE. The combination of these two indication information indicates that the data of the first service on the first session of the UE associated with the second UE is handed over to the second session of the second UE for transmission.

[0526] In a possible embodiment, the fifth message and the sixth message may further include an identifier of the first service. The identifier of the first service may be a traffic descriptor of the first service, address information (IP address and port number) for transmitting the first service, or an application identifier of the first service.

[0527] In a possible embodiment, the session indication information includes the SUPI of the second UE and an identifier of the second session.

[0528] In another possible embodiment, the session indication information is information allocated by the session management network element and used to identify the second session of the second UE. For example, the session indication information may be SM Context ID#2.

[0529] 1107. In response to the sixth message, the session management network element sends second information to the user plane function network element. The second information indicates that data for the first service is to be sent to the second access network device. The data for the first service is transmitted using a first IP address. The first IP address is the IP address associated with the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE. The second access network device is used to carry the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the user plane function network element may receive the second information.

[0530] In this embodiment of the present application, after receiving the second information, the user plane function network element sends the data of the first service to the second access network device. The data of the first service is transmitted using the first IP address. In other words, the IP address used for the data of the first service remains unchanged before and after the handover between UEs, thereby maintaining service continuity. The user plane function network element is used to transmit data of the first session of the first UE and data of the second session of the second UE. That is, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE share the same user plane function network element.

[0531] In a possible embodiment, the second information includes address information of the second access network device and an identifier of the first service. The address information of the second access network device may be tunnel endpoint information of the second access network device, such as AN Tunnel Info.

[0532] Optionally, the second information also includes a first N4 session identifier. In this way, the user plane functional network element can send the data of the first service carried by the first IP address corresponding to the first N4 session identifier to the second access network device. When establishing the first session of the first UE, the session management network element sends the first N4 session identifier and the first IP address to the user plane functional network element, and the user plane functional network element already knows the association between the first N4 session identifier and the first IP address. The first N4 session identifier, the address information of the second access network device and the identifier of the first service are subsequently transmitted between the session management network element and the user plane functional network element, and the forwarding rule associated with the first N4 session identifier can be updated to send the data of the first service carried by the first IP address corresponding to the first N4 session identifier to the second access network device. For example, the session management network element sends an N4Session Modification Request message (first N4 session identifier, address information of the second access network device, identifier of the first service) to the user plane functional network element.

[0533] 1108. The mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through the second session of the second UE.

[0534] In this embodiment of the present application, after handing over the data of the first service to the second session of the second UE, for example, after the mobile communication device receives handover acceptance or confirmation information sent by the session management network element through the second network element, the mobile communication device transmits the data of the first service through the second session of the second UE. The data of the first service is transmitted through the first IP address on the second session of the second UE.

[0535] As can be seen, based on the method described in FIG11 , an association relationship can be pre-established between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, and service data can subsequently be triggered to be switched and transmitted between UEs in the mobile communication device as needed. By establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can share the same IP address. The IP address used by service data before and after switching between UEs in the mobile communication device remains unchanged, maintaining service continuity. Furthermore, pre-establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE facilitates the subsequent timely switching of service data to the second UE for transmission. For example, as shown in FIG6 , the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE share the same IP address, namely, the first IP address. This first IP address can be used by both UEs simultaneously, i.e., both sessions can be active at the same time. Before and after the data of the first service is switched between UEs, the connection between the PDU layer and the application layer remains unchanged, i.e., the IP address used by the application remains unchanged, and service continuity is not affected.

[0536] To facilitate understanding of the content described in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 11, the business data processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application is further described below in conjunction with Figure 12. Please refer to Figure 12, which is a flow chart of a business data processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0537] in:

[0538] 1201. A mobile communication device sends a first session identifier, a DNN, an S-NSSAI, a first session establishment request, and first indication information of a first UE to a first network element. The first session establishment request is used to request establishment of a first session of the first UE, and the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the first session identifier, DNN, S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information of the first UE.

[0539] Among them, steps 1201 to 1206 are a possible implementation method for establishing a first session of the first UE. For steps 1201 to 1206, refer to the description under steps 701 to 706 and are not repeated here.

[0540] 1202. The first network element selects a session management network element based on the first indication information, where the session management network element supports association of sessions between different UEs.

[0541] 1203. The first network element sends the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information to the session management network element. Correspondingly, the session management network element may receive the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information sent by the first network element.

[0542] 1204. The session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0543] 1205. The session management network element sends second indication information to the first network element, where the second indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the second indication information.

[0544] 1206. The first network element sends second indication information to the mobile communication device. Correspondingly, the mobile communication device may receive the second indication information.

[0545] 1207. The mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through the first session of the first UE.

[0546] 1208. The mobile communication device sends a first message to the second network element based on the second indication information. The first message carries information about the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request. The second session establishment request is used to request establishment of the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the second network element may receive the first message.

[0547] 1209. The second network element sends a second message to the session management network element based on the first message. The second message carries the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session, and a second session establishment request. The session management network element is the network element that manages the first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the second message.

[0548] 1210. In response to the second message, the session management network element stores an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE.

[0549] Among them, steps 1208 to 1210 can refer to the description under steps 502 to 504 and the description under steps 907 to 909, and are not repeated here.

[0550] 1211. The mobile communication device sends a fifth message to the second network element. The fifth message is used to request that data of a first service transmitted on a first session of the first UE be handed over to a second session of the second UE for transmission. Alternatively, the fifth message is used to request that data of the first service be handed over to the second session of the second UE for transmission. The fifth message carries an identifier of the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the second network element may receive the fifth message.

[0551] 1212. The second network element sends a sixth message to the session management network element based on the fifth message. The sixth message is used to request that data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE be switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission. Alternatively, the sixth message is used to request that data of the first service be switched to the second session of the second UE for transmission. The sixth message carries session indication information, and the session indication information is used to indicate the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the sixth message.

[0552] 1213. In response to the sixth message, the session management network element sends second information to the user plane function network element, indicating that data of the first service transmitted via the first IP address is to be sent to the second access network device. The first IP address is the IP address associated with the first session of the first UE, and the second access network device is used to carry the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the user plane function network element may receive the second information.

[0553] 1214. The mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through the second session of the second UE.

[0554] For steps 1211 to 1214 , please refer to the description under steps 1105 to 1108 and will not be repeated here.

[0555] As can be seen, based on the method described in Figure 12, an association relationship can be pre-established between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, and service data can be subsequently triggered to be switched and transmitted between UEs in the mobile communication device as needed. By establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can share the same IP address, and the IP address used by service data before and after switching between UEs in the mobile communication device remains unchanged, thereby maintaining service continuity. In addition, pre-establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE facilitates the subsequent timely switching of service data to the second UE for transmission.

[0556] Please refer to Figure 13, which is a flow chart of a service data processing method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The mobile communication device pre-establishes a first session of the first UE and a second session of the second UE, and establishes an association relationship between the first session and the second session. The subsequent session management network element switches the data of the first service from the first session of the first UE to the second session of the second UE for transmission based on the notification of the access network device. The first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE share the same IP address, and the IP address used by the data of the first service before and after switching between UEs remains unchanged, so that service continuity can be maintained. Among them:

[0557] 1301. A mobile communication device establishes a first session for a first UE.

[0558] 1302. The mobile communication device transmits data of a first service through a first session of a first UE.

[0559] 1303. The mobile communication device establishes a second session for the second UE.

[0560] The first session of the first UE is associated with the second session of the second UE.

[0561] 1304. The session management network element stores the association between the identifier of the second session of the second UE and the identifier of the first session of the first UE.

[0562] Among them, steps 1301 to 1304 can refer to the description under steps 1101 to 1104 and are not repeated here.

[0563] 1305. The first access network device sends fourth indication information to the session management network element. The fourth indication information indicates that a quality of service (QoS) requirement of a QoS flow identifier (QFI) bound to data of the first service is not met. The first access network device is configured to carry a first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the fourth indication information.

[0564] In this embodiment of the present application, the first access network device may send fourth indication information to the session management network element through the first network element.

[0565] In the embodiment of the present application, during the establishment of the first session of the first UE, the session management network element may bind the data of the first service to the QFI, that is, the data of the first service is carried in the QFI of the first session.

[0566] Optionally, the fourth indication information may be a QoS notification. For example, the session management network element may send a QoS notification control to the first access network device. After the first access network device receives the QoS notification control, if the QoS requirement of the QFI bound to the data of the first service is not met, the first access network device sends a QoS notification to the session management network element. Optionally, the QoS requirement may be a guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR) or a packet error rate (PER).

[0567] In a possible embodiment, if the data of the first service is allowed to be switched between different UEs, or the service data transmitted by the first session is allowed to be switched between different UEs, or the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted by the first UE, or the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network, the first network is the network where the first UE resides, or the data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first RAT, and the first RAT is the RAT supported by the first access network device, then the session management network element sends fifth indication information to the first access network device, and the fifth indication information is used to indicate that when the QoS requirement of the QFI bound to the data of the first service is not met, the first access network device sends the fourth indication information. Optionally, the fifth indication information can be understood as the above-mentioned QoS notification control.

[0568] Optionally, the session management network element may obtain control information from the first policy control network element, and determine, based on the control information, whether data of the first service is allowed to be handed over between different UEs, or whether data of the first service is preferentially transmitted by the first UE, or whether data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first network, or whether data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first RAT. For details on how the session management network element obtains control information, please refer to the description of the method embodiment corresponding to Figure 5 or Figure 7, and will not be repeated here.

[0569] Optionally, the session management network element may determine that the service data transmitted by the first session is allowed to be switched between different UEs based on the local configuration of the DNN; or, the session management network element may determine that the service data transmitted by the first session is allowed to be switched between different UEs based on the subscription data or policy information corresponding to the first session.

[0570] 1306. The session management network element sends second directional information to the mobile communication device based on the fourth indication information. The second directional information indicates that data of the first service is to be transmitted through the second UE, or indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the second UE, or indicates that data of the first service is switched from the first UE to be transmitted through the second UE. Accordingly, the mobile communication device may receive the second directional information.

[0571] In an embodiment of the present application, the session management network element sends second directional information to the mobile communication device through the second network element and the second access network device based on the fourth indication information to control the uplink sending behavior of the mobile communication device.

[0572] 1307. The session management network element sends second information to the user plane function network element based on the fourth indication information. The second information instructs that data for the first service be sent to the second access network device. The data for the first service is transmitted using the first IP address. The first IP address is the IP address associated with the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE. The second access network device is used to carry the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the user plane function network element may receive the second information.

[0573] The session management network controls the downlink data sending behavior of the user plane function network element by sending the second information to the user plane function network element.

[0574] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the second information, the user plane functional network element sends the data of the first service transmitted via the first IP address to the second access network device. In other words, the IP address used by the data of the first service before and after the handover between UEs remains unchanged, thus maintaining service continuity.

[0575] In a possible embodiment, the second information includes address information of the second access network device and an identifier of the first service. The address information of the second access network device may be tunnel endpoint information of the second access network device, such as AN Tunnel Info.

[0576] Optionally, the second information also includes a first N4 session identifier. In this way, the user plane function network element can send the data of the first service carried by the first IP address corresponding to the first N4 session identifier to the second access network device. When establishing the first session of the first UE, the session management network element sends the first N4 session identifier and the first IP address to the user plane function network element, and the user plane function network element already knows the association between the first N4 session identifier and the first IP address. The first N4 session identifier, the address information of the second access network device and the identifier of the first service are subsequently transmitted between the session management network element and the user plane function network element, and the forwarding rule associated with the first N4 session identifier can be updated to send the data of the first service carried by the first IP address corresponding to the first N4 session identifier to the second access network device. For example, the session management network element sends an N4Session Modification Request message (first N4 session identifier, address information of the second access network device, identifier of the first service) to the user plane function network element.

[0577] 1308. The mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through the second session of the second UE based on the second directional information.

[0578] In the embodiment of the present application, after receiving the second directional information, the mobile communication device can transmit the data of the first service through the second session of the second UE based on the second directional information. The data of the first service is transmitted through the first IP address on the second session of the second UE.

[0579] As can be seen, based on the method described in Figure 13, an association relationship can be pre-established between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, and the subsequent handover and transmission of service data between UEs in the mobile communication device can be triggered as needed. By establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can share the same IP address, and the IP address used by service data before and after handover between UEs in the mobile communication device remains unchanged, thereby maintaining service continuity. In addition, pre-establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE facilitates the subsequent timely handover of service data to the second UE for transmission.

[0580] To facilitate understanding of the content described in the embodiment corresponding to Figure 13, the business data processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application is further described below in conjunction with Figure 14. Please refer to Figure 14, which is a flow chart of a business data processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0581] in:

[0582] 1401. A mobile communication device sends a first session identifier, a DNN, an S-NSSAI, a first session establishment request, and first indication information of a first UE to a first network element. The first session establishment request is used to request establishment of a first session of the first UE, and the first indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE may be associated between different UEs. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the first session identifier, DNN, S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information of the first UE.

[0583] Among them, steps 1401 to 1406 are a possible implementation method for establishing a first session of the first UE. For steps 1401 to 1406, refer to the description under steps 701 to 706 and are not repeated here.

[0584] 1402. The first network element selects a session management network element based on the first indication information, where the session management network element supports association of sessions between different UEs.

[0585] 1403. The first network element sends the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information to the session management network element. Correspondingly, the session management network element may receive the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the first session establishment request, and the first indication information sent by the first network element.

[0586] 1404. The session management network element determines that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs.

[0587] 1405. The session management network element sends second indication information to the first network element, where the second indication information indicates that the first session of the first UE is allowed to be associated between different UEs. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the second indication information.

[0588] 1406. The first network element sends second indication information to the mobile communication device. Correspondingly, the mobile communication device may receive the second indication information.

[0589] 1407. The mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through the first session of the first UE.

[0590] 1408. The mobile communication device sends a first message to the second network element based on the second indication information. The first message carries information about the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request. The second session establishment request is used to request establishment of the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the second network element may receive the first message.

[0591] 1409. The second network element sends a second message to the session management network element based on the first message. The second message carries the SUPI of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session, and a second session establishment request. The session management network element is the network element that manages the first session of the first UE. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the second message.

[0592] 1410. In response to the second message, the session management network element stores an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE.

[0593] Among them, steps 1408 to 1410 can refer to the descriptions under steps 502 to 504 and steps 907 to 909, and are not repeated here.

[0594] 1411. A first access network device sends fourth indication information to a session management network element. The fourth indication information indicates that a QoS requirement of a QFI bound to data of a first service is not met. The first access network device is configured to carry a first session of a first UE. Accordingly, the session management network element may receive the fourth indication information.

[0595] 1412. The session management network element sends second directional information to the mobile communication device based on the fourth indication information. The second directional information indicates that data of the first service is transmitted through the second UE, or indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the second UE, or indicates that data of the first service is switched from the first UE to the second UE for transmission. Accordingly, the mobile communication device may receive the second directional information.

[0596] 1413. The session management network element sends second information to the user plane function network element based on the fourth indication information. The second information instructs that data for the first service be sent to the second access network device. The data for the first service is transmitted using the first IP address. The first IP address is the IP address associated with the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE. The second access network device is used to carry the second session of the second UE. Accordingly, the user plane function network element may receive the second information.

[0597] 1414. The mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through the second session of the second UE based on the second directional information.

[0598] For steps 1411 to 1414 , please refer to the description under steps 1305 to 1308 and will not be repeated here.

[0599] As can be seen, based on the method described in Figure 14, an association relationship can be pre-established between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, and the subsequent handover and transmission of service data between UEs in the mobile communication device can be triggered as needed. By establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE can share the same IP address, and the IP address used by service data before and after handover between UEs in the mobile communication device remains unchanged, thereby maintaining service continuity. In addition, pre-establishing an association relationship between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE facilitates the subsequent timely handover of service data to the second UE for transmission.

[0600] In another possible embodiment, in the embodiments corresponding to FIG. 5 to FIG. 14 , the first UE and the second UE may share the first session, that is, the sessions of the first UE and the second UE are both the first session.

[0601] For example, in the embodiments corresponding to Figures 5 to 14 , the first message carries information about the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of the second session of the second UE. This can be replaced by: The first message carries information about the first session of the first UE and a second session establishment request, where the second session establishment request is used to request establishment of the first session of the second UE. The second message carries the SUPI of the first UE, an identifier of the first session, the SUPI of the second UE, an identifier of the second session, and a second session establishment request. This can be replaced by: The second message carries the SUPI of the first UE, an identifier of the first session, the SUPI of the second UE, and a second session establishment request. The session management network element stores the association between the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE. This can be replaced by: The session management network element stores the association between the first session of the first UE and the SUPI of the second UE. The third message carries the session policy association identifier, the SUPI of the second UE, and an identifier of the second session. This can be replaced ...

Claims

1. A method for processing service data, which is applied to a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device includes a first user equipment (UE) and a second UE, and is characterized in that, The method includes: The mobile communication device receives first orientation information; The first orientation information indicates that data of a first service is transmitted through the first UE; or, The first orientation information indicates that data of a first service is preferentially transmitted through the first UE; or, The first orientation information indicates that data of a first service is preferentially transmitted through a first network; wherein, the first network is the network where the first UE camps; or, The first orientation information indicates that data of a first service is preferentially transmitted through a first radio access technology (RAT); wherein, the first RAT is the RAT supported by a first access network device, and the first access network device corresponds to the first UE; The mobile communication device transmits data of the first service through a first session of the first UE based on the first orientation information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further includes: The mobile communication device sends a registration request, and the registration request is used to request to register the first UE to the network; The mobile communication device receiving the first orientation information includes: The mobile communication device receives a registration acceptance message or a UE policy container, and the registration acceptance message or the UE policy container includes the first orientation information, and the registration acceptance message indicates that the first UE is successfully registered to the network.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein The mobile communication device transmitting data of the first service through a first session of the first UE based on the first orientation information includes: The mobile communication device selects the first UE based on the first orientation information and establishes a first session of the first UE; Transmit data of the first service through the first session of the first UE; The method further includes: The mobile communication device sends a first message, and the first message carries information of a first session of the first UE, an identifier of a second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, and the second session establishment request is used to request to establish a second session of the second UE.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The first message is further used to request to associate the first session of the first UE with the second session of the second UE.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The mobile communication device receives second indication information, and the second indication information indicates that the first session allows association between different UEs, or indicates that sessions of the mobile communication device allow association between different UEs; The mobile communication device sending the first message includes: The mobile communication device sends the first message according to the second indication information.

6. A method for processing service data, characterized in that The method includes: A first network element receives a registration request, and the registration request is used to request to register a first UE to the network; The first network element sends a fourth message, and the fourth message is used to request to establish an access management policy association of the first UE, and the fourth message carries a subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI) of the first UE; The first network element receives first orientation information; the first orientation information indicates that data of a first service is transmitted through the first UE; or, the first orientation information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through the first UE; or, the first orientation information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through a first network; wherein, the first network is the network where the first UE camps; or, the first orientation information indicates that data of the first service is preferentially transmitted through a first radio access technology (RAT); wherein, the first RAT is the RAT supported by a first access network device, and the first access network device corresponds to the first UE; The first network element sends a registration acceptance message or a UE policy container, and the registration acceptance message or the UE policy container includes the first orientation information, and the registration acceptance message indicates that the first UE successfully registers to the network.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The registration request further includes an identifier of the second UE or a dual-orientation device indication, and the dual-orientation device indication is used to indicate that the first UE is located in a dual-orientation device, and the dual-orientation device is a device including two UEs; The fourth message further includes a subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI) of the second UE or the dual-orientation device indication.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further includes: In response to the registration request, the first network element sends the SUPI of the first UE to a unified data management network element. The first network element receives the SUPI of the second UE or the dual-orientation device indication sent by the unified data management network element, and the dual-orientation device indication is used to indicate that the first UE is located in a dual-orientation device, and the dual-orientation device is a device including two UEs; Wherein, the fourth message further includes the SUPI of the second UE or the dual-orientation device indication.

9. A service data switching method, which is applied to a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device includes a first user equipment (UE) and a second UE, and is characterized in that The method includes: The mobile communication device establishes a first session of the first UE. The mobile communication device transmits data of a first service through the first session of the first UE. The mobile communication device establishes a second session of the second UE; the first session of the first UE is associated with the second session of the second UE; The mobile communication device sends a fifth message, and the fifth message carries an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and the fifth message is used to request to switch the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE to be transmitted on the second session of the second UE. The mobile communication device transmits the data of the first service through the second session of the second UE, and the data of the first service is transmitted through a first IP address, and the first IP address is the IP address associated with the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mobile communication device establishing the second session of the second UE includes: The mobile communication device sends a first message, and the first message carries information of the first session of the first UE, an identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, and the second session establishment request is used to request to establish the second session of the second UE.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein The method further includes: The mobile communication device receives second indication information, where the second indication information indicates that the first session allows association between different UEs, or indicates that the session of the mobile communication device allows association between different UEs; The mobile communication device sends a first message, including: The mobile communication device sends the first message according to the second indication information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that The fifth message further includes a handover indication, where the handover indication is used to indicate to switch the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE to be transmitted on the second session of the second UE, or the handover indication is used to indicate to switch the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the UE associated with the second UE to be transmitted on the second session of the second UE.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: The mobile communication device receives third indication information, where the third indication information indicates that the data of the first service allows switching between different UEs, or the service data transmitted on the first session allows switching between different UEs; The mobile communication device sends a fifth message, including: The mobile communication device sends the fifth message based on the third indication information.

14. A method for switching service data, characterized in that, The method includes: The session management network element stores the association relationship between the identifier of the second session of the second UE and the identifier of the first session of the first UE; The session management network element receives a sixth message, where the sixth message is used to request to switch the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE to be transmitted on the second session of the second UE, the sixth message carries session indication information, and the session indication information is used to indicate the second session of the second UE; In response to the sixth message, the session management network element sends second information to the user plane function network element, where the second information indicates to send the data of the first service to a second access network device, the data of the first service is transmitted through a first IP address, the first IP address is the IP address associated with the first session of the first UE and the second session of the second UE, and the second access network device is used to carry the second session of the second UE.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein The second information includes a first N4 session identifier, the address information of the second access network device, and the identifier of the first service, and the first N4 session identifier is the N4 session identifier associated with the first session of the first UE.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: The session management network element receives a second message, where the second message carries the subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI) of the first user equipment (UE), the identifier of the first session of the first UE, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session of the second UE, and a second session establishment request, and the second session establishment request is used to request to establish the second session of the second UE; The session management network element stores the association relationship between the identifier of the second session of the second UE and the identifier of the first session of the first UE, including: In response to the second message, the session management network element stores the association relationship between the identifier of the second session of the second UE and the identifier of the first session of the first UE.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The second message is used to request to associate the first session of the first UE with the second session of the second UE.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein The second message further includes an association indication, and the association indication is used to indicate to associate the first session of the first UE with the second session of the second UE.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that The sixth message further includes a handover indication, and the handover indication is used to indicate to switch the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the first UE to be transmitted on the second session of the second UE, or the handover indication is used to indicate to switch the data of the first service transmitted on the first session of the UE associated with the second UE to be transmitted on the second session of the second UE.

20. A method for processing service data, characterized in that, The method includes: A second network element receives a first message, where the first message carries information of a first session of a first user equipment (UE), an identifier of a second session of a second UE, and a second session establishment request, and the second session establishment request is used to request to establish the second session of the second UE; The second network element sends a second message to a session management network element based on the first message, where the second message carries the subscription permanent identifier (SUPI) of the first UE, the identifier of the first session, the SUPI of the second UE, the identifier of the second session, and the second session establishment request, and the session management network element is a network element that manages the first session of the first UE.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The information of the first session of the first UE includes one or more of the following: the identifier of the first session of the first UE, the data network name (DNN) corresponding to the first session of the first UE, and the single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to the first session of the first UE.

22. The method according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that, The information of the first session of the first UE is the identifier of the first session of the first UE; The second network element sending the second message to the session management network element based on the first message includes: The second network element obtains the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element based on the device identifier information and the identifier of the first session; where the device identifier information is the SUPI of the second UE, or the first message further includes the SUCI of the first UE, and the device identifier information is the SUCI of the first UE; The second network element sends the second message to the session management network element.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The second network element obtaining the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element based on the device identifier information and the identifier of the first session includes: The second network element sends the device identifier information and the identifier of the first session to a unified data management network element; The second network element receives the SUPI of the first UE and the identifier of the session management network element sent by the unified data management network element.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that The first message and the second message are used to request to associate the first session of the first UE with the second session of the second UE.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein The first message and the second message further include an association indication for indicating the association of a first session of the first UE with a second session of the second UE.

26. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a unit for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

27. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, the processor and the memory being coupled, and the processor being configured to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

28. A chip, characterized in that, It includes a processor and an interface, the processor and the interface being coupled; the interface is configured to receive or output signals, and the processor is configured to execute code instructions to cause the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25 to be executed.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions that, when called by the computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 25 above.

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