Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: receiving first indication information from a first user plane function network element, wherein the first indication information is used for indicating a first interface delay, and a first interface is located between the first user plane function network element and a first edge application server which are selected for communication of a terminal device; and on the basis of the first interface delay, executing at least one of the following operations: selecting a second user plane function network element, selecting a second edge application server, selecting a second application on the first edge application server, or selecting a second tunnel of the first interface, wherein a first function network element is a network element used for managing user plane function network elements and edge application servers. By means of the solution of the present application, on the basis of an interface delay, a new network element is selected to replace the current network element for transmission of communication data, so that the problem of communication quality degradation caused by an interface delay anomaly can be effectively solved.

Description

Communication method and device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on January 15, 2024, with application number 202410057918.3, and priority to the Chinese patent application entitled “A Communication Method and Device”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] Applications may be served by one or more edge application servers (EAS) deployed at the edge of an external network. When accessing applications hosted on one or more edge application servers at the edge of the network, communication quality may degrade. Therefore, addressing this degradation is a pressing technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus that can effectively solve the problem of communication quality degradation caused by abnormal interface delay or abnormal edge application server load.

[0005] On the first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a core network network element, or can also be executed by a component of the core network network element (such as a chip or a chip system or a circuit). There is no limitation on this. For the sake of convenience of description, the following is explained by taking the execution by the first functional network element as an example.

[0006] The first functional network element is a network element that manages the session between the user plane functional network element and the edge application server. The first functional network element may be: a service function network element (service function, SRF) or a local session management function network element (local session management function, L-SMF).

[0007] In some possible implementations, the first functional network element may also be an intermediate session management function (I-SMF) network element.

[0008] The method includes: a first functional network element receives first indication information from a first user plane functional network element, the first indication information is used to indicate a first interface delay, and the first interface delay includes at least one of the following: an interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for a first application, an interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for a first edge application server, or an interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for a first tunnel, the first interface being between the first user plane functional network element and the first edge application server selected for communication with a terminal device; performing at least one of the following operations based on the first interface delay: reselecting a second user plane functional network element, which is different from the first user plane functional network element; selecting a second edge application server, which is different from the first edge application server; selecting a second application on the first edge application server, which is different from the first application; or selecting a second tunnel of the first interface, which is different from the first tunnel.

[0009] Optionally, the first interface is a first N6 interface.

[0010] Optionally, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: information for indicating a state of the first interface delay, or information for indicating a delay value of the first interface delay.

[0011] It should be understood that the first functional network element can perceive the delay of the interface between the first user plane functional network element and the first edge application server by receiving the interface delay for the corresponding granularity (for example, the granularity can be the granularity of the first application, or the granularity can be the granularity of the first edge application server, or the granularity can be the granularity of the first tunnel).

[0012] Based on the above solution, the first functional network element receives the interface delay for the corresponding granularity, can promptly perceive whether the interface delay is abnormal, and perform a reselection operation for the abnormal interface delay, which can effectively solve the problem of communication quality degradation caused by the abnormal interface delay.

[0013] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the second user plane function network element is used to replace the first user plane function network element in transmitting communication data; the second edge application server is used to replace the first edge application server in transmitting communication data; the second application is used to replace the first application in transmitting communication data; and the second tunnel is used to replace the first tunnel in transmitting communication data.

[0014] Optionally, the first user plane functional network element is the current network element for terminal device communication. By selecting the second user plane functional network element to replace the current first user plane functional network element to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first user plane functional network element to the second user plane functional network element, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0015] Optionally, the first edge application server is the current network element for terminal device communication. By selecting the second edge application server to replace the current first edge application server to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first edge application server to the second edge application server, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0016] Optionally, the first application is the current network element for communication with the terminal device. By selecting the second application to replace the current first application to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first application to the second application, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0017] Optionally, the first tunnel of the interface is the current network element for terminal device communication. By selecting the second tunnel to replace the current first tunnel to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first tunnel to the second tunnel, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the communication includes communication between the terminal device and the first application, or communication between the terminal device and the second application. Based on the above solution, by reselecting a network element to replace the current network element for transmitting communication data, the communication path can be further optimized, the stability and reliability of data transmission can be ensured, and the communication quality can be improved.

[0019] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending the result of the operation to the application function network element, wherein, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first application, the result includes the identifier of the second application; or, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first edge application server, the result includes the identifier of the second edge application server; or, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the result includes the endpoint information of the second tunnel.

[0020] In a possible implementation, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for the first tunnel, the method further includes: sending a result of the operation to the first user plane functional network element.

[0021] Based on the above solution, the application function network element or the user plane function network element can obtain information about the reselected network element, which helps the application function network element or the user plane function network element to make corresponding adjustments and optimizations to better adapt to changes in the communication path, thereby improving communication quality.

[0022] In some possible implementations, the first function network element receives a session modification request from a session management network element, where the session modification request is used to request selection of a second user plane function network element.

[0023] Based on the above solution, when an abnormal interface delay occurs, the relevant session modification can be achieved by reselecting the user plane functional network element. That is, when the session is switched to the reselected user plane functional network element, the session of the interface corresponding to the original user plane functional network element will also be modified to the reselected user plane functional network element. This can quickly and effectively solve the communication interruption caused by the abnormal interface delay, reduce the delay generated during the communication process, and improve communication efficiency.

[0024] In combination with the first aspect, in certain implementations of the first aspect, receiving first indication information from a first user plane functional network element includes: receiving a first response message from the first user plane functional network element, the first response message being a response to a first subscription message, and the first response message including first indication information.

[0025] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: sending the first subscription message to the first user plane function network element, wherein the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first application, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to an interface delay for the first application;

[0026] Alternatively, the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to an interface delay for the first edge application server;

[0027] Alternatively, the first subscription message includes information about the first tunnel, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first tunnel.

[0028] In some possible implementations, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: information indicating a state of the first interface delay, or information indicating a delay value of the first interface delay.

[0029] Based on the above solution, by subscribing to the interface delay at the corresponding granularity, the interface delay of the corresponding granularity can be timely known and the reselection operation can be performed accordingly. This can promptly and effectively solve the problem of communication quality degradation caused by abnormal interface delay and improve communication reliability.

[0030] On the second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a core network network element, or can also be executed by a component of the core network network element (such as a chip or circuit). There is no limitation on this. For the sake of ease of description, the following is explained using the example of execution by the first functional network element.

[0031] The first functional network element is a network element that manages the session between the user plane functional network element and the edge application server. The first functional network element may be: a service functional network element SRF, a local session management functional network element L-SMF.

[0032] In some possible implementations, the first functional network element may also be an intermediate session management function network element I-SMF.

[0033] The method includes: receiving second indication information from an application function network element, the second indication information is used to indicate a first edge application server load, the first edge application server load includes at least one of the following: an edge application server load for the first edge application server, an edge application server load for a first application, the first edge application server is an edge application server selected for communication with a terminal device; performing at least one of the following operations according to the first edge application server load: selecting a second edge application server, the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; or, selecting a second application on the first edge application server, the second application is different from the first application.

[0034] It should be understood that the first functional network element can perceive the load of the first edge application server by receiving the edge application server load for the corresponding granularity (for example, the granularity can be the granularity of the first edge application server, or the granularity can be the granularity of the first application).

[0035] Based on the above solution, the first functional network element receives the edge application server load at the corresponding granularity, can promptly perceive whether the edge application server load is abnormal, and perform reselection operations for the abnormal edge application server load, which can effectively solve the problem of communication quality degradation caused by the abnormal edge application server load.

[0036] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second edge application server is used to replace the first edge application server in transmitting communication data; and the second application is used to replace the first application in transmitting communication data.

[0037] Optionally, the first edge application server is the current network element for terminal device communication. By selecting the second edge application server to replace the current first edge application server to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first edge application server to the second edge application server, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0038] Optionally, the first application is the current network element for communication with the terminal device. By selecting the second application to replace the current first application to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first application to the second application, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0039] In some possible implementations, the communication includes communication between the terminal device and the first application, or communication between the terminal device and the second application. Based on the above solution, by reselecting a network element to replace the current network element to transmit communication data, the communication path can be further optimized, the stability and reliability of data transmission can be ensured, and the communication quality can be improved.

[0040] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, the method further includes: sending the result of the operation to the application function network element, wherein, when the first edge application server load is the edge application server load for the first edge application server, the result includes the identifier of the second edge application server; or, when the first edge application server load is the edge application server load for the second application, the result includes the identifier of the second application.

[0041] Based on the above solution, the application function network element can obtain information about the reselected network element, which helps the application function network element to make corresponding adjustments and optimizations to better adapt to changes in the communication path, thereby improving communication quality.

[0042] In combination with the second aspect, in certain implementations of the second aspect, receiving second indication information from the application function network element includes: receiving a second response message from the application function network element, the second response message being a response to the second subscription message, and the second response message including second indication information.

[0043] In some possible implementations, the method further includes: sending the second subscription message to the application function network element, wherein the second subscription message includes the identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the first edge application server; or, the second subscription message includes the identifier of the first application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the first application.

[0044] In some possible implementations, the second indication information includes at least one of the following: information indicating a level of the load of the first edge application server, or information indicating a percentage of the load of the first edge application server.

[0045] Based on the above scheme, by subscribing to the edge application server load at the corresponding granularity, the edge application server load at the corresponding granularity can be timely known and reselection operations can be performed accordingly, which can timely and effectively solve the problem of communication quality degradation caused by abnormal edge application server load and improve communication reliability.

[0046] In combination with the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the second indication information includes a session update request from an application function network element.

[0047] On the third aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a user plane functional network element, or by a component of the user plane functional network element (such as a chip or a chip system or a circuit). There is no limitation on this. For the convenience of description, the user plane functional network element is used as an example for explanation below.

[0048] The method includes: obtaining a first interface delay, the first interface delay including at least one of the following: an interface delay of a first user plane function network element for a first application, an interface delay of the first user plane function network element for a first edge application server, or an interface delay of the first user plane function network element for a first tunnel, the first interface being between the first user plane function network element and the first edge application server selected for communication with a terminal device; sending first indication information, the first indication information being used to indicate the first interface delay; wherein the first interface delay is used for at least one of the following operations: selecting a second user plane function network element, the second user plane function network element being different from the first user plane function network element; selecting a second edge application server, the second edge application server being different from the first edge application server; selecting a second application on the first edge application server, the second application being different from the first application; or selecting a second tunnel of the first interface, the second tunnel being different from the first tunnel.

[0049] Optionally, the first interface is a first N6 interface.

[0050] In some possible implementations, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: information indicating a state of the first interface delay, or information indicating a delay value of the first interface delay.

[0051] It should be understood that the user plane functional network element can perceive the delay of the interface between the first user plane functional network element and the first edge application server by receiving the interface delay for the corresponding granularity (for example, the granularity can be the granularity of the first application, or the granularity can be the granularity of the first edge application server, or the granularity can be the granularity of the first tunnel).

[0052] Based on the above solution, the user-plane functional network element can promptly perceive whether the interface delay is abnormal by obtaining the interface delay of the corresponding granularity, and send the interface delay of the corresponding granularity to other network elements so that other network elements can perform reselection operations, which can effectively solve the problem of communication quality degradation caused by abnormal interface delay.

[0053] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, the second user plane function network element is used to replace the first user plane function network element in transmitting communication data; the second edge application server is used to replace the first edge application server in transmitting communication data; the second application is used to replace the first application in transmitting communication data; and the second tunnel is used to replace the first tunnel in transmitting communication data.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the communication includes communication between the terminal device and the first application, or communication between the terminal device and the second application.

[0055] Optionally, the first user plane functional network element is the current network element for terminal device communication. By selecting the second user plane functional network element to replace the current first user plane functional network element to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first user plane functional network element to the second user plane functional network element, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0056] Optionally, the first edge application server is the current network element for terminal device communication. By selecting the second edge application server to replace the current first edge application server to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first edge application server to the second edge application server, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0057] Optionally, the first application is the current network element for communication with the terminal device. By selecting the second application to replace the current first application to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first application to the second application, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0058] Optionally, the first tunnel of the interface is the current network element for terminal device communication. By selecting the second tunnel to replace the current first tunnel to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first tunnel to the second tunnel, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0059] Based on the above solution, by reselecting a network element to replace the current network element to transmit communication data, the communication path can be further optimized, the stability and reliability of data transmission can be ensured, and the communication quality can be improved.

[0060] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, obtaining the first interface delay includes: sending a first detection request to a first edge application server; receiving the first interface delay; wherein, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for the first application, the first detection request is used to request detection of the interface delay for the first application; or, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for the first edge application server, the first detection request is used to request detection of the interface delay for the first edge application server; or, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for the first tunnel, the first detection request is used to request detection of the interface delay for the first tunnel.

[0061] Based on the above solution, the detection of interface delay at the corresponding granularity is realized, the delay of the interface at the corresponding granularity can be known in a timely manner, and other network elements can adopt corresponding reselection solutions in a targeted manner to avoid the problem of communication quality degradation caused by abnormal interface delay.

[0062] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, sending the first indication information includes: receiving a first subscription message; sending a first response message, the first response message being a response to the first subscription message, and the first response message including the first indication information; wherein the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first application, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first application; or, the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first edge application server; or, the first subscription message includes information of the first tunnel, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first tunnel.

[0063] Based on the above solution, by receiving a subscription for interface delay of a corresponding granularity, the interface delay detection of the corresponding granularity can be performed in a targeted manner, and the interface delay of the corresponding granularity can be learned in a timely manner.

[0064] In combination with the third aspect, in certain implementations of the third aspect, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for the first tunnel, the method also includes: receiving endpoint information of the second tunnel and updating the endpoint of the second tunnel.

[0065] Based on the above solution, when an abnormal interface delay occurs, the endpoint information of the reselected interface tunnel is received and the endpoint of the reselected interface tunnel is updated accordingly, so that the interface tunnel can be reselected in time, effectively avoiding the communication interruption problem that may be caused by the abnormal interface delay.

[0066] Fourthly, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by an application function network element, or by a component of the application function network element (such as a chip or a chip system or a circuit). There is no limitation on this. For the convenience of description, the application function network element is used as an example for explanation below.

[0067] The method includes: obtaining a first edge application server load, the first edge application server load including at least one of the following: an edge application server load for the first edge application server, or an edge application server load for a first application, the first edge application server being an edge application server selected for communication with a terminal device; sending second indication information, the second indication information being used to indicate the first edge application server load; wherein the first edge application server load is used for at least one of the following operations: selecting a second edge application server, the second edge application server being different from the first edge application server; or selecting a second application on the first edge application server, the second application being different from the first application.

[0068] It should be understood that the application function network element can perceive the load of the first edge application server by receiving the edge application server load for the corresponding granularity (for example, the granularity can be the granularity of the first edge application server, or the granularity can be the granularity of the first application).

[0069] Based on the above solution, the application function network element can timely perceive whether the load of the edge application server is abnormal by obtaining the edge application server load of the corresponding granularity, and send the edge application server load of the corresponding granularity to other network elements to enable other network elements to perform reselection operations, which can effectively solve the problem of communication quality degradation caused by abnormal edge application server load.

[0070] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the second edge application server is used to replace the first edge application server in transmitting communication data; and the second application is used to replace the first application in transmitting communication data.

[0071] In some possible implementations, the communication includes communication between the terminal device and the first application, or communication between the terminal device and the second application.

[0072] Optionally, the first edge application server is the current network element for terminal device communication. By selecting the second edge application server to replace the current first edge application server to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first edge application server to the second edge application server, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0073] Optionally, the first application is the current network element for communication with the terminal device. By selecting the second application to replace the current first application to transmit communication data, the communication path is modified from the first application to the second application, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0074] Based on the above solution, by reselecting a network element to replace the current network element to transmit communication data, the communication path can be further optimized, the stability and reliability of data transmission can be ensured, and the communication quality can be improved.

[0075] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, obtaining the first edge application server load includes: sending a second detection request to the first edge application server; receiving the first edge application server load; wherein, when the first edge application server load is an edge application server load for the first edge application server, the second detection request is used to request detection of the edge application server load for the first edge application server; or, when the first edge application server load is an edge application server load for a second application, the second detection request is used to request detection of the edge application server load for the second application.

[0076] Based on the above scheme, the detection of edge application server load at the corresponding granularity is realized, the load of the edge application server at the corresponding granularity can be known in a timely manner, and other network elements can take corresponding reselection plans in a targeted manner to avoid the problem of communication quality degradation caused by abnormal edge application server load.

[0077] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, sending the second indication information includes: receiving a second subscription message; sending a second response message, the second response message being a response to the second subscription message, the second response message including the second indication information; wherein the second subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the first edge application server; or, the second subscription message includes an identifier of the second application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the second application.

[0078] Based on the above solution, by receiving subscriptions to edge application server loads of corresponding granularity, targeted detection of edge application server loads of corresponding granularity can be performed, and the edge application server loads of corresponding granularity can be learned in a timely manner.

[0079] In combination with the fourth aspect, in certain implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving the result of the operation; when the result includes an identifier of the second application, updating the second application; or, when the result includes an identifier of the second edge application server, updating the second edge application server; or, when the result includes endpoint information of the second tunnel, updating the second tunnel.

[0080] Based on the above solution, when the edge application server load is abnormal, the corresponding reselection operation can be implemented in time, effectively avoiding the communication interruption problem that may be caused by the edge application server load abnormality.

[0081] In a fifth aspect, a communication device is provided, which is used to execute any one of the methods provided in the first to fourth aspects above. Specifically, the device may include units and / or modules for executing the methods provided in the first to fourth aspects, such as a processing module and / or a communication module. In one implementation, the device is a network device, for example, the device is a first functional network element, or a user plane functional network element, or an application functional network element. When the device is a network device, the communication module may be a transceiver, or an input / output interface; the processing module may be a processor.

[0082] In another implementation, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in network equipment. When the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit used in communication equipment, the communication module can be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing module can be a processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0083] In one possible scenario, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit in the first functional network element. In this case, the device may include units and / or modules for executing the method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect, such as a processing unit and / or a communication unit.

[0084] In another possible scenario, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit in a user plane functional network element. In this case, the device may include units and / or modules for executing the method provided in the third aspect, such as a processing module and / or a communication module.

[0085] In another possible scenario, the device is a chip, chip system, or circuit in an application function network element. In this case, the device may include units and / or modules for executing the method provided in the fourth aspect, such as a processing module and / or a communication module.

[0086] Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0087] In a sixth aspect, a communication device is provided, which includes: a memory for storing programs; a processor for executing the programs stored in the memory, and when the program stored in the memory is executed, the processor is used to execute any one of the methods provided in the first to fourth aspects above.

[0088] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a processor for executing the methods provided in the above aspects. In the process of executing these methods, the process of sending the above information and obtaining / receiving the above information in the above methods can be understood as the process of the processor outputting the above information and the process of the processor receiving the input above information. When outputting the above information, the processor outputs the above information to the transceiver so that the transceiver can transmit it. After being output by the processor, the above information may also need to undergo other processing before reaching the transceiver. Similarly, when the processor receives the input above information, the transceiver obtains / receives the above information and inputs it into the processor. Furthermore, after the transceiver receives the above information, the above information may need to undergo other processing before being input into the processor.

[0089] Based on the above principles, for example, the receiving request message mentioned in the above method can be understood as the processor receiving input information.

[0090] For the operations such as transmission, sending and acquisition / reception involved in the processor, unless otherwise specified, or if they do not conflict with their actual functions or internal logic in the relevant descriptions, they can be more generally understood as processor output, reception, input and other operations, rather than the transmission, sending and receiving operations directly performed by the RF circuit and antenna.

[0091] During implementation, the processor may be a processor specifically configured to execute these methods, or may be a processor that executes computer instructions in a memory to execute these methods, such as a general-purpose processor. The memory may be a non-transitory memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), which may be integrated with the processor on the same chip or disposed on separate chips. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of memory or the configuration of the memory and the processor.

[0092] In an eighth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a program code for execution by a device, wherein the program code includes code for executing any one of the methods provided in the first to fourth aspects above.

[0093] In a ninth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute any one of the methods provided in the first to fourth aspects above.

[0094] In the tenth aspect, a chip or chip system is provided, which includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads instructions stored in the memory through the communication interface and executes any one of the methods provided in the first to fourth aspects above.

[0095] Optionally, as an implementation method, the chip or chip system may also include a memory, in which instructions are stored, and the processor is used to execute the instructions stored on the memory. When the instructions are executed, the processor is used to execute any one of the methods provided in the first to fourth aspects above.

[0096] In the eleventh aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising one or more of the aforementioned first functional network element, user plane functional network element, and application functional network element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0097] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0098] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of another network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0099] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of an edge computing scenario provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0100] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0101] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of a communication method 300 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0102] FIG6 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 400 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0103] FIG7 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 500 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0104] FIG8 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 600 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0105] FIG9 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method 700 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0106] FIG10 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication device 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0107] FIG11 shows a schematic block diagram of another communication device 20 provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0108] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0109] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: fifth generation (5G) system or new radio (NR) or long term evolution (LTE) system. The technical solutions provided by the present application can also be applied to future communication systems, such as the sixth generation mobile communication system. The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can also be applied to device to device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine to machine (M2M) communication, machine type communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT) communication system or other communication systems.

[0110] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable is first briefly introduced with reference to FIG1 and FIG2 .

[0111] As an example, Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of a 5G system 100 applicable to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the network architecture may include but is not limited to the following network elements (or referred to as functional network elements, functional entities, nodes, devices, etc.):

[0112] User equipment (UE), (radio) access network (R)AN), user plane function (UPF) network element, edge application server (EAS), access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, network exposure function (NEF) network element, EASDF network element, network storage function (NF repository function, NRF) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, application function (AF) network element, unified data management (UDM) network element, etc.

[0113] The following is a brief introduction to the network elements shown in (a) of Figure 1:

[0114] 1. User equipment: This term may also be referred to as terminal equipment, terminal device, access terminal, subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. A terminal device can be a device that provides voice / data connectivity to a user, such as a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with wireless connectivity. At present, some examples of terminals may include: mobile phones, tablet computers, computers with wireless transceiver functions (such as laptops, PDAs, etc.), mobile internet devices (MIDs), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical, 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 functions, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, terminal devices in 5G networks or future evolved public land mobile communication networks (PLMNs). terminal equipment in network, PLMN, etc.

[0115] Furthermore, terminal devices can also be end devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) system. IoT is a crucial component of future information technology development. Its primary technical feature is connecting objects to the Internet through communications technology, thereby enabling intelligent networks that interconnect humans and machines, and objects and things. IoT technology, for example, utilizes narrowband (NB) technology to achieve massive connectivity, deep coverage, and power-saving terminals.

[0116] In addition, terminal devices can also include smart printers, train detectors, etc. Their main functions include collecting data (part of the terminal devices), receiving control information and downlink data from network devices, and sending electromagnetic waves to transmit uplink data to network devices.

[0117] It should be understood that the user equipment can be any device that can access the network. The terminal equipment and the access network equipment can communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology.

[0118] Alternatively, a user device can function as a base station. For example, a user device can act as a dispatching entity, providing sidelink signals between user devices in V2X or D2D scenarios. For example, a cell phone and a car can communicate with each other using sidelink signals. A cell phone and a smart home device can also communicate without relaying the communication signal through a base station.

[0119] 2. (Wireless) access network equipment: used to provide network access for authorized user devices in a specific area, and can use transmission tunnels with different service qualities based on the level of user devices and business requirements.

[0120] (R)AN can manage wireless resources, provide access services to user equipment, and forward control signals and user equipment data between the user equipment and the core network. (R)AN can also be understood as a base station in a traditional network.

[0121] Exemplarily, the access network device in the embodiment of the present application can be any communication device with wireless transceiver functions for communicating with a user equipment. The access network device includes but is not limited to an evolved Node B (eNB) or a gNB in ​​a 5G, such as an NR, system, or a transmission point (TRP or TP), one or a group (including multiple antenna panels) of antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a baseband unit (BBU), or a distributed unit (DU).

[0122] In some deployments, a gNB may include a centralized unit (CU) and a DU. The gNB may also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The CU implements some gNB functions, while the DU implements some gNB functions. For example, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services, implementing the functions of the radio resource control (RRC) and packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layers. The DU is responsible for processing physical layer protocols and real-time services, implementing the functions of the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers. The AAU implements some physical layer processing functions, RF processing, and active antenna-related functions. Because RRC layer information ultimately becomes PHY layer information, or is converted from PHY layer information, in this architecture, higher-layer signaling, such as RRC layer signaling, can also be considered to be sent by the DU, or by both the DU and the AAU. It is understood that an access network device can be a device that includes one or more of a CU node, a DU node, or an AAU node. In addition, the CU may be classified as an access network device in an access network (radio access network, RAN), or the CU may be classified as an access network device in a core network (core network, CN), which is not limited in this application.

[0123] 3. User plane functional network element: User plane functional network element mainly includes the following functions: data packet routing and transmission, packet detection, service usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) processing, legal monitoring, uplink packet detection, downlink data packet storage and other user plane related functions.

[0124] Exemplarily, UPF can be divided into protocol data unit session anchor UPF (PSA UPF) and uplink classifier functionality UPF (UL CL UPF).

[0125] The UPF shown in (a) in Figure 1 is the PSA UPF, which supports the PDU session anchor function. The UE is connected to the AMF through the N1 interface; the AN is connected to the AMF through the N2 interface and to the PSA UPF through the N3 interface; the PSA UPF is connected to the SMF through the N4 interface; and the PSA UPF is connected to the EAS through the N6 interface.

[0126] Hereinafter, for the sake of brevity, PSA UPF may be referred to as PSA; UL CL UPF may be referred to as UL CL.

[0127] In the 5G architecture, it is called the user plane function network element. In future communication systems, the user plane function network element can still be the UPF network element, or it can have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0128] 4. Edge application service: EAS is an edge application service deployed in the data network (DN), generally deployed on the edge hosting environment (EHE) in the DN. The EHE can be considered as a multi-access edge computing (MEC) environment, which is controlled by the operator or a third party.

[0129] The edge application server can also be called an "application instance", which specifically refers to an instance of a server application (for example, social media software, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR)) deployed on an edge data network. An application (or service) can be deployed on one or more EASs in one or more DNs. EASs running in different DNs can be different EASs of the same application. They can share a domain name or use a different domain name from the application deployed on the cloud. The domain name can be a fully qualified domain name (FQDN), can use a single anycast IP address, or can use different IP addresses.

[0130] It is understandable that EAS can also be called edge application (server), application instance, edge application instance, multi-access edge computing application (server), EAS function, etc.

[0131] The aforementioned DN may be a local data network (local part of DN), which includes an edge enabler server (EES) and multiple EASs. Each local DN has a specific service range.

[0132] 5. Access and mobility management functional network element: The mobility management network element mainly includes the following functions: connection management, mobility management, registration management, access authentication and authorization, reachability management, security context management and other access and mobility related functions.

[0133] In the 5G architecture, it is called the access and mobility management function network element. In future communication systems, the access and mobility management function network element can still be the AMF network element, or it can have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0134] 6. Session management function network element: It is mainly used for session management, allocation and management of Internet protocol (IP) addresses of terminal devices, selection of endpoints of manageable user plane functions, policy control and charging function interfaces, and downlink data notification. The session management network element can be a network element that provides services for UE sessions.

[0135] In future communication systems, the session management function network element may still be an SMF network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0136] 7. Network Open Function Element: This can be understood as the name of the capability open network element in the 5G architecture. The capability open network element mainly includes the following functions: securely open services and capabilities provided by 3GPP network functions, which can be open internally or open to third parties; converting or translating information interacting with the AF and information interacting with internal network functions, such as the AF service identifier and internal 5G core network information such as the data network name (DNN) and single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI).

[0137] 8. EAS discovery function network element: mainly responsible for discovering EAS, including functions such as registering with NRF for discovery and selection, processing DNS messages according to the instructions of SMF (for example, receiving DNS message processing rules sent by SMF, sending DNS messages to the local DNS server or central DNS server, adding ECS ​​option to DNS query message, exchanging DNS messages sent by UE, notifying SMF of EASDF related information, etc.), terminating DNS security, etc.

[0138] 9. Network Storage Function Element: This is the name of the network storage function element in the 5G architecture. The network storage function element mainly includes the following functions: service discovery, maintaining the NF context of available network function (NF) instances and the services they support.

[0139] 10. Policy control function network element: A unified policy framework used to guide network behavior and provide policy rule information for control plane function network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0140] In future communication systems, the policy control function network element may still be a PCF network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0141] 11. Application function network element: It is used to provide application layer information for data routing that affects applications. It can interact with the policy framework or directly interact with the policy framework to perform policy decision request control, etc. by accessing the network open function network element.

[0142] In future communication systems, the application function network element may still be an AF network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0143] 12. Unified Data Management Element (UDME): This is the name given to the unified data management element in the 5G architecture. It primarily includes the following functions: unified data management, support for authentication credential processing in the 3GPP authentication and key agreement mechanism, user identity processing, access authorization, registration and mobility management, contract management, and short message management.

[0144] In future communication systems, the unified data management network element may still be a UDM network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

[0145] As an exemplary illustration, (b) in FIG1 shows an architectural diagram of another 5G system 100b applicable to an embodiment of the present application. The difference between the system 100b shown in (b) in FIG1 and the system 100a shown in (a) in FIG1 is that the 5G system in the system 100a shown in (a) in FIG1 does not provide access to the EAS through UL CL / BP, while the 5G system in the system 100b shown in (b) in FIG1 provides access to the EAS through UL CL / BP. As shown in (b) in FIG1, the network architecture may include but is not limited to the following network elements (or referred to as functional network elements, functional entities, nodes, devices, etc.):

[0146] UE, (R)AN, UPF, EAS, central DN, AMF network element, SMF network element, NEF network element, EASDF network element, NRF network element, PCF network element, AF network element, UDM network element, etc.

[0147] The network elements and the connections between the network elements in (b) of FIG1 are similar to those in (a) of FIG1 . Details similar to those in (a) of FIG1 are not described again. The differences are as follows:

[0148] 1. The UPF shown in (b) of Figure 1 includes a UL CL UPF (or branching point UPF (BPUPF)), a local PSA UPF (L-PSA UPF) and a central PSA UPF (C-PSA UPF).

[0149] The UPF shown in (a) of FIG1 includes a UL CL UPF (or branching point UPF (BPUPF)), a local PSA UPF (L-PSA UPF), and a central PSA UPF (C-PSA UPF).

[0150] The UL CL UPF is a UPF with uplink offload functionality. The UE connects to the AMF via the N1 interface; the AN connects to the AMF via the N2 interface and to the UL CL UPF via the N3 interface; the UL CL UPF connects to the SMF via the N4 interface and to the PSA UPF via the N9 interface; the SMF connects to the PSA UPFs via the N4 interface; the C-PSA UPF connects to the central DN via the N6 interface; and the L-PSA UPF connects to the EAS via the N6 interface.

[0151] Hereinafter, for the sake of brevity, L-PSA UPF may be referred to as LUPF.

[0152] 2. The architecture shown in (b) of Figure 1 includes a central DN in addition to the EAS.

[0153] As an exemplary illustration, FIG2 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The network elements included in FIG2 and the connections between the network elements are similar to those in FIG1 , wherein the network elements included in FIG2(a) and the connections between the network elements are similar to those in FIG1(a), and the network elements included in FIG2(b) and the connections between the network elements are similar to those in FIG1(b).

[0154] The similarities with Figure 1 will not be repeated here, the differences are:

[0155] 1. The system 200a or 200b shown in FIG2 adds a first function network element between the session management function network element and the local user plane function network element. The first function network element is used to manage data transmission between the LUPF and the EAS.

[0156] Optionally, the first functional network element may be a service function network element (service function, SRF) or a local session management function network element (local session management function, L-SMF).

[0157] Optionally, the first functional network element may also be an intermediate session management function network element (intermediate session management function, I-SMF).

[0158] It should be understood that the intermediate session management function network element is a non-newly added network element between the session management function network element and the local user plane function network element of the system 200a or 200b.

[0159] 2. The architecture shown in FIG2 may include multiple local PSA UPFs, such as L-PSA UPF1, L-PSA UPF2, etc. For ease of description, L-PSA UPF1 may be referred to as LUPF1, and L-PSA UPF2 may be referred to as LUPF2.

[0160] Among them, LUPF is connected to EAS through the N6 interface; LUPF1 is connected to LUPF2 through the N9 interface.

[0161] It is understandable that the above-mentioned network elements or functional network elements can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform).

[0162] In the network architecture shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, network elements can communicate with each other through the interfaces shown in the figure. Some interfaces can be implemented as non-service interfaces. As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the UE and AMF can interact through the N1 interface. The interaction messages can be called N1 messages, for example. The RAN and AMF can interact through the N2 interface. The N2 interface can be used to send non-access stratum (NAS) messages. The RAN and UPF can interact through the N3 interface. The N3 interface can be used to transmit user plane data, etc. The SMF and UPF can interact through the N4 interface. The N4 interface can be used to transmit information such as tunnel identification information of the N3 connection, data cache indication information, and downlink data notification messages. The UPF and EAS can interact through the N6 interface. The N6 interface can be used to transmit user plane data, etc. The UPF and UPF can interact through the N9 interface. The N9 interface can be used to transmit user plane messages, etc.

[0163] In each embodiment of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the first interface is the N6 interface, that is, the first interface is between the user plane function network element selected for communication with the terminal device and the edge application server.

[0164] In addition, the various network elements of the control plane functions in Figure 1 or Figure 2 can also communicate through service-based interfaces. For example, AMF accesses the service-based architecture through the Namf interface to provide corresponding services; SMF accesses the service-based architecture through the Nsmf interface to provide corresponding services; similarly, NRF, PCF, and AF access the service-based architecture through their respective corresponding interfaces to provide corresponding services, which will not be repeated here. The relationship between other interfaces and various network elements is shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. For the sake of brevity, they are not described in detail here.

[0165] It should be understood that the network architecture to which the above-mentioned embodiments of the present application can be applied is merely an illustrative illustration, and the network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any network architecture that can implement the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

[0166] It should also be understood that the UPF, AF, SMF shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the first functional network element shown in Figure 2, etc. can be understood as network elements for implementing different functions, for example, they can be combined into network slices as needed. These network elements can be independent devices, or they can be integrated into the same device to implement different functions, or they can be network elements in hardware devices, or they can be software functions running on dedicated hardware, or they can be virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). This application does not limit the specific form of the above network elements.

[0167] It should also be understood that the above naming is defined only to facilitate the distinction between different functions and should not constitute any limitation to this application. This application does not exclude the possibility of adopting other naming in 5G networks and other future networks. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above network elements may continue to use the terminology used in 5G, or may adopt other names.

[0168] It should also be understood that the interface names between the various network elements in Figures 1 and 2 are merely examples. In specific implementations, the interface names may be other names, and this application does not specifically limit this. In addition, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the various network elements are merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the functions of the messages themselves.

[0169] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, before introducing the solutions of the embodiments of the present application based on the 5G architecture, we first briefly describe some terms or concepts in 5G that may be involved in the embodiments of the present application.

[0170] 1. 5G architecture.

[0171] The evolved packet system (EPS) defined in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is included in the 5G network architecture based on service-oriented interfaces or the 5G network architecture based on point-to-point interfaces. The 5G network can be divided into three parts: UE, DN, and operator network.

[0172] Among them, the operator network may include one or more network elements shown in Figure 1 except UE and DN, or may also include other network elements. This application does not limit the 5G network structure, and you can refer to the introduction in the current relevant technology.

[0173] 2. Edge computing

[0174] The rapid development of mobile communications has promoted the continuous emergence of various new services. In addition to traditional mobile broadband and the Internet of Things, mobile communications have spawned many new application areas such as augmented reality (AR) technology, virtual reality (VR) technology, Internet of Vehicles (IoV) technology, industrial control, and IOT. At the same time, it has also put forward higher requirements for network bandwidth, latency, and other performance, further increasing network load.

[0175] Traditional centralized anchor deployment in LTE is increasingly unable to support the rapidly growing mobile traffic model. On the one hand, in networks with centralized anchor gateway deployments, growing traffic ultimately concentrates at the gateways and core equipment rooms, placing increasingly stringent demands on backhaul network bandwidth, equipment room throughput, and gateway specifications. On the other hand, the long backhaul network distance and complex transmission environment from the access network to the anchor gateways result in significant latency and jitter in user message transmission.

[0176] Based on this situation, the industry has proposed edge computing (EC). By moving user-plane network elements and service processing capabilities to the network edge, edge computing enables distributed local processing of service traffic, avoiding excessive traffic concentration and significantly reducing the specifications required for core equipment rooms and centralized gateways. Edge computing also shortens the distance of the backhaul network, reducing the end-to-end transmission latency and jitter of user packets, making the deployment of ultra-low-latency services possible.

[0177] Figure 3 illustrates an edge computing scenario. Compared to a DN network, the edge computing platform is deployed at a downlink UPF (i.e., a local UPF); the DN network is deployed at a remote UPF. Compared to the UE's path to the DN (shown as a solid line), the UE's path to the edge computing platform (shown as a dotted line) is significantly shorter. Therefore, edge computing technology can provide users with low-latency, high-bandwidth services.

[0178] The user plane function (UPF) serves as the connection anchor between the 5G network and the multi-access edge computing (MEC). All core network data must be forwarded through the UPF before it can flow to external networks. In MEC deployment scenarios, certain application services may be provided by one or more EASs deployed at the edge of the external network. Therefore, core network data can be forwarded through the UPF to the EAS to provide services to users. During communication and data transmission, if a network anomaly occurs, service communication cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, how to detect network anomalies and, if so, how to restore network communication in the event of an anomaly to ensure service for related devices is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0179] The above text introduces the scenarios in which the embodiments of the present application can be applied in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, and also briefly introduces the basic concepts involved in the present application. The following text will introduce in detail the communication method provided by the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0180] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following explanations are made.

[0181] First, in this application, "used to indicate" can be understood as "enabling," and "enabling" can include both direct and indirect enabling. When describing information as enabling A, it can include the information directly enabling A or indirectly enabling A, but it does not necessarily mean that the information contains A.

[0182] The information enabled by the information is called information to be enabled. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to enable the enabled information, such as but not limited to, directly enabling the information to be enabled, such as the information to be enabled itself or the index of the information to be enabled. The information to be enabled can also be indirectly enabled by enabling other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be enabled. It is also possible to enable only a part of the information to be enabled, while the other parts of the information to be enabled are known or agreed in advance. For example, it is also possible to enable specific information with the help of the arrangement order of each piece of information agreed in advance (such as specified in the protocol), thereby reducing the enabling overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, it is also possible to identify the common parts of each piece of information and enable them uniformly to reduce the enabling overhead caused by enabling the same information separately.

[0183] Second, the first, second, and various numerical numbers (e.g., "#1," "#2," etc.) shown in this application are for ease of description only and are used to distinguish between objects. They are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application. For example, they are used to distinguish between different network elements. They are not intended to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that such descriptions are interchangeable where appropriate to describe solutions beyond the embodiments of this application.

[0184] Third, the terms "comprises" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or elements is not necessarily limited to those steps or elements expressly listed, but may include other steps or elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, product or apparatus.

[0185] Fourth, in this application, "pre-configuration" may include pre-definition, such as protocol definition. "Pre-definition" may be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other methods that can be used to indicate relevant information in a device (e.g., including each network element). This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0186] Fifth, the term "storage" used in the embodiments of this application may refer to storage in one or more memories. The one or more memories may be provided separately or integrated into an encoder or decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The one or more memories may also be partially provided separately and partially integrated into a decoder, a processor, or a communication device. The type of memory may be any form of storage medium, and this application is not limited thereto.

[0187] Sixth, the "protocol" involved in the embodiments of the present application may refer to a standard protocol in the communication field, for example, it may include a 5G protocol, a new radio (NR) protocol, and related protocols used in future communication systems. This application does not limit this.

[0188] The embodiments shown below do not specifically limit the specific structure of the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application. As long as it is possible to communicate according to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application by running a program that records the code of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, for example, the execution subject of the method provided in the embodiments of the present application can be a core network device, or a functional module in the core network device that can call and execute the program.

[0189] The communication method provided in the embodiments of the present application is described in detail below using the interaction between network elements as an example. It should be understood that the terms and steps in the various embodiments of the present application can refer to each other.

[0190] Hereinafter, for the sake of distinction, this application refers to the UL CL UPF and L-PSA UPF deployed in the network as ULCL and LUPF respectively.

[0191] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a communication method 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 200 shown in Figure 4 can be used in the network architecture shown in Figure 2, and the method 200 can be executed by the first functional network element shown in Figure 2.

[0192] S210. The first functional network element sends a first subscription message to the user plane functional network element. The first subscription message is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay. Correspondingly, the user plane functional network element receives the first subscription message.

[0193] The first functional network element is a network element that manages the session between the user plane functional network element and the edge application server. The first functional network element includes: a service functional network element SRF and a local session management functional network element L-SMF.

[0194] In some possible implementations, the first functional network element may also be an intermediate session management function network element I-SMF.

[0195] Optionally, the user plane function network element belongs to a LUPF set, which includes at least a first local user plane function network element LUPF#1 and a second local user plane function network element LUPF#2. For ease of description, the LUPF set can be referred to as LUPFs. It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of LUPFs in the LUPF set.

[0196] For ease of explanation, the user plane function network element in the following text takes LUPF as an example, but the present application is not limited to this.

[0197] In a possible implementation, the first functional network element sends a first subscription message for N6 interface delay to each LUPF in the LUPFs.

[0198] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an N6 interface delay reporting criterion, which is used to report the status of the N6 interface delay, such as abnormal N6 interface delay, or the N6 interface delay criterion reports the value of the N6 interface delay according to a certain period.

[0199] It should be understood that the first subscription message can subscribe to the interface delay for the corresponding granularity through some granularity (for example, the granularity can be APPid, or edge application server identifier, or endpoint information of the interface tunnel).

[0200] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an application identifier (APPid), and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for the application.

[0201] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an edge application server identifier, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to an N6 interface delay for the edge application server.

[0202] Optionally, the first subscription message includes endpoint information of the N6 interface tunnel, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for the tunnel.

[0203] It should be understood that the edge application server identifier in this application can be used to determine the user plane information of the EAS. Specifically, it can be information about the application side endpoint of the user plane path, such as the potential location of the application (which can be represented by a DNAI); the edge application server identifier can also include the delay corresponding to the DNAI, etc.

[0204] For the sake of convenience, in the embodiment of the present application, the edge application server identifier includes DNAI as an example for explanation, but it should be understood that the edge application server identifier itself can be DNAI, and the present application does not limit this.

[0205] It should be understood that in some optional implementations, the subscription message may also be sent by other network elements, such as SMF, to the user plane function network element.

[0206] S220: The user plane functional network element obtains the N6 interface delay.

[0207] Specifically, the LUPFs receives the first subscription message for the N6 interface delay from the first functional network element and initiates N6 interface delay detection to the EAS; correspondingly, the EAS feeds back the detected N6 interface delay to the LUPFs.

[0208] Optionally, the N6 interface delay includes a status of the N6 interface delay, for example, the N6 interface delay is normal or the N6 interface delay is abnormal.

[0209] Optionally, the N6 interface delay further includes a delay value of the N6 interface delay.

[0210] S230: The user plane functional network element sends first indication information to the first functional network element. The first indication information is used to indicate N6 interface delay.

[0211] Specifically, the first indication information includes at least one of the following: information for indicating the state of the N6 interface delay, or information for indicating the delay value of the N6 interface delay.

[0212] Optionally, LUPFs may send the first indication information to the first functional network element when a trigger condition is met.

[0213] For example, the trigger condition may be abnormal N6 interface delay.

[0214] Exemplarily, the abnormality of the N6 interface delay is that the data transmission delay on the N6 interface does not meet the user plane delay requirement. The user plane delay requirement here is used to indicate the maximum delay allowed for user plane transmission, or the user plane delay requirement indicates the threshold of the user plane transmission delay. It should be understood that the user plane delay requirement (or threshold) here can be configured in advance by the application function network element to the first function network element before S310, or the user plane delay requirement (or threshold) here can be configured in advance by the application function network element to the session management network element corresponding to all terminal devices in the terminal set before S310.

[0215] Correspondingly, the first functional network element receives the first indication information from LUPFs, and the first indication information is used to indicate the N6 interface delay. The first functional network element performs a reselection operation based on the N6 interface delay, or in other words, the first indication information is used to instruct the first functional network element to reselect the user plane functional network element for the terminal device, or reselect the edge application server, or reselect the application, or reselect the N6 interface tunnel.

[0216] It should be understood that in the above solution, the user plane functional network element triggers the first functional network element to perform an operation when a trigger condition (such as abnormal N6 interface latency) is met. However, in certain possible implementations, the above process may also be triggered by the session management functional network element SMF. For example, when the SMF refers to the application whitelist of N6 interface latency based on local configuration, it sends a session modification request to the first functional network element. This session modification request is used to instruct the first functional network element to reselect a user plane functional network element. For a specific description, please see Figure 9 and will not be repeated here.

[0217] S240, the first functional network element performs an operation, which includes at least one of the following: reselecting a user plane functional network element, or reselecting an edge application server, or reselecting an application, or reselecting an N6 interface tunnel.

[0218] It should be understood that the reselection here can also be said to be waiting for switching, etc. For example, reselecting the user plane functional network element can also be said to be the user plane functional network element to be switched; for example, reselecting the edge application server can also be said to be the edge application server to be switched; for example, reselecting the application can also be said to be the application to be switched; for example, reselecting the N6 interface tunnel can also be said to be the N6 interface tunnel to be switched.

[0219] That is, the reselected user plane function network element is different from the current user plane function network element. Correspondingly, the reselected edge application server is different from the current edge application server, the reselected application is different from the current application, and the reselected N6 interface tunnel is different from the current N6 interface tunnel. Some specific implementations of this application will be described later in conjunction with Figures 6 to 9.

[0220] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method 300 shown in Figure 5 can be used in the network architecture shown in Figure 2, and the method 300 can be executed by the first functional network element shown in Figure 2.

[0221] S310: The first function network element sends a second subscription message to the application function network element. The second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load. Correspondingly, the AF receives the second subscription message.

[0222] The first functional network element is a network element that manages the session between the user plane functional network element and the edge application server. The first functional network element includes: a service functional network element SRF and a local session management functional network element L-SMF.

[0223] In some possible implementations, the first functional network element may also be an intermediate session management function network element I-SMF.

[0224] Optionally, the second subscription message includes an EAS load reporting criterion, where the EAS load reporting criterion is used to report an EAS load status, such as an EAS load abnormality, or the EAS load reporting criterion reports the level or percentage of the EAS load at a certain period.

[0225] It should be understood that the second subscription message can subscribe to the edge application server load for the corresponding granularity through some granularity (for example, the granularity can be APPid, or edge application server identifier).

[0226] Optionally, the second subscription message includes an edge application server identifier, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to an edge application server load of an edge application server corresponding to the edge application server identifier.

[0227] Optionally, the second subscription message includes an application identifier (Appid), and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the application corresponding to the application identifier. It should be understood that the edge application server identifier in this application can be used to determine the user plane information of the EAS. Specifically, it can be information about the application side endpoint of the user plane path, such as the potential location of the application (which can be represented by DNAI); the edge application server identifier can also include the delay corresponding to the DNAI, etc.

[0228] For the sake of convenience, in the embodiment of the present application, the edge application server identifier includes DNAI as an example for explanation, but it should be understood that the edge application server identifier itself can be DNAI, and the present application does not limit this.

[0229] S320: The application function network element obtains the edge application server load.

[0230] Specifically, the AF receives the second subscription message for the EAS load from the first functional network element, and initiates edge application server load detection for DNAI or Appid to the EAS; correspondingly, the EAS feeds back the detected edge application server load to the AF.

[0231] Optionally, the edge application server load includes a state of the edge application server load, such as normal edge application server load and abnormal edge application server load.

[0232] Optionally, the edge application server load also includes the level of the edge application server load, or the percentage of the edge application server load.

[0233] S330: The application function network element sends second indication information to the first function network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate the load of the edge application server.

[0234] Optionally, the second indication information includes at least one of the following: information indicating the level of the edge application server load, or information indicating the percentage of the edge application server load.

[0235] Optionally, the AF may send the second indication information to the first functional network element when the trigger condition is met.

[0236] For example, the trigger condition may be an EAS load abnormality.

[0237] For example, the EAS load anomaly refers to situations where the EAS load is too high or the EAS cannot provide services.

[0238] It should be understood that the AF may also send indication information to the first functional network element under other triggering conditions (for example, when an edge application server fails), and this application does not limit this.

[0239] Correspondingly, the first functional network element receives second indication information from the AF. The second indication information is used to indicate the edge application server load, and the first functional network element performs a reselection operation based on the edge application server load, or in other words, the second indication information is used to instruct the first functional network element to reselect the edge application server or reselect the application for the terminal device.

[0240] S340: The first functional network element performs an operation, where the operation includes at least one of the following: reselecting an edge application server, or reselecting an application.

[0241] It should be understood that the reselection here can also be said to be waiting for switching, etc. For example, reselecting an edge application server can also be said to be an edge application server to be switched; for example, reselecting an application can also be said to be an application to be switched.

[0242] That is, the reselected edge application server is different from the current edge application server, and accordingly, the reselected application is different from the current application.

[0243] The following describes some specific implementations of the present application in conjunction with Figures 6 to 9. It should be understood that these are only some implementations of the present application and should not be construed as limiting the present application.

[0244] FIG6 shows a schematic interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 400 can be regarded as a specific implementation of method 200. Method 400 may include the following steps:

[0245] S410A, UE establishes a session; S410B, UE establishes a session via LUPF#1 and accesses multiple applications on EAS#1.

[0246] Optionally, the session is a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session.

[0247] It should be understood that the establishment of the session is used for the terminal device to transmit communication data.

[0248] S420 , the first functional network element subscribes to the N6 interface delay from LUPF#1.

[0249] Among them, the subscription includes APPid or DNAI, N6 interface delay reporting criteria, the N6 interface delay reporting criteria is used to report the status of N6 interface delay, such as N6 interface delay abnormality, or the N6 interface delay criteria reports the value of N6 interface delay according to a certain period.

[0250] For example, the N6 interface delay reporting criterion stipulates that a report is made when the N6 interface delay is greater than 10ms, or when an abnormal N6 interface delay occurs. For ease of explanation, this application takes the abnormal N6 interface delay as an example, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0251] Optionally, the subscription includes an application identifier (APPid), and the subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface latency for the application.

[0252] Optionally, the subscription includes an edge application server identifier, and the subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for the edge application server.

[0253] S430 LUPF#1 initiates N6 interface delay detection to EAS#1.

[0254] It should be noted that after EAS#1 receives the N6 interface delay detection initiated by LUPF#1, it sends the N6 interface delay to LUPF#1.

[0255] S440, after receiving the N6 interface delay sent by EAS#1, LUPF#1 reports it to the first functional network element according to the N6 interface delay reporting criteria, for example, sending the N6 interface delay exception to the first functional network element, which can be used to instruct the first functional network element to perform a reselection operation.

[0256] It should be understood that the first functional network element performs a reselection operation based on the received N6 interface delay anomaly, and the reselection operation includes: reselecting the user plane functional network element, that is, the following steps S450 (a1)-S450 (a5) (method one), reselecting the edge application server, that is, the following steps S450 (b1)-S450 (b4) (method two), and reselecting the application, that is, the following steps S450 (c1)-S450 (c4) (method three). Method one, method two and method three can be selected for execution, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0257] S450(a1), the first functional network element reselects LUPF#2.

[0258] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect LUPF#2.

[0259] S450 (a2), the first functional network element requests LUPF#2 to modify the session to the reselected LUPF#2, and the request includes tunnel information used to connect to the LUPF#2.

[0260] Optionally, the tunnel information includes N9 interface tunnel information or N3 interface tunnel information.

[0261] S450 (a3), via the reselected LUPF#2, the UE can continue to access multiple applications on EAS#1 and transmit data.

[0262] Optionally, if the reselected LUPF#2 is related to the ULCL or I-UPF, the first functional network element may request the SMF to insert or modify the ULCL or I-UPF. The request includes tunnel information for connecting to the reselected LUPF#2. The SMF initiates a session modification to the selected ULCL or I-UPF, executing steps such as: S450(a4): The first functional network element requests the SMF to insert or modify the ULCL or I-UPF; S450(a5): The SMF initiates a session modification to the ULCL.

[0263] S450(b1), the first functional network element reselects EAS#2.

[0264] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect EAS#2.

[0265] S450 (b2): The first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected EAS#2. The request includes the DNAI of the reselected EAS#2.

[0266] S450(b3), AF updates the reselected EAS#2.

[0267] S450 (b4), the UE can access multiple applications on the reselected EAS#2 via LUPF#1 to perform data transmission.

[0268] S450(c1), first functional network element reselection application.

[0269] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect the application.

[0270] S450 (c2): The first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected application, and the request includes the APPid of the reselected application.

[0271] S450 (c3), AF updates and reselects the application.

[0272] S450 (c4), the UE can access the reselected application on EAS#1 via LUPF#1 to perform data transmission.

[0273] Based on the above solution, by reselecting a network element on the data transmission path to replace the current network element for communication, the communication path can be further optimized, the stability and reliability of data transmission can be ensured, and the communication quality can be improved.

[0274] It should be understood that the above steps S450(a1)-S450(a5), S450(b1)-S450(b4), and S450(c1)-S450(c4) further optimize the communication path by reselecting a network element to replace the current network element for transmitting communication data. For example, in S450(a1)-S450(a5), the reselected LUPF#2 is used to replace LUPF#1 for communication, and the communication path from the UE accessing multiple applications on EAS#1 through LUPF#1 is modified to the UE accessing multiple applications on EAS#1 through LUPF#2, thereby ensuring data transmission. The other steps are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0275] It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of local user plane function network elements and edge application servers. For example, the local user plane function network element may include one or more network elements, or one or more network slices, etc. For another example, the edge application server may include one or more servers, or one or more network slices, etc.

[0276] FIG7 shows a schematic interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 500 can be regarded as another specific implementation of method 200. Method 500 may include the following steps:

[0277] S510A, UE establishes a session; S510B, UE establishes a session via LUPF#1 and accesses multiple applications on EAS#1.

[0278] Optionally, the session is a PDU session.

[0279] It should be understood that the establishment of the session is used for the terminal device to transmit communication data.

[0280] S520, SMF local configuration needs to refer to the application whitelist of N6 interface delay. Each application in the application whitelist corresponds to an APPid.

[0281] It should be noted that the applications in the application whitelist are used to request the first functional network element to perform operations with reference to the N6 interface delay.

[0282] S530, for the application in the application whitelist, SMF sends a subscription to N6 interface delay to LUPF#1, where the subscription includes the identifier of the first functional network element and the N6 interface delay reporting criteria.

[0283] The N6 interface delay reporting criterion is used to report the status of the N6 interface delay, for example, the N6 interface delay is abnormal, or the N6 interface delay criterion reports the value of the N6 interface delay according to a certain period.

[0284] For example, the N6 interface delay reporting criterion stipulates that a report is made when the N6 interface delay is greater than 10ms, or when an abnormal N6 interface delay occurs. For ease of explanation, this application takes the abnormal N6 interface delay as an example, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0285] Optionally, the subscription includes an application identifier (APPid), and the subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface latency for the application.

[0286] Optionally, the subscription includes an edge application server identifier, and the subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for the edge application server.

[0287] S540: LUPF#1 initiates N6 interface delay detection to EAS#1.

[0288] It should be noted that after EAS#1 receives the N6 interface delay detection initiated by LUPF#1, it sends the N6 interface delay to LUPF#1.

[0289] S550, after receiving the N6 interface delay sent by EAS#1, LUPF#1 reports it to the first functional network element according to the N6 interface delay reporting criteria, for example, sending the N6 interface delay exception to the first functional network element, which can be used to instruct the first functional network element to perform a reselection operation.

[0290] It should be understood that the first functional network element performs a reselection operation based on the received N6 interface delay anomaly, and the reselection operation includes: reselecting the user plane functional network element, that is, the following steps S560 (a1)-S560 (a5) (method one), reselecting the edge application server, that is, the following steps S560 (b1)-S560 (b4) (method two), and reselecting the application, that is, the following steps S560 (c1)-S560 (c4) (method three). Method one, method two, and method three can be selected and executed one by one, and the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this.

[0291] S560(a1), the first functional network element reselects LUPF#2.

[0292] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect LUPF#2.

[0293] S560 (a2), the first functional network element requests LUPF#2 to modify the session to the reselected LUPF#2, and the request includes tunnel information used to connect to the LUPF#2.

[0294] Optionally, the tunnel information includes N9 interface tunnel information or N3 interface tunnel information.

[0295] S560 (a3), via the reselected LUPF#2, the UE can continue to access multiple applications on EAS#1 and transmit data.

[0296] Optionally, if the reselected LUPF #2 is related to a ULCL or I-UPF, the first functional network element may request the SMF to insert or modify the ULCL or I-UPF, including tunnel information for connecting to the reselected LUPF. The SMF initiates a session modification to the selected ULCL or I-UPF, executing steps such as: S560(a4): The first functional network element requests the SMF to insert or modify the ULCL or I-UPF; S560(a5): The SMF initiates a session modification to the ULCL.

[0297] S560(b1), the first functional network element reselects EAS#2.

[0298] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect EAS#2.

[0299] S560 (b2): The first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected EAS#2. The request includes the DNAI of the reselected EAS#2.

[0300] S560(b3), AF updates the reselected EAS#2.

[0301] S560 (b4), the UE can access multiple applications on the reselected EAS#2 via LUPF#1 to perform data transmission.

[0302] S560(c1), first function network element reselection application.

[0303] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect the application.

[0304] S560 (c2): The first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected application, and the request includes the APPid of the reselected application.

[0305] S560 (c3), AF updates the application of reselection.

[0306] S560 (c4), the UE can access the reselected application on EAS#1 via LUPF#1 to perform data transmission.

[0307] Based on the above solution, by reselecting a network element on the data transmission path to replace the current network element for communication, the communication path can be further optimized, the stability and reliability of data transmission can be ensured, and the communication quality can be improved.

[0308] It should be understood that the above steps S560(a1)-S560(a5), S560(b1)-S560(b4), and S560(c1)-S560(c4) further optimize the communication path by reselecting a network element to replace the current network element for transmitting communication data. For example, in S560(a1)-S560(a5), the reselected LUPF#2 is used to replace LUPF#1 for communication, and the communication path from the UE accessing multiple applications on EAS#1 through LUPF#1 is modified to the UE accessing multiple applications on EAS#1 through LUPF#2, thereby ensuring data transmission. The other steps are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0309] It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of local user plane function network elements and edge application servers. For example, the local user plane function network element may include one or more network elements, or one or more network slices, etc. For another example, the edge application server may include one or more servers, or one or more network slices, etc.

[0310] FIG8 shows a schematic interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 600 can be regarded as another specific implementation of method 200. Method 600 can include the following steps:

[0311] S610A, UE establishes a session; S610B, UE establishes a session via LUPF#1 and accesses multiple applications on EAS#1.

[0312] Optionally, the session is a PDU session.

[0313] It should be understood that the establishment of the session is used for the terminal device to transmit communication data.

[0314] S620, SMF locally configures the relationship between the endpoint and session of the N6 interface tunnel.

[0315] S630: SMF subscribes to the N6 interface delay from LUPF#1.

[0316] The subscription includes the endpoint of the N6 interface tunnel of ESA#1, the first functional network element identifier, and the N6 interface delay reporting criteria.

[0317] The N6 interface delay reporting criterion is used to report the status of the N6 interface delay, for example, the N6 interface delay is abnormal, or the N6 interface delay criterion reports the value of the N6 interface delay according to a certain period.

[0318] For example, the N6 interface delay reporting criterion stipulates that a report is made when the N6 interface delay is greater than 10ms, or when an abnormal N6 interface delay occurs. For ease of explanation, this application takes the abnormal N6 interface delay as an example, but this application is not limited thereto.

[0319] Optionally, the subscription includes an application identifier (APPid), and the subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface latency for the application.

[0320] Optionally, the subscription includes an edge application server identifier, and the subscription is used to subscribe to the N6 interface delay for the edge application server.

[0321] S640, LUPF#1 configures the endpoint of the N6 interface tunnel.

[0322] At step S650, LUPF#1 initiates N6 interface latency detection to EAS#1.

[0323] It should be noted that after EAS#1 receives the N6 interface delay detection initiated by LUPF#1, it sends the N6 interface delay to LUPF#1.

[0324] S660, after receiving the N6 interface delay sent by EAS#1, LUPF#1 reports it to the first functional network element according to the N6 interface delay reporting criteria, for example, sending the N6 interface delay exception to the first functional network element, which can be used to instruct the first functional network element to perform a reselection operation.

[0325] It should be understood that the first functional network element performs a reselection operation based on the received N6 interface delay anomaly, and the reselection operation includes: reselecting the user plane functional network element, that is, the following steps S670 (a1)-S670 (a5) (method one), reselecting the edge application server, that is, the following steps S670 (b1)-S670 (b4) (method two), reselecting the application, that is, the following steps S670 (c1)-S670 (c4) (method three), and reselecting the N6 interface tunnel, that is, the following steps S670 (d1)-S670 (d6) (method four). Method one, method two, method three and method four can be selected for execution, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0326] S670(a1), the first functional network element reselects LUPF#2.

[0327] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect LUPF#2.

[0328] S670 (a2), the first functional network element requests LUPF#2 to modify the session to the reselected LUPF#2, and the request includes tunnel information used to connect to the LUPF#2.

[0329] Optionally, the tunnel information includes N9 interface tunnel information or N3 interface tunnel information.

[0330] S670 (a3), via the reselected LUPF#2, the UE can continue to access multiple applications on EAS#1 and transmit data.

[0331] Optionally, if the reselected LUPF #2 is related to a ULCL or I-UPF, the first functional network element may request the SMF to insert or modify the ULCL or I-UPF, including tunnel information for connecting to the reselected LUPF. The SMF initiates a session modification to the selected ULCL or I-UPF, executing steps such as: S560(a4): The first functional network element requests the SMF to insert or modify the ULCL or I-UPF; S560(a5): The SMF initiates a session modification to the ULCL.

[0332] S670(b1), the first functional network element reselects EAS#2.

[0333] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect EAS#2.

[0334] S670 (b2): The first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected EAS#2. The request includes the DNAI of the reselected EAS#2.

[0335] S670(b3), AF updates the reselected EAS#2.

[0336] S670 (b4), the UE can access multiple applications on the reselected EAS#2 via LUPF#1 to perform data transmission.

[0337] S670(c1), first function network element reselection application.

[0338] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect the application.

[0339] S670 (c2): The first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected application, and the request includes the APPid of the reselected application.

[0340] S670 (c3), AF updates the application of reselection.

[0341] S670 (c4), the UE can access the reselected application on EAS#1 via LUPF#1 to perform data transmission.

[0342] S670 (d1), the first functional network element reselects the N6 interface tunnel.

[0343] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect the N6 interface tunnel.

[0344] S670 (d2), the first functional network element requests LUPF#1 to update the endpoint of the reselected N6 interface tunnel.

[0345] S670 (d3), LUPF#1 updates the endpoint of the reselected N6 interface tunnel.

[0346] S670 (d4), the first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected N6 interface tunnel, and the request includes endpoint information of the reselected N6 interface tunnel.

[0347] S670 (d5), the AF sends a request to the EAS to update the reselected N6 interface tunnel.

[0348] S670 (d6), EAS#1 updates and reselects the endpoint of the N6 interface tunnel.

[0349] Based on the above solution, by reselecting a network element on the data transmission path to replace the current network element for communication, the communication path can be further optimized, the stability and reliability of data transmission can be ensured, and the communication quality can be improved.

[0350] It should be understood that the above steps S670(a1)-S670(a5), S670(b1)-S670(b4), S670(c1)-S670(c4), and S670(d1)-S670(d6) are performed by reselecting a network element to replace the current network element for transmitting communication data, which can further optimize the communication path. For example, in S670(a1)-S670(a5), the reselected LUPF#2 is used to replace LUPF#1 for communication, and the communication path of the UE accessing multiple applications on EAS#1 through LUPF#1 is changed to the communication path of the UE accessing multiple applications on EAS#1 through LUPF#2, thereby ensuring data transmission. The other steps are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0351] It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of local user plane function network elements and edge application servers. For example, the local user plane function network element may include one or more network elements, or one or more network slices, etc. For another example, the edge application server may include one or more servers, or one or more network slices, etc.

[0352] FIG9 shows a schematic interaction diagram of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Method 700 can be regarded as another specific implementation of method 300. Method 700 may include the following steps:

[0353] S710A, UE establishes a session; S710B, UE establishes a session via LUPF#1 and accesses multiple applications on EAS#1.

[0354] Optionally, the session is a PDU session.

[0355] It should be understood that the establishment of the session is used for the terminal device to transmit communication data.

[0356] S720: The first functional network element subscribes to the EAS load from the AF.

[0357] The subscription includes APPid or DNAI, and EAS load reporting criteria. The EAS load reporting criteria is used to report EAS load status, such as EAS load abnormality, or the EAS load reporting criteria reports the level or percentage of EAS load according to a certain period.

[0358] Exemplarily, the EAS load reporting criterion stipulates that the EAS load is reported when it is greater than a threshold, or that the current EAS load value is reported periodically.

[0359] Optionally, the subscription includes an edge application server identifier, and the subscription is used to subscribe to an edge application server load of an edge application server corresponding to the edge application server identifier.

[0360] Optionally, the subscription includes an application identifier (Appid), and the subscription is used to subscribe to the edge application server load of the application corresponding to the application identifier.

[0361] S730 , AF initiates edge application server load detection to EAS#1.

[0362] It should be noted that after receiving the edge application server load detection initiated by AF, EAS#1 sends the edge application server load to AF.

[0363] Correspondingly, at S740, the AF receives the edge application server load from EAS#1. In a possible implementation, the AF sends the edge application server load to the first functional network element when a trigger condition is met.

[0364] The trigger condition may be, for example, an abnormal load on the edge application server.

[0365] S750: The AF sends an edge application server load exception to the first functional network element, which may be used to instruct the first functional network element to perform a reselection operation.

[0366] It should be understood that the first functional network element performs a reselection operation based on the received edge application server load anomaly. The reselection operation includes: reselecting the edge application server, i.e., the following steps S760(a1)-S760(a4) (method one), and reselecting the application, i.e., the following steps S760(b1)-S760(b4) (method two). Method one and method two can be executed one by one, and the embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0367] S760(a1), the first functional network element reselects EAS#2.

[0368] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect EAS#2.

[0369] S760 (a2): The first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected EAS#2. The request includes the DNAI of the reselected EAS#2.

[0370] S760(a3), AF updates the reselected EAS#2.

[0371] S760 (a4), the UE can access multiple applications on the reselected EAS#2 via LUPF#1 to perform data transmission.

[0372] S760(b1), first function network element reselection application.

[0373] Exemplarily, the first functional network element makes a decision to reselect the application.

[0374] S760 (b2): The first functional network element requests the AF to update the reselected application, and the request includes the APPid of the reselected application.

[0375] S760(b3), AF updates the application of reselection.

[0376] S760 (b4), the UE can access the reselected application on EAS#1 via LUPF#1 to perform data transmission.

[0377] Based on the above solution, by reselecting a network element on the data transmission path to replace the current network element for communication, the communication path can be further optimized, the stability and reliability of data transmission can be ensured, and the communication quality can be improved.

[0378] It should be understood that steps S760(a1)-S760(a4) and S760(b1)-S760(b4) above are performed by reselecting a network element to replace the current network element for transmitting communication data, which can further optimize the communication path. For example, in steps S760(a1)-S760(a4), the reselected EAS#2 is used to replace EAS#1 for communication, and the communication path from the UE accessing multiple applications on EAS#1 through LUPF#1 is modified to the UE accessing multiple applications on EAS#2 through LUPF#1, thereby ensuring data transmission. The other steps are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0379] It should be understood that this application does not limit the number of local user plane function network elements and edge application servers. For example, the local user plane function network element may include one or more network elements, or one or more network slices, etc. For another example, the edge application server may include one or more servers, or one or more network slices, etc.

[0380] In summary, in the above embodiment, the N6 interface delay or edge application server load is detected to characterize whether the communication is abnormal. When the N6 interface delay is abnormal or the edge application server load is abnormal, an indication message is sent, and the first functional network element performs a reselection operation based on the indication message. The first functional network element can effectively avoid network interruption that may be caused by abnormal N6 interface delay or abnormal EAS load through the reselection operation. Among them, there are four reselection operation schemes, namely, the first functional network element can reselect the user plane functional network element, or reselect the edge application server, or reselect the application, or reselect the N6 interface tunnel, providing a variety of reselection scheme options.

[0381] Corresponding to the methods provided in the above method embodiments, embodiments of the present application also provide corresponding apparatuses, which include modules for executing the corresponding methods in the above method embodiments. The modules may be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. It is understood that the technical features described in the above method embodiments are also applicable to the following apparatus embodiments.

[0382] Figure 10 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Device 10 includes a transceiver module 11 and a processing module 12. Transceiver module 11 can be used to implement corresponding communication functions. Transceiver module 11 can also be referred to as a communication interface or communication unit. Processing module 12 can be used to implement corresponding processing functions, such as performing a reselection operation based on indication information from a second functional network element.

[0383] Optionally, the device 10 may also include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 12 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module so that the device can implement the actions of the equipment or network element in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0384] In the first design, the device 10 can be the first functional network element in the aforementioned embodiment, or a component of the first functional network element (such as a chip or a chip system). The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to the first function execution in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver module 11 can be used to perform the operations related to the transmission and reception of the first functional network element in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 can be used to perform the operations related to the processing of the first functional network element in the above method embodiment.

[0385] In a first possible implementation manner, the transceiver module 11 is configured to receive first indication information from a first user plane function network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first interface delay.

[0386] Processing module 12 is used to perform at least one of the following operations according to the first indication information: selecting a second user plane function network element, which is different from the first user plane function network element; selecting a second edge application server, which is different from the first edge application server; selecting a second application on the first edge application server, which is different from the first application; or selecting a second tunnel of the first interface, which is different from the first tunnel.

[0387] In some possible implementations, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to: send a first subscription message to the first user plane function network element, where the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the first interface delay.

[0388] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first application, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to an interface delay for the first application.

[0389] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to an interface delay for the first edge application server.

[0390] Optionally, the first subscription message includes information about the first tunnel, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first tunnel.

[0391] In some possible implementations, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to send the result of the operation to the application function network element.

[0392] Optionally, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for the first application, the result includes an identifier of the second application.

[0393] Optionally, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element to the first edge application server, the result includes an identifier of the second edge application server.

[0394] Optionally, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for the first tunnel, the result includes endpoint information of the second tunnel.

[0395] Optionally, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for the first tunnel, the transceiver module 11 is further used to: send the result of the operation to the first user plane functional network element.

[0396] In a second possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is configured to receive second indication information from an application function network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate a load on an edge application server.

[0397] The processing module 12 is configured to perform at least one of the following operations according to the second indication information: selecting a second edge application server, which is different from the first edge application server; or selecting a second application on the first edge application server, which is different from the first application.

[0398] In some possible implementations, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to: send the second subscription message to the application function network element, where the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the load of the first edge application server.

[0399] Optionally, the second subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to an edge application server load for the first edge application server.

[0400] Optionally, the second subscription message includes an identifier of the first application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to an edge application server load for the first application.

[0401] In some possible implementations, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to send the result of the operation to the application function network element.

[0402] Optionally, when the first edge application server load is the edge application server load for the first edge application server, the result includes an identifier of the second edge application server.

[0403] Optionally, when the first edge application server load is the edge application server load for the second application, the result includes an identifier of the second application.

[0404] In the second design, the device 10 can be the user plane function network element in the aforementioned embodiment, or it can be a component of the user plane function network element (such as a chip or a chip system). The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the user plane function network element in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver module 11 is used to perform the operations related to the transceiver of the user plane function network element in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 is used to perform the operations related to the processing of the user plane function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0405] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is used to receive a first subscription message, which is used to subscribe to a first interface delay, and the first interface delay includes at least one of the following: the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first application, the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first edge application server, or the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, and the first interface is between the first user plane function network element and the first edge application server selected for communication of the terminal device.

[0406] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first application, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to an interface delay for the first application.

[0407] Optionally, the first subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to an interface delay for the first edge application server.

[0408] Optionally, the first subscription message includes information about the first tunnel, and the third subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first tunnel.

[0409] Optionally, the processing module 12 is configured to determine an N6 interface delay.

[0410] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to send first indication information to the first functional network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first interface delay.

[0411] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to send a first detection request to the first edge application server.

[0412] Optionally, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for the first application, the first detection request is used to request detection of the interface delay for the first application.

[0413] Optionally, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element to the first edge application server, the first detection request is used to request detection of the interface delay to the first edge application server.

[0414] Optionally, when the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane functional network element for the first tunnel, the first detection request is used to request detection of the interface delay for the first tunnel.

[0415] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to receive endpoint information of the second tunnel;

[0416] Optionally, the processing module 12 is configured to update an endpoint of the second tunnel.

[0417] In the third design, the device 10 can be the application function network element in the aforementioned embodiment, or it can be a component of the application function network element (such as a chip or a chip system). The device 10 can implement the steps or processes corresponding to those performed by the application function network element in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver module 11 is used to perform the operations related to the transceiver of the application function network element in the above method embodiment, and the processing module 12 is used to perform the operations related to the processing of the application function network element in the above method embodiment.

[0418] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is used to receive a second subscription message, which is used to subscribe to the edge application server load; the edge application server load includes at least one of the following: the edge application server load for the first edge application server, or the edge application server load for the first application.

[0419] Optionally, the second subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to an edge application server load for the first edge application server.

[0420] Optionally, the second subscription message includes an identifier of the second application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to an edge application server load for the second application.

[0421] Optionally, the processing module 12 is configured to determine the load of the edge application server.

[0422] In one possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is also used to send second indication information to the first functional network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate the load of the first edge application server, and the load of the first edge application server is used to perform at least one of the following operations: selecting a second edge application server, which is different from the first edge application server; or selecting a second application on the first edge application server, which is different from the first application.

[0423] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to send a second detection request to the first edge application server.

[0424] Optionally, when the first edge application server load is an edge application server load for the first edge application server, the second detection request is used to request detection of the edge application server load for the first edge application server.

[0425] Optionally, when the first edge application server load is the edge application server load for the second application, the second detection request is used to request detection of the edge application server load for the second application.

[0426] In a possible implementation, the transceiver module 11 is further configured to receive an operation result.

[0427] Optionally, when the result includes the identifier of the second application, the processing module 12 is configured to update the second application.

[0428] Optionally, when the result includes the identifier of the second edge application server, the processing module 12 is configured to update the second edge application server.

[0429] Optionally, when the result includes endpoint information of the second tunnel, the processing module 12 is configured to update the second tunnel.

[0430] It should be understood that the specific process of each module executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiments, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0431] It should also be understood that the device 10 here is embodied in the form of a functional module. The term "module" here may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combined logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 10 may be specifically the first functional network element in the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the first functional network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments; or, the device 10 may be specifically the user plane functional network element in the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the user plane functional network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments; or, the device 10 may be specifically the application functional network element in the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the application network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0432] The apparatus 10 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the network equipment (such as the first functional network element, the user plane functional network element, and the application functional network element) in the above-mentioned method. The functions can be implemented by hardware, or the corresponding software can be implemented by hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions; for example, the transceiver module can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver module can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing module, can be replaced by a processor to respectively perform the transceiver operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0433] In addition, the transceiver module 11 may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, may include a receiving circuit and a sending circuit), and the processing module may be a processing circuit.

[0434] It should be noted that the apparatus in FIG10 may be a network element or device in the aforementioned embodiment, or may be a chip or chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). The transceiver module may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing module may be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. This is not limited here.

[0435] As shown in Figure 11, an embodiment of the present application provides another communication device 20. The device 20 includes a processor 21, which is configured to execute computer programs or instructions stored in a memory 22, or read data / signaling stored in the memory 22, to perform the methods described in the above method embodiments. Optionally, there may be one or more processors 21.

[0436] Optionally, as shown in FIG11 , the device 20 further includes a memory 22 for storing computer programs or instructions and / or data. The memory 22 may be integrated with the processor 21 or may be separately provided. Optionally, there may be one or more memories 22.

[0437] Optionally, as shown in Figure 11, the device 20 further includes a transceiver 23, which is used to receive and / or send signals. For example, the processor 21 is used to control the transceiver 23 to receive and / or send signals.

[0438] As a solution, the apparatus 20 is used to implement the operations performed by each network element or device in each method embodiment above.

[0439] For example, the processor 21 is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory 22 to implement the relevant operations of the first function network element in each of the above method embodiments. For example, the method performed by the first function network element in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 , or the method performed by the first function network element in any one of the embodiments shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 .

[0440] For another example, the processor 21 is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory 22 to implement the relevant operations of the user plane function network element in each of the above method embodiments. For example, the method performed by the user plane function network element in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 , or the LUPF in any one of the embodiments shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 .

[0441] For another example, the processor 21 is configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in the memory 22 to implement the relevant operations of the user function network element in each of the above method embodiments. For example, the method performed by the user function network element in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 , or the method performed by the AF in any of the embodiments shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 9 .

[0442] It should be understood that the processor mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a central processing unit (CPU), or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0443] It should also be understood that the memory mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM). For example, RAM can be used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, RAM includes the following forms: static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM).

[0444] It should be noted that when the processor is a general-purpose processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, the memory (storage module) can be integrated into the processor.

[0445] It should also be noted that the memory described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0446] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which computer instructions for implementing the methods executed by the core network network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments are stored.

[0447] For example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method performed by the first functional network element in each embodiment of the above method.

[0448] For another example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the method performed by the user plane function network element in each embodiment of the above method.

[0449] For another example, when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods performed by the application function network element in each embodiment of the above method.

[0450] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, comprising instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the methods performed by the core network element in the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0451] An embodiment of the present application also provides a communication system, comprising one or more of the aforementioned first functional network element, user plane functional network element, and application functional network element.

[0452] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0453] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0454] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. For example, the computer can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrations. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state disk (SSD)). For example, the aforementioned available medium includes, but is not limited to, various media that can store program code, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0455] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Receiving first indication information from a first user plane function network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate a first interface delay, and the first interface delay includes at least one of the following: the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for a first application, the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for a first edge application server, or the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for a first tunnel, and the first interface is between the first user plane function network element and the first edge application server selected for the communication of the terminal device; Performing at least one of the following operations according to the first interface delay: Selecting a second user plane function network element, where the second user plane function network element is different from the first user plane function network element; Selecting a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; Selecting a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application; Or, Selecting a second tunnel of the first interface, where the second tunnel is different from the first tunnel.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The second user plane function network element is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first user plane function network element; The second edge application server is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first edge application server; The second application is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first application; The second tunnel is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first tunnel.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The communication includes the communication between the terminal device and the first application, or the communication between the terminal device and the second application.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending the result of the operation to an application function network element, where When the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first application, the result includes the identifier of the second application; or, When the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first edge application server, the result includes the identifier of the second edge application server; or, When the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the result includes the endpoint information of the second tunnel.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein When the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the method further includes: sending the result of the operation to the first user plane function network element.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The receiving the first indication information from the first user plane function network element includes: Receiving a first response message from the first user plane function network element, where the first response message is a response to a first subscription message, and the first response message includes the first indication information.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein The method further includes: Sending the first subscription message to the first user plane function network element, where The first subscription message includes the identifier of the first application, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first application; or, The first subscription message includes the identifier of the first edge application server, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first edge application server; or, The first subscription message includes information about the first tunnel, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first tunnel.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The first indication information includes at least one of the following: Information for indicating the status of the first interface latency, or information for indicating the latency value of the first interface latency.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Receiving second indication information from an application function network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate the load of a first edge application server, and the load of the first edge application server includes at least one of the following: the load of the edge application server for the first edge application server, or the load of the edge application server for the first application, and the first edge application server is the edge application server selected for the communication of the terminal device; Performing at least one of the following operations according to the load of the first edge application server: Selecting a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; Or, Selecting a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein The second edge application server is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first edge application server; The second application is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first application.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The communication includes the communication between the terminal device and the first application, or the communication between the terminal device and the second application.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending the result of the operation to the application function network element, where When the load of the first edge application server is the load of the edge application server for the first edge application server, the result includes the identifier of the second edge application server; or, When the load of the first edge application server is the load of the edge application server for the second application, the result includes the identifier of the second application.

13. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that The receiving the second indication information from the application function network element includes: Receiving a second response message from the application function network element, where the second response message is a response to a second subscription message, and the second response message includes the second indication information.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The method further includes: Sending the second subscription message to the application function network element, where The second subscription message includes the identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the load of the edge application server for the first edge application server; or, The second subscription message includes the identifier of the first application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the load of the edge application server for the first application.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that, The second indication information includes at least one of the following: Information for indicating the level of the load of the first edge application server, or information for indicating the percentage of the load of the first edge application server.

16. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Obtain the first interface latency, where the first interface latency includes at least one of the following: the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first application, the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first edge application server, or the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, and the first interface is between the first user plane function network element and the first edge application server selected for the communication of the terminal device; Send first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the first interface latency; Wherein, the first interface latency is used for at least one of the following operations: Select a second user plane function network element, where the second user plane function network element is different from the first user plane function network element; Select a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; Select a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application; or, Select a second tunnel of the first interface, where the second tunnel is different from the first tunnel.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The second user plane function network element is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first user plane function network element; The second edge application server is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first edge application server; The second application is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first application; The second tunnel is used to transmit the data of the communication in place of the first tunnel.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The communication includes the communication between the terminal device and the first application, or the communication between the terminal device and the second application.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, The obtaining of the first interface latency includes: Send a first detection request to the first edge application server; Receive the first interface latency; wherein, When the first interface latency is the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first application, the first detection request is used to request the detection of the interface latency for the first application; or, When the first interface latency is the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first edge application server, the first detection request is used to request the detection of the interface latency for the first edge application server; or, When the first interface latency is the interface latency of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the first detection request is used to request the detection of the interface latency for the first tunnel.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that, The sending of the first indication information includes: Receive a first subscription message; Send a first response message, where the first response message is a response to the first subscription message, and the first response message includes the first indication information; wherein, The first subscription message includes the identifier of the first application, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first application; or, The first subscription message includes the identifier of the first edge application server, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface latency for the first edge application server; or, The first subscription message includes information about the first tunnel, and the first subscription message is used to subscribe to the interface delay for the first tunnel.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that, When the first interface delay is the interface delay of the first user plane function network element for the first tunnel, the method further includes: Receiving endpoint information of the second tunnel; Updating the endpoints of the second tunnel.

22. A communication method, characterized in that, including: Obtaining a first edge application server load, where the first edge application server load includes at least one of the following: an edge application server load for a first edge application server, or an edge application server load for a first application, and the first edge application server is an edge application server selected for communication of a terminal device; Sending second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate the first edge application server load; wherein, the first edge application server load is used for at least one of the following operations: Selecting a second edge application server, where the second edge application server is different from the first edge application server; or, Selecting a second application on the first edge application server, where the second application is different from the first application.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The second edge application server is used to transmit the communication data in place of the first edge application server; The second application is used to transmit the communication data in place of the first application.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein The communication includes communication between the terminal device and the first application, or communication between the terminal device and the second application.

25. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that, The obtaining the first edge application server load includes: Sending a second detection request to the first edge application server; Receiving the first edge application server load; wherein, When the first edge application server load is an edge application server load for the first edge application server, the second detection request is used to request detection of the edge application server load for the first edge application server; or, When the first edge application server load is an edge application server load for the second application, the second detection request is used to request detection of the edge application server load for the second application.

26. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that, The sending the second indication information includes: Receiving a second subscription message; Sending a second response message, where the second response message is a response to the second subscription message, and the second response message includes the second indication information; wherein, The second subscription message includes an identifier of the first edge application server, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the first edge application server; or, The second subscription message includes an identifier of the second application, and the second subscription message is used to subscribe to the edge application server load for the second application.

27. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receiving the result of the operation; When the result includes an identifier of the second application, updating the second application; or, When the result includes an identifier of the second edge application server, updating the second edge application server; or, When the result includes the endpoint information of the second tunnel, update the second tunnel.

28. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising: A processor, configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or so that the device executes the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

29. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising: A processor, configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the device executes the method according to any one of claims 16 to 21.

30. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising: A processor, configured to execute a computer program stored in a memory, so that the device executes the method according to any one of claims 22 to 27.

31. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program is stored on the computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, or the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, or the computer is caused to execute the method according to any one of claims 22 to 27.

32. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the computer program product includes instructions for executing the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, or the computer program product includes instructions for executing the method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, or the computer program product includes instructions for executing the method according to any one of claims 22 to 27.

33. A communication system, characterized in that, Comprising at least one of the following: A first communication device, the first communication device includes a first functional network element, and the first functional network element is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 9 to 15; A second communication device, the second communication device includes a user plane functional network element, and the user plane functional network element is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 16 to 21; A third communication device, the third communication device includes an application functional network element, and the application functional network element is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 22 to 27.

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