Communication method and related device

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and relates in particular to a communication method and a related device. The method comprises: receiving a first domain name from a first server discovery function network element. The first domain name is contained in a query message. When the first domain name satisfies a first condition, sending the first domain name to a first network element. The first condition comprises: first server deployment information corresponding to a first session management function network element does not include the first domain name, or the service range of the first network element includes the first domain name. Receiving first information from the first network element. The first information is used for processing the query message. Sending the first information to the first server discovery function network element. Using the method, the load pressure of the first session management function network element can be reduced.

Description

A communication method and related device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on January 11, 2024, with application number 202410045870.4 and application name “A communication method and related device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and related devices. Background Art

[0003] In edge computing (EC) deployment scenarios, some services may be provided by multiple edge application servers (EAS) deployed at the edge of the network. These EASs can provide the same services and content, but have different addresses. When a terminal device needs to access a service, it needs to obtain the address of the EAS closest to it among these multiple EASs. The acquisition of the EAS address is usually achieved by the session management function (SMF) network element in the core network executing the EAS discovery process.

[0004] The existing technology proposes to assist the SMF network element in executing the EAS discovery process through the edge application server discovery function (EASDF) network element. In actual implementation, the main function of the EASDF network element is to process the domain name system (DNS) query message provided by the terminal device and the DNS response message provided by the DNS server for the DNS query message according to the instructions of the SMF network element. However, the existing solution requires the SMF network element to be responsible for all EAS discovery processes corresponding to all sessions within its service scope, that is, the SMF needs to be responsible for the DNS query messages and DNS responses in all sessions within the processor's service scope, and the service scope of the SMF network element is usually relatively large, which will cause a large load pressure on the SMF network element, thereby affecting its performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides a communication method and related devices, which can reduce the load pressure of the session management function network element.

[0006] The present application is introduced below from multiple aspects. It is easy to understand that the implementation methods of the following multiple aspects can refer to each other.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The communication method is applicable to a first session management function network element. The method includes: receiving a first domain name from a first server discovery function network element. The first domain name is included in a query message from a terminal device, and the query message is used to query the address of a server that provides a service corresponding to the first domain name to the terminal device. If the first domain name meets a first condition, the first domain name is sent to the first network element. The first condition may include: the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element does not include the first domain name, or the first domain name is within the service scope of the first network element. First information is received from the first network element. The first information is determined based on the first domain name, and the first information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server, which is used to provide the service to the terminal device. The first information is sent to the first server discovery function network element.

[0008] In the above implementation, the first session management function network element will send the first domain name that meets the first condition to the first network element, and forward the first information obtained by the first network element based on the first domain name to the first server discovery function network element. The first information can be used by the first server discovery function network element to process the query message providing the above first domain name. Compared with the solution in the prior art in which the SMF network element is responsible for DNS query messages and DNS response messages in all sessions within its service scope, the solution provided by this application requires less information processing and transmission and reception operations during the processing of the query message by the first session management function network element, and the load pressure on the first session management function network element is smaller. Therefore, the solution provided by this application can solve the problem of high load pressure on the SMF network element caused by the existing solution, thereby improving the performance of the SMF network element.

[0009] The server may be an edge application server that is closest to the terminal device among multiple edge application servers that can provide the service corresponding to the first domain name.

[0010] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation method, the first information may be a first address, and the first address may be determined by the first network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name and the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. Alternatively, the first address may be determined by the first network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name, the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message. This first address can be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the DNS extension mechanism (EDNS) client subnet option (ECS option).

[0011] It should be understood that in the present application, the first network element and the first session management function network element serve the same session. The role of the first network element may be to reduce the load for the session management function network element, or it may be a network element that provides more efficient or localized edge information and EAS process management. In actual implementation, the first network element may also be referred to as an intermediate session management function network element (i.e., I-SMF) or a local session management function network element (i.e., L-SMF). It should be understood that the above is only an example, and the first network element may also adopt other naming methods, and the present application does not impose specific restrictions on this.

[0012] It should be understood that in this application, server deployment information may also be referred to as EAS deployment information (EDI), which mainly indicates how edge services are deployed in each local part of the data network.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation manner, the above-mentioned first condition may also include that the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element includes the first domain name.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect, in an optional implementation, when the first server deployment information includes the first domain name, second information may be sent to the first server discovery function network element. The second information may be determined based on the first domain name in the query message, and the second information may be used to process the query message to obtain the address of the first server.

[0015] In the above implementation, if the received first domain name is included in the corresponding first server deployment information, the first session management function network element will generate second information for the first server discovery function network element to process the query message based on the first domain name, and send it to the first server discovery function network element. This can also avoid the situation where the first domain name provided by the first server discovery function network element is not processed correctly.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in an optional implementation, the second information may be a second address. The second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the first domain name and the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. Alternatively, the second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the first domain name, the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element, and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message. This second address may be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the ECS option.

[0017] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation, a server address is received from a first server discovery function network element. The server address is included in a response message corresponding to the query message. When the server address meets the second condition, the server address is sent to the first network element. The second condition includes: the first server deployment information does not include the server address, or the second server deployment information includes the server address, or the response message also includes the first domain name, and the first server deployment information does not include the first domain name, or the response message also includes the first domain name, and the second server deployment information includes the first domain name. Receive third information from the first network element, and send the third information to the first server discovery function network element. The third information is used to indicate that the response message will be sent to the terminal device.

[0018] In the above implementation, the first session management function network element sends the server address that meets the second condition to the first network element, and forwards the third information generated by the first network element to the first server discovery function network element. This third information instructs the first server discovery function network element to send a response message corresponding to the query message to the terminal device that provided the query message, thereby enabling the terminal device to obtain the server address. This solution reduces the information processing and transmission and reception operations required by the first session management function network element during response message processing, further reducing the load on the first session management function network element. Therefore, this solution further reduces the load on SMF network elements caused by existing solutions.

[0019] It should be noted that in the above method, the first session management function network element directly forwards the third information generated by the first network element to the first server discovery function network element, and in some other possible implementation methods, the first session management function network element may also generate, after receiving the above third information, ninth information that can be used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to send a response message corresponding to the above query message to the terminal device, and send the ninth information to the first server discovery function network element.

[0020] In addition, in the above method, the first session management function network element may send the server address to the first network element if the server address meets the second condition. In some possible implementations, the first session management function network element may also send the server address to the first network element if it determines that the server address is not within the service range of the first session management function network element.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect, in an optional implementation, when the first server deployment information includes a server address, a user plane function network element's traffic diversion rules are indicated, and fourth information is sent to the first server discovery function network element. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal device that provided the query message to send a response message. The traffic diversion rules may include one or more of the following: traffic routing rules, traffic detection rules, packet detection rules, and forwarding action rules.

[0022] In the above implementation, if the received server address is included in the corresponding first server deployment information, the first session management function network element will generate fourth information and instruct the first server discovery function network element to send a response message to the terminal device that provides the query message through the fourth information. This can also avoid the situation where the server address provided by the first server discovery function network element is not processed correctly.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method, characterized in that the communication method is applicable to a first session management function network element. The method includes: receiving a server address from a first server discovery function network element. The server address is included in a response message corresponding to a query message from a terminal device, the query message being used to query the address of a server providing a service corresponding to the first domain name for the terminal device. If the server address meets a second condition, the server address is sent to the first network element. The second condition includes: the first server deployment information does not include the server address, or the second server deployment information includes the server address, or the response message also includes the first domain name and the first server deployment information does not include the first domain name, or the response message also includes the first domain name and the second server deployment information includes the first domain name. Receiving third information from the first network element and sending the third information to the first server discovery function network element. The third information is used to instruct the response message to be sent to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0024] It should be noted that in the above method, the first session management function network element directly forwards the third information generated by the first network element to the first server discovery function network element, and in some other possible implementation methods, the first session management function network element may also generate, after receiving the above third information, ninth information that can be used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to send a response message corresponding to the above query message to the terminal device, and send the ninth information to the first server discovery function network element.

[0025] In addition, in the above method, the first session management function network element may send the server address to the first network element if the server address meets the second condition. In some possible implementations, the first session management function network element may also send the server address to the first network element if it determines that the server address is not within the service range of the first session management function network element.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, in an optional implementation, when the first server deployment information includes a server address, a diversion rule of the user plane function network element is indicated, and fourth information is sent to the first server discovery function network element. The fourth information is used to instruct the terminal device that provided the query message to send a response message.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, before receiving the server address from the first server discovery function network element, a first domain name may also be received from the first server discovery function network element. The first domain name is included in the query message. If the first domain name meets a first condition, the first domain name is sent to the first network element. The first condition may include: the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element does not include the first domain name. First information is received from the first network element. The first information is determined based on the first domain name and is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server, which is used to provide the service for the terminal device. The first information is sent to the first server discovery function network element.

[0028] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first information may be a first address. The first address may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name and the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. Alternatively, the first address may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name, the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message. This first address may be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the ECS option.

[0029] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first session management function network element may send the first domain name to the first network element if the first domain name meets the first condition. Alternatively, the first session management function network element may send the first domain name to the first network element if it determines that the first domain name is not within the service range of the first session management function network element.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in an optional implementation, when the first server deployment information includes the first domain name, second information may be sent to the first server discovery function network element. The second information may be generated based on the first domain name in the query message, and the second information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of the first server, which is used to provide the service for the terminal device.

[0031] In conjunction with the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the second information may be a second address. This second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the first domain name and the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. Alternatively, the second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the first domain name, the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element, and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message. This second address may be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the ECS option.

[0032] In conjunction with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, before receiving the first domain name from the first server discovery function network element, fifth information may be obtained. The fifth information is associated with the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. A first processing rule is sent to the first server discovery function network element based on the fifth information. If the query message matches the first processing rule, the first processing rule further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element.

[0033] In the above implementation, the first session management function network element can send the first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element through the fifth information associated with the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, so that the first server discovery function network element can send the first domain name in the query message and the server address in the response message to the first session management function network element based on the first processing rule.

[0034] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in an optional implementation, the fifth information includes a first domain name range included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, or a first domain name range corresponding to the service scope of the first network element. The first processing rule includes the first domain name range. The query message matches the first processing rule, which can be understood as indicating that the first domain name range includes the first domain name. The first processing rule includes or instructs: for a query message or response message including a first domain name within the first domain name range, providing the first domain name included in the query message and the server address included in the response message to the first session management function network element.

[0035] In the above implementation, the first network element provides the first session management function network element with a first domain name range. The first session management function network element can then send a first processing rule containing the first domain name range to the first server discovery function network element. This solution not only reduces the amount of data required to be transmitted between the first network element and the first session management function network element, but also simplifies the configuration process of the first processing rule, thereby reducing implementation costs.

[0036] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation manner, a first processing rule may be generated according to the first domain name range in the fifth information, and the first processing rule may be sent to the first server discovery function network element.

[0037] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule further includes a second first domain name range, where the second first domain name range is included in second deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. The first processing rule may further include or instruct: for a query message or a response message including a first domain name included in the second first domain name range, sending the first domain name in the query message or the server address in the response message to the first session management function network element.

[0038] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth information further includes a first address range, the first address range is included in the second deployment information, and the first processing rule further includes the first address range. The first processing rule may further include or instruct: for a response message including a server address included in the first address range, providing the first session management function network element with the server address included in the response message.

[0039] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule further includes a second address range, where the second address range is included in the first deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. The first processing rule may further include or instruct: for a response message including a server address included in the second address range, providing the first session management function network element with the server address included in the response message.

[0040] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the fifth information may be a first processing rule determined based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. That is, the fifth information is the first processing rule itself.

[0041] In the above implementation, the first network element sends the first processing rule it generates to the first session management function network element, and sends the first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element through the first session management function network element. This can avoid interaction between the first network element and the first server discovery function network element, thereby reducing the implementation difficulty of the communication method provided in this application.

[0042] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation manner, the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule, and the second processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information.

[0043] In the above implementation, the priority of the first processing rule is set higher than the second processing priority determined based on the first server deployment information, ensuring that the first domain name or server address provided by the first server discovery function network element is processed preferentially by the first network element, so that the first session management function network element can perform fewer processing operations on the first domain name or server address.

[0044] In conjunction with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, a second processing rule may also be sent to the first server discovery function network element. It should be understood that in this case, the first session management function network element may send the first processing rule and the second processing rule through the same message or through different messages, and this application does not impose any specific restrictions on this.

[0045] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, priority indication information may also be sent to the first server discovery function network element, where the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0046] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in an optional implementation, the first processing rule includes an identifier of the first detection template and / or an identifier of the first processing action information, and the first matching rule includes the first detection template and the first processing action information. In other words, the first processing rule references the first matching rule. The first network element configures the first matching rule for the first server discovery function network element. The first processing action information also includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element. The query message matches the first processing rule, which can be understood as the first detection template including the first domain name.

[0047] In the above implementation, by referencing the first matching rule, the first processing rule only needs to include the first identifier of the first detection template and / or the second identifier of the first processing action information, so that the amount of data of the first processing rule can be reduced, thereby reducing the transmission overhead required by the method.

[0048] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the fifth information includes an identifier of at least one second server discovery function network element, an identifier of the second detection template contained in the second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element in at least one second server discovery function network element, and an identifier of the second processing action information, and the second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0049] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, at least one second server discovery function network element is determined based on the identifier of at least one second server discovery function network element in the fifth information. The target second server discovery function network element among the at least one second server discovery function network element is determined to be the first server discovery function network element. The identifier of the second detection template and the identifier of the second processing action information included in the second matching rule corresponding to the target second server discovery function network element are determined to be the identifier of the first detection template and the identifier of the first processing action information included in the first matching rule, and a first processing rule is generated. The first processing rule is sent to the first service discovery function network element.

[0050] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in an optional implementation, before receiving the fifth information, tenth information may be received from the first network element. The tenth information is used to request the identifier of the server discovery function network element currently selected by the first session management function network element. Subsequently, the identifier of a third server discovery function network element currently selected by the first session management function network element may be sent to the first network element. The third server discovery function network element is different from the first server discovery function network element.

[0051] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the fifth information includes an identifier of the first detection template and / or an identifier of the first processing action information, and the first matching rule is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0052] In conjunction with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, before receiving the fifth information, tenth information may be received from the first network element. The tenth information is used to request the identifier of the server discovery function network element currently selected by the first session management function network element. The identifier of the first server discovery function network element currently selected by the first session management function network element may then be sent to the first network element.

[0053] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation manner, fifth information is received from the first network element.

[0054] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation manner, the fifth information is obtained locally, or the fifth information is received from a centralized network element.

[0055] In conjunction with the first or second aspect, in an optional implementation, a first processing rule is sent to a first server discovery function network element upon triggering by a first network element. The first processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information, and the first domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard. If the query message matches the first processing rule, the first processing rule further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element.

[0056] In the above implementation, the first domain name range in the first processing rule is set to empty or a wildcard. This method is simple and easy to implement, and can reduce the implementation cost of the method provided in this application.

[0057] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, fifth information may be received from the first network element. The fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network element is configured or stored with first deployment information, the first network element supports a first capability for processing server-related information, and the first network element receives sixth information for instructing the first network element to process server-related information. The above-mentioned sending of the first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element under the triggering of the first network element can be understood as sending the first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element when it is determined that the fifth information has been received. In other words, the purpose of the fifth information is to instruct the first session management function network element to perform the corresponding action, so that the first network element can generate and provide the first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element. It should be understood that this application does not impose any restrictions on the specific content and specific name of the fifth information, as long as it can play the above-mentioned role.

[0058] It should be noted that the first capability is a capability of the first network element, which may be determined based on local configuration of the first network element, operator configuration, network management configuration, etc. For example, if the first network element is a certain type of network element, some of which have the first capability and some do not, when selecting the first network element, the network element with the first capability will be selected from the network elements of the type as the first network element. The sixth information may be received from an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element or the first session management function network element.

[0059] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the method further includes: determining that the first network element begins to switch to the second network element, or determines that the first network element begins to be inserted, or determines that the first network element begins to be removed, and sending seventh information to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the seventh information is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to suspend processing query messages and / or response messages in a session of the terminal device. The seventh information may include a DNS context identifier, a session identifier, or an address of the terminal device.

[0060] In the above implementation, the first session management function network element can instruct the first server discovery function network element to suspend processing query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device through the seventh information. Therefore, when it is determined that the first network element begins handover to the second network element, or when it is determined that the first network element begins insertion, or when it is determined that the first network element begins removal, this method can ensure that query messages and response messages can be discovered normally.

[0061] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation method, it is determined that the first network element completes switching, or determines that the first network element completes insertion, or determines that the first network element completes removal, and eight information is sent to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the eighth information is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to reprocess the query message and / or response message in the session.

[0062] In the above implementation, when it is determined that the first network element has completed switching, or that the first network element has completed insertion, or that the first network element has completed removal, the first session management function network element can instruct the first server discovery function network element through the eighth information to start processing the query message and / or response message in the session of the terminal device, so as to ensure that the query message and response message can be processed in a timely manner.

[0063] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it is determined that the first network element starts switching to the second network element. If it is determined that a session update request message is received from the second network element, it is determined that the first network element completes switching.

[0064] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, if it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from an access and mobility management function network element, it is determined that the first network element starts insertion. If it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it is determined that the first network element completes insertion.

[0065] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it is determined that the first network element starts to be removed. If it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, it is determined that the first network element completes the removal.

[0066] In combination with the first aspect or the second aspect, in an optional implementation, the seventh information may also be used to instruct the first server to discover the query message and / or response message in the session of the terminal device in the cache function network element.

[0067] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method applicable to a first network element. The method includes: receiving a first domain name from a first session management function network element. The first domain name is included in a query message from a terminal device, the query message is used to query the address of a server that provides a service corresponding to the first domain name for the terminal device, and the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element does not include the first domain name, or the service scope of the first network element includes the first domain name. First information is sent to the first session management function network element. The first information is determined based on the first domain name, and the first information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server, which is used to provide the service for the terminal device. The service scope of the first network element may be the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0068] It should be noted that the first information may be a first address, which may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name and the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. Alternatively, the first address may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name, the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message. This first address may be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the ECS option.

[0069] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, a server address is received from a first session management function network element. The server address is included in a response message corresponding to the query message. A traffic diversion rule of the user plane function network element is indicated. Third information is sent to the first session management function network element. The third information is used to instruct the response message to be sent to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0070] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, before receiving the first domain name from the first session management function network element, the method further includes: sending fifth information to the first session management function network element. The fifth information is associated with the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The fifth information is used to send a first processing rule. If the query message matches the first processing rule, the first processing rule further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element.

[0071] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth information is a first domain name range included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the first processing rule includes the first domain name range. The query message matching the first processing rule can be understood as the first domain name range including the first domain name.

[0072] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the fifth information is a first processing rule determined based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0073] In conjunction with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule, and the second processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information.

[0074] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending priority indication information to the first server discovery function network element, where the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0075] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule includes a first identifier of the first detection template and / or a second identifier of the first processing action information; the first matching rule includes the first detection template and the first processing action information; the first matching rule is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element; and the first processing action information further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element. Matching the query message with the first processing rule can be understood as indicating that the first detection template includes the first domain name.

[0076] In combination with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth information includes an identifier of at least one second server discovery function network element, an identifier of a second detection template included in a second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element in the at least one second server discovery function network element, and an identifier of the second processing action information. The second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The at least one second server discovery function network element includes the first server discovery function network element, and the second matching rule corresponding to the at least one second server discovery function network element includes the first matching rule.

[0077] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation, the fifth information includes an identifier of the first detection template and / or an identifier of the first processing action information, and the first matching rule is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0078] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, if it is determined that the third condition is met, fifth information is sent to the first session management function network element. The third condition includes at least one of the following: the first network element is configured or stored with first server deployment information, the first network element supports a first capability for processing server-related information, and the first network element receives sixth information instructing the first network element to process server-related information.

[0079] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: sending fifth information to the first session management function network element. The fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network element is configured or stored with first server deployment information, the first network element supports a first capability for processing server-related information, and the first network element receives sixth information indicating that the first network element processes server-related information. The fifth information is also used to trigger the sending of a first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element, where the first processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information, the first domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard, and the query message matches the first processing rule. The first processing rule also includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element.

[0080] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method applicable to a first server discovery function network element. The method includes: determining whether a query message matches a first processing rule. The query message originates from a terminal device and is used to query the address of a server providing a service corresponding to the first domain name to the terminal device. The first processing rule also includes sending the first domain name in the query message to a first session management function network element. The first processing rule is determined and sent by the first session management function network element based on fifth information, where the fifth information is associated with second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The first domain name in the query message is sent to the first session management function network element. The first information from the first session management function network element is received, and the query message is processed based on the first information. Alternatively, the second information from the first session management function network element is received, and the query message is processed based on the second information. The first information or the second information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server configured to provide the service to the terminal device.

[0081] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation, processing the query message according to the first information can be understood as generating an ECS option according to the first information, adding the ECS option to the query message, and sending the query message with the ECS option to the DNS server.

[0082] Optionally, the first information is a first address. The first information may be the first address, which may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name and the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. Alternatively, the first address may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name, the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message.

[0083] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation, processing the query message according to the second information can be understood as generating an ECS option according to the second information, adding the ECS option to the query message, and sending the query message with the ECS option to the DNS server.

[0084] Optionally, the second information may be a second address, which may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name and the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. Alternatively, the second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name, the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message.

[0085] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one feasible implementation, the method further includes: determining that a response message corresponding to the query message matches a first processing rule; sending a server address to the first session management function network element; receiving third information from the first network element, and sending a response message to the terminal device that provided the query message based on the third information; or receiving fourth information from the first session management function network element, and sending a response message to the terminal device that provided the query message based on the fourth information.

[0086] In combination with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving a first processing rule, and storing the first processing rule.

[0087] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in a feasible implementation, storing the first processing rule can be understood as generating a first context including the first processing rule.

[0088] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in an optional implementation, the fifth information is a first domain name range included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the first processing rule includes the first domain name range. The query message matches the first processing rule, which can be understood as indicating that the first domain name range includes the first domain name.

[0089] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule further includes a second first domain name range, where the second first domain name range is included in second deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. The first processing rule may include: for a query message or a response message including a first domain name included in the second first domain name range, sending the included first domain name to the first session management function network element.

[0090] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth information further includes a first address range, the first address range is included in the second deployment information, and the first processing rule further includes the first address range. The first processing rule may include, for a query message or response message including a server address included in the first address range, notifying the first session management function network element of the included server address.

[0091] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule further includes a second address range, where the second address range is included in first deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. The first processing rule may include, for a response message including a server address included in both the first address range and the second address range, notifying the first session management function network element of the included server address.

[0092] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in an optional implementation, the fifth information may be a first processing rule determined based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. That is, the fifth information is the first processing rule itself.

[0093] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an optional implementation manner, the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule, and the second processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information.

[0094] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an optional implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving a second processing rule from the first session management function network element.

[0095] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an optional implementation, the method also includes: receiving priority indication information from the first session management function network element or the first network element, the priority indication information being used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0096] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in an optional implementation, the first processing rule includes the first identifier of the first detection template and / or the second identifier of the first processing action information, and the first matching rule includes the first detection template and the first processing action information. In other words, the first processing rule references the first matching rule. The first network element configures the first matching rule for the first server discovery function network element. The first processing action information also includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element. The query message matches the first processing rule, which can be understood as the first detection template including the first domain name.

[0097] In combination with the fourth aspect, in an optional implementation, the fifth information includes an identifier of at least one second server discovery function network element, an identifier of the second detection template contained in the second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element in at least one second server discovery function network element, and an identifier of the second processing action information, and the second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0098] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method applicable to a first server discovery function network element. The method includes: determining whether a query message matches a first processing rule. The first domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard, and the first processing rule further includes sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element. The query message is used to query the address of the server corresponding to the first domain name. The first processing rule is sent by the first session management function network element when fifth information is received from the first network element. The fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network element is configured or stored with first deployment information, the first network element supports a first capability for processing edge application server EAS-related information, and the first network element receives sixth information indicating that the first network element processes EAS-related information. The first domain name is sent to the first session management function network element. The first information or the second information is received from the first session management function network element, and the query message is processed according to the first information or the second information.

[0099] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation, processing the query message according to the first information can be understood as generating an ECS option according to the first information, adding the ECS option to the query message, and sending the query message with the ECS option to the DNS server.

[0100] Optionally, the first information is a first address. The first information may be the first address, which may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name and the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. Alternatively, the first address may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name, the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message.

[0101] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation, processing the query message according to the second information can be understood as generating an ECS option according to the second information, adding the ECS option to the query message, and sending the query message with the ECS option to the DNS server.

[0102] Optionally, the second information may be a second address, which may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name and the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. Alternatively, the second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name, the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message.

[0103] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one feasible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a response message corresponding to the query message, and sending the server address in the response message to the first session management function network element. Receiving third information from the first network element, and sending the response message to the terminal device that provided the query message based on the third information. Alternatively, receiving fourth information from the first session management function network element, and sending the response message to the terminal device that provided the query message based on the fourth information.

[0104] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving a first processing rule, and storing the first processing rule.

[0105] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in a feasible implementation, storing the first processing rule can be understood as generating a first context including the first processing rule.

[0106] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, seventh information is received from the first session management function network element, and processing of query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device is suspended.

[0107] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in an optional implementation manner, eighth information is received from the first session management function network element, and processing of query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device is started.

[0108] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned seventh information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the first network element starts to switch to the second network element, or determines that the first network element starts to be inserted, or determines that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0109] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the first network element completes switching, or determines that the first network element completes insertion, or determines that the first network element completes removal.

[0110] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in an optional implementation, after receiving the seventh information, query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device may be cached.

[0111] In conjunction with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it may be determined that the first network element has started handover to the second network element. If the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the second network element, it may be determined that the first network element has completed handover.

[0112] In conjunction with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, then the first network element is determined to have started insertion. If the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, then the first network element is determined to have completed insertion.

[0113] In conjunction with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, then the first network element is determined to have started removal. If the first session management function network element determines that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, then the first network element is determined to have completed removal.

[0114] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the seventh information is sent by the first network element when it determines to start switching to the second network element.

[0115] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first network element receives a session context request message from the second network element, the first network element determines to start switching to the second network element.

[0116] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the second network element when it is determined that the switching of the first network element is completed.

[0117] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second network element determines that the switching of the first network element is completed when receiving a session update response message from the first session management function network element.

[0118] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the seventh information is sent by the first session management function network element when it is determined that the first network element starts to be inserted.

[0119] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first session management function network element receives the session context request message from the first network element, the first network element determines that the first network element starts inserting.

[0120] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the eighth information is sent by the first network element when it is determined that the insertion of the first network element is completed.

[0121] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first network element determines that the insertion of the first network element is completed when receiving a session update response message from the first session management function network element.

[0122] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the seventh information is sent by the first network element when it is determined that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0123] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first network element receives the update session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element, the first network element determines that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0124] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the eighth information is sent by the first session management function network element when it is determined that the removal of the first network element is complete.

[0125] In combination with the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first session management function network element determines that the removal of the first network element is completed when receiving a create session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0126] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to a first server discovery function network element. The method includes: determining that a query message matches a first processing rule. The query message is used to query the address of a server corresponding to a first domain name. The first processing rule is determined by the first network element based on its corresponding second server deployment information. The first processing rule also includes: sending a first domain name to the first network element. Sending the first domain name in a query message to the first network element. Receive first information from the first network element, and process the query message according to the first information. The first information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of the first server, and the first server is used to provide the service to the terminal device.

[0127] In the above implementation, the first server discovery function network element can send the first domain name that matches the first processing rule to the first network element, and process the query message based on the first information fed back by the first network element. This can reduce the information processing and transmission and reception operations that the first session management function network element needs to participate in during the query message processing process, thereby reducing the load pressure on the first session management function network element. Therefore, adopting this solution can solve the problem of high load pressure on SMF network elements caused by existing solutions, thereby improving the performance of SMF network elements.

[0128] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, processing the query message according to the first information can be understood as generating an ECS option according to the first information, adding the ECS option to the query message, and sending the query message with the ECS option to the DNS server.

[0129] Optionally, the first information is a first address. The first information may be the first address, which may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name and the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. Alternatively, the first address may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name, the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message.

[0130] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: determining that a response message corresponding to the query message matches a first processing rule. The first processing rule further includes: sending a service address in the response message to the first network element. Sending a server address in the response message to the first network element. Receiving third information from the first network element, and sending the response message to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0131] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: if it is determined that the query message does not match the first processing rule, determining whether the query message matches a second processing rule. The second processing rule is determined by the first session management function network element based on its corresponding first server deployment information. The second processing rule further includes: sending the first domain name in the query message to the first session management function network element. If it is determined that the second processing rule matches the query message, sending the first domain name in the query message to the first session management function network element. Second information is received from the first session management function network element, and the query message is processed based on the second information. The second information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server, which is used to provide the service for the terminal device.

[0132] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in a feasible implementation, processing the query message according to the second information can be understood as generating an ECS option according to the second information, adding the ECS option to the query message, and sending the query message with the ECS option to the DNS server.

[0133] Optionally, the second information may be a second address, which may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name and the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. Alternatively, the second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name, the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message.

[0134] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, the method further includes: if it is determined that the response message does not match the first processing rule, determining whether the response message matches a second processing rule. The second processing rule further includes: sending a service address in the response message to the first session management function network element. If it is determined that the response message matches the second processing rule, sending a server address to the first session management function network element. The method further includes receiving the fourth information sent by the first session management function network element and sending the response message to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0135] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, before receiving the query message from the terminal device, the method further includes: receiving a first processing rule from the first network element.

[0136] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, before receiving the query message from the terminal device, the method further includes: receiving a second processing rule from the first session management function network element.

[0137] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, before receiving a query message from a terminal device, the method also includes: receiving priority indication information from a first network element or a first session management function network element, wherein the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0138] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, before receiving a query message from a terminal device, the method further includes: generating a first context including a first processing rule, and generating a second context including a second processing rule. The first context has a higher priority than the second context. The first context and the second context correspond to the same session of the terminal device.

[0139] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, seventh information is received from the first session management function network element, and processing of query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device is suspended.

[0140] In combination with the sixth aspect, in an optional implementation manner, eighth information is received from the first session management function network element, and processing of query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device is started.

[0141] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned seventh information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the first network element starts to switch to the second network element, or determines that the first network element starts to be inserted, or determines that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0142] In combination with the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the first network element completes switching, or determines that the first network element completes insertion, or determines that the first network element completes removal.

[0143] In combination with the sixth aspect, in an optional implementation, after receiving the seventh information, the query message and / or response message in the session of the terminal device may be cached.

[0144] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it may be determined that the first network element has started handover to the second network element. If the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the second network element, it may be determined that the first network element has completed handover.

[0145] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, then the first network element is determined to have started insertion. If the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, then the first network element is determined to have completed insertion.

[0146] In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, then the first network element is determined to have started removal. If the first session management function network element determines that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, then the first network element is determined to have completed removal.

[0147] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to a first session management function network element. The method includes:

[0148] Receive a first domain name from a first server discovery function network element, wherein the first domain name is included in a query message, the first domain name is included in the query message from the terminal device, the query message is used to query the address of a server providing a service corresponding to the first domain name to the terminal device, and the query message matches a second processing rule, which is determined by the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. Generate second information based on the first domain name and send the second information to the first server discovery function network element. The second information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server, which is used to provide the service to the terminal device.

[0149] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the second information can be a second address, which can be determined by the first session management function network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name and the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. Alternatively, the second address can be determined by the first session management function network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name, the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message.

[0150] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation, the second information is used to generate an ECS option.

[0151] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in one feasible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a server address from the first server discovery function network element, wherein the server address is included in a response message corresponding to the query message, and the response message matches the second processing rule; generating fourth information, and sending the fourth information to the first server discovery function network element, the fourth information being used to instruct the response message to be sent to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0152] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation, the method further includes: receiving fifth information from the first network element, generating a second processing rule according to the first server deployment information, and sending the second processing rule to the first server discovery function network element.

[0153] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation, the method further includes: sending priority indication information to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0154] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation, the method further includes: if fifth information is received from the first network element, providing the first network element with an identifier of the first server discovery function network element. It should be noted that, in this case, the purpose of the fifth information is to obtain the identifier of the first server discovery function network element from the first session management function network element, so that the first network element can configure the first server discovery function network element based on this identifier. This application does not impose any restrictions on the specific content and specific name of the fifth information, as long as it can ensure that it can play the above-mentioned role.

[0155] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the fifth indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network element is configured or stores first deployment information, the first network element supports a first capability for processing server-related information, and the first network element receives sixth information indicating that the first network element processes server-related information.

[0156] In combination with the seventh aspect, in an optional implementation, the method also includes: determining that the first network element starts to switch to the second network element, or determining that the first network element starts to be inserted, or determining that the first network element starts to be removed, and sending seventh information to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the seventh information is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to suspend processing query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device.

[0157] In combination with the seventh aspect, in an optional implementation method, it is determined that the first network element completes switching, or determines that the first network element completes insertion, or determines that the first network element completes removal, and eight information is sent to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the eighth information is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to reprocess the query message and / or response message in the session.

[0158] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in an optional implementation, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it is determined that the first network element starts switching to the second network element. If it is determined that a session update request message is received from the second network element, it is determined that the first network element completes switching.

[0159] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in an optional implementation, if it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from an access and mobility management function network element, it is determined that the first network element starts insertion. If it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it is determined that the first network element completes insertion.

[0160] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in an optional implementation, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it is determined that the first network element starts to be removed. If it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, it is determined that the first network element completes the removal.

[0161] In combination with the seventh aspect, in an optional implementation, the above-mentioned seventh information can also be used to instruct the first server to discover the query message and / or response message in the session of the terminal device of the cache function network element.

[0162] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to a first network element. The method includes: generating and sending fifth information to a first session management function network element. Receive a first domain name from a first server discovery function network element, wherein the first domain name is included in a query message from a terminal device, and the query message is used to query the address of a server that provides the service corresponding to the first domain name to the terminal device, and the query message matches a first processing rule, and the first processing rule is determined by the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. Generate first information based on the first domain name, and send the first information to the first server discovery function network element, and the first information is used by the first server discovery function network element to process the query message. The first information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of the first server, and the first server is used to provide the service to the terminal device.

[0163] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in one feasible implementation, the first information may be a first address. The first address may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name and the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. Alternatively, the first address may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name, the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and location information of the terminal device providing the query message.

[0164] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the first information is used to generate an ECS option.

[0165] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in one feasible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a server address from the first server discovery function network element, wherein the server address is included in a response message corresponding to the query message, and the response message matches the first processing rule; indicating a diversion rule of the user plane function network element, generating third information, and sending the third information to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the third information is used to instruct the response message to be sent to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0166] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the method also includes: generating and sending fifth information to the first session management function network element, the fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network element is configured or stores first deployment information, the first network element supports a first capability for processing server-related information, and the first network element receives a sixth information indicating that the first network element processes server-related information.

[0167] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation manner, the method further includes: receiving an identifier of the first server discovery function network element provided by the first session management function network element.

[0168] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation manner, the method further includes: generating a first processing rule according to the second server deployment information, and sending the first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element.

[0169] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the method further includes: sending priority indication information to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0170] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The method is applicable to a first server discovery function network element. The method includes: receiving seventh information from a first session management function network element. The seventh information is sent by the first session management function network element when determining that the first network element begins handover to a second network element, determines that the first network element begins insertion, or determines that the first network element begins removal. Processing of query messages and / or response messages in a session of a terminal device is suspended.

[0171] In the above implementation, the first session management function network element can instruct the first server discovery function network element to suspend processing query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device through the seventh information. Therefore, when the first network element begins handover to the second network element, or when it is determined that the first network element begins insertion, or when it is determined that the first network element begins removal, this method can ensure that query messages and response messages can be discovered normally.

[0172] In combination with the ninth aspect, in a feasible implementation, after receiving the seventh information, the query message and / or response message in the session of the terminal device may also be cached.

[0173] In conjunction with the ninth aspect, in one feasible implementation, eighth information is received from the first session management function network element, and processing of the query message and / or response message in the session is started. The eighth information is sent by the first session management function network element when determining that the first network element has completed handover, insertion, or removal.

[0174] In the above implementation, the first session management function network element can trigger the second session management function network element through the eighth information to instruct the first server discovery function network element to start processing the query message and / or response message in the session of the terminal device, so as to ensure that the query message and response message can be processed in a timely manner.

[0175] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a communication method applicable to a first session management function network element. The method includes: when the first network element begins to switch to a second network element, when the first network element begins to be inserted, or when the first network element begins to be removed, sending seventh information to a first server discovery function network element, wherein the seventh information is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to suspend processing query messages and / or response messages in a session of a terminal device.

[0176] In combination with the tenth aspect, in an optional implementation, when the first network element completes switching, or the first network element completes insertion, or the first network element completes removal, an eighth message is sent to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the eighth message is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to start processing the query message and / or response message in the session of the terminal device

[0177] In conjunction with the tenth aspect, in an optional implementation, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it is determined that the first network element starts switching to the second network element. If it is determined that a session update request message is received from the second network element, it is determined that the first network element completes switching.

[0178] In conjunction with the tenth aspect, in an optional implementation, if it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from an access and mobility management function network element, it is determined that the first network element starts insertion. If it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it is determined that the first network element completes insertion.

[0179] In conjunction with the tenth aspect, in an optional implementation, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it is determined that the first network element starts to be removed. If it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, it is determined that the first network element completes the removal.

[0180] In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication method applicable to a first server discovering a function network element. The method includes: receiving seventh information; suspending processing of query messages and / or response messages in a session of a terminal device.

[0181] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving eighth information, and starting to process query messages and / or response messages in a session of the terminal device.

[0182] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the seventh information is sent by the first network element when it determines to start switching to the second network element.

[0183] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, upon receiving a session context request message from the second network element, the first network element determines to start handover to the second network element.

[0184] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the eighth information is sent by the second network element when it determines that the switching of the first network element is completed.

[0185] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second network element determines that the switching of the first network element is completed when receiving a session update response message from the first session management function network element.

[0186] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the seventh information is sent by the first session management function network element when it is determined that the first network element starts to be inserted.

[0187] In conjunction with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first session management function network element receives the session context request message from the first network element, the first network element determines that the first network element starts inserting.

[0188] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the eighth information is sent by the first network element when it is determined that the insertion of the first network element is completed.

[0189] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first network element determines that the insertion of the first network element is completed when receiving a session update response message from the first session management function network element.

[0190] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the seventh information is sent by the first network element when it is determined that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0191] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first network element receives the update session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element, the first network element determines that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0192] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the eighth information is sent by the first session management function network element when it is determined that the removal of the first network element is complete.

[0193] In combination with the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first session management function network element determines that the removal of the first network element is completed when receiving a create session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0194] In a twelfth aspect, the present application provides a communications device, which may be the first session management function network element mentioned in the first aspect. The communications device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive a first domain name from a first server discovery function network element. The first domain name is included in a query message from a terminal device, and the query message is used to query the address of a server providing a service corresponding to the first domain name to the terminal device. The processing unit is configured to trigger the transceiver unit to send the first domain name to the first network element if it determines that the first domain name meets a first condition. The first condition may include: the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element does not include the first domain name, or the first domain name is within the service range of the first network element. The first information is received from the first network element. The first information is generated based on the first domain name and is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server, which is configured to provide the service to the terminal device. The first information is sent to the first server discovery function network element.

[0195] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first information may be a first address, which may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name and the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. Alternatively, the first address may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name, the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and location information of the terminal device providing the query message. This first address may be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the ECS option.

[0196] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in a possible implementation, the above-mentioned first condition may also include that the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element includes the first domain name.

[0197] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to, upon determining that the first server deployment information includes the first domain name, trigger the transceiver unit to send second information to the first server discovery function network element. The second information may be generated based on the first domain name in the query message, and the second information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of the first server, which is configured to provide the above-mentioned service to the terminal device.

[0198] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second information may be a second address. The second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the first domain name and the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. Alternatively, the second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the first domain name, the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element, and location information of the terminal device providing the query message. This second address may be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the ECS option.

[0199] In combination with the twelfth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further used to receive a server address from the first server discovery function network element. The server address is included in the response message corresponding to the query message. The processing unit is also used to trigger the transceiver unit to send the server address to the first network element when the server address meets the second condition. The second condition includes: the first server deployment information does not include the server address, or the second server deployment information includes the server address, or the response message also includes the first domain name, and the first server deployment information does not include the first domain name, or the response message also includes the first domain name, and the second server deployment information includes the first domain name. The transceiver unit is also used to receive third information from the first network element and send the third information to the first server discovery function network element. The third information is used to indicate that the response message is sent to the terminal device.

[0200] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, upon determining that the first server deployment information includes a server address, indicate a diversion rule for the user plane function network element and trigger the transceiver unit to send fourth information to the first server discovery function network element. The fourth information is configured to instruct the terminal device that provided the query message to send a response message. The diversion rule may include one or more of the following: traffic routing rules, traffic detection rules, packet detection rules, and forwarding action rules.

[0201] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device may be the first session management function network element mentioned in the second aspect. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive a server address from a first server discovery function network element. The server address is included in a response message corresponding to a query message from a terminal device, wherein the query message is used to query the address of a server providing a service corresponding to the first domain name to the terminal device. The processing unit is configured to trigger the transceiver unit to send the server address to the first network element if it determines that the server address meets a second condition. The second condition includes: the first server deployment information does not include the server address; or the second server deployment information includes the server address; or the response message also includes the first domain name and the first server deployment information does not include the first domain name; or the response message also includes the first domain name and the second server deployment information includes the first domain name. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive third information from the first network element and send the third information to the first server discovery function network element. The third information is configured to instruct the response message to be sent to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0202] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect, in an optional implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, when the first server deployment information includes a server address, indicate a diversion rule for the user plane function network element, and trigger the transceiver unit to send fourth information to the first server discovery function network element. The fourth information is configured to instruct the terminal device that provided the query message to send a response message.

[0203] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, before receiving the server address from the first server discovery function network element, the transceiver unit is configured to receive a first domain name from the first server discovery function network element. The first domain name is included in the query message. The processing unit is configured to trigger the transceiver unit to send the first domain name to the first network element if the first domain name meets a first condition. The first condition may include: the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element does not include the first domain name. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive first information from the first network element. The first information is generated based on the first domain name, and the first information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server, which is used to provide the service to the terminal device. The transceiver unit is further configured to send the first information to the first server discovery function network element.

[0204] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first information may be a first address. The first address may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name and the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. Alternatively, the first address may be determined by the first network element based on the first domain name, the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and location information of the terminal device providing the query message. This first address may be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the ECS option.

[0205] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect, in an optional implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, when the first server deployment information includes the first domain name, trigger the transceiver unit to send second information to the first server discovery function network element. The second information may be generated based on the first domain name in the query message, and the second information may be used by the first server discovery function network element to process the query message.

[0206] In conjunction with the thirteenth aspect, in an optional implementation, the second information may be a second address. The second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the first domain name and the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. Alternatively, the second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the first domain name, the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element, and location information of the terminal device providing the query message. This second address may be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the ECS option.

[0207] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, in an optional implementation, before receiving the first domain name from the first server discovery function network element, the transceiver unit is further configured to obtain fifth information. The fifth information is associated with the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The processing unit is further configured to trigger the transceiver unit to send a first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element based on the fifth information. The query message matches the first processing rule, and the first processing rule further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element.

[0208] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, in an optional implementation, the fifth information is a first domain name range included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, or a first domain name range corresponding to the service scope of the first network element. The first processing rule includes the first domain name range. The query message matches the first processing rule, which can be understood as indicating that the first domain name range includes the first domain name.

[0209] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the processing unit is also used to generate a first processing rule based on the first domain name range in the fifth information, and trigger the transceiver unit to send the first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element.

[0210] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule further includes a second first domain name range, where the second first domain name range is included in second deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. The first processing rule may include: for a query message or a response message including a first domain name included in the second first domain name range, sending the included first domain name to the first session management function network element.

[0211] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth information further includes a first address range, the first address range is included in the second deployment information, and the first processing rule further includes the first address range. The first processing rule may include, for a query message or response message including a server address included in the first address range, notifying the first session management function network element of the included server address.

[0212] In conjunction with the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule further includes a second address range, where the second address range is included in first deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. The first processing rule may include, for a response message including a server address included in both the first address range and the second address range, notifying the first session management function network element of the included server address.

[0213] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the fifth information may be a first processing rule determined based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. That is, the fifth information is the first processing rule itself.

[0214] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule, and the second processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information.

[0215] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the transceiver unit is further used to send the second processing rule to the first server discovery function network element.

[0216] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the transceiver unit is also used to send priority indication information to the first server discovery function network element, and the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0217] In conjunction with the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule includes a first identifier of the first detection template and / or a second identifier of the first processing action information, and the first matching rule includes the first detection template and the first processing action information. In other words, the first processing rule references the first matching rule. The first network element configures the first matching rule for the first server discovery function network element. The first processing action information also includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element. The query message matches the first processing rule, which can be understood as the first detection template including the first domain name.

[0218] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the fifth information includes an identifier of at least one second server discovery function network element, an identifier of the second detection template contained in the second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element in at least one second server discovery function network element, and an identifier of the second processing action information, and the second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0219] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the processing unit is further used to determine at least one second server discovery function network element based on the identifier of at least one second server discovery function network element in the fifth information. The processing unit is also used to determine the target second server discovery function network element in the at least one second server discovery function network element as the first server discovery function network element. The processing unit is also used to determine the identifier of the second detection template and the identifier of the second processing action information included in the second matching rule corresponding to the target second server discovery function network element as the identifier of the first detection template and the identifier of the first processing action information included in the first matching rule, and generate a first processing rule. The transceiver unit is also used to send the first processing rule to the first service discovery function network element.

[0220] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, before receiving the fifth information, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a tenth information from the first network element. The tenth information is used to request the identifier of the server discovery function network element currently selected by the first session management function network element. The identifier of the third server discovery function network element currently selected by the first session management function network element is sent to the first network element. The third server discovery function network element is different from the first server discovery function network element.

[0221] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, the fifth information includes an identifier of the first detection template and / or an identifier of the first processing action information, and the first matching rule is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0222] In conjunction with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, before receiving the fifth information, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive tenth information from the first network element. The fourth information is used to request an identifier of a server discovery function network element currently selected by the first session management function network element. The identifier of the first server discovery function network element currently selected by the first session management function network element is sent to the first network element.

[0223] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further used to receive fifth information from the first network element.

[0224] In conjunction with the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, upon triggering by the first network element, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element. The first processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information, and the first domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard. If the query message matches the first processing rule, the first processing rule further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element.

[0225] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive fifth information from the first network element. The fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network element is configured or stores first deployment information, the first network element supports a first capability for processing server-related information, and the first network element receives sixth information indicating that the first network element processes server-related information. The sending of the first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element under the triggering of the first network element can be understood as sending the first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element when it is determined that the fifth information has been received.

[0226] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in an optional implementation method, the processing unit is also used to determine that the first network element starts to switch to the second network element, or determines that the first network element starts to be inserted, or determines that the first network element starts to be removed, triggering the transceiver unit to send seventh information to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the seventh information is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to suspend processing query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device.

[0227] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in an optional implementation method, the processing unit is also used to determine that the first network element completes switching, or determines that the first network element completes insertion, or determines that the first network element completes removal, triggering the transceiver unit to send eight information to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the eighth information is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to reprocess the query message and / or response message in the session.

[0228] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in an optional implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, determine that the first network element begins handover to the second network element. The processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the second network element, determine that the first network element completes handover.

[0229] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in an optional implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from an access and mobility management function network element, determine that the first network element begins insertion. The processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, determine that the first network element completes insertion.

[0230] In combination with the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, in an optional implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, determine that the first network element begins to be removed. The processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, determine that the first network element completes removal.

[0231] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device, which may be the first network element provided in the third aspect above. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive a first domain name from a first session management function network element. The first domain name is included in a query message from a terminal device, and the query message is used to query the address of a server that provides the service corresponding to the first domain name to the terminal device. The first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element does not include the first domain name, or the service scope of the first network element includes the first domain name. The transceiver unit is also used to send first information to the first session management function network element, wherein the first information is generated by the processing unit based on the first domain name, and the first information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of the first server, and the first server is used to provide the service to the terminal device. The service scope of the first network element may be the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0232] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a server address from the first session management function network element. The server address is included in a response message corresponding to the query message. The processing unit is further configured to indicate a traffic diversion rule for the user plane function network element. The transceiver unit is further configured to send third information to the first session management function network element. The third information is configured to instruct the response message to be sent to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0233] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, before receiving the first domain name from the first session management function network element, the transceiver unit is further configured to send fifth information to the first session management function network element. The fifth information is associated with the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The fifth information is used to send a first processing rule. If the query message matches the first processing rule, the first processing rule further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element.

[0234] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth information is a first domain name range included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the first processing rule includes the first domain name range. The query message matching the first processing rule can be understood as the first domain name range including the first domain name.

[0235] In combination with the fourteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the fifth information is a first processing rule determined based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0236] In combination with the fourteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule, and the second processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information.

[0237] In combination with the fourteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further used to send priority indication information to the first server discovery function network element, where the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0238] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule includes a first identifier of the first detection template and / or a second identifier of the first processing action information; the first matching rule includes the first detection template and the first processing action information; the first matching rule is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element; and the first processing action information further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element. Matching the query message with the first processing rule can be understood as indicating that the first detection template includes the first domain name.

[0239] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth information includes an identifier of at least one second server discovery function network element, an identifier of a second detection template included in a second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element in the at least one second server discovery function network element, and an identifier of the second processing action information. The second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The at least one second server discovery function network element includes the first server discovery function network element, and the second matching rule corresponding to the at least one second server discovery function network element includes the first matching rule.

[0240] In combination with the fourteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the fifth information includes an identifier of the first detection template and / or an identifier of the first processing action information, and the first matching rule is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0241] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if determining that a third condition is satisfied, trigger the transceiver unit to send fifth information to the first session management function network element. The third condition includes at least one of the following: the first network element is configured with or stores first server deployment information, the first network element supports a first capability for processing server-related information, and the first network element receives sixth information instructing the first network element to process server-related information.

[0242] In conjunction with the fourteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is configured to send fifth information to the first session management function network element. The fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network element is configured or stored with first server deployment information, the first network element supports a first capability for processing application server-related information, and the first network element receives sixth information indicating that the first network element processes server-related information. The fifth information is also used to trigger the sending of a first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element, the first processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information, the first domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard, and the query message matches the first processing rule. The first processing rule also includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element.

[0243] In a fifteenth aspect, the present application provides a communication device. The communication device may be the first server discovery function network element described in the fourth aspect above. The communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit. The processing unit is configured to determine whether a query message matches a first processing rule. The query message originates from a terminal device and is used to query the address of a server providing a service corresponding to the first domain name to the terminal device. The first processing rule matches the first domain name. The first processing rule also includes sending the first domain name in the query message to a first session management function network element. The first processing rule is determined and sent by the first session management function network element based on fifth information, where the fifth information is associated with second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The transceiver unit is configured to send the first domain name in the query message to the first session management function network element. The transceiver unit receives the first information from the first session management function network element and processes the query message based on the first information. Alternatively, the transceiver unit is configured to receive second information from the first session management function network element and process the query message based on the second information. The first information or the second information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server, which is configured to provide the service to the terminal device.

[0244] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to determine whether a response message corresponding to the query message matches the first processing rule. The transceiver unit is further configured to send the server address in the response message to the first session management function network element. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive third information from the first session management function network element and, based on the third information, send the response message to the terminal device that provided the query message. Alternatively, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive fourth information from the first session management function network element and, based on the fourth information, send the response message to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0245] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive the first processing rule, and the processing unit is further configured to store the first processing rule.

[0246] In combination with the fifteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the processing unit is used to generate a first context including a first processing rule.

[0247] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth information is a first domain name range included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the first processing rule includes the first domain name range. The query message matches the first processing rule, which can be understood as indicating that the first domain name range includes the first domain name.

[0248] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule further includes a second first domain name range, where the second first domain name range is included in second deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. The first processing rule may include: for a query message or a response message including a first domain name included in the second first domain name range, sending the included first domain name to the first session management function network element.

[0249] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the fifth information further includes a first address range, the first address range is included in the second deployment information, and the first processing rule further includes the first address range. The first processing rule may include, for a query message or a response message including a server address included in the first address range, notifying the first session management function network element of the included server address.

[0250] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule further includes a second address range, where the second address range is included in first deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. The first processing rule may include, for a response message including a server address included in both the first address range and the second address range, notifying the first session management function network element of the included server address.

[0251] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the fifth information may be a first processing rule determined based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. That is, the fifth information is the first processing rule itself.

[0252] In combination with the fifteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule, and the second processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information.

[0253] In combination with the fifteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further used to receive a second processing rule from the first session management function network element.

[0254] In combination with the fifteenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the transceiver unit is also used to receive priority indication information from the first session management function network element or the first network element, and the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0255] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, the first processing rule includes the first identifier of the first detection template and / or the second identifier of the first processing action information, and the first matching rule includes the first detection template and the first processing action information. In other words, the first processing rule references the first matching rule. The first network element configures the first matching rule for the first server discovery function network element. The first processing action information also includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element. The query message matches the first processing rule, which can be understood as the first detection template including the first domain name.

[0256] In combination with the fifteenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the fifth information includes the identifier of at least one second server discovery function network element, the identifier of the second detection template contained in the second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element in the at least one second server discovery function network element, and the identifier of the second processing action information, and the second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0257] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device may be the first server discovery function network element mentioned in the fifth aspect. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine whether a query message matches a first processing rule. The first domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard, and the first processing rule further includes sending the first domain name to a first session management function network element. The query message is configured to query the address of a server corresponding to the first domain name. The first processing rule is sent by the first session management function network element upon receiving fifth information from the first network element. The fifth information indicates at least one of the following: the first network element is configured or stored with first deployment information, the first network element supports a first capability for processing edge application server (EAS)-related information, or the first network element receives sixth information instructing the first network element to process EAS-related information. The transceiver unit is configured to send the first domain name to the first session management function network element. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive the first information or the second information from the first session management function network element. The processing unit is further configured to process the query message based on the first information or the second information.

[0258] In conjunction with the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to generate an ECS option according to the first information and add the ECS option to the query message. The transceiver unit is configured to send the query message with the ECS option added to the DNS server.

[0259] In conjunction with the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to generate an ECS option based on the second information and add the ECS option to the query message. The transceiver unit is configured to send the query message with the ECS option added to the DNS server.

[0260] In conjunction with aspect 16, in one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to determine that the transceiver unit has received a response message corresponding to the query message, thereby triggering the transceiver unit to send the server address in the response message to the first session management function network element. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive third information from the first network element. The processing unit is further configured to send the response message to the terminal device that provided the query message based on the third information. Alternatively, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive fourth information from the first session management function network element. The processing unit is further configured to send the response message to the terminal device that provided the query message based on the fourth information.

[0261] In conjunction with the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first processing rule, and the processing unit is further configured to store the first processing rule.

[0262] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is configured to receive seventh information from the first session management function network element. The processing unit is configured to suspend processing query messages and / or response messages in a session of the terminal device.

[0263] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in an optional implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive eighth information from the first session management function network element. The processing unit is further configured to start processing query messages and / or response messages in a session of the terminal device.

[0264] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned seventh information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the first network element starts to switch to the second network element, or determines that the first network element starts to be inserted, or determines that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0265] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the first network element completes switching, or determines that the first network element completes insertion, or determines that the first network element completes removal.

[0266] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in an optional implementation, after receiving the seventh information, the processing unit is further used to start caching query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device.

[0267] In conjunction with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it may be determined that the first network element begins handover to the second network element. If the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the second network element, it may be determined that the first network element completes handover.

[0268] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, then the first network element is determined to have started insertion. If the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, then the first network element is determined to have completed insertion.

[0269] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, then the first network element is determined to have started removal. If the first session management function network element determines that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, then the first network element is determined to have completed removal.

[0270] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the seventh information is sent by the first network element when it determines to start switching to the second network element.

[0271] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first network element receives a session context request message from the second network element, the first network element determines to start switching to the second network element.

[0272] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the second network element when it determines that the switching of the first network element is completed.

[0273] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second network element determines that the switching of the first network element is completed when receiving a session update response message from the first session management function network element.

[0274] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the seventh information is sent by the first session management function network element when it is determined that the first network element starts to be inserted.

[0275] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first session management function network element receives a session context request message from the first network element, the first network element determines that the first network element starts inserting.

[0276] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the first network element when it is determined that the insertion of the first network element is completed.

[0277] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first network element determines that the insertion of the first network element is completed when receiving a session update response message from the first session management function network element.

[0278] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the seventh information is sent by the first network element when it is determined that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0279] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first network element receives an update session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element, the first network element determines that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0280] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the eighth information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the removal of the first network element is completed.

[0281] In combination with the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first session management function network element determines that the removal of the first network element is completed when receiving a create session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0282] In the seventeenth aspect, the present application also provides a communication device. The communication device can be the first server discovery function network element mentioned in the aforementioned sixth aspect. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive a query message from a terminal device. The query message is used to query the address of the server corresponding to the first domain name. The processing unit is also used to determine whether the query message matches the first processing rule. The first processing rule is determined by the first network element based on its corresponding second server deployment information. The first processing rule also includes sending the first domain name to the first network element. The transceiver unit is also used to send the first domain name in the query message to the first network element. The transceiver unit is also used to receive first information from the first network element. The processing unit is also used to process the query message according to the first information. The first information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of the first server, and the first server is used to provide the service to the terminal device.

[0283] In conjunction with the seventeenth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is configured to generate an ECS option according to the first information and add the ECS option to the query message. The transceiver unit is configured to send the query message with the ECS option added to the DNS server.

[0284] In conjunction with aspect 17, in one feasible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a response message corresponding to the query message. The response message comes from a DNS server, and the response message includes a server address. The processing unit is further configured to, upon determining that the response message matches the first processing rule, trigger the transceiver unit to send the server address in the response message to the first network element. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive third information from the first network element and send the response message to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0285] In conjunction with the seventeenth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that the query message does not match the first processing rule, determine whether the query message matches the second processing rule. The second processing rule is determined by the first session management function network element based on its corresponding first server deployment information. The second processing rule also includes sending the first domain name in the query message to the first session management function network element. The processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that the second processing rule matches the query message, trigger the transceiver unit to send the first domain name in the query message to the first session management function network element. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive second information from the first session management function network element. The processing unit is further configured to process the query message based on the second information. The second information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server, and the first server is configured to provide the service for the terminal device.

[0286] In conjunction with the seventeenth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to generate an ECS option based on the second information and add the ECS option to the query message. The transceiver unit is further configured to send the query message with the ECS option added to the DNS server.

[0287] In conjunction with the seventeenth aspect, in one feasible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that the response message does not match the first processing rule, determine whether the response message matches the second processing rule. If it is determined that the response message matches the second processing rule, the processing unit is further configured to trigger the transceiver unit to send the server address in the response message to the first session management function network element. The transceiver unit is further configured to receive the fourth information sent by the first session management function network element and send the response message to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0288] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, before receiving the query message from the terminal device, the transceiver unit is also used to receive a first processing rule from the first network element.

[0289] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, before receiving the query message from the terminal device, the transceiver unit is further used to receive a second processing rule from the first session management function network element.

[0290] In combination with aspect seventeen, in a feasible implementation method, before receiving the query message from the terminal device, the transceiver unit is also used to receive priority indication information from the first network element or the first session management function network element, wherein the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0291] In conjunction with aspect 17, in one feasible implementation, before receiving a query message from a terminal device, the processing unit is further configured to generate a first context including a first processing rule and a second context including a second processing rule. The first context has a higher priority than the second context. The first context and the second context correspond to the same session of the terminal device.

[0292] In conjunction with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive seventh information from the first session management function network element. The processing unit is further configured to suspend processing of query messages and / or response messages in a session of the terminal device.

[0293] In conjunction with the seventeenth aspect, in an optional implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive eighth information from the first session management function network element. The processing unit is further configured to start processing query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device.

[0294] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned seventh information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the first network element starts to switch to the second network element, or determines that the first network element starts to be inserted, or determines that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0295] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the first network element completes switching, or determines that the first network element completes insertion, or determines that the first network element completes removal.

[0296] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in an optional implementation, after receiving the seventh information, the processing unit is further used to start caching query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device.

[0297] In conjunction with aspect 17, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, it may be determined that the first network element has started handover to the second network element. If the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the second network element, it may be determined that the first network element has completed handover.

[0298] In conjunction with the seventeenth aspect, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, then the first network element is determined to have started insertion. If the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, then the first network element is determined to have completed insertion.

[0299] In conjunction with aspect 17, in one possible implementation, if the first session management function network element determines that a session update request message is received from the first network element, then the first network element is determined to have started removal. If the first session management function network element determines that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, then the first network element is determined to have completed removal.

[0300] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation, the seventh information is sent by the first network element when it determines to start switching to the second network element.

[0301] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first network element receives a session context request message from the second network element, the first network element determines to start switching to the second network element.

[0302] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the second network element when it determines that the switching of the first network element is completed.

[0303] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second network element determines when receiving a session update response message from the first session management function network element.

[0304] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the seventh information is sent by the first session management function network element when it is determined that the first network element starts to be inserted.

[0305] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first session management function network element receives a session context request message from the first network element, the first network element determines that the first network element starts inserting.

[0306] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the first network element when it is determined that the insertion of the first network element is completed.

[0307] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first network element determines when receiving a session update response message from the first session management function network element.

[0308] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned seventh information is sent by the first network element when it is determined that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0309] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first network element receives an update session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element, the first network element determines that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0310] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the removal of the first network element is completed.

[0311] In combination with the seventeenth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first session management function network element determines when receiving a create session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0312] In an eighteenth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device may be the first session management function network element mentioned in the seventh aspect. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive a first domain name from a first server discovery function network element, wherein the first domain name is included in a query message from a terminal device, the query message is used to query the address of a server that provides the service corresponding to the first domain name to the terminal device, the first domain name matches a second processing rule, and the second processing rule is determined by the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. The processing unit is used to generate second information based on the first domain name, and trigger the transceiver unit to send the second information to the first server discovery function network element, and the second information is used for the first server discovery function network element to process the query message. The second information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of the first server, and the first server is used to provide the service to the terminal device.

[0313] In conjunction with aspect 18, in one feasible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a server address from the first server discovery function network element, wherein the server address is included in a response message corresponding to the query message, and the server address matches the second processing rule. The processing unit is further configured to generate fourth information and trigger the transceiver unit to send the fourth information to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the fourth information is configured to instruct the response message to be sent to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0314] In conjunction with the eighteenth aspect, in a feasible implementation, if the transceiver unit receives the fifth information from the first network element, the processing unit generates a second processing rule according to the first server deployment information. The transceiver unit is further configured to send the second processing rule to the first server discovery function network element.

[0315] In combination with the eighteenth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the transceiver unit is also used to send priority indication information to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0316] In conjunction with the eighteenth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the fifth indication information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network element is configured or stores the first deployment information, the first network element supports the first capability for processing server-related information, and the first network element receives sixth information indicating that the first network element processes server-related information. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the purpose of the fifth information is to obtain an identifier of the first server discovery function network element from the first session management function network element, so that the first network element can configure the first server discovery function network element based on this identifier. This application does not impose any restrictions on the specific content and specific name of the fifth information, as long as it can play the above-mentioned role.

[0317] In conjunction with aspect 18, in an optional implementation, the processing unit is further configured to determine that the first network element begins switching to the second network element, or determines that the first network element begins to be inserted, or determines that the first network element begins to be removed. The transceiver unit is further configured to send seventh information to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the seventh information is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to suspend processing query messages and / or response messages in a session of the terminal device.

[0318] In conjunction with aspect 18, in an optional implementation, the processing unit is further configured to determine whether the first network element has completed switching, insertion, or removal. The transceiver unit is further configured to send eight messages to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the eighth message is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to reprocess the query message and / or response message in the session.

[0319] In conjunction with aspect 18, in an optional implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, determine that the first network element starts switching to the second network element. The processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the second network element, determine that the first network element completes switching.

[0320] In conjunction with the eighteenth aspect, in an optional implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from an access and mobility management function network element, determine that the first network element starts insertion. The processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, determine that the first network element completes insertion.

[0321] In conjunction with aspect 18, in an optional implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, determine that the first network element begins to be removed. The processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, determine that the first network element completes removal.

[0322] In combination with the eighteenth aspect, in an optional implementation, the seventh information may also be used to instruct the first server to discover query messages and / or response messages in a session of a functional network element caching a terminal device.

[0323] In the nineteenth aspect, the present application also provides a communication device. The communication device can be the first network element mentioned in the aforementioned eighth aspect. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is used to receive a first domain name from a first server discovery function network element, wherein the first domain name is included in a query message from a terminal device, and the query message is used to query the address of a server that provides the service corresponding to the first domain name to the terminal device, and the query message matches a first processing rule, and the first processing rule is determined by the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The processing unit is used to generate first information based on the first domain name, and trigger the transceiver unit to send the first information to the first server discovery function network element, and the first information is used for the first server discovery function network element to process the query message. The first information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of the first server, and the first server is used to provide the service to the terminal device.

[0324] In conjunction with aspect 19, in one feasible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a server address from the first server discovery function network element, wherein the server address is included in a response message corresponding to the query message, and the response message matches the first processing rule. The processing unit is configured to indicate a diversion rule for the user plane function network element and generate third information. The transceiver unit is further configured to send third information to the first server discovery function network element, the third information being configured to instruct the response message to be sent to the terminal device that provided the query message.

[0325] In conjunction with the nineteenth aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to generate fifth information and trigger the transceiver unit to send the fifth information to the first session management function network element. The fifth indication information is configured to indicate at least one of the following: the first network element is configured with or stores the first deployment information; the first network element supports a first capability for processing server-related information; and the first network element receives a sixth information instructing the first network element to process server-related information and generates a second processing rule based on the first server deployment information.

[0326] In combination with the nineteenth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the transceiver unit is also used to send priority indication information to the first server discovery function network element, wherein the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0327] In a twentieth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device may be the first server discovery function network element mentioned in the ninth aspect. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive seventh information from a first session management function network element. The seventh information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the first network element begins to switch to the second network element, or determines that the first network element begins to be inserted, or determines that the first network element begins to be removed. The processing unit is configured to suspend processing query messages and / or response messages in a session of a terminal device.

[0328] In combination with the twentieth aspect, in a feasible implementation, after receiving the seventh information, the processing unit is further used to start caching query messages and / or response messages in the session of the terminal device.

[0329] In conjunction with the twentieth aspect, in one feasible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive eighth information from the first session management function network element. The processing unit is further configured to begin processing the query message and / or response message in the session. The eighth information is sent by the first session management function network element when determining that the first network element has completed handover, insertion, or removal.

[0330] In a twenty-first aspect, the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device may be the first session management function network element mentioned in the tenth aspect. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to trigger the transceiver unit to send seventh information to the first server discovery function network element when the first network element begins to switch to the second network element, or the first network element begins to be inserted, or the first network element begins to be removed. The seventh information is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to suspend processing query messages and / or response messages in a session of a terminal device.

[0331] In conjunction with the twenty-first aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, determine that the first network element starts switching to the second network element. The processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the second network element, determine that the first network element completes switching.

[0332] In conjunction with the twenty-first aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from an access and mobility management function network element, determine that the first network element begins insertion. The processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, determine that the first network element completes insertion.

[0333] In combination with the twentieth aspect, in a feasible implementation method, the seventh information mentioned above can also be used to instruct the first server to discover the query message and / or response message in the session of the functional network element cache terminal device.

[0334] In conjunction with the twenty-first aspect, in a feasible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a session update request message is received from the first network element, determine that the first network element begins to be removed. The processing unit is further configured to, if it is determined that a create session management context request message is received from the access and mobility management function network element, determine that the first network element completes removal.

[0335] In aspect 22, the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device may be the first server discovery function network element mentioned in aspect 11 above. The communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit is configured to receive seventh information. The processing unit is configured to suspend processing of query messages and / or response messages in a session of a terminal device.

[0336] In conjunction with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive eighth information. The processing unit is further configured to start processing the query message and / or response message in the session of the terminal device.

[0337] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation, the seventh information is sent by the first network element when it determines to start switching to the second network element.

[0338] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first network element receives a session context request message from the second network element, it determines to start switching to the second network element.

[0339] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation method, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the second network element when it determines that the switching of the first network element is completed.

[0340] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation, the second network element determines that the switching of the first network element is completed when receiving a session update response message from the first session management function network element.

[0341] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the seventh information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the first network element starts to be inserted.

[0342] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first session management function network element receives a session context request message from the first network element, the first network element determines that the first network element starts inserting.

[0343] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the eighth information is sent by the first network element when it is determined that the insertion of the first network element is completed.

[0344] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first network element determines that the insertion of the first network element is completed when receiving a session update response message from the first session management function network element.

[0345] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation method, the seventh information is sent by the first network element when it is determined that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0346] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, when the first network element receives an update session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element, the first network element determines that the first network element starts to be removed.

[0347] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the above-mentioned eighth information is sent by the first session management function network element when it determines that the removal of the first network element is completed.

[0348] In combination with the twenty-second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first session management function network element determines that the removal of the first network element is completed when receiving a create session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0349] In the twenty-third aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute a method in any possible implementation of the first to eleventh aspects described above.

[0350] In aspect 24, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program. When the computer program is executed, it executes the method in any possible implementation method of aspect 1 to aspect 11 described above.

[0351] In aspect 25, the present application provides a communication device, at least one processor, and a memory. The memory is configured to store a computer program. The processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the method of any possible implementation of aspects 1 to 11 above.

[0352] In a twenty-sixth aspect, the present application provides a chip, the chip comprising at least a processor. The processor is configured to execute computer-executable instructions so as to cause a device equipped with the chip to perform a method in any possible implementation of any of the first to eleventh aspects described above.

[0353] In conjunction with the twenty-sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the chip may further include an interface circuit configured to receive computer execution instructions and transmit the instructions to the processor.

[0354] In aspect 27, the present application provides a communication system. The communication system includes at least a first network element, a first session management function network element, and a first server discovery function network element. The first network element is used to execute the communication method provided by the third aspect or any possible implementation of the third aspect. The first session management function network element is used to execute the communication method provided by the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect. Alternatively, the first session management function network element is used to execute the communication method provided by the second aspect or any possible implementation of the second aspect. The first server discovery function network element is used to execute the communication method provided by the fourth aspect or any possible implementation of the fourth aspect. Alternatively, the first server discovery function network element is used to execute the communication method provided by the fifth aspect or any possible implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0355] In combination with the twenty-seventh aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication system may further include a terminal device, which is used to provide a query message.

[0356] In combination with the twenty-seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the communication system may further include a DNS server / DNS resolver, which is used to provide a response message corresponding to the query message.

[0357] In aspect 28, the present application provides a communication system. The communication system includes at least a first network element, a first session management function network element, and a first server discovery function network element. The first network element is configured to execute the communication method provided in aspect 8 or any possible implementation of aspect 8. The first session management function network element is configured to execute the communication method provided in aspect 7 or any possible implementation of aspect 7. The first server discovery function network element is configured to execute the communication method provided in aspect 6 or any possible implementation of aspect 4.

[0358] In combination with the twenty-eighth aspect, in a possible implementation, the communication system may further include a terminal device, which is used to provide a query message.

[0359] In combination with aspect 28, in one possible implementation, the communication system may further include a DNS server / DNS resolver, which is used to provide a response message corresponding to the query message.

[0360] In a twenty-ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication system. The communication system includes at least a first session management function network element and a first server discovery function network element. The first session management function network element is configured to execute the communication method provided in the tenth aspect or any possible implementation of the tenth aspect. The first server discovery function network element is configured to execute the communication method provided in the ninth aspect or any possible implementation of the ninth aspect.

[0361] In summary, the communication method provided in this application can effectively reduce the load pressure of the session management function network element and effectively improve the performance of the session management function network element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0362] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system provided by the present application;

[0363] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by this application;

[0364] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0365] FIG4 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0366] FIG5 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0367] FIG6 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0368] FIG7 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0369] FIG8 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0370] FIG9 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0371] FIG10 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0372] FIG11 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0373] FIG12 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0374] FIG13 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0375] FIG14 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0376] FIG15 is another flow chart of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0377] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by the present application;

[0378] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in this application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0379] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings provided in the embodiments of the present application.

[0380] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the text description of this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship; in the formula of this application, the character " / " indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in a "division" relationship. "Including at least one of A, B and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B and C.

[0381] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR). In addition, it can also be applicable to subsequent evolution systems, such as the sixth generation 6G communication system and even the more advanced seventh generation 7G communication system.

[0382] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system provided by this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include a first network element, a first session management function network element, and a first server discovery function network element. The first network element, the first session management function network element, and the first server discovery function network element cooperate with each other to implement the communication method provided by this application.

[0383] In the solution provided in this application, the first network element is mainly used to assist the first session management function network element in processing the domain name and server address provided by the first server discovery function network element. The first network element can specifically be a new session management function network element, which can also be called an intermediate session management function network element.

[0384] The above-mentioned first session management function network element is mainly used to realize information exchange between the first network element and the first server discovery function network element and to process the domain name and server address provided by the first server discovery function network element. It should be understood that the session management function network element involved in this application can be a session management function (SMF) network element in the core network (CN). It is mainly used to manage sessions, including managing the establishment, modification and release of sessions, and is also used to select user plane function (UPF) network elements for sessions, control UPF network elements, etc. There is a control plane interface between the SMF network element and the access and mobility management function (AMF) network element in the CN for interactive signaling. It should be supplemented that the session involved in this application refers to a session between a terminal device and a data network (DN), which can be referred to as a terminal device session. The session can be a protocol data unit (PDU) session.

[0385] The above-mentioned first server discovery function network element is mainly used to assist in implementing the server discovery function. It should be understood that the server discovery function network element involved in this application may be an edge application server discovery function (EASDF) network element. In actual implementation, the SMF network element may select an EASDF network element for a certain session. There is a control plane interface between the EASDF network element and the SMF network element. The EASDF network element may receive, through the control plane interface, the DNS processing rules for processing domain name system (DNS) messages related to the session from the SMF network element. There is a user plane interface between the EASDF network element and the UPF network element. The EASDF network element may receive, through the user plane interface, the DNS query message from the terminal device from the UPF network element. The EASDF network element may also send a DNS response message to the UPF network element through the user plane interface. In this application, the DNS query message is used to query the address of the server that provides services to the terminal device. The DNS response message corresponding to the DNS query message includes the address of the server. There is an Internet Protocol (IP) connection between the EASDF network element and one or more DNS servers (also known as DNS resolvers). After the EASDF network element processes the DNS query message according to the DNS processing rules, it sends the processed DNS query message to the DNS server through the IP connection. The EASDF network element also receives the DNS response message from the DNS server through the IP connection, processes the DNS response message according to the DNS processing rules, and sends the processed DNS response message to the UPF network element.

[0386] Furthermore, the communication system 100 may also include a terminal device, wherein the terminal device is mainly used to provide a query message (which may be the DNS query message mentioned above) and receive a response message corresponding to the DNS query message (which may be a DNS response message).

[0387] It should be understood that the terminal device can also be called user equipment (UE), access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device.

[0388] The terminal device can be a device that provides voice / data to users, for example, a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with a wireless connection function. At present, some examples of terminals are: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (PLMNs). The terminal equipment in the network (PLMN), etc., is not limited to this in the embodiments of the present application.

[0389] As an example and not a limitation, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices may also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0390] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network of human-machine interconnection and object-to-object interconnection.

[0391] It should be noted that the terminal device and the access network device can communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology). The terminal devices can also communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology).

[0392] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device, or it can be a device that can support the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system or chip, which can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0393] Furthermore, the communication system 100 may also include a DNS server. The DNS server is primarily configured to provide a response message corresponding to a query message. Specifically, the DNS server is configured to resolve the domain name in the DNS query message, determine the address of a server that can provide the service corresponding to the domain name, and send a DNS response message including the server address to the EASDF network element via the IP connection between the server and the EASDF network element.

[0394] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by this application. As shown in Figure 2, the network architecture is based on the fifth-generation (5th-generation, 5G) mobile communication network based on the service-based architecture (SBA) in a non-roaming scenario of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Parts not fully described can refer to existing protocols. As shown in Figure 2, the network architecture may include terminal devices, a (radio) access network ((R)AN), a core network, and a DNS server.

[0395] Among them, the description of the terminal device can be found in the previous article and will not be repeated here.

[0396] (R)AN may include one or more access network elements or access network devices, and the interface between the access network device and the terminal device may be a Uu interface (or air interface, that is, the messages exchanged between the access network device and the terminal device may be called air interface messages). Of course, in future communications, the interface name may remain unchanged or may be replaced by other names, and this application does not limit this. (R)AN is a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminal devices, which can connect terminal devices to nodes or devices of a wireless network, and may also be called a network device. (R)AN can be regarded as a subnetwork of the operator network, and is an implementation system between service nodes and terminal devices in the operator network. For example, a terminal device can connect to a service node of the operator network through (R)AN, thereby obtaining the services provided by the service node. (R)AN includes but is not limited to: next generation node base station (gNB) in 5G system, evolved node B (eNB) in long term evolution (LTE), radio network controller (RNC), node B (NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (for example, home evolved nodeB, or home node B, HNB), base band unit (BBU), transmitting and receiving point (TRP), transmitting point (TP), small base station equipment, mobile switching center, or network equipment in future networks, etc.The access network device may also be a module or unit that performs the functions of a base station, such as a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU); in a possible network structure, the CU may be used to support communications under protocols such as radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), and service data adaptation protocol (SDAP); and the DU may be used to support communications under radio link control (RLC) layer protocols, media access control (MAC) layer protocols, and physical layer protocols. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the access network device. In systems using different wireless access technologies, the names of devices having the functions of an access network device may be different. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific types of access network devices.

[0397] In this network architecture, after a terminal device accesses the CN through the (R)AN, it can establish a session between the (R)AN and network elements in the CN, and transmit service data through this session. This process involves relevant network elements in the CN, which are briefly described below.

[0398] The AMF network element is used to control the access of terminal devices and implement mobility management of terminal devices, such as managing the mobility status of terminal devices, allocating temporary user identities, and authenticating and authorizing terminal devices. The AMF network element can also select a session management function network element for the session during the process of establishing a session with the terminal device.

[0399] The description of the session management function network element can be found in the previous article and will not be repeated here.

[0400] UPF network element 3 is used to support sessions with terminal devices. A control plane interface exists between UPF network element 3 and the first session management function network element. This interface is used to send control signaling to UPF network element 3 and to report information about the terminal device's session to the first session management function network element. UPF network element 3 may also be referred to as a PDU session anchor (PSA).

[0401] The CN also includes a first server discovery function network element for assisting EAS discovery. The first session management function network element can select the first server discovery function network element for a session of the terminal device. A control plane interface exists between the first server discovery function network element and the first session management function network element. The first server discovery function network element can receive DNS processing rules related to the session from the first session management function network element via the control plane interface.

[0402] The network architecture 100 also includes one or more DNS servers. For the description of the DNS servers, please refer to the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0403] In the EC scenario, there are one or more EASs, which are located close to each other and provide services to the terminal devices, helping to reduce the end-to-end delay of service data transmission and improve the service experience of the terminal devices. In order to support EC, the CN can select a UPF network element close to the terminal device, such as the UPF network element 1 in Figure 2, to support local access of the terminal device. The UPF network element 2 can also be called the local PSA (local PSA, L-PSA). Correspondingly, the UPF network element 3 is used to support data transmission between the terminal device and the central part of the DN, and can be called the central PSA (central PSA, C-PSA). The UPF network element 3 is considered to be the session anchor point of the terminal device's session at the central site, and the UPF network element 1 is the session anchor point of the session at the local site. The CN can also include a UPF network element 2 for diverting uplink service data.

[0404] The CN may also include a first network element for controlling UPF network element 1 and UPF network element 2, or the first network element may only control UPF network element 2. For example, when a terminal device is outside the service range of the first session management function network element, that is, when the first session management function network element cannot control UPF network element 1 and UPF network element 2, the AMF network element inserts the first network element between the AMF network element and the first session management function network element. Control plane interfaces exist between the first network element 1 and UPF network element 1, and between the first network element and UPF network element 2. The first network element can decide whether to insert a UL CL or BP, select UPF network element 2 as the UL CL or BP from the controlled UPF network elements, and configure diversion rules for UPF network element 2. For other functions of the first network element, refer to the above description of the first session management function network element. That is, the first network element may have some or all of the functions of the session management function network element.

[0405] It should be understood that the CN may also include one or more of the following network elements: a network exposure function (NEF) network element, a network function repository function (NRF) network element, a policy control function (PCF) network element, a unified data management function (UDM) network element, a unified data repository function (UDR) network element, a network data analysis function (NWDAF) network element, an authentication server function (AUSF) network element, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, or a session management function (SMF) network element. Among them, the network element may also be referred to as a network function (NF), which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The functions of the above network elements can refer to the existing protocols and will not be repeated here.

[0406] It should be understood that the above-mentioned network elements or NFs can be physical entities in hardware devices, software instances running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a shared platform (e.g., a cloud platform). In terms of form, the above-mentioned network functions NFs can be independent devices or integrated into the same device to implement different functions.

[0407] It should be understood that the network architecture applied to the embodiment of the present application is only a network architecture described from the perspective of a service-oriented architecture, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto, and any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned NF entities is applicable to the embodiment of the present application. In addition, the above naming is only defined for the convenience of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of adopting other naming in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in the sixth-generation (6th-generation, 6G) mobile communication network, some or all of the above-mentioned NFs may use the terminology in 5G, or may adopt other names, etc.

[0408] It should also be understood that the network architecture or business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions provided by the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can know that with the evolution of network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0409] To facilitate understanding of the present application, some nouns or terms involved in the present application are explained below.

[0410] 1. Baseline DNS matching rules (i.e. baseline DNS pattern)

[0411] Baseline DNS matching rules are also known as node-level DNS message processing rules. A baseline DNS matching rule can correspond to multiple different sessions. It primarily includes at least one of a baseline DNS message detection template and baseline DNS processing action information.

[0412] The baseline DNS message detection template may include an identifier of the baseline DNS message detection template (i.e., baseline DNS message detection template ID), which may be referenced by a DNS message processing rule (primarily referenced by a detection rule in a DNS message processing rule). Furthermore, the baseline DNS message detection template may also include the following information: (1) FQDN range and / or EAS address range; (2) when the DNS message type is a DNS query message (i.e., DNS query), matching is performed using the included FQDN range; and (3) when the DNS message type is a DNS response message (i.e., DNS response), matching is performed using the included FQDN range and / or EAS address range.

[0413] The baseline DNS handling action information (ie, baseline DNS handling actions) may include: an identifier of the baseline DNS handling action information and an ECS option.

[0414] 2. DNS message handling rule (i.e. DNS message handling rule)

[0415] DNS message processing rules can be called session-level DNS message processing rules, which can also be called DNS context (i.e., DNS context). It is used to process DNS query messages and DNS response messages received by the EASDF network element. One DNS message processing rule uniquely corresponds to one session. In the actual configuration process, the session management function network element can configure the DNS message processing rules on the EASDF network element through the service-based interface Neasdf_DNSContext Service. For example, the session management function network element can use messages such as Neasdf_DNSContext_Create and Neasdf_DNSContext_Delete to create and delete DNS message processing rules on the EASDF network element. The session management function network element can also use the message Neasdf_DNSContext_Update to update the DNS message processing rules on the EASDF network element.

[0416] DNS message processing rules may include detection rules (ie, DNS message detection template), reporting rules (ie, reporting action), forwarding rules (ie, forwarding action), and control rules (ie, control action).

[0417] Among them, the detection rules may include the following information: (1) source address (i.e., source IP address, which is the address of the terminal device providing the DNS query message) and FQDN range and / or EAS address range; (2) When the DNS message type is a DNS query message. First, determine whether the source address corresponding to the DNS query message matches the source address it contains. If the judgment is yes, then continue to determine whether the FQDN in the query message is within the FQDN range it contains. If the judgment is yes, then determine that the DNS query message matches the detection rule; (3) When the DNS message type is a DNS response message, determine whether the FQDN / EAS address in the DNS response message is within the FQDN range / EAS address range it contains. If the judgment is yes, then determine that the DNS response message matches the detection rule.

[0418] In addition, the detection rule may also reference the identifier of the baseline DNS message detection template in the baseline DNS matching rule. In this case, the detection rule includes information about the baseline DNS message detection template.

[0419] The above reporting rule includes only one action: when a DNS query message or a DNS response message satisfies the detection rule, the reporting rule determines whether to report the FQDN contained in the DNS query message or the FQDN and EAS address contained in the DNS response message to the session management function network element.

[0420] The forwarding rule includes the following information: the EASDF network element adds the address indicated by the session management function network element as an ECS option to the DNS query message and forwards it to the DNS server. Here, the forwarding rule can also reference the identifier of the baseline DNS processing action information, that is, the forwarding rule can also include the content contained in the baseline DNS processing action information.

[0421] The control rules include the following information: (1) caching a DNS query message or a DNS response message; and (2) sending the cached DNS response message to a terminal device that provides the DNS query message.

[0422] The existing technology proposes to use EASDF network elements to assist SMF network elements in executing the EAS discovery process. In actual implementation, the main function of the EASDF network element is to process the DNS query message provided by the terminal device and the DNS response message provided by the DNS server for the DNS query message according to the instructions of the SMF network element. However, the existing solution requires the SMF network element to be responsible for all EAS discovery processes corresponding to all sessions within its service scope, that is, the SMF needs to be responsible for the DNS query messages and DNS responses in all sessions within the processor's service scope, and the service scope of the SMF network element is usually relatively large, which will cause a large load pressure on the SMF network element, thereby affecting its performance.

[0423] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by this application is: how to reduce the load pressure of SMF network elements to ensure their performance.

[0424] Example 1

[0425] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flow chart of a communication method provided by this application. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes the following steps:

[0426] S301: A first server discovery function network element determines that a query message matches a first processing rule.

[0427] In some feasible implementations, the first server discovery function network element may receive a query message from the terminal device (for ease of distinction, the following text will uniformly use the first query message to replace the description) and determine whether the first query message matches the first processing rule.

[0428] It should be noted that the query message involved in this application is used to query the address of the server that provides the service corresponding to the first domain name contained in the query message to the terminal device. In other words, the above-mentioned first query message is used to query the address of the server that provides the service corresponding to the first domain name to the terminal device. The above-mentioned first query message may include the first domain name, which can be provided by the terminal device, and the first query message can be a query message for a session corresponding to the terminal device (for convenience of distinction, it will be uniformly referred to as the first session below). In other words, the first query message is a query message corresponding to the first session. For ease of understanding, the following description will be based on the scenario where the first query message is provided by the terminal device and is in the first session corresponding to the terminal device. In addition, in actual implementation, the first processing rule provided in this application can be one or more. In the case of multiple first processing rules, the configuration and use process of each first processing rule are the same. Therefore, to avoid redundancy, the embodiment of this application will use one first processing rule as an example to describe the communication method provided in this application.

[0429] Optionally, in the solution provided in the present application, the first query message may be used to query the address of an edge application server that is closest to the terminal device among multiple edge application servers that can provide the service corresponding to the first domain name.

[0430] Optionally, the first query message may be a DNS query message sent by the terminal device, which may be sent via a first session of the terminal device. In this case, the first processing rule may be a first DNS message processing rule corresponding to the first session. Specifically, the first processing rule may be included in a DNS context, and the DNS context corresponds to the first session.

[0431] In the communication method provided in this application, there are multiple optional implementation methods for the first processing rule. The following will describe the process of the first server discovery function network element determining that the query message matches the first processing rule in combination with different implementation methods of the first processing rule.

[0432] Implementation method 1:

[0433] The first processing rule may be provided (or configured) by the first session management function network element. The first processing rule includes a first domain name range, which is included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The first domain name range may be sent by the first network element to the first session management function network element. Specifically, the domain name range included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element is the first domain name range, or the first domain name range is a portion of the domain name range included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. It should be noted that the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element may be locally configured by the first network element or obtained by the first network element from another network element. For example, the first network element may obtain the second server deployment information from a centralized network element, an application function (AF) network element, or the like. The centralized network element may include a unified data repository (UDR), a policy control function (PCF), a network exposure function (NEF) network element, or the like. The first processing rule also includes sending information related to the DNS message to the first session management function network element. The DNS message-related information may specifically include a domain name or server address. Alternatively, the first processing rule includes or instructs: if the received query message matches the first processing rule, then the domain name contained in the query message is sent to the first session management function network element. In other words, if the first processing rule is a first DNS message processing rule, the reporting rule in the first processing rule may include or instruct: if the domain name contained in the received query message matches the first processing rule, then the domain name contained in the query message is sent to the first session management function network element. Furthermore, if the first processing rule is a first DNS message processing rule, the second server deployment information may be EDI stored or configured locally on the first network element, and the first domain name range may be a first FQDN range. In this case, the first domain name range is included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. This can also be understood as meaning that the EDI locally deployed on the first network element includes the first FQDN range, or that services corresponding to the first FQDN range are deployed within the service scope of the first network element.

[0434] In a first optional implementation, the domain name range in the first processing rule may include only the first domain name range. In other words, the domain name range included in the first processing rule is the first domain name range. The first processing rule may include or instruct: for a query message or response message including a domain name within the first domain name range, providing the domain name included in the query message or the server address and / or domain name included in the response message to the first session management function network element.

[0435] In this case, after receiving the first query message in the first session, the first server discovery function network element may first match the source address corresponding to the first query message with the source addresses in the multiple processing rules it contains to determine one or more processing rules. It should be understood that the source address contained in the first processing rule is the same as the source address corresponding to the first query message, and the one or more processing rules include at least the first processing rule. Then, the first server discovery function network element may determine whether the first domain name in the first query message is within the first domain name range it contains. If the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name in the first query message is within the first domain name range it contains, it can be determined that the first query message matches the first processing rule.

[0436] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name in the first query message is not within the first domain name range it contains, it can be determined that the first query message does not match the first processing rule. Then, the first server discovery function network element can match the first query message with other processing rules with lower priority other than the first processing rule. If it is determined that the first query message does not match any other processing rules, the first server discovery function network element can forward the first query message to the default DNS server. It should be understood that in this case, the server determined by the DNS server to provide services to the terminal device is generally a remote server. For example, the server queried in this case can be a central cloud server. That is to say, the server address included in the DNS response message fed back by the DNS server is generally the address of a remote server (for example, a central cloud server).

[0437] In a second optional implementation, the first processing rule may include the first domain name range and the second domain name range. The second domain name range is included in the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. That is, the domain name range of the first processing rule includes both the first domain name range and the second domain name range. Alternatively, the domain name range of the first processing rule is the union of the first domain name range and the second domain name range. It should be understood that if the first processing rule is a first DNS message processing rule, the first server deployment information may be EDI locally stored or configured by the first session management function network element, and the second domain name range may be a second FQDN range. In this case, the inclusion of the second domain name range in the first server deployment information can also be understood as meaning that the EDI locally deployed by the first session management function network element includes the second FQDN range, or that services corresponding to the second FQDN range are deployed within the service scope of the first session management function network element. Here, the first processing rule may further include or instruct: for query messages or response messages that include a domain name within the second domain name range, sending the domain name in the query message or the domain name and / or server address in the response message to the first session management function network element. In other words, the first processing rule includes or indicates: for a query message or a response message including a domain name included in the first domain name range or the second domain name range, the domain name in the query message or the domain name and / or server address in the response message is sent to the first session management function network element.

[0438] In this case, after receiving the first query message, the first server discovery function network element may also first match the source address corresponding to the first query message with the source addresses in the multiple processing rules it contains to determine multiple processing rules. Among them, the source address contained in the first processing rule and the second processing rule is the same as the source address corresponding to the first query message, and these multiple processing rules include at least the first processing rule and the second processing rule. Then, the first server discovery function network element can determine whether the first domain name in the first query message is within the first domain name range or the second domain name range it contains. If the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name in the first query message is within the first domain name range or the second domain name range it contains, it can be determined that the first query message matches the first processing rule.

[0439] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name in the first query message is not within the first domain name range or the second domain name range contained therein, it may further determine whether the first query message matches other processing rules other than the first processing rule and the second processing rule. If the determination is no, the first server discovery function network element may forward the first query message to the default DNS server. For subsequent operations, please refer to the description of the operations after forwarding the first query message to the default DNS server, which will not be repeated here.

[0440] Implementation method 2:

[0441] The first processing rule can be provided (or configured) by the first session management function network element, and the first processing rule is generated by the first network element based on its corresponding second server deployment information and sent to the first session management function network element. It can also be understood that the first processing rule is actually a rule configured by the first network element for the first server discovery function network element to process DNS messages. In other words, the first network element creates or generates the first processing rule for the first server discovery function network element to process DNS messages and sends it to the first session management function network element. The first processing rule also includes or instructs: if the received query message matches the first processing rule, send the domain name contained in the query message to the first session management function network element. In addition, the first processing rule may also include the address of the first session management function network element. The first network element can obtain the address of the first session management function network element from the first session management function network element or the access and mobility management function network element.

[0442] In a first optional implementation, the first server discovery function network element is only configured with the above-mentioned first processing rule, and is not configured with the second processing rule. Here, the second processing rule is generated based on the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. In other words, the second processing rule is a rule configured by the first session management function network element for the first server discovery function network element. Similarly, in actual implementation, the second processing rule provided in this application may also be one or more. In the case of multiple second processing rules, the configuration and use process of each second processing rule are the same. Therefore, in order to avoid redundancy, the embodiment of this application will take one second processing rule as an example to describe the communication method provided in this application.

[0443] In this case, the first server discovery function network element may determine one or more processing rules based on the source address after receiving the first query message in the first session. It should be understood that the source address included in the first processing rule is the same as the source address corresponding to the first query message, and the one or more processing rules include at least the first processing rule. Then, the first server discovery function network element may determine whether the first domain name in the first query message is included in the above-mentioned first processing rule. In other words, the first server discovery function network element may determine whether the first domain name is within the domain name range included in the first processing rule. It should be understood that the domain name range included in the first processing rule is the domain name range included in the second server deployment information. If the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is included in the above-mentioned first processing rule, it can be determined that the first query message matches the first processing rule.

[0444] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is not in the first processing rule, it can be determined that the first query message does not match the first processing rule. Then, the first server discovery function network element can match the first query message with other processing rules with lower priority other than the first processing rule. If it is determined that the first query message does not match any other processing rules, the first server discovery function network element can forward the first query message to the default DNS server. For subsequent operations, please refer to the previous description of the operations after forwarding the first query message to the default DNS server, which will not be repeated here.

[0445] In a second optional implementation, the first server discovery function network element may be configured with a first processing rule and a second processing rule. Here, the second processing rule is generated based on the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. The second processing rule also includes or indicates that: if a received query message matches the second processing rule, the domain name contained in the query message is sent to the first session management function network element; if a response message corresponding to the received query message matches the second processing rule, the domain name and / or server address contained in the response message is sent to the first session management function network element. It should be understood that if the first query message is a first DNS query message, the second processing rule may be a second DNS message processing rule.

[0446] In this case, the first processing rule takes precedence over the second processing rule. That is, the first server discovery function network element prioritizes determining whether the domain name in the query message matches the first processing rule. If it determines that the domain name in the query message does not match the first processing rule, it then determines whether the domain name in the query message matches the second processing rule.

[0447] In a specific implementation, after receiving the first query message and determining multiple processing rules based on the source address that include at least the first processing rule and the second processing rule (it should be understood that in this case, both the first processing rule and the second processing rule include the source address), the first server discovery function network element may first determine whether the first domain name in the first query message is included in the first processing rule. If the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is included in the first processing rule, it may be determined that the first query message matches the first processing rule.

[0448] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is not included in the first processing rule, it may continue to determine whether the first domain name is included in the second processing rule. If the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is included in the second processing rule, it may determine that the first query message matches the second processing rule. If it is determined that the first query message matches the second processing rule, the first domain name may be sent to the first session management function network element.

[0449] Furthermore, if it is determined that the first domain name is not included in the second processing rule, the first query message is matched with other processing rules with lower priorities other than the first processing rule. If it is determined that the first query message does not match any other processing rules, the first server discovery function network element may forward the first query message to the default DNS server. For subsequent operations, please refer to the description of the operations after forwarding the first query message to the default DNS server, which will not be repeated here.

[0450] In the above implementation, the priority of the first processing rule is set higher than the priority of the second processing rule. This implementation method can ensure that the first network element is used first to assist in completing the processing of the query message, thereby more effectively achieving the purpose of reducing the load pressure of the first session management function network element.

[0451] Implementation method three:

[0452] The first processing rule may be provided (or configured) by the first session management function network element, and the first server discovery function network element is a server discovery function network element configured with the first matching rule by the first network element based on its corresponding second server deployment information. Here, the first network element should have configured the first matching rule for the first server discovery function network element before the first session was established. The first processing rule may include an identifier of a first detection template and / or an identifier of first processing action information. The first matching rule may include the first detection template and the first processing action information. In other words, the first processing rule references the first matching rule. The first processing rule may be a first DNS message processing rule, and the first matching rule may be a baseline DNS message matching rule. In embodiments of the present application, the baseline DNS message matching rule may also be expressed as a Baseline DNS Pattern. It should be understood that the identifier of the first detection template is included in the first detection module, and the identifier of the first processing action information is included in the first processing action information. In embodiments of the present application, the baseline DNS message detection module included in the baseline DNS message matching rule may also be expressed as a Baseline DNS message detection template, and the baseline DNS processing action information included in the baseline DNS message matching rule may also be expressed as Baseline DNS handling actions. The first matching rule is configured by the first network element for the first server discovery function network element. The first processing action information may further include: sending the domain name matching the first processing rule to the first session management function network element.

[0453] In this case, after receiving the first query message in the first session, the first server discovery function network element may first match the source address corresponding to the first query message with the source addresses in the multiple processing rules contained therein to determine one or more processing rules. It should be understood that the source address contained in the first processing rule is the same as the source address corresponding to the first query message, and the one or more processing rules include at least the first processing rule. Then, the first server discovery function network element may determine whether the first domain name in the first query message is included in the above-mentioned first processing rule. In other words, the first server discovery function network element may determine whether the first domain name is within the domain name range included in the first detection template referenced by the first processing rule. It should be understood that the domain name range included in the first detection template is the domain name range included in the second server deployment information. If the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is included in the above-mentioned first processing rule (that is, included in the domain name range included in the first detection template), it can be determined that the first query message matches the first processing rule.

[0454] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is not in the first processing rule (that is, the domain name range included in the first detection template does not include the domain name), it can be determined that the first query message does not match the first processing rule. Then, the first server discovery function network element can match the first query message with other processing rules with lower priority other than the first processing rule. If it is determined that the first query message does not match any other processing rules, the first query message can be forwarded to the default DNS server. For subsequent operations, please refer to the previous description of the operations after forwarding the first query message to the default DNS server, which will not be repeated here.

[0455] It should be noted that, in the implementation, similar to the above implementation method 2, the first server discovery function network element may also be configured with a second processing rule. Here, the description of the second processing rule can be found in the previous text and will not be repeated here.

[0456] In this case, similar to the second implementation method described above, when the first server discovery function network element determines that the first query message does not match the first processing rule, it will continue to determine whether the first query message matches the second processing rule. If it is determined that the first query message matches the second processing rule, the first domain name can be sent to the first session management function network element. If it is determined that the first query message does not match the second processing rule, the first query message can be matched with other processing rules with lower priorities other than the first processing rule and the second processing rule. If it is determined that the first query message does not match any other processing rules, the first server discovery function network element can forward the first query message to the default DNS server. For subsequent operations, please refer to the description of the operations after forwarding the first query message to the default DNS server, which will not be repeated here.

[0457] Implementation method four:

[0458] The first processing rule may be provided (or configured) by the first session management function network element. The first processing rule may be determined based on the first server deployment information. The domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard. In other words, the first processing rule does not contain a domain name range. In other words, the domain name range in the first processing rule is a wildcard. The first processing rule also includes: when the query message matches the source address of the first processing rule, sending the domain name in the query message to the first session management function network element. In other words, the first processing rule includes or indicates: sending the domain names in all query messages that match their source addresses to the first session management function network element. In other words, in this case, the first processing rule may include or indicate: sending the domain names in all query messages to the first session management function network element.

[0459] In this case, after receiving the first query message in the first session, the first server discovery function network element can find the first processing rule that matches the first query message based on the source address corresponding to the first query message. Then, when the domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard, the first server discovery function network element can determine that the first query message matches the first processing rule. In other words, when the first server discovery function network element determines that the domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard, it can determine that all query messages that match the source address of the first processing rule match the first processing rule. In other words, when the first server discovery function network element determines that the domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard, it can send all domain names in the query messages that match the source address of the first processing rule to the first session management function network element.

[0460] It should be noted that when the first processing rule adopts implementation method four, step S301 can also be replaced by the step of "when the domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard, the first server discovery function network element can determine that the first query message matches the first processing rule."

[0461] S302: The first server discovery function network element sends a first domain name in a query message to the first session management function network element. Correspondingly, the first session management function network element receives the first domain name in the query message.

[0462] In some feasible implementations, when the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name matches the first processing rule, the first server discovery function network element may send the first domain name to the first session management function network element. Correspondingly, the first session management function network element may receive the first domain name.

[0463] S303: The first session management function network element determines that the first domain name meets the first condition, and sends the first domain name to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the first domain name.

[0464] In some feasible implementations, after receiving the first domain name from the first server discovery function network element, the first session management function network element may determine whether the first domain name meets a first condition. The first condition may include: the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element does not include the first domain name. Alternatively, the first condition may include: the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element includes the first domain name. Alternatively, the first condition may include: the first domain name is within the service scope of the first network element. If the first session management function network element determines that the first domain name meets the first condition, the first domain name may be sent to the first network element. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the first domain name.

[0465] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the service scope of the first network element may be the scope of the terminal device that the first network element can serve, or the scope corresponding to the EDI configured by the first network element, or the scope corresponding to the core network device that the first network element can control, or the scope in which the first network element can provide EAS discovery service. The service scope of the first network element may specifically be any one or more of the following: data network access identifier (DN access identifier, DNAI) range, tracking area (tracking area, TA) range, FQDN range, EAS address range.

[0466] Optionally, the above description is a scheme in which the first session management function sends the first domain name to the first network element when it determines that the first domain name meets the first condition. In some optional schemes, the first session management function network element may also send the first domain name to the first network element when it determines that the first domain name does not fall within its service scope.

[0467] Optionally, if the first session management function network element determines that the first server deployment information includes the first domain name, or that the first domain name falls within its service scope, second information may be generated and sent to the first server discovery function network element. The second information may be generated by the first session management function network element based on the first domain name. The second information may be used by the first server discovery function network element to process the query message.

[0468] Furthermore, the second information may be a second address, which may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the domain name and the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. Alternatively, the second address may be determined by the first session management function network element based on the domain name, the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element, and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message. This second address may be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the ECS option. Optionally, this second address may also be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the destination address for forwarding the first query message, such as the address of a local DNS server (also referred to as a local DNS server).

[0469] It should be noted that, when the first processing rule adopts the implementation method one described above and the first processing rule includes the first domain name range and the second domain name range, or when the first processing rule adopts the implementation method two described above and the first server discovery function network element can include the first processing rule and the second processing rule at the same time, or when the first processing rule adopts the implementation method four described above, the first session management function network element needs to determine whether the first domain name meets the first condition, or needs to determine whether the first domain name falls within its service scope.

[0470] In the case where the first processing rule adopts the aforementioned implementation method 1 and the first processing rule only includes the first domain name range, or in the case where the first processing rule adopts the aforementioned implementation method 2 and the first server discovery function network element only includes the first processing rule, or in the case where the first processing rule adopts the aforementioned implementation method 3, the first session management function network element may also determine whether the first domain name meets the first condition or whether the first domain name falls within its service range and may directly send the first domain name to the first network element. In these cases, if the first domain name matches the first processing rule, the first domain name is definitely not within the service range of the first session management function network element, so no determination is required. This can also reduce unnecessary operations and improve the execution efficiency of the method.

[0471] S304: The first network element generates first information according to the domain name and sends the first information to the first session management function network element. Correspondingly, the first session management function network element receives the first information.

[0472] In some feasible implementations, after receiving the first domain name, the first network element may generate first information according to the first domain name and send the first information to the first session management function network element. Accordingly, the first session management function network element may receive the first information.

[0473] Used to process the query message to obtain the address of the first server, which is used to provide the above service to the terminal device

[0474] Optionally, the first information may be a first address, which may be determined by the first network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name and the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. Alternatively, the first address may be determined by the first network element based on the above-mentioned first domain name, the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the location information of the terminal device providing the query message. This first address may be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the ECS option to be inserted into the first query message. Optionally, the first address may also be used by the first server discovery function network element to determine the destination address for forwarding the first query message, such as the address of a local DNS server.

[0475] S305: The first session management function network element sends first information to the first server discovery function network element. Correspondingly, the first server discovery function network element receives the first information.

[0476] In some feasible implementations, after receiving the first information, the first session management function network element may send the first information to the first server discovery function network element. Correspondingly, the first server discovery function network element may receive the first information.

[0477] S306: The first server discovery function network element processes the query message according to the first information.

[0478] In some feasible implementations, after receiving the first information from the first session management function network element, the first server discovery function network element may process the first query message according to the first information.

[0479] Optionally, after receiving the first information from the first session management function network element, the first server discovery function network element may first generate an ECS option based on the first information. The first server discovery function network element may then add the ECS option to the first query message. The first server discovery function network element may then send the first query message with the ECS option added to it to the DNS server. Alternatively, the first information may be used as the destination address for forwarding the first query message.

[0480] Optionally, after receiving the second information from the first session management function network element, the first server discovery function network element may first generate an ECS option based on the second information. The first server discovery function network element may then add the ECS option to the first query message. The first server discovery function network element may then send the first query message with the ECS option added to it to the DNS server. Alternatively, the first server discovery function network element may forward the first query message using the second information as the destination address.

[0481] In the above method, the first session management function network element sends a domain name that meets the first condition to the first network element, and forwards the first information obtained by the first network element based on the domain name to the first server discovery function network element. The first information can be used by the first server discovery function network element to process the query message providing the above domain name. Compared with the solution in the prior art where the SMF network element is responsible for DNS query messages and DNS response messages in all sessions within its service scope, the solution provided by this application requires less information processing and transmission and reception operations during the processing of query messages by the first session management function network element, and the load pressure on the first session management function network element is reduced. Therefore, the solution provided by this application can solve the problem of high load pressure on SMF network elements caused by existing solutions, thereby improving the performance of SMF network elements.

[0482] Please refer to Figure 4, which is another flow chart of a communication method provided by this application. As shown in Figure 4, the communication method may also include the following steps:

[0483] S307: The first server discovery function network element determines that the response message corresponding to the query message matches the first processing rule.

[0484] In some feasible implementations, after processing the first query message according to the first information, the first server discovery function network element may receive a response message corresponding to the first query message from the DNS server (for the sake of convenience, the first response message will be used instead of the expression in the following text). Then, the first server discovery function network element may determine whether the first response message matches the first processing rule. The above-mentioned first response message may include the above-mentioned first domain name and the first server address. The first server address is the address of a server selected by the DNS server that can provide services to the terminal device. Optionally, in the case where the first query message is a DNS query message, the first server address may be an EAS address. It should be understood that in an embodiment of the present application, when the first response message matches the first processing rule or the second processing rule described later, the above-mentioned first server address is the address of the first server that provides services to the above-mentioned terminal device.

[0485] The following will combine the previous description of the implementation method of the first processing rule to explain the process of the first server discovery function network element determining that the first response message corresponding to the first query message matches the first processing rule. It should be supplemented here that, in the case where there are multiple first processing rules, the first processing rule that matches the first query message and the first processing rule that matches the first response message can be the same or different. Since the execution process is similar in these two cases, in order to avoid redundancy, the following text will take the case where the first processing rule that matches the first query message and the first processing rule that matches the first response message are the same processing rule as an example.

[0486] Implementation method 1:

[0487] When the first processing rule adopts the aforementioned implementation method 1, in a first optional implementation method, the first processing rule includes not only the first domain name range but also the first address range. The first address range may be included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The first address range may also be provided by the first network element to the first session management function network element. The first processing rule also includes or instructs: if the server address included in the received response message is within the first address range, or if the domain name in the received response message is included in the first domain name range, then the server address in the response message is sent to the first session management function network element. In other words, when the first processing rule is a first DNS message processing rule, the reporting rule in the first processing rule may include or instruct: if the server address included in the received response message is within the first address range, or if the domain name in the received response message is included in the first domain name range, then the server address in the response message is sent to the first session management function network element. Furthermore, when the first processing rule is a first DNS message processing rule, the first address range may also be referred to as a first EAS address range.

[0488] In this case, after receiving the first response message, the first server discovery function network element may determine whether the first server address is within the first address range. If so, it may be determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule.

[0489] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first server address is not within the first address range included therein, it may be determined that the first response message does not match the first processing rule.Then, the first server discovery function network element may send the first response message to the terminal device.

[0490] Alternatively, after receiving the first response message, the first server discovery function network element may determine whether the first domain name is within the first domain name range. If so, it may be determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule.

[0491] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is not within the first domain name range it includes, it can be determined that the first response message does not match the first processing rule. Then, the first server discovery function network element can send the first response message to the terminal device.

[0492] Alternatively, the first server discovery function network element may determine that the first response message matches the first processing rule only after determining that the first domain name is within the first domain name range included therein and the first server address is within the first address range included therein. If the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is not within the first domain name range included therein, or determines that the first server address is not within the first address range included therein, then it determines that the first response message does not match the first processing rule. And if it is determined that there is no match, the first response message is sent to the terminal device.

[0493] In a second optional implementation, the first processing rule includes not only the first domain name range and the first address range described above, but also a second domain name range and / or a second address range. The second domain name range and the second address range are included in the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element. If the first server deployment information is the first EDI, the second domain name range may be the FQDN range included in the first server deployment information, and the second address range may be the EAS address range included in the first server deployment information. In this case, the first processing rule may further include or instruct: for a response message including a server address included in the first address range or the second domain name range, providing the first session management function network element with the server address included in the response message.

[0494] In this case, after receiving the first response message, the first server discovery function network element may first determine whether the first server address is within the first address range. If so, it may be determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule.

[0495] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first server address is not within the first address range it includes, it may determine whether the first server address is within the second address range. If the determination is yes, it is determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule. If the determination is no, it may be determined that the first response message does not match the first processing rule. The first server discovery function network element may then send the first response message to the terminal device.

[0496] Alternatively, after receiving the first response message, the first server discovery function network element may first determine whether the first domain name contained therein is within the first domain name range. If so, it may be determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule.

[0497] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is not within the first domain name range it includes, it may determine whether the first domain name is within the second domain name range. If the determination is yes, it is determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule. If the determination is no, it may be determined that the first response message does not match the first processing rule. The first server discovery function network element may then send the first response message to the terminal device.

[0498] Alternatively, the first server discovery function network element may also first determine whether the first domain name is within the first domain name range, and determine whether the first server address is within the first server address range. If it is determined to be yes, it is determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule. If the first domain name is not within the first domain name range, or the first server address is not within the first server address range, it may be further determined whether the first domain name is within the second domain name range, and determine whether the first server address is within the second server address range. If it is determined to be yes, it is determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule. If the first domain name is not within the second domain name range, or the first server address is not within the first server address range, it is determined that the first response message does not match the first processing rule. Then, the first server discovery function network element may send the first response message to the terminal device.

[0499] Implementation method 2:

[0500] When the first processing rule adopts the second implementation method described above, in a first optional implementation method, the first processing rule is determined based on the second deployment information corresponding to the first network element, which includes not only the first domain name range but also the first address range. The first address range may be included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The first processing rule also includes or indicates that if the server address included in the received response message is within the first address range, or the domain name included in the response message is within the first domain name range, then the server address is sent to the first session management function network element. The first server discovery function network element is configured only with the first processing rule described above.

[0501] In this case, after receiving the first response message, the first server discovery function network element may determine whether the first server address is within the first address range. If so, it may be determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule.

[0502] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first server address is not within the first address range included therein, it may be determined that the first response message does not match the first processing rule.Then, the first server discovery function network element may send the first response message to the terminal device.

[0503] Alternatively, after receiving the first response message, the first server discovery function network element may determine whether the first domain name is within the first domain name range. If so, it may be determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule.

[0504] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is not within the first domain name range it includes, it can be determined that the first response message does not match the first processing rule. In this case, the first server discovery function network element can send the first response message to the terminal device.

[0505] Alternatively, the first server discovery function network element may determine that the first response message matches the first processing rule only after determining that the first domain name is within the first domain name range included therein and the first server address is within the first address range included therein. If the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is not within the first domain name range included therein, or determines that the first server address is not within the first address range included therein, then it determines that the first response message does not match the first processing rule. And if it is determined that there is no match, the first response message is sent to the terminal device.

[0506] In a second optional implementation, the first server discovery function network element is configured with only the first processing rule and also with a second processing rule. The first processing rule has a higher priority than the second processing rule. The second processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element, and the second processing rule includes or instructs: sending a server address in a response message that matches the second processing rule to the first session management function network element.

[0507] In this case, after receiving the first response message, the first server discovery function network element may first determine whether the first server address is within the first address range. If so, it may be determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule.

[0508] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first server address is not within the first address range it includes, it may determine whether the first server address is within the second address range. If the determination is yes, it is determined that the first response message matches the second processing rule. If the determination is no, it may be determined that the first response message does not match both the first processing rule and the second processing rule. In this case, the first server discovery function network element may send the first response message to the terminal device.

[0509] Alternatively, after receiving the first response message, the first server discovery function network element may first determine whether the first domain name contained therein is within the first domain name range. If so, it may be determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule.

[0510] Furthermore, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first domain name is not within the first domain name range it includes, it may determine whether the first domain name is within the second domain name range. If the determination is yes, it is determined that the first response message matches the second processing rule. If the determination is no, it may be determined that the first response message does not match both the first processing rule and the second processing rule. In this case, the first server discovery function network element may send the first response message to the terminal device.

[0511] Alternatively, the first server discovery function network element may also first determine whether the first domain name is within the first domain name range, and determine whether the first server address is within the first server address range. If it is determined to be yes, it is determined that the first response message matches the first processing rule. If the first domain name is not within the first domain name range, or the first server address is not within the first server address range, it may be further determined whether the first domain name is within the second domain name range, and determine whether the first server address is within the second server address range. If it is determined to be yes, it is determined that the first response message matches the second processing rule. If the first domain name is not within the second domain name range, or the first server address is not within the first server address range, it is determined that the first response message does not match both the first processing rule and the second processing rule. In this case, the first server discovery function network element may send the first response message to the terminal device.

[0512] Implementation method three:

[0513] When the first processing rule adopts the aforementioned implementation method 3, the first processing rule includes an identifier of the first detection template and an identifier of the first processing action information. The first processing action information further includes: sending the server address in the response message that matches the first processing rule to the first session management function network element.

[0514] In this case, after receiving the first response message and determining the first processing rule based on the source address, the first server discovery function network element may determine whether the first response message matches the first detection template. If a match is determined, the first response message is determined to match the first processing rule. If a mismatch is determined, the first response message is determined to not match the first processing rule, and the first response message may be sent to the terminal device that provided the first query message.

[0515] Determining whether the first response message matches the first detection template may include the following: determining whether the first domain name in the first response message is within the first domain name range in the first detection template. If the determination is yes, determining that the first response message matches the first detection template. If the determination is no, determining that the first response message does not match the first detection template. Alternatively, determining whether the first server address in the first response message is within the first server address range in the first detection template. If the determination is yes, determining that the first response message matches the first detection template. If the determination is no, determining that the first response message does not match the first detection template. Alternatively, determining whether the first domain name in the first response message is within the first domain name range in the first detection template and determining whether the first server address in the first response message is within the first server address range in the first detection template. If the determination is yes, determining that the first response message matches the first detection template. If the determination is no, determining that the first response message does not match the first detection template.

[0516] Implementation method four:

[0517] When the first processing rule adopts the aforementioned implementation method 4, the first processing rule also includes or instructs: sending the server addresses in all received response messages to the first session management function network element. Alternatively, the first processing rule includes or instructs: sending the server addresses in the response messages corresponding to the query messages matching the first processing rule to the first session management function network element. Alternatively, in this case, the first processing rule may send the server addresses in all response messages to the first session management function network element.

[0518] In this case, after receiving the first response message corresponding to the first query message, the first server discovery function network element may directly send the server address in the first response message to the first session management function network element.

[0519] It should be noted that when the first processing rule adopts implementation method four, step S301 can also be directly replaced by the step of "after the first server discovery function network element receives the first response message corresponding to the first query message, it can directly send the server address in the first response message to the first session management function network element."

[0520] S308: The first server discovery function network element sends the server address to the first session management function network element. Correspondingly, the first session management function network element receives the server address.

[0521] In some feasible implementations, upon determining that the first response message matches the first processing rule, the first server discovery function network element may send the first server address to the first session management function network element. Correspondingly, the first session management function network element may receive the first server address.

[0522] Optionally, when the first server discovery function network element sends the server address to the first session management function network element, the first domain name included in the first response message may also be sent to the first session management function network element.

[0523] S309: The first session management function network element determines that the server address meets the second condition, and sends the server address to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the server address.

[0524] In some feasible implementations, after receiving the first server address from the first server discovery function network element, the first session management function network element may determine whether the first server address meets a second condition. The second condition may include: the first server deployment information does not include the first server address. Alternatively, the second condition may include: the second server deployment information includes the first server address. Alternatively, the second condition may include: if the first server discovery function network element also sends a first domain name when sending the server address, the first server deployment information does not include the first domain name. Alternatively, the second condition may include: if the first server discovery function network element also sends the first domain name when sending the server address, the second server deployment information includes the first domain name. If the first session management function network element determines that the first server address meets the second condition, it may send the first server address to the first network element. Accordingly, the first network element may receive the first server address.

[0525] Optionally, the above description is a scheme in which the first session management function sends the first server address to the first network element when it determines that the first server address meets the second condition. In some optional schemes, the first session management function network element may also send the first server address to the first network element when it determines that the first server address does not belong to its service range.

[0526] Optionally, if the first session management function network element determines that the first server deployment information includes the first server address, or that the first server address is within its service range, the first session management function network element may be configured with a user plane network element and instructed to use a diversion rule for the user plane function network element, and fourth information may be sent to the first server discovery function network element. The fourth information is used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to send the first response message to the terminal device that provided the query message. Optionally, the fourth information may be sent after configuring the user plane network element and instructing the user plane function network element to use a diversion rule.

[0527] In the above implementation, if the received first server address is included in the corresponding first server deployment information, the first session management function network element will generate fourth information and instruct the first server discovery function network element to send a response message to the terminal device that provides the query message through the fourth information. This can also avoid the situation where the server address provided by the first server discovery function network element is not processed correctly.

[0528] It should be noted that, when the first processing rule adopts implementation methods 1 to 3 described above, if the first server discovery function network element determines that the first response message matches the first processing rule based on the first address range, the first session management function network element may directly send the first server address to the first network element without determining whether the server address meets the second condition. This can also reduce unnecessary operations and improve the execution efficiency of the method.

[0529] S310: The first network element indicates a diversion rule of a user plane functional network element.

[0530] In some feasible implementations, after receiving the first server address, the first network element may configure the user plane network element and indicate the classification rules of the user plane function network element. The diversion rules may include one or more of the following: traffic routing rules, traffic detection rules, packet detection rules, and forwarding action rules.

[0531] Optionally, the first network element may determine a user plane network element (eg, a branching point ULCL / BP and a local anchor point L-PSA) according to the first server address and the second server deployment information.

[0532] Optionally, the first network element may also determine the user plane network element according to the first server address, the second server deployment information, and the location information of the terminal device.

[0533] Optionally, the first network element may indicate a diversion rule of the user plane functional network element according to the first server address.

[0534] S311: The first network element generates third information and sends the third information to the first session management function network element. Correspondingly, the first session management function network element receives the third information.

[0535] In some feasible implementations, after instructing the user plane function network element on the diversion rules, the first network element may generate third information. This third information may be used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to send a first response message to the terminal device that provided the first query message. The first network element may then send the third information to the first session management function network element. In response, the first session management function network element receives the third information.

[0536] S312: The first session management function network element sends third information to the first server discovery function network element. Correspondingly, the first server discovery function network element receives the third information.

[0537] In some feasible implementations, the first session management function network element may send the third information from the first network element to the first server discovery function network element. Correspondingly, the first server discovery function network element may receive the third information.

[0538] It should be noted that, in actual implementation, after receiving the third information, the first session management function network element may also generate ninth information that can be used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to send a response message corresponding to the query message to the terminal device, and send the ninth information to the first server discovery function network element. Correspondingly, the first server discovery function network element may send the first response message to the terminal device after receiving the ninth information.

[0539] S313, the first server discovers that the functional network element sends a response message to the terminal device.

[0540] In some feasible implementations, after the first server discovery function network element determines that it has received the above-mentioned third information, it may send the above-mentioned first response message to the terminal device.

[0541] In the above implementation, the first session management function network element sends the first server address that meets the second condition to the first network element, and forwards the third information generated by the first network element to the first server discovery function network element. The third information instructs the first server discovery function network element to send a first response message to the terminal device that provided the query message, thereby enabling the terminal device to obtain the first server address. This solution reduces the information processing and transmission and reception operations required by the first session management function network element during response message processing, further reducing the load on the first session management function network element.

[0542] In some feasible implementations, the first server discovery function network element may also send the above-mentioned first response message to the terminal device after determining that the above-mentioned fourth information has been received.

[0543] In some possible implementations, after receiving the third information, the first session management function network element may not directly send the third information, but instead generate ninth information that can be used to instruct the first server discovery function network element to send a response message corresponding to the query message to the terminal device, and send the ninth information to the first server discovery function network element. Accordingly, upon determining that the ninth information has been received, the first server discovery function network element may send the first response message to the terminal device.

[0544] In the above implementation, the first server discovery function network element sends the server address in the response message that matches the first processing rule to the first network element, and forwards the response message based on the third information fed back by the first network element. This can further reduce the information processing and transmission and reception operations required by the first session management function network element, further reducing the load pressure on the first session management function network element.

[0545] Please refer to Figure 5, which is another flow chart of a communication method provided by this application. As shown in Figure 5, before step S301, the communication method may further include the following steps:

[0546] S314: The first network element sends fifth information to the first session management function network element.

[0547] In some feasible implementations, the first network element may generate fifth information and send the fifth information to the first session management function network element. The fifth information is associated with the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the fifth information may be used by the first session management function network element to send the first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element.

[0548] The specific process of the first network element sending the fifth information to the first session management function network element will be described below in combination with the multiple implementation methods of the first processing rule described above.

[0549] Implementation method 1:

[0550] The first processing rule may be provided (or configured) by the first session management function network element. The first processing rule includes a first domain name range, and the first domain name range is included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

[0551] In this case, the fifth information is the first domain name range included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. That is, the first network element can determine the first domain name range included in the second server deployment information corresponding to it as the fifth information and send it to the first session management function network element.

[0552] Optionally, the first network element may determine whether it has configured the second server deployment information after receiving a create session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element. The create session management context request message may be an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest message. If the first network element determines that it has configured the second server deployment information, the steps of determining and sending the fifth information may be performed.

[0553] Optionally, the access and mobility management function network element may send a create session management context request message to the first network element when determining that a session is established or the terminal device is moving.

[0554] Optionally, the first network element may also perform the above steps of determining and sending the fifth information when it is determined that it has the capability of locally processing EAS discovery / EAS-related information.

[0555] Optionally, the first network element may also receive instruction information from other network elements and perform the above steps of determining and sending the fifth information according to the instruction information. The instruction information may come from a mobility management function network element, a session management network element, etc.

[0556] Implementation method 2:

[0557] The first processing rule may be provided (or configured) by the first session management function network element, and the first processing rule is generated by the first network element based on its corresponding second server deployment information and sent to the first session management function network element.

[0558] In this case, the fifth information may be the first processing rule. That is, the first network element may generate a first processing rule based on its corresponding second server deployment information, and send the first processing rule as the fifth information to the first session management function network element.

[0559] Optionally, if the first session management function network element further configures a second processing rule for the first server discovery function network element based on the first server deployment information, the priority of the second processing rule is lower than the priority of the first processing rule. In this case, the first network may further send priority indication information to the first server discovery function network element, using the priority indication information to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

[0560] It should be understood that in this case, the first network element may send the fifth information and the priority indication information to the first session management function network element through the same message. Alternatively, the first network element may send the fifth information and the priority indication information to the first session management function network element through different messages, and this application does not limit this.

[0561] Optionally, the first network element may determine whether it has configured the second server deployment information after receiving a create session management context request message from the access and mobility management function network element. The create session management context request message may be an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest message. If the first network element determines that it has configured the second server deployment information, the steps of determining and sending the fifth information may be performed.

[0562] Optionally, the access and mobility management function network element may send a create session management context request message to the first network element when determining that a session is established or the terminal device is moving.

[0563] Implementation method three:

[0564] The first server discovery function network element is a server discovery function network element configured with a first matching rule by the first network element based on its corresponding second server deployment information. The first processing rule may include an identifier of a first detection template and / or an identifier of first processing action information in the first matching rule.

[0565] In a first optional implementation, before step S314, the first network element may first send a tenth message to the first session management function network element. The tenth message is used to request the identifier of the server discovery function network element currently selected by the first session management function network element. The first network element may then receive the identifier of the server discovery function network element currently selected (hereinafter referred to as the third server discovery function network element for ease of distinction) sent by the first session management function network element.

[0566] Then, if the first network element determines that the third server discovery function network element is a server discovery function network element for which a matching rule has been configured, the first network element may extract the identifier of the first detection template and the identifier of the first processing action information contained in the matching rule corresponding to the third server discovery function network element (in this case, the third server discovery function network element is the first server discovery function network element described above), and determine the identifier of the first detection template and the identifier of the first processing action information as fifth information. The first network element may then send the fifth information to the first session management function network element.

[0567] If the first network element determines that the third server discovery function network element is not the server discovery function network element for which it has configured matching rules, the first network element may determine the multiple server discovery function network elements for which it has configured matching rules as the at least second server discovery function network element mentioned above, and obtain the identifier of the at least one second server discovery function network element. Then, the first network element may obtain the second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element, and extract the identifier of the second detection template and the identifier of the second processing action information contained in the second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element. Then, the first network element may determine the identifier of the at least one second server discovery function network element, the identifier of the second detection template and the identifier of the second processing action information contained in the second matching rule corresponding to each second server discovery function network element in the at least one second server discovery function network element as fifth information, and send it to the first session management function network element.

[0568] Optionally, the first network element may send the tenth information to the first session management function network element via a session context request message. The session context request message may be an Nsmf_PDUSession_ContextRequest message. Correspondingly, the first session management function network element may send the identifier of the third server discovery function network element via a session context response message. The session context response message may be an Nsmf...

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receiving a first domain name from a first server discovery function network element, where the first domain name is included in a query message from a terminal device, and the query message is used to query the address of a server that provides services corresponding to the first domain name for the terminal device; When the first domain name meets a first condition, sending the first domain name to a first network element, where the first condition includes: the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element does not include the first domain name, or the service scope of the first network element includes the first domain name; Receiving first information from the first network element, where the first information is determined according to the first domain name, and the first information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server, and the first server is used to provide the service for the terminal device; Sending the first information to the first server discovery function network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further includes: When the first server deployment information includes the first domain name, sending second information to the first server discovery function network element, where the second information is determined based on the first domain name, and the second information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of the first server.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving the server address from the first server discovery function network element, where the server address is included in a response message corresponding to the query message; When the server address meets a second condition, sending the server address to the first network element, where the second condition includes: the first server deployment information does not include the server address; Receiving third information from the first network element and sending the third information to the first server discovery function network element, where the third information is used to indicate sending the response message to the terminal device.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The method further includes: When the first server deployment information includes the server address, indicating the traffic splitting rule of the user plane function network element and sending fourth information to the first server discovery function network element, where the fourth information is used to indicate sending the response message to the terminal device that provides the query message.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Before receiving the first domain name from the first server discovery function network element, the method further includes: Obtaining fifth information, where the fifth information is associated with second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element; Sending a first processing rule to the first server discovery function network element according to the fifth information, where the query message matches the first processing rule, and the first processing rule further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein The fifth information being associated with the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element includes: The fifth information includes the first domain name range included in the second server deployment information, and the first processing rule includes the first domain name range; The query message matching the first processing rule includes: The first domain name range includes the first domain name.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Sending a first processing rule to a first server discovery functional network element according to the fifth information includes: Generating a first processing rule according to a first domain name range in the fifth information, and sending the first processing rule to the first server discovery functional network element.

8. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fifth information is associated with second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and includes: The fifth information includes a first processing rule determined based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein The priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule, and the second processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending the second processing rule to the first server discovery functional network element.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending priority indication information to the first server discovery functional network element, where the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule.

12. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The first processing rule includes a first identifier of a first detection template and / or a second identifier of first processing action information, the first matching rule includes the first detection template and the first processing action information, the first network element configures the first matching rule for the first server discovery functional network element, and the first processing action information further includes: sending the first domain name to a first session management functional network element. The query message matches the first processing rule, including: The first detection template includes the first domain name.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein The fifth information is associated with second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and includes: The fifth information includes identifiers of at least one second server discovery functional network element, identifiers of second detection templates included in second matching rules corresponding to each of the at least one second server discovery functional network elements, and identifiers of second processing action information, and the second matching rules corresponding to each of the at least one second server discovery functional network elements are all generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein The fifth information is associated with second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and includes: The fifth information includes the identifier of the first detection template and / or the identifier of the first processing action information, and the first matching rule is generated based on the second server deployment information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 5-14, characterized in that, Obtaining the fifth information includes: Receiving the fifth information from the first network element.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Under the trigger of the first network element, sending a first processing rule to a first server discovery functional network element, where the first domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard, the query message matches the first processing rule, and the first processing rule further includes: sending the first domain name to a first session management functional network element.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein The method further includes: Receive fifth information from a first network element, where the fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network element configures or stores first server deployment information, the first network element supports a first capability for processing server-related information, the first network element receives sixth information for instructing the first network element to process server-related information; Under the trigger of the first network element, send a first processing rule to a first server discovery function network element, including: When it is determined that the fifth information is received, send a first processing rule to a first server discovery function network element.

18. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: Receive a first domain name from a first session management function network element, where the first domain name is included in a query message from a terminal device, the query message is used to query the address of a server that provides a service corresponding to the first domain name for the terminal device, the first server deployment information corresponding to the first session management function network element does not include the first domain name, or the service scope of the first network element includes the first domain name; Send first information to the first session management function network element, where the first information is determined according to the first domain name, and the first information is used to process the query message to obtain the address of a first server, and the first server is used to provide the service for the terminal device.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The method further includes: Receive a server address from the first session management function network element, where the server address is included in a response message corresponding to the query message; Send third information to the first session management function network element, where the third information is used to instruct to send the response message to the terminal device that provides the query message.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that, Before receiving the first domain name from the first session management function network element, the method further includes: Send fifth information to the first session management function network element, where the fifth information is associated with second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, the fifth information is used to send a first processing rule, the query message matches the first processing rule, and the first processing rule further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management function network element.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The fifth information is associated with second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, including: The fifth information includes a first domain name range included in the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, and the first processing rule includes the first domain name range; The query message matches the first processing rule, including: The first domain name range includes the first domain name.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein The fifth information is associated with second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, including: The fifth information includes a first processing rule determined based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The priority of the first processing rule is higher than the priority of the second processing rule, and the second processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The method further includes: Send priority indication information to the first server discovery functional network element, where the priority indication information is used to indicate that the priority of the first processing rule is higher than that of the second processing rule.

25. The method according to claim 20, wherein The first processing rule includes the first identifier of the first detection template and / or the second identifier of the first processing action information. The first matching rule includes the first detection template and the first processing action information. The first matching rule is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element. The first processing action information further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management functional network element. The query message matches the first processing rule, including: The first detection template includes the first domain name.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that, The fifth information is associated with the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element, including: The fifth information includes the identifier of the first detection template and / or the identifier of the first processing action information. The first matching rule is generated based on the second server deployment information corresponding to the first network element.

27. The method according to claim 20, wherein The method further includes: Send the fifth information to the first session management functional network element, where the fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first network element configures or stores the first server deployment information, the first network element supports the first capability for processing edge application server (EAS) related information, the first network element receives the sixth information used to indicate that the first network element processes EAS related information. The fifth information is further used to trigger sending the first processing rule to the first server discovery functional network element. The first processing rule is determined based on the first server deployment information. The first domain name range in the first processing rule is empty or a wildcard. The query message matches the first processing rule. The first processing rule further includes: sending the first domain name to the first session management functional network element.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device includes: a unit for implementing the communication method according to any one of claims 1-17 or claims 18-27.

29. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which when run, implements the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, or the communication method according to any one of claims 18 to 27.

30. A chip, characterized in that, Includes a processor; The processor is used to execute computer execution instructions, so that the device installed with the chip executes the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, or the communication method according to any one of claims 18 to 27.

31. The chip according to claim 30, wherein, The chip further includes an interface circuit, and the interface circuit is used to receive the computer execution instructions and transmit them to the processor.

32. A computer program product, where the computer program product is used by a computer to execute the method for reporting channel state information according to any one of claims 1 to 17, or the method for reporting channel state information according to any one of claims 18 to 27.

33. A communication device, characterized in that, Includes: At least one processor and a memory; The memory is used to store a computer program; The processor is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, or the communication method according to any one of claims 18 to 27.

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