Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and apparatus. The method comprises: determining a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to a first network element list, wherein the first network element list comprises two or more network elements, the tunnel information list comprises identification information and tunnel identification information of the network elements, and the first network element list is used for indicating a path for data transmission; and sending, to a first network element, a tunnel information list of network elements, other than the first network element, in the first network element list, wherein the first network element is the first network element in the path. By means of the present application, data transmission and processing in a specified path can be realized.

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 202410064887.4 and application name “Communication Method and Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] Currently, fifth-generation (5G) communication networks include control plane functions and user plane functions. The control plane functions include the access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), and policy control function (PCF). The user plane is used for data transmission and includes the radio access network (RAN) and user plane function (UPF).

[0004] When services beyond connectivity are introduced into communication networks, they may be implemented by a combination of multiple network elements. For example, virtual reality (VR) games may include functions such as layer overlay, stream recognition, viewpoint calculation, and shadow calculation, all of which may be deployed on different network elements. Currently, single data transmission channels are no longer suitable for scenarios beyond connectivity, so how to support flexible processing and forwarding of service data is an urgent issue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present application proposes a communication method and apparatus that can realize data transmission and processing on a specified path.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which includes: determining a tunnel information list of a network element corresponding to a first network element list, the first network element list including two or more network elements, the tunnel information list including network element identification information and tunnel identification information, the first network element list being used to indicate a path for data transmission; sending a tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element, the first network element being the first network element in the path.

[0007] The method can be applied to a service function management network element. For example, it can be executed by the service function management network element, or by a component in the service function management network element (e.g., a processor, chip, or chip system), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the service function management network element functions.

[0008] In the above method, through the above manner, the first network element can perform data transmission and processing of the specified path according to the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list. The specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list includes the tunnel information of network element 1, the tunnel information of network element 2 and the tunnel information of network element 3. Accordingly, the first network element transmits data to network element 1 according to the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list, and passes through network element 2 and network element 3 in sequence. Optionally, network element 1, network element 2 and network element 3 can also perform data processing. In summary, data transmission and processing of the specified path can be realized within the mobile network.

[0009] In a possible implementation, the first network element list includes three or more network elements. In this way, it is possible to determine that the designated path includes three or more network elements based on the first network element list, thereby enabling data transmission and processing on the designated path.

[0010] In another possible implementation, the network elements corresponding to the first network element list include one or more of the following: a radio access network node, a first user plane function, or a second user plane function, wherein the second user plane function supports a service function. In this manner, the second user plane function can execute the corresponding service function, thereby supporting flexible processing of service data.

[0011] Optionally, the network elements corresponding to the first network element list are network elements on the user plane.

[0012] In another possible implementation, the network elements corresponding to the first network element list include a wireless access network node, at least one second user plane function and a first user plane function, the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list includes: tunnel information of the wireless access network node, tunnel information of the at least one second user plane function and tunnel information of the first user plane function, the first network element includes the wireless access network node, and sending the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element includes: sending the tunnel information of the at least one second user plane function and the tunnel information of the first user plane function to the wireless access network node.

[0013] In the above method, the first network element is a wireless access network node. The wireless access network node can transmit data to at least one second user plane function based on at least one second user plane function tunnel information and the tunnel information of the first user plane function, and finally pass through the first user plane function. Accordingly, the at least one second user plane function and the first user plane function can also perform data processing.

[0014] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: determining the first network element list according to the service request message; or determining a list of network elements other than radio access network nodes in the first network element list according to the service request message.

[0015] Optionally, the service request message may come from a terminal device or an application layer functional network element.

[0016] In the above method, through the above manner, the data transmission path can be determined based on the service request message, thereby achieving flexible processing and forwarding of service data.

[0017] In another possible implementation, determining the first network element list according to the service request message; or determining the network element list excluding wireless access network nodes in the first network element list according to the service request message includes: determining the transmission requirement corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; determining the first network element list based on the transmission requirement; or determining the network element list excluding wireless access network nodes in the first network element list based on the transmission requirement.

[0018] In the above method, through the above manner, it is possible to determine the data transmission path that meets the transmission requirements based on the transmission requirements. For example, if the transmission requirement is delay, the data transmission path that meets the delay requirement is determined, thereby ensuring the time of data transmission; for example, if the transmission requirement is bandwidth, the data transmission path that meets the bandwidth requirement is determined, thereby ensuring the communication efficiency of data transmission; for example, if the transmission requirement is the data transmission range, the data transmission path that meets the transmission range is determined, thereby ensuring the transmission range of data transmission.

[0019] In another possible implementation, the transmission requirement includes one or more of the following: latency, bandwidth, or data transmission range.

[0020] In another possible implementation, determining the first network element list based on the service request message includes: determining a service function list corresponding to the service request based on the service request message; determining at least one second user plane function in the first network element list based on the service function list, and the at least one second user plane function supports the service function list.

[0021] In the above method, the user's business request can be met by determining the service function list corresponding to the business request according to the business request message, converting the business request into the corresponding service function list, and then determining at least one second user plane function in the first network element list based on the service function list, which can ensure the service quality. Accordingly, the at least one second user plane function can execute the service function list, thereby realizing flexible processing of business data.

[0022] In another possible implementation, the service request message includes the location information of the terminal device, and the first network element list is determined based on the service request message; or the list of network elements other than the wireless access network nodes in the first network element list is determined based on the service request message, including: determining the first network element list based on the location information of the terminal device; or determining the list of network elements other than the wireless access network nodes in the first network element list based on the location information of the terminal device.

[0023] In the above method, through the above manner, it is possible to select the network element in the first network element list based on the location information of the terminal device, that is, to determine the network element through which the data transmission passes. For example, one or more second user plane functions that are relatively close to the location of the terminal device are selected according to the location of the terminal device, thereby ensuring the delay of data transmission.

[0024] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: when the first and second user plane functions in the first network element list do not support the first function in the service function list corresponding to the business request, deploying the first function in the first and second user plane functions.

[0025] In the above method, through the above manner, when the first function is not deployed on the selected first and second user plane functions, the first function is deployed on the first and second user plane functions, which can be deployed on demand and reduces deployment costs.

[0026] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending, to the first network element, a sub-service function list corresponding to each of the one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0027] In the above method, through the above manner, the first network element can perform data transmission processing of the specified path based on the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list. The specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list includes the sub-service function of the first network element, the sub-service function of network element 1, the sub-service function of network element 2 and the sub-service function of network element 3. Accordingly, the data transmission path is the first network element, network element 1, network element 2 and network element 3. Accordingly, during the data transmission process, the first network element can execute the sub-service function of the first network element, network element 1 can execute the sub-service function of network element 1, network element 2 can execute the sub-service function of network element 2, and network element 3 can execute the sub-service function of network element 3, thereby realizing the transmission and processing of data on the specified path.

[0028] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: if a network element in the first network element list is changed, sending a tunnel information list of the changed network element to the first network element.

[0029] In the above method, when a network element is overloaded or a terminal device is moved, the service function management network element needs to reselect a network element, i.e., determine a changed network element. Accordingly, the network elements in the first network element list are changed. After receiving the tunnel information list of the changed network element, the first network element can re-determine the data transmission path, thereby ensuring the data transmission path or the service quality of the service processing.

[0030] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element to the first network element.

[0031] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: if the changed network element does not support the second function in the sub-service function list, deploying the second function in the changed network element.

[0032] In the above method, when the second function is not deployed on the changed network element, the second function can be deployed on the changed network element in the above manner, which can be deployed on demand and reduces deployment costs.

[0033] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which includes: receiving a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to a second network element list, the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element, the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the tunnel information list includes network element identification information and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate a path for data transmission; sending first data, the first data includes the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

[0034] The method can be applied to the first network element, including being executed by the first network element, or by a component in the first network element (for example, a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network element.

[0035] The method can be applied to the second network element, including being executed by the second network element, or by a component in the second network element (for example, a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or being executed by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network element.

[0036] Optionally, the second network element may be a network element other than the first network element in the data transmission path. The second network element may also be referred to as an intermediate network element, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Optionally, when the method is applied to a first network element, the first network element receives a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to a second network element list from a service function management function network element. This allows the first network element to perform data transmission and processing on a specified path based on the tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to the second network element list, where the specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list.

[0038] Optionally, when the method is applied to a second network element, the second network element receives a tunnel information list of a network element corresponding to a second network element list from a previous network element in the data transmission path, and the second network element sends the first data to a next network element in the data transmission path. The second network element can perform data transmission and processing on a designated path based on the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list, where the designated path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list.

[0039] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element list includes three or more network elements.

[0040] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and the first data includes a sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0041] Optionally, when the method is applied to a first network element, the first network element receives, from the service function management network element, a list of sub-service functions corresponding to each of the one or more network elements in the first network element list. This allows the first network element to perform data transmission processing along a specified path based on the list of sub-service functions corresponding to each of the one or more network elements in the first network element list. The specified path is a data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the list of sub-service functions corresponding to each of the one or more network elements in the first network element list includes the sub-service function of the first network element, the sub-service function of network element 1, the sub-service function of network element 2, and the sub-service function of network element 3. Accordingly, the data transmission path is the first network element, network element 1, network element 2, and network element 3. Accordingly, during the data transmission process, the first network element can execute the sub-service function of the first network element, network element 1 can execute the sub-service function of network element 1, network element 2 can execute the sub-service function of network element 2, and network element 3 can execute the sub-service function of network element 3, thereby implementing data transmission and processing along the specified path. In summary, data transmission and processing along the specified path can be implemented within a mobile network.

[0042] Optionally, when the method is applied to a second network element, the second network element receives, from a previous network element in the data transmission path, a list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list. This enables the second network element to continue data transmission and processing along a designated path based on the list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list. The designated path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list.

[0043] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: determining a sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element; and executing the sub-service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0044] Optionally, when the method is applied to the first network element, the first network element determines a sub-service function list corresponding to the first network element, and executes the sub-service function corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0045] Optionally, when the method is applied to the second network element, the second network element determines a sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element, and executes the sub-service function corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0046] In another possible implementation, the first data includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or sub-service function list of the first network element in the second network element list, or the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or sub-service function list of the Nth network element in the second network element list, where the Nth network element is the next network element of the current network element in the path, and N is a positive integer.

[0047] Optionally, when the method is applied to a first network element, the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or sub-service function list of the first network element in the second network element list. Accordingly, the first network element determines the next network element for data transmission based on the first indication information, thereby transmitting and processing data along the specified path.

[0048] Optionally, when the method is applied to a second network element, the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or sub-service function list of the Nth network element in the second network element list. Accordingly, the second network element determines the next network element for data transmission based on the first indication information, thereby continuing to transmit and process data on the specified path.

[0049] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a changed tunnel information list of the network element.

[0050] When the method is applied to the first network element, the first network element is used to receive the tunnel information list of the changed network element.

[0051] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element.

[0052] When the method is applied to the first network element, the first network element is used to receive a sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element.

[0053] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which includes: receiving encapsulated data 1, wherein the encapsulated data 1 includes second data and a second network element in a data transmission path and a tunnel information list of other network elements after the second network element, wherein the tunnel information list includes network element identification information and tunnel identification information; and sending encapsulated data 2, wherein the encapsulated data 2 includes third data and a tunnel information list of other network elements after the second network element.

[0054] The method can be applied to the second network element, including being executed by the second network element, or by a component in the second network element (for example, a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or being executed by a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network element.

[0055] Optionally, the second network element may be a network element other than the first network element in the data transmission path, and may also be referred to as an intermediate network element, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0056] In the above method, through the above method, the second network element can continue to implement the transmission and processing of data on the specified path according to the tunnel information list of the second network element in the data transmission path and other network elements after the second network element, for example, continue to transmit data to other network elements after the second network element, and the specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a second network element in the data transmission path and a list of sub-service functions corresponding to each of the other network elements after the second network element, and the encapsulated data 2 includes a list of sub-service functions corresponding to each of the other network elements after the second network element.

[0058] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: determining a sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element; and executing the sub-service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0059] Fourthly, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which can be a service function management function network element, or a component in the service function management network element (for example, a processor, chip, or chip system, etc.), or a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the service function management network element functions.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a module or unit corresponding to the method / operation / step / action described in the first aspect. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit, the processing unit is used to determine a tunnel information list of a network element corresponding to a first network element list, the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the tunnel information list includes network element identification information and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate a path for data transmission; the transceiver unit is used to send a tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element, and the first network element is the first network element in the path.

[0062] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element list includes three or more network elements.

[0063] In another possible implementation, the network elements corresponding to the first network element list include one or more of the following: a radio access network node, a first user plane function, or a second user plane function, wherein the second user plane function supports a service function.

[0064] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is further used to determine the first network element list based on the service request message; or, the processing unit is further used to determine the network element list other than the wireless access network nodes in the first network element list based on the service request message.

[0065] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is used to determine the transmission requirements corresponding to the service request based on the service request message; the processing unit is used to determine the first network element list based on the transmission requirements; or the processing unit is used to determine the list of network elements in the first network element list other than the wireless access network nodes based on the transmission requirements.

[0066] In another possible implementation, the transmission requirement includes one or more of the following: latency, bandwidth, or data transmission range.

[0067] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is used to determine a service function list corresponding to the service request based on the service request message; the processing unit is used to determine at least one second user plane function in the first network element list based on the service function list, and the at least one second user plane function supports the service function list.

[0068] In another possible implementation, the service request message includes location information of the terminal device, and the processing unit is used to determine the first network element list based on the location information of the terminal device; or the processing unit is used to determine the network element list other than the wireless access network node in the first network element list based on the location information of the terminal device.

[0069] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to deploy the first function in the first and second user plane functions when the first and second user plane functions in the first network element list do not support the first function in the service function list corresponding to the service request.

[0070] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to send, through the transceiver unit, to the first network element, a list of sub-service functions corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0071] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to, when a network element in the first network element list is changed, send the tunnel information list of the changed network element to the first network element through the transceiver unit.

[0072] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to send the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element to the first network element through the transceiver unit.

[0073] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to deploy the second function in the changed network element if the changed network element does not support the second function in the sub-service function list.

[0074] Regarding the technical effects brought about by the fourth aspect or possible implementation methods, reference may be made to the introduction to the technical effects of the first aspect or corresponding implementation methods.

[0075] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be a first network element or a second network element, or a component in the first network element or the second network element (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the first network element or the second network element.

[0076] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a module or unit corresponding to the method / operation / step / action described in the second aspect. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit is used to receive a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to a second network element list, the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include other network elements in a first network element list except the first network element, the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the tunnel information list includes identification information of the network element and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate a path for data transmission; the transceiver unit is used to send first data, and the first data includes the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

[0078] In a possible implementation manner, the first network element list includes three or more network elements.

[0079] In another possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further used to receive a sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and the first data includes a sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0080] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to determine a sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element; and the processing unit is further configured to execute the sub-service function corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0081] In another possible implementation, the first data includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or sub-service function list of the first network element in the second network element list, or the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or sub-service function list of the Nth network element in the second network element list, where the Nth network element is the next network element of the current network element in the path, and N is a positive integer.

[0082] In another possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a changed tunnel information list of the network element.

[0083] In another possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element.

[0084] Regarding the technical effects brought about by the fifth aspect or possible implementation methods, reference may be made to the introduction to the technical effects of the second aspect or corresponding implementation methods.

[0085] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which may be a second network element, or a component in the second network element (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.), or a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the functions of the second network element.

[0086] In one possible implementation, the communication device may include a module or unit corresponding to the method / operation / step / action described in the third aspect. The module or unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software.

[0087] In one possible implementation, the communication device includes a processing unit and a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit is used to receive second data, the second data includes a second network element in the data transmission path and a tunnel information list of other network elements after the second network element, the tunnel information list includes network element identification information and tunnel identification information; the transceiver unit is used to send third data, the third data includes a tunnel information list of other network elements after the second network element.

[0088] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is also used to receive the sub-service function lists corresponding to the second network element in the data transmission path and other network elements after the second network element, and the third data includes the sub-service function lists corresponding to other network elements after the second network element.

[0089] In another possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to determine a sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element; and the processing unit is further configured to execute the sub-service function corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0090] Regarding the technical effects brought about by the sixth aspect or possible implementation methods, reference may be made to the introduction to the technical effects of the third aspect or corresponding implementation methods.

[0091] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes at least one processor and a communication interface, and the at least one processor calls a computer program or instruction stored in a memory to execute the method described in the first aspect or the possible implementation method of the first aspect.

[0092] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes the memory. Optionally, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0093] In a possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0094] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, comprising at least one processor and a communication interface, wherein the at least one processor calls a computer program or instruction stored in a memory to execute the method described in the second aspect or a possible implementation method of the second aspect.

[0095] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes the memory. Optionally, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0096] In a possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0097] In the ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, which includes at least one processor and a communication interface, and the at least one processor calls a computer program or instruction stored in a memory to execute the method described in the third aspect or a possible implementation method of the third aspect.

[0098] In a possible implementation, the communication device further includes the memory. Optionally, the memory and the processor are integrated together.

[0099] In a possible implementation, the memory is located outside the communication device.

[0100] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a chip device, comprising at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions to implement the method described in any one of the above aspects.

[0101] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which a computer program or instruction is stored. When the computer program or instruction runs on a processor, the method described in any one of the above aspects is implemented.

[0102] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run on a computer, the method described in any one of the above aspects is implemented.

[0103] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, which includes: the device as described in the seventh aspect, the device as described in the eighth aspect, and the device as described in the ninth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack provided;

[0105] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of a forwarding plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of uplink data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of downlink data transmission provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG8 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] FIG9 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] FIG12 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0116] The following is a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0117] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in one or more embodiments of the application. Thus, phrases such as "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," and "in other embodiments" appearing in various places in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0118] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means "or", for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this article is merely a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, "at least one" means one or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can mean: a, b, c; a and b; a and c; b and c; or a, b, and c. Among them, a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0119] It is understood that in this application, "indication" can include direct indication, indirect indication, explicit indication, and implicit indication. When describing that a certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0120] In this application, the information indicated by the indication information is referred to as the information to be indicated. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be indicated, such as but not limited to, the information to be indicated can be directly indicated, such as the information to be indicated itself or the index of the information to be indicated, etc., or the information to be indicated can be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, wherein there is an association between the other information and the information to be indicated. It is also possible to indicate only a part of the information to be indicated, while the other parts of the information to be indicated are known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of specific information can also be achieved with the help of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (such as specified in the protocol), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent.

[0121] The information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information and sent separately. The transmission period and / or transmission timing of these sub-information can be the same or different. The specific transmission method is not limited in this application. The transmission period and / or transmission timing of these sub-information can be predefined, for example, according to a protocol, or can be configured by the transmitting device through sending configuration information to the receiving device.

[0122] It can be understood that "sending" and "receiving" in this application indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information is XX, which can include direct sending through the air interface or wired medium, and also includes indirect sending by other units or modules through the air interface or wired medium. "Receiving information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information is YY, which can include direct receiving from YY through the air interface or wired medium, and also includes indirect receiving from YY from other units or modules through the air interface or wired medium. "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface.

[0123] In other words, sending and receiving can be performed between devices, for example, between a network device and a terminal device, or can be performed within a device, for example, sending or receiving between components, modules, chips, software modules or hardware modules within the device through a bus, wiring or interface.

[0124] It is understandable that information may be processed between the source and destination of information transmission, such as coding, modulation, etc., but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be understood similarly and will not be repeated.

[0125] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be applied to cellular communication systems related to the third generation partnership project (3GPP), for example, fourth generation (4G) communication systems, such as long term evolution (LTE) communication systems, and can also be applied to fifth generation (5G) communication systems, such as 5G new radio (NR) communication systems, or to various communication systems evolved after 5G, such as sixth generation (6G) communication systems. The method provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to Bluetooth systems, wireless fidelity (WiFi) systems, LoRa systems or Internet of Vehicles systems, communication systems that support the integration of multiple wireless technologies, and device-to-device (D2D) systems. The method provided in the embodiment of the present application can also be applied to satellite communication systems, wherein the satellite communication system can be integrated with the above-mentioned communication system.

[0126] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a user plane protocol stack provided. The user equipment (UE) may include a protocol layer, a protocol data unit (PDU) layer, and an application layer; the access network device includes an L1 layer, an L2 layer, a user datagram protocol (UDP) layer / internet protocol (IP) layer, and a user plane tunneling protocol (GPRS tunneling protocol for the user plane, GTP-U) layer; UPF1 includes an L1 layer, an L2 layer, a UDP / IP layer, and a GTP-U layer, and UPF2 may include an L1 layer, an L2 layer, a UDP / IP layer, a GTP-U layer, and a PDU layer. As can be seen from the figure, the 5G communication network can be regarded as a single connection model, maintaining a user plane data transmission channel (i.e., UE-RAN-UPF1-UPF2-DN) from the UE to the data network (DN), thereby enabling the UE to access DN data services. The user plane functional network element does not perceive the service / application / content and cannot process the service data.

[0127] Please refer to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication system 200 architecture shown in Figure 2 is used as an example to illustrate the application scenarios used in the present application. The communication system 200 may include a service function management network element 201 and a first network element 202. Optionally, the first network element 202 may be a radio access network (RAN) node, a first user plane function, or a second user plane function. The first user plane function may be a user plane function (UPF), and the second user plane function may be an any-user plane function (X-UPF), where X represents the service function it supports. In one example, the service function supported by the X-UPF is layer overlay, and the X-UPF may be referred to as a layer overlay-UPF. Optionally, the first network element 202 is the first network element in the data transmission path. This first network element is used for data transmission and processing. Optionally, the communication system 200 may further include a second network element. This second network element may be a network element other than the first network element in the data transmission path. This second network element may also be referred to as an intermediate network element, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application. This second network element is used for data transmission and processing. For ease of description, the following embodiments describe the UPF as the first user plane function and the X-UPF as the second user plane function.

[0128] The main functions of the service function management network element 201 include managing the service functions supported by the X-UPF and the topology between X-UPFs. It can also obtain a tunnel information list for the network elements corresponding to the first network element list or allocate a tunnel information list to the network elements corresponding to the first network element list, and send the tunnel information lists of network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list to the first network element. Optionally, it can also determine the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list and send it to the first network element. The first network element list can also be determined based on the location information of the terminal device, etc.

[0129] For example, the service function management network element 201 may be a service function management function (SFMF) 201. The service function management network element may also have other names, which are not limited in this application. The following description takes the SFMF 201 as an example.

[0130] It should be noted that the service function management network element 201 can be implemented as an independent network element or functional module, or it can be implemented in other network elements, that is, other network elements are enhanced, and the enhanced other network elements can implement the functions implemented by the service function management network element 201. For example, it is implemented in a session management function network element (session management function, SMF), and the SMF is enhanced. The enhanced SMF can implement the functions implemented by SFMF 201, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0131] The service function management network element is used to manage X-UPF, and SMF is used to manage UPF. When the service function management network element and SMF are merged into one network element, the one network element can be used to manage X-UPF and UPF, which is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0132] UPF: Mainly used for packet routing and forwarding, policy implementation, traffic reporting, and quality of service (QoS) processing.

[0133] The X-UPF can support the basic capabilities of the UPF and can also include the following functions: the X-UPF can determine the sub-service function list corresponding to the X-UPF and execute the sub-service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list. It can also support the forwarding of service data. Among them, the X-UPFs passed through in the data transmission path can be heterogeneous X-UPFs, that is, the service functions supported by the X-UPF can be different. It can also support serial service processing between multiple X-UPFs. It should be noted that if the X-UPF does not support service functions, it can be regarded as a UPF.

[0134] Optionally, a wireless mesh network, ie, mesh networking, can be formed between UPF and X-UPF, between UPF and UPF, and between X-UPF and X-UPF.

[0135] RAN node: responsible for wireless resource management, uplink and downlink data classification and QoS application, as well as completing signaling processing with control plane network elements, completing data forwarding with user plane network elements and other functions. For example, a RAN node can also be called an access network device, or a RAN device, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, a RAN node can be used to help a terminal achieve wireless access. In one possible scenario, a RAN node can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmitting and receiving point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a next generation base station in a sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system, a base station in a future mobile communication system, a satellite, or an access point (AP) in a WiFi system, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a mobile switching center, a network device in a non-terrestrial network (NTN) communication system, that is, it can be deployed on a high-altitude platform or a satellite, etc. The RAN node can also be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, a relay node or a donor node, or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The network device can also be a device that acts as a base station in device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, drone communication, and machine communication. Optionally, the network device can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or an on-board device, etc. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU). In another possible scenario, multiple RAN nodes collaborate to assist the terminal in achieving wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of the base station. For example, the RAN node can be a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU). The CU and DU may be configured separately, or may be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU).The RU may be included in a radio frequency device or radio frequency unit, for example, in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). It is understandable that the RAN node may be a CU node, a DU node, or a device including a CU node and a DU node. In addition, the CU may be divided into a network device in the access network RAN, or the CU may be divided into a network device in the core network CN, without limitation herein. In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU, or RU may also have different names, but those skilled in the art may understand their meanings. For example, in an open RAN (O-RAN) system, the CU may also be referred to as an O-CU (Open CU), the DU may also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP may also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP may also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU may also be referred to as an O-RU. For convenience of description, this application uses CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU, and RU as examples for description. Any of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented through a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0136] Optionally, the communication system 200 may also include an access and mobility management function network element (AMF), a unified data management network element (UDM), an SMF, a policy control function network element (PCF), user equipment (UE), a network exposure function network element (NEF) or a network repository function network element (NF repository function, NRF), which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0137] AMF: Mainly used to perform registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management.

[0138] UDM: Mainly used for user contract data management, user identification management, etc.

[0139] SMF: Mainly used to establish and manage user sessions, configure packet forwarding rules and QoS processing rules for username functions, etc.

[0140] PCF: Mainly used to send policy information to the UE, send the UE's access management policy to the AMF, and send the session management policy to the SMF.

[0141] NEF: Mainly used for network opening functions, opening up the capabilities of each network function (NF) and converting internal and external information.

[0142] NRF: A new feature that provides registration and discovery capabilities, enabling NFs to discover each other and communicate through application programming interfaces (APIs).

[0143] It should be noted that this application does not limit the names of the above-mentioned network elements. In the communication systems evolved after 5G, network elements that implement the same or similar functions may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0144] User equipment (UE), also known as terminal equipment, mobile station (MS), or mobile terminal (MT), is a device that provides voice or data connectivity to users. Specifically, it includes devices that provide voice, data, or both. Examples include handheld devices with wireless connectivity or processing devices connected to a wireless modem. This terminal device can communicate with the core network via the radio access network, exchange voice or data with the RAN, or exchange voice and data with the RAN. Currently, terminal devices can be: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), wearable devices (such as smart watches, smart bracelets, pedometers, smart glasses, etc.), vehicle-mounted devices (such as cars, bicycles, electric vehicles, airplanes, ships, trains, high-speed trains, etc.), extended reality (XR) devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, smart home devices (such as refrigerators, TVs, air conditioners, electricity meters, etc.), intelligent robots, workshop equipment, wireless terminals in unmanned driving, wireless terminals in remote surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, or wireless terminals in smart homes, flying equipment (such as intelligent robots, hot air balloons, drones, airplanes), smart point of sale (POS) machines, customer-premises equipment (CPE), etc. The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, the terminal device can also be a device that serves as a terminal in D2D communication, or a vehicle device, such as a complete vehicle device, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted chip, an on-board unit (OBU) or a telematics box (T-BOX).The terminal device may also include vehicle to everything (V2X) terminal equipment, machine-to-machine / machine-type communications (M2M / MTC) terminal equipment, Internet of Things (IoT) terminal equipment, light terminal equipment (light UE), reduced capability UE (REDCAP UE), subscriber unit, subscriber station, mobile station, remote station, access point (AP), remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, user agent, or user equipment (user device), drone equipment, etc. For example, it may include a mobile phone (or so-called "cellular" phone), a computer with a mobile terminal device, a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, or computer-built-in mobile device, etc. For example, personal communication service (PCS) phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and other devices. Also included are limited devices, such as devices with low power consumption, or devices with limited storage capacity, or devices with limited computing power. Examples include information sensing devices such as barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning systems (GPS), and laser scanners. In this application, terminal devices with wireless transceiver capabilities and chips that can be provided in the aforementioned terminal devices are collectively referred to as terminal devices.

[0145] It should be noted that the terminal device can be a device or apparatus with a chip, or a device or apparatus with integrated circuits, or a chip, module or control unit in the device or apparatus shown above, and this application does not limit this specifically.

[0146] It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the system architecture shown in Figure 2. For example, a communication system to which the communication method of the embodiments of the present application can be applied may include more or fewer network elements or devices. The devices or network elements in Figure 2 may be hardware, functionally divided software, or a combination of the two. The devices or network elements in Figure 2 may communicate with each other through other devices or network elements.

[0147] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the communication system shown in FIG2 , and taking the service function management network element as an independent network element or functional module as an example.

[0148] Please refer to FIG3 , which is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0149] Step S301: The service function management network element determines a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to a first network element list.

[0150] Optionally, the first network element list can also be called the first device list, the first network function list, the first apparatus list, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific form.

[0151] Among them, the network elements corresponding to the first network element list include one or more of the following: RAN, UPF, X-UPF. Among them, the number of UPFs can be one or more, and the number of X-UPFs can be one or more. Among them, X-UPF supports service functions. Service functions can refer to microservices, function as a service (FaaS), service application programming interface (service API), service function (SF), and are not limited in the embodiments of this application. Optionally, X-UPF can also be called UPF that supports specific service functions, where X represents the service function it supports. In one example, the service function supported by X-UPF is layer overlay, and the X-UPF can be called layer overlay-UPF.

[0152] The first network element list includes two or more network elements. In one possible implementation, the first network element list may include three or more network elements. In one example, the first network element list includes, in sequence, the RAN and at least two UPFs. In another example, the first network element list includes, in sequence, the RAN, at least one X-UPF, and a UPF. In another example, the first network element list includes, in sequence, the RAN and at least two X-UPFs. In yet another example, the first network element list includes, in sequence, the RAN, a UPF, and at least one X-UPF.

[0153] The first network element list is used to indicate a data transmission path. The network elements corresponding to the first network element list may be network elements that the data transmission path passes through, and may include or exclude RAN. Optionally, the data transmission path may be referred to as a designated path.

[0154] The tunnel information list includes network element identification information and tunnel identification information. Exemplarily, the network element identification information may be an Internet Protocol (IP) address or a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) of the network element. Exemplarily, the tunnel identification information may be a tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID), a virtual local area network (VLAN) identifier, or a virtual extensible local area network (VXLAN) identifier.

[0155] In one example, a first network element list indicates that the data transmission path is path 1, i.e., RAN → UPF → ... → UPF ..., which includes the RAN and at least two UPFs, e.g., the at least two UPFs include UPF1 and UPF2. The service function management network element determines that the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list includes: RAN tunnel information, UPF1 tunnel information, and UPF2 tunnel information. The RAN tunnel information includes RAN identification information and RAN tunnel identification information, the UPF1 tunnel information includes UPF1 identification information and UPF1 tunnel identification information, and the UPF2 tunnel information includes UPF2 identification information and UPF2 tunnel identification information. Unless otherwise specified, uplink data transmission along path 1 is represented as RAN → UPF → ... → UPF, i.e., RAN and at least two UPFs, e.g., the at least two UPFs are UPF1 and UPF2. Accordingly, path 1 is specifically RAN → UPF1 → UPF2. It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present application, "→" indicates that the data transmission direction is uplink transmission. The downlink data transmission of path 1 is represented by RAN←UPF←…←UPF, that is, RAN and at least two UPFs. For example, the at least two UPFs are UPF1 and UPF2. Accordingly, path 1 is specifically RAN←UPF1←UPF2. It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, "←" indicates that the direction of data transmission is downlink transmission.

[0156] In another example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the data transmission path is path 2, namely, RAN—X-UPF—…—X-UPF—UPF, that is, RAN, at least one X-UPF, and UPF. For example, the at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2. The service function management network element determines that the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the network element list includes: RAN tunnel information, X-UPF1 tunnel information, X-UPF2 tunnel information, and UPF tunnel information. The RAN tunnel information includes RAN identification information and RAN tunnel identification information, the X-UPF1 tunnel information includes X-UPF1 identification information and X-UPF1 tunnel identification information, the X-UPF2 tunnel information includes X-UPF2 identification information and X-UPF2 tunnel identification information, and the UPF tunnel information includes UPF identification information and UPF tunnel identification information. Unless otherwise specified, uplink data transmission along path 2 is represented by RAN→X-UPF→…→X-UPF→UPF, i.e., RAN, at least one X-UPF, and UPF. For example, the at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2. Accordingly, path 2 is specifically RAN→X-UPF1→X-UPF2→UPF. Downlink data transmission along path 2 is represented by RAN←X-UPF←…←X-UPF←UPF, i.e., RAN, at least one X-UPF, and UPF. For example, the at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2. Accordingly, path 2 is specifically RAN←X-UPF1←X-UPF2←UPF.

[0157] In another example, the data transmission path may be path 3, i.e., RAN → X-UPF → ... → X-UPF, namely, the RAN and at least two X-UPFs; for example, the at least two X-UPFs include X-UPF1 and XUPF2, and the service function management network element determines that the tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to a network element list includes: RAN tunnel information, X-UPF1 tunnel information, and X-UPF2 tunnel information. The RAN tunnel information includes RAN identification information and RAN tunnel identification information, the X-UPF1 tunnel information includes X-UPF1 identification information and X-UPF1 tunnel identification information, and the X-UPF2 tunnel information includes X-UPF2 identification information and X-UPF2 tunnel identification information. Unless otherwise specified, uplink data transmission along path 3 represents RAN→X-UPF→…→X-UPF, i.e., the RAN and at least two X-UPFs. For example, the at least two X-UPFs include X-UPF1 and XUPF2, and accordingly, path 3 is specifically RAN→X-UPF1→X-UPF2. Downlink data transmission along path 3 represents RAN←X-UPF←…←X-UPF, i.e., the RAN and at least two X-UPFs. For example, the at least two X-UPFs include X-UPF1 and XUPF2, and accordingly, path 3 is specifically RAN←X-UPF1←X-UPF2.

[0158] In another example, the data transmission path may be path 4, namely, RAN—UPF—X-UPF—…—X-UPF, that is, RAN, UPF, and at least one X-UPF. The at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2. The service function management network element determines a network element list corresponding to the network element list, including: RAN tunnel information, UPF tunnel information, X-UPF1 tunnel information, and X-UPF2 tunnel information. The RAN tunnel information includes RAN identification information and RAN tunnel identification information, the UPF tunnel information includes UPF identification information and UPF tunnel identification information, the X-UPF1 tunnel information includes X-UPF1 identification information and X-UPF1 tunnel identification information, and the X-UPF2 tunnel information includes X-UPF2 identification information and X-UPF2 tunnel identification information. Unless otherwise specified, uplink data transmission along Path 4 follows the sequence RAN → UPF → X-UPF → … → X-UPF, specifically the RAN, UPF, and at least one X-UPF. For example, the at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2; accordingly, Path 4 is specifically RAN → UPF → X-UPF1 → X-UPF2. Downlink data transmission along Path 4 follows the sequence RAN ← UPF ← X-UPF ← … ← X-UPF, specifically the RAN, UPF, and at least one X-UPF. For example, the at least one X-UPF includes X-UPF1 and XUPF2; accordingly, Path 4 is specifically RAN ← UPF ← X-UPF1 ← X-UPF2.

[0159] In one possible implementation, the RAN tunnel information is allocated by the RAN. The service function management network element may determine the RAN tunnel information by sending a request message to the RAN to obtain the RAN tunnel information. The UPF tunnel information may be allocated by the UPF itself or by the SMF. The service function management network element may determine the UPF tunnel information by sending a request message to the UPF or SMF to obtain the UPF tunnel information. The X-UPF tunnel information may be allocated by the X-UPF itself or by the service function management network element. If the X-UPF tunnel information is allocated by the X-UPF itself, the service function management network element may determine the X-UPF tunnel information by sending a request message to the X-UPF to obtain the X-UPF tunnel information.

[0160] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the service function management network element determining a first network element list according to the service request message; or determining a network element list excluding the RAN node in the first network element list according to the service request message.

[0161] Optionally, the service request message is used to indicate a service request, and may also be referred to as other messages, that is, the name of the message is not limited.

[0162] In which, when the service function management network element determines a list of network elements other than the RAN in the first network element list based on the service request message, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission may include RAN nodes, and the service function management network element determines other network elements other than the RAN nodes based on the service request message.

[0163] Optionally, the service request message may originate from a terminal device. In one example, the terminal device sends a service request message that includes service identification information. The terminal device may first send a service request message to the SMF. After receiving the service request message, the SMF forwards the service request message to the service function management network element. Optionally, the SMF determines that the service request can be processed within the network or requires forwarding along a specified path, and then forwards the service request to the service function management network element. Alternatively, the SMF sends the service request to the service function management network element by default. It should be understood that if the service function management network element is co-deployed with the SMF as a logical function, this step can be understood as the SMF or the service function management network element determining that the service request can be processed within the network or requires forwarding along a specified path, without performing any forwarding action. In-network processing can be understood as the X-UPF executing the corresponding sub-service function. By receiving the service request message from the terminal device and determining the first network element list or a list of network elements in the first network element list excluding the RAN based on the service request message, user requests can be met, thereby ensuring quality of service.

[0164] In another example, a terminal device may send a service request message to the RAN. The RAN then sends the received service request message to the SMF or service function management network element. In this case, the service request message may carry the terminal device's location information, such as the identification information of the terminal device's current access network, such as the RAN ID, or the cell ID. This allows UE-level service requests to be implemented, meeting user requests and ensuring service quality.

[0165] Optionally, the service request message comes from an application layer function network element (AF), and the service request message includes identification information of the service.

[0166] In one possible implementation, the service function management network element may determine the transmission requirements corresponding to the service request according to the service request message, and then determine the first network element list based on the transmission requirements, or determine the network element list other than the RAN node in the first network element list based on the transmission requirements.

[0167] Optionally, this situation corresponds to forwarding along a specified path, i.e., data transmission, which may not involve data processing. This can be understood as the network elements through which the data transmission path passes including the UPF, but not the X-UPF. In this way, data transmission along a specified path within the mobile network can be achieved, thereby enabling flexible forwarding of service data. Optionally, the service function management network element can determine the transmission requirements corresponding to the service request based on the service request message. The service function management network element can convert the service request into a transmission requirement based on local configuration information, contract information, or artificial intelligence (AI) analysis.

[0168] Optionally, the transmission requirement may also refer to a Quality of Service (QoS) requirement, which is not limited in the present embodiment. The transmission requirement may include one or more of the following: latency, bandwidth, or data transmission range. In one example, the data transmission range may include data transmission within the campus, i.e., within the campus, or data termination within the campus. Specifically, the data transmission range of the X-UPF and / or UPF can be determined based on the service range of the X-UPF and UPF within the campus.

[0169] Optionally, the list of network elements other than the RAN nodes in the first network element list may be understood as a list consisting of network elements corresponding to the first network element list excluding other network elements other than the RAN nodes.

[0170] In one example, the service function management network element can determine, based on the service request message, that the transmission requirement corresponding to the service request is data transmission within the campus, that is, the data is terminated in the campus, and based on the transmission requirement, the first network element list is determined to be RAN and at least two UPFs, that is, path 1, RAN-UPF-…-UPF…, for example, the at least two UPFs include UPF1 and UPF2; or based on the transmission requirement, the network element list other than RAN in the first network element list is determined, that is, at least two UPFs, for example, the at least two UPFs include UPF1 and UPF2.

[0171] Optionally, the service function management network element determines the first network element list based on the service request message, including: the service function management network element determines the service function list corresponding to the service request based on the service request message; and then determines at least one X-UPF in the first network element list based on the service function list, and the at least one X-UPF supports the service function list.

[0172] Optionally, the service function management network element determines the service function list corresponding to the service request based on the service request message. It can be understood that the service function management network element converts the service request into a service function list based on local configuration information, contract information or AI analysis, or determines the service function list based on the service request, local configuration information and contract information.

[0173] Optionally, the service function list may include one or more service functions, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0174] Optionally, an X-UPF in the first network element list may support one or more service functions in the service function list, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

[0175] In one example, the service function management network element determines, based on the service request message, that the service function list corresponding to the service request includes SF#1, SF#2, SF#3, and SF#4, where SF#1 represents layer overlay, SF#2 represents flow identification, SF#3 represents viewpoint calculation, and SF#4 represents shadow calculation. Based on this service function list, three X-UPFs are determined in the first network element list: X-UPF1, X-UPF2, and X-UPF3. X-UPF1 supports SF#1 and SF#2, X-UPF2 supports SF#3, and X-UPF3 supports SF#4.

[0176] In another possible implementation, the service request message includes the location information of the terminal device, and the first network element list is determined based on the service request message; or, the network element list other than RAN in the first network element list is determined based on the service request message, including: determining the first network element list based on the location information of the terminal device; or determining the network element list other than RAN in the first network element list based on the location information of the terminal device.

[0177] Optionally, when the service request message comes from the terminal device, the service request message may carry the location information of the terminal device. When the service request message comes from the AF, the service function management network element may obtain the location information of the terminal device from the AMF or the location management function network element (LMF).

[0178] Optionally, determining the first network element list based on the location information of the terminal device; or determining the list of network elements other than RAN in the first network element list based on the location information of the terminal device may refer to determining the path of data transmission based on the location information of the terminal device, that is, determining the list of network elements through which the data transmission path passes based on the location information of the terminal device, that is, the first network element list, or determining the list of network elements other than RAN in the data transmission path, that is, the list of network elements other than RAN in the first network element list.

[0179] In one example, an X-UPF that is relatively close to the terminal device can be determined based on the location information of the terminal device. The X-UPF is a network element in the first network element list, or the X-UPF is a network element in the network element list other than RAN in the first network element list.

[0180] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: when a first X-UPF in the first network element list does not support a first function in a service function list corresponding to a service request, deploying the first function in the first X-UPF.

[0181] It can be understood that when the first function is not deployed on an X-UPF in the data transmission path, the first function is deployed on the X-UPF.

[0182] Optionally, the first function may also be referred to as the first service function, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0183] Optionally, the first X-UPF is any one or more X-UPFs in the first network element list, and the first function is one or more service functions in the service function list.

[0184] In one example, the first X-UPF is an X-UPF in the first network element list, for example, X-UPF1, and the service function list includes SF#1, SF#2, SF#3 and SF#4, where SF#1 represents layer overlay, SF#2 represents stream identification, SF#3 represents viewpoint calculation, SF#4 represents shadow calculation, and the first function is SF#1. That is, when the X-UPF1 in the first network element list does not support SF#1, SF#1 is deployed on the X-UPF1.

[0185] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: determining a sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and then sending the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list to the first network element.

[0186] Optionally, after the service function management network element determines the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, it can send the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element.

[0187] Optionally, determining the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list can be understood as determining the sub-service function list supported by each X-UPF in the first network element list.

[0188] Optionally, the sub-service function list includes one or more service functions, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The sub-service function list includes one or more of the following: address information, identification information, entry information or interface information of the service function.

[0189] Optionally, the service function management network element may determine the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list in the following manner: Method 1: The service function management network element statically configures the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, that is, the sub-service function list supported by each X-UPF in the first network element list. Method 2: The sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list is registered with the service function management network element, that is, the X-UPF in the first network element list registers the supported sub-service function list with the service function management network element. When the sub-service function list supported by the X-UPF changes, a notification message may be sent to the service function management network element. Method 3: The X-UPF in the first network element list registers or updates the supported sub-service function list to other entities, such as NRF. The service function management network element determines the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, which may refer to the service function management network element obtaining the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list from the NRF. For example, the service function management network element sends a query request message to the NRF, and the query request message is used to request the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0190] In one example, the first network element list used to indicate the data transmission path may be path 3, namely, RAN—X-UPF—…—X-UPF, which includes the RAN and at least two X-UPFs. For example, if the at least two X-UPFs include X-UPF1 and XUPF2, then the network elements corresponding to the first network element list include the RAN, X-UPF1, and XUPF2. The service function management network element determines a sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1, such as SF#1 and SF#2, where SF#1 represents layer overlay and SF#2 represents flow identification; and determines a sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2, such as SF#3, where SF#3 represents viewpoint computation. Assuming the first network element is the RAN, the service function management network element sends the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1, such as SF#1 and SF#2, and the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2, such as SF#3, to the RAN.

[0191] Step S302: the service function management network element sends a tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element.

[0192] The first network element is the first network element in the path, and the first network element may be a RAN, or a first X-UPF, or a first UPF.

[0193] Optionally, step S302 may also be replaced by the service function management network element sending a tunnel information list of the first network element list to the first network element, that is, including the tunnel information of the first network element. In other words, step S302 also includes the service function management network element sending the tunnel information of the first network element to the first network element.

[0194] Optionally, the tunnel information list of network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list can be encapsulated in an extension header of the GPRS tunneling protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) protocol layer. Please refer to Figure 4, which is a schematic diagram of a forwarding plane protocol stack provided in an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list can also be encapsulated in the extension header, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Alternatively, a new protocol layer is added outside the GUP-U protocol layer to encapsulate the tunnel information list of network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list. Optionally, the new protocol layer can also be used to encapsulate the sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list. Optionally, the new protocol layer can be called a forwarding layer or a service layer, and the name is not limited.

[0195] The following is an example of uplink data transmission:

[0196] In one example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission may be path 1, specifically RAN→UPF1→UPF2, the first network element is RAN, and the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list includes the tunnel information of UPF1 and the tunnel information of UPF2, and the service function management network element sends the tunnel information of UPF1 and the tunnel information of UPF2 to RAN.

[0197] In another example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the data transmission path may be path 2, specifically RAN→X-UPF1→X-UPF2→UPF. The first network element is the RAN. The tunnel information list of network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list includes: tunnel information of X-UPF1, tunnel information of X-UPF2, and tunnel information of the UPF. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information of X-UPF1, tunnel information of X-UPF2, and tunnel information of the UPF to the RAN. Optionally, the service function management network element may also send a list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and a list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 to the RAN. For example, the sub-service function list supported by X-UPF1 may be SF#1 and SF#2, and the sub-service function list supported by X-UPF2 may be SF#3.

[0198] In another example, the first network element list may be used to indicate a data transmission path, which may be path 3, specifically RAN → X-UPF1 → X-UPF2. When the first network element is the RAN, the tunnel information list of network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list includes: tunnel information of X-UPF1 and tunnel information of X-UPF2. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and X-UPF2 to the RAN. Optionally, the service function management network element may also send a list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and a list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 to the RAN. For example, the sub-service function list supported by X-UPF1 may be SF#1 and SF#2, and the sub-service function list supported by X-UPF2 may be SF#3.

[0199] In another example, the data transmission path may be path 4, specifically RAN→UPF→X-UPF1→X-UPF2. The first network element is the RAN. The tunnel information list of network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list includes: tunnel information of the UPF, tunnel information of X-UPF1, and tunnel information of X-UPF2. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information of the UPF, tunnel information of X-UPF1, and tunnel information of X-UPF2 to the RAN. Optionally, the service function management network element may also send a list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and a list of sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 to the RAN. For example, the sub-service function list supported by X-UPF1 may be SF#1 and SF#2, and the sub-service function list supported by X-UPF2 may be SF#3.

[0200] The following is an example of data transmission:

[0201] In one example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission may be path 1, specifically RAN←UPF1←UPF2, the first network element is UPF2, and the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes: tunnel information of UPF1 and tunnel information of RAN, and the service function management network element sends tunnel information of UPF1 and tunnel information of RAN to UPF2.

[0202] In another example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission may be path 2, specifically RAN←X-UPF1←X-UPF2←UPF. The first network element is the UPF, and the tunnel information list of network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list includes: tunnel information of X-UPF2, tunnel information of X-UPF1, and tunnel information of the RAN. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information of X-UPF2, tunnel information of X-UPF1, and tunnel information of the RAN to the UPF.

[0203] In another example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission may be path 3, specifically RAN←X-UPF1←X-UPF2. The first network element is X-UPF2, and the tunnel information list of network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list includes: tunnel information of X-UPF1 and tunnel information of the RAN. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of the RAN to X-UPF2.

[0204] In another example, the first network element list may be used to indicate that the data transmission path may be path 4, specifically RAN←UPF←X-UPF1←X-UPF2. The first network element is X-UPF2, and the tunnel information list of network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list includes: tunnel information of X-UPF1, tunnel information of UPF, and tunnel information of RAN.

[0205] In one possible implementation, after the service function management network element sends the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element, the method further includes: if the network elements in the first network element list are changed, determining the tunnel information list of the changed network element, and then sending the tunnel information list of the changed network element or the tunnel information list of the network element that needs to be updated to the first network element, and accordingly, the first network element receives the tunnel information list of the changed network element or the network element that needs to be updated. In one possible implementation, the service function management network element sends the changed first network element list or the changed second network element list to the first network element; in another possible implementation, the service function management network element sends the changed network element tunnel information list and indication information to the first network element, where the indication information is used to indicate the position of the changed network element in the path.

[0206] Optionally, when the terminal device moves or a network element in the first network element list, such as a UPF or X-UPF, is overloaded, the service function management network element needs to reselect a network element, i.e., determine a changed network element. In this case, the network element in the first network element list is changed. Optionally, the changed network element can be determined based on the location information of the terminal device or based on the service request message. For details, please refer to the relevant description in step S301 above and will not be repeated here.

[0207] Optionally, the service function management network element may further determine a sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element, and then send the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element to the first network element. Accordingly, the first network element receives the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element. Optionally, the sub-service function list includes one or more service functions. Optionally, if the changed network element does not support a second function in the sub-service function list, the second function is deployed in the changed network element. The second function may be one or more service functions in the service function list. Optionally, the second function may also be referred to as a second service function, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In one example, the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element includes SF#1 and SF#2. The second function may be SF#1. If the changed network element does not support SF#1, SF#1 is deployed in the changed network element. Alternatively, the second function may be SF#1 and SF#2. If the changed network element does not support SF#1 and SF#2, SF#1 and SF#2 are deployed in the changed network element.

[0208] In one example, the first network element list indicates that the data transmission path is path 3, specifically RAN → X-UPF1 → X-UPF2. Assume that X-UPF1 is overloaded and is no longer the appropriate X-UPF to execute the sub-service function list supported by X-UPF1. For example, the sub-service function list supported by X-UPF1 is SF#1 and SF#2. The service function management network element reselects an X-UPF, such as X-UPF3, to ensure the quality of service for the path or service processing. Accordingly, path 3 is now specifically RAN → X-UPF3 → X-UPF2. The service function management network element determines the tunnel information list of the changed network element, X-UPF3, where the first network element is RAN. The service function management network element sends the tunnel information list of X-UPF3 to the RAN. Optionally, the service function management network element determines the sub-service function list of the changed network element, X-UPF3, such as SF#1 and SF#2, and sends the sub-service function list of X-UPF3 to the RAN. In one possible implementation, the service function management network element sends the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of X-UPF3, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Accordingly, RAN can redetermine the data transmission path as RAN→X-UPF3→X-UPF2 based on the tunnel information of RAN, the tunnel information of X-UPF3, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2; in another possible implementation, the service function management network element sends the tunnel information of X-UPF3 and indication information, and the indication information is used to indicate the position of the changed network element in the path, for example, the indication information is used to indicate position 2. Accordingly, RAN determines that the network element at position 2 of the path RAN→X-UPF1→X-UPF2 has changed based on the indication information, and redetermines the data transmission path as RAN→X-UPF3→X-UPF2.

[0209] Step S303: The first network element receives the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the service function management network element.

[0210] The network elements corresponding to the second network element list include the network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list. The second network element list can be understood as a list consisting of the network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list. The first network element list includes two or more network elements. Optionally, the first network element list may include three or more network elements. For an explanation of the first network element list, please refer to the relevant description in step S301.

[0211] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the first network element receiving a sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and the first data includes a sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0212] Among them, the relevant description of the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list can refer to the relevant description in step S301, which will not be repeated here.

[0213] Optionally, the method further includes: the first network element receives sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the service function management network element, and the first data includes sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

[0214] Optionally, the first network element receives sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list from the service function management network element.

[0215] Step S304: The first network element sends first data.

[0216] The first data includes a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to the second network element list. Alternatively, the first network element encapsulates the first data and the tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and sends the encapsulated data.

[0217] In a possible implementation, the first network element sends the first data to a network element next to the first network element in a data transmission path.

[0218] In one possible implementation, the first data may include first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or sub-service function list of the first network element in the second network element list. Accordingly, the first network element determines, based on the first indication information, that the next network element in the specified path is the first network element in the second network element list, thereby enabling data transmission and processing along the specified path.

[0219] Optionally, the first network element encapsulates the first data and the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and sends the encapsulated data.

[0220] Optionally, the first network element encapsulates the first data, the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list, and the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and sends the encapsulated data.

[0221] In another possible implementation, an uplink rule and a downlink rule are installed on the first network element. The following description is based on the uplink rule and the downlink rule.

[0222] Uplink rules:

[0223] The first network element is RAN. The first network element establishes a mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the air interface (transmission channel between RAN and terminal device) bearer. When receiving uplink data from a specific air interface bearer, the first network element encapsulates the uplink data and the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list. Optionally, the sub-service function list corresponding to each network element corresponding to the second network element list can also be encapsulated.

[0224] The first network element is UPF. The first network element establishes a mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the N3 tunnel (the tunnel between RAN and UPF). When receiving uplink data from a specific N3 tunnel, the uplink data and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list are encapsulated. Optionally, the sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list can also be encapsulated.

[0225] The first network element is an X-UPF. The first network element establishes a mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network element list and an NX tunnel (a tunnel between the RAN and the X-UPF or a tunnel between the UPF and the X-UPF). When receiving uplink data from a specific NX tunnel, the first network element encapsulates the uplink data and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. Optionally, the first network element may also encapsulate a sub-service function list corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. It should be noted that when the first network element is an X-UPF, service processing rules need to be installed or configured on the X-UPF so that the X-UPF executes its corresponding sub-service function list.

[0226] Downstream rules:

[0227] The first network element is X-UPF. The first network element establishes a mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the NX interface (the tunnel between X-UPF and the data network). The first network element receives downlink data from the NX interface and encapsulates the downlink data and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. Optionally, the sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list can also be encapsulated.

[0228] The first network element is UPF, and the first network element establishes a mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the N6 interface (the tunnel between UPF and the data network) or the address information of the terminal device. For example, the terminal device address information is the IP address of the terminal device, that is, the first network element receives downlink data from a specific N6 interface or receives downlink data from a specific address, encapsulates the downlink data and the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list, and optionally, can also encapsulate the sub-service function list corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

[0229] In one example, taking uplink data transmission as an example, refer to FIG5 , which is a schematic diagram of uplink data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application. The data transmission path may be UPF→X-UPF1→X-UPF2. For example, the first network element is the UPF. The UPF establishes a mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network element list and the N3 tunnel (the tunnel between the RAN and the UPF). When the UPF receives uplink data payload 1 from the N3 tunnel, it encapsulates the uplink data payload 1 with the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list to obtain encapsulated data #1. The tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list includes: tunnel information of X-UPF1 and tunnel information of X-UPF2. Optionally, the encapsulated data #1 may also include sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, namely, the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1 (e.g., SF#1 and SF#2) and the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2 (SF#3). Based on the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, the UPF sends the encapsulated data #1 to X-UPF1. After receiving the data, X-UPF1 executes the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1, such as SF#1 and SF#2, and obtains uplink data payload2. It then encapsulates the uplink data payload2 with the tunnel information of X-UPF2 to obtain encapsulated data #2. Optionally, encapsulated data #2 may also include the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2. X-UPF1 sends the encapsulated data #2 to X-UPF2 based on the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Correspondingly, after receiving the data, X-UPF2 executes the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2, such as SF#3.

[0230] In another example, taking downlink data transmission as an example, please refer to Figure 6, which is a schematic diagram of downlink data transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application. The data transmission path may be path 4, specifically RAN←UPF←X-UPF1←X-UPF2. The first network element is X-UPF2. X-UPF2 establishes a mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network list and the NX interface (the tunnel between X-UPF and the data network). X-UPF2 receives downlink data from the NX interface. X-UPF2 encapsulates the downlink data payload1 and the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list to obtain encapsulated data #3. The tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list includes: tunnel information of X-UPF1, tunnel information of UPF and tunnel information of RAN. X-UPF2 sends encapsulated data #3 to X-UPF1 according to the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list. After receiving, X-UPF1 encapsulates the downlink data payload2 and the tunnel information of UPF and the tunnel information of RAN to obtain encapsulated data #4. X-UPF1 sends the encapsulated data #4 to UPF. After receiving, UPF encapsulates the downlink data payload3 and the tunnel information of RAN to obtain encapsulated data #5, and sends the encapsulated data #5 to RAN. After receiving, RAN sends the downlink data payload3 to the terminal device.

[0231] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the first network element determining a sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element, and executing the sub-service function list.

[0232] The sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element can be understood as a sub-service function list supported by the current network element. Optionally, the sub-service function list includes one or more service functions. Executing the sub-service function list can be understood as processing the service function corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0233] The current network element is the first network element, that is, the first network element determines the sub-service function list corresponding to the first network element and executes the sub-service function list.

[0234] Optionally, the first network element may determine (or search for) the sub-service function list corresponding to the first network element based on the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0235] In one example, the current network element is the first network element, which is X-UPF1. X-UPF1 searches the sub-service function list corresponding to the first network element from the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list to determine that the sub-service function list supported by X-UPF1 is SF#1 and SF#2, where SF#1 represents layer overlay and SF#2 represents flow identification. The X-UPF1 executes SF#1 and SF#2, that is, the X-UPF1 performs layer overlay and flow identification processing.

[0236] The following describes operations related to a second network element in the data transmission path, i.e., a network element other than the first network element in the data transmission path. For example, the second network element may be an intermediate network element in the data transmission path. The execution method at the second network element includes at least the following method A or method B:

[0237] Method A:

[0238] In a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the second network element receiving a tunnel information list of a network element corresponding to the second network element list from a previous network element in the data transmission path.

[0239] Optionally, for the explanation related to the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, reference may be made to the above step S303, which will not be repeated here.

[0240] The previous network element is the previous network element of the second network element.

[0241] In one example, the first network element list is used to indicate that the path for data transmission may be path 4, specifically RAN←UPF←X-UPF1←X-UPF2. The first network element is X-UPF2, and the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include RAN, UPF, and X-UPF1. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list may include: RAN tunnel information, UPF tunnel information, and X-UPF1 tunnel information. For example, when the second network element is X-UPF1, the previous network element in the data transmission path is X-UPF2, that is, UPF-1 receives RAN tunnel information, UPF tunnel information, and X-UPF1 tunnel information from X-UPF2; when the second network element is UPF, the previous network element in the data transmission path is X-UPF1, that is, UPF receives RAN tunnel information, UPF tunnel information, and X-UPF1 tunnel information from X-UPF1.

[0242] In another possible implementation, the method also includes: the second network element sends first data to the next network element in the data transmission path, and the first data includes a tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list; or, the second network element encapsulates the first data and the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list, and sends the encapsulated data.

[0243] In one possible implementation, the first data also includes first indication information; or, the second network element encapsulates the first data, the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list, and the first indication information, and sends the encapsulated data. The first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or sub-service function list of the Nth network element in the second network element list, where the Nth network element is the next network element of the current network element in the path, and N is a positive integer. That is, it can be understood that during the data transmission process, the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list does not change, but the first indication information is added, and the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or sub-service function list of the next network element of the second network element. In this way, the second network element determines the next network element in the specified path according to the first indication information, thereby continuing data transmission and processing.

[0244] In one example, please refer to Figure 7, which is a schematic diagram of a data transmission provided in an embodiment of the present application. The data transmission path is specifically UPF→X-UPF1→X-UPF2. Taking the first network element as the UPF as an example, the UPF establishes a mapping relationship between the first network element list and / or the second network element list and the N3 tunnel (the tunnel between the RAN and the UPF). When the UPF receives uplink data payload 1 from the N3 tunnel, it encapsulates the uplink data payload 1 with the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to obtain encapsulated data #1. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list includes: tunnel information of X-UPF1 and tunnel information of X-UPF2. Optionally, the encapsulated data #1 also includes: sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, namely, the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1 (for example, SF#1 and SF#2) and the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2 (for example, SF#3). Optionally, encapsulated data #1 may also include first indication information, which indicates the tunnel information of X-UPF1 or the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1. The UPF sends the encapsulated data #1 to X-UPF1 using the first indication information. After receiving the data #1, X-UPF1 executes the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1 based on the first indication information, such as SF#1 and SF#2, to obtain uplink data payload 2. X-UPF1 then encapsulates uplink data payload 2 with the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to obtain encapsulated data #2. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list includes the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Optionally, encapsulated data #2 also includes the sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, namely, the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1 (e.g., SF#1 and SF#2) and the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2 (e.g., SF#3). Optionally, the encapsulated data #2 further includes first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate tunnel information of X-UPF2 or a sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2. Accordingly, after receiving the encapsulated data #2, X-UPF2 executes the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2, such as SF#3, according to the first indication information.

[0245] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the second network element receiving a sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list. The first data includes the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, or the second network element encapsulates the first data and the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, and sends the encapsulated data.

[0246] The second network element receives the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list from the previous network element in the data transmission path.

[0247] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the second network element receiving sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. The first data includes the sub-service function lists corresponding to the second network element list, or the second network element encapsulates the first data and the sub-service function lists corresponding to the second network element list and sends the encapsulated data.

[0248] In a possible implementation, the method further includes: the second network element determining a sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element, and executing the sub-service function list.

[0249] The sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element can be understood as a sub-service function list supported by the current network element. Optionally, the sub-service function list includes one or more service functions. Executing the sub-service function list can be understood as processing the service function corresponding to the sub-service function list.

[0250] Optionally, the second network element determines a sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element and executes the sub-service function list. The second network element may determine the sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element based on the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, that is, searching the sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element from the sub-service function lists corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list.

[0251] In one example, the second network element is X-UPF3, and the X-UPF3 determines that the sub-service function list supported by the X-UPF3 is SF#1 and SF#2 from the sub-service function list corresponding to one or more network elements in the first network element list, where SF#1 represents layer overlay and SF#2 represents flow identification. The X-UPF3 executes SF#1 and SF#2, that is, the X-UPF3 performs layer overlay and flow identification processing.

[0252] Method B:

[0253] In a possible implementation, the second network element receives encapsulated data 1 and sends encapsulated data 2.

[0254] Optionally, the encapsulated data 1 may include the second data and a tunnel information list of the second network element in the data transmission path and other network elements after the second network element. The tunnel information list includes network element identification information and tunnel identification information. For details, please refer to the relevant description of the tunnel information list above.

[0255] Optionally, the encapsulated data 2 may include third data and a list of tunnel information of other network elements following the second network element. The third data may be data determined after the second network element executes the corresponding sub-service function. Alternatively, the second network element may receive the encapsulated data 1 and send third data, where the third data includes a list of tunnel information of other network elements following the second network element.

[0256] The second network element receives encapsulated data 1 from a previous network element in the data transmission path.

[0257] The second network element sends the encapsulated data 2 to the next network element in the data transmission path.

[0258] Among them, the second network element receives encapsulated data 1, which includes the tunnel information list of the second network element and other network elements after the second network element in the data transmission path, and sends encapsulated data 2, which includes the tunnel information list of other network elements after the second network element. The whole process can be understood as removing the tunnel information list of each network element passed through.

[0259] In yet another possible implementation, the method further includes: the second network element receiving a sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element and other network elements subsequent to the second network element in the data transmission path.

[0260] Optionally, the encapsulated data 1 may also include a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element, or, when the second network element can receive the encapsulated data 1 and send the third data, the third data may also include a list of sub-service functions corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element.

[0261] The second network element receives the sub-service function lists corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element from the previous network element in the data transmission path.

[0262] In another possible implementation, the method further includes: the second network element determining a sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element, and executing the sub-service function list. This can be understood as the second network element determining the sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element and other network elements subsequent to the second network element included in the encapsulated data 1, and executing the sub-service function list.

[0263] In one example, the second network element determines that the sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element is SF#1 from the sub-service function lists corresponding to the second network element and other network elements after the second network element included in the encapsulated data 1, where SF#1 represents layer overlay, and then the second network element performs layer overlay processing.

[0264] In the method described in Figure 3, through the above-mentioned method, the first network element can perform data transmission and processing of the specified path according to the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list. The specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list includes the tunnel information of network element 1, the tunnel information of network element 2 and the tunnel information of network element 3. Accordingly, the first network element transmits data to network element 1 according to the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list, and passes through network element 2 and network element 3 in sequence. Optionally, network element 1, network element 2 and network element 3 can also perform data processing. In summary, data transmission and processing of the specified path can be realized within the mobile network.

[0265] The communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below in conjunction with the communication system shown in Figure 2 and the SMF as an enhanced network element, which can realize the function of the service function management network element.

[0266] Please refer to FIG8 , which is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0267] Step S801: SMF determines the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the first network element list.

[0268] Optionally, the first network element list may also be referred to as a first device list, a first network function list, a first apparatus list, etc. The present application embodiment does not limit the specific form. For details, please refer to the relevant description in step S301, which will not be repeated here.

[0269] Step S802: SMF sends the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to the first network element.

[0270] The network elements corresponding to the second network element list include all network elements in the first network element list except the first network element. The first network element is the first network element in the path. The first network element may be the RAN, the first X-UPF, or the first UPF. For details, please refer to the relevant description in step S302 and will not be repeated here.

[0271] Step S803: The first network element receives the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the second network element list from the SMF.

[0272] For details, please refer to the relevant description in step S303, which will not be repeated here.

[0273] Step S804: The first network element sends first data.

[0274] The first data includes a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to the second network element list. For details, please refer to the relevant description in step S304, which will not be repeated here.

[0275] In the method described in Figure 8, the above-mentioned method enables the first network element to perform data transmission and processing of a specified path according to the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element. The specified path is the path of data transmission indicated by the first network element list. For example, the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes the tunnel information of network element 1, the tunnel information of network element 2 and the tunnel information of network element 3. Accordingly, the first network element transmits data to network element 1 according to the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element, and passes through network element 2 and network element 3 in sequence. Optionally, network element 1, network element 2 and network element 3 can also perform data processing. In summary, data transmission and processing of a specified path can be realized within the mobile network.

[0276] The following description takes the data transmission path as RAN→UPF→X-UPF1→X-UPF2, and the first network element as RAN as an example. Please refer to Figure 9, which is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0277] Step S901: SMF obtains a service request message.

[0278] The service request message may come from the terminal device or the AF. For the relevant description of the service request message, please refer to the relevant description in step S901.

[0279] Step S902: SMF sends a service request message to the service function management network element.

[0280] Optionally, the service request message may include one or more of the following: location information of the terminal device, tunnel information of the RAN, or tunnel information of the UPF.

[0281] Step S903: The service function management network element receives the service request message.

[0282] In one possible implementation, when SMF is capable of implementing the functions of the service function management network element, steps S902 and S903 can be omitted, and the service function management network element in steps S904-S914 can be replaced by SMF.

[0283] Step S904: The service function management network element determines the transmission requirement corresponding to the service request based on the service request message.

[0284] For details, please refer to the relevant description in step S301, which will not be repeated here.

[0285] Step S905: The service function management network element determines a first network element list based on the transmission requirement.

[0286] Alternatively, the service function management network element determines a list of network elements other than the RAN node in the first network element list based on the transmission requirement. For details, please refer to the relevant description in step S301, which will not be repeated here.

[0287] Step S906: The service function management network element determines the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list.

[0288] For details, refer to the relevant description in step S301 and will not be repeated here. The network elements corresponding to the first network element list include, in order: RAN, UPF, X-UPF1, and X-UPF2. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list includes: RAN tunnel information, UPF tunnel information, X-UPF1 tunnel information, and X-UPF2 tunnel information.

[0289] Step S907: The service function management network element sends the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to the RAN node.

[0290] The network elements corresponding to the second network element list include other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element. Optionally, the service function management network element may further send, to the RAN node, sub-service function lists corresponding to the other network elements in the first network element list except the RAN node. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list includes: UPF tunnel information, X-UPF1 tunnel information, and X-UPF2 tunnel information. For details, refer to the relevant description in step S302.

[0291] Optionally, the service function management network element may also encapsulate the data information and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and send the encapsulated data, or the service function management network element may also encapsulate the data information, the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and the sub-service function lists corresponding to each of the other network elements in the first network element list except the RAN node, and send the encapsulated data.

[0292] Among them, steps S909, S911, and S913 are similar to step S907. The processing node can encapsulate the data information and tunnel information and send the encapsulated data; alternatively, the processing node can encapsulate the data information, tunnel information, and sub-service functions supported by subsequent network elements in the data transmission path and send the encapsulated data. The relevant descriptions of steps S909, S911, and S913 can be referred to step S907 and are not repeated here.

[0293] Step S908: The RAN node receives the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the serving function management network element.

[0294] The network elements corresponding to the second network element list include other network elements in the first network element list except the RAN node. The RAN node may also receive, from the service function management network element, sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements corresponding to the second network element list. For details, please refer to the relevant description in step S303.

[0295] Step S909: The RAN node sends the tunnel information of the UPF, the tunnel information of the X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of the X-UPF2 to the UPF.

[0296] Optionally, the RAN node may also send the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 to the UPF. Uplink rules and downlink rules may be installed on the RAN node. For details, refer to the relevant description in step S304.

[0297] Step S910: The UPF receives the tunnel information of the UPF of the RAN node, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2.

[0298] Optionally, the UPF may also receive the sub-service functions supported by the X-UPF1 and the sub-service functions supported by the X-UPF2 from the RAN node.

[0299] Step S911: UPF sends the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of X-UPF2 to X-UPF1.

[0300] Optionally, UPF may also send the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 to X-UPF1.

[0301] Step S912: X-UPF1 receives the tunnel information of X-UPF1 and the tunnel information of X-UPF2 from UPF.

[0302] Optionally, X-UPF1 may also receive sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1 and sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2 from UPF, and accordingly, X-UPF1 may execute the sub-service functions corresponding to X-UPF1.

[0303] Step S913: X-UPF1 sends the tunnel information of X-UPF2 to X-UPF2.

[0304] Optionally, X-UPF1 may also send to X-UPF2 the sub-service functions supported by X-UPF2.

[0305] Step S914: X-UPF2 receives the tunnel information of X-UPF2 from X-UPF1.

[0306] Optionally, X-UPF2 may also receive sub-service functions supported by X-UPF1, and accordingly, X-UPF2 may execute the sub-service functions corresponding to X-UPF2.

[0307] In the method described in Figure 9, through the above-mentioned method, the first network element RAN node can perform data transmission and processing of the specified path according to the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list. The specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list includes the tunnel information of UPF, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Accordingly, the RAN node transmits the data to UPF according to the tunnel information list of other network elements except the first network element in the first network element list, and passes through X-UPF1 and X-UPF2 in sequence. Optionally, X-UPF1 and X-UPF2 can also perform data processing. In summary, data transmission and processing of the specified path can be realized within the mobile network.

[0308] The following description takes the data transmission path as RAN → UPF → X-UPF1 → X-UPF2, and the first network element as RAN as an example. Please refer to Figure 10, which is a schematic diagram of an exemplary flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method includes but is not limited to the following steps:

[0309] For steps S1001 to S1007, reference may be made to the relevant descriptions in steps S901 to S907, which will not be repeated here.

[0310] Step S1008: The RAN node receives the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the service function management network element.

[0311] For this step, please refer to the relevant description in step S908 and will not be repeated here.

[0312] Optionally, the RAN node can also receive a first indication message from the service function management network element, where the first indication message is used to indicate the tunnel information of the UPF or the sub-service function list corresponding to the UPF. Accordingly, the RAN node can determine that the next network element of the data transmission path is the UPF based on the first indication information.

[0313] Step S1009: The RAN node sends the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to the UPF.

[0314] Optionally, the RAN node may also send first indication information to the UPF, where the first indication information is used to indicate tunnel information of the UPF.

[0315] Optionally, the RAN node may further encapsulate the data information and the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and send the encapsulated data; or, the RAN node may further encapsulate the data information, the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and the sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements other than the RAN node in the first network element list, and send the encapsulated data; or, the RAN node may further encapsulate the data information, the first indication information, the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, and the sub-service function lists corresponding to the network elements other than the RAN node in the first network element list, and send the encapsulated data.

[0316] Among them, step S1011 and step S1013 are similar to step S1009. The processing node can encapsulate the data information and tunnel information and send the encapsulated data; alternatively, the processing node can encapsulate the data information, tunnel information, and sub-service functions supported by subsequent network elements in the data transmission path and send the encapsulated data; alternatively, the processing node can encapsulate the data information, the first indication information, the tunnel information, and sub-service functions supported by subsequent network elements in the data transmission path and send the encapsulated data. The relevant descriptions of step S1011 and step S1013 can be specifically referred to step S1009 and will not be repeated here.

[0317] Step S1010: The UPF receives a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to the second network element list from the RAN node.

[0318] Optionally, the UPF may also receive first indication information from the RAN node, where the first indication information is used to indicate tunnel information of the UPF.

[0319] Step S1011: UPF sends the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to X-UPF1.

[0320] Optionally, the UPF may also send first indication information to the X-UPF1, where the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information of the X-UPF1 or the sub-service function list corresponding to the X-UPF1.

[0321] Step S1012: X-UPF1 receives the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from UPF.

[0322] Optionally, X-UPF1 may also receive first indication information from UPF, where the first indication information is used to indicate tunnel information of X-UPF1 or a sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1, and execute the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF1 according to the first indication information.

[0323] Step S1013: X-UPF1 sends the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list to X-UPF2.

[0324] Optionally, X-UPF1 may further send first indication information to X-UPF2, where the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information of X-UPF2 or a sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2.

[0325] Step S1014: X-UPF2 receives the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list from X-UPF1.

[0326] Optionally, X-UPF2 receives first indication information from X-UPF1, where the first indication information is used to indicate tunnel information of X-UPF2 or a sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2, and executes the sub-service function list corresponding to X-UPF2 according to the first indication information.

[0327] In the method described in Figure 10, through the above-mentioned method, the first network element RAN node can perform data transmission and processing of the specified path according to the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element. The specified path is the data transmission path indicated by the first network element list. For example, the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element includes the tunnel information of UPF, the tunnel information of X-UPF1, and the tunnel information of X-UPF2. Accordingly, the RAN node transmits the data to UPF according to the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element and the first indication information, and passes through X-UPF1 and X-UPF2 in sequence. Optionally, X-UPF1 and X-UPF2 can also perform data processing. In summary, data transmission and processing of the specified path can be realized within the mobile network.

[0328] The above describes in detail the method of the embodiment of the present application, and the following provides an apparatus of the embodiment of the present application.

[0329] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1100 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1100 may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions performed by the service function management network element, the first network element, or the second network element in the above method embodiment. The unit may be a hardware circuit, software, or a combination of hardware circuit and software. In one possible implementation, the communication device 1100 may include a processing unit 1101 and a transceiver unit 1102. The specific details of each unit are as follows:

[0330] The processing unit 1101 is used to perform data processing. The transceiver unit 1102 can implement corresponding communication functions. The transceiver unit 1102 can also be called a communication interface or a communication module.

[0331] Optionally, the communication device 1100 may further include a storage unit, which may be used to store instructions and / or data. The processing unit 1101 may read the instructions and / or data in the storage module to implement the aforementioned method embodiment.

[0332] Optionally, the transceiver unit 1102 may include a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is configured to perform the sending operation in the above method embodiment. The receiving unit is configured to perform the receiving operation in the above method embodiment.

[0333] It should be noted that the communication device 1100 may include a sending unit but not a receiving unit. Alternatively, the communication device 1100 may include a receiving unit but not a sending unit. The specific implementation depends on whether the above solution executed by the communication device 1100 includes a sending action and a receiving action.

[0334] Optionally, the communication device 1100 is used to perform the actions performed by the service function management function network element in the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 8, 9, and 10 above. For details, please refer to the relevant introductions in the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 8, 9, and 10 above, which will not be expanded in detail here. For example, the communication device 1100 is used to perform the following scheme:

[0335] The processing unit 1101 is used to determine the tunnel information list of the network element corresponding to the first network element list, the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the tunnel information list includes network element identification information and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate the path of data transmission; the transceiver unit 1102 is used to send the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element, and the first network element is the first network element in the path.

[0336] Optionally, the communication device 1100 is configured to execute the actions performed by the first network element or the second network element in the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 8, 9, and 10 above. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 8, 9, and 10 above, which will not be expanded in detail here. For example, the communication device 1100 is configured to execute the following scheme:

[0337] The transceiver unit 1102 is used to receive a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to a second network element list, where the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element, where the first network element list includes two or more network elements, where the tunnel information list includes identification information of the network elements and tunnel identification information, and where the first network element list is used to indicate a path for data transmission; the transceiver unit 1102 is used to send first data, where the first data includes a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

[0338] Optionally, the communication device 1100 is configured to execute the actions performed by the second network element in the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 8, 9, and 10. For details, please refer to the relevant descriptions of the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 8, 9, and 10, which will not be expanded in detail here. For example, the communication device 1100 is configured to execute the following scheme:

[0339] The transceiver unit 1102 is used to receive encapsulated data 1, and the encapsulated data 1 includes the second data and the second network element in the data transmission path and the tunnel information list of other network elements after the second network element, and the tunnel information list includes the identification information of the network element and the tunnel identification information; the transceiver unit 1102 is used to send encapsulated data 2, and the encapsulated data 2 includes the third data and the tunnel information list of other network elements after the second network element.

[0340] It should be noted that the implementation and beneficial effects of each module can also correspond to the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown in Figures 3, 8, 9 and 10. The division of modules in the embodiments of the present application is schematic and is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used.

[0341] The processing unit 1101 in the above embodiment can be implemented by at least one processor or processor-related circuits. The transceiver unit 1102 can be implemented by a communication interface, input or output circuits, a transceiver, or transceiver-related circuits. The transceiver unit 1102 can also be referred to as a communication module or communication interface. The storage module can be implemented by at least one memory.

[0342] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device 1200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 1200 includes at least one processor 1201 and a communication interface 1203, and optionally also includes a memory 1202. The processor 1201, memory 1202, and communication interface 1203 are interconnected via a bus 1204. Optionally, the processor 1201 and the memory 1202 can be integrated together.

[0343] Memory 1202 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), cache, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). Memory 1202 is used for storing computer programs and data. Communication interface 1203 is used to receive and send data.

[0344] The processor 1201 may be one or more central processing units (CPUs). When the processor 1201 is a CPU, the CPU may be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU.

[0345] The processor 1201 in the communication device 1200 is used to read the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 1202 to implement the functions of the above-mentioned processing unit, and the communication interface 1203 in the communication device 1200 is used to implement the functions of the above-mentioned transceiver unit.

[0346] An embodiment of the present application also provides a chip device, which includes at least one processor, and the at least one processor is used to call a computer program or instruction stored in a memory so that the processor executes the method provided in the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 8, 9 and 10 above.

[0347] In one possible implementation, the input of the chip device corresponds to the receiving operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 8, 9 and 10 above, and the output of the chip device corresponds to the sending operation in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 8, 9 and 10 above.

[0348] Optionally, the processor is coupled to the memory via an interface.

[0349] Optionally, the chip device further includes a memory, in which computer program instructions are stored.

[0350] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores a computer program or instruction. When the computer program or instruction runs on a processor, it implements the method executed by the service function management function network element, the first network element, or the second network element in the above-mentioned method embodiment.

[0351] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are run on a processor, the method performed by the service function management function network element, the first network element, or the second network element in the above method embodiment is implemented.

[0352] The present application also provides a communication system, comprising a service function management function network element (SFMNE) in the above embodiment and a first network element in the above embodiment. The SFMNE is configured to perform some or all of the operations performed by the SFMNE in the above method embodiment, and the first network element is configured to perform some or all of the operations performed by the first network element in the above method embodiment.

[0353] It is understood that the processor in the embodiments of the present application may be a CPU, or may be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), graphics processing units (GPUs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0354] The method steps in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented by hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, registers, hard disks, mobile hard disks, CD-ROMs or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium can also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC can be located in a base station, a terminal or a core network device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a base station, a terminal or a core network device.

[0355] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments may be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer programs or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are performed in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, a network device, a user device, or other programmable device. The computer program or instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transferred from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer program or instructions may be transferred from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, hard disk, or magnetic tape; an optical medium, such as a digital video disk; or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid-state drive. The computer-readable storage medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage medium, or may include both volatile and nonvolatile types of storage media.

[0356] In the various embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified or there is a logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0357] In the description of this application, words such as "first", "second", "S301", or "S302" are only used to distinguish the description and facilitate the context. Different sequence numbers themselves do not have specific technical meanings and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, nor can they be understood as indicating or implying the order of execution of operations. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic.

[0358] In this application, the term "and / or" simply describes a relationship between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural. Additionally, the character " / " in this document indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0359] In this application, "transmission" may include the following three situations: sending of data, receiving of data, or sending of data and receiving of data. In this application, "data" may include business data and / or signaling data.

[0360] In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process / method comprising a series of steps, or a system / product / apparatus comprising a series of units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to these processes / methods / products / apparatus.

[0361] In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, the number of nouns refers to "singular or plural," that is, "one or more." "At least one" means one or more. "Including at least one of the following: A, B, C" means that it may include A, or include B, or include C, or include A and B, or include A and C, or include B and C, or include A, B, and C. A, B, and C can be single or plural.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Including: Determine a tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list, where the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the tunnel information list includes identification information of the network elements and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate the path of data transmission; Send the tunnel information list of the other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element, where the first network element is the first network element in the path.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first network element list includes three or more network elements.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The network elements corresponding to the first network element list include one or more of the following: Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes, a first User Plane Function (UPF), or a second User Plane Function (UPF), where the second UPF supports service functions.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein The network elements corresponding to the first network element list include the RAN nodes, at least one of the second UPFs, and the first UPF. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list includes: tunnel information of the RAN nodes, tunnel information of the at least one second UPF, and tunnel information of the first UPF. The first network element includes the RAN nodes. Sending the tunnel information list of the other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element includes: sending the tunnel information of the at least one second UPF and the tunnel information of the first UPF to the RAN nodes.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine the first network element list according to a service request message; or, Determine the network element list in the first network element list except the RAN nodes according to the service request message.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Determining the first network element list according to the service request message; or determining the network element list in the first network element list except the RAN nodes according to the service request message includes: Determine the transmission requirements corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; Determine the first network element list based on the transmission requirements; or Determine the network element list in the first network element list except the RAN nodes based on the transmission requirements.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission requirements include one or more of the following: latency, bandwidth, or data transmission range.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein Determining the first network element list according to the service request message includes: Determine the service function list corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; Determine at least one second UPF in the first network element list based on the service function list, where the at least one second UPF supports the service function list.

9. The method according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that, The service request message includes location information of a terminal device. Determining the first network element list according to the service request message; or determining the network element list in the first network element list except the RAN nodes according to the service request message includes: Determine the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device; or Determine the network element list in the first network element list except the RAN nodes according to the location information of the terminal device.

10. The method according to any one of claims 5-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the second user plane function in the first network element list does not support the first function in the service function list corresponding to the service request, deploy the first function in the second user plane function.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list to the first network element.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The method further includes: If a change occurs to the network elements in the first network element list, send the tunnel information list of the changed network elements to the first network element.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network elements to the first network element.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The method further includes: If the second function in the sub-service function list is not supported by the changed network elements, deploy the second function in the changed network elements.

15. A communication method, characterized in that, Includes: Receive the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list, where the network elements corresponding to the second network element list include the network elements other than the first network element in the first network element list, the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the tunnel information list includes the identification information of the network elements and the tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate the data transmission path; Send the first data, where the first data includes the tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The first network element list includes three or more network elements.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The method further includes: Receive the sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list, and the first data includes the sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine the sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element; Execute the sub-service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15-18, wherein The first data includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or the sub-service function list of the first network element in the second network element list, or The first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or the sub-service function list of the Nth network element in the second network element list, where the Nth network element is the next network element of the current network element in the path, and N is a positive integer.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15-19, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the tunnel information list of the changed network elements.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The method further includes: Receive the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network elements.

22. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the second network element, includes: Receive the encapsulated data 1, where the encapsulated data 1 includes the second data and the tunnel information list of the second network element and the other network elements after the second network element in the data transmission path, and the tunnel information list includes the identification information of the network elements and the tunnel identification information; Send the encapsulated data 2, where the encapsulated data 2 includes the third data and the tunnel information list of the other network elements after the second network element.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The method further includes: The second network element in the path receiving the data transmission and the respective sub-service function lists corresponding to other network elements after the second network element, and the encapsulated data 2 includes the respective sub-service function lists corresponding to other network elements after the second network element.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determining the sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element; Executing the sub-service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list.

25. A communication device, characterized in that, Including a processing unit and a transceiver unit, The processing unit is configured to determine a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to a first network element list, the first network element list includes two or more network elements, the tunnel information list includes identification information of the network elements and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list is used to indicate the path of data transmission; The transceiver unit is configured to send the tunnel information list of other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element to the first network element, and the first network element is the first network element in the path.

26. The device according to claim 25, characterized in that, The first network element list includes three or more network elements.

27. The device according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that, The network elements corresponding to the first network element list include one or more of the following: Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes, a first User Plane Function (UPF), or a second User Plane Function (UPF), where the second User Plane Function supports service functions.

28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that, The network elements corresponding to the first network element list include radio access network nodes, at least one second User Plane Function, and a first User Plane Function. The tunnel information list of the network elements corresponding to the first network element list includes: tunnel information of the radio access network nodes, tunnel information of the at least one second User Plane Function, and tunnel information of the first User Plane Function. The first network element includes the radio access network nodes, and the transceiver unit is configured to send the tunnel information of the at least one second User Plane Function and the tunnel information of the first User Plane Function to the radio access network nodes.

29. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25-28, wherein The processing unit is further configured to determine the first network element list according to the service request message; or, the processing unit is further configured to determine the network element list in the first network element list except the radio access network nodes according to the service request message.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein The processing unit is configured to determine the transmission requirements corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; The processing unit is configured to determine the first network element list based on the transmission requirements; or The processing unit is configured to determine the network element list in the first network element list except the radio access network nodes based on the transmission requirements.

31. The device according to claim 30, characterized in that, The transmission requirements include one or more of the following: latency, bandwidth, or data transmission range.

32. The apparatus according to claim 29, wherein The processing unit is configured to determine the service function list corresponding to the service request according to the service request message; The processing unit is configured to determine at least one second User Plane Function in the first network element list based on the service function list, and the at least one second User Plane Function supports the service function list.

33. The device according to any one of claims 29-32, characterized in that, The service request message includes location information of the terminal device, The processing unit is configured to determine the first network element list according to the location information of the terminal device; or The processing unit is configured to determine, according to the location information of the terminal device, a network element list in the first network element list excluding radio access network nodes.

34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29-33, characterized in that The processing unit is further configured to, when the first and second user plane functions in the first network element list do not support the first function in the service function list corresponding to the service request, deploy the first function in the first and second user plane functions.

35. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25-34, characterized in that The processing unit is further configured to send, through the transceiver unit, a sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list to the first network element.

36. The apparatus according to any one of claims 25-35, characterized in that The processing unit is further configured to, when a network element in the first network element list changes, send, through the transceiver unit, a tunnel information list of the changed network element to the first network element.

37. The apparatus according to claim 36, characterized in that The processing unit is further configured to send, through the transceiver unit, a sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element to the first network element.

38. The apparatus according to claim 37, characterized in that The processing unit is further configured to, when the second function in the sub-service function list is not supported by the changed network element, deploy the second function in the changed network element.

39. A communication device, characterized in that, Comprising a processing unit and a transceiver unit The transceiver unit is configured to receive a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to a second network element list, the network elements corresponding to the second network element list including other network elements in the first network element list except the first network element, the first network element list including two or more network elements, the tunnel information list including identification information of network elements and tunnel identification information, and the first network element list being used to indicate a data transmission path; The transceiver unit is configured to send first data, the first data including a tunnel information list of network elements corresponding to the second network element list.

40. The device according to claim 39, wherein, The first network element list includes three or more network elements.

41. The apparatus according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that The transceiver unit is further configured to receive a sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list, and the first data includes a sub-service function list corresponding to each of one or more network elements in the first network element list.

42. The apparatus according to claim 41, characterized in that The processing unit is further configured to determine a sub-service function list corresponding to the current network element; The processing unit is further configured to execute the sub-service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list.

43. The apparatus according to any one of claims 39-42, characterized in that The first data includes first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or sub-service function list of the first network element in the second network element list, or, the first indication information is used to indicate the tunnel information list and / or sub-service function list of the Nth network element in the second network element list, where the Nth network element is the next network element of the current network element in the path, and N is a positive integer.

44. The device according to any one of claims 39-43, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to receive the tunnel information list of the changed network element.

45. The device according to claim 44, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to receive the sub-service function list corresponding to the changed network element.

46. A communication device, characterized in that, comprising a processing unit and a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit is configured to receive encapsulated data 1, and the encapsulated data 1 includes second data, the second network element in the data transmission path, and the tunnel information list of other network elements after the second network element, and the tunnel information list includes the identification information of the network element and the tunnel identification information; the transceiver unit sends encapsulated data 2, and the encapsulated data 2 includes third data and the tunnel information list of other network elements after the second network element.

47. The device according to claim 46, wherein the transceiver unit is further configured to receive the sub-service function list corresponding to each of the second network element and other network elements after the second network element in the data transmission path, and the encapsulated data 2 includes the sub-service function list corresponding to each of the other network elements after the second network element.

48. The device according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the processing unit is further configured to determine the sub-service function list corresponding to the second network element; the processing unit is further configured to execute the sub-service functions corresponding to the sub-service function list.

49. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor and a communication interface, and the at least one processor calls a computer program or instruction stored in a memory to execute the method according to any one of claims 1-14.

50. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor and a communication interface, and the at least one processor calls a computer program or instruction stored in a memory to execute the method according to any one of claims 15-21.

51. A communication device, characterized in that, The device includes at least one processor and a communication interface, and the at least one processor calls a computer program or instruction stored in a memory to execute the method according to any one of claims 22-24.

52. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes: the device according to claim 49, the device according to claim 50, and the device according to claim 51.

53. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program or instruction is stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when it runs on a processor, it implements the method according to any one of claims 1-24.

54. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program or instruction, and when the computer program or instruction runs on a computer, it implements the method according to any one of claims 1-24.

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