Communication method and apparatus, communication device, and readable storage medium

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of communications, and discloses a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, and a readable storage medium. The communication method in embodiments of the present application comprises: a first network function receives a session establishment request, the session establishment request comprising first data network name (DNN) information; and discovers and / or selects a second network function on the basis of at least one of the following: second DNN information, all or part of subscription information, first information, and at least one piece of third DNN information. Thus, by discovering and / or selecting the second network function (such as an L-SMF) during session establishment, local edge computing processing can be achieved, so that the processing burden on centrally deployed SMFs is reduced, thereby flexibly implementing local services.

Description

Communication method, device, communication equipment and readable storage medium

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202410177714.3 and application date of February 8, 2024, and claims the priority of the Chinese patent application. The entire content of the Chinese patent application is hereby introduced into this application as a reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application belongs to the field of communication technology, and specifically relates to a communication method, apparatus, communication equipment and readable storage medium. Background Art

[0004] The concept of edge computing (EC) has been proposed in related technologies. By moving user-plane functions and business processing capabilities to the edge of the network, edge computing enables distributed local processing of business traffic, avoiding excessive traffic concentration and significantly reducing the specifications required for core computer rooms and centralized gateways. To achieve the effects of edge computing, it is necessary to obtain a suitable edge application server (EAS) to implement local services. In this case, how to flexibly implement local services is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the embodiments of the present application is to provide a communication method, apparatus, communication equipment and readable storage medium to solve the problem of how to flexibly implement local services.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a first network function and includes:

[0007] receiving a session establishment request, wherein the session establishment request includes first data network name DNN information;

[0008] The second network function is discovered and / or selected based on at least one of the following: the second DNN information, all or part of the contract information, the first information, and at least one third DNN information.

[0009] According to a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a second network function and includes:

[0010] Obtaining traffic diversion strategy related information from the sixth network function;

[0011] Send the offload strategy related information to the fourth network function.

[0012] According to a third aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a fifth network function and includes:

[0013] Sending second DNN information to the first network function, wherein the second DNN information is related to the local DN, and / or the second DNN information is used to discover and / or select the second network function.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a sixth network function and includes:

[0015] The policy information is sent to the eighth network function, or is sent to the eighth network function via the fifth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a fifth network function and includes:

[0017] receiving policy information from a sixth network function;

[0018] The policy information is sent to an eighth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0019] According to a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by an eighth network function and includes:

[0020] Receive policy information sent by a sixth network function, or receive policy information sent by the sixth network function via the fifth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0021] In a seventh aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a first network function, including:

[0022] The second network function is discovered and / or selected according to the fifth information and / or the request information received from the fifth network function.

[0023] In an eighth aspect, a communication method is provided, which is performed by a fifth network function, including:

[0024] Send fifth information and / or request information to the first network function according to the sixth information; wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: the FQDN received from the ninth network function and application-related information.

[0025] In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided, including:

[0026] A first receiving module is configured to receive a session establishment request, where the session establishment request includes first DNN information;

[0027] The first execution module is used to discover and / or select the second network function based on at least one of the following: the second DNN information, all or part of the contract information, the first information, and at least one third DNN information.

[0028] In a tenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0029] An acquisition module, configured to acquire information related to a traffic diversion strategy from a sixth network function;

[0030] The fourth sending module is used to send the offload policy related information to the fourth network function.

[0031] According to an eleventh aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising:

[0032] The sixth sending module is used to send second DNN information to the first network function, where the second DNN information is related to the local DN, and / or the second DNN information is used to discover and / or select the second network function.

[0033] In a twelfth aspect, a communication device is provided, including:

[0034] An eighth sending module is configured to send policy information to an eighth network function, or to send policy information to the eighth network function via the fifth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0035] In a thirteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including:

[0036] an eighth receiving module, configured to receive policy information from a sixth network function;

[0037] A tenth sending module is configured to send the policy information to the eighth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0038] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including:

[0039] A tenth receiving module is configured to receive policy information sent by the sixth network function, or receive policy information sent by the PCF via the fifth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0040] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including:

[0041] The second execution module is configured to discover and / or select a second network function according to the fifth information and / or the request information received from the fifth network function.

[0042] In a sixteenth aspect, a communication device is provided, including:

[0043] The fourteenth sending module is configured to send fifth information and / or request information to the first network function according to the sixth information; wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: the FQDN received from the ninth network function and application-related information.

[0044] In the seventeenth aspect, a communication device is provided, comprising a processor, a memory, and a program or instruction stored on the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program or instruction, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the method described in the first aspect, or the steps of the method described in the second aspect, or the steps of the method described in the third aspect, or the steps of the method described in the fourth aspect, or the steps of the method described in the fifth aspect, or the steps of the method described in the sixth aspect, or the steps of the method described in the seventh aspect, or the steps of the method described in the eighth aspect.

[0045] In aspect 18, a readable storage medium is provided, on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in aspect 1 are implemented, or the steps of the method described in aspect 2 are implemented, or the steps of the method described in aspect 3 are implemented, or the steps of the method described in aspect 4 are implemented, or the steps of the method described in aspect 5 are implemented, or the steps of the method described in aspect 6 are implemented, or the steps of the method described in aspect 7 are implemented, or the steps of the method described in aspect 8 are implemented.

[0046] In aspect 19, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method described in aspect 1, or the steps of the method described in aspect 2, or the steps of the method described in aspect 3, or the steps of the method described in aspect 4, or the steps of the method described in aspect 5, or the steps of the method described in aspect 6, or the steps of the method described in aspect 7, or the steps of the method described in aspect 8.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present application, by discovering / selecting the second network function (such as L-SMF) or discovering / selecting the eighth network function (such as I-SMF), local edge computing processing can be achieved, reducing the processing burden of the centrally deployed SMF, thereby flexibly implementing local services. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] FIG1 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application.

[0049] FIG2A is a schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0050] FIG2B is a schematic diagram of another network architecture applicable to an embodiment of the present application;

[0051] FIG3 is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0052] FIG4 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0053] FIG5 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of a communication process in a specific embodiment of the present application;

[0055] FIG7 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0056] FIG8 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0057] FIG9 is a flow chart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0058] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of a communication process in a specific embodiment of the present application;

[0059] FIG11 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0060] FIG12 is a flowchart of another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0061] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of a communication process in a specific embodiment of the present application;

[0062] FIG14 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0063] FIG15 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0064] FIG16 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0065] FIG17 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG18 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG19 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] FIG20 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] FIG21 is a schematic structural diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 22 is a structural diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0072] The terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein, and that the objects distinguished by "first," "second," and the like are generally of the same type, and do not limit the number of objects; for example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, the term "and / or" in the specification and claims refers to at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the objects connected are in an "or" relationship.

[0073] The term "indication" in this application can be either a direct indication (i.e., an explicit indication) or an indirect indication (i.e., an implicit indication). A direct indication can be understood as the sender explicitly informing the receiver of specific information, the operation to be performed, or the requested result, etc. in the indication sent; an indirect indication can be understood as the receiver determining the corresponding information based on the indication sent by the sender, or making a judgment and determining the operation to be performed or the requested result, etc. based on the judgment result.

[0074] The following description describes a New Radio (NR) system for example purposes, and NR terminology is used in most of the following description. However, these technologies can also be applied to systems other than NR systems, such as 6th Generation (6G) communication systems.

[0075] FIG1 shows a block diagram of a wireless communication system applicable to an embodiment of the present application. The wireless communication system includes a terminal 11 and a network-side device 12. The terminal 11 can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer (Tablet Personal Computer), a laptop computer (Laptop Computer), a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld computer, a netbook, an ultra-mobile personal computer (UMPC), a mobile internet device (MID), an augmented reality (AR), a virtual reality (VR) device, a robot, a wearable device (Wearable Device), an aircraft (flight vehicle), a vehicle user equipment (VUE), a ship-borne device, a pedestrian user equipment (PUE), a smart home (home appliances with wireless communication functions, such as refrigerators, televisions, washing machines or furniture, etc.), a game console, a personal computer (PC), an ATM or a self-service machine, and other terminal-side devices. It should be noted that the specific type of the terminal 11 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. The network-side device 12 may include an access network device or a core network device, wherein the access network device may also be referred to as a radio access network (RAN) device, a radio access network function, or a radio access network unit. The access network device may include a base station, a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP), or a wireless fidelity (WiFi) node.A base station may be referred to as a Node B (NB), an evolved Node B (eNB), the next generation Node B (gNB), a new radio Node B (NR Node B), an access point, a relay station (RBS), a serving base station (SBS), a base transceiver station (BTS), a radio base station, a radio transceiver, a basic service set (BSS), an extended service set (ESS), a home Node B (HNB), a home evolved Node B (home evolved Node B), a transmission reception point (TRP) or other appropriate terms in the field. As long as the same technical effect is achieved, the base station is not limited to a specific technical vocabulary.The core network equipment may include but is not limited to at least one of the following: core network node, core network function, mobility management entity (MME), access mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), policy control function (PCF), policy and charging rules function (PCRF), edge application server discovery function (EASDF), unified data management (UDM), unified data storage (UDR), home user server (HSS), centralized network configuration (CNC), network storage function (NRF), local SMF (L-SMF), intermediate SMF (I-SMF), protocol data unit session anchor point (PDU Session Anchor Point ... Anchor, PSA), local PSA (Local PSA, or L-PSA), uplink classifier (Uplink Classifier, UL CL), application function (Application Function, AF), etc.

[0076] The embodiments of this application involve edge computing (EC). Edge computing enables distributed local processing of service traffic by moving user-plane functions and service processing capabilities to the edge of the network, avoiding excessive traffic concentration and significantly reducing the specification requirements for core computer rooms and centralized gateways. At the same time, edge computing also shortens the distance of the backhaul network, reducing the end-to-end transmission delay and jitter of user messages, making the deployment of ultra-low latency services possible.

[0077] In an EC deployment scenario, multiple application servers (AS) may be deployed at various edge locations or centralized locations. These ASes may have the same domain name but different IP addresses. Therefore, to achieve EC, the terminal needs to obtain the IP address of an appropriate edge application server (EAS) (e.g., the one closest to the terminal) to handle local services. This is also known as the local service discovery problem, or the EAS discovery problem.

[0078] To address the issue of how to implement local service discovery, two network structures are introduced in the embodiments of this application, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B ; in Figure 2A , an L-SMF is inserted, and in Figure 2B , an I-SMF is inserted. It should be noted that network functions not involved in this application have been omitted in Figures 2A and 2B , and this does not constitute a limitation on this application.

[0079] In the embodiment of the present application, UL CL can be expressed as UL CL UPF; branching point (BP) can be expressed as BP UPF; PSA can be expressed as PSA UPF; L-PSA can be expressed as L-PSA UPF.

[0080] The UPF in the embodiment of the present application can also be expressed as any of the following: UL CL, BP, PSA, L-PSA.

[0081] The first network function in this application may be AMF.

[0082] The second network function in this application may be L-SMF.

[0083] The third network function in this application may include at least one of the following: PCF, UDM, SMF.

[0084] The fourth network function in the present application may include at least one of the following: UL CL, BP, UPF, local UL CL, local BP, local UPF.

[0085] The fifth network function in this application may include at least one of the following: SMF, central SMF (Central SMF, C-SMF).

[0086] The sixth network function in this application may be PCF.

[0087] The seventh network function in the present application may include at least one of the following: UPF, PSA, central UPF (Central UPF, C-UPF), central PSA (Central PSA, C-PSA).

[0088] The eighth network function in this application may be I-SMF.

[0089] The ninth network function in this application may be an edge application server discovery function EASDF.

[0090] The tenth network in this application may include at least one of the following: NEF, PCF, and UDR.

[0091] The communication method, apparatus, communication device, and readable storage medium provided in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and their application scenarios in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0092] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to a first network function, such as AMF or other network functions capable of implementing similar functions. As shown in Figure 3, the method includes the following steps:

[0093] Step 31: The first network function receives a session establishment request, where the session establishment request includes first DNN information;

[0094] Step 32: The first network function discovers and / or selects the second network function based on at least one of the following: the second DNN information, all or part of the contract information, the first information, and at least one third DNN information.

[0095] In an embodiment of the present application, the second network function is, for example, L-SMF or other network functions that can implement similar functions.

[0096] The embodiment of the present application can be understood as static L-SMF insertion, that is, discovering and / or selecting L-SMF when a session is established to form the network architecture shown in Figure 2A. The L-SMF can also be other network functions that can achieve similar functions.

[0097] Optionally, the second data network name (Data Network Name, DNN) information is related to a local data network (Data Network, DN); and / or,

[0098] The first information indicates at least one of the following: the second DNN information is related to the local DN, the second network function (such as L-SMF) is selected, the second network function (such as L-SMF) related to the second DNN information is selected, and the second network function (such as L-SMF) related to the local DN is selected; and / or,

[0099] The at least one third DNN information is selectively associated with a second network function (such as L-SMF); and / or,

[0100] The first DNN information is selected and associated with a second network function (eg, L-SMF).

[0101] Optionally, the second DNN information is included in access and mobility management (AM) policy information.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the at least one third DNN information is received by the first network function (such as AMF) during the registration process.

[0103] Optionally, the contract information includes second information, and the second information indicates the selection of a second network function (such as L-SMF). For example, AMF can obtain contract information from UDM, and this operation can be implemented in the registration process.

[0104] Therefore, by discovering and / or selecting the second network function (such as L-SMF) when the session is established, local edge computing processing can be achieved, reducing the processing burden of the centrally deployed SMF, thereby flexibly implementing local services.

[0105] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0106] The first network function receives the second DNN information from a third network function; and / or,

[0107] The first network function receives the second DNN information from a third network function via at least one network function; and / or,

[0108] The first network function receives the at least one third DNN information from a third network function; and / or,

[0109] The first network function receives the at least one third DNN information from a third network function via at least one network function.

[0110] Optionally, the third network function includes at least one of the following: a policy control function PCF, a unified data management UDM, and a session management function SMF.

[0111] For example, AMF can receive the second DNN information from at least one of the following network functions: PCF, UDM, SMF.

[0112] For another example, the AMF may receive the second DNN information from at least one of the following network functions via at least one network function: PCF, UDM, SMF.

[0113] For another example, the AMF may receive the at least one third DNN information from at least one of the following network functions: PCF, UDM.

[0114] For another example, the AMF receives the at least one third DNN information from at least one of the following network functions via at least one network function: PCF, UDM.

[0115] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0116] The first network function receives at least one of the following from the second network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, full qualified domain name (FQDN) information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function;

[0117] and / or,

[0118] The AMF sends at least one of the following to the fifth network function: address information of the fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function.

[0119] Optionally, the fourth network function includes at least one of the following: uplink classifier UL CL, branching point (BP), UPF, local UL CL, local BP, local UPF.

[0120] Optionally, the fifth network function includes at least one of the following: SMF, central session management function C-SMF.

[0121] For example, the AMF may receive at least one of the following from the L-SMF: address information of the UL CL, tunnel information of the UL CL, FQDN information of the UL CL, identification information of the UL CL, address information of the BP, tunnel information of the BP, FQDN information of the BP, and identification information of the BP.

[0122] For example, the AMF may send at least one of the following to the SMF / C-SMF: address information of the UL CL, tunnel information of the UL CL, FQDN information of the UL CL, identification information of the UL CL, address information of the BP, tunnel information of the BP, FQDN information of the BP, and identification information of the BP.

[0123] Therefore, with the help of relevant information of the fourth network function (such as UL CL and / or BP), a tunnel between the UL CL and / or BP and the UPF selected / managed by the SMF can be established, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0124] Optionally, the fourth network function is selected by the second network function; and / or,

[0125] The fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

[0126] For example, the UL CL and / or BP is selected by the L-SMF; and / or, the UL CL and / or BP is controlled by the L-SMF to implement local edge computing processing.

[0127] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0128] The first network function receives at least one of the following from the fifth network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function;

[0129] and / or,

[0130] The first network function sends at least one of the following to the second network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

[0131] Optionally, the sixth network function is PCF or other network functions that implement similar functions.

[0132] Optionally, the seventh network function includes at least one of the following: UPF, protocol data unit session anchor PSA, central UPF, central PSA.

[0133] For example, the AMF may receive at least one of the following from the SMF: PCF address information, PCF FQDN information, PCF identification information, UPF address information, UPF tunnel information, UPF FQDN information, and UPF identification information. For another example, the AMF may send at least one of the following to the L-SMF: PCF address information, PCF FQDN information, PCF identification information, UPF address information, UPF tunnel information, UPF FQDN information, and UPF identification information.

[0134] Since L-SMF needs to obtain policy information (such as diversion policy, edge computing-related policy, etc.) from PCF, and in the current session, PCF selected / controlled by SMF has already served the session, L-SMF needs to obtain PCF information in order to obtain policy information. However, in the architecture of this embodiment, SMF and L-SMF have no direct interface, so PCF information needs to be forwarded through other network functions, while AMF has direct interfaces with both SMF and L-SMF, so AMF is more suitable for forwarding.

[0135] In the architecture of this embodiment, the UL CL / BP of the session is controlled by the L-SMF, and one of the PSAs of the session (i.e., the centralized PSA) is controlled by the SMF. Therefore, the L-SMF needs to obtain the CN tunnel information of the PSA controlled by the SMF in order to establish the uplink N9 tunnel for data transmission. However, in the architecture of this embodiment, the L-SMF does not have a direct interface with the SMF, so it is necessary to forward the UPF information through other network functions. The AMF has a direct interface with both the SMF and the L-SMF, so it is more appropriate for the AMF to forward the information.

[0136] Optionally, the sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function, for example, PCF is selected by SMF; and / or,

[0137] The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function, for example, UPF is selected by SMF; and / or,

[0138] The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function, for example, UPF is controlled by SMF.

[0139] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0140] The first network function sends third information to the second network function, wherein the third information indicates at least one of the following: support for edge computing, requirement of local edge computing, selection of the ninth network function, selection of the fourth network function, and selection of the seventh network function.

[0141] Optionally, the ninth network function includes an edge application server discovery function EASDF or other network functions that implement similar functions.

[0142] For example, the AMF may send third information to the L-SMF; the third information indicates at least one of the following: support for edge computing, need for local edge computing, selection of EASDF, selection of UL CL, selection of BP, and selection of local UPF. This enables the L-SMF to select local related network functions to implement local edge computing processing, thereby reducing the processing burden of the centrally deployed SMF.

[0143] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to a second network function, such as L-SMF or other network functions capable of implementing similar functions. As shown in Figure 4, the method includes the following steps:

[0144] Step 41: The second network function obtains information related to the traffic diversion strategy from the sixth network function;

[0145] Step 42: The second network function sends the offload policy related information to the fourth network function.

[0146] In the embodiment of the present application, the sixth network function is, for example, PCF or other network functions that implement similar functions.

[0147] Optionally, the fourth network function may include at least one of the following: an uplink classifier UL CL, a branching point BP, a UPF, a local UL CL, a local BP, and a local UPF.

[0148] In an optional implementation manner, the L-SMF obtains the offload policy related information from the PCF, and the L-SMF sends the offload policy related information to the UL CL and / or BP.

[0149] Optionally, the fourth network function is selected by the second network function; and / or,

[0150] The fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

[0151] For example, the UL CL and / or BP is selected by the L-SMF; and / or the UL CL and / or BP is controlled by the L-SMF, and is used to establish a tunnel between the UL CL and / or BP and the UPF selected / managed by the SMF, thereby realizing data transmission.

[0152] Optionally, the diversion policy related information includes but is not limited to related information of services, data, messages or traffic that need to be diverted to the local (or L-DN, or L-PSA), and related information of services, data, messages or traffic that need to be diverted to the remote or central end.

[0153] Therefore, by sending offload policy related information to the fourth network function (such as UL CL and / or BP) with the help of the second network function (such as L-SMF), local services can be flexibly implemented.

[0154] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0155] The second network function sends at least one of the following to the first network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function;

[0156] and / or,

[0157] The second network function receives at least one of the following from the first network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

[0158] Optionally, the first network function is AMF or other network function that can implement similar functions.

[0159] Optionally, the seventh network function includes at least one of the following: UPF, protocol data unit session anchor PSA, central UPF, central PSA.

[0160] For example, L-SMF can send at least one of the following to AMF: UL CL address information, UL CL tunnel information, UL CL FQDN information, UL CL identification information, BP address information, BP tunnel information, BP FQDN information, BP identification information.

[0161] For example, L-SMF can receive at least one of the following from AMF: PCF address information, PCF FQDN information, PCF identification information, UPF address information, UPF tunnel information, UPF FQDN information, and UPF identification information.

[0162] Since L-SMF needs to obtain policy information (such as diversion policy, edge computing-related policy, etc.) from PCF, and in the current session, PCF selected / controlled by SMF has already served the session, L-SMF needs to obtain PCF information in order to obtain policy information. However, in the architecture of this embodiment, SMF and L-SMF have no direct interface, so PCF information needs to be forwarded through other network functions, while AMF has direct interfaces with both SMF and L-SMF, so AMF is more suitable for forwarding.

[0163] In the architecture of this embodiment, the UL CL / BP of the session is controlled by the L-SMF, and one of the PSAs of the session (i.e., the centralized PSA) is controlled by the SMF. Therefore, the L-SMF needs to obtain the CN tunnel information of the PSA controlled by the SMF in order to establish the uplink N9 tunnel for data transmission. However, in the architecture of this embodiment, the L-SMF does not have a direct interface with the SMF, so it is necessary to forward the UPF information through other network functions. The AMF has a direct interface with both the SMF and the L-SMF, so it is more appropriate for the AMF to forward the information.

[0164] Optionally, the sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function, for example, PCF is selected by SMF; and / or,

[0165] The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function, for example, UPF is selected by SMF; and / or,

[0166] The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function, for example, UPF is controlled by SMF.

[0167] For example, the SMF may select the PCF and / or UPF during the protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment process.

[0168] Optionally, the second network function (such as L-SMF) is discovered and / or selected by the first network function (such as AMF) after receiving the session establishment request based on at least one of the following: second DNN information, all or part of the contract information, first information, and at least one third DNN information; the session establishment request includes the first DNN information.

[0169] Optionally, the second DNN information is related to the local DN; and / or,

[0170] The first information indicates at least one of the following: the second DNN information is related to the local DN, a second network function is selected, a second network function related to the second DNN information is selected, or a second network function related to the local DN is selected;

[0171] and / or, the at least one third DNN information is related to the second network function selection; and / or,

[0172] The first DNN information is selected to be associated with a second network function.

[0173] Optionally, the second DNN information is included in the AM policy information.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the at least one third DNN information is received by the first network function (such as AMF) during the registration process.

[0175] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to a fifth network function, such as SMF, C-SMF, or other network functions capable of implementing similar functions. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes the following steps:

[0176] Step 51: The fifth network function sends second DNN information to the first network function, where the second DNN information is related to the local DN and / or the second DNN information is used to discover and / or select the second network function.

[0177] Optionally, the first network function is, for example, AMF or other network function capable of implementing similar functions.

[0178] Optionally, the second network function is, for example, L-SMF or other network functions that can implement similar functions.

[0179] For example, the SMF may send second DNN information to the AMF, where the second DNN information is related to the local DN, and / or the second DNN information is used to discover and / or select the L-SMF.

[0180] The embodiment of the present application can be understood as static L-SMF insertion, that is, discovering and / or selecting L-SMF when a session is established to form the network architecture shown in Figure 2A. The L-SMF can also be other network functions that can achieve similar functions.

[0181] Therefore, by discovering and / or selecting the second network function (such as L-SMF) when the session is established, local edge computing processing can be achieved, reducing the processing burden of the centrally deployed SMF, thereby flexibly implementing local services.

[0182] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0183] The fifth network function receives at least one of the following from the first network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function.

[0184] Optionally, the fourth network function includes at least one of the following: an uplink classifier UL CL, a branch point BP, a UPF, a local UL CL, a local BP, and a local UPF.

[0185] For example, the SMF may receive at least one of the following from the AMF: UL CL address information, UL CL tunnel information, UL CL FQDN information, UL CL identification information, BP address information, BP tunnel information, BP FQDN information, and BP identification information. Thus, with the help of the relevant information of the UL CL and / or BP, a tunnel between the UL CL and / or BP and the UPF selected / managed by the SMF may be established, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0186] Optionally, the fourth network function is selected by the second network function; and / or,

[0187] The fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

[0188] For example, the UL CL and / or BP is selected by the L-SMF, and / or the UL CL and / or BP is controlled by the L-SMF.

[0189] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0190] The fifth network function sends at least one of the following to the first network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of a sixth network function, identification information of a sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of a seventh network function, FQDN information of a seventh network function, and identification information of a seventh network function.

[0191] Optionally, the sixth network function is PCF or other network functions that implement similar functions.

[0192] Optionally, the seventh network function includes at least one of the following: UPF, protocol data unit session anchor PSA, central UPF, central PSA.

[0193] For example, SMF can send at least one of the following to AMF: PCF address information, PCF FQDN information, PCF identification information, UPF address information, UPF tunnel information, UPF FQDN information, and UPF identification information.

[0194] Optionally, the sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function, for example, PCF is selected by SMF; and / or,

[0195] The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function, for example, UPF is selected by SMF; and / or,

[0196] The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function, for example, UPF is controlled by SMF.

[0197] Since L-SMF needs to obtain policy information (such as diversion policy, edge computing-related policy, etc.) from PCF, and in the current session, PCF selected / controlled by SMF has already served the session, L-SMF needs to obtain PCF information in order to obtain policy information. However, in the architecture of this embodiment, SMF and L-SMF have no direct interface, so it is necessary to forward PCF information through other network functions, and AMF has a direct interface with both SMF and L-SMF, so it is more appropriate for AMF to forward, that is, after AMF receives PCF information from SMF, it can forward it to L-SMF.

[0198] Since, in the architecture of this embodiment, the UL CL / BP of the session is controlled by the L-SMF, and one of the PSAs of the session (i.e., the centralized PSA) is controlled by the SMF, the L-SMF needs to obtain the CN tunnel information of the PSA controlled by the SMF in order to establish an uplink N9 tunnel for data transmission. However, in the architecture of this embodiment, the L-SMF does not have a direct interface with the SMF, so it is necessary to forward the UPF information through other network functions. The AMF has a direct interface with both the SMF and the L-SMF, so it is more appropriate for the AMF to forward the information. That is, after the AMF receives the UPF information from the SMF, it can forward it to the L-SMF.

[0199] Optionally, the second network function (such as L-SMF) is discovered and / or selected by the first network function (such as AMF) after receiving the session establishment request based on at least one of the following: second DNN information, all or part of the contract information, first information, and at least one third DNN information; the session establishment request includes the first DNN information.

[0200] Optionally, the second DNN information is related to the local DN; and / or,

[0201] The first information indicates at least one of the following: the second DNN information is related to the local DN, a second network function (such as L-SMF) is selected, a second network function (such as L-SMF) related to the second DNN information is selected, and a second network function (such as L-SMF) related to the local DN is selected;

[0202] and / or, the at least one third DNN information is selectively associated with a second network function (such as L-SMF); and / or,

[0203] The first DNN information is selected and associated with a second network function (eg, L-SMF).

[0204] Optionally, the second DNN information is included in the AM policy information.

[0205] In one possible implementation, the at least one third DNN information is received by the first network function (such as AMF) during the registration process.

[0206] As shown in FIG6 , the communication process in the specific embodiment 1 of the present application includes:

[0207] Step 1: The AMF obtains at least one third DNN information from the PCF. As a possible implementation, the at least one third DNN information is a DNN list related to L-SMF selection (e.g., DNN list for L-SMF selection).

[0208] As a possible implementation, this step is performed during the registration process.

[0209] As a possible implementation method, in the registration process, the AMF obtains the contract information from the UDM, and the contract information includes second information, where the second information indicates the selection of L-SMF, and / or the second information indicates that the UE supports edge computing.

[0210] Step 2: Execute some steps of the session establishment process initiated by the UE, which may include one or more of the following actions:

[0211] S2-1: The UE sends a PDU session establishment request (such as PDU Session Establishment Request) to the AMF through the RAN. The session establishment request includes the first DNN information.

[0212] S2-2: AMF selects SMF;

[0213] S2-3: AMF sends a PDU session context establishment request to SMF;

[0214] S2-4: SMF and UDM subscription retrieval and update;

[0215] S2-5: SMF returns PDU session context establishment response to AMF;

[0216] S2-6: PDU session authentication and authorization;

[0217] S2-7: SMF selects PCF, and the SMF and PCF establish SM policy association or the SMF initiates SM policy association modification;

[0218] S2-8: SMF selects UPF;

[0219] S2-9: SMF and PCF perform SMF-initiated SM policy association modification;

[0220] S2-10: SMF sends an N4 session establishment / modification request to UPF, and UPF returns an N4 session establishment / modification response to SMF;

[0221] S2-11: SMF sends an N1N2 message to AMF (such as Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer).

[0222] These processes are similar to those in the existing PDU session establishment process and will not be described in detail here.

[0223] As a possible implementation method, in the above S2-11, when the SMF forwards the N1N2 message to the AMF, it sends at least one of the following to the AMF: the address information of the PCF, the FQDN information of the PCF, and the identification information of the PCF.

[0224] Step 3: If the AMF determines that the DNN of the session establishment request (i.e., the first DNN) indicates L-SMF selection, the AMF obtains the DNN information of the local DN from the PCF (such as the corresponding second DNN information mentioned above).

[0225] As a possible implementation, the AMF determines that the L-SMF needs to be selected based on the first DNN information and the DNN list related to the L-SMF (or described as at least one third DNN information).

[0226] Step 4: AMF selects L-SMF based on the DNN information of the local DN.

[0227] Step 5: AMF sends at least one of the following to the selected L-SMF through the PDU session context establishment request: PCF address information, PCF FQDN information, and PCF identification information.

[0228] Step 6: L-SMF establishes a process through SM policy association and obtains information related to the diversion policy from PCF.

[0229] Step 7: The L-SMF selects a UL CL; optionally, a Local PDU Session Anchor (L-PSA) may also be selected.

[0230] Step 8: Do one or more of the following:

[0231] S8-1: L-SMF initiates SM policy association modification between L-SMF and PCF;

[0232] S8-2: L-SMF sends an N4 session establishment / modification request to the UL CL / BP (and L-PSA), and the UPF returns an N4 session establishment / modification response to the L-SMF;

[0233] S8-3: L-SMF sends CN tunnel information (CN Tunnel Info) of UL CL / BP to AMF;

[0234] S8-4: AMF sends CN Tunnel Info of UL CL / BP to RAN;

[0235] S8-5: PDU session establishment and acceptance between RAN and UE;

[0236] S8-6: RAN sends AN tunnel information (AN Tunnel Info) to AMF.

[0237] Step 9: Do one or more of the following:

[0238] S9-1: AMF sends CN Tunnel Info of UL CL / BP to SMF;

[0239] S9-2: SMF sends CN Tunnel Info of UL CL / BP to UPF, and UPF returns a response to SMF;

[0240] S9-3: SMF returns the CN Tunnel Info of PSA to AMF.

[0241] Step 10: Do one or more of the following:

[0242] S10-1: AMF sends AN Tunnel Info and PSA CN Tunnel Info to L-SMF.

[0243] S10-2: The L-SMF sends AN Tunnel Info and PSA's CN Tunnel Info to the UPF, and the UPF returns a response to the L-SMF.

[0244] S10-3: L-SMF returns a response message to AMF.

[0245] Please refer to Figure 7, which is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to a sixth network function, such as a PCF or other network function capable of implementing similar functions. As shown in Figure 7, the method includes the following steps:

[0246] Step 71: The sixth network function sends policy information to the eighth network function, or sends policy information to the eighth network function via the fifth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0247] Optionally, the eighth network function is an intermediate session management function I-SMF or other network function capable of implementing similar functions.

[0248] Optionally, the fifth network function is SMF, central session management function C-SMF or other network functions capable of implementing similar functions

[0249] In an optional embodiment, the PCF may send policy information to the I-SMF, or send policy information to the I-SMF via the SMF; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the SMF.

[0250] The embodiment of the present application can be understood as static I-SMF insertion, where the I-SMF is discovered and / or selected when a session is established to form the network architecture shown in Figure 2B. The I-SMF can also be selected as other network functions that can achieve similar functions.

[0251] Optionally, the policy information includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: offload policy information, edge computing-related policy information, and Domain Name System (DNS) processing-related policy information. Thus, with the help of this policy information, DNS message processing and local EAS discovery and selection can be assisted.

[0252] Optionally, the policy information is included in a container, and the fifth network function (such as SMF) sends the container to the eighth network function (such as I-SMF).

[0253] Optionally, the eighth network function is discovered and / or selected and / or inserted by the first network function (such as AMF) based on the fifth information, and the fifth information indicates that edge computing is required. For example, the fifth information may be included in the contract information or together with the contract information, and obtained by the AMF from the UDM, such as from the UDM during the registration process.

[0254] Thus, by sending policy information to the eighth network function (such as I-SMF), local edge computing processing can be achieved, reducing the processing burden of the centrally deployed SMF, thereby flexibly implementing local services. In addition, by making the policy information transparent or invisible to the fifth network function (such as SMF / C-SMF), the fifth network function (such as SMF / C-SMF) can be made unaware and unprocessed, thereby reducing the impact of edge computing-related processing and local business-related processing on SMF / C-SMF. Compared with the prior art, the policy sent by PCF to I-SMF must be processed by SMF before being forwarded, which can reduce the impact and pressure on SMF.

[0255] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0256] The sixth network function receives at least one of the following from the fifth network function: address information of an eighth network function, FQDN information of the eighth network function, and identification information of the eighth network function.

[0257] For example, the PCF can receive at least one of the following from the SMF: the I-SMF's address information, the I-SMF's FQDN information, and the I-SMF's identification information. This allows the I-SMF to be accurately identified, facilitating local edge computing.

[0258] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0259] The sixth network function sends fourth information to the fifth network function; the fourth information indicates selection / insertion of the eighth network function, and / or the fourth information indicates edge computing.

[0260] For example, the PCF may send a fourth message to the SMF; the fourth message indicates the selection / insertion of the I-SMF and / or the fourth message indicates the need for edge computing. This may trigger the SMF to initiate the selection and / or insertion of the I-SMF, and the AMF to select and / or insert the I-SMF.

[0261] Please refer to Figure 8, which is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to a fifth network function, such as SMF, C-SMF, or other network functions capable of implementing similar functions. As shown in Figure 8, the method includes the following steps:

[0262] Step 81: The fifth network function receives policy information from the sixth network function;

[0263] Step 82: The fifth network function sends the policy information to the eighth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0264] Optionally, the eighth network function is an intermediate session management function I-SMF or other network function capable of implementing similar functions.

[0265] Optionally, the sixth network function is, for example, PCF or other network functions that can implement similar functions.

[0266] For example, the SMF may receive policy information from the PCF and send the policy information to the I-SMF; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the SMF.

[0267] The embodiment of the present application can be understood as static I-SMF insertion, where the I-SMF is discovered and / or selected when a session is established to form the network architecture shown in Figure 2B. The I-SMF can also be selected as other network functions that can achieve similar functions.

[0268] Optionally, the policy information includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: offload policy information, edge computing-related policy information, and DNS processing-related policy information. Thus, with the help of this policy information, the processing of DNS messages and the discovery and selection of local EAS are assisted.

[0269] Optionally, the eighth network function (such as I-SMF) is discovered and / or inserted by the first network function (such as AMF) based on the fifth information, and the fifth information indicates that edge computing is required. For example, the fifth information can be included in the contract information or together with the contract information, and obtained by the AMF from the UDM, such as from the UDM during the registration process.

[0270] Optionally, the policy information is contained in a container.

[0271] Thus, by sending policy information to the eighth network function (such as I-SMF), local edge computing processing can be achieved, reducing the processing burden of the centrally deployed SMF, thereby flexibly implementing local services. In addition, by making the policy information transparent or invisible to the fifth network function (such as SMF / C-SMF), the fifth network function (such as SMF / C-SMF) can be made unaware and unprocessed, thereby reducing the impact of edge computing-related processing and local business-related processing on SMF / C-SMF. Compared with the prior art, the policy sent by PCF to I-SMF must be processed by SMF before being forwarded, which can reduce the impact and pressure on SMF.

[0272] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0273] The fifth network function sends at least one of the following to the sixth network function: address information of the eighth network function and identification information of the eighth network function.

[0274] For example, the SMF can send at least one of the following to the PCF: the address information of the I-SMF and the identification information of the I-SMF. This allows the I-SMF to be accurately identified, facilitating local edge computing processing.

[0275] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0276] The fifth network function receives fourth information from the sixth network function; the fourth information indicates selection and / or insertion of an eighth network function, and / or the fourth information indicates edge computing.

[0277] For example, the SMF may receive fourth information from the PCF; the fourth information may indicate the selection / insertion of the I-SMF and / or the need for edge computing. This may trigger the SMF to initiate the selection and / or insertion of the I-SMF, and the AMF may select and / or insert the I-SMF.

[0278] Please refer to Figure 9, which is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to an eighth network function, such as an I-SMF or other network function capable of implementing similar functions. As shown in Figure 9, the method includes the following steps:

[0279] Step 91: The eighth network function receives policy information sent by the sixth network function, or receives policy information sent by the sixth network function via the fifth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0280] Optionally, the sixth network function is, for example, PCF or other network functions that can implement similar functions.

[0281] Optionally, the fifth network function is SMF, C-SMF or other network functions capable of implementing similar functions

[0282] For example, the I-SMF may receive policy information sent by the PCF, or receive policy information sent by the PCF via the SMF; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the SMF.

[0283] Optionally, the policy information includes but is not limited to at least one of the following: diversion policy information, edge computing related policy information, and Domain Name System (DNS) processing related policy information.

[0284] Optionally, the eighth network function (such as I-SMF) is discovered and / or inserted by the first network function (such as AMF) based on the fifth information, and the fifth information indicates that edge computing is required. For example, the fifth information can be included in the contract information or together with the contract information, and obtained by the AMF from the UDM, such as from the UDM during the registration process.

[0285] Optionally, the policy information is contained in a container.

[0286] Thus, by sending policy information to the eighth network function (such as I-SMF), local edge computing processing can be achieved, reducing the processing burden of the centrally deployed SMF, thereby flexibly implementing local services. In addition, by making the policy information transparent or invisible to the fifth network function (such as SMF / C-SMF), the fifth network function (such as SMF / C-SMF) can be made unaware and unprocessed, thereby reducing the impact of edge computing-related processing and local business-related processing on SMF / C-SMF. Compared with the prior art, the policy sent by PCF to I-SMF must be processed by SMF before being forwarded, which can reduce the impact and pressure on SMF.

[0287] As shown in FIG10 , the communication process in the specific embodiment 2 of the present application includes:

[0288] Step 1: The UE initiates and executes the PDU session establishment process. In addition to the PDU session establishment process described in the prior art, this step requires the following additional steps: the SMF obtains policy information from the PCF, indicating the need to select and / or insert an I-SMF, or the need for local EC processing.

[0289] Step 2: Execute the I-SMF insertion process triggered by SMF, such as but not limited to the following actions: when SMF is instructed to discover / select / insert I-SMF due to local EC processing, SMF sends information to AMF to request / instruct AMF to discover / select / insert I-SMF; AMF discovers / selects a new I-SMF; AMF sends PDU session context creation to SMF and new I-SMF respectively, such as AMF sends I-SMF address information / identification information / FQDN information to SMF, and AMF sends AN Tunnel Info to I-SMF, etc. These processes are similar to those in the existing I-SMF insertion process and will not be described in detail here.

[0290] Step 3: Execute the UL CL / BP (Branching Point) insertion process controlled by the I-SMF, such as but not limited to the following actions: the I-SMF selects the UL CL / BP (and L-PSA); the I-SMF and the SMF perform a PDU session update, such as the I-SMF sends the tunnel information of the UL CL / BP to the SMF; the SMF updates the downlink tunnel related information to PSA1; the SMF sends the PSA related information to the I-SMF; the I-SMF updates the N4 rule to PSA2 and the UL CL / BP; the I-SMF returns a PDU session update response to the SMF, etc. These processes are similar to the existing UL CL / BP insertion process controlled by the I-SMF and will not be described in detail here.

[0291] Step 4: SMF sends at least one of the following to PCF: I-SMF address information, I-SMF identification information.

[0292] As a possible implementation, it is sent through Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update information.

[0293] If you need to update the diversion strategy or EC strategy, perform the following steps 5-6:

[0294] Step 5: PCF sends the diversion strategy and / or edge computing related strategy to SMF, and the diversion strategy and / or edge computing related strategy is transparent or invisible to SMF.

[0295] As a possible implementation, the diversion strategy and / or edge computing-related strategy are included in a container.

[0296] Step 6: SMF does not parse the received information and directly forwards it to I-SMF, that is, transparently forwards or transparently transmits it to I-SMF.

[0297] Please refer to Figure 11, which is a flowchart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to a first network function, such as AMF or other network functions capable of implementing similar functions. As shown in Figure 11, the method includes the following steps:

[0298] Step 111: The first network function discovers and / or selects a second network function according to the fifth information and / or request information received from the fifth network function.

[0299] Optionally, the fifth network function includes at least one of the following: SMF, central session management function C-SMF.

[0300] Optionally, the second network function is, for example, L-SMF or other network functions that can implement similar functions.

[0301] For example, the AMF may discover and / or select the L-SMF based on the fifth information and / or request information received from the SMF.

[0302] The embodiment of the present application can be understood as dynamic L-SMF insertion, such as discovering and / or selecting L-SMF during the first DNS query process involving EC services to form the network architecture shown in Figure 2A. The L-SMF can also be other network functions that can achieve similar functions.

[0303] Optionally, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: a data network access identifier (DN Access Identifier, DNAI), a first cause value, and a first indication information; and / or,

[0304] The request information is used to request selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

[0305] Optionally, the first cause value is related to local edge computing processing.

[0306] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

[0307] Therefore, by discovering and / or selecting the second network function (such as L-SMF), local edge computing processing can be achieved, reducing the processing burden of the centrally deployed SMF, thereby flexibly implementing local services.

[0308] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0309] The first network function receives at least one of the following from the second network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function;

[0310] and / or,

[0311] The first network function sends at least one of the following to the fifth network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of a fourth network function, FQDN information of a fourth network function, and identification information of a fourth network function.

[0312] Optionally, the fourth network function includes at least one of the following: an uplink classifier UL CL, a branch point BP, a UPF, a local UL CL, a local BP, and a local UPF.

[0313] For example, the AMF may receive at least one of the following from the L-SMF: UL CL address information, UL CL tunnel information, UL CL FQDN information, UL CL identification information, BP address information, BP tunnel information, BP FQDN information, and BP identification information. For another example, the AMF may send at least one of the following to the SMF: UL CL address information, UL CL tunnel information, UL CL FQDN information, UL CL identification information, BP address information, BP tunnel information, BP FQDN information, and BP identification information.

[0314] Therefore, with the help of relevant information of the fourth network function (such as UL CL and / or BP), a tunnel between the UL CL and / or BP and the UPF selected / managed by the SMF can be established, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0315] Optionally, the fourth network function is selected by the second network function; and / or,

[0316] The fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

[0317] For example, the UL CL and / or BP is selected by the L-SMF, and / or the UL CL and / or BP is controlled by the L-SMF to implement local edge computing processing.

[0318] Optionally, for the discovered and / or selected L-SMF, at least one of the following items can be sent to the AMF: address information of UL CL, tunnel information of UL CL, FQDN information of UL CL, identification information of UL CL, address information of BP, tunnel information of BP, FQDN information of BP, and identification information of BP.

[0319] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0320] The first network function receives at least one of the following from the fifth network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function;

[0321] and / or,

[0322] The first network function sends at least one of the following to the second network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

[0323] Optionally, the sixth network function is PCF or other network functions that implement similar functions.

[0324] Optionally, the seventh network function includes at least one of the following: UPF, protocol data unit session anchor PSA, central UPF, central PSA.

[0325] For example, the AMF may receive at least one of the following from the SMF: PCF address information, PCF FQDN information, PCF identification information, UPF address information, UPF tunnel information, UPF FQDN information, and UPF identification information. For another example, the AMF may send at least one of the following to the L-SMF: PCF address information, PCF FQDN information, PCF identification information, UPF address information, UPF tunnel information, UPF FQDN information, and UPF identification information.

[0326] Optionally, the sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function, for example, PCF is selected by SMF; and / or,

[0327] The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function, for example, UPF is selected by SMF; and / or,

[0328] The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function, for example, UPF is controlled by SMF.

[0329] Since L-SMF needs to obtain policy information (such as diversion policy, edge computing-related policy, etc.) from PCF, and in the current session, PCF selected / controlled by SMF has already served the session, L-SMF needs to obtain PCF information in order to obtain policy information. However, in the architecture of this embodiment, SMF and L-SMF have no direct interface, so PCF information needs to be forwarded through other network functions, while AMF has direct interfaces with both SMF and L-SMF, so AMF is more suitable for forwarding.

[0330] In the architecture of this embodiment, the UL CL / BP of the session is controlled by the L-SMF, and one of the PSAs of the session (i.e., the centralized PSA) is controlled by the SMF. Therefore, the L-SMF needs to obtain the CN tunnel information of the PSA controlled by the SMF in order to establish the uplink N9 tunnel for data transmission. However, in the architecture of this embodiment, the L-SMF does not have a direct interface with the SMF, so it is necessary to forward the UPF information through other network functions. The AMF has a direct interface with both the SMF and the L-SMF, so it is more appropriate for the AMF to forward the information.

[0331] Optionally, for the discovered and / or selected L-SMF, at least one of the following is received from the AMF: address information of the PCF, FQDN information of the PCF, identification information of the PCF, address information of the UPF, tunnel information of the UPF, FQDN information of the UPF, and identification information of the UPF.

[0332] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a flow chart of a communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application. The method is applied to a fifth network function, such as an SMF or other network function capable of implementing similar functions. As shown in Figure 12, the method includes the following steps:

[0333] Step 121: The fifth network function sends fifth information and / or request information to the first network function based on the sixth information; the sixth information includes at least one of the following: the FQDN received from the ninth network function and application-related information.

[0334] Optionally, the first network function is, for example, AMF or other network function capable of implementing similar functions.

[0335] Optionally, the ninth network function is an edge application server discovery function EASDF or other network functions that can implement similar functions.

[0336] For example, SMF may send fifth information and / or request information to AMF based on the sixth information; the sixth information includes at least one of the following: FQDN information received from EASDF and application-related information.

[0337] Optionally, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: a data network access identifier DNAI, a first cause value, and first indication information; and / or,

[0338] The request information is used to request selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

[0339] Optionally, the first cause value is related to local edge computing processing.

[0340] Optionally, the first indication information is used to indicate selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

[0341] Optionally, the second network function is, for example, L-SMF or other network functions that can implement similar functions.

[0342] In this way, the first network function can discover and / or select the second network function (such as L-SMF) based on the received information, and thereby realize local edge computing processing with the help of the discovered and / or selected second network function (such as L-SMF), thereby reducing the processing burden of the centrally deployed SMF and flexibly realizing local services.

[0343] The embodiment of the present application can be understood as dynamic L-SMF insertion, such as discovering and / or selecting L-SMF during the first DNS query process involving EC services to form the network architecture shown in Figure 2A. The L-SMF can also be other network functions that can achieve similar functions.

[0344] Optionally, the application-related information includes at least one of the following: at least one FQDN, at least one application identifier (Application Identifier, AppID), and at least one service data flow (Service Data Flow, SDF).

[0345] Optionally, the application-related information is locally configured by the fifth network function; and / or the application-related information is received by the fifth network function from a tenth network function. The tenth network function includes at least one of the following: NEF, PCF, and UDR.

[0346] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0347] The fifth network function receives at least one of the following from the first network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function.

[0348] Optionally, the fourth network function includes at least one of the following: uplink classifier UL CL, branch point BP, UPF, local UL CL, local BP, local UPF.

[0349] For example, the SMF may receive at least one of the following from the AMF: UL CL address information, UL CL tunnel information, UL CL FQDN information, UL CL identification information, BP address information, BP tunnel information, BP FQDN information, and BP identification information. Thus, with the help of the relevant information of the UL CL and / or BP, a tunnel between the UL CL and / or BP and the UPF selected / managed by the SMF may be established, thereby ensuring data transmission.

[0350] Optionally, the fourth network function is selected by the second network function; and / or,

[0351] The fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

[0352] For example, the UL CL and / or BP is selected by the L-SMF, and / or the UL CL and / or BP is controlled by the L-SMF to implement local edge computing processing.

[0353] Optionally, the communication method in this embodiment may further include:

[0354] The fifth network function sends at least one of the following to the first network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of a sixth network function, identification information of a sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of a seventh network function, FQDN information of a seventh network function, and identification information of a seventh network function.

[0355] Optionally, the sixth network function is PCF or other network functions that implement similar functions.

[0356] Optionally, the seventh network function includes at least one of the following: UPF, protocol data unit session anchor PSA, central UPF, central PSA.

[0357] For example, SMF can send at least one of the following items to AMF: PCF address information, PCF FQDN information, PCF identification information, UPF address information, UPF tunnel information, UPF FQDN information, UPF identification information.

[0358] Optionally, the sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function, for example, PCF is selected by SMF; and / or,

[0359] The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function, for example, UPF is selected by SMF; and / or,

[0360] The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function, for example, UPF is controlled by SMF.

[0361] Since L-SMF needs to obtain policy information (such as diversion policy, edge computing-related policy, etc.) from PCF, and in the current session, PCF selected / controlled by SMF has already served the session, L-SMF needs to obtain PCF information in order to obtain policy information. However, in the architecture of this embodiment, SMF and L-SMF have no direct interface, so it is necessary to forward PCF information through other network functions, and AMF has a direct interface with both SMF and L-SMF, so it is more appropriate for AMF to forward, that is, after AMF receives PCF information from SMF, it can forward it to L-SMF.

[0362] Since, in the architecture of this embodiment, the UL CL / BP of the session is controlled by the L-SMF, and one of the PSAs of the session (i.e., the centralized PSA) is controlled by the SMF, the L-SMF needs to obtain the CN tunnel information of the PSA controlled by the SMF in order to establish an uplink N9 tunnel for data transmission. However, in the architecture of this embodiment, the L-SMF does not have a direct interface with the SMF, so it is necessary to forward the UPF information through other network functions. The AMF has a direct interface with both the SMF and the L-SMF, so it is more appropriate for the AMF to forward the information. That is, after the AMF receives the UPF information from the SMF, it can forward it to the L-SMF.

[0363] As shown in FIG13 , the communication process in the specific embodiment 3 of the present application includes:

[0364] Step 1: SMF obtains application-related information, which includes at least one of the following: at least one FQDN, at least one AppID, and at least one SDF.

[0365] Optionally, the application-related information may be locally configured by the SMF, or received from other network functions, such as NEF, UDR, PCF, etc.

[0366] As a possible implementation manner, the application-related information is included in the EAS deployment information.

[0367] Step 2: Execute the session establishment process; in the session establishment process, AMF receives at least one of the following items sent by SMF: PCF's address information, PCF's FQDN information, and PCF's identification information.

[0368] It should be noted that since the session establishment process here is basically similar to the session establishment process in the prior art, it will not be described in detail here.

[0369] In a possible implementation, step 1 is performed in step 2.

[0370] Step 3: The UE sends a DNS query message (DNS Query message) to the EASDF, which includes the FQDN.

[0371] Step 4: EASDF sends the FQDN included in the DNS Query information to SMF.

[0372] Step 5: SMF sends the fifth information to AMF to request or instruct L-SMF selection based on the FQDN received from EASDF and / or the application-related information obtained in step 1.

[0373] Optionally, the fifth information includes at least one of the following information: DNAI, reason value (such as local edge computing processing is required); indication information for requesting selection and / or insertion of L-SMF.

[0374] Step 6: AMF selects L-SMF.

[0375] Step 7: The AMF sends at least one of the following to the L-SMF: the PCF's address information, the PCF's FQDN information, and the PCF's identification information. For example, the AMF may send at least one of the following to the L-SMF via a context establishment request message: the PCF's address information, the PCF's FQDN information, and the PCF's identification information.

[0376] Step 8: L-SMF obtains traffic diversion policy-related information from PCF.

[0377] Step 9: L-SMF selects UL CL / BP (and L-PSA).

[0378] Step 10: L-SMF performs N4 session establishment / modification and sends offload information to UL CL / BP.

[0379] Step 11: L-SMF sends CN Tunnel info of UL CL / BP to AMF.

[0380] Step 12: AMF sends CN Tunnel info of UL CL / BP to (R)AN.

[0381] Step 13: Optionally, the (R)AN sends AN Tunnel info to the AMF.

[0382] Step 14: AMF sends CN Tunnel info of UL CL / BP to SMF.

[0383] Step 15: SMF sends the CN Tunnel info of UL CL / BP to UPF; for example, the CN Tunnel info of UL CL / BP can be modified through the N4 session.

[0384] Step 16: AMF sends AN Tunnel Info and CN Tunnel Info of UPF to L-SMF. The UPF is a PSA selected / controlled by SMF.

[0385] Step 17: The L-SMF sends AN Tunnel Info and the UPF's CN Tunnel Info to the UL CL / BP to establish a tunnel between the UL CL / BP and the UPF. The UPF is a PSA selected / controlled by the SMF. For example, the AN Tunnel Info and the UPF's CN Tunnel Info can be modified via the N4 session.

[0386] It should be noted that the communication method provided in the embodiment of the present application can be executed by a communication device or a control module in the communication device for executing the communication method. In the embodiment of the present application, the communication device provided in the embodiment of the present application is described by taking the communication device executing the communication method as an example.

[0387] Please refer to Figure 14, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to the first network function. As shown in Figure 14, the communication device 140 includes:

[0388] A first receiving module 141 is configured to receive a session establishment request, where the session establishment request includes first DNN information;

[0389] The first execution module 142 is used to discover and / or select the second network function based on at least one of the following: the second DNN information, all or part of the contract information, the first information, and at least one third DNN information.

[0390] Optionally, the second DNN information is related to a local data network DN;

[0391] And / or, the first information indicates at least one of the following: the second DNN information is related to the local DN, a second network function is selected, a second network function related to the second DNN information is selected, and a second network function related to the local DN is selected;

[0392] and / or, the at least one third DNN information is related to the second network function selection;

[0393] And / or, the first DNN information is related to the second network function selection.

[0394] Optionally, the communication device 140 further includes:

[0395] A second receiving module is used to receive the second DNN information from a third network function; and / or, receive the second DNN information from a third network function via at least one network function; and / or, receive the at least one third DNN information from a third network function; and / or, receive the at least one third DNN information from a third network function via at least one network function.

[0396] Optionally, the second DNN information is included in the AM strategy information; and / or,

[0397] The at least one third DNN information is received by the first network function during the registration process.

[0398] Optionally, the communication device 140 further includes:

[0399] a third receiving module, configured to receive at least one of the following from the second network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function;

[0400] The first sending module is configured to send at least one of the following to the fifth network function: address information of the fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function.

[0401] Optionally, the fourth network function is selected by the second network function; and / or,

[0402] The fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

[0403] Optionally, the communication device 140 further includes:

[0404] a fourth receiving module, configured to receive at least one of the following from the fifth network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function;

[0405] The second sending module is used to send at least one of the following items to the second network function: address information of the sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of the seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

[0406] Optionally, the sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or,

[0407] The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or,

[0408] The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function.

[0409] Optionally, the subscription information includes second information, and the second information indicates selection of a second network function.

[0410] Optionally, the communication device 140 further includes:

[0411] The third sending module is used to send third information to the second network function, wherein the third information indicates at least one of the following: support for edge computing, requirement of local edge computing, selection of the ninth network function, selection of the fourth network function, and selection of the seventh network function.

[0412] The communication device 140 of the embodiment of the present application can implement each process of the method embodiment shown in Figure 3 above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0413] Please refer to Figure 15, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to the second network function. As shown in Figure 15, the communication device 150 includes:

[0414] An acquisition module 151 is configured to acquire information related to a traffic diversion strategy from a sixth network function;

[0415] The fourth sending module 152 is configured to send the offload policy related information to the fourth network function.

[0416] Optionally, the fourth network function is selected by the second network function;

[0417] And / or, the fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

[0418] Optionally, the communication device 150 includes:

[0419] a fifth sending module, configured to send at least one of the following to the first network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function;

[0420] The fifth receiving module is used to receive at least one of the following from the first network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

[0421] Optionally, the sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or,

[0422] The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or,

[0423] The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function.

[0424] Optionally, the second network function is discovered and / or selected by the first network function after receiving the session establishment request based on at least one of the following: second DNN information, all or part of the contract information, first information, and at least one third DNN information; the session establishment request includes the first DNN information.

[0425] Optionally, the second DNN information is related to a local data network DN;

[0426] And / or, the first information indicates at least one of the following: the second DNN information is related to the local DN, a second network function is selected, a second network function related to the second DNN information is selected, and a second network function related to the local DN is selected;

[0427] and / or, the at least one third DNN information is related to the second network function selection;

[0428] And / or, the first DNN information is related to the second network function selection.

[0429] The communication device 150 of the embodiment of the present application can implement each process of the method embodiment shown in Figure 4 above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0430] Please refer to Figure 16, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to the fifth network function. As shown in Figure 16, the communication device 160 includes:

[0431] The sixth sending module 161 is used to send second DNN information to the first network function, where the second DNN information is related to the local DN and / or the second DNN information is used to discover and / or select the second network function.

[0432] Optionally, the communication device 160 further includes:

[0433] The sixth receiving module is configured to receive at least one of the following from the first network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function.

[0434] Optionally, the fourth network function is selected by the second network function, and / or the fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

[0435] Optionally, the communication device 160 further includes:

[0436] The seventh sending module is used to send at least one of the following items to the first network function: address information of the sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of the seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

[0437] Optionally, the sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or,

[0438] The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or,

[0439] The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function.

[0440] The communication device 160 of the embodiment of the present application can implement each process of the method embodiment shown in Figure 5 above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0441] Please refer to FIG. 17 , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to the sixth network function. As shown in FIG. 17 , the communication device 170 includes:

[0442] The eighth sending module 171 is configured to send policy information to the eighth network function, or to send policy information to the eighth network function via the fifth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0443] Optionally, the communication device 170 further includes:

[0444] The seventh receiving module is configured to receive at least one of the following from the fifth network function: address information of an eighth network function, FQDN information of the eighth network function, and identification information of the eighth network function.

[0445] Optionally, the communication device 170 further includes:

[0446] A ninth sending module is configured to send fourth information to the fifth network function; the fourth information indicates selection / insertion of an eighth network function, and / or the fourth information indicates edge computing.

[0447] Optionally, the policy information includes at least one of the following: diversion policy information, edge computing related policy information, and DNS processing related policy information.

[0448] Optionally, the eighth network function is discovered and / or selected and / or inserted by the first network function based on fifth information, and the fifth information indicates edge computing.

[0449] The communication device 170 of the embodiment of the present application can implement each process of the method embodiment shown in Figure 7 above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0450] Please refer to Figure 18, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to the fifth network function. As shown in Figure 18, the communication device 180 includes:

[0451] an eighth receiving module 181, configured to receive policy information from a sixth network function;

[0452] The tenth sending module 182 is configured to send the policy information to the eighth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0453] Optionally, the communication device 180 further includes:

[0454] An eleventh sending module is configured to send at least one of the following to the sixth network function: address information of the eighth network function, and identification information of the eighth network function.

[0455] Optionally, the communication device 180 further includes:

[0456] A ninth receiving module is configured to receive fourth information from the sixth network function; the fourth information indicates selection and / or insertion of an eighth network function, and / or the fourth information indicates edge computing.

[0457] Optionally, the policy information includes at least one of the following: diversion policy information, edge computing related policy information, and DNS processing related policy information.

[0458] The communication device 180 of the embodiment of the present application can implement each process of the method embodiment shown in Figure 8 above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0459] Please refer to Figure 19, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to the eighth network function. As shown in Figure 19, the communication device 190 includes:

[0460] The tenth receiving module 191 is configured to receive policy information sent by the sixth network function, or receive policy information sent by the sixth network function via the fifth network function; the policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

[0461] Optionally, the policy information includes at least one of the following: diversion policy information, edge computing related policy information, and DNS processing related policy information.

[0462] The communication device 190 of the embodiment of the present application can implement each process of the method embodiment shown in Figure 9 above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0463] Please refer to Figure 20, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to the first network function. As shown in Figure 20, the communication device 200 includes:

[0464] The second execution module 201 is configured to discover and / or select a second network function according to the fifth information and / or request information received from the fifth network function.

[0465] Optionally, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: a data network access identifier DNAI, a first cause value, and first indication information;

[0466] And / or, the request information is used to request selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

[0467] Optionally, the first cause value is related to local edge computing processing;

[0468] And / or, the first indication information is used to instruct selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

[0469] Optionally, the communication device 200 further includes:

[0470] an eleventh receiving module, configured to receive at least one of the following from the second network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function;

[0471] The twelfth sending module is configured to send at least one of the following to the fifth network function: address information of the fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function.

[0472] Optionally, the fourth network function is selected by the second network function; and / or,

[0473] The fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

[0474] Optionally, the communication device 200 further includes:

[0475] a twelfth receiving module, configured to receive at least one of the following from the fifth network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function;

[0476] A thirteenth sending module is used to send at least one of the following items to the second network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of a sixth network function, identification information of a sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of a seventh network function, FQDN information of a seventh network function, and identification information of a seventh network function.

[0477] Optionally, the sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or,

[0478] The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or,

[0479] The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function.

[0480] The communication device 200 of the embodiment of the present application can implement each process of the method embodiment shown in Figure 11 above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0481] Please refer to Figure 21, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is applied to the fifth network function. As shown in Figure 21, the communication device 210 includes:

[0482] The fourteenth sending module 211 is configured to send fifth information and / or request information to the first network function according to the sixth information; wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: the FQDN received from the ninth network function and application-related information.

[0483] Optionally, the fifth information includes at least one of the following: a data network access identifier DNAI, a first cause value, and first indication information;

[0484] And / or, the request information is used to request selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

[0485] Optionally, the first cause value is related to local edge computing processing;

[0486] And / or, the first indication information is used to instruct selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

[0487] Optionally, the application-related information includes at least one of the following: at least one FQDN, at least one application identifier AppID, and at least one service data flow SDF.

[0488] Optionally, the application-related information is locally configured by the fifth network function;

[0489] And / or, the application-related information is received by the fifth network function from a tenth network function.

[0490] Optionally, the communication device 210 further includes:

[0491] A thirteenth receiving module is configured to receive at least one of the following from the first network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function.

[0492] Optionally, the fourth network function is selected by the second network function; and / or,

[0493] The fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

[0494] Optionally, the communication device 210 further includes:

[0495] The fifteenth sending module is used to send at least one of the following items to the first network function: address information of the sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of the seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

[0496] Optionally, the sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or,

[0497] The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or,

[0498] The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function.

[0499] The communication device 210 of the embodiment of the present application can implement each process of the method embodiment shown in Figure 12 above and achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, it will not be described here.

[0500] Optionally, as shown in Figure 22, an embodiment of the present application also provides a communication device 220, including a processor 221, a memory 222, and a program or instruction stored in the memory 222 and executable on the processor 221. When the program or instruction is executed by the processor 221, the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment are implemented and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0501] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment can be implemented and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be repeated here.

[0502] An embodiment of the present application also provides a readable storage medium on which a program or instruction is stored. When the program or instruction is executed by a processor, the various processes of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment can be implemented and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0503] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media, and can be implemented using any method or technology for information storage. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change random access memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transmission media that can be used to store information that can be accessed by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transitory computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0504] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus comprising the element.

[0505] The serial numbers of the above embodiments of the present application are for description only and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

[0506] Through the description of the above implementation methods, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the above-mentioned embodiment methods can be implemented by means of software plus the necessary general hardware platform, and of course can also be implemented by hardware, but in many cases the former is a better implementation method. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application, or the part that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk), and includes a number of instructions for enabling a service classification device (which can be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0507] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A communication method, performed by a first network function, comprising: receiving a session establishment request, wherein the session establishment request includes first data network name DNN information; The second network function is discovered and / or selected based on at least one of the following: the second DNN information, all or part of the contract information, the first information, and at least one third DNN information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The second DNN information is related to the local data network DN; and / or, The first information indicates at least one of the following: the second DNN information is related to the local DN, a second network function is selected, a second network function related to the second DNN information is selected, or a second network function related to the local DN is selected; and / or, The at least one third DNN information is associated with the second network function selection; and / or, The first DNN information is selected to be associated with a second network function.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: receiving the second DNN information from a third network function; and / or, receiving the second DNN information from a third network function via at least one network function; and / or, receiving the at least one third DNN information from a third network function; and / or, The at least one third DNN information is received from a third network function via the at least one network function.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The second DNN information is included in the AM strategy information; and / or, The at least one third DNN information is received by the first network function during the registration process.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: receiving at least one of the following from the second network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, fully qualified domain name (FQDN) information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function; and / or, At least one of the following is sent to the fifth network function: address information of the fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The fourth network function is selected by the second network function; and / or, The fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: receiving at least one of the following from the fifth network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function; and / or, Send at least one of the following to the second network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or, The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or, The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein The subscription information includes second information, and the second information indicates selection of a second network function.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises: Send third information to the second network function, wherein the third information indicates at least one of the following: support for edge computing, requirement of local edge computing, selection of the ninth network function, selection of the fourth network function, and selection of the seventh network function.

11. A communication method, performed by a second network function, comprising: Obtaining traffic diversion strategy related information from the sixth network function; Send the offload strategy related information to the fourth network function.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein The fourth network function is selected by the second network function; And / or, the fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The method comprises: Sending at least one of the following to the first network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function; and / or, At least one of the following is received from the first network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein The sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or, The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or, The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein The second network function is discovered and / or selected by the first network function after receiving the session establishment request based on at least one of the following: second DNN information, all or part of the contract information, first information, and at least one third DNN information; the session establishment request includes the first DNN information.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The second DNN information is related to the local data network DN; and / or, The first information indicates at least one of the following: the second DNN information is related to the local DN, a second network function is selected, a second network function related to the second DNN information is selected, or a second network function related to the local DN is selected; and / or, The at least one third DNN information is associated with the second network function selection; and / or, The first DNN information is selected to be associated with a second network function.

17. A communication method, performed by a fifth network function, comprising: Sending second DNN information to the first network function, wherein the second DNN information is related to the local DN, and / or the second DNN information is used to discover and / or select the second network function.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: At least one of the following is received from the first network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The fourth network function is selected by the second network function, and / or the fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein The method further comprises: Send at least one of the following to the first network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein The sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or, The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or, The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function.

22. A communication method, performed by a sixth network function, comprising: sending the policy information to the eighth network function, or sending the policy information to the eighth network function via the fifth network function; The policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein The method further comprises: At least one of the following is received from the fifth network function: address information of an eighth network function, FQDN information of the eighth network function, and identification information of the eighth network function.

24. The method according to claim 22, wherein The method further comprises: Sending fourth information to the fifth network function; the fourth information indicates selecting / inserting an eighth network function, and / or the fourth information indicates edge computing.

25. The method according to claim 22, wherein The policy information includes at least one of the following: diversion policy information, edge computing related policy information, and DNS processing related policy information.

26. The method according to claim 22, wherein The eighth network function is discovered and / or selected and / or inserted by the first network function according to fifth information, and the fifth information indicates edge computing.

27. A communication method, performed by a fifth network function, comprising: receiving policy information from a sixth network function; sending the policy information to an eighth network function; The policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein The method further comprises: At least one of the following is sent to the sixth network function: address information of the eighth network function, and identification information of the eighth network function.

29. The method according to claim 27, wherein The method further comprises: Fourth information is received from the sixth network function; the fourth information indicates selection and / or insertion of an eighth network function, and / or the fourth information indicates edge computing.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein: The policy information includes at least one of the following: diversion policy information, edge computing related policy information, and DNS processing related policy information.

31. A communication method, performed by an eighth network function, comprising: receiving policy information sent by the sixth network function, or receiving policy information sent by the sixth network function via the fifth network function; The policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein The policy information includes at least one of the following: diversion policy information, edge computing related policy information, and DNS processing related policy information.

33. A communication method, performed by a first network function, comprising: The second network function is discovered and / or selected according to the fifth information and / or the request information received from the fifth network function.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein: The fifth information includes at least one of the following: a data network access identifier DNAI, a first cause value, and a first indication information; and / or, The request information is used to request selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein: The first cause value is related to local edge computing processing; and / or, The first indication information is used to instruct selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving at least one of the following from the second network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function; and / or, At least one of the following is sent to the fifth network function: address information of the fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein The fourth network function is selected by the second network function; and / or, The fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

38. The method of claim 33, wherein: The method further comprises: receiving at least one of the following from the fifth network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function; and / or, Send at least one of the following to the second network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

39. The method according to claim 38, wherein The sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or, The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or, The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function.

40. A communication method, performed by a fifth network function, comprising: sending the fifth information and / or request information to the first network function based on the sixth information; The sixth information includes at least one of the following: the FQDN received from the ninth network function and application related information.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein: The fifth information includes at least one of the following: a data network access identifier DNAI, a first cause value, and a first indication information; and / or, The request information is used to request selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

42. The method of claim 41 , wherein: The first cause value is related to local edge computing processing; and / or, The first indication information is used to instruct selection and / or insertion of a second network function.

43. The method of claim 40, wherein: The application-related information includes at least one of the following: at least one FQDN, at least one application identifier AppID, and at least one service data flow SDF.

44. The method of claim 40 or 43, wherein: The application-related information is locally configured by the fifth network function; and / or, The application-related information is received by the fifth network function from the tenth network function.

45. The method of claim 40, wherein The method further comprises: At least one of the following is received from the first network function: address information of a fourth network function, tunnel information of the fourth network function, FQDN information of the fourth network function, and identification information of the fourth network function.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein The fourth network function is selected by the second network function; and / or, The fourth network function is controlled by the second network function.

47. The method of claim 40, wherein The method further comprises: Send at least one of the following to the first network function: address information of a sixth network function, FQDN information of the sixth network function, identification information of the sixth network function, address information of a seventh network function, tunnel information of the seventh network function, FQDN information of the seventh network function, and identification information of the seventh network function.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein The sixth network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or, The seventh network function is selected by the fifth network function; and / or, The seventh network function is controlled by the fifth network function.

49. A communication device comprising: A first receiving module is configured to receive a session establishment request, where the session establishment request includes first DNN information; The first execution module is used to discover and / or select the second network function based on at least one of the following: the second DNN information, all or part of the contract information, the first information, and at least one third DNN information.

50. A communication device comprising: An acquisition module, configured to acquire information related to a traffic diversion strategy from a sixth network function; The fourth sending module is used to send the offload policy related information to the fourth network function.

51. A communication device comprising: The sixth sending module is used to send second DNN information to the first network function, where the second DNN information is related to the local DN, and / or the second DNN information is used to discover and / or select the second network function.

52. A communication device comprising: an eighth sending module, configured to send the policy information to the eighth network function, or to send the policy information to the eighth network function via the fifth network function; The policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

53. A communication device comprising: an eighth receiving module, configured to receive policy information from a sixth network function; a tenth sending module, configured to send the policy information to the eighth network function; The policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

54. A communication device comprising: a tenth receiving module, configured to receive policy information sent by the sixth network function, or receive policy information sent by the PCF via the fifth network function; The policy information is transparent or invisible to the fifth network function.

55. A communication device comprising: The second execution module is configured to discover and / or select a second network function according to the fifth information and / or the request information received from the fifth network function.

56. A communication device comprising: The fourteenth sending module is configured to send fifth information and / or request information to the first network function according to the sixth information; wherein the sixth information includes at least one of the following: the FQDN received from the ninth network function and application-related information.

57. A communication device comprising a processor, a memory, and a program or instruction stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein: When the program or instructions are executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 11 to 16 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 17 to 21 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 22 to 26 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 27 to 30 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to claim 31 or 32 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 33 to 39 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 40 to 48 are implemented.

58. A readable storage medium, wherein: The readable storage medium stores a program or instruction, and when the program or instruction is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 11 to 16, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 27 to 30, or implements the steps of the method according to claim 31 or 32, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 33 to 39, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 40 to 48.

59. A computer program product comprising computer instructions, wherein: When the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 11 to 16 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 17 to 21 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 22 to 26 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 27 to 30 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to claim 31 or 32 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 33 to 39 are implemented, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 40 to 48 are implemented.

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