Communication method and apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium. The method comprises: a first terminal device sends a first service request to a first access network device, the first service request comprising identification information of a first service type, and the first service request being used for requesting a service of a first service type in a target first network node; receives a first service response from the first access network device, the first service response comprising first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type; and on the basis of the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type, transmits service data corresponding to the first service type by means of the first access network device and the target first network node. According to embodiments of the present application, end-to-end service data transmission from a RAN local service to a terminal device can be achieved.

Description

Communication method, device and computer-readable storage medium

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 12, 2024, with application number 202410054101.0 and application name “Communication Method, Device and Computer-readable Storage Medium”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular to a communication method, device, and computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0003] With the continuous advancement of communication technology, flexibility, efficiency, and software-based services are the major evolutionary trends in mobile communication networks. Currently, the 5G core network has implemented a service-based architecture (SBA), which divides the 5G core network into several reusable "services" that communicate using a unified, lightweight interface. However, the 5G radio access network (RAN) side still maintains traditional logical unit design and logical interfaces.

[0004] In the future, in order to meet the needs of rapid launch and flexible deployment of new functions (such as perception and positioning) on ​​the RAN side, and to realize local service on the RAN side, the RAN side will also implement a service-oriented architecture. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application disclose a communication method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium, which can implement end-to-end service data transmission from a RAN local service to a terminal device.

[0006] In the first aspect, a communication method is disclosed, which can be applied to a first terminal device, or to a module (e.g., a processor) in the first terminal device, or to a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first terminal device. The following description takes application to the first terminal device as an example, and the communication method may include: the first terminal device sends a first service request to a first access network device, the first service request including identification information of a first service type, and the first service request is used to request a service of the first service type in a target first network node; receives a first service response from the first access network device, the first service response including first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type; based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type, transmits service data corresponding to the first service type to the target first network node through the first access network device.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present application, when a first terminal device requires a local service on the RAN side, it may send a service request to the first access network device. The service request may include identification information of the first service type to indicate the service it requires. The first access network device may then send a service response corresponding to the service request to the first terminal device, which may include first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type. The first terminal device may then transmit service data corresponding to the first service type based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type, thereby implementing end-to-end service data transmission from the RAN local service to the terminal device.

[0008] Exemplarily, the first address information includes transmission network layer information and / or URL information.

[0009] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the first service request further includes one or more of the following: identification information of the target first network node, service quality information, capability information of the first terminal device, and service identification information.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present application, the first service request may carry information related to the requested service. For example, the identification information of the target first network node may indicate that the target first network node provides the corresponding service, the service quality information may indicate the service quality that the corresponding service needs to meet, the capability information of the first terminal device may be used for related processing in the service request process (such as the selection of the perception mode), and the service identification information may be used to identify this service request or the service process corresponding to this service request (such as a service session). It can be seen that by carrying relevant information in the first service request, the first network node providing the service can be flexibly selected, and the overall service quality can also be controlled.

[0011] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first service response further includes service identification information and / or radio bearer configuration.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, before sending the first service request to the first access network device, the method may also include: receiving service configuration information from the first access network device, the service configuration information including identification information of one or more first network nodes, and the one or more first network nodes including the target first network node.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present application, identification information of one or more first network nodes that can provide RAN local services can be sent to a first terminal device, so that when the first terminal device has service requirements, it can initiate a service request and specify the corresponding first network node to provide services through the identification information of the first network node.

[0014] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the one or more first network nodes includes identifications of the one or more first network nodes and / or first address information of the one or more first network nodes.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the service configuration information also includes information on one or more service types supported by each of the one or more first network nodes, and the information on the one or more service types includes identification information of the one or more service types.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present application, the service configuration information may include information on one or more service types supported by each of the one or more first network nodes. In this way, the first terminal device can select a suitable first network node to provide services for it based on its own service needs, and can avoid selecting a first network node that cannot provide the corresponding service, thereby ensuring that the corresponding service can be successfully obtained.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the first service response also includes identification information of the one or more target services.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present application, the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type may include the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type. In this way, the first terminal device can interact with the target service based on the first address information of the target service.

[0019] A second aspect discloses a communication method, which can be applied to a first access network device, a module (e.g., a processor) in the first access network device, or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first access network device. The following description takes application to the first access network device as an example, and the communication method may include: the first access network device receiving a first service request from a first terminal device, the first service request including identification information of a first service type, the first service request being used to request a service of the first service type in a target first network node; and sending a first service response to the first terminal device, the first service response including first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0020] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, before sending the first service response to the first terminal device, the method may also include: sending a second service request to the target first network node based on the first service request, the second service request being used to request the service of the first service type in the target first network node; receiving a second service response from the target first network node, the second service response including the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present application, after the first access network device receives the first service request from the first terminal device, it can send a second service request to the target first network node based on the first service request to request the service of the first service type in the target first network node. Afterwards, the first access network device can receive a second service response corresponding to the second service request from the target first network node, which may include the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type. Afterwards, the first access network device can send the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type to the first terminal device, so that the first terminal device can transmit the service data corresponding to the first service type based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type, thereby realizing end-to-end service data transmission from the RAN local service to the terminal device.

[0022] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first service request also includes identification information of the target first network node, and sending the second service request to the target first network node based on the first service request includes: sending the second service request to the target first network node based on the identification information of the target first network node.

[0023] In the embodiment of the present application, the first terminal device can flexibly specify a specific first network node to provide services for it through the identification information of the first network node.

[0024] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of the first service type.

[0025] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first service request also includes one or more of the service quality information, the capability information of the first terminal device, and the service identification information, and the second service request also includes one or more of the service quality information, the capability information of the first terminal device, and the service identification information.

[0026] In the embodiment of the present application, the second service request may carry information related to the requested service, so that the target first network node can perform corresponding processing, such as determining one or more target services corresponding to the first service type.

[0027] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request further includes a first identifier of the first terminal device, and the first identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the first access network device.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present application, the first access network device and the target first network node can communicate via a dedicated interface (e.g., an Nx interface). Therefore, in order to distinguish terminal devices on the Nx interface or identify which terminal device a message received on the Nx interface corresponds to, the first access network device can assign a first identifier to each terminal device, and the target first network node can assign a second identifier to each terminal device. In this way, different terminal devices can be distinguished by paired terminal device identifiers (first identifier, second identifier).

[0029] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service response also includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the target first network node side, and the service data flow information that needs to be established; the second identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the target first network node.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present application, the second service response may include service session related information, tunnel information on the target first network node side, service data flow information to be established, etc. In this way, a corresponding service session, as well as related data transmission tunnels and service data flows can be established to carry service data corresponding to the first service type, thereby realizing end-to-end service data transmission from RAN local services to terminal devices.

[0031] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the method may further include: sending a third service response to the target first network node, the third service response including one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the first access network device side, and the service data flow information that was not successfully established.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present application, the third service response may include tunnel information on the first access network device side to facilitate establishment of a data transmission tunnel between the first access network device and the target first network node.

[0033] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type.

[0034] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first service request also includes service quality information, and the method may further include: determining the service quality corresponding to the one or more target services based on the service quality information, and the second service request also includes the service quality corresponding to the one or more target services.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present application, the first service type may correspond to one or more target services, and the first access network device may determine the service quality corresponding to the one or more target services based on the service quality information, and then may send the service quality corresponding to the one or more target services to the target first network node, so that each target service in the target first network node may determine whether it can meet the corresponding service quality, or each target service in the target first network node may perform corresponding processing based on the corresponding service quality to ensure the corresponding service quality.

[0036] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service response also includes the service quality that can be guaranteed by one or more target services corresponding to the first service type or the air interface service quality that needs to be met on the first access network device side.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present application, the second service response may directly include the air interface service quality that needs to be met on the first access network device side, or may include the service quality that can be guaranteed by one or more target services corresponding to the first service type. When the second service response includes the service quality that can be guaranteed by one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, the first access network device can determine the air interface service quality that needs to be met on the first access network device side based on the service quality that can be guaranteed by one or more target services corresponding to the first service type. The first terminal device can perform corresponding processing (such as allocating air interface resources, flow control, etc.) based on the air interface service quality that needs to be met on the first access network device side to ensure end-to-end service quality.

[0038] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the second service response also includes identification information of the one or more target services.

[0039] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the first service response further includes service identification information and / or radio bearer configuration.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, before receiving the first service request from the first terminal device, the method may also include: sending service configuration information to the first terminal device, the service configuration information including identification information of one or more first network nodes, and the one or more first network nodes including the target first network node.

[0041] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the one or more first network nodes includes identifications of the one or more first network nodes and / or first address information of the one or more first network nodes.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation, the service configuration information also includes information on one or more service types supported by each of the one or more first network nodes, and the information on the one or more service types includes identification information of the one or more service types.

[0043] It should be noted that the technical solution of the second aspect of this application may correspond to the solution of the first aspect, and the relevant beneficial effects can also refer to the beneficial effects of the first aspect.

[0044] A third aspect discloses a communication method, which can be applied to a target first network node, a module (e.g., a processor) within the target first network node, or a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functionality of the target first network node. The method will be described below using the target first network node as an example. The communication method may include: receiving a second service request from a first access network device, the second service request being used to request a service of a first service type within the target first network node; and sending a second service response to the first access network device, the second service response including first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0045] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of the first service type.

[0046] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request further includes one or more of service quality information, capability information of the first terminal device, and service identification information.

[0047] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request further includes a first identifier of the first terminal device, and the first identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the first access network device.

[0048] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service response also includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the target first network node side, and the service data flow information that needs to be established; the second identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the target first network node.

[0049] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the method may further include: receiving a third service response from the first access network device, the third service response including one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the first access network device side, and the service data flow information that was not successfully established.

[0050] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type.

[0051] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request further includes service quality corresponding to the one or more target services.

[0052] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service response also includes the service quality that can be guaranteed by one or more target services corresponding to the first service type or the air interface service quality that needs to be met on the first access network device side.

[0053] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the second service response also includes identification information of the one or more target services.

[0054] It should be noted that the technical solution of the third aspect of this application may correspond to the solutions of the first and second aspects, and the relevant beneficial effects can also refer to the beneficial effects of the first and second aspects.

[0055] A fourth aspect discloses a communication device, which may be a first terminal device or a module (e.g., a processor) in the first terminal device. The communication device includes: a sending unit, configured to send a first service request to a first access network device, the first service request including identification information of a first service type, the first service request being used to request a service of the first service type in a target first network node; a receiving unit, configured to receive a first service response from the first access network device, the first service response including first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type; the sending unit is further configured to transmit service data corresponding to the first service type to the target first network node through the first access network device based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0056] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first service request further includes one or more of the following: identification information of the target first network node, service quality information, capability information of the first terminal device, and service identification information.

[0057] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first service response further includes service identification information and / or radio bearer configuration.

[0058] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, before the sending unit sends the first service request to the first access network device, the receiving unit is also used to receive service configuration information from the first access network device, where the service configuration information includes identification information of one or more first network nodes, and the one or more first network nodes include the target first network node.

[0059] With reference to the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the one or more first network nodes includes identifications of the one or more first network nodes and / or first address information of the one or more first network nodes.

[0060] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the service configuration information also includes information on one or more service types supported by each of the one or more first network nodes, and the information on the one or more service types includes identification information of the one or more service types.

[0061] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the first service response also includes identification information of the one or more target services.

[0062] A fifth aspect discloses a communication device, which may be a first access network device or a module (e.g., a processor) in the first access network device. The communication device includes: a receiving unit configured to receive a first service request from a first terminal device, the first service request including identification information of a first service type, the first service request being used to request a service of the first service type in a target first network node; and a sending unit configured to send a first service response to the first terminal device, the first service response including first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0063] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, before the sending unit sends the first service response to the first terminal device, the sending unit is also used to send a second service request to the target first network node based on the first service request, and the second service request is used to request the service of the first service type in the target first network node; the receiving unit is also used to receive a second service response from the target first network node, and the second service response includes the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0064] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first service request also includes identification information of the target first network node, and the sending unit is specifically used to: send the second service request to the target first network node based on the identification information of the target first network node.

[0065] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of the first service type.

[0066] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first service request also includes one or more of the service quality information, the capability information of the first terminal device, and the service identification information, and the second service request also includes one or more of the service quality information, the capability information of the first terminal device, and the service identification information.

[0067] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request further includes a first identifier of the first terminal device, and the first identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the first access network device.

[0068] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service response also includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the target first network node side, and the service data flow information that needs to be established; the second identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the target first network node.

[0069] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the sending unit is also used to send a third service response to the target first network node, and the third service response includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the first access network device side, and the service data flow information that was not successfully established.

[0070] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type.

[0071] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first service request also includes service quality information, and the device also includes: a processing unit for determining the service quality corresponding to the one or more target services based on the service quality information, and the second service request also includes the service quality corresponding to the one or more target services.

[0072] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service response also includes the service quality that can be guaranteed by one or more target services corresponding to the first service type or the air interface service quality that needs to be met on the first access network device side.

[0073] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the second service response also includes identification information of the one or more target services.

[0074] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first service response also includes service identification information and / or radio bearer configuration.

[0075] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, before the receiving unit receives the first service request from the first terminal device, the sending unit is also used to send service configuration information to the first terminal device, where the service configuration information includes identification information of one or more first network nodes, and the one or more first network nodes include the target first network node.

[0076] With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the identification information of the one or more first network nodes includes identifications of the one or more first network nodes and / or first address information of the one or more first network nodes.

[0077] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the service configuration information also includes information on one or more service types supported by each of the one or more first network nodes, and the information on the one or more service types includes identification information of the one or more service types.

[0078] A sixth aspect discloses a communication device, which may be a target first network node or a module (e.g., a processor) in the target first network node. The communication device includes: a receiving unit configured to receive a second service request from a first access network device, the second service request being configured to request a service of the first service type in the target first network node; and a sending unit configured to send a second service response to the first access network device, the second service response including first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0079] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of the first service type.

[0080] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request further includes one or more of service quality information, capability information of the first terminal device, and service identification information.

[0081] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request also includes a first identifier of the first terminal device, and the first identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the first access network device.

[0082] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service response also includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the target first network node side, and the service data flow information that needs to be established; the second identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the target first network node.

[0083] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the receiving unit is also used to receive a third service response from the first access network device, and the third service response includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the first access network device side, and the service data flow information that was not successfully established.

[0084] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type.

[0085] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service request also includes service quality corresponding to the one or more target services.

[0086] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the second service response also includes the service quality that can be guaranteed by one or more target services corresponding to the first service type or the air interface service quality that needs to be met on the first access network device side.

[0087] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the second service response also includes identification information of the one or more target services.

[0088] The seventh aspect discloses a communication system, which includes a first terminal device and a first access network device, wherein the first terminal device is used to implement the method provided in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation method of the first aspect; the first access network device is used to implement the method provided in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation method of the second aspect.

[0089] The eighth aspect discloses a communication system, which includes a first terminal device, a first access network device and a target first network node, wherein the first terminal device is used to implement the method provided in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect; the first access network device is used to implement the method provided in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect; the target first network node is used to implement the method provided in the above-mentioned third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0090] The ninth aspect discloses a communication device comprising a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is used to receive and / or send data; the processor calls a computer program or computer instruction stored in a memory to implement the method provided in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect.

[0091] The tenth aspect discloses a communication device, including a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is used to receive and / or send data; the processor calls a computer program or computer instruction stored in a memory to implement the method provided in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0092] The eleventh aspect discloses a communication device, comprising a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is used to receive and / or send data; the processor calls a computer program or computer instruction stored in a memory to implement the method provided in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0093] As a possible implementation manner, the communication device disclosed in the ninth aspect, the communication device disclosed in the tenth aspect, and the communication device disclosed in the eleventh aspect may include one or more processors.

[0094] Optionally, the communication device disclosed in the ninth aspect, the communication device disclosed in the tenth aspect, and the communication device disclosed in the eleventh aspect further include one or more memories.

[0095] The twelfth aspect discloses a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program or computer instructions stored thereon. When the computer program or computer instructions are executed, the method provided in the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect is implemented, or the method provided in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect is implemented, or the method provided in the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect is implemented.

[0096] A thirteenth aspect discloses a chip comprising a processor for executing a program stored in a memory. When the program is executed, the chip executes the method provided in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or executes the method provided in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, or executes the method provided in the above-mentioned third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0097] As a possible implementation, the memory is located outside the chip.

[0098] A fourteenth aspect discloses a computer program product, which includes computer program code. When the computer program code is run, the method provided in the above-mentioned first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect is executed, or the method provided in the above-mentioned second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect is executed, or the method provided in the above-mentioned third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect is executed.

[0099] It should be understood that the implementation and beneficial effects of the above-mentioned multiple aspects or any possible implementation methods of the present application can be referenced to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0101] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a service-oriented architecture of a 5G network provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a RAN service-oriented architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a control plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a data plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of another control plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of another data plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] FIG7 is a flow chart of a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] FIG8 is a flow chart of another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] FIG9 is a flow chart of another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] FIG10 is a flow chart of another communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device disclosed in an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device disclosed in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0115] The present invention discloses a communication method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium that can implement end-to-end service data transmission from a RAN local service to a terminal device. The following will provide a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0116] In the embodiments of the present application, some scenarios are described using the fifth generation (5G) communication network as an example, but it should be understood that the solutions in the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to other communication networks, such as the sixth generation (6G) communication network, and the corresponding names can also be replaced by the names of corresponding functions / devices in other communication networks.

[0117] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present application, the system architecture of the embodiments of the present application is described below.

[0118] To improve the flexibility and scalability of communication networks, the 5G core network adopts a service-based architecture (SBA). In the SBA architecture, multiple network functions (NFs) can be flexibly defined, each of which can provide independent functions (services) to the outside world. Furthermore, NFs can access each other through service-based interfaces.

[0119] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a service-oriented architecture of a 5G network provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the service-oriented architecture may include a network slice selection function (NSSF), an authentication server function (AUSF), a network exposure function (NEF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a policy and control function (PCF), a session management function (SMF), a unified data management (UDM), an application function (AF) and other functions, which can respectively provide SBA interfaces such as Nnssf, Nausf, Nnef, Namf, Npcf, Nsmf, Nudm, and Naf. Among them, the definitions and specific functions of the above-mentioned functions such as NSSF, AUSF, NEF, AMF, and SMF can be referred to the relevant descriptions in the 5G standard. The following is a brief introduction to user equipment (UE) and (radio) access network (R)AN.

[0120] User equipment (UE), also known as terminal equipment, terminal, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), customer premise equipment (CPE), etc., is a device with wireless communication capabilities that can provide voice and / or data connectivity services to users. The terminal device may be a handheld terminal, a laptop computer, an RSU (road side unit), a subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a tablet computer, a tag, a wireless modem, other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone or a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a wearable device (such as a smart watch, a smart bracelet, a pedometer, etc.), an in-vehicle device (such as a car, a bicycle, an electric car, an airplane, a ship, a train, a high-speed train, etc.), a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a smart home device (such as a refrigerator, a television, an air conditioner, an electric meter, etc.), an intelligent robot, a workshop device, a wireless terminal in self-driving, a remote medical device, or a similar device. Wireless terminals in smart surgery, smart grids, transportation safety, smart cities, smart homes, aerial devices (such as intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), and other network-accessible devices can be fixed or mobile. Terminal devices can be deployed on land, indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or in vehicles; on water (such as ships); or in the air (such as aircraft, balloons, and satellites).

[0121] (R)AN can be a network composed of multiple access network devices, which can be used to implement wireless physical layer functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, wireless access control and mobility management functions. (R)AN can be connected to the user plane function (UPF) through the user plane interface N3 to transmit data of the terminal device. (R)AN can also establish a control plane signaling connection with the AMF through the control plane interface N2 to implement functions such as wireless access bearer control. It should be understood that the access network equipment mainly provides access for terminal devices. The access network equipment may include radio access network (RAN) equipment and access node (AN) equipment. RAN equipment may include various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, balloon stations, etc. It should be understood that in systems using different wireless access technologies, the names of RAN devices may be different. For example, NB (NodeB) in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), eNB or eNodeB (evolutionary NodeB) in long term evolution (LTE), and next generation NodeB (gNB) in 5G systems.

[0122] As shown in Figure 1, the various functional entities in the 5G core network (5GC) can interact with each other through the SBA interface. For example, the AF can interact with the NEF through the Nnef interface and use the services provided by the NEF. Another example is that the NEF can interact with the UDM through the Nudm interface and use the services provided by the UDM. In specific implementations, the service-based interface can be implemented based on the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS).

[0123] A service-based architecture enables flexible deployment of network functions and flexible network upgrades. For example, if a new NF is needed, it can be registered with the network repository function (NRF), which can also provide service management and service discovery mechanisms. For another example, if a single NF fails, it can be taken offline, with services provided by other NFs of the same type, and then brought back online after the NF failure is resolved. For another example, a single NF can undergo flexible software and hardware upgrades without impacting the entire network.

[0124] It can be seen that the service-oriented architecture can improve the flexibility and scalability of the network. In view of the evolution of future network architecture, the RAN side can also adopt a service-oriented architecture to achieve rapid launch and flexible deployment of new functions on the RAN side through interface and function service. In addition, flexible service orchestration and traffic optimization can be performed based on business needs. In addition, for potential new functions and new services on the RAN side in the future, such as perception, positioning, artificial intelligence (AI), etc., there are localization requirements, that is, the RAN side needs to support these new functions and new services locally. In this way, the relevant data can be closed-loop on the RAN side and not enter the public network, thereby ensuring the security and privacy of the data. It can also help these new functions and new services achieve real-time perception of the air interface status and terminal status on the RAN side. The following introduces a solution for implementing the RAN service-oriented architecture.

[0125] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of a RAN service-oriented architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 2, in the RAN service-oriented architecture, a service-oriented node NodeC is introduced, and NodeC is parallel to the traditional node providing communication functions (such as gNodeB). In other words, the main functions of the original nodes in the RAN can remain unchanged, and are still used to provide RAN communication functions (such as scheduling of air interface resources, etc.). The newly introduced NodeC is used to provide RAN service functions to meet the local service requirements on the RAN side. For example, NodeC can integrate various services (functions) such as perception services, positioning services, and computing services (such as AI reasoning), and each service can provide a service interface. In the embodiment of the present application, the service in NodeC can also be called NF or other names, which are not limited here.

[0126] In some deployments, the gNodeB may include a convergence unit / central unit (CU) and one or more distributed units (DU), etc. The CU may implement some functions of the gNodeB, the DU may implement some functions of the gNodeB, and the CU may be used to control the operation of one or more DUs. For example, the CU may implement the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) layer and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and may also implement the functions of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer. The DU may implement the functions of the radio link control (RLC) and media access control (MAC) layers, and may also implement the functions of part of the physical (PHY) layer or all of the physical layer. For detailed descriptions of the above-mentioned protocol layers, please refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0127] In an embodiment of the present application, NodeC may include a Proxy function, which can be used to isolate services and communication functions in the RAN and control third-party access. Specifically, for the inside of NodeC, the Proxy function can be responsible for service registration, authorization and access management, and can also be responsible for signaling forwarding, data packet header addition / change, service data routing, path update, etc. For the outside of NodeC, the interfaces of all services can be shielded from gNodeB, and the various services inside NodeC (such as perception services) can be provided to CU through the Proxy function. That is to say, gNodeB needs to use the Proxy function to obtain the various services inside NodeC, and cannot directly access the interfaces corresponding to each service. The Proxy function can also open an API to the outside world to connect to the RAN capability opening request of a third party (such as AF), and the third-party access to wireless information can be controlled by the CU to achieve limited opening. Optionally, the Proxy function can also be responsible for service context storage, and the service context can include the UE's identity, UE capabilities, service quality, service status, etc.

[0128] In some possible implementations, the CU and the Proxy function can interact via the Nx interface, which is an internal interface of the RAN. Furthermore, the Nx interface is a general interface not directed to a specific service, making it easy to expand and upgrade the NodeC.

[0129] Exemplarily, the Proxy function and the various services in the NodeC can interact through a service-based interface. The Proxy function can act as a "backplane" to provide a standard "slot" for each service. The following is a simple example of a service template. The service template may include the service type of the corresponding service, and the service type may indicate / identify the function of the corresponding service. The service template may also include service-related parameters, such as service requirements, configuration parameters, computing power, communication latency, etc. The service template may also include service status information. Exemplarily, the service status information may be "Statefull" or "Stateless". "Statefull" is used to indicate that a Proxy backup service context is required, and "Stateless" is used to indicate that a Proxy backup service context is not required. In some possible implementations, the corresponding service may be registered through the service template.

[0130] For the convenience of description, in the following embodiments, the services in the NodeC are represented as NodeC-NF, and the proxy function in the NodeC is represented as NodeC-Proxy.

[0131] In some possible implementations, various services may also interact with each other through the service-oriented interfaces provided by each service.

[0132] It should be understood that FIG1 and FIG2 are merely schematic diagrams, and the architectures shown in FIG1 and FIG2 may also include more or fewer devices, network elements, etc., which are not limited here.

[0133] It should also be understood that the above-mentioned network elements, functions, or services may be implemented in the form of hardware, computer software, or a combination of hardware and computer software. For example, the above-mentioned network elements, functions, or services may be implemented by a single device, by multiple devices, or by a functional module within a single device, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0134] It should be noted that, in some possible implementations, the Proxy function and various services in the NodeC may be implemented by different hardware devices, or by functional modules in different hardware devices, respectively. This embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0135] It should be understood that the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to communication systems of various radio access technologies (RAT), such as: fifth-generation (5G) communication systems, transition systems between 5G communication systems and 6G communication systems (the transition system may also be referred to as 5.5G communication systems), networks integrating multiple systems, etc.; of course, it can also be future communication systems, such as sixth-generation (6G) or even seventh-generation (7G) communication systems.

[0136] It should be noted that the system architecture, network architecture, and business scenarios (or application scenarios) described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of communication network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0137] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present application, the following briefly introduces the relevant contents, terms or nouns involved in the present application.

[0138] 1. SRv6

[0139] SRv6 (segment routing over IPv6) is a technology designed based on source routing to forward IPv6 data packets on the network, which can control the forwarding path of the packets.

[0140] Specifically, SRv6 can be implemented through an extended IPv6 header. A Segment Routing Header (SRH) can be inserted into an IPv6 packet. The SRH header can be used to specify the forwarding path information for a packet. In one implementation, the SRH header can include a segment list, which can include multiple SIDs (segment identifiers) that indicate the forwarding path for the packet. SIDs are also called IPv6 SIDs, IPv6 Segments, etc.

[0141] In SRv6 packets, the destination address (DA) identifies the next node the packet passes through. Therefore, during packet transmission, intermediate nodes can continuously update the destination address and offset address stack based on the segment list to achieve hop-by-hop forwarding. The offset address stack is used to determine the active SID in the segment list.

[0142] Exemplarily, the SID length can be 128 bits, and the 128 bits can be flexibly divided into multiple segments, and the function and length of each segment can be customized. For example, it can be divided into three segments, namely the first segment (such as Locator), the second segment (such as Function) and the third segment (such as Arguments). The first segment can be used to route and forward data packets, the second segment can be used to indicate the operation to be performed by the device (such as forwarding operation), different operations can be indicated by different Functions, and the third segment is optional and can include the parameters required when performing the operation indicated by the second segment. It should be understood that the function can be flexibly defined according to business needs.

[0143] As can be seen, SRv6 has the ability to orchestrate paths and services. It can pre-plan the path for packet forwarding and the operations that each node on the path needs to perform when receiving a packet.

[0144] 2. Quality of Service (QoS)

[0145] Communication networks include a variety of communication services (such as voice, email, video, and online gaming). These services typically have different quality of service (QoS) requirements. For example, some services may be very sensitive to latency, while others may be very sensitive to packet loss. Therefore, to meet the QoS requirements of different services, the network must be able to allocate and schedule resources based on these requirements, providing differentiated QoS for different services. For communication services, QoS typically includes bandwidth, latency, packet loss rate, and transmission rate.

[0146] It's understandable that to ensure end-to-end quality of service (QoS), communication networks typically employ corresponding QoS models or policies. A QoS model or policy can be understood as a comprehensive solution for ensuring end-to-end QoS, encompassing all devices in the end-to-end process. In other words, end-to-end QoS requires the coordinated efforts of all devices in the end-to-end process.

[0147] For example, in a 5G communication system, in order to meet diverse business needs, multiple QoS flows can be created. Different QoS flows can correspond to different service quality requirements. Terminal devices, RAN, and UPF network elements can collaborate to ensure the service quality requirements of QoS flows, such as latency and bandwidth. In a specific implementation, the terminal device may include QoS rules corresponding to the QoS flow, the RAN side may include relevant QoS configurations corresponding to the QoS flow, and the UPF network element may include packet detection rules (PDR) corresponding to the QoS flow. QoS rules and packet detection rules may include a packet filter set, and the packet filter set may include multiple packet filters. Each packet filter may be downlink, uplink, or bidirectional. QoS rules, QoS configurations, and PDRs may be allocated by the SMF. For more detailed information about 5G QoS, please refer to the relevant descriptions in the standard.

[0148] Based on the architecture shown in FIG2 , two possible control plane and data plane protocol stack solutions are illustrated below.

[0149] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of a control plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 3, the air interface control plane protocol stack between the UE and gNodeB can be RRC / PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY. The control plane protocol stack between the gNodeB and NodeC / NodeC-Proxy can be NxAP / SCTP / IP / L2 / L1. NxAP is the control layer protocol of the Nx interface between the gNodeB and NodeC, SCTP is the stream control transmission protocol, IP is the internet protocol, L2 can be the data link layer protocol, and L1 can be the physical layer protocol.

[0150] Furthermore, a service management (SM) protocol layer / function can be included above the RRC layer on the UE side and the NxAP layer on the NodeC side. The SM protocol layer on the UE side interfaces with the SM protocol layer on the NodeC side. The SM layer is primarily used to transmit service-related control information between the UE and the NodeC. As shown in Figure 3, the SM layer is invisible to the gNodeB. In other words, the gNodeB can transparently transmit SM layer information.

[0151] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of a data plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 4, the air interface data plane protocol stack between the UE and gNodeB can be SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY, the data plane protocol stack between the gNodeB and NodeC-Proxy can be GTP-U / UDP / IP / L2 / L1, and the data plane protocol stack between NodeC-Proxy and NodeC-NF can be IP / MAC. GTP-U stands for the GPRS tunneling protocol (user plane), and UDP stands for the user datagram protocol.

[0152] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the UE-side SDAP layer can also include an IP layer above it, and the NodeC-Proxy's GTP-U layer can also include an IP layer above it. Furthermore, the UE-side IP layer can interface with the NodeC-Proxy's IP layer. Furthermore, the UE-side IP layer can also include a TCP / UDP layer and an APP layer above it, and the NodeC-NF's IP layer can also include a TCP / UDP layer and an APP layer above it. Furthermore, the UE-side TCP / UDP layer and APP layer can interface with the NodeC-NF's TCP / UDP layer and APP layer. The APP layer can be the application layer, and TCP can be the transmission control protocol.

[0153] It should be noted that, in some possible implementations, the data plane protocol stack between NodeC-Proxy and NodeC-NF in FIG4 may also be IP / L2 / L1.

[0154] Exemplarily, the control plane protocol stack shown in FIG3 and the data plane protocol stack shown in FIG4 can be used in conjunction with each other. The protocol stacks shown in FIG3 and FIG4 can be end-to-end control plane and data plane protocol stacks based on dedicated interfaces, respectively.

[0155] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of another control plane protocol stack provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 5, the air interface control plane protocol stack between the UE and the gNodeB can be HTTP(s) / RRC / PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY. The control plane protocol stack between the gNodeB and the NodeC / NodeC-Proxy can be HTTP(s) / TCP(UDP) / IP / L2 / L1. Among them, HTTP(s) means that HTTP or HTTPs can be used. HTTPs can be HTTP+SSL (secure socket layer) / TLS (transport layer security). The SSL / TLS layer is generally between the HTTP layer and the TCP / UDP layer. It should be noted that the above-mentioned HTTP protocol version can adopt HTTP2, HTTP3, etc., which is not limited here.

[0156] It should be understood that in some possible implementations, the HTTP(s) and RRC layers on the UE side and the gNodeB side may also include equivalent TCP / UDP and IP layers.

[0157] It should be noted that in some possible implementations, the gNodeB may not include an HTTP(s) layer. The HTTP(s) layer on the UE side can directly interface with the HTTP(s) layer on the NodeC side. In this case, the air interface control plane protocol stack between the UE and gNodeB can also be RRC / PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY, the control plane protocol stack between the gNodeB and NodeC / NodeC-Proxy can also be NxAP / SCTP / IP / L2 / L1, and the protocol stack between the UE and NodeC / NodeC-Proxy can be HTTP(s) / TCP(UDP) / IP. Furthermore, the HTTP(s) layer is invisible to the gNodeB. In other words, the gNodeB transparently forwards HTTP messages between the UE and NodeC.

[0158] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of another data plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 6, the air interface data plane protocol stack between the UE and the gNodeB can be HTTP(s) / SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY, the data plane protocol stack between the gNodeB and the NodeC-Proxy can be HTTP(s) / TCP(UDP) / IP(SRv6) / L2 / L1, and the data plane protocol stack between the NodeC-Proxy and the NodeC-NF can be HTTP(s) / TCP(UDP) / IP(SRv6) / L2 / L1.

[0159] It should be understood that in some possible implementations, the HTTP(s) and SDAP layers on the UE side and the gNodeB side may further include equivalent TCP / UDP and IP / SRv6 layers.

[0160] It should be noted that in some possible implementations, the gNodeB side may not include the HTTP(s) layer. The HTTP(s) layer on the UE side can directly connect to the HTTP(s) layer on the NodeC-Proxy side. In this case, the air interface data plane protocol stack between the UE and gNodeB can also adopt the protocol stack solution shown in Figure 4, replacing the APP layer in Figure 4 with the HTTP(s) layer.

[0161] When the network layer is based on SRv6, for a specific service type, the network node can edit the SRH field to set the data transmission path between several NodeC-NFs related to that service type, the operations to be performed on each NodeC-NF, and the corresponding QoS requirements for each NodeC-NF. For example, the gNodeB can perceive the relevant configuration information of the internal NodeC service and be responsible for SRv6 message encapsulation of service data. The SRH field can include the service path, the corresponding QoS parameters for each NF, and the data operations to be performed on each NF.

[0162] It can be understood that when HTTP(s) is adopted at the top layer of NodeC-NF, related NFs can be developed based on the HTTP standard.

[0163] Exemplarily, the control plane protocol stack shown in FIG5 and the data plane protocol stack shown in FIG6 can be used in conjunction with each other. The protocol stacks shown in FIG5 and FIG6 can be end-to-end control plane and data plane protocol stacks based on a universal service interface, respectively.

[0164] It should be noted that the end-to-end control plane and data plane protocol stacks shown in Figures 3-6 are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit this embodiment of the present application. In other possible implementations of the present application, variations of the end-to-end control plane and data plane protocol stacks based on Figures 3-6 may be employed, or other end-to-end control plane and data plane protocol stacks may be employed. For example, the IP layer in Figure 4 may be replaced with SRv6 based on IPv6.

[0165] The following is an exemplary description of the overall processing flow of the technical solution provided in an embodiment of the present application. This processing flow primarily involves a first terminal device, a first access network device, and a first network node. The first access network device may be a device providing communication functions in the RAN (e.g., a gNodeB), and the first network node may be a device providing service functions in the RAN (e.g., a NodeC). For details, reference may be made to the architecture shown in FIG. 2 .

[0166] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a flow chart of a communication method disclosed in an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 7, the method may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0167] 701. A first terminal device sends a first service request to a first access network device, where the first service request includes identification information of a first service type, and the first service request is used to request a service of the first service type in a target first network node.

[0168] In an embodiment of the present application, when the first terminal device has a local service demand on the RAN side, it can send a corresponding service request to the first access network device, and can carry corresponding service type information in the service request to indicate the service type it needs. Exemplarily, when the first terminal device needs to obtain a service of a first service type (such as a perception service type), it can send a first service request to the first access network device, and carry identification information of the first service type in the first service request. Accordingly, the first access network device can receive the first service request from the first terminal device. The identification information of the first service type can be an identifier (ID) of the first service type, or a name of the first service type, or other information that can identify the first service type, which is not limited here.

[0169] Optionally, the service request sent by the first terminal device to the first access network device may also carry other service-related information. For example, the first service request may also include one or more of the identification information of the target first network node, service quality information, capability information of the first terminal device, service identification information, etc. Among them, the identification information of the target first network node is used to indicate that the target first network node is required to provide a service of the first service type. The service quality information is used to indicate the service quality that needs to be met for the service of the first service type, such as latency, bandwidth, etc. The capability information of the first terminal device can be used to indicate the capabilities of the first terminal device, such as the computing power of the first terminal device, the supported perception modes, the transceiver capabilities (such as the number of antennas), etc. The service identification information can be used to identify this service request or to identify the service process (such as a service session) corresponding to this service request, and can be a specific identifier (ID), such as a service identifier or a service session identifier.

[0170] In some possible implementations, before the first terminal device sends the first service request to the first access network device, the first terminal device may first receive service configuration information from the first access network device. Afterwards, the first terminal device may send the first service request to the first access network device based on the service configuration information. Exemplarily, the service configuration information may include identification information of one or more first network nodes, and the one or more first network nodes may include a target first network node. After the first terminal device receives the service configuration information from the first access network device, it may send a first service request to the first access network device based on the service configuration information, and the first service request may carry identification information of the target first network node. In some possible cases, the one or more first network nodes are one or more first network nodes associated with the first access network device, for example, there is a corresponding interface (such as an Nx interface) between the one or more first network nodes and the first access network device.

[0171] Furthermore, the identification information of the one or more first network nodes included in the service configuration information may respectively include the identification of the one or more first network nodes and / or first address information of the one or more first network nodes. The first address information may be a uniform resource locator (URL), or transport network layer (TNL) information (such as an IP address + port number), or other address information that can identify the first network node.

[0172] Optionally, the service configuration information may further include information about one or more service types supported by each of the one or more first network nodes, and the information about the one or more service types may include identification information of the one or more service types. It should be understood that, in addition to the identification information of the one or more service types, the information about the one or more service types may also include other relevant information about the one or more service types, such as description information of the corresponding service types.

[0173] It should be understood that after the first terminal device receives the service configuration information from the first access network device, it can select the first network node to provide it with services based on its own service needs. For example, the service configuration information includes relevant service information of network node 1, network node 2, and network node 3. The service types that network node 1 can provide include service type 1 and service type 2, the service types that network node 2 can provide include service type 1, service type 2, and service type 3, and the service types that network node 3 can provide include service type 1, service type 2, and service type 4. If the first terminal device currently requires the service corresponding to service type 3, the first terminal device can determine that network node 2 can provide the corresponding service and can include the identification information of network node 2 in the service request sent to the first access network device.

[0174] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the way in which the first access network device obtains service configuration information. It can be obtained through interaction with each first network node, or it can be directly pre-configured in the first access network device, or it can be other possible ways.

[0175] 702. The first access network device sends a second service request to the target first network node, where the second service request is used to request a service of the first service type in the target first network node.

[0176] After receiving the first service request from the first terminal device, the first access network device may send a second service request to the target first network node based on the first service request. Correspondingly, the target first network node may receive the second service request from the first access network device.

[0177] In some possible implementations, the first terminal device may carry identification information in the service request to indicate the first network node that needs to provide service to it. In this case, after the first access network device receives the service request from the first terminal device, it may send a service request to the first network node indicated by the identification information carried in the service request. Exemplarily, in the case where the first service request includes the identification information of the target first network node, the first access network device may determine that the first terminal device needs the target first network node to provide it with service. Therefore, the first access network device may send a second service request to the target first network node based on the identification information of the target first network node. It should be understood that in other possible implementations, after receiving the first service request, the first access network device may also determine a first network node as the target first network node based on the relevant information carried in the first service request (such as the identification information of the first service type).

[0178] In an embodiment of the present application, a service corresponding to a service type may be provided by a corresponding NF in the first network node, or may be provided by multiple NFs in the first network node in collaboration. For example, for the perception service type, it needs to be provided by the perception service in the first network node. For the three-dimensional map construction service type, it needs to be provided by the perception service and rendering service in the first network node in collaboration. Therefore, in an embodiment of the present application, it is necessary to determine one or more target services (target NFs) corresponding to the first service type based on the identification information of the first service type, so as to subsequently request the services provided by the one or more target NFs. It is understandable that after the first access network device receives the first service request, the first access network device can determine one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type based on the identification information of the first service type, and then send relevant information (such as identification) of the determined one or more target NFs to the target first network node. Alternatively, the first access network device can send the identification information of the first service type to the target first network node, and the target first network node can determine one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type based on the identification information of the first service type. In other words, the first access network device can determine the one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type, or the target first network node can determine the one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type. In these two cases, the information carried in the second service request may be different, which are exemplified below.

[0179] In the case where the target first network node determines one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type, the second service request may include identification information of the first service type. In the case where the first service request also includes one or more of service quality information, capability information of the first terminal device, and service identification information, the second service request may also include one or more of service quality information, capability information of the first terminal device, and service identification information. It is understood that the second service request may include some or all of the information in the first service request.

[0180] It should be noted that the first access network device and the target first network node can communicate through the Nx interface (such as the transmission of relevant control information / signaling). In this case, the UE can be distinguished by a paired UE identifier (such as NxAP UE ID) on the Nx interface, and the UE identifier carried in the NxAP message can be used to identify which UE the message corresponds to. Exemplarily, the identifier assigned to the UE by the first access network device can be a first identifier (such as gNodeNxAP UE ID), and the identifier assigned to the UE by the target first network node can be a second identifier (such as NodeCNxAP UE ID). Based on this, the second service request can also include the first identifier of the first terminal device, and the first identifier of the first terminal device can be used to identify the first terminal device in the first access network device.

[0181] In the case where the first access network device determines one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type, the second service request may include identification information of the one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type. In the case where the first service request also includes service quality information, the first access network device may determine the service quality corresponding to the one or more target NFs based on the service quality information, and the second service request also includes the service quality corresponding to the one or more target NFs. Exemplarily, the service quality information carried in the first service request may indicate the overall service quality that needs to be met, and the first access network device may determine the service quality that needs to be met for each target NF based on the service quality information. Optionally, the second service request may also include capability information of the first terminal device, or other relevant information, which is not limited here.

[0182] It should be noted that, in some possible implementations, the first access network device may transparently transmit all or part of the information in the first service request to the target first network node. For example, some of the information in the first service request may be invisible to the first access network device, such as when encapsulated in the SM layer. In this case, the first access network device may transparently transmit some of the information in the first service request.

[0183] 703. The target first network node sends a second service response to the first access network device, where the second service response includes first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0184] After receiving the second service request from the first access network device, the target first network node may perform corresponding processing based on the second service request and then send a second service response to the first access network device. Accordingly, the first access network device may receive the second service response from the target first network node. The second service response may include first address information corresponding to a service of the first service type, and the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type may include first address information of one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type.

[0185] Corresponding to the two aforementioned scenarios for determining one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type, in one scenario, the second service request may include identification information of the first service type, and the target first network node may determine the one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type based on the identification information of the first service type. Furthermore, if the second service request also includes quality of service information, the target first network node may also determine the quality of service corresponding to the one or more target NFs based on the quality of service information. In another scenario, the second service request may directly include identification information of the one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type, and may also include the quality of service corresponding to the one or more target NFs. The target first network node may send service requests to the one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type, each of which may include the quality of service of the corresponding target NF. Accordingly, the one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type may each return a service response, which may include indication information indicating confirmation / authorization of the service request or rejection of the service request. It should be noted that the aforementioned description of the service request sent by the target first network node to the NF and the service response sent by the NF to the target first network node is merely illustrative and not limiting. For example, the service request sent by the target first network node to the NF and the service response sent by the NF to the target first network node may include more or less information. In some cases, the service request sent by the target first network node to the NF and the service response sent by the NF to the target first network node may carry different information for different NFs.

[0186] Optionally, the second service response may also include one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the target first network node side, and the service data flow information that needs to be established. Among them, the second identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the target first network node. The service session identifier can be used to identify the corresponding service session, and may be the service identification information carried in the first service request. The tunnel information on the target first network node side may be relevant information of the GTP-U tunnel on the target first network node side, and may specifically include the IP address and tunnel endpoint identifier (GTP-TEID) on the target first network node side. The service data flow information that needs to be established may include the IDs (service flow IDs) of one or more service data flows that need to be established, and the quality of service (QoS) of each service data flow in the one or more service data flows, and the one or more service data flows may be used to carry service data corresponding to the first service type.

[0187] Optionally, the second service response may also include the quality of service that can be guaranteed by one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type or the air interface quality of service that needs to be met on the first access network device side. Exemplarily, the target first network node may determine the quality of service that can be guaranteed internally, that is, the quality of service that can be guaranteed by the one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type as a whole, and may carry it in the second service response to inform the first access network device. As another example, the target first network node may obtain the air interface quality of service that needs to be met on the first access network device side based on the quality of service information carried in the second service request and the determined quality of service that can be guaranteed internally, and may then carry it in the second service response to inform the first access network device.

[0188] Optionally, the second service response may also include identification information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type. The identification information of the one or more target services can be used to distinguish the relevant information of different target NFs in the second service response. For example, the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type can be distinguished.

[0189] In some possible implementations, when the second service request includes capability information of the first terminal device, the target first network node may perform corresponding processing based on the capability information of the first terminal device. For example, if the service type requested by the first terminal device is a perception service, the target first network node may select a perception mode based on the capability information of the first terminal device, such as a perception mode that requires the terminal device to participate in calculations or a perception mode that does not require the terminal device to participate in calculations. It should be understood that the use of the capability information of the first terminal device here is merely illustrative, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the use of the capability information of the first terminal device.

[0190] 704. The first access network device sends a first service response to the first terminal device, where the first service response includes first address information corresponding to a service of the first service type.

[0191] After receiving the second service response from the target first network node, the first access network device may send the first service response to the first terminal device based on the second service response. Accordingly, the first terminal device may receive the first service response from the first access network device.

[0192] Optionally, the first service response may also include service identification information and / or radio bearer (RB) configuration. In some possible implementations, the first access network device may perform resource allocation and flow control based on quality of service to ensure end-to-end quality of service. Exemplarily, the first access network device may configure the radio bearer of the first terminal device based on the quality of service that can be guaranteed by one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type or the air interface quality of service that needs to be met on the first access network device side, so that the end-to-end QoS requirements of services of different service types can be met. In one possible implementation, the first access network device may configure the corresponding radio bearer for the UE through RRC reconfiguration. It can be understood that the radio bearer configured by the first access network device for the first terminal device may be a data radio bearer (DRB).

[0193] Optionally, the first service response may also include identification information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type. The identification information of the one or more target services can be used to distinguish the relevant information of different target NFs in the first service response. For example, the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type can be distinguished.

[0194] It is understandable that the first access network device can associate the established DRB with the service data flow, such as establishing a mapping relationship between the DRB and the service data flow.

[0195] 705. The first access network device sends a third service response to the target first network node.

[0196] After receiving the second service response from the target first network node, the first access network device may perform corresponding processing based on the second service response and then send a third service response to the target first network node. Accordingly, the target first network node may receive the third service response from the first access network device.

[0197] The third service response may include one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the first access network device side, and the service data flow information that was not successfully established. Among them, the tunnel information on the first access network device side may be the relevant information of the GTP-U tunnel on the first access network device side, and specifically may include the IP address and GTP-TEID on the first access network device side. The service data flow information that was not successfully established can be used to indicate that the first access network device has not successfully established one or more service data flows, for example, may include the ID of one or more service data flows that were not successfully established. It should be understood that a data transmission tunnel between the first access network device and the target first network node, such as a GTP-U tunnel, can be established based on the tunnel information on the first access network device side and the tunnel information on the target first network side, which can be used to transmit data.

[0198] It should be noted that the order of executing step 704 and step 705 is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application. In some cases, step 704 may be executed first and then step 705. In other cases, step 705 may be executed first and then step 704. In still other cases, step 704 and step 705 may be executed simultaneously. It should also be noted that step 705 is optional and may not be executed in some cases.

[0199] 706. The first terminal device transmits service data corresponding to the first service type to the target first network node through the first access network device based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0200] After the first terminal device receives the first service response from the first access network device, it can transmit service data corresponding to the first service type to the target first network node through the first access network device based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0201] Exemplarily, a wireless bearer may be established between the first terminal device and the first access network device, and the first terminal device and the first access network device may transmit service data corresponding to the first service type through the corresponding wireless bearer. A data transmission tunnel may be established between the first access network device and the target first network node, and the first access network device and the target first network node may transmit service data corresponding to the first service type through the corresponding data transmission tunnel. As another example, the first terminal device and the first access network device may transmit service data corresponding to the first service type through the corresponding wireless bearer, and the first access network device and the target first network node may transmit service data corresponding to the first service type through the HTTP(s) protocol, IP protocol, etc.

[0202] It is understood that, since the target service provides a service-oriented interface, the service data corresponding to the first service type can be transmitted between the first terminal device and the target NF via the HTTP(s) protocol. In other words, the first terminal device can send service data to the corresponding target service based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0203] In the above processing flow, when the first terminal device needs to obtain the service provided by the first network node, it can request the corresponding service from the target first network node through the first access network device. After that, the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type can be returned to the first terminal device, and the corresponding wireless bearer and / or data transmission tunnel can be established for the first terminal device, thereby realizing end-to-end service data transmission between the first terminal device and the target first network node. In addition, each node in the network (such as the first access network device), each target NF, etc. can perform corresponding processing (such as resource allocation, flow control, etc.) based on the corresponding QoS, thereby ensuring end-to-end service quality.

[0204] The communication method shown in Figure 7 is described below by taking the control plane using the protocol stack shown in Figure 3 and the data plane using the protocol stack shown in Figure 4 as an example. In this case, in some possible implementations, the control information / signaling between the first terminal device and the first access network device can be transmitted through the RRC layer, the control information / signaling between the first access network device and the target first network node can be transmitted through the NxAP layer, and the control information / signaling between the first terminal device and the target first network node can be transmitted through the SM layer. Please refer to Figure 8 for details, which is an example of the communication method shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 8, the processing flow may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0205] 801. The first access network device sends service configuration information to the first terminal device.

[0206] In some possible implementations, in order to facilitate the first terminal device to obtain the service provided by the first network node, the first access network device may send service configuration information to the first terminal device. Accordingly, the first terminal device may receive service configuration information from the first access network device. The service configuration information may include identification information (such as a list) of one or more first network nodes, and the one or more first network nodes may be first network nodes having an Nx interface with the first access network device. Exemplarily, the identification information of the first network node may be an identifier of the first network node, or TNL information (such as a URL) of the first network node, or other information that can identify the first network node, which is not limited here.

[0207] Optionally, the service configuration information may also include service type information supported by each first network node (such as perception, positioning, AI, three-dimensional map construction and other service types).

[0208] It is understood that after the first terminal device obtains the service configuration information, it can include the identification information of the first network node in the service request it subsequently sends to specify the first network node that requires service provision. Furthermore, the first terminal device can select an appropriate first network node to initiate the service request based on its own service requirements and the service types supported by each first network node.

[0209] It should be noted that step 801 is optional. For example, in some possible implementations, the first access network device may randomly select the first network node to provide the corresponding service for the first terminal device, or the first access network device may select the first network node to provide the corresponding service for the first terminal device based on the service requirements (such as service type) of the first terminal device.

[0210] 802. The first terminal device sends a first service request to the first access network device.

[0211] When the first terminal device has a local service demand on the RAN side, it can send a first service request to the first access network device. Accordingly, the first access network device can receive the first service request from the first terminal device. The first service request may include a first SM container (SMcontainer), and the first SM container may include identification information of the service type (such as identification information of the first service type) to indicate the type of service required by itself. It can be understood that the first SM container can be carried on the SM layer and is invisible to the first access network device, and the first access network device can perform transparent transmission.

[0212] Optionally, the first service request may further include identification information of the first network node to indicate that a specific first network node provides the corresponding service. For example, when the target first network node is required to provide the corresponding service, the identification information of the target first network node may be carried in the first service request.

[0213] Optionally, the first SM container may further include one or more of service quality information, capability information of the first terminal device, a service session identifier, and the like.

[0214] Exemplarily, the first service request may be carried by an RRC message.

[0215] 803. The first access network device sends a second service request to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node.

[0216] After receiving the first service request from the first terminal device, the first access network device may send a second service request to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node via the corresponding Nx interface. Correspondingly, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node may receive the second service request from the first access network device. The second service request may include the first SM container and the first identifier of the first terminal device. The first identifier of the first terminal device may be used to identify the first terminal device in the first access network device.

[0217] It can be understood that when the first service request includes the identification information of the target first network node, the first access network device can determine that the target first network node needs to provide the corresponding service, and can forward the first SM container through the corresponding Nx interface and carry the first identification of the first terminal device.

[0218] 804. The NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node determines one or more target NodeC-NFs corresponding to the first service type.

[0219] After receiving the second service request from the first access network device, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node may parse the first SM container therein to obtain identification information of the first service type. Subsequently, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node may determine, based on the identification information of the first service type, that the first terminal device needs to obtain a service of the first service type, and may determine one or more target NodeC-NFs corresponding to the first service type.

[0220] Optionally, when the first SM container includes quality of service information, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node may determine the quality of service (QoS requirement) that needs to be guaranteed on each target NodeC-NF based on the quality of service information.

[0221] 805. The NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node sends a service request to the target NodeC-NF.

[0222] After the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node determines one or more target NodeC-NFs corresponding to the first service type, it can send a service request to each target NodeC-NF of the target first network node. The service request is used to request the corresponding target service, that is, the service provided by the target NodeC-NF. Correspondingly, each target NodeC-NF of the target first network node can receive the service request from the NodeC-Proxy.

[0223] Optionally, the service request sent by the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node to each target NodeC-NF of the target first network node may respectively carry the service quality that the corresponding target NodeC-NF needs to ensure.

[0224] 806. The target NodeC-NF of the target first network node sends a service response to the NodeC-Proxy.

[0225] After receiving the service request from the NodeC-Proxy, each target NodeC-NF of the target first network node may perform corresponding processing based on the service request and then feedback a service response to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node. Correspondingly, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node may receive the service responses from each target NodeC-NF.

[0226] For example, when the service request includes the service quality that needs to be guaranteed, each target NodeC-NF can determine whether it can guarantee the corresponding service quality. If it can guarantee the corresponding service quality, it can carry a confirmation indication in the service response to indicate that it can guarantee the corresponding service quality. Conversely, if it cannot guarantee the corresponding service quality, it can carry a denial indication in the service response to indicate that it cannot guarantee the corresponding service quality.

[0227] 807. The NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node sends a second service response to the first access network device.

[0228] After the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node receives service responses from each target NodeC-NF, it may send a second service response to the first access network device. Accordingly, the first access network device may receive the second service response from the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node. The second service response may include one or more of the following: the first terminal device's first identifier, the first terminal device's second identifier, a service session identifier, a second SM container, tunnel information, and information about the service data flow to be established. The first terminal device's second identifier may be used to identify the first terminal device in the target first network node, and the service session identifier may be used to identify a corresponding service session, such as a service session to be established. The second SM container may include first address information corresponding to a service of the first service type, specifically including TNL information or URLs of the NodeC-NFs required for the service of the first service type (e.g., one or more target NodeC-NFs corresponding to the first service type). The tunnel information in the second service response may include information related to the GTP-U tunnel on the target first network node side, specifically including the IP address and GTP-TEID on the target first network node side. The service data flow information to be created may include the IDs of one or more service data flows that need to be established, and the quality of service (QoS) of each of the one or more service data flows. The one or more service data flows may be used to carry service data corresponding to the first service type.

[0229] Optionally, the second service response may also include the quality of service that can be guaranteed by one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type or the air interface quality of service that needs to be met on the first access network device side.

[0230] It is understandable that the second SM container can be carried in the SM layer and is invisible to the first access network device, and the first access network device can perform transparent transmission.

[0231] In some possible implementations, the second service response may be a service session resource establishment request.

[0232] It should be noted that the second service response may carry multiple service session identifiers, meaning that multiple service sessions need to be created, each of which can include one or more service data flows. These multiple service sessions can all be used to carry service data corresponding to the first service type. For example, the first service type corresponds to multiple target NodeC-NFs, and the service data corresponding to each target NodeC-NF can be carried by a specific service session.

[0233] 808. The first access network device sends a first service response to the first terminal device.

[0234] After the first access network device receives the second service response from the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node, it can send the first service response to the first terminal device based on the second service response. Accordingly, the first terminal device can receive the first service response from the first access network device. The first service response can include a service session identifier and a second SM container. Exemplarily, the service session identifier in the first service response can be a service session identifier accepted by the first access network device or an identifier corresponding to a successfully established service session.

[0235] The first access network device can also configure (establish) a radio bearer for the first terminal device. Exemplarily, the first access network device can configure a radio bearer for the first terminal device based on the quality of service that can be guaranteed by one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type or the air interface service quality that needs to be met on the first access network device side. In one possible implementation, the first access network device can configure an air interface service bearer for the first terminal device through RRC reconfiguration. It can be understood that in some possible implementations, the first access network device can also configure a mapping relationship between a radio bearer and a service data flow. Exemplarily, the first access network device can configure a DRB for the first terminal device.

[0236] It is understandable that the embodiments of the present application can also configure QoS rules corresponding to service data flows for terminal devices, configure relevant QoS configurations corresponding to data flows for the first access network device, and configure QoS rules corresponding to service data flows for the target first network node (such as NodeC-Proxy). QoS rules may include a packet filter set, and the packet filter set may include multiple packet filters, each of which may be downstream or upstream or bidirectional. In this way, service data packets can be mapped to different service data flows for transmission to meet different service quality requirements. Exemplarily, QoS rules, QoS configurations, etc. may be allocated by SMF or other network elements.

[0237] 809. The first access network device sends a third service response to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node.

[0238] After the first access network device receives the second service response from the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node, it can perform corresponding processing and then send a third service response to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node. The third service response may include one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information, and the service data flow information that was not successfully created. The tunnel information in the third service response may be relevant information of the GTP-U tunnel on the first access network device side, and specifically may include the IP address and GTP-TEID on the target first access network device side. The service data flow information that was not successfully created may include the IDs of one or more service data flows that were not successfully created.

[0239] Exemplarily, the service session identifier in the third service response may be a service session identifier accepted by the first access network device or an identifier corresponding to a successfully established service session. Accordingly, the unsuccessfully created service data flow information may be information corresponding to unsuccessfully created service data flows in each successfully established service session.

[0240] In some possible implementations, the third service response may be a service session establishment response.

[0241] It should be noted that through steps 802-806 above, a data radio bearer (DRB) can be established between the first access network device and the first terminal device, and a GTP-U tunnel can be established between the first access network device and the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node, thereby enabling service data transmission between the first terminal device and the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node. Finally, service data can be transmitted to the target NodeC-NF via the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node.

[0242] Figure 8 illustrates the service data transmission process triggered by a terminal device based on a dedicated interface, enabling service data transmission between a local service on the RAN and the terminal device. Furthermore, each node (e.g., the first access network device) and each target NF can perform corresponding processing (e.g., resource allocation, flow control, etc.) based on the corresponding QoS, thereby ensuring end-to-end service quality.

[0243] The communication method shown in Figure 7 is described below by taking the example that the control plane adopts the protocol stack shown in Figure 5, the data plane adopts the protocol stack shown in Figure 6, and the first access network device includes an HTTP(s) layer. In this case, in some possible implementations, the control information / signaling between the first terminal device and the first access network device can be transmitted through the HTTP(s) layer, and the control information / signaling between the first access network device and the target first network node can also be transmitted through the HTTP(s) layer. Please refer to Figure 9 for details, which is an example of the communication method shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 9, the processing flow may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0244] 901. The first access network device sends service configuration information to the first terminal device.

[0245] Step 901 is similar to step 801 , and reference may be made to the relevant description in the above step 801 , which will not be repeated here.

[0246] It is understandable that step 901 is optional.

[0247] 902. The first terminal device sends a first service request to the first access network device.

[0248] When the first terminal device has a local service requirement on the RAN side, it can send a first service request to the first access network device. Accordingly, the first access network device can receive the first service request from the first terminal device. The first service request can include identification information of the service type (such as identification information of the first service type) to indicate the type of service required. The first service request can also include a service ID, which can identify the service requested or the first service request.

[0249] Optionally, the first service request may further include identification information of the first network node to indicate that a specific first network node provides the corresponding service. For example, when the target first network node is required to provide the corresponding service, the identification information of the target first network node may be carried in the first service request.

[0250] Optionally, the first SM container may further include one or more items of quality of service information, capability information of the first terminal device, and the like.

[0251] Exemplarily, the first service request may be carried via an HTTP request.

[0252] 903. The first access network device determines one or more target NodeC-NFs corresponding to the first service type.

[0253] After the first access network device receives the first service request from the first terminal device, it can determine that the first terminal device needs to obtain the service of the first service type based on the identification information of the first service type, and can determine one or more target NodeC-NFs corresponding to the first service type.

[0254] Optionally, when the first service request includes quality of service information, the first access network device may further determine the quality of service (QoS requirement) that needs to be guaranteed on each target NodeC-NF based on the quality of service information.

[0255] In some possible implementations, when a first service type corresponds to multiple target NodeC-NFs, the service of the first service type (e.g., a 3D map construction service) may be completed by a combination (collaboration) of multiple NFs. The first access network device may also determine a corresponding service path, that is, the processing order of the multiple NodeC-NFs. For example, assuming there are three target NodeC-NFs, namely NF_1, NF_2, and NF_3, the service path may be NF_1 ----> NF_3 ----> NF_2.

[0256] 904. The first access network device sends a second service request to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node.

[0257] After the first access network device determines one or more target NodeC-NFs corresponding to the first service type, it can send a second service request to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node. Correspondingly, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node can receive the second service request from the first access network device. The second service request can include identification information of the target NodeC-NFs, i.e., identification information of the one or more target NodeC-NFs determined by the first access network device.

[0258] Optionally, when the first service request includes service quality information, the first access network device can determine the service quality (QoS requirement) that needs to be guaranteed on each target NodeC-NF based on the service quality information, and can carry the service quality that needs to be guaranteed for each target NodeC-NF in the second service request.

[0259] It can be understood that when the first service request includes the identification information of the target first network node, the first access network device can determine that the target first network node needs to provide corresponding services based on the identification information of the first network node, and can send a second service request to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node.

[0260] 905. The NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node sends a service request to the target NodeC-NF.

[0261] After the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node receives the second service request from the first access network device, it may send service requests to each target NodeC-NF of the target first network node based on the second service request.

[0262] Optionally, the service request sent by the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node to each target NodeC-NF of the target first network node may respectively carry the service quality that the corresponding target NodeC-NF needs to ensure.

[0263] 906. The target NodeC-NF of the target first network node sends a service response to the NodeC-Proxy.

[0264] Step 906 is similar to step 806 , and reference may be made to the relevant description in the above step 806 , which will not be repeated here.

[0265] 907. The NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node sends a second service response to the first access network device.

[0266] After receiving the service responses from each target NodeC-NF, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node may send a second service response to the first access network device. Accordingly, the first access network device may receive the second service response from the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node. The second service response may include identification information of each target NodeC-NF and first address information of each target NodeC-NF.

[0267] Optionally, the second service response may also include the quality of service that can be guaranteed by one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type or the air interface quality of service that needs to be met on the first access network device side.

[0268] It is understandable that the HTTP(s) protocol may be a request / response mode, that is, the client sends a request to the server, and the server returns a response to the client.

[0269] 908. The first access network device sends a first service response to the first terminal device.

[0270] After the first access network device receives the second service response from the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node, it can send a first service response to the first terminal device based on the second service response. Accordingly, the first terminal device can receive the first service response from the first access network device. The first service response can include a service ID and first address information corresponding to a service of the first service type. The first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type can include first address information of one or more target NodeC-NFs corresponding to the first service type. Exemplarily, the service ID in the first service response can be the same as the service ID in the first service request, and the first access network device can determine that the first service response is the service response corresponding to the first service request based on the service ID in the first service response.

[0271] It should be understood that the first access network device can also configure (establish) a wireless bearer for the first terminal device. Exemplarily, the first access network device can configure a wireless bearer for the first terminal device based on the quality of service that can be guaranteed by one or more target NFs corresponding to the first service type or the air interface service quality that needs to be met on the first access network device side. In one possible implementation, the first access network device can configure an air interface service bearer for the first terminal device through RRC reconfiguration. Exemplarily, the first access network device can configure a DRB for the first terminal device.

[0272] 909. The first access network device performs SRv6 message encapsulation.

[0273] After the first terminal device receives the first service response from the first access network device, it can transmit service data corresponding to the first service type to the target first network node through the first access network device based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0274] It is understandable that the first terminal device can send service data corresponding to the first service type to the first access network device through the established wireless bearer. In the case where the network layer is based on SRv6, after the first access network device receives the service data corresponding to the first service type from the first terminal device, it can perform SRv6 message encapsulation. For example, the first access network device can add information such as the service path (such as the service path determined in the above step 903), the QoS requirements on each target NodeC-NF, and the data operations that need to be performed on each target NodeC-NF in the SRH field of the SRv6 message. Afterwards, the first access network device can send the encapsulated SRv6 message to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node. Correspondingly, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node can receive the SRv6 message from the first access network device, and then the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node can send the corresponding SRv6 message to the target NodeC-NF based on the SRv6 message to realize the service data transmission to the target NodeC-NF.

[0275] It can be understood that step 909 is optional and can be performed only when the network layer is based on SRv6.

[0276] The following describes the communication method shown in Figure 7 by taking the control plane using the protocol stack shown in Figure 5, the data plane using the protocol stack shown in Figure 6, and the first access network device not including the HTTP(s) layer as an example. In this case, in some possible implementations, the control information / signaling between the first terminal device and the first access network device can be transmitted through the RRC layer, the control information / signaling between the first access network device and the target first network node can be transmitted through the NxAP layer, and the control information / signaling between the first access network device and the target first network node can be transmitted through the HTTP(s) layer. Please refer to Figure 10 for details, which is an example of the communication method shown in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 10, the processing flow may include but is not limited to the following steps:

[0277] 1001. The first access network device sends service configuration information to the first terminal device.

[0278] Step 1001 is similar to step 801 , and reference may be made to the relevant description in the above step 801 , which will not be repeated here.

[0279] It is understandable that step 1001 is optional.

[0280] 1002. The first terminal device sends a first service request to the first access network device.

[0281] Step 1002 is similar to step 902 , and reference may be made to the relevant description in the above step 902 , which will not be repeated here.

[0282] 1003. The first access network device sends a second service request to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node.

[0283] After receiving the first service request from the first terminal device, the first access network device may send a second service request based on the first service request to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node. Correspondingly, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node may receive the second service request from the first access network device. The second service request may include a service ID and identification information of the first service type. Optionally, the second service request may also include quality of service information.

[0284] It can be understood that when the first service request includes the identification information of the target first network node, the first access network device can determine that the target first network node needs to provide corresponding services based on the identification information of the first network node, and can send a second service request to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node.

[0285] 1004. The NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node determines one or more target NodeC-NFs corresponding to the first service type.

[0286] After the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node receives the second service request from the first access network device, it can determine that the first terminal device needs to obtain the service of the first service type based on the identification information of the first service type, and can determine one or more target NodeC-NFs corresponding to the first service type.

[0287] Optionally, when the second service request includes service quality information, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node may also determine the service quality (QoS requirement) that needs to be guaranteed on each target NodeC-NF based on the service quality information.

[0288] In some possible implementations, when the first service type corresponds to multiple target NodeC-NFs, the service representing the first service type (such as a three-dimensional map construction service) may be completed by a combination (collaboration) of multiple NFs, and the first access network device may also determine the corresponding service path, that is, the processing order of the multiple NodeC-NFs.

[0289] 1005. The NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node sends a service request to the target NodeC-NF.

[0290] After the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node determines one or more target NodeC-NFs corresponding to the first service type, it may send a service request to each target NodeC-NF of the target first network node respectively.

[0291] Optionally, the service request sent by the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node to each target NodeC-NF of the target first network node may respectively carry the service quality that the corresponding target NodeC-NF needs to ensure.

[0292] 1006. The target NodeC-NF of the target first network node sends a service response to the NodeC-Proxy.

[0293] Step 1006 is similar to step 806 , and reference may be made to the relevant description in the above step 806 , which will not be repeated here.

[0294] 1007. The NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node sends a second service response to the first access network device.

[0295] Step 1007 is similar to step 907. Please refer to the relevant description in the above step 907 and will not be repeated here.

[0296] 1008. The first access network device sends a first service response to the first terminal device.

[0297] Step 1008 is similar to step 908. Please refer to the relevant description in the above step 908 and will not be repeated here.

[0298] 1009. The target first network node performs SRv6 message encapsulation.

[0299] After the first terminal device receives the first service response from the first access network device, it can transmit service data corresponding to the first service type to the target first network node through the first access network device based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0300] It is understandable that the first terminal device can send service data corresponding to the first service type to the first access network device through the established wireless bearer. The first access network device can send service data corresponding to the first service type to the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node. In the case where the network layer is based on SRv6, after the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node receives the service data corresponding to the first service type from the first access network device, it can perform SRv6 message encapsulation and modify the SRH field of the SRv6 message. For example, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node can add information such as the service path (such as the service path determined in the above step 1003), the QoS requirements on each target NodeC-NF, and the data operations that need to be performed on each target NodeC-NF to the SRH field of the SRv6 message. Afterwards, the NodeC-Proxy of the target first network node can send the corresponding SRv6 message to the target NodeC-NF to realize the service data transmission to the target NodeC-NF.

[0301] It can be understood that step 1009 is optional and can be performed only when the network layer is based on SRv6.

[0302] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate the service data transmission process triggered by a terminal device based on a universal service-oriented interface, enabling service data transmission between local services on the RAN side and terminal devices. Furthermore, each node (such as the first access network device) and each target NF can perform corresponding processing (such as resource allocation and flow control) based on the corresponding QoS, thereby ensuring end-to-end service quality. Furthermore, the SRH field of the SRv6 message can be used to plan the message forwarding path, enabling flexible traffic optimization.

[0303] It should be noted that the relevant information (ie, the same information or similar information) and related descriptions in the above different embodiments can refer to each other.

[0304] The above mainly introduces the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application. It can be understood that in order to realize the corresponding functions mentioned above, the above-mentioned first terminal device, the first access network device and the target first network node may include hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. In combination with the units and steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0305] The embodiment of the present application can divide the functional modules of the first terminal device, the first access network device and the target first network node according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one module. The above-mentioned integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation.

[0306] In the case of dividing the functional modules according to their functions, FIG11 shows a possible structural diagram of a communication device 1100. The communication device 1100 includes a sending unit 1101 and a receiving unit 1102.

[0307] In one possible design, the communication device 1100 may be the first terminal device described above, or may be a chip in the first terminal device, or may be a processing system in the first terminal device, etc.

[0308] A sending unit 1101 is configured to send a first service request to a first access network device, where the first service request includes identification information of a first service type, and the first service request is used to request a service of the first service type in a target first network node;

[0309] The receiving unit 1102 is configured to receive a first service response from the first access network device, where the first service response includes first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type;

[0310] The sending unit 1101 is further configured to transmit service data corresponding to the first service type to the target first network node through the first access network device based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0311] In a possible implementation, the first service request further includes one or more of the following: identification information of the target first network node, service quality information, capability information of the first terminal device, and service identification information.

[0312] In a possible implementation, the first service response further includes service identification information and / or radio bearer configuration.

[0313] In one possible implementation, before the sending unit 1101 sends the first service request to the first access network device, the receiving unit 1102 is also used to receive service configuration information from the first access network device, where the service configuration information includes identification information of one or more first network nodes, and the one or more first network nodes include the target first network node.

[0314] In a possible implementation, the identification information of the one or more first network nodes includes identifications of the one or more first network nodes and / or first address information of the one or more first network nodes.

[0315] In a possible implementation, the service configuration information further includes information about one or more service types supported by each of the one or more first network nodes, and the information about the one or more service types includes identification information of the one or more service types.

[0316] In a possible implementation, the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the first service response also includes identification information of the one or more target services.

[0317] The specific operations of each unit in the above-mentioned communication device 1100 can be referred to the corresponding description of the first terminal device or the module in the first terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0318] FIG12 shows a possible structural diagram of a communication device 1200. The communication device 1200 includes a receiving unit 1201 and a sending unit 1202. The communication device 1200 may further include a processing unit 1203.

[0319] In one possible design, the communication device 1200 may be the first access network device described above, or may be a chip in the first access network device, or may be a processing system in the first access network device, etc.

[0320] A receiving unit 1201 is configured to receive a first service request from a first terminal device, where the first service request includes identification information of a first service type, and is used to request a service of the first service type in a target first network node;

[0321] The sending unit 1202 is configured to send a first service response to the first terminal device, where the first service response includes first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0322] In one possible implementation, before the sending unit 1202 sends the first service response to the first terminal device, the sending unit 1202 is also used to send a second service request to the target first network node based on the first service request, and the second service request is used to request the service of the first service type in the target first network node; the receiving unit 1201 is also used to receive a second service response from the target first network node, and the second service response includes the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0323] In a possible implementation, the first service request further includes identification information of the target first network node, and the sending unit 1202 is specifically configured to send the second service request to the target first network node based on the identification information of the target first network node.

[0324] In a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of the first service type.

[0325] In one possible implementation, the first service request also includes one or more of the service quality information, the capability information of the first terminal device, and the service identification information, and the second service request also includes one or more of the service quality information, the capability information of the first terminal device, and the service identification information.

[0326] In a possible implementation, the second service request further includes a first identifier of the first terminal device, and the first identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the first access network device.

[0327] In one possible implementation, the second service response also includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the target first network node side, and the service data flow information that needs to be established; the second identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the target first network node.

[0328] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 1202 is also used to send a third service response to the target first network node, and the third service response includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the first access network device side, and the service data flow information that was not successfully established.

[0329] In a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type.

[0330] In one possible implementation, the first service request also includes service quality information, and the device also includes: a processing unit 1203, used to determine the service quality corresponding to the one or more target services based on the service quality information, and the second service request also includes the service quality corresponding to the one or more target services.

[0331] In a possible implementation, the second service response further includes service quality that can be guaranteed by one or more target services corresponding to the first service type or air interface service quality that needs to be met on the first access network device side.

[0332] In a possible implementation, the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the second service response also includes identification information of the one or more target services.

[0333] In a possible implementation, the first service response further includes service identification information and / or radio bearer configuration.

[0334] In one possible implementation, before the receiving unit 1201 receives the first service request from the first terminal device, the sending unit 1202 is also used to send service configuration information to the first terminal device, where the service configuration information includes identification information of one or more first network nodes, and the one or more first network nodes include the target first network node.

[0335] In a possible implementation, the identification information of the one or more first network nodes includes identifications of the one or more first network nodes and / or first address information of the one or more first network nodes.

[0336] In a possible implementation, the service configuration information further includes information about one or more service types supported by each of the one or more first network nodes, and the information about the one or more service types includes identification information of the one or more service types.

[0337] The specific operations of each unit in the above-mentioned communication device 1200 can be referred to the corresponding description of the first access network device or the module in the first access network device in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0338] FIG13 shows a possible structural diagram of a communication device 1300. The communication device 1300 includes a receiving unit 1301 and a sending unit 1302.

[0339] In one possible design, the communication device 1300 may be the target first network node, or may be a chip in the target first network node, or may be a processing system in the target first network node, etc.

[0340] The receiving unit 1301 is configured to receive a second service request from a first access network device, where the second service request is used to request a service of the first service type in the target first network node;

[0341] The sending unit 1302 is configured to send a second service response to the first access network device, where the second service response includes first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

[0342] In a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of the first service type.

[0343] In a possible implementation, the second service request further includes one or more of service quality information, capability information of the first terminal device, and service identification information.

[0344] In a possible implementation, the second service request further includes a first identifier of the first terminal device, and the first identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the first access network device.

[0345] In one possible implementation, the second service response also includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the target first network node side, and the service data flow information that needs to be established; the second identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the target first network node.

[0346] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 1301 is also used to receive a third service response from the first access network device, and the third service response includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, the tunnel information on the first access network device side, and the service data flow information that was not successfully established.

[0347] In a possible implementation, the second service request includes identification information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type.

[0348] In a possible implementation, the second service request further includes service qualities corresponding to the one or more target services.

[0349] In a possible implementation, the second service response further includes service quality that can be guaranteed by one or more target services corresponding to the first service type or air interface service quality that needs to be met on the first access network device side.

[0350] In a possible implementation, the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the second service response also includes identification information of the one or more target services.

[0351] The specific operations of each unit in the above communication device 1300 can refer to the corresponding description of the target first network node or the module in the target first network node in the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0352] In one possible implementation, in the communication devices shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13, the processing unit may be one or more processors / logic circuits, the sending unit may be a transmitter, and the receiving unit may be a receiver. The sending unit and the receiving unit may be integrated into a single device, such as a transceiver. In the embodiments of the present application, the processor and the transceiver may be coupled, etc., and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the connection method between the processor and the transceiver. During the execution of the above method, the process of sending information (such as sending a first service request, a first service response, etc.) in the above method can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the above information. When outputting the above information, the processor can output the above information to the transceiver so that the transceiver can transmit it. After being output by the processor, the above information may also need to undergo other processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, the process of receiving information (such as receiving a first service request, a first service response, etc.) in the above method can be understood as the process of the processor receiving the input information. When the processor receives the input information, the transceiver receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to be processed further before being input into the processor.

[0353] In another possible implementation, in the communication devices shown in Figures 11, 12, and 13, the processing unit may be one or more processors / logic circuits. The sending unit may be an output interface, and the receiving unit may be an input interface. The sending unit and the receiving unit are integrated into a single unit, such as an input / output interface, also known as a communication interface, an interface circuit, or an interface.

[0354] Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of a possible hardware structure of a communication device 1400 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Communication device 1400 may include a communication interface 1404 and at least one processor 1402. Optionally, it may also include a bus 1403. Further optionally, it may also include at least one memory 1401, wherein memory 1401, processor 1402, and communication interface 1404 may be connected via bus 1403.

[0355] Memory 1401 is used to provide storage space for storing data such as an operating system and computer programs. Memory 1401 may be one or a combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM).

[0356] The processor 1402 is a module that performs arithmetic operations and / or logical operations, and can specifically be one or more combinations of processing modules such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and a complex programmable logic device (CPLD).

[0357] The communication interface 1404 is used to receive data sent externally and / or send data externally. It can be a wired link interface such as an Ethernet cable, or a wireless link interface (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, general wireless transmission, etc.). Optionally, the communication interface 1404 can also include a transmitter (such as a radio frequency transmitter, antenna, etc.) or a receiver coupled to the interface.

[0358] In one design, the communication device 1400 can be used to perform the functions of the first terminal device in the aforementioned embodiment. For details, please refer to the corresponding description of the first terminal device in the above method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0359] In another design, the communication device 1400 can be used to perform the functions of the first access network device in the aforementioned embodiment. For details, please refer to the corresponding description of the first access network device in the above method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0360] In another design, the communication device 1400 can be used to perform the functions of the target first network node in the aforementioned embodiment. For details, please refer to the corresponding description of the target first network node in the above method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0361] In one possible design, the processor 1402 in the device 1400 is used to read the computer program stored in the memory 1401, and is used to execute the operations performed by the first terminal device, the first access network device, or the target first network node in the aforementioned communication method, such as the communication method described in any one of the embodiments in Figures 7, 8, 9 or 10.

[0362] It should be noted that the communication device 1400 shown in FIG14 is only one implementation of the embodiment of the present application. In actual applications, the communication device 1400 may also include more or fewer components, which is not limited here.

[0363] An embodiment of the present application also discloses a communication system, which includes a first terminal device and a first access network device. The first terminal device is used to execute the operations performed by the first terminal device in any of the above method embodiments, and the first access network device is used to execute the operations performed by the first access network device in any of the above method embodiments.

[0364] An embodiment of the present application also discloses a communication system, which includes a first terminal device, a first access network device and a target first network node. The first terminal device is used to execute the operation performed by the first terminal device in any of the above method embodiments, the first access network device is used to execute the operation performed by the first access network device in any of the above method embodiments, and the target first network node is used to execute the operation performed by the target first network node in any of the above method embodiments.

[0365] An embodiment of the present application also discloses a chip, which includes a processor, wherein the processor is used to execute a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory, so that the chip performs the operation performed by the first terminal device in the above method embodiment, or the chip performs the operation performed by the first access network device in the above method embodiment, or the chip performs the operation performed by the target first network node in the above method embodiment.

[0366] As a possible implementation, the memory is located outside the chip.

[0367] An embodiment of the present application further discloses a computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed, performs the operations performed by the first terminal device in the above method embodiment, or the operations performed by the first access network device in the above method embodiment, or the operations performed by the target first network node in the above method embodiment.

[0368] An embodiment of the present application also discloses a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed, perform the operations performed by the first terminal device in the above method embodiment, or the operations performed by the first access network device in the above method embodiment, or the operations performed by the target first network node in the above method embodiment.

[0369] It should be understood that the transmission in the embodiments of the present application can be direct transmission or indirect transmission. Direct transmission means that a device or module sends information / data directly to a corresponding device or module, and indirect transmission means that a device or module sends information / data to a corresponding device or module through another device or module.

[0370] Obviously, the embodiments described above are only some of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Reference to "embodiments" herein means that the specific features, structures, or characteristics 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 refer to independent or alternative embodiments that are mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. In the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," and so on are used to distinguish between different objects, not to describe a specific order. Furthermore, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a list of steps or elements may be included, or alternatively, steps or elements not listed may be included, or alternatively, other steps or elements inherent to the process, method, product, or device may be included. It is understandable that, in some embodiments, the equal sign of the above-mentioned conditional judgment can be taken as greater than one end or less than one end. For example, the above-mentioned conditional judgment of a threshold being greater than, less than, or equal to can also be changed to a conditional judgment of the threshold being greater than, equal to, or less than. This is not limited here. It is also understandable that, for an architecture with multiple devices or modules, if one of the devices or modules generates information and another device or module uses the information, there can be multiple ways for the other device to obtain the information. For example, the device or module that generates the information can send the information directly to the device or module that uses the information (equivalent to direct sending), or the device or module that generates the information can send the information to the device or module that uses the information through other devices or modules (equivalent to indirect sending).

[0371] It will be appreciated that only the parts relevant to the present application, not all of the contents, are shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that some exemplary embodiments are described as processes or methods depicted as flow charts. Although the flow charts describe the various operations (or steps) as sequential processes, many of the operations therein can be implemented in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the various operations can be rearranged as long as it is logical. The process can be terminated when its operation is completed, but can also have additional steps not included in the accompanying drawings. The process can correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subprogram, etc.

[0372] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," "unit," and the like are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a unit can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these units can be executed from various computer-readable media having various data structures stored thereon. For example, a unit can communicate through local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from a second unit interacting with another unit in a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network. For example, the Internet interacts with other systems via signals).

[0373] The specific implementation methods described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solutions and beneficial effects of this application. It should be understood that the above description is only the specific implementation methods of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, applied to a first terminal device, characterized in that, Including: Sending a first service request to a first access network device, the first service request including identification information of a first service type, the first service request being used to request the service of the first service type in a target first network node; Receiving a first service response from the first access network device, the first service response including first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type; Based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type, transmitting service data corresponding to the first service type with the target first network node through the first access network device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first service request further includes one or more of the following: identification information of the target first network node, quality of service information, capability information of the first terminal device, service identification information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first service response further includes service identification information and / or radio bearer configuration.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Before sending the first service request to the first access network device, the method further includes: Receiving service configuration information from the first access network device, the service configuration information including identification information of one or more first network nodes, the one or more first network nodes including the target first network node.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The identification information of the one or more first network nodes includes the identification of the one or more first network nodes and / or the first address information of the one or more first network nodes.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The service configuration information further includes information on one or more service types supported by each of the one or more first network nodes, the information on the one or more service types including identification information of the one or more service types.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the first service response further includes identification information of the one or more target services.

8. A communication method, applied to a first access network device, characterized in that Including: Receiving a first service request from a first terminal device, the first service request including identification information of a first service type, the first service request being used to request the service of the first service type in a target first network node; Sending a first service response to the first terminal device, the first service response including first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that Before sending the first service response to the first terminal device, the method further includes: Sending a second service request to the target first network node based on the first service request, the second service request being used to request the service of the first service type in the target first network node; Receiving a second service response from the target first network node, the second service response including first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The first service request further includes identification information of the target first network node, and sending the second service request to the target first network node based on the first service request includes: Sending a second service request to the target first network node based on the identification information of the target first network node.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The second service request includes identification information of the first service type.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The first service request further includes one or more of quality of service information, capability information of the first terminal device, and service identification information, and the second service request further includes one or more of the quality of service information, the capability information of the first terminal device, and the service identification information.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The second service request further includes a first identifier of the first terminal device, and the first identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the first access network device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 - 13, characterized in that The second service response further includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, a second identifier of the first terminal device, a service session identifier, tunnel information on the target first network node side, and service data flow information to be established; the second identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the target first network node.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending a third service response to the target first network node, where the third service response includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, tunnel information on the first access network device side, and service data flow information that fails to be successfully established.

16. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The second service request includes identification information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The first service request further includes quality of service information, and the method further includes: Determining the quality of service corresponding to the one or more target services based on the quality of service information, and the second service request further includes the quality of service corresponding to the one or more target services.

18. The method according to any one of claims 9 - 17, characterized in that, The second service response further includes the quality of service that can be guaranteed by one or more target services corresponding to the first service type or the quality of service of the radio interface that needs to be satisfied on the first access network device side.

19. The method according to any one of claims 9-18, characterized in that, The first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the second service response further includes the identification information of the one or more target services.

20. The method according to any one of claims 8-19, characterized in that, The first service response further includes service identification information and / or radio bearer configuration.

21. The method according to any one of claims 8-20, characterized in that, Before receiving the first service request from the first terminal device, the method further includes: Sending service configuration information to the first terminal device, where the service configuration information includes identification information of one or more first network nodes, and the one or more first network nodes include the target first network node.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The identification information of the one or more first network nodes includes the identification of the one or more first network nodes and / or the first address information of the one or more first network nodes.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The service configuration information further includes information on one or more service types supported by each of the one or more first network nodes, and the information on the one or more service types includes identification information of the one or more service types.

24. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Receiving a second service request from a first access network device, where the second service request is used to request the service of the first service type in a target first network node; Send a second service response to the first access network device, where the second service response includes first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

25. The method according to claim 24, characterized in that, The second service request includes identification information of the first service type.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The second service request further includes one or more of quality of service information, capability information of the first terminal device, and service identification information.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The second service request further includes a first identifier of the first terminal device, and the first identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the first access network device.

28. The method according to any one of claims 25 - 27, characterized in that, The second service response further includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, a second identifier of the first terminal device, a service session identifier, tunnel information on the target first network node side, and service data flow information to be established; the second identifier of the first terminal device is used to identify the first terminal device in the target first network node.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein The method further includes: Receive a third service response from the first access network device, where the third service response includes one or more of the first identifier of the first terminal device, the second identifier of the first terminal device, the service session identifier, tunnel information on the first access network device side, and service data flow information that fails to be successfully established.

30. The method according to claim 24, wherein The second service request includes identification information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, The second service request further includes the quality of service corresponding to the one or more target services.

32. The method according to any one of claims 24-31, characterized in that, The second service response further includes the quality of service that can be guaranteed by one or more target services corresponding to the first service type or the radio interface quality of service that needs to be satisfied on the first access network device side.

33. The method according to any one of claims 24 - 32, characterized in that, The first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type includes the first address information of one or more target services corresponding to the first service type, and the second service response further includes the identification information of the one or more target services.

34. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes: A sending unit, configured to send a first service request to a first access network device, where the first service request includes identification information of a first service type, and the first service request is used to request the service of the first service type in a target first network node; A receiving unit, configured to receive a first service response from the first access network device, where the first service response includes first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type; The sending unit is further configured to transmit service data corresponding to the first service type through the first access network device and the target first network node based on the first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

35. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes: A receiving unit, configured to receive a first service request from a first terminal device, where the first service request includes identification information of a first service type, and the first service request is used to request the service of the first service type in a target first network node; A sending unit, configured to send a first service response to the first terminal device, where the first service response includes first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

36. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes: A receiving unit, configured to receive a second service request from a first access network device, where the second service request is used to request a service of the first service type in a target first network node; A sending unit, configured to send a second service response to the first access network device, where the second service response includes first address information corresponding to the service of the first service type.

37. A communication device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface is used to receive and / or send data; the processor invokes a computer program or computer instructions stored in a memory to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-7, or to implement the method according to any one of claims 8-23, or to implement the method according to any one of claims 24-33.

38. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program or computer instructions, and the computer program or computer instructions are executed by a processor to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-7, or to implement the method according to any one of claims 8-23, or to implement the method according to any one of claims 24-33.

39. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes computer program code or computer instructions, and when the computer program code or computer instructions are run, the method according to any one of claims 1-7 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 8-23 is implemented, or the method according to any one of claims 24-33 is implemented.

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