Communication method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a communication method and a communication device. When a terminal device supports a dual-steer capability, subscription data sent by a unified data management function network element comprises first information, and the first information can indicate a network provided for the terminal device and supporting the dual-steer capability, such that the terminal device can choose, according to its own service requirements, to access a certain network supporting the dual-steer capability. Compared with providing all accessible networks for a terminal device in existing solutions, the technical solution of the present application saves signaling overheads, ensures the time delay performance of a service, and improves the service experience of a user.

Description

Communication method and communication device

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application with application number 202410177390.3 filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on February 8, 2024, and priority to the Chinese patent application with the invention name “A Communication Method and Communication Device”, all contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

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

[0003] The concept of dual steer devices was introduced during the standardization discussions for Release 19 (R19). At the same time, R19 also enhanced network capabilities, defining some networks as supporting dual steer. In the existing mechanism, a terminal device obtains contract data through the registration process, and the network list included in this contract data includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access. At this point, if the terminal device supports dual connectivity and subsequently needs to access a network that supports dual connectivity, it will need to perform continuous blind selection. This solution results in significant signaling overhead and latency, and can impact the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application provides a communication method that can reduce signaling overhead and latency, thereby ensuring the user's service experience.

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a unified data management function network element, or can also be executed by a component of the unified data management function network element (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0006] The method includes: a unified data management function network element receives a first request message from an access and mobility management function network element, the first request message is used to request to obtain the contract data of a terminal device, and the first request message carries an identifier of the terminal device; when the terminal device supports dual connection capability, the unified data management function network element sends a first response message to the mobility management function network element, the first response message carries contract data, and the contract data includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate a network that supports dual connection capability provided for the terminal device.

[0007] Based on the above technical solution, in this application, when the terminal device supports dual connectivity, the unified data management function network element includes first information in the sent contract data. The first information can indicate the network that supports dual connectivity provided to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can choose to access a network that supports dual connectivity according to its own business needs. Compared with the existing solution that provides all accessible networks to the terminal device, the technical solution of this application saves signaling overhead, ensures service latency, and improves the user's business experience.

[0008] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first information is a first list, the first list includes at least one network, and each network in the first list supports dual connectivity.

[0009] Exemplarily, the first list is generated by a unified data management function network element, or the first list is generated by a roaming handover application function network element.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the first information is second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in a second list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access. In another possible implementation, the first information may include the second list and the second indication information.

[0011] Exemplarily, the second indication information is generated by the unified data management function network element based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or; the second indication information is generated based on the first list and the stored second list, the first list includes at least one network, each network in the first list supports dual connection capability, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation method, the first information is a third list, which includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device and their corresponding capability information, and the capability information is used to indicate whether each network in all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device supports dual connection capability.

[0013] Exemplarily, the third list is generated by the unified data management function network element based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or; the third list is generated based on the first list and the stored second list, wherein the first list includes at least one network, each network in the first list supports dual connection capability, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

[0014] Based on the above technical solution, in the present application, the first information can be implemented in a variety of ways, so as to more flexibly indicate the network supporting dual connectivity capabilities provided to the terminal device.

[0015] In combination with the first aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: the unified data management function network element obtains the first information according to the first request message.

[0016] In this application, there are two specific implementation schemes for the unified data management function network element to obtain the first information, which are introduced below respectively.

[0017] With reference to the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the unified data management function network element is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, where the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connectivity. In this case, the unified data management function network element obtains the first information based on the first request message and the configured capability information corresponding to each network.

[0018] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one possible implementation, the roaming handover application function network element is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, and the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connectivity. At this time, the unified data management function network element sends a second request message to the roaming handover application function network element based on the first request message. The second request message carries an identifier of the terminal device and first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the second request message is used to request to obtain a network that supports dual connectivity provided for the terminal device. The unified data management function network element receives a second response message from the roaming handover application function network element, and the second response message carries a first list. The unified data management function network element obtains the first information based on the first list.

[0019] Exemplarily, the unified data management function network element can obtain the context information of the terminal device based on the identifier of the terminal device, and the context information of the terminal device includes the identifier of the first network to which the terminal device is currently connected; the unified data management function network element determines that the first network does not support dual connection capability based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network and the identifier of the first network.

[0020] In the present application, in another possible implementation, when the terminal device supports dual connectivity and the first network does not support dual connectivity, the unified data management function network element sends a first response message to the mobility management function network element, where the first network is the network currently providing services for the terminal device. In the present application, it is assumed that the HPLMN is a network that supports dual connectivity, and therefore, it can also be understood that the first network currently providing services for the terminal device does not belong to the HPLMN.

[0021] On the second aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by an access and mobility management function network element, or can also be executed by a component of the access and mobility management function network element (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0022] The method includes: an access and mobility management function network element receives a registration request message from a terminal device, the registration reception message carries an identifier of the terminal device, wherein the terminal device supports dual connection capability; the access and mobility management function network element sends a first request message to a unified data management function network element based on the registration request message, the first request message is used to request to obtain the contract data of the terminal device, and the first request message carries the identifier of the terminal device; the mobility management function network element receives a first response message from the unified data management function network element, the first response message carries contract data, the contract data includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate a network supporting dual connection capability provided for the terminal device; the mobility management function network element sends a registration response message to the terminal device, and the registration response message carries the contract data.

[0023] Based on the above technical solution, in the present application, when the terminal device supports dual connectivity, the contract data received by the mobile management function network element includes first information, and the first information can indicate the network supporting dual connectivity provided for the terminal device, and the mobile management function network element can send the first information to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can choose to access a network supporting dual connectivity according to its own business needs. Compared with the existing solution of providing all accessible networks to the terminal device, the technical solution of the present application saves signaling overhead, ensures business latency, and improves the user's business experience.

[0024] In combination with the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first information is a first list, the first list includes at least one network, and each network in the first list supports dual connectivity.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first information is second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in a second list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access. In another possible implementation, the first information may include the second list and the second indication information.

[0026] In combination with the second aspect, in one possible implementation, the first information is a third list, which includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device and their corresponding capability information, and the capability information is used to indicate whether each network in all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device supports dual connection capability.

[0027] In a third aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be executed by a terminal device, or can be executed by a component of the terminal device (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0028] This method can be applied to the terminal side, such as the terminal or a communication module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the terminal (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or system in package (SIP) chip containing a modem core). The following describes this method using the application of the terminal device as an example.

[0029] The method includes: the terminal device sends a registration request message to the access and mobility management function network element, the registration reception message carries the identification of the terminal device, wherein the terminal device supports dual connection capability; the terminal device receives a registration response message from the mobility management function network element, the registration response message carries subscription data, the subscription data includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate a network supporting dual connection capability provided for the terminal device.

[0030] Based on the above technical solution, in the present application, when the terminal device supports dual connectivity, the contract data received by the mobile management function network element includes first information, and the first information can indicate the network supporting dual connectivity provided for the terminal device, and the mobile management function network element can send the first information to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can choose to access a network supporting dual connectivity according to its own business needs. Compared with the existing solution of providing all accessible networks to the terminal device, the technical solution of the present application saves signaling overhead, ensures business latency, and improves the user's business experience.

[0031] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first information is a first list, the first list includes at least one network, and each network in the first list supports dual connectivity.

[0032] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the first information is second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in a second list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access. In another possible implementation, the first information may include the second list and the second indication information.

[0033] In combination with the third aspect, in one possible implementation, the first information is a third list, which includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device and their corresponding capability information, and the capability information is used to indicate whether each network in all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device supports dual connection capability.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a roaming switching application function network element, or can also be executed by a component of the roaming switching application function network element (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0035] The method includes: a roaming switching application function network element receives a second request message from a unified data management function network element, the second request message carries an identifier of a terminal device and first indication information, the first indication information is used to indicate that the second request message is used to request to obtain a network that supports dual connection capabilities provided for the terminal device, wherein capability information corresponding to each network is configured on the roaming switching application function network element, and the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connection capabilities; the roaming switching application function network element determines a first list based on the second request message and the configured capability information corresponding to each network; the roaming switching application function network element sends a second response message to the unified data management function network element, the second response message carries a first list, the first list includes at least one network, and each network in the first list supports dual connection capabilities.

[0036] Based on the above technical solution, in this application, the unified data management function network element can send a second request message to the roaming switching application function network element, and the message carries first indication information, and the first indication information is used to indicate a request to obtain a network that supports dual connection capabilities provided for the terminal device. The roaming switching application function network element can determine the first list based on the first indication information and the capability information corresponding to each configured network and send it to the unified data management function network element, so that the unified data management function network element can obtain the first information according to the first list.

[0037] In the fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a unified data management function network element, or can also be executed by a component of the unified data management function network element (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0038] The method includes: a unified data management function network element receives a fifth request message from a first mobile management function network element, the fifth request message carries an identifier of a second terminal device, and the fifth request message is used to request a network that supports dual connectivity for the second terminal device; the unified data management function network element obtains second information based on the fifth request message, and the second information is used to indicate a network that supports dual connectivity provided for the second terminal device; the unified data management function network element determines that the mobile management function network element that provides network services for the second terminal device is the second mobile management function network element based on the identifier of the second terminal device carried in the fifth request message; the unified data management function network element sends a fourth response message to the second mobile management function network element, and the fourth response message carries the second information.

[0039] In this application, both the first terminal device and the second terminal device support dual connection capabilities, and the subscription data of the first terminal device is associated with the subscription data of the second terminal device. The subscription data of the first terminal device and the second terminal device belong to the same public land mobile network PLMN, wherein the first mobile management function network element is a network element that provides dual connection services for the first terminal device, which will not be repeated below.

[0040] Based on the above technical solution, in this application, the unified data management function network element can obtain the second information based on the fifth request message of the first mobile management function network element, and send the second information to the second mobile management function network element, so that the second terminal device can choose to access a network that supports dual connectivity according to its own business needs, saving signaling overhead, ensuring business latency, and improving the user's business experience.

[0041] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second information is a fourth list, the fourth list includes at least one network, and each network in the third list supports dual connectivity.

[0042] Exemplarily, the fourth list is generated by a unified data management function network element, or the fourth list is generated by a roaming handover application function network element.

[0043] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second information is fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in the fifth list supports dual connectivity, and the fifth list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access. In another possible implementation, the second information may include the fifth list and the fourth indication information.

[0044] Exemplarily, the fourth indication information is generated by the unified data management function network element based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or; the fourth indication information is generated based on the fourth list and the stored fifth list, the fourth list includes at least one network, each network in the fourth list supports dual connection capability, and the fifth list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

[0045] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the second information is a sixth list, which includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device and their corresponding capability information, and the capability information is used to indicate whether each network in all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device supports dual connection capability.

[0046] Exemplarily, the sixth list is generated by the unified data management function network element based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or; the sixth list is generated based on the fourth list and the stored fifth list, wherein the fourth list includes at least one network, each network in the fourth list supports dual connection capability, and the fifth list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

[0047] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the unified data management function network element is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, and the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connection capability; the unified data management function network element obtains the second information based on the fifth request message, including: the unified data management function network element obtains the first information based on the fifth request message and the configured capability information corresponding to each network.

[0048] In combination with the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the roaming switching application function network element is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, and the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connection capability; the unified data management function network element obtains the second information based on the fifth request message, including: the unified data management function network element sends a sixth request message to the roaming switching application function network element based on the fifth request message, and the sixth request message carries the identifier of the second terminal device and the third indication information, wherein the third indication information is used to indicate that the sixth request message is used to request to obtain a network that supports dual connection capability provided for the second terminal device; the unified data management function network element receives a fifth response message from the roaming switching application function network element, and the fifth response message carries a fourth list, the fourth list includes at least one network, and each network in the fourth list supports dual connection capability, wherein the fourth list is determined by the roaming switching application function network element based on the sixth request message and the capability information corresponding to each configured network; the unified data management function network element obtains the second information based on the fourth list.

[0049] In the sixth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by the first mobility management function network element, or can also be executed by a component of the first mobility management function network element (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0050] The method includes: a first mobile management function network element receives a fourth request message from a first terminal device, the fourth request message carries an identifier of a second terminal device, and the fourth request message is used to request a network that supports dual connection capabilities for the second terminal device; the first mobile management function network element sends a fifth request message to a unified data management function network element, the fifth request message carries an identifier of the second terminal device, and the fifth request message is used to request a network that supports dual connection capabilities for the second terminal device.

[0051] For example, in one possible implementation, the first mobility management function network element may receive a response message from the unified data management function network element, where the response message carries the second information. For example, in one possible implementation, the first mobility management function network element may send the second information to the first terminal device.

[0052] Based on the above technical solution, in this application, the first mobile management function network element can send a fifth request message to the unified data management function network element based on the fourth request message of the first terminal device, thereby triggering the network to provide a network that supports dual connections for the second terminal device.

[0053] In the seventh aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by the second mobility management function network element, or can also be executed by a component of the second mobility management function network element (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0054] The method includes: the second mobility management function network element receives a fourth response message from the unified data management function network element, the fourth response message carries second information, and the second information is used to indicate the network supporting dual connection capability provided for the second terminal device; the second mobility management function network element sends a fifth response message to the second terminal device, and the fifth response message carries the second information.

[0055] Based on the above technical solution, in the present application, the second mobility management function network element can forward the received second information to the second terminal device, so that the second terminal device can obtain the second information.

[0056] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second information is a fourth list, the fourth list includes at least one network, and each network in the third list supports dual connectivity.

[0057] Exemplarily, the fourth list is generated by a unified data management function network element, or the fourth list is generated by a roaming handover application function network element.

[0058] In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in one possible implementation, the second information is fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in the fifth list supports dual connectivity, and the fifth list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access. In another possible implementation, the second information may include the fifth list and the fourth indication information.

[0059] Exemplarily, the fourth indication information is generated by the unified data management function network element based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or; the fourth indication information is generated based on the fourth list and the stored fifth list, the fourth list includes at least one network, each network in the fourth list supports dual connection capability, and the fifth list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

[0060] In combination with the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation method, the second information is the sixth list, which includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device and their corresponding capability information, and the capability information is used to indicate whether each network in all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device supports dual connection capability.

[0061] Exemplarily, the sixth list is generated by the unified data management function network element based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or; the sixth list is generated based on the fourth list and the stored fifth list, wherein the fourth list includes at least one network, each network in the fourth list supports dual connection capability, and the fifth list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

[0062] In an eighth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a second terminal device, or can also be executed by a component of the second terminal device (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0063] This method can be applied to the terminal side, such as the terminal or a communication module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the terminal (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or system in package (SIP) chip containing a modem core). The following describes this method using the application of the terminal device as an example.

[0064] The method includes: when the second terminal device determines that the second network currently accessed does not support dual connectivity, the second terminal device obtains second information through the first terminal device, where the second information is used to indicate a network supporting dual connectivity provided for the second terminal device; and the second terminal device selects to access a network supporting dual connectivity based on the second information.

[0065] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the second terminal device obtains the second information through the first terminal device, including: the second terminal device sends a third request message to the first terminal device, and the third request message is used to request a network that supports dual connection capabilities for the second terminal device; the second terminal device receives a third response message from the first terminal device, and the third response message carries the second information.

[0066] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second information is a fourth list, the fourth list includes at least one network, and each network in the third list supports dual connectivity.

[0067] Exemplarily, the fourth list is generated by a unified data management function network element, or the fourth list is generated by a roaming handover application function network element.

[0068] In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in one possible implementation, the second information is fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in the fifth list supports dual connectivity, and the fifth list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access. In another possible implementation, the second information may include the fifth list and the fourth indication information.

[0069] Exemplarily, the fourth indication information is generated by the unified data management function network element based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or; the fourth indication information is generated based on the fourth list and the stored fifth list, the fourth list includes at least one network, each network in the fourth list supports dual connection capability, and the fifth list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

[0070] In combination with the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation method, the second information is the sixth list, which includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device and their corresponding capability information, and the capability information is used to indicate whether each network in all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device supports dual connection capability.

[0071] Exemplarily, the sixth list is generated by the unified data management function network element based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or; the sixth list is generated based on the fourth list and the stored fifth list, wherein the fourth list includes at least one network, each network in the fourth list supports dual connection capability, and the fifth list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

[0072] In the ninth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by the first terminal device, or can also be executed by a component of the first terminal device (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0073] This method can be applied to the terminal side, such as the terminal or a communication module in the terminal, or a circuit or chip responsible for communication functions in the terminal (such as a modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a system on chip (SoC) chip or system in package (SIP) chip containing a modem core). The following describes this method using the application of the terminal device as an example.

[0074] The method includes: a first terminal device receives a third request message from a second terminal device, the third request message is used to request a network that supports dual connectivity for the second terminal device; the first terminal device sends a fourth request message to a first mobility management function network element, the fourth request message carries an identifier of the second terminal device, and the fourth request message is used to request a network that supports dual connectivity for the second terminal device.

[0075] In this application, after the second terminal device in the dual-connection device determines that the current network does not support dual connection capabilities, the second terminal device can send a request message to the first terminal device, requesting a network that supports dual connection capabilities for the second terminal device. The second terminal device can trigger the network to update the network list to the second terminal device, so that the second terminal device can obtain the second information. The second information can indicate the network that supports dual connection capabilities provided for the second terminal device, and send the second information to the second terminal device through the core network network element, so that the second terminal device can choose to access a network that supports dual connection capabilities according to its own business needs, saving signaling overhead, ensuring business latency, and improving the user's business experience.

[0076] In the tenth aspect, a communication method is provided, which can be executed by a roaming switching application function network element, or can also be executed by a component of the roaming switching application function network element (such as a chip or circuit), without limitation.

[0077] The method includes: a roaming switching application function network element receives a sixth request message from a unified data management function network element, the sixth request message carries an identifier of a terminal device and third indication information, the third indication information is used to indicate that the sixth request message is used to request to obtain a network supporting dual connection capability provided for the terminal device, wherein the roaming switching application function network element is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, and the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connection capability; the roaming switching application function network element determines a fourth list based on the sixth request message and the configured capability information corresponding to each network; the roaming switching application function network element sends a fifth response message to the unified data management function network element, the fifth response message carries a fourth list, the fourth list includes at least one network, and each network in the fourth list supports dual connection capability.

[0078] In a possible implementation, the fourth list does not include the PLMN network currently accessed by the first network device, thereby preventing the first terminal device and the second terminal device from accessing the same network device, thereby ensuring the user's service experience.

[0079] In an eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, the device being configured to execute the method of any possible implementation of the first to tenth aspects. Specifically, the device may include units and / or modules, such as a transceiver unit and / or a processing unit, for executing the method of any possible implementation of the first to tenth aspects.

[0080] In one implementation, the apparatus is a communications device (e.g., an access and mobility management function network element, or a terminal device, or a network slice admission control function network element). When the apparatus is a communications device, the communications unit may be a transceiver or an input / output interface; the processing unit may be at least one processor. Optionally, the transceiver may be a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the input / output interface may be an input / output circuit.

[0081] In another implementation, the apparatus is a chip, chip system, or circuit for a communication device (e.g., an access and mobility management function network element, or a terminal device, or a network slice admission control function network element). When the apparatus is a chip, chip system, or circuit for a communication device, the communication unit may be an input / output interface, interface circuit, output circuit, input circuit, pin, or related circuit on the chip, chip system, or circuit; the processing unit may be at least one processor, processing circuit, or logic circuit.

[0082] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to perform the method of any possible implementation of the first and fifth aspects. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory configured to store the computer program or instructions. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, and the processor reads the computer program or instructions stored in the memory through the communication interface.

[0083] In one implementation, the device is a unified data management function network element.

[0084] In another implementation, the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit for a unified data management function network element.

[0085] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in a memory to perform the method of any possible implementation of the second aspect, the sixth aspect, or the seventh aspect. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory configured to store the computer program or instruction. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, and the processor reads the computer program or instruction stored in the memory through the communication interface.

[0086] In one implementation, the device is an access and mobility management function network element, a first access and mobility management function network element, or a second access and mobility management function network element.

[0087] In another implementation, the device is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit for an access and mobility management function network element, a first access and mobility management function network element, or a second access and mobility management function network element.

[0088] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor configured to execute a computer program or instruction stored in a memory to perform the method of any possible implementation of the third aspect, the eighth aspect, or the ninth aspect. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory configured to store the computer program or instruction. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, and the processor reads the computer program or instruction stored in the memory through the communication interface.

[0089] In one implementation, the apparatus is a terminal device, a first terminal device, or a second terminal device.

[0090] In another implementation, the apparatus is a chip, a chip system, or a circuit for a terminal device, a first terminal device, or a second terminal device.

[0091] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising: at least one processor configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to perform the method of any possible implementation of the fourth and tenth aspects. Optionally, the device further comprises a memory configured to store the computer program or instructions. Optionally, the device further comprises a communication interface, and the processor reads the computer program or instructions stored in the memory through the communication interface.

[0092] In one implementation, the device is a roaming handover application function network element.

[0093] In another implementation, the device is a chip, a chip system or a circuit for a roaming handover application function network element.

[0094] In a sixteenth aspect, the present application provides a processor, comprising: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that the processor executes the method in any possible implementation of any one of aspects one to ten.

[0095] In a specific implementation, the processor may be one or more chips, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, a gate circuit, a trigger, or various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, received and input by a transceiver, and the signal output by the output circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, output to and transmitted by a transmitter. The input circuit and the output circuit may be the same circuit, which functions as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

[0096] For the operations such as sending and acquiring / receiving involved in the processor, unless otherwise specified, or if they do not conflict with their actual functions or internal logic in the relevant descriptions, they can be understood as processor output, reception, input and other operations, and can also be understood as sending and receiving operations performed by the radio frequency circuit and antenna. This application does not limit this.

[0097] In a seventeenth aspect, a processing device is provided, comprising a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to read instructions stored in the memory and receive signals via a transceiver and transmit signals via a transmitter to execute the method of any possible implementation of any one of aspects one to ten.

[0098] Optionally, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

[0099] Optionally, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

[0100] In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip or can be set on different chips. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of memory and the setting method of the memory and the processor.

[0101] It should be understood that related data interaction processes, such as sending indication information, can be the process of outputting indication information from the processor, and receiving capability information can be the process of receiving input capability information from the processor. Specifically, data output by the processor can be output to the transmitter, and input data received by the processor can be received from the transceiver. The transmitter and transceiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

[0102] The processing device in the seventeenth aspect above may be one or more chips. The processor in the processing device may be implemented in hardware or software. When implemented in hardware, the processor may be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or the like; when implemented in software, the processor may be a general-purpose processor implemented by reading software code stored in a memory, which may be integrated into the processor or located independently of the processor.

[0103] In an eighteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a program code for execution by a device, wherein the program code includes a method for executing any possible implementation of the above-mentioned first to tenth aspects.

[0104] In the nineteenth aspect, a computer program product comprising instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method in any possible implementation of the above-mentioned first to tenth aspects.

[0105] In the twentieth aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a unified data management function network element, a mobile management function network element and a terminal device, an access and mobility management function network element, wherein the unified data management function network element is used to execute the method in any possible implementation manner of the above-mentioned first aspect, the mobile management function network element is used to execute the method in any possible implementation manner of the above-mentioned second aspect, and the terminal device is used to execute the method in any possible implementation manner of the above-mentioned third aspect.

[0106] Optionally, the communication system further includes a roaming switching application function network element, which is used to execute the method of any possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect above.

[0107] In aspect 21, a communication system is provided, comprising: a unified data management function network element, a first mobility management function network element, a second mobility management function network element, a first terminal device and a second terminal device, wherein the unified data management function network element is used to execute the method of any possible implementation of the fifth aspect, the first mobility management function network element is used to execute the method of any possible implementation of the sixth aspect, the second mobility management function network element is used to execute the method of any possible implementation of the seventh aspect, the first terminal device is used to execute the method of any possible implementation of the eighth aspect, and the second terminal device is used to execute the method of any possible implementation of the ninth aspect.

[0108] Optionally, the communication system further includes a roaming switching application function network element, which is used to execute the method of any possible implementation of the tenth aspect above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0109] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture applicable to the present application.

[0110] FIG2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dual-connection device according to the present application.

[0111] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 300 provided in this application.

[0112] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 400 provided in this application.

[0113] FIG5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 500 provided in this application.

[0114] FIG6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 600 provided in this application.

[0115] FIG7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method 700 provided in this application.

[0116] FIG8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 100 shown in the present application.

[0117] FIG9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 200 shown in the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0118] The technical solution in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0119] The technical solution provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), wireless local area network (WLAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system, such as long term evolution (LTE) system, fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system, such as new radio (NR) system, and future evolved communication systems, such as sixth generation (6G) mobile communication system.

[0120] This application will present various aspects, embodiments, or features in the context of systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood and appreciated that each system may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Furthermore, combinations of these aspects may also be used.

[0121] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture applicable to the present application. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a non-roaming 5G system architecture (based on a reference point). To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the system architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is first described in detail with reference to Figure 1. The system architecture may specifically include the following network elements:

[0122] 1. User equipment (UE): may also be called terminal equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device.

[0123] The terminal device can be a device that provides voice / data to users, for example, a handheld device or vehicle-mounted device with a wireless connection function. Currently, some examples of terminals include: mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MIDs), virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality (AR) devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, wireless terminals in smart grids, wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes (such as game consoles, smart TVs, smart speakers, smart refrigerators and fitness equipment, etc.), cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to wireless modems, transportation vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, communication modules, road side units with terminal functions. unit, RSU), terminal equipment in a 5G network, or terminal equipment in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc., and the embodiments of the present application are not limited to this.

[0124] As an example and not a limitation, in the embodiment of the present application, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. Wearable devices may also be called wearable smart devices, which are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories. Wearable devices are not only hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, wearable smart devices include those that are fully functional, large in size, and can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets and smart jewelry for vital sign monitoring.

[0125] In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in an IoT system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing an intelligent network that interconnects people and machines and things.

[0126] It should be noted that the terminal device and the access network device can communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology). The terminal devices can also communicate with each other using a certain air interface technology (such as NR or LTE technology).

[0127] In the embodiments of the present application, the device for implementing the function of the terminal device can be the terminal device, or it can be a device that can support the terminal device to implement the function, such as a chip system or chip, which can be installed in the terminal device. In the embodiments of the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or it can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0128] 2. (Radio) access network ((R)AN): used to provide network access functions for authorized users in a specific area, and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities according to the user level, business requirements, etc. (R)AN)AN ​​network elements can manage wireless resources, provide access services for terminal devices, and then complete the forwarding of control signals and user data between terminal devices and the core network. (R)AN) can also be understood as a base station in a traditional network. The network device in this application can also be a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The network device can also be a base station device in a future 5G network or a network device in a future evolved PLMN network. The network device can also be a wearable device or a vehicle-mounted device.

[0129] Network devices can also be called transmission and reception points (TRPs), which are devices or modules that have corresponding communication functions. TRPs typically contain communication modules, circuits, or chips that perform the corresponding communication functions. TRPs also contain program instructions for performing the corresponding communication functions and corresponding program instructions.

[0130] For example, the TRP in the embodiments of the present application may be a radio access network (RAN) device or network element deployed in the RAN. For example, the TRP may be a RAN device or a device capable of supporting the RAN device to implement the function, such as a chip system or a combination device or component that can implement the function of the access network device, and the device may be installed in the RAN device. For example, a TRP can be an access point (AP) in a Wi-Fi system, such as a home gateway, router, server, switch, or bridge; a base station, base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station, baseband unit (BBU), wireless relay node, or wireless backhaul node. It can also be an evolved node B (eNB) in a 4G system, or a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB) during the transition from 4G to 5G systems, or a next-generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G system, or a RAN node that implements (partial) gNB functions. A 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 can be configured separately or 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, such as a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). Alternatively, the TRP may be a satellite or various future base stations. In addition, the TRP may be a macro base station, a micro base station, an indoor station, a relay node, a donor node, etc.

[0131] 3. Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF): Mainly used for mobility management and access management. Specifically, AMF can be used to implement other functions of the Mobility Management Entity (MME) in addition to session management, such as lawful interception or access authorization (or authentication).

[0132] For example, RAN equipment can adopt different wireless access technologies. There are currently two types of wireless access technologies: 3GPP access technology (for example, the wireless access technology used in the third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) or 5G systems) and non-3GPP (non-3GPP) access technology. 3GPP access technology refers to access technology that complies with 3GPP standard specifications. For example, the access network equipment in the 5G system is called the next generation Node Base station (gNB) or RAN equipment. Non-3GPP access technologies may include air interface technologies represented by access points (APs) in wireless fidelity (WiFi), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), code division multiple access (CDMA), etc. AN equipment can allow terminal devices and the 3GPP core network to interconnect and communicate using non-3GPP technologies.

[0133] RAN equipment is responsible for radio resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption, etc. on the air interface side. AN equipment provides access services to terminal devices and forwards control signals and user data between terminal devices and the core network.

[0134] RAN equipment may include, for example, but is not limited to: a macro base station, a micro base station (also known as a small station), a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., a home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a baseband unit (BBU), an AP in a WiFi system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission and reception point (TRP), etc. It may also be a gNB or a transmission point (TRP or TP) in a 5G (e.g., NR) system, one or a group of (including multiple antenna panels) antenna panels of a base station in a 5G system, or a network node constituting a gNB or a transmission point, such as a distributed unit (DU), or a base station in a next-generation communication 6G system. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form adopted by the RAN equipment.

[0135] 4. Session Management Function (SMF): Mainly used for session management, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management of terminal devices, selection of endpoints for manageable user plane functions, policy control, or charging function interfaces, and downlink data notification.

[0136] 5. User plane function (UPF): This function is used for packet routing and forwarding, as well as quality of service (QoS) processing for user plane data. The UPF is divided into the intermediate-UPF (I-UPF) and the anchor-UPF (A-UPF). The I-UPF connects to the access network (RAN), while the A-UPF is the session anchor UPF, also known as the PDU session anchor (PSA).

[0137] 6. Data network (DN): a network used to provide data transmission, such as the Internet, etc. In the architecture of the embodiment of the present application, the PSA accesses the remote DN, and the L-PSA can access the local DN.

[0138] 7. Authentication server function (AUSF): mainly used for user authentication, etc.

[0139] 8. Policy control function (PCF): A unified policy framework used to guide network behavior and provide policy rule information to control plane functional network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

[0140] 9. Unified data management (UDM): used to handle user identification, access authentication, registration, or mobility management.

[0141] 10. Application Function (AF): This function primarily supports interaction with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) core network to provide services, such as influencing data routing decisions, policy control functions, or providing third-party services to the network side. It can be understood as a third-party server, such as an application server on the Internet, providing relevant service information, including providing service quality requirement information corresponding to the service to the PCF, and sending user plane data information of the service to the PSA-UPF. The AF can be a service provider (CP).

[0142] In this application, the Steering of Roaming Application Function (SOR AF) can be understood as a device specifically used to provide terminal devices with information related to network selection. For example, after an operator deploys this device, the UDM can interact with it to obtain network selection information for a specific terminal device. This network selection information includes a list of networks that the terminal device can access and a recommended access type.

[0143] 11. Network slice selection function (NSSF): used to select network slices.

[0144] 12. Network Exposure Function (NEF) Element: This element exposes the capabilities of each NF and converts internal and external information. For example, it can be used in edge computing scenarios.

[0145] 13. Network repository function (NRF) network element: supports the registration and discovery of network functions, enabling network functions (NFs) to discover each other and communicate through application programming interfaces (APIs).

[0146] In this system architecture, the N1 interface is the reference point between the terminal device and the AMF; the N2 interface is the reference point between the (R)AN and the AMF, used for sending non-access stratum (NAS) messages, etc.; the N3 interface is the reference point between the (R)AN and the I-UPF, used for transmitting user plane data, etc.; the N4 interface is the reference point between the SMF and the PSA-UPF, used for transmitting information such as tunnel identification information of the N3 connection, data cache indication information, and downlink data notification messages; the N6 interface is the reference point between the UPF and the DN, used for transmitting user plane data, etc.

[0147] It should be understood that the system architecture applied to the embodiment of the present application in Figure 1 above is only an example of the network architecture described from the perspective of the reference point architecture. The network architecture applicable to the embodiment of the present application is not limited to this. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of the above-mentioned network elements is applicable to the embodiment of the present application.

[0148] It should be noted that the interface names between the various network elements in Figure 1 are only examples. In specific implementations, the interface names may be other names, and this embodiment of the application does not specifically limit this. In addition, this application does not exclude the possibility that various core network network elements can be combined as technology evolves.

[0149] It should be noted that the names of the various network elements included in Figure 1 (such as AMF, UDM, AF, etc.) are only examples and do not limit the functions of the network elements themselves. In 5G networks and other future networks, the above-mentioned network elements may also have other names, and the embodiments of the present application do not specifically limit this. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may continue to use the terminology in 5G, or may adopt other names, etc., which are uniformly explained here and will not be repeated below. In addition, it should be understood that the name of the message (or signaling) transmitted between the above-mentioned network elements is only an example and does not constitute any limitation on the function of the message itself.

[0150] In order to facilitate understanding of the technical solution of this application, the following first briefly introduces some of the professional terms that appear in this application.

[0151] 1. Dual steer device

[0152] The concept of dual steer device was introduced in the standard discussion of version 19 (release 19, R19). A dual steer device may include two contract data, or include two independent terminal devices, and the two contract data, or the contract data of each terminal device, will save the corresponding association relationship in the network, and the two contract data belong to the same operator. As shown in Figure 2, for example, the two terminal devices included in the dual-connection device are terminal device #1 and terminal device #2, for example, the contract data of UE#1 and the contract data of UE#2 are associated in the UDM. For another example, terminal device #1 and terminal device #2 share the same contract information. It should be understood that terminal device #1 and terminal device #2 in the following text can also refer to two contract data in the same dual-connection device.

[0153] This application does not impose any restrictions on the specific implementation of the dual steer device. For example, the dual steer device can be a terminal device with two SIM cards that can implement dual-SIM dual communication (i.e., two subscriber identity module (SIM) cards can send and receive data simultaneously, such as playing a game with one card while making a WeChat call with the other card). For another example, the dual steer device can also be two completely independent UEs, which are encapsulated in the same device or connected together by some other means. It is assumed here that the two UEs in the dual steer device can communicate with each other.

[0154] 2. Public land mobile network (PLMN)

[0155] A PLMN, also known as a "Public Calling Area" in GSM, is a mobile communications network consisting of base stations and a core network that provides mobile phone, data, and other wireless communication services. A PLMN is a national mobile network consisting of a set of radio channels, base stations, and a core network, with interfaces that adhere to the GSM standard. It allows users to seamlessly use mobile phone calls, text messaging, and other mobile services across different regions and countries. The choice of PLMN depends on the operator and available technologies in the user's area. The terminal device scans for available PLMNs and selects the one with the strongest signal. For example, if the user manually selects a PLMN, the terminal device will connect to that PLMN, even if the signal quality is not as good as other available PLMNs.

[0156] Since the network capabilities are also enhanced in the protocol, for example, some PLMN networks support dual connectivity, while some PLMNs do not support dual connectivity. In this application, it is assumed that the home public land mobile network (HPLMN) supports dual connectivity. It should be understood that after the network introduces dual connectivity, it requires the network to associate the two terminal devices of the dual-connected device and issue special policy information to the two terminal devices. Therefore, the network's AMF, SMF, PCF and other devices are required to be upgraded accordingly. If all devices in the network are upgraded to devices that support DualSteer, the network can provide dual-connection related services to the terminal devices, such as roaming and switching. At this time, the network can be said to support dual connectivity.

[0157] The concept of dual steer devices was introduced during the standardization discussions for Release 19 (R19). At the same time, R19 also enhanced network capabilities, defining some networks as supporting dual steer. In the existing mechanism, a terminal device obtains contract data through the registration process, and the network list included in this contract data includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access. At this point, if the terminal device supports dual connectivity and subsequently needs to access a network that supports dual connectivity, it will need to perform continuous blind selection. This solution results in significant signaling overhead and latency, and can impact the user experience.

[0158] In view of this, the present application provides a communication method, in which, when a terminal device supports dual connectivity, the contract data obtained by the terminal device includes first information, and the first information can be used to indicate the network that provides support for dual connectivity for the terminal device. It can also be understood that in the present application, among all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access, the terminal device can clearly understand the capabilities corresponding to each network, and based on the business needs of the terminal device, the terminal device can directly select a network that supports access to dual connectivity. Compared with the existing solution that provides all accessible networks to the terminal device, the technical solution of the present application saves signaling overhead, ensures service latency, and improves the user's service experience.

[0159] FIG3 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 300 provided by the present application. As shown in FIG3 , the method includes:

[0160] 310. The unified data management function network element receives a first request message from the access and mobility management function network element.

[0161] In this application, the first request message is used to request the contract data of the terminal device, and the first request message carries the identifier of the terminal device.

[0162] In a possible implementation, before step 310, the unified data management function network element saves the terminal device identifier and the terminal device capability information through the registration context process. In this application, it is assumed that the terminal device capability indicates that the terminal device supports dual connectivity.

[0163] 320. When the terminal device supports dual connectivity, the unified data management function network element sends a first response message to the mobility management function network element.

[0164] In the present application, the first response message carries subscription data, and the subscription data includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate a network supporting dual connectivity capabilities provided for the terminal device.

[0165] In one possible implementation, the first information is a first list, the first list including at least one network, each network in the first list supporting dual connectivity. Exemplarily, the first list is generated by a unified data management function network element, or the first list is generated by a roaming handover application function network element.

[0166] In another possible implementation, the first information package includes second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in the second list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access. For another example, the first information may include the second list and the second indication information. Exemplarily, the second indication information is generated by the unified data management function network element based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or; the second indication information is generated based on the first list and the stored second list, the first list includes at least one network, each network in the first list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

[0167] In another possible implementation, the first information is a third list, and the third list includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device and their corresponding capability information, where the capability information is used to indicate whether each of all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device supports dual connectivity. Exemplarily, the third list is generated by the unified data management function network element based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or the third list is generated based on the first list and a stored second list, wherein the first list includes at least one network, each network in the first list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device.

[0168] In the present application, in one possible implementation, before the unified data management function network element sends the first response message, the unified data management function network element can obtain the capability information of the terminal device based on the identifier of the terminal device carried in the first request message, and determine that the terminal device supports dual connections.

[0169] In a possible implementation, before step 320, the method further includes: the unified data management function network element obtaining the first information according to the first request message.

[0170] Exemplarily, the unified data management function network element is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, and the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connectivity. At this time, the unified data management function network element obtains the first information based on the first request message and the configured capability information corresponding to each network.

[0171] Exemplarily, the roaming handover application function network element is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, and the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connectivity. At this time, the unified data management function network element sends a second request message to the roaming handover application function network element based on the first request message. The second request message carries the identifier of the terminal device and the first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the second request message is used to request to obtain a network that supports dual connectivity provided for the terminal device. The unified data management function network element receives a second response message from the roaming handover application function network element, and the second response message carries the first list. The unified data management function network element obtains the first information based on the first list.

[0172] In the present application, in another possible implementation, when the terminal device supports dual connectivity and the first network does not support dual connectivity, the unified data management function network element sends a first response message to the mobility management function network element, where the first network is the network currently providing services to the terminal device. As previously mentioned, the present application assumes that the HPLMN is a network that supports dual connectivity. Therefore, it can also be understood that the first network currently providing services to the terminal device does not belong to the HPLMN.

[0173] Based on the above technical solution, in this application, when the terminal device supports dual connectivity, the unified data management function network element includes first information in the sent contract data. The first information can indicate the network that supports dual connectivity provided to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can choose to access a network that supports dual connectivity according to its own business needs. Compared with the existing solution that provides all accessible networks to the terminal device, the technical solution of this application saves signaling overhead, ensures service latency, and improves the user's business experience.

[0174] FIG4 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 400 provided by the present application. As shown in FIG4 , the method includes:

[0175] 410. The access and mobility management function network element receives a registration request message from the terminal device.

[0176] In the present application, the registration reception message carries the identifier of the terminal device, wherein the terminal device supports dual connection capability.

[0177] Exemplarily, the registration request message also carries information about the terminal device's capabilities, a registration type, and so on. The terminal device's capabilities are used to indicate that the terminal device supports dual connectivity. For example, the registration type includes at least one of the following: initial registration, mobility registration update, periodic registration update, and emergency registration.

[0178] In this application, the "identification of the terminal device" can be understood as when the terminal device has a valid 5G globally unique temporary UE identifier (5G globally unique temporary identifier, 5G-GUTI) in the 5G system, the 5G-GUTI is carried in the registration request; if the UE does not have a valid 5G-GUTI, the user hidden identifier (SUCI) is carried; in emergency registration, if the UE does not have a valid 5G-GUTI and no user permanent identifier (SUPI), the permanent equipment identifier (PEI) is carried.

[0179] 420. The access and mobility management function network element sends a first request message to the unified data management function network element according to the registration request message.

[0180] In this application, the first request message is used to request the subscription data of the terminal device, and the first request message carries the identifier of the terminal device.

[0181] In one possible implementation, the access and mobility function network element sends a request message to the unified data management function network element to register the terminal device context based on the registration request message. The request message carries the terminal device identifier, terminal device capabilities, terminal device registration type, the access and mobility function network element identifier, and so on. After saving the terminal device context, the unified data management function network element may send a registration response message to the access and mobility function network element.

[0182] In method 400, various implementations of the "first information" can be understood with reference to the description of step 320 in the above method 300, and will not be repeated here.

[0183] 430. The access and mobility management function network element receives a first response message from the unified data management function network element.

[0184] In the present application, the first response message carries subscription data, and the subscription data includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate a network supporting dual connectivity capabilities provided for the terminal device.

[0185] 440. The access and mobility management function network element sends a registration response message to the terminal device, where the registration response message carries the subscription data.

[0186] Based on the above technical solution, in the present application, when the terminal device supports dual connectivity, the contract data received by the mobile management function network element includes first information, and the first information can indicate the network supporting dual connectivity provided for the terminal device, and the mobile management function network element can send the first information to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can choose to access a network supporting dual connectivity according to its own business needs. Compared with the existing solution of providing all accessible networks to the terminal device, the technical solution of the present application saves signaling overhead, ensures business latency, and improves the user's business experience.

[0187] FIG5 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 500 provided by the present application. As shown in FIG5 , the method includes:

[0188] 510. The terminal device sends a registration request message to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0189] In the present application, the registration reception message carries the identifier of the terminal device, wherein the terminal device supports dual connection capability.

[0190] Exemplarily, the registration request message also carries capability information of the terminal device, registration type, etc. For details, please refer to the description of step 410 in the above method 400, which will not be repeated here.

[0191] 520. The terminal device receives a registration response message from the mobility management function network element.

[0192] In the present application, the registration response message carries subscription data, and the subscription data includes first information, and the first information is used to indicate a network supporting dual connectivity capabilities provided for the terminal device.

[0193] The various implementations of the "first information" in method 500 can be understood by referring to the description of step 320 in the above method 300, and will not be repeated here.

[0194] Optionally, the method further includes step 530, where the terminal device selects to access a network that supports dual connectivity according to the first information.

[0195] In this application, the terminal device can choose to access a network that supports dual connectivity based on the first information and its current business needs.

[0196] Based on the above technical solution, in the present application, when the terminal device supports dual connectivity, the contract data received by the terminal device from the mobile management function network element includes first information. The first information can indicate the network supporting dual connectivity provided to the terminal device, so that the terminal device can choose to access a network supporting dual connectivity according to its own business needs. Compared with the existing solution that provides all accessible networks to the terminal device, the technical solution of the present application saves signaling overhead, ensures service latency, and improves the user's business experience.

[0197] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of a communication method 600 according to a specific embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG6 , the method includes:

[0198] 610. The terminal device sends a registration request message to the AMF.

[0199] The corresponding AMF receives the registration request message from the terminal device.

[0200] In the present application, the registration request message is used to request registration on the network, and the registration reception message carries the identifier of the terminal device, wherein the terminal device supports dual connection capability.

[0201] Exemplarily, the registration request message also carries information about the terminal device's capabilities, a registration type, and so on. The terminal device's capabilities are used to indicate that the terminal device supports dual connectivity. For example, the registration type includes at least one of the following: initial registration, mobility registration update, periodic registration update, and emergency registration.

[0202] In this application, the "identification of the terminal device" can be understood as when the terminal device has a valid 5G globally unique temporary UE identifier (5G globally unique temporary identifier, 5G-GUTI) in the 5G system, the 5G-GUTI is carried in the registration request; if the UE does not have a valid 5G-GUTI, the user hidden identifier (SUCI) is carried; in emergency registration, if the UE does not have a valid 5G-GUTI and no user permanent identifier (SUPI), the permanent equipment identifier (PEI) is carried.

[0203] Exemplarily, the registration request message may be a registration request.

[0204] 620. The AMF sends a request message to register the terminal device context to the UDM according to the registration request message.

[0205] Correspondingly, the UDM receives the request message for registering the terminal device context.

[0206] The request message carries the identifier of the terminal device, the capabilities of the terminal device, the registration type of the terminal device, the identifier of the access and mobility management function network element, etc. The request message is used to request the UDM to register the context of the terminal device.

[0207] Exemplarily, the request message for registering the terminal device context may be Nudm_UECM_Registration request.

[0208] 630. After saving the terminal device context, the UDM may send a response message of registering the context to the access and mobility management function network element.

[0209] Exemplarily, the response message of the registration context may be Nudm_UECM_Registration response.

[0210] 640. The AMF sends a first request message to the UDM.

[0211] In this application, the first request message is used to request the contract data of the terminal device, and the first request message carries the identifier of the terminal device.

[0212] Exemplarily, the first request message may be a Nudm_SDM_Get request.

[0213] Optionally, the method further includes 650, the UDM obtains first information.

[0214] In the present application, the first information is used to indicate a network supporting dual connectivity capabilities provided to the terminal device.

[0215] In the present application, for example, the UDM may obtain the contract information of the terminal device based on the identifier of the terminal device carried in the first request message, and determine whether the terminal device supports dual connectivity.

[0216] For example, in a possible implementation, when the UDM determines that the terminal device supports dual connectivity, the UDM may be triggered to obtain the first information.

[0217] In another possible implementation, when the terminal device supports dual connectivity and the first network does not support dual connectivity, the UDM may be triggered to obtain the first information. The first network is the network currently providing services to the terminal device. As previously mentioned, this application assumes that the HPLMN is a network that supports dual connectivity. Therefore, it can also be understood that the first network currently providing services to the terminal device does not belong to the HPLMN.

[0218] Exemplarily, the first information is a first list, the first list includes at least one network, and each network in the first list supports dual connectivity.

[0219] Exemplarily, the first information package includes the second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in the second list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access. For another example, the first information may include the second list and the second indication information.

[0220] Exemplarily, the first information is a third list, and the third list includes a mapping relationship between all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access and their corresponding capability information, and the capability information is used to indicate whether each network in all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access supports dual connectivity. The following Table 1 is a schematic diagram of a third list shown in the present application. As shown in Table 1, each PLMN corresponds to its own capability information on whether it supports dual connectivity. Optionally, the access technology corresponding to each PLMN can also be added to Table 1. For example, the access technology includes 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access and non-3GPP access.

[0221] Table 1

[0222] In this application, there are two specific implementations of UDM obtaining the first information, which are introduced below.

[0223] Option 1

[0224] Assume that the UDM is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, wherein the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connectivity. In this case, the UDM can obtain the first information based on the first request message and the capability information corresponding to each network.

[0225] For example, the UDM may generate the first information itself based on the capability information corresponding to each configured network.

[0226] Exemplarily, the UDM may generate the first list by itself, or the UDM may generate the second indication information based on the second list and the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or the UDM may generate the third list based on the second list and the capability information corresponding to each configured network.

[0227] Option 2

[0228] Assume that the SOR-AF is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, and the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connection capability. At this time, assuming that the UDM is triggered to obtain the first information, optionally, the method also includes 651, the UDM sends a second request message to the SOR-AF based on the first request message, the second request message carries the identifier of the terminal device and the first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the second request message is used to request to obtain the network that supports dual connection capability provided for the terminal device. At this time, 652, the SOR-AF determines the first list based on the received second request message and the capability information corresponding to each configured network. 653, the SOR sends a second response message to the UDM, the second response message carries the first list, the first list includes at least one network, and each network in the first list supports dual connection capability. At this time, the UDM can obtain the first information based on the first list.

[0229] Exemplarily, the UDM may generate second indication information based on the received first list and the configured second list, wherein the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access, and the second indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in the second list supports dual connectivity.

[0230] Exemplarily, the UDM may generate a third list (e.g., Table 1 above) based on the received first list and the configured second list. The third list includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device and their corresponding capability information, where the capability information is used to indicate whether each of all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device supports dual connectivity.

[0231] Illustratively, the second request message may be Nsoraf_SOR_Get request, and the second response message may be Nsoraf_SOR_Get response.

[0232] 660. UDM sends a first response message to AMF.

[0233] In this application, the first response message carries the contract data, and the contract data includes the first information.

[0234] Exemplarily, based on the subscription data specifically requested by the AMF in the first request message, other information may also be carried in the first response message. For example, if the AMF requests access and mobility management data when registering, the subscription data also includes mobility restriction information of the terminal device, slices allowed to be accessed by the terminal device, data network name (DNN) and other information. If the AMF can request session-related information of the terminal device, if the terminal device has already accessed the network and established a session before accessing the AMF, the UDM will feedback the SMF identifier and session information (for example, slice or DNN) to the AMF.

[0235] Exemplarily, the first response message may be Nudm_SDM_Get response.

[0236] 670. AMF sends a registration response message to the terminal device.

[0237] In this application, the registration response message carries the contract data, and the contract data includes the first information.

[0238] Exemplarily, the contract signing data may also include other information, which can be understood by referring to the description in step 660 and will not be described in detail.

[0239] Exemplarily, the registration response message is a registration response.

[0240] Optionally, the method further includes 680, where the terminal device selects to access a network supporting dual connectivity capabilities based on the received first information.

[0241] In this application, the terminal device can choose to access a network that supports dual connectivity based on the first information and its current business needs.

[0242] It should be understood that the terminal device in method 600 provided in the present application can be understood as any terminal device included in the dual-connection device shown in Figure 2. For example, the terminal device in method 600 can be terminal device #1 in Figure 2, or terminal device #2 in Figure 2, without limitation.

[0243] Based on the above technical solution, in the present application, when the terminal device supports dual connectivity, the UDM determines that the terminal device supports dual connectivity, and can obtain first information. The first information can indicate the network that supports dual connectivity provided for the terminal device, and send the first information to the terminal device through the AMF, so that the terminal device can choose to access a network that supports dual connectivity according to its own business needs. Compared with the existing solution that provides all accessible networks to the terminal device, the technical solution of the present application saves signaling overhead, ensures business latency, and improves the user's business experience.

[0244] Furthermore, this application considers that if terminal device #1 included in the dual-connection device accesses an HPLMN that supports dual connectivity, while terminal device #2 in the dual-connection device accesses a network that does not support dual connectivity, how can terminal device #2 obtain a network that supports dual connectivity? Therefore, this application proposes a communication method 700 to solve this problem. As shown in FIG7 , the method 700 includes:

[0245] 701. Terminal device #2 sends registration request message #1 to AMF #2.

[0246] Correspondingly, AMF#2 receives registration request message #1 from terminal device #2 (an example of a second terminal device).

[0247] In this application, Registration Request Message #1 is used to request network registration. Registration Request Message #1 may carry the identifier of Terminal Device #2 and capability information of Terminal Device #2, where the capability information of Terminal Device #2 indicates that Terminal Device #2 supports dual-link capabilities. For details on the information that may be carried in Registration Request #1, please refer to the description of step 610 in method 600 and will not be repeated here.

[0248] 702. AMF#2 sends registration response message #1 to terminal device #2.

[0249] Correspondingly, terminal device #2 receives registration response message #1 from AMF #2.

[0250] 703. Terminal device #2 determines, based on registration response message #1, that AMF #2 (an example of a second AMF) does not support dual connectivity.

[0251] For example, if terminal device #2 parses the received registration response message #1 and finds that the registration response message #1 does not carry a response to the capability information reported by it, it can be determined that AMF #2 does not support dual connection capabilities.

[0252] 704. Terminal device #2 sends request message #2 to terminal device #1.

[0253] Correspondingly, terminal device #1 receives request message #2 (an example of the third request message) from terminal device #2.

[0254] In this application, request message #2 is used to request a network that supports dual connectivity for terminal device #2. As previously mentioned, in this application, terminal device #1 (an example of a first terminal device) and terminal device #2 are dual-connectivity devices, the subscription data of terminal device #1 is associated with the subscription data of the second terminal device #2, and the subscription data of terminal device #1 and terminal device #2 belong to the same public land mobile network PLMN.

[0255] 705. Terminal device #1 sends request message #3 (an example of the fourth request message) to AMF #1.

[0256] Correspondingly, AMF#1 receives request message #3 from terminal device #1.

[0257] In this application, request message #3 carries the identifier of terminal device #2, and request message #3 is used to request a network that supports dual connectivity for terminal device #2.

[0258] In this application, the network element that provides services to terminal device #1 is AMF #1 (an example of the first AMF).

[0259] 706. AMF#1 sends request message #4 to UDM.

[0260] Correspondingly, UDM receives request message #4 from AMF#1.

[0261] In the present application, request message #4 (fifth request message) carries the identifier of terminal device #2, and request message #4 is used to request a network that supports dual connectivity for terminal device #2.

[0262] 707. The UDM obtains the second information according to the request message #4.

[0263] In the present application, the second information is used to indicate a network supporting dual connectivity capabilities provided for terminal device #2.

[0264] Exemplarily, the second information is a fourth list, which includes at least one network, each network in the fourth list supporting dual connectivity. In one possible implementation, the fourth list does not include the network currently connected to terminal device #1. Assuming that the network currently connected to terminal device #1 is PLMN #2, PLMN #2 is not included in the fourth list.

[0265] Exemplarily, the second information is fourth indication information, where the fourth indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in the fifth list supports dual connectivity, and the fifth list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access. For another example, the second information is the fifth list and the fourth indication information.

[0266] Exemplarily, the second information is a sixth list, which includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device and their corresponding capability information, where the capability information is used to indicate whether each of all networks allowed to be accessed by the terminal device supports dual connectivity. Specifically, it can be as shown in Table 1 above.

[0267] Specifically, the specific implementation manner of the UDM obtaining the second information can refer to the two solutions of the UDM obtaining the first information in the above method 600, and will not be repeated here.

[0268] 708. UDM sends the second information to terminal device #2 through the core network element.

[0269] In one possible implementation, UDM can determine that the AMF providing services for terminal device #2 is AMF#2 in the context corresponding to terminal device #2 based on the identifier of terminal device #2 carried in request message #4, and then send response message #2 (an example of the fourth response message) to AMF#2, which carries the second information. AMF#2 sends response message #3 (an example of the fifth response message) to terminal device #2, which carries the second information.

[0270] Sending the second information. In another possible implementation, the UDM may send a response message #3 to AMF#1, which carries the second information. AMF#1 then sends a response message #5 to terminal device #1, which carries the second information. Terminal device #1 then sends a response message #6 (an example of a third response message) to terminal device #2, which carries the second information.

[0271] Optionally, the method further includes 709, where the terminal device #2 selects to access a network supporting dual connectivity according to the received second information.

[0272] In this application, terminal device #2 can choose to access a network that supports dual connectivity based on the second information and its current business needs.

[0273] Based on the above technical solution, in the present application, after the terminal device #2 in the dual-connection device determines that the current network does not support dual-connection capabilities, the terminal device #2 can send a request message to the terminal device #1, requesting a network that supports dual-connection capabilities for the terminal device #2. The terminal device #2 can trigger the network to update the network list to the terminal device #2, so that the terminal device #2 can obtain the second information. The second information can indicate the network that supports dual-connection capabilities provided for the terminal device #2, and send the second information to the terminal device #2 through the core network network element, so that the terminal device #2 can choose to access a network that supports dual-connection capabilities according to its own business needs, saving signaling overhead, ensuring business latency, and improving the user's business experience.

[0274] It should be understood that the predefined in the present application can be understood as defined, predefined, stored, pre-stored, pre-negotiated, pre-configured, solidified, or pre-burned.

[0275] It can be understood that in this application, "under the circumstances of...", "if" and "if" all mean that the device will take corresponding actions under certain objective circumstances, and do not limit the time. It does not require that the device must perform judgment actions when it is implemented, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0276] It should be understood that the term "and / or" in this document simply describes an association between related objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0277] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of the interaction between each node. It can be understood that each node, such as the access and mobility management function network element, the terminal device and the unified data management function network element, in order to realize the above functions, includes a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in a hardware or computer software driven hardware manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0278] The embodiment of the present application can divide the functional modules of each core network element involved according to the above method example. For example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The above integrated modules can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional modules. It should be noted that the division of modules in the embodiment of the present application is schematic and is only a logical functional division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. The following is an example of dividing each functional module according to each function.

[0279] FIG8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, the device 100 may include a transceiver unit 110 and a processing unit 120.

[0280] In one possible design, the apparatus 100 may be the unified data management function network element in the above method embodiment, or may be a chip for implementing the functions of the unified data management function network element in the above method embodiment. It should be understood that the apparatus 100 may correspond to the unified data management function network element in methods 300 to 700 according to the embodiments of the present application, and the apparatus 100 may perform the steps corresponding to the unified data management function network element in methods 300 to 700 according to the embodiments of the present application.

[0281] In one implementation, the transceiver unit is configured to receive a first request message from an access and mobility management function network element and to send a first response message to the mobility management function network element.

[0282] In a possible implementation manner, the processing unit is configured to obtain the first information according to the first request message.

[0283] In a possible implementation manner, the processing unit is configured to obtain the first information according to the first request message and capability information corresponding to each configured network.

[0284] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is used to control the transceiver unit to send a second request message to the roaming switching application function network element according to the first request message; the transceiver unit is used to receive a second response message from the roaming switching application function network element; and the processing unit is used to obtain the first information according to the first list.

[0285] In one possible design, the device 100 may be the access and mobility management function network element, the first access and mobility management function network element, or the second access and mobility management function network element in the above method embodiments, or may be a chip for implementing the functions of the access and mobility management function network element, the first access and mobility management function network element, or the second access and mobility management function network element in the above method embodiments. It should be understood that the device 100 may correspond to the access and mobility management function network element, the first access and mobility management function network element, or the second access and mobility management function network element in methods 300 to 700 according to the embodiments of the present application, and the device 100 may perform the steps corresponding to the access and mobility management function network element in methods 300 to 700 according to the embodiments of the present application.

[0286] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is used to receive a registration request message from a terminal device, the processing unit is used to control the transceiver unit to send a first request message to a unified data management function network element based on the registration request message; the transceiver unit is used to receive a first response message from the unified data management function network element; and the transceiver unit is used to send a registration response message to the terminal device.

[0287] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is used to receive a fourth request message from the first terminal device; the transceiver unit is used to send a fifth request message to the unified data management function network element.

[0288] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is used to receive a fourth response message from the unified data management function network element; the transceiver unit is used to send a fifth response message to the second terminal device.

[0289] In one possible design, the apparatus 100 may be the terminal device, the first terminal device, or the second terminal device in the above method embodiments, or may be a chip for implementing the functions of the terminal device, the first terminal device, or the second terminal device in the above method embodiments. It should be understood that the apparatus 100 may correspond to the terminal device in methods 300 to 700 according to the embodiments of the present application, and the apparatus 100 may perform the steps corresponding to the terminal device, the first terminal device, or the second terminal device in methods 300 to 700 according to the embodiments of the present application.

[0290] In a possible implementation manner, the transceiver unit is configured to send a registration request message to the access and mobility management function network element, and the transceiver unit is configured to receive a registration response message from the mobility management function network element.

[0291] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is used to receive a third request from the second terminal device; and the transceiver unit is used to send a fourth request message to the first mobility management function network element.

[0292] In a possible implementation, the processing unit is configured to obtain second information through the first terminal device; and the processing unit is configured to select, based on the second information, access to a network that supports dual connectivity.

[0293] In one possible design, the apparatus 100 may be the roaming handover application function network element in the above method embodiment, or may be a chip for implementing the functions of the roaming handover application function network element in the above method embodiment. It should be understood that the apparatus 100 may correspond to the roaming handover application function network element in methods 300 to 700 according to the embodiments of the present application, and the apparatus 100 may perform the steps corresponding to the roaming handover application function network element in methods 300 to 700 according to the embodiments of the present application.

[0294] In one possible implementation, the roaming switching application function network element receives a second request message from the unified data management function network element; the processing unit is used to determine the first list based on the second request message and the capability information corresponding to each of the configured networks; and the processing unit is used to send a second response message to the unified data management function network element.

[0295] In one possible implementation, the transceiver unit is used to receive a sixth request message from the unified data management function network element; the processing unit is used to determine the fourth list based on the sixth request message and the capability information corresponding to each configured network; and the transceiver unit is used to send a fifth response message to the unified data management function network element.

[0296] It should also be understood that the device 100 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" here may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (such as a shared processor, a dedicated processor or a group processor, etc.) and a memory for executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combined logic circuit and / or other suitable components that support the described functions. In an optional example, those skilled in the art will understand that the device 100 can be specifically the first terminal device in the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the first terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiments, or the device 100 can be specifically the second terminal device in the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be used to execute the various processes and / or steps corresponding to the second terminal device in the above-mentioned method embodiments. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0297] The apparatus 100 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by each core network element involved in the above-mentioned method, or the apparatus 100 of each of the above-mentioned solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by each core network element involved in the above-mentioned method. The functions can be implemented by hardware, or can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiver), and other units, such as the processing unit, can be replaced by a processor to respectively perform the sending and receiving operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

[0298] In addition, the transceiver unit 110 may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, may include a receiving circuit and a sending circuit), and the processing unit may be a processing circuit.

[0299] It should be noted that the apparatus in FIG8 may be a network element or device in the aforementioned embodiment, or may be a chip or chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). The transceiver unit may be an input / output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit may be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. This is not limited here.

[0300] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device 200 provided in an embodiment of the present application. As shown, the device 200 includes at least one processor 220. The processor 220 is coupled to a memory and is configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to transmit and / or receive signals. Optionally, the device 200 also includes a memory 230 for storing instructions. Optionally, the device 200 also includes a transceiver 210, and the processor 220 controls the transceiver 210 to transmit and / or receive signals.

[0301] It should be understood that the processor 220 and memory 230 may be combined into one processing device, and the processor 220 is used to execute the program code stored in the memory 230 to implement the above functions. In specific implementations, the memory 230 may also be integrated into the processor 220 or independent of the processor 220.

[0302] It should also be understood that the transceiver 210 may include a transceiver (or receiver) and a transmitter (or transmitter). The transceiver may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more. The transceiver 210 may also be a communication interface or interface circuit.

[0303] Specifically, the transceiver 210 in the device 200 may correspond to the transceiver unit 110 in the device 100 , and the processor 220 in the device 200 may correspond to the processing unit 120 in the device 200 .

[0304] As a solution, the device 200 is used to implement the operations performed by the unified data management function network element in the above various method embodiments.

[0305] For example, the processor 220 is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 230 to implement the relevant operations of the unified data management function network element in each of the above method embodiments. For example, the method for executing the unified data management function network element in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7.

[0306] As a solution, the apparatus 200 is used to implement the operations performed by the access and mobility management function network element, the first access and mobility management function network element, and the second access and mobility management function network element in the above various method embodiments.

[0307] For example, the processor 220 is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 230 to implement the relevant operations of the access and mobility management function network element, the first access and mobility management function network element, and the second access and mobility management function network element in each of the above method embodiments. For example, the method for executing the access and mobility management function network element, the first access and mobility management function network element, and the second access and mobility management function network element in any one of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7.

[0308] As a solution, the apparatus 200 is used to implement the operations performed by the terminal device, the first terminal device, and the second terminal device in the above method embodiments.

[0309] For example, the processor 220 is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 230 to implement the relevant operations of the terminal device, the first terminal device, and the second terminal device in each of the above method embodiments. For example, the method executed by the terminal device, the first terminal device, and the second terminal device in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7.

[0310] As a solution, the apparatus 200 is used to implement the operations performed by the roaming handover application function network element in each of the above method embodiments.

[0311] For example, the processor 220 is configured to execute the computer program or instructions stored in the memory 230 to implement the operations of the roaming handover application function network element in each of the above method embodiments, such as the method performed by the roaming handover application function network element in any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7.

[0312] It should be understood that the specific process of each transceiver and processor executing the above corresponding steps has been described in detail in the above method embodiment, and for the sake of brevity, it will not be repeated here.

[0313] During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of the hardware in the processor or by instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in conjunction with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

[0314] It should be noted that the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or by software instructions. The above processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. The various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a storage medium mature in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0315] It is understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory may be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous DRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous-link DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct RAM-bus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0316] According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application also provides a computer program product, which stores computer program code. When the computer program code runs on a computer, the computer executes the method performed by the access and mobility management function network element in any one of the embodiments of method 200 to method 700.

[0317] For example, when the computer program code is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods executed by the terminal device in the above-mentioned embodiments of methods 200 to 700.

[0318] For another example, when the computer program code is executed by a computer, the computer can implement the methods performed by the network slice admission control function network element in the above-mentioned methods 200 to 700 embodiments.

[0319] According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application also provides a computer-readable medium, which stores program code. When the program code runs on a computer, the computer executes the method performed by the access and mobility management function network element, terminal equipment, and network slice admission control function network element in the above embodiments.

[0320] According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application also provides a communication system, including a unified data management function network element, a first mobile management function network element, a second mobile management function network element, a first terminal device and a second terminal device, for executing the method executed by the unified data management function network element, the first mobile management function network element, the second mobile management function network element, the first terminal device and the second terminal device in any one of the embodiments of methods 200 to 700.

[0321] Optionally, the communication system further includes a roaming handover application function network element, which is used to execute the method executed by the roaming handover application function network element in any one of the embodiments of methods 200 to 700.

[0322] The explanation of the relevant contents and beneficial effects of any of the above-mentioned devices can be referred to the corresponding method embodiments provided above, which will not be repeated here.

[0323] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (eg, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium (eg, a high-density digital video disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (eg, a solid state disc (SSD)).

[0324] In each of the above-mentioned device embodiments, the corresponding modules or units perform the corresponding steps. For example, the transceiver unit (transceiver) performs the receiving or sending steps in the method embodiments, and other steps except sending and receiving can be performed by the processing unit (processor). The functions of the specific units can be referred to in the corresponding method embodiments. There can be one or more processors.

[0325] As used in this specification, the terms "component," "module," "system," and the like are used to represent computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computing device and a computing device can be a component. One or more components can reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and a component can be located on a computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable media having various data structures stored thereon. Components can communicate, for example, via local and / or remote processes based on signals having one or more data packets (e.g., data from two components interacting with another component on a local system, a distributed system, and / or a network, such as the Internet interacting with other systems via signals).

[0326] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0327] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the above-described systems, devices and units can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0328] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0329] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0330] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0331] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or the part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0332] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The unified data management function network element receives a first request message from the access and mobility management function network element, where the first request message is used to request to obtain subscription data of a terminal device, and the first request message carries an identifier of the terminal device; When the terminal device supports dual connectivity, the unified data management function network element sends a first response message to the mobile management function network element. The first response message carries subscription data. The subscription data includes first information. The first information is used to indicate a network supporting dual connectivity provided for the terminal device.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information is a first list, the first list includes at least one network, and each network in the first list supports dual connectivity.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The first list is generated by the unified data management function network element, or the first list is generated by the roaming handover application function network element.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein The first information is second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in the second list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The second indication information is generated by the unified data management function network element according to the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or; The second indication information is generated based on the first list and the stored second list, the first list includes at least one network, each network in the first list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information is a third list, which includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to access the terminal device and their corresponding capability information. The capability information is used to indicate whether each network in all networks allowed to access the terminal device supports dual connectivity capability.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The third list is generated by the unified data management function network element according to the capability information corresponding to each configured network, or; The third list is generated based on the first list and the stored second list, wherein the first list includes at least one network, each network in the first list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The method further comprises: The unified data management function network element obtains the first information according to the first request message.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The unified data management function network element is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, where the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connectivity; The unified data management function network element obtains the first information according to the first request message, including: The unified data management function network element obtains the first information according to the first request message and the configured capability information corresponding to each of the networks.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that In a case where the terminal device supports dual connectivity, the unified data management function network element sends a first response message to the mobility management function network element, including: In a case where the terminal device supports dual connectivity and the first network does not support dual connectivity, the unified data management function network element sends a first response message to the mobility management function network element, wherein the first network is a network currently providing services for the terminal device.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The roaming handover application function network element is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, and the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connectivity capability; The unified data management function network element obtains the first information according to the first request message, including: The unified data management function network element sends a second request message to the roaming handover application function network element according to the first request message, where the second request message carries an identifier of the terminal device and first indication information, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that the second request message is used to request obtaining a network supporting dual connectivity capability provided for the terminal device; The unified data management function network element receives a second response message from the roaming handover application function network element, where the second response message carries a first list, where the first list includes at least one network, and each network in the first list supports dual connectivity, wherein the first list is determined by the roaming handover application function network element according to the second request message and the configured capability information corresponding to each of the networks; The unified data management function network element obtains the first information according to the first list.

12. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The access and mobility management function network element receives a registration request message from a terminal device, where the registration reception message carries an identifier of the terminal device, wherein the terminal device supports dual connectivity; The access and mobility management function network element sends a first request message to the unified data management function network element according to the registration request message, where the first request message is used to request to obtain the subscription data of the terminal device, and the first request message carries an identifier of the terminal device; The mobility management function network element receives a first response message from the unified data management function network element, where the first response message carries subscription data, where the subscription data includes first information, where the first information is used to indicate a network supporting dual connectivity provided for the terminal device; The mobility management function network element sends a registration response message to the terminal device, where the registration response message carries the subscription data.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first information is a first list, the first list includes at least one network, and each network in the first list supports dual connectivity.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first information is second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in the second list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The first information is a third list, which includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to access the terminal device and their corresponding capability information. The capability information is used to indicate whether each network in all networks allowed to access the terminal device supports dual connectivity capability.

16. A communication method, characterized in that: include: The roaming handover application function network element receives a second request message from the unified data management function network element, where the second request message carries an identifier of the terminal device and first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the second request message is used to request obtaining a network supporting dual connectivity provided for the terminal device, wherein the roaming handover application function network element is configured with capability information corresponding to each network, and the capability information corresponding to each network is used to indicate whether each network supports dual connectivity; The roaming handover application function network element determines a first list according to the second request message and the capability information corresponding to each of the configured networks; The roaming switching application function network element sends a second response message to the unified data management function network element, where the second response message carries a first list, where the first list includes at least one network, and each network in the first list supports dual connectivity.

17. A communication method, characterized in that: The method comprises: The terminal device sends a registration request message to the access and mobility management function network element, where the registration reception message carries an identifier of the terminal device, wherein the terminal device supports dual connectivity; The terminal device receives a registration response message from the mobility management function network element, where the registration response message carries subscription data, and the subscription data includes first information, where the first information is used to indicate a network supporting dual connectivity capabilities provided for the terminal device.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that: The first information is a first list, the first list includes at least one network, and each network in the first list supports dual connectivity.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein The first information is second indication information, wherein the second indication information is used to indicate whether each network included in the second list supports dual connectivity, and the second list includes all networks that the terminal device is allowed to access.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein The first information is a third list, which includes a mapping relationship between all networks allowed to access the terminal device and their corresponding capability information. The capability information is used to indicate whether each network in all networks allowed to access the terminal device supports dual connectivity capability.

21. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a module or unit for executing the method of any one of claims 1 to 11; or, the communication device includes a module or unit for executing the method of any one of claims 12 to 15; or, the communication device includes a module or unit for executing the method of claim 16; or, the communication device includes a module or unit for executing the method of any one of claims 17 to 20.

22. A communication device, characterized in that: The communication device includes a processor and a memory, the memory is used to store computer programs or instructions, and the processor is used to execute the computer program or instructions in the memory, so that the method of any one of claims 1 to 11, or claims 12 to 15, or claim 16, or claims 17 to 20 is executed.

23. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system includes a unified data management function network element, a mobility management function network element and a terminal device, wherein the unified data management function network element is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 1 to 11, the mobility management function network element is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 12 to 15, and the terminal device is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 17 to 20.

24. The communication system according to claim 23, wherein: The communication system further includes a roaming handover application function network element, and the roaming handover application function network element is configured to execute the method according to claim 16.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or claims 12 to 15, or claim 16, or claims 17 to 20.

26. A computer program product, characterized in that The computer program product comprises means for executing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, or claims 12 to 15, or claim 16, or claims 17 to 20.

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