Communication method, network function, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are a communication method, a network function, and a storage medium. The method provided in the embodiments of the present application comprises: a first network function sending first request information to a second network function, wherein the first request information is used for requesting the measurement of N6 delay information; and the first network function receiving the N6 delay information, which is sent by the second network function. The embodiments of the present application implement a method for measuring or reporting an N6 delay, and some other embodiments implement a method for selecting (reselecting) an EAS and a UPF on the basis of a measured N6 delay.

Description

Communication method, network function and storage medium

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on the Chinese patent application with application number 202410177706.9 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 relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, network function and storage medium. Background Art

[0004] In the traditional mobile network architecture and deployment of the fourth generation (4G) mobile communication technology and earlier, user-plane equipment generally follows a tree topology. Uplink user packets pass through base stations and backhaul networks, ultimately accessing the data network through centrally deployed anchor gateways. In networks with centralized anchor gateway deployments, increasing traffic ultimately concentrates at the gateways and core equipment rooms, placing increasingly stringent requirements on backhaul network bandwidth, equipment room throughput, and gateway specifications. Furthermore, the long backhaul network distance from the access network to the anchor gateways and the complex transmission environment also lead to significant latency and jitter in user packet transmission.

[0005] Against this backdrop, the industry has proposed the concept of edge computing (EC). By moving user-plane network elements and service processing capabilities to the edge of the network, edge computing enables distributed local processing of service traffic, avoiding excessive traffic concentration and significantly reducing the requirements for core equipment rooms and centralized gateways. Edge computing also shortens backhaul network distances, reducing end-to-end transmission latency and jitter for user packets, making the deployment of ultra-low-latency services possible.

[0006] In an EC deployment scenario, there may be multiple application servers (AS) deployed at the edge or in a centralized location. These application servers may have the same domain name and different IP addresses. Therefore, in order to achieve the effect of EC, the terminal (User Equipment, UE, literally translated as user equipment, but usually referred to as a terminal) needs to obtain the IP address of a suitable edge application server (EAS) (for example, the one closest to the UE). This is also the local service discovery problem, or the EAS discovery problem. The prior art defines a method for EAS discovery using the Domain Name System (DNS), including EAS discovery using the Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF).

[0007] The current 5G non-roaming network architecture that supports edge computing is shown in Figure 1. The User Plane Function (UPF) is connected to the EAS through the N6 interface. N6 latency refers to the transmission delay between the UPF or the local protocol data unit (PDU) session anchor (L-PSA) and the server (which may refer to EAS in this application). In this application, the uplink (UL) N6 latency may refer to the time required for a message to be sent from the PSA to the EAS, the downlink (DL) N6 latency may refer to the time required for a message to be sent from the EAS to the PSA, and the round-trip (RT) N6 latency may refer to the sum of the time required for a message to be sent from the PSA to the EAS and the time required for a message to be sent from the EAS to the PSA.

[0008] In edge computing, how to consider N6 latency information and EAS load when (re)selecting EAS and UPF is a critical issue. Solving this problem helps select the appropriate EAS and UPF for each session, thereby reducing latency and pressure on edge services. However, existing technologies do not have a method for measuring N6 latency.

[0009] Related technologies currently do not support selecting a UPF based on its functionality when subscribing to UPF information disclosure services. When an NF directly subscribes to a UPF, it can only find a UPF at the slice or DN granularity by carrying slice and DNN information, or by searching for a UPF by IP address. However, UPFs in existing networks generally do not support all functions. For example, when an AF subscribes to a UPF for data rate disclosure, not all UPFs support QoS (quality of service) monitoring, resulting in the found UPF not meeting the AF's needs. Summary of the Invention

[0010] At least one embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, network function and storage medium, which implements a method for measuring or reporting N6 delay; other embodiments implement a method for (re)selecting EAS and UPF based on the measured N6 delay.

[0011] In order to solve the above technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0012] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0013] The first network function sends a first request message to the second network function, requesting measurement of N6 delay information;

[0014] The first network function receives N6 delay information sent by the second network function.

[0015] Optionally, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0016] Optionally, the first request information is used to request measurement of uplink N6 delay information.

[0017] Optionally, the first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0018] Optionally, the uplink N6 delay related information and / or uplink N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the uplink N6 delay.

[0019] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0020] The first network function determines at least one of the following according to the N6 delay measurement related policy: uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, measurement parameters, and / or, the first network function determines at least one of the following according to the local configuration: uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, measurement parameters; and / or,

[0021] The first network function determines at least one of the following according to the local configuration: uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0022] Optionally, the N6 delay information is uplink N6 delay information; and / or,

[0023] The first network function receives the EAS address information sent by the second network function.

[0024] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0025] The first network function receives the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0026] Optional,

[0027] The first request information is used to request measurement of downlink N6 delay information.

[0028] Optional,

[0029] The first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0030] Optionally, the downlink N6 delay related information and / or downlink N6 delay indication information is used to indicate or request measurement of the downlink N6 delay.

[0031] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0032] The first network function determines at least one of the following according to the N6 delay measurement related policy: downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters; and / or,

[0033] The first network function determines at least one of the following according to the local configuration: downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0034] Optionally, the N6 delay information is downlink N6 delay information; and / or,

[0035] The first network function receives the EAS address information sent by the second network function.

[0036] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0037] The first network function receives the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0038] Optionally, the first request information is used to request measurement of bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0039] Optionally, the first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, two-way N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0040] Optionally, the two-way N6 delay related information and / or the two-way N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the two-way N6 delay.

[0041] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0042] The first network function determines at least one of the following according to the N6 delay measurement related policy: bidirectional N6 delay related information, bidirectional N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters, and / or the first network function determines at least one of the following according to the local configuration: bidirectional N6 delay related information, bidirectional N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters; and / or

[0043] The first network function determines at least one of the following according to the local configuration: bidirectional N6 delay related information, bidirectional N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0044] Optionally, the N6 delay information is bidirectional N6 delay information; and / or,

[0045] The first network function receives the EAS address information sent by the second network function.

[0046] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0047] The first network function receives the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0048] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0049] The first network function receives N6 delay measurement related policy information sent by the third network function.

[0050] Optionally, the N6 delay measurement related policy information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, and bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information.

[0051] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0052] The first network function sends at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

[0053] Optionally, the first network function sends at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information, further comprising:

[0054] When the N6 delay information reaches or exceeds or exceeds the relevant information of the N6 delay threshold, the first network function sends at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information; or

[0055] If the N6 delay information reaches or exceeds or exceeds the N6 delay threshold related information, the first network function sends at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

[0056] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0057] The first network function obtains the N6 delay threshold related information from the third network function; or

[0058] The first network function locally configures the N6 delay threshold related information.

[0059] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0060] The first network function receives the N6 latency information from the third network function.

[0061] Optionally, the N6 delay information is delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

[0062] Optionally, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0063] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0064] The first network function receives the N6 delay information sent by the third network function.

[0065] Optionally, the N6 delay information is delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

[0066] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0067] The first network function selects the second network function and / or EAS according to the N6 delay information.

[0068] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0069] The first network function sends a policy update request to the third network function to request N6 latency information.

[0070] Optionally, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0071] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0072] The second network function receives the first request information sent by the first network function, for requesting to measure N6 delay information;

[0073] The second network function sends N6 delay information to the first network function.

[0074] Optionally, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0075] Optional,

[0076] The first request information is used to request measurement of uplink N6 delay information.

[0077] Optional,

[0078] The first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0079] Optional,

[0080] The uplink N6 delay related information and / or uplink N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the uplink N6 delay.

[0081] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0082] The second network function constructs a first message and / or sends a first message to the EAS, where the first message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

[0083] Optionally, the first message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a first time.

[0084] Optionally, the uplink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the first message is used for uplink N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0085] The first time is the time when the second network function sends the first message.

[0086] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0087] The second network function receives a second message sent by the EAS, where the second message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

[0088] Optional,

[0089] The second message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, and uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information.

[0090] Optional,

[0091] The N6 delay information is uplink N6 delay information; and / or,

[0092] The second network function sends EAS address information to the first network function.

[0093] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0094] The second network function sends the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0095] Optional,

[0096] The first request information is used to request measurement of downlink N6 delay information.

[0097] Optional,

[0098] The first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0099] Optionally, the downlink N6 delay related information and / or downlink N6 delay indication information is used to indicate or request measurement of the downlink N6 delay.

[0100] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0101] The second network function constructs a third message and / or sends a third message to the EAS, where the third message is used to request measurement of the downlink N6 delay.

[0102] Optionally, the third message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement request related information, downlink N6 delay measurement request indication information.

[0103] Optionally, the downlink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information is used to request downlink N6 delay measurement.

[0104] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0105] The second network function receives a fourth message sent by the EAS, where the fourth message is related to measuring the downlink N6 delay.

[0106] Optional,

[0107] The fourth message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement message related information, downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a third time.

[0108] Optionally, the downlink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fourth message is used for downlink N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0109] The third time is the time when the EAS sends the fourth message.

[0110] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0111] The second network function calculates the N6 delay.

[0112] Optionally, the calculating of the N6 delay by the second network function further includes:

[0113] The second network function calculates the N6 delay according to the third time and a fourth time, where the fourth time is the time when the second network function receives the fourth message.

[0114] Optional:

[0115] The N6 delay information is downlink N6 delay information; and / or,

[0116] The second network function sends EAS address information to the first network function.

[0117] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0118] The second network function sends the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0119] Optionally, the first request information is used to request measurement of bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0120] Optionally, the first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, two-way N6 delay related information, two-line N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0121] Optionally, the two-way N6 delay related information and / or the two-way N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the two-way N6 delay.

[0122] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0123] The second network function constructs a fifth message and / or sends a fifth message to the EAS, where the fifth message is related to measuring the two-way N6 delay.

[0124] Optional,

[0125] The fifth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a fifth time.

[0126] Optionally, the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fifth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0127] The fifth time is the time when the second network function sends the fifth message.

[0128] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0129] The second network function receives a sixth message sent by the EAS, where the sixth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay.

[0130] Optionally, the sixth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, the fifth time, the sixth time, and the seventh time.

[0131] Optional,

[0132] The bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the sixth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0133] The sixth time is the time when the EAS receives the fifth message; and / or,

[0134] The seventh time is the time when the EAS sends the sixth message.

[0135] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0136] The second network function calculates the N6 delay.

[0137] Optionally, the second network function calculating the N6 delay includes:

[0138] The second network function calculates the N6 delay according to the fifth time, the sixth time, the seventh time and the eighth time, where the eighth time is the time when the second network function receives the sixth message.

[0139] Optionally, the N6 delay information is bidirectional N6 delay information; and / or,

[0140] The second network function sends EAS address information to the first network function.

[0141] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0142] The second network function sends the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0143] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0144] The third network function sends a second request message to the fourth function to request related operations of measuring N6 delay; or, sends a second request message to the fourth function via at least one network function to request related operations of measuring N6 delay.

[0145] Optionally, the second request information includes at least one of the following: N6 delay measurement identification information, address information of the second network function, support for uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information, and reporting frequency.

[0146] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0147] The third network function sends N6 delay measurement related policy information to the first network function.

[0148] Optionally, the N6 delay measurement related policy information indicates measuring N6 delay.

[0149] Optionally, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay, downlink N6 delay, and bidirectional N6 delay.

[0150] Optionally, the N6 delay measurement related policy information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, and bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information.

[0151] Optionally, also include:

[0152] The third network function receives at least one of the following sent by the first network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

[0153] Optionally, also include:

[0154] The third network function sends N6 delay information to the first network function.

[0155] Optionally, the N6 delay information is delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

[0156] Optionally, also include:

[0157] The third network function sends N6 delay threshold related information to the first network function.

[0158] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0159] The third network function sends the N6 delay information to the first network function.

[0160] Optionally, the N6 delay information is delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

[0161] Optionally, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0162] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0163] The third network function receives a policy update request sent by the first network function, where the policy update request is used to request N6 delay information.

[0164] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0165] The third network function receives at least one of the following sent by the first network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

[0166] Optionally, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0167] The third network function receives the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the fourth function, or the third network function receives the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the fourth function via at least one network function;

[0168] The third network function receives the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the NEF;

[0169] The third network function receives the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the UDR.

[0170] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0171] The EAS receives a first message sent by the second network function, where the first message is related to measuring uplink N6 latency;

[0172] The EAS sends a second message to the second network function, where the second message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

[0173] Optional,

[0174] The first message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a first time.

[0175] Optionally, the uplink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the first message is used for uplink N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0176] The first time is the time when the second network function sends the first message.

[0177] Optionally, the second message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, and uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information.

[0178] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0179] The EAS calculates the uplink N6 delay information.

[0180] Optionally, the EAS calculating the uplink N6 delay information includes:

[0181] The EAS calculates the uplink N6 delay information according to the first time and the second time, where the second time is the time when the EAS receives the first message.

[0182] In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0183] The EAS receives a third message sent by the second network function, where the third message is used to request measurement of downlink N6 latency;

[0184] The EAS constructs a fourth message and / or sends a fourth message to the second network function, where the fourth message is related to measuring the downlink N6 delay.

[0185] Optionally, the third message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement request related information, downlink N6 delay measurement request indication information.

[0186] Optionally, the uplink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information is used to request downlink N6 delay measurement.

[0187] Optionally, the fourth message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement message related information, downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a third time.

[0188] Optionally, the downlink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fourth message is used for downlink N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0189] The third time is the time when the EAS sends the fourth message.

[0190] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0191] The EAS receives a fifth message sent by the second network function, where the fifth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay;

[0192] The EAS sends a sixth message to the second network function, where the sixth message is related to measuring the two-way N6 delay.

[0193] Optionally, the fifth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a fifth time.

[0194] Optionally, the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fifth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0195] The fifth time is the time when the second network function sends the fifth message.

[0196] Optionally, the sixth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, the fifth time, the sixth time, and the seventh time.

[0197] Optionally, the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the sixth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0198] The sixth time is the time when the EAS receives the fifth message; and / or,

[0199] The seventh time is the time when the EAS sends the sixth message.

[0200] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0201] The fourth function receives second request information sent by the third network function or sent via at least one network function, where the second request message is used to request measurement of N6 delay.

[0202] Optional,

[0203] The second request information includes at least one of the following: N6 delay measurement identification information, address information of the second network function, support for uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information, and reporting frequency.

[0204] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0205] The first network function receives EAS load information.

[0206] Optionally, the first network function receiving EAS load information includes:

[0207] The first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the NEF; and / or,

[0208] The first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function, or the first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function via at least one network function.

[0209] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0210] The first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the third network function.

[0211] Optionally, the EAS load information is included in the EAS deployment information.

[0212] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0213] The first network function sends third request information to the third network function; the third request information is used to request the EAS load information.

[0214] Optionally, the request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0215] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0216] The first network function selects the EAS according to the EAS load information; and / or,

[0217] The first network function reselects an EAS according to the EAS load information.

[0218] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0219] The third network function receives a third request message sent by the first network function; the third request message is used to request EAS load information;

[0220] The third network function sends the EAS load information to the first network function.

[0221] Optionally, the third request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0222] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0223] The third network function sends fourth request information to the fourth function, or the third network function sends fourth request information to the fourth function via at least one network function; the fourth request information is used to request the EAS load information.

[0224] Optionally, the fourth request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0225] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0226] The third network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function, or the third network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function via at least one network function.

[0227] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first network function, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0228] The transceiver is configured to send first request information to the second network function, requesting measurement of N6 delay information;

[0229] The transceiver is further used to receive N6 delay information sent by the second network function.

[0230] In the thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first network function, including: a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and runnable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 33 are implemented.

[0231] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a second network function, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0232] The transceiver is configured to receive first request information sent by the first network function, requesting measurement of N6 delay information;

[0233] The transceiver is also used for the second network function to send N6 delay information to the first network function.

[0234] In the fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a second network function, including: a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and runnable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in any one of claims 34 to 71 are implemented.

[0235] In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a third network function, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0236] The transceiver is configured to send a second request message to the fourth function to request related operations of measuring N6 delay; or, send a second request message to the fourth function via at least one network function to request related operations of measuring N6 delay.

[0237] In a seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a third network function, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0238] The transceiver is used to send N6 delay measurement related policy information to the first network function.

[0239] In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a third network function, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0240] The transceiver is used to send N6 delay information to the first network function.

[0241] In the nineteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a third network function, including: a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and runnable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in any one of claims 72 to 87 are implemented.

[0242] In a twentieth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an EAS, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0243] The transceiver is configured to receive a first message sent by a second network function, where the first message is related to measuring an uplink N6 delay;

[0244] The transceiver is further configured to send a second message to the second network function via the EAS, where the second message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

[0245] In a twenty-first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an EAS, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0246] The transceiver is configured to receive, via the EAS, a third message sent by the second network function, where the third message is used to request measurement of the downlink N6 delay;

[0247] The transceiver is further used to construct a fourth message and / or send a fourth message to the second network function, where the fourth message is related to measuring the downlink N6 delay.

[0248] In a twenty-second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an EAS, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0249] The transceiver is configured to receive a fifth message sent by the second network function, where the fifth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay;

[0250] The transceiver is further configured to send a sixth message to the second network function via the EAS, where the sixth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay.

[0251] In aspect 23, an embodiment of the present application provides an EAS, comprising: a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in any one of claims 88 to 103 are implemented.

[0252] In a twenty-fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a fourth function, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0253] The transceiver is configured to receive a second request message sent by a third network function or sent via at least one network function, where the second request message is used to request measurement of N6 delay.

[0254] In aspect 25, an embodiment of the present application provides a fourth function, including: a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and runnable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method described in any one of claims 103 to 105 are implemented.

[0255] In a twenty-sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a first network function, a transceiver, and a processor, wherein:

[0256] The transceiver is used to receive EAS load information.

[0257] In aspect 27, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in any one of claims 106 to 114 are implemented.

[0258] In aspect 28, the embodiment of the present application provides a third network function, a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0259] The transceiver is used to receive third request information sent by the first network function; the third request information is used to request EAS load information.

[0260] In a twenty-ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0261] The fifth network function sends, registers, or updates the first information to the sixth network function.

[0262] Optionally, the fifth network function is a user plane function UPF; the sixth network function is a network storage function NRF.

[0263] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0264] The function of Network Address Translation NAT;

[0265] Type of NAT function;

[0266] Dynamic NAT (pooled NAT);

[0267] Static NAT;

[0268] Network Address Port Translation (NAPT);

[0269] Easy IP;

[0270] NAT server;

[0271] NAT supports conversion from private IPv4 address to public IPv4 address;

[0272] NAT supports the conversion of public IPv4 addresses to private IPv4 addresses;

[0273] NAT supports IPv6 address to IPv6 address translation;

[0274] Packet inspection function;

[0275] QoS monitoring function;

[0276] PDU set information identification and / or information processing capabilities.

[0277] Optionally, the fifth network function sending, registering, or updating the first information to the sixth network function includes at least one of the following:

[0278] When the fifth network function initiates registration with the sixth network function, the fifth network function sends or registers the first information to the sixth network function;

[0279] When initiating an update to the sixth network function, the fifth network function sends or updates the first information to the sixth network function.

[0280] In a thirtieth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0281] The sixth network function maps and obtains the second information according to the request of the seventh network function;

[0282] The sixth network function determines a fifth network function that complies with the second information and / or the request of the seventh network function.

[0283] Optionally, also include:

[0284] The sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function.

[0285] Optionally, the sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function, including at least one of the following:

[0286] When the fifth network function initiates registration with the sixth network function, the sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function; when the fifth network function initiates an update with the sixth network function, the sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function. Optionally, the second information and / or the first information include at least one of the following:

[0287] The function of Network Address Translation NAT;

[0288] Type of NAT function;

[0289] Dynamic NAT (pooled NAT);

[0290] Static NAT;

[0291] Network Address Port Translation (NAPT);

[0292] Easy IP;

[0293] NAT server;

[0294] NAT supports conversion from private IPv4 address to public IPv4 address;

[0295] NAT supports the conversion of public IPv4 addresses to private IPv4 addresses;

[0296] NAT supports IPv6 address to IPv6 address translation;

[0297] Packet inspection function;

[0298] QoS monitoring function;

[0299] PDU set information identification and / or information processing capabilities.

[0300] In a thirty-first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0301] The seventh network function discovers the fifth network function through the sixth network function.

[0302] Optionally, the seventh network function is an application function AF or a network data analysis function NWDAF.

[0303] In a thirty-second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, the method comprising:

[0304] The eighth network function selects the fifth network function through the third information.

[0305] Optionally, the eighth network function is a session management function SMF.

[0306] Optionally, also include:

[0307] The eighth network function obtains the first information of the fifth network function through the sixth network function.

[0308] Optionally, also include:

[0309] The eighth network function maps and obtains the third information according to the request of the other network function;

[0310] The nth function determines a fifth network function that complies with the third information and / or the other network function request.

[0311] In a thirty-third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a fifth network function, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0312] The transceiver is used to send, register or update the first information to the sixth network function.

[0313] In aspect 34, an embodiment of the present application provides a fifth network function, including: a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and runnable on the processor, wherein the program implements the steps of the method described above when executed by the processor.

[0314] In a thirty-fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a sixth network function, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0315] The processor is configured to map and obtain second information according to a request of the seventh network function; and determine a fifth network function that complies with the second information and / or the request of the seventh network function.

[0316] In aspect 36, an embodiment of the present application provides a sixth network function, including: a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and runnable on the processor, wherein the program implements the steps of the above method when executed by the processor.

[0317] In a thirty-seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a seventh network function, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0318] The transceiver is configured to discover the fifth network function through the sixth network function.

[0319] In aspect 38, an embodiment of the present application provides a seventh network function, including: a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and runnable on the processor, wherein the program implements the steps of the method described above when executed by the processor.

[0320] In a thirty-ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an eighth network function, including a transceiver and a processor, wherein:

[0321] The transceiver is configured to select a fifth network function according to the third information.

[0322] In the fortieth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an eighth network function, including: a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program implements the steps of the method described above when executed by the processor.

[0323] In the forty-first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in any one of the above items are implemented.

[0324] In aspect 42, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, comprising computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of any of the methods described above.

[0325] Compared with the prior art, the communication method, network function and storage medium provided by the embodiments of the present application can realize the measurement or reporting of N6 delay, or realize EAS and UPF (re)selection based on the measured N6 delay. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0326] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below. The accompanying drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not to be considered as limiting the present application. Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same components.

[0327] In the attached figure:

[0328] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a 5G non-roaming network in the prior art;

[0329] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of an EAS discovery process using EASDF in related art;

[0330] 3 to 11 are flow charts of the communication method according to the embodiment of the present application when applied to different network functions;

[0331] FIG12 is an example diagram of an interaction process of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0332] FIG13 is an example diagram of an interaction process of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0333] Figures 14 to 22 are schematic diagrams of the structures of network functions provided by various embodiments of the present application;

[0334] FIG23 is a flow chart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0335] FIG24 is a flow chart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0336] FIG25 is an example diagram of another interaction process of the communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0337] 26 and 27 are schematic diagrams of the structure of network functions provided by various embodiments of the present application;

[0338] 28 to 31 are flowcharts of communication methods according to other embodiments of the present application when applied to different network functions;

[0339] 32 to 35 are schematic diagrams of the structures of network functions provided in other embodiments of the present application;

[0340] FIG36 is a schematic structural diagram of the network function of another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0341] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the present application in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present application are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present application can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present application and to fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art.

[0342] The terms "first", "second" etc. in the specification and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequential order. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable in appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein, for example, can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "comprise" and "have" and any of their variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, the process, method, system, product or equipment comprising a series of steps or units need not be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or that are intrinsic to these processes, methods, products or equipment. "And / or" in the specification and claims represents at least one of the connected objects.

[0343] The technology described herein is not limited to NR systems and Long Time Evolution (LTE) / LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, and can also be used in various wireless communication systems such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single-carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA), and other systems. The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. A CDMA system can implement radio technologies such as CDMA2000 and Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). UTRA includes Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and other CDMA variants. A TDMA system can implement radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). OFDMA systems can implement radio technologies such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolution-UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.21 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, and Flash-OFDM. UTRA and E-UTRA are parts of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). LTE and more advanced LTE, such as LTE-A, are new versions of UMTS that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and GSM are described in documents from an organization called the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization called the 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 (3GPP2).The techniques described herein may be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as for other systems and radio technologies. However, the following description describes an NR system for example, and NR terminology is used throughout the description, even though the techniques are applicable to applications beyond NR systems.

[0344] The following description provides examples and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration set forth in the claims. Changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements discussed without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The various examples may appropriately omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components. For example, the described methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. In addition, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0345] The following first explains the English abbreviations of network elements and network functions that may be involved in the embodiments of the present application.

[0346] UE: User Equipment (literally, user equipment, but usually referred to as terminal);

[0347] PDU: Protocol Data Unit

[0348] EC: Edge Computing;

[0349] SMF: Session Management Function;

[0350] EAS: Edge Application Server;

[0351] EASDF: Edge Application Server Discovery Function;

[0352] PSA: Protocol Data Unit Session Anchor (PDU Session Anchor);

[0353] UPR: User Plane Function;

[0354] L-PSA: local PDU Session Anchor;

[0355] AF: Application Function;

[0356] PCF: Policy Control Function;

[0357] NEF: Network Exposure Function;

[0358] UDR: Unified Data Repository;

[0359] FQDN: Full Qualified Domain Name;

[0360] Edge relocation: Edge relocation, sometimes also translated as "edge migration".

[0361] Packet: message, sometimes also translated as "packet", "data packet", "group", "data packet", etc.

[0362] In addition, in this application, bidirectional N6 delay information includes uplink N6 delay information and downlink N6 delay information. Bidirectional includes uplink and downlink directions, which can be expressed in English as round-trip (RT) or uplink and downlink.

[0363] In this application, the PSA mentioned generally refers to PSA UPF. The PSA in this application can generally be replaced by PSA UPF, and the L-PSA can be replaced by L-PSA UPF.

[0364] It should also be noted that “A includes B” in this application can be understood as B being a part of A, or as A being B.

[0365] FIG2 provides an EAS discovery process using EASDF in related art, including steps 1 to 19, some of which are as follows:

[0366] Step 1-2. Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment process: During session establishment, the Session Management Function (SMF) network element selects EASDF and sends the EASDF address to the UE as the DNS server address.

[0367] Step 3-4. The SMF sends a DNS processing rule to the EASDF, which may include one or more of a Full Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) set and an IP range. The FQDN set / IP range may identify services deployed at the edge or allowed to access the edge (i.e., the DNS processing rule may include the FQDN and / or IP addresses of services deployed at the edge or allowed to access the edge).

[0368] This step can also be performed during the session establishment process.

[0369] Step 5-6. If there is an update to the DNS processing rules, SMF can update it to EASDF.

[0370] Step 7. UE sends a DNS Query including the FQDN.

[0371] Step 8-9. If the FQDN in the DNS Query matches the DNS processing rule, EASDF sends the FQDN to SMF.

[0372] Step 10-11. Perform one of the following two options:

[0373] Option A. The SMF sends an extended DNS client subnet option (ECS option) to the EASDF. This information is an IP address related to the UE's location, such as the UE's subnet IP address, the local UPF address, etc. There is no limitation in the relevant technology.

[0374] EASDF adds the received ECS option to the DNS query, or replaces the original ECS option in the DNS query (according to DNS-related IETF protocols, the ECS option is an extension item in the DNS message), and sends the DNS query to the DNS server (for example, a centrally deployed DNS server).

[0375] Option B.SMF sends the L-DNS server address to EASDF.

[0376] EASDF forwards the DNS Query to the L-DNS address received from SMF.

[0377] The reason for this is that both the ECS option and L-DNS represent the UE's location. For option A, the DNS server references the ECS option, and therefore the UE's location, when resolving IP addresses. For option B, the L-DNS server resolves its own local EAS address. Since the L-DNS is located locally on the UE, the resolved EAS address is also local to the UE.

[0378] Step 12. EASDF queries the DNS server for DNS Query.

[0379] Step 13. The DNS server returns a DNS Response, which includes the EAS IP.

[0380] Steps 14-15. If the EASIP in the returned DNS Response matches the DNS processing rule, EASDF caches the DNS Response and sends the EAS IP to SMF.

[0381] Step 16. The SMF may insert a diversion point, i.e., an uplink classifier (UL CL) or a branching point (BP), according to the EAS IP, or may insert a local PDU session anchor (L-PSA).

[0382] For example, the SMF determines the data network access identifier (DNAI) according to the EAS IP, and selects the UL CL / BP and L-PSA according to the DNAI.

[0383] Steps 17-18. SMF instructs EASDF to send the cached DNS Response to the UE.

[0384] Step 19. EASDF sends the DNS Response to the UE.

[0385] The related art shown in FIG2 does not involve a method for measuring N6 delay.

[0386] The following first describes the relevant methods of the embodiments of the present application.

[0387] It should be noted that

[0388] The first network function in this application may be an SMF; and / or,

[0389] The second network function in this application may include at least one of the following: L-PSA, PSA, L-UPF, UPF; and / or

[0390] The third network function in this application may include at least one of the following: PCF, NEF, unified data management UDM (Unified Data Management), unified data storage UDR (Unified Data Repository), computing power related network function; and / or,

[0391] The fourth function in this application may be AF.

[0392] Referring to FIG. 3 , the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, when applied to the first network function, includes:

[0393] In step 31, the first network function sends a first request message to the second network function, requesting to measure N6 delay information.

[0394] Here, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0395] Step 32: The first network function receives N6 delay information sent by the second network function.

[0396] Through the above steps, the first network function can request the second network function to measure the N6 delay and then obtain the N6 delay information sent by the second network function, thereby realizing the measurement of the N6 delay.

[0397] In an embodiment of the present application, the first request information may be used to request measurement of uplink N6 delay information.

[0398] At this time, the first request information may include at least one of the following: EAS address information, uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters. Among them, the uplink N6 delay related information and / or uplink N6 delay indication information are used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the uplink N6 delay. That is, the uplink N6 delay related information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the uplink N6 delay, or the uplink N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the uplink N6 delay, or the uplink N6 delay related information and uplink N6 delay indication information are used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the uplink N6 delay. The measurement parameters may include at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, and reporting frequency.

[0399] In addition, at least one of the following is determined by the first network function according to the N6 delay measurement related policy, and / or is determined by the first network function according to the local configuration: uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, measurement parameters; and / or,

[0400] At least one of the following is determined by the first network function according to the local configuration: bidirectional N6 delay related information, bidirectional N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0401] That is, the first network function may determine at least one of the uplink N6 delay related information, the uplink N6 delay indication information, the reporting frequency, and the measurement parameters according to the N6 delay measurement related policy; or, the first network function may determine at least one of the uplink N6 delay related information, the uplink N6 delay indication information, the reporting frequency, and the measurement parameters according to the local configuration; or, the first network function may determine at least one of the uplink N6 delay related information, the uplink N6 delay indication information, the reporting frequency, and the measurement parameters according to the N6 delay measurement related policy and the local configuration.

[0402] When the first request information is used to request measurement of uplink N6 delay information, the N6 delay information described in step 32 is uplink N6 delay information. In addition, in step 32, the first network function can receive the EAS address information sent by the second network function, and thus can determine the EAS related to the uplink N6 delay information based on the EAS address information. That is, the uplink N6 delay information sent by the second network function is the uplink N6 delay information between the second network function and the EAS. In an embodiment of the present application, the first network function may request the second network function to measure the N6 delay between multiple EASs. Therefore, when the second network function reports the delay measurement value to the first network function, it can also report the EAS address information corresponding to the delay measurement value, so that the first network function can determine which EAS the N6 delay is reported with.

[0403] In addition, the second network function can send the N6 delay information (uplink N6 delay information) and / or the EAS address information according to the reporting frequency. At this time, the first network function receives the N6 delay information (uplink N6 delay information) and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0404] In some embodiments of the present application, the first request information may be used to request measurement of downlink N6 delay information.

[0405] At this time, the first request information may include at least one of the following: EAS address information, downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters. Among them, the downlink N6 delay related information and / or downlink N6 delay indication information are used to indicate or request the measurement of downlink N6 delay. That is, the downlink N6 delay related information is used to indicate or request the second network function to measure downlink N6 delay, or the downlink N6 delay indication information is used to indicate or request the second network function to measure downlink N6 delay, or the downlink N6 delay related information and downlink N6 delay indication information are used to indicate or request the second network function to measure downlink N6 delay. The measurement parameters may include at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, and reporting frequency.

[0406] In addition, at least one of the following is determined by the first network function according to the N6 delay measurement related policy, and / or is determined by the first network function according to the local configuration: downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, measurement parameters; and / or,

[0407] At least one of the following is determined by the first network function according to the local configuration: bidirectional N6 delay related information, bidirectional N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0408] That is, the first network function may determine at least one of the downlink N6 delay related information, the downlink N6 delay indication information, the reporting frequency, and the measurement parameters according to the N6 delay measurement related policy; or, the first network function may determine at least one of the downlink N6 delay related information, the downlink N6 delay indication information, the reporting frequency, and the measurement parameters according to the local configuration; or, the first network function may determine at least one of the downlink N6 delay related information, the downlink N6 delay indication information, the reporting frequency, and the measurement parameters according to the N6 delay measurement related policy and the local configuration.

[0409] When the first request information is used to request measurement of downlink N6 latency information, the N6 latency information described in step 32 is downlink N6 latency information. Furthermore, in step 32, the first network function may receive EAS address information sent by the second network function, and thereby determine the EAS associated with the downlink N6 latency information based on the EAS address information. That is, the downlink N6 latency information sent by the second network function is the downlink N6 latency information between the second network function and the EAS.

[0410] The second network function can send the N6 delay information (downlink N6 delay information) and / or the EAS address information according to the reporting frequency. At this time, the first network function receives the N6 delay information (downlink N6 delay information) and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0411] In some embodiments of the present application, the first request information may be used to request measurement of bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0412] At this time, the first request information may include at least one of the following: EAS address information, two-way N6 delay related information, two-way N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters. Among them, the two-way N6 delay related information and / or the two-way N6 delay indication information are used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the two-way N6 delay. That is, the two-way N6 delay related information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the two-way N6 delay, or the two-way N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the two-way N6 delay, or the two-way N6 delay related information and the two-way N6 delay indication information are used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the two-way N6 delay. The measurement parameters specifically include:. It may include at least one of the following: two-way N6 delay related information, two-way N6 delay indication information, and reporting frequency.

[0413] In addition, at least one of the following is determined by the first network function according to the N6 delay measurement related policy, and / or is determined by the first network function according to the local configuration: two-way N6 delay related information, two-way N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, measurement parameters; and / or,

[0414] At least one of the following is determined by the first network function according to the local configuration: bidirectional N6 delay related information, bidirectional N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0415] That is, the first network function may determine at least one of the two-way N6 delay related information, the two-way N6 delay indication information, the reporting frequency, and the measurement parameters according to the N6 delay measurement related policy; or, the first network function may determine at least one of the two-way N6 delay related information, the two-way N6 delay indication information, the reporting frequency, and the measurement parameters according to the local configuration; or, the first network function may determine at least one of the two-way N6 delay related information, the two-way N6 delay indication information, the reporting frequency, and the measurement parameters according to the N6 delay measurement related policy and the local configuration.

[0416] When the first request information is used to request measurement of two-way N6 delay information, the N6 delay information described in step 32 is two-way N6 delay information. Furthermore, in step 32, the first network function may receive EAS address information sent by the second network function, and thereby determine the EAS associated with the two-way N6 delay information based on the EAS address information. That is, the two-way N6 delay information sent by the second network function is the two-way N6 delay information between the second network function and the EAS.

[0417] The second network function can send the N6 delay information (bidirectional N6 delay information) and / or the EAS address information according to the reporting frequency. At this time, the first network function receives the N6 delay information (bidirectional N6 delay information) and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0418] In some embodiments of the present application, the first network function may also receive N6 delay measurement-related policy information sent by a third network function. Specifically, the N6 delay measurement-related policy information may include at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement-related indication information, downlink N6 delay measurement-related indication information, and bidirectional N6 delay measurement-related indication information. The first network function may determine whether to perform uplink N6 delay measurement, downlink N6 delay measurement, or bidirectional N6 delay measurement based on the received N6 delay measurement-related policy information. Then, in step 31, the first request information is sent to the second network function to request measurement of uplink N6 delay, downlink N6 delay, or bidirectional N6 delay. At this time, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0419] After step 32, the first network function may further send at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information, thereby sending the received N6 delay information and other information to the third network function.

[0420] For example, when the N6 latency information reaches, exceeds, or exceeds information related to the N6 latency threshold, the first network function sends at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 latency information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information. That is, if the N6 latency information reaches, exceeds, or exceeds information related to the N6 latency threshold, the first network function sends at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 latency information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information. Based on the information related to the N6 latency threshold, the first network function determines whether it is necessary to report the N6 latency information and other information to the third network function.

[0421] In addition, the first network function may also obtain the N6 delay threshold related information from the third network function. Of course, the first network function may also locally configure the N6 delay threshold related information.

[0422] In an actual network, there may be multiple first network functions that each execute the process shown in Figure 3 and report the N6 latency information they measure to a third network function. In this way, the third network function can aggregate the N6 latency information reported by these first network functions. Alternatively, the third network function can send the obtained N6 latency information to each first network function. In this case, the first network function can receive the N6 latency information from the third network function. Specifically, the N6 latency information is the latency information between a second network function and an EAS.

[0423] In some embodiments of the present application, the first network function may send a policy update request to the third network function to request N6 latency information. The first network function then receives the N6 latency information sent by the third network function, where the N6 latency information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 latency information, downlink N6 latency information, and bidirectional N6 latency information. The first network function may then select the second network function and / or EAS based on the N6 latency information.

[0424] Referring to FIG. 4 , the communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, when applied to the second network function, includes:

[0425] In step 41, the second network function receives a first request message sent by the first network function, requesting to measure N6 delay information.

[0426] Step 42: The second network function sends N6 delay information to the first network function.

[0427] Here, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0428] Through the above steps, the second network function can measure the N6 delay information according to the request of the first network function and feed it back to the first network function, thereby realizing the measurement of the N6 delay.

[0429] In an embodiment of the present application, the first request information may be used to request measurement of uplink N6 delay information.

[0430] At this time, the first request information may include at least one of the following: EAS address information, uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters. The uplink N6 delay related information and / or uplink N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the uplink N6 delay.

[0431] When performing uplink N6 latency information:

[0432] The second network function constructs a first message and / or sends the first message to the EAS. The first message is related to measuring uplink N6 delay. For example, the first message may be an N6 delay measurement message. Specifically, the first message includes at least one of the following: information related to the uplink N6 delay measurement message, information indicating the uplink N6 delay measurement message, and a first time. The information related to the uplink N6 delay measurement message and / or the information indicating the uplink N6 delay measurement message indicate that the first message is used for uplink N6 delay measurement; and the first time is the time when the second network function sends the first message.

[0433] After receiving the first message, the EAS can calculate the uplink delay information based on the second time when it receives the first message and the first time included in the first message, and then send the second message to the second network function. The present application does not limit the way in which the EAS calculates the uplink N6 delay. As a possible implementation method, the EAS subtracts the first time from the second time to obtain the uplink N6 delay. The second network function receives the second message sent by the EAS, and the second message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay. For example, the second message can be an N6 delay measurement response message. The second message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, and uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information.

[0434] At this time, in the above step 42, the N6 latency information sent by the second network function to the first network function is the uplink N6 latency information. In addition, the second network function may also send EAS address information to the first network function to indicate that the uplink N6 latency information is associated with the EAS address information, that is, the reported uplink N6 latency information is the uplink N6 latency information between the second network function and the EAS.

[0435] In addition, the second network function may send the N6 delay information (uplink N6 delay information) and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to a preset or pre-acquired reporting frequency.

[0436] In some embodiments of the present application, the first request information may be used to request measurement of downlink N6 delay information.

[0437] At this time, the first request information may include at least one of the following: EAS address information, downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters. The downlink N6 delay related information and / or downlink N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the downlink N6 delay.

[0438] When performing downlink N6 latency analysis:

[0439] The second network function constructs a third message and / or sends a third message to the EAS. The third message is used to request downlink N6 delay measurement. For example, the third message may be an N6 delay measurement request. Specifically, the third message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement request related information and downlink N6 delay measurement request indication information. The downlink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information are used to request downlink N6 delay measurement.

[0440] After receiving the third message, the EAS sends a fourth message to the second network function. The second network function receives the fourth message sent by the EAS, and the fourth message is related to measuring the downlink N6 delay. For example, the fourth message can be an N6 delay measurement message. The fourth message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement message related information, downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a third time. Here, the downlink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicate that the fourth message is used for downlink N6 delay measurement; the third time is the time when the EAS sends the fourth message.

[0441] After receiving the fourth message sent by the EAS, the second network function may calculate the N6 delay. Specifically, the second network function calculates the N6 delay based on the third time and the fourth time, where the fourth time is the time when the second network function receives the fourth message. This application does not limit the manner in which the second network function calculates the downlink N6 delay. As a possible implementation, the second network function subtracts the third time from the fourth time to obtain the downlink N6 delay.

[0442] At this time, in the above step 42, the N6 delay information sent by the second network function to the first network function is the downlink N6 delay information. In addition, the second network function may also send EAS address information to the first network function to indicate that the downlink N6 delay information is associated with the EAS address information, that is, the reported downlink N6 delay information is the downlink N6 delay information between the second network function and the EAS.

[0443] In addition, the second network function may send the N6 delay information (downlink N6 delay information) and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to a preset or pre-acquired reporting frequency.

[0444] In some embodiments of the present application, the first request information may be used to request measurement of bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0445] At this time, the first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, two-way N6 delay related information, two-way N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters. The two-way N6 delay related information and / or the two-way N6 delay indication information are used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the two-way N6 delay.

[0446] When bidirectional N6 delay information is being processed:

[0447] The second network function constructs a fifth message and / or sends a fifth message to the EAS. The fifth message is related to measuring bidirectional N6 delay. For example, the fifth message may be an N6 delay measurement message. The fifth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message-related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a fifth time. Here, the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message-related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicate that the fifth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; the fifth time is the time when the second network function sends the fifth message.

[0448] After the second network function receives the fifth message sent by the EAS, it can send a sixth message to the second network function, where the sixth message is related to measuring the two-way N6 delay. For example, the sixth message can be an N6 delay measurement response message. The second network function receives the sixth message sent by the EAS. The sixth message includes at least one of the following: information related to the two-way N6 delay measurement message, information indicating the two-way N6 delay measurement message, the fifth time, the sixth time, and the seventh time. Here, the information related to the two-way N6 delay measurement message and / or the information indicating the two-way N6 delay measurement message indicate that the sixth message is used for two-way N6 delay measurement; the sixth time is the time when the EAS receives the fifth message; and the seventh time is the time when the EAS sends the sixth message.

[0449] In this way, after the second network function receives the sixth message sent by the EAS, it can calculate the N6 delay. Specifically, the second network function can calculate the N6 delay based on the fifth time, the sixth time, the seventh time, and the eighth time, where the eighth time is the time when the second network function receives the sixth message. This application does not limit the manner in which the second network function calculates the two-way N6 delay. As a possible implementation, the second network function subtracts the seventh time from the eighth time, and then adds the sixth time minus the fifth time to obtain the two-way N6 delay.

[0450] In this case, in step 42, the N6 latency information sent by the second network function to the first network function is bidirectional N6 latency information. In addition, the second network function may also send EAS address information to the first network function to indicate that the bidirectional N6 latency information is associated with the EAS address information. That is, the reported bidirectional N6 latency information is the bidirectional N6 latency information between the second network function and the EAS address information.

[0451] In addition, the second network function may send the N6 delay information (bidirectional N6 delay information) and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to a preset or pre-acquired reporting frequency.

[0452] Referring to FIG. 5 , an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which, when applied to a third network function, includes:

[0453] In step 51, the third network function sends a second request message to the fourth function to request related operations for measuring N6 delay; or, the third network function sends a second request message to the fourth function via at least one network function to request related operations for measuring N6 delay.

[0454] Here, the at least one network function includes but is not limited to NEF.

[0455] In addition, the second request information includes at least one of the following: N6 delay measurement identification information, address information of the second network function, support for uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information, and reporting frequency.

[0456] Through the above steps, the third network function of the embodiment of the present application initiates a request to the fourth function, requesting the fourth function to perform related operations for measuring the N6 delay, thereby realizing the measurement control of the N6 delay.

[0457] The related operations for measuring the N6 delay described here refer to the fourth function instructing the EAS to perform actions related to measuring the N6 delay upon receiving the N6 delay measurement message (for example, after receiving the N6 delay measurement message, calculate the N6 delay, or return the N6 delay measurement response message) to support / assist / participate in the measurement of the N6 delay.

[0458] Referring to FIG. 6 , another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, when applied to a third network function, includes:

[0459] Step 61: The third network function sends N6 delay measurement related policy information to the first network function.

[0460] Here, the N6 delay measurement related policy information may indicate measuring N6 delay. The N6 delay includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay, downlink N6 delay, and bidirectional N6 delay.

[0461] The N6 delay measurement related policy information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, and bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information.

[0462] Through the above steps, the embodiment of the present application implements the sending of N6 delay measurement-related policy information by the third network function to the first network function, thereby triggering the measurement of N6 delay.

[0463] In this embodiment of the present application, after triggering N6 latency measurement and obtaining N6 latency information and other information sent by the second network function, the first network function may report the information to the third network function. At this time, the third network function may receive at least one of the following items sent by the first network function: the N6 latency information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

[0464] Furthermore, the third network function may also send N6 delay threshold related information to the first network function. In this way, when the N6 delay information reaches, exceeds, or exceeds the N6 delay threshold related information, the first network function sends the N6 delay information to the second network function.

[0465] In addition, the third network function may also send N6 delay information to the first network function. For example, the third network function sends the obtained N6 delay information to the first network function. The third network function may aggregate N6 delay information reported by multiple first network functions, or receive N6 delay information sent by other network functions (such as the fourth function, NEF, and UDR) and send the N6 delay information to the first network function. Here, the N6 delay information is the delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

[0466] Referring to FIG. 7 , another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, when applied to a third network function, includes:

[0467] In step 71, the third network function receives delay information sent by the first network function.

[0468] Here, the N6 delay information is the delay information between a second network function and an EAS. The N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information. In other words, the N6 delay information can be N6 delay information related to a second network function (such as uplink, downlink, or bidirectional N6 delay information), or N6 delay information related to an EAS (such as uplink, downlink, or bidirectional N6 delay information), or N6 delay information related to a second network function and an EAS (such as uplink, downlink, or bidirectional N6 delay information).

[0469] Through the above steps, the third network function can send the obtained N6 delay information to the first network function, so that the first network function can obtain the N6 delay information.

[0470] In this embodiment of the present application, the third network function may further receive a policy update request sent by the first network function, where the policy update request is used to request N6 latency information. After receiving the policy update request, the third network function may, in step 71, send the N6 latency information to the first network function based on the policy update request.

[0471] In the above step 71, the third network function may receive at least one of the following items sent by the first network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

[0472] In the embodiment of the present application, the third network function may obtain the N6 delay information in multiple ways, including at least one of the following:

[0473] The third network function receives the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the fourth function, or the third network function receives the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the fourth function via at least one network function;

[0474] The third network function receives the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the NEF;

[0475] The third network function receives the delay information between a second network function and an EAS sent by the UDR.

[0476] Referring to FIG. 8 , an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which, when applied to EAS, includes:

[0477] Step 81: The EAS receives a first message sent by a second network function, where the first message is related to measuring uplink N6 delay.

[0478] Here, for example, the first message may be an N6 delay measurement message. The first message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a first time. Specifically, the uplink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information may be used to indicate that the first message is used for uplink N6 delay measurement. The first time is the time when the second network function sends the first message.

[0479] Step 82: The EAS sends a second message to the second network function, where the second message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

[0480] Here, for example, the second message may be an N6 delay measurement response message. The second message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, and uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information. For example,

[0481] Through the above steps, the embodiment of the present application implements the measurement of N6 delay based on the message transmitted between the EAS and the second network function.

[0482] In an embodiment of the present application, the EAS may calculate the uplink N6 delay information. Then, in step 82, the second message is sent. Specifically, the EAS calculates the uplink N6 delay information based on the first time and the second time, where the second time is the time when the EAS receives the first message. This application does not limit the manner in which the EAS calculates the uplink N6 delay. As one possible implementation, the EAS subtracts the first time from the second time to obtain the uplink N6 delay.

[0483] Referring to FIG. 9 , another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, when applied to EAS, includes:

[0484] Step 91: The EAS receives a third message sent by the second network function, where the third message is used to request measurement of downlink N6 delay.

[0485] Here, for example, the third message may be an N6 delay measurement request. The third message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement request related information and downlink N6 delay measurement request indication information. The uplink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information are used to request downlink N6 delay measurement.

[0486] Step 92: The EAS constructs a fourth message and / or sends a fourth message to the second network function, where the fourth message is related to measuring the downlink N6 delay.

[0487] Here, for example, the fourth message may be an N6 delay measurement message. The fourth message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement message related information, downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a third time. The third time is the time when the EAS sends the fourth message.

[0488] Through the above steps, the EAS sends the fourth message to the second network function, so that the second network function can calculate the downlink N6 delay information based on the fourth message, thereby achieving the measurement of the downlink N6 delay. This application does not limit the manner in which the second network function calculates the downlink N6 delay. As a possible implementation manner, the second network function subtracts the third time from the fourth time to obtain the downlink N6 delay.

[0489] Referring to FIG. 10 , another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, when applied to EAS, includes:

[0490] Step 101: The EAS receives a fifth message sent by a second network function, where the fifth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay.

[0491] Here, for example, the fifth message may be an N6 delay measurement message. The fifth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message-related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a fifth time. The bidirectional N6 delay measurement message-related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicate that the fifth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement. The fifth time is the time at which the second network function sends the fifth message.

[0492] Step 102: The EAS sends a sixth message to the second network function, where the sixth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay.

[0493] Here, for example, the sixth message may be an N6 delay measurement response message. The sixth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message-related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, the fifth time, the sixth time, and the seventh time. The bidirectional N6 delay measurement message-related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicate that the sixth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement. The sixth time is the time when the EAS receives the fifth message. The seventh time is the time when the EAS sends the sixth message.

[0494] Through the above steps, the EAS sends the sixth message to the second network function, so that the second network function can calculate the two-way N6 delay information based on the sixth message, thereby achieving the measurement of the two-way N6 delay. This application does not limit the manner in which the second network function calculates the two-way N6 delay. As a possible implementation, the second network function subtracts the seventh time from the eighth time, and then adds the fifth time from the sixth time to obtain the two-way N6 delay.

[0495] Referring to FIG. 11 , another communication method provided in an embodiment of the present application, when applied to the fourth function, includes:

[0496] Step 111: The fourth function receives a second request message sent by a third network function or sent via at least one network function, where the second request message is used to request measurement of N6 delay.

[0497] Here, the at least one network function includes but is not limited to an NEF. The second request information includes at least one of the following: N6 delay measurement identification information, address information of the second network function, indication information related to support for uplink N6 delay measurement, indication information related to support for downlink N6 delay measurement, indication information related to support for bidirectional N6 delay measurement, and a reporting frequency.

[0498] Through the above steps, the fourth function can trigger the measurement of N6 delay based on the request of the third network function, thereby realizing the measurement function of N6 delay.

[0499] The above describes various methods of the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of each device / network function / network element. The following further describes the above methods through an example of an interaction process between devices / network functions / network elements.

[0500] Example 1:

[0501] Please refer to Figure 12, which shows an example process of a communication method provided in this example. The process takes the first network function as SMF, the second network function as L-PSA, the third network function as PCF, and the fourth function as AF as an example, and includes the following steps:

[0502] 1201. Execute the EAS discovery process, for details, refer to the process shown in Figure 2, or execute other processes that can achieve EAS discovery and / or selection, which is not limited in this application.

[0503] 1202. The PCF sends an N6 delay measurement request message to the AF (via the NEF). The N6 delay measurement request message includes the N6 delay measurement identifier, local PSA (L-PSA) address information, and indication information indicating support for uplink N6 delay measurement, downlink N6 delay measurement, or bidirectional N6 delay measurement. Optionally, the N6 delay measurement request message may include a reporting frequency. The PCF sends the N6 delay measurement request message to the AF (via the NEF), requesting the AF and / or EAS to support uplink / downlink / bidirectional N6 delay measurement.

[0504] 1203. The PCF sends an N6 delay measurement-related policy to the SMF, which may include uplink N6 delay measurement-related indication information, downlink N6 delay measurement-related indication information, and bidirectional N6 delay measurement-related indication information, to indicate measurement of uplink / downlink / bidirectional N6 delay. For details on sending the N6 delay measurement-related policy, please refer to the relevant existing technology and will not be repeated here.

[0505] If the PCF instructs to measure the uplink N6 delay, or the SMF receives the uplink N6 delay measurement related instruction information sent by the PCF, the following steps 1204a-1207a are executed:

[0506] 1204a. The SMF sends an N6 delay measurement request message to the L-PSA to request measurement of the uplink N6 delay. The N6 delay measurement request message includes at least one of the following: an EAS address, uplink N6 delay-related information or uplink N6 delay indication information, and a reporting frequency. The uplink N6 delay-related information or uplink N6 delay indication information instructs or requests the L-PSA to measure the uplink N6 delay (not the downlink or bidirectional N6 delay).

[0507] In a possible implementation, the N6 delay measurement request information includes an EAS address and / or measurement parameters, where the measurement parameters include uplink N6 delay related information or uplink N6 delay indication information and a reporting frequency.

[0508] In one possible implementation, at least one of the following is determined by the SMF according to the N6 delay measurement related strategy, and / or is determined by the SMF according to local configuration: uplink N6 delay related information or uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0509] 1205a. The L-PSA constructs an N6 delay measurement message and sends the N6 delay measurement message to the EAS according to a certain measurement frequency.

[0510] The measurement frequency is determined by the L-PSA based on the reporting frequency received from the SMF.

[0511] The N6 delay measurement message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement message related information or uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information (indicating that the message is used for uplink N6 delay measurement), and the first time (the time when the L-PSA sends the N6 delay measurement message).

[0512] 1206a. The EAS records the first time of receipt and the second time of receipt of the N6 delay measurement message, and calculates the uplink N6 delay. (As a possible implementation, the EAS subtracts the first time from the second time to obtain the uplink N6 delay.) The EAS sends an N6 delay measurement response message to the L-PSA. The N6 delay measurement response message includes at least one of the following: information related to the uplink N6 delay measurement message or an indication of the uplink N6 delay measurement message, and the uplink N6 delay.

[0513] 1207a. The L-PSA sends a report to the SMF, including at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay and EAS address information. The L-PSA may send the report to the SMF according to the reporting frequency.

[0514] If the PCF instructs to measure the downlink N6 delay, or the SMF receives downlink N6 delay measurement related instruction information sent by the PCF, the following steps 1204b-1207b are executed:

[0515] 1204b. The SMF sends an N6 delay measurement request message to the L-PSA to request measurement of the downlink N6 delay. The N6 delay measurement request message includes at least one of the following: an EAS address, downlink N6 delay-related information or downlink N6 delay indication information, and a reporting frequency. The downlink N6 delay-related information or downlink N6 delay indication information indicates or requests measurement of the downlink N6 delay (not the uplink or bidirectional N6 delay).

[0516] In a possible implementation, the N6 delay measurement request information includes an EAS address and / or measurement parameters, where the measurement parameters include downlink N6 delay related information or downlink N6 delay indication information and a reporting frequency.

[0517] In one possible implementation, at least one of the following is determined by the SMF according to the N6 delay measurement related strategy, and / or is locally configured by the SMF: downlink N6 delay related information or downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0518] 1205b. L-PSA constructs N6 delay measurement request information and sends it to EAS.

[0519] The N6 delay measurement request information may include: downlink N6 delay measurement request related information or downlink N6 delay measurement request indication information (indicating that the message is used to request downlink N6 delay measurement).

[0520] 1206b. The EAS constructs an N6 delay measurement message and sends the N6 delay measurement message to the EAS according to a certain measurement frequency.

[0521] The measurement frequency is determined by the AF based on the report frequency received from the 5GC.

[0522] The N6 delay measurement message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement message related information or downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information (indicating that the message is used for downlink N6 delay measurement), and a third time (the time when the EAS sends the N6 delay measurement message).

[0523] 1207b. L-PSA records the third time received and the fourth time of receiving the N6 delay measurement message, and calculates the downlink N6 delay (as a possible implementation, L-PSA subtracts the third time from the fourth time to obtain the downlink N6 delay).

[0524] The L-PSA sends a report to the SMF, including at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay and EAS address information. The L-PSA may send the report to the SMF according to the reporting frequency.

[0525] If the PCF instructs to measure the two-way N6 delay, or the SMF receives the two-way N6 delay measurement related instruction information sent by the PCF, the following steps 1204c-1207c are executed:

[0526] 1204c. The SMF sends an N6 delay measurement request message to the L-PSA to request measurement of the uplink N6 delay. The N6 delay measurement request message includes at least one of the following: an EAS address, two-way N6 delay-related information or two-way N6 delay indication information, and a reporting frequency. The two-way N6 delay-related information or two-way N6 delay indication information instructs or requests the L-PSA to measure the two-way N6 delay (not the uplink or downlink N6 delay).

[0527] In a possible implementation, the N6 delay measurement request information includes an EAS address and / or measurement parameters, where the measurement parameters include two-way N6 delay related information or two-way N6 delay indication information and a reporting frequency.

[0528] In one possible implementation, at least one of the following is determined by the SMF according to the N6 delay measurement related strategy, and / or is locally configured by the SMF: bidirectional N6 delay related information or bidirectional N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0529] 1205c. The L-PSA constructs an N6 delay measurement message and sends the N6 delay measurement message to the EAS according to a certain measurement frequency.

[0530] The measurement frequency is determined by the L-PSA based on the reporting frequency received from the SMF.

[0531] The N6 delay measurement message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information or bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information (indicating that the message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement), and the first time (the time when the L-PSA sends the N6 delay measurement message).

[0532] 1206c. When the EAS receives the N6 delay measurement message (including bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information or bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information), the EAS sends an N6 delay measurement response message to the L-PSA.

[0533] The N6 delay measurement response message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information or bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, a first time, a second time (the time when the EAS receives the N6 delay measurement message), and a third time (the time when the EAS sends the N6 delay measurement response message).

[0534] 1207c. When receiving the N6 delay measurement response message, the L-PSA records the fourth time of receiving the N6 delay measurement response message and calculates the two-way N6 delay (as a possible implementation method, the L-PSA subtracts the third time from the fourth time, and then adds the second time minus the first time to obtain the two-way N6 delay).

[0535] The L-PSA sends a report to the SMF, including at least one of the following: two-way N6 delay and EAS address information. The L-PSA may send the report to the SMF according to the reporting frequency.

[0536] 1208. If the SMF determines that the N6 delay (uplink / downlink / bidirectional N6 delay) exceeds the N6 delay threshold configured by the SMF or received from the PCF, the SMF sends at least one of the following to the PCF: N6 delay, L-PSA address information, and EAS address information. The purpose of sending the above information is to request a policy update.

[0537] 1209. The PCF sends the uplink / downlink / bidirectional N6 delay between a certain L-PSA and a certain EAS to the SMF. As an implementation, the N6 delay may be measured based on other service flows.

[0538] 1210.SMF reselects L-PSA and EAS and triggers the edge relocation process. The edge relocation process can refer to the relevant existing technology and will not be repeated here.

[0539] Example 2:

[0540] Please refer to Figure 13 for an example flow of the communication method provided in this example. This flow takes the first network function as SMF, the second network function as L-PSA, the third network function as PCF, and the fourth function as AF as an example, and includes the following steps:

[0541] 1300. The PCF receives the delay information between a certain L-PSA and a certain EAS.

[0542] The delay information between a certain L-PSA and a certain EAS here may be sent by the AF, or sent by the AF via at least one network function (eg, via the NEF), or sent by the NEF, or obtained by the PCF from the UDR.

[0543] The N6 delay information here may be at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay, downlink N6 delay, and bidirectional N6 delay.

[0544] 1301. Measure the delay information between a certain L-PSA and a certain EAS. For specific actions, please refer to steps 1202-1208 in Example 1.

[0545] Among them, if the SMF requests the uplink N6 delay, steps 1204a-1207a need to be executed; if the SMF requests the downlink N6 delay, steps 1204b-1207b need to be executed; if the SMF requests the two-way N6 delay, steps 1204c-1207c need to be executed.

[0546] Only one of step 1300 and step 1301 can be performed, or both can be performed. In one possibility, the beneficial effect of performing both step 1300 and step 1303 is that step 1300 provides basic static information and step 1303 updates dynamic information.

[0547] 1301A. The SMF sends at least one of the following to the PCF: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information. It is understood that if steps 1204a-1207a are executed in step 1301, the SMF sends the uplink N6 delay information to the PCF. It is understood that if steps 1204b-1207b are executed in step 1301, the SMF sends the downlink N6 delay information to the PCF. It is understood that if steps 1204c-1207c are executed in step 1301, the SMF sends the bidirectional N6 delay information to the PCF.

[0548] 1302. Execute steps 1-15 in the process shown in FIG2 (execute until the SMF receives the EAS IP sent by the EASDF), or execute all or part of other processes that can enable the SMF to obtain the EAS address information. This application does not limit this.

[0549] 1303. The SMF sends a policy update request to the PCF to request N6 delay information. Specifically, at least one of the following items may be requested: uplink N6 delay, downlink N6 delay, and two-way N6 delay.

[0550] 1304. PCF sends the delay information between a certain L-PSA and a certain EAS to SMF.

[0551] 1305.SMF selects L-PSA and EAS, executes steps 16-19 (remaining steps) in the process shown in Figure 2, or executes other processes that can enable SMF to obtain EAS address information in whole or in part, which is not limited in this application.

[0552] The above describes various methods of the embodiments of the present application. The following further provides apparatuses for implementing the above methods.

[0553] Referring to FIG14 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a first network function 1400 , including: a transceiver 1401 and a processor 1402 ;

[0554] The transceiver 1401 is configured to send a first request message to the second network function, requesting measurement of N6 delay information;

[0555] The transceiver 1401 is further configured to receive N6 delay information sent by the second network function.

[0556] Optionally, the first request information is used to request measurement of uplink N6 delay information.

[0557] Optionally, the first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0558] Optionally, the uplink N6 delay related information and / or uplink N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the uplink N6 delay.

[0559] Optionally, at least one of the following is determined by the processor according to the N6 delay measurement related policy, and / or is determined by the first network function according to the local configuration: uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0560] Optionally, the N6 delay information is uplink N6 delay information; and / or the transceiver is further used to receive EAS address information sent by the second network function.

[0561] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to receive the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0562] Optionally, the first request information is used to request measurement of downlink N6 delay information.

[0563] Optionally, the first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0564] Optionally, the downlink N6 delay related information and / or downlink N6 delay indication information is used to indicate or request measurement of the downlink N6 delay.

[0565] Optionally, at least one of the following is determined by the processor according to the N6 delay measurement related strategy, and / or is determined by the processor according to the local configuration: downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0566] Optionally, the N6 delay information is downlink N6 delay information; and / or the transceiver is further used to receive EAS address information sent by the second network function.

[0567] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to receive the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0568] Optionally, the first request information is used to request measurement of bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0569] Optionally, the first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, two-way N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0570] Optionally, the two-way N6 delay related information and / or the two-way N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the two-way N6 delay.

[0571] Optionally, at least one of the following is determined by the processor according to the N6 delay measurement related strategy, and / or is determined by the processor according to the local configuration: bidirectional N6 delay related information, bidirectional N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0572] Optionally, the N6 delay information is bidirectional N6 delay information; and / or the transceiver is further used to receive EAS address information sent by the second network function.

[0573] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to receive the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0574] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to receive N6 delay measurement related policy information sent by a third network function.

[0575] Optionally, the N6 delay measurement related policy information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, and bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information.

[0576] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to send at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

[0577] Optionally, when the N6 delay information reaches or exceeds or exceeds the relevant information of the N6 delay threshold, the transceiver is further configured to send at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information; or

[0578] If the N6 delay information reaches or exceeds or exceeds the relevant information of the N6 delay threshold, the transceiver is further configured to send at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

[0579] Optionally, the processor is further used to obtain the N6 delay threshold related information from the third network function; or locally configure the N6 delay threshold related information.

[0580] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to receive the N6 delay information from the third network function.

[0581] Optionally, the N6 delay information is delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

[0582] Optionally, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0583] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to receive N6 delay information sent by the third network function.

[0584] Optionally, the N6 delay information is delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

[0585] Optionally, the processor is further used to select the second network function and / or EAS based on the N6 delay information.

[0586] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to send a policy update request to a third network function to request N6 delay information.

[0587] Optionally, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0588] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the first network function described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0589] Referring to FIG15 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a second network function 1500 , including: a transceiver 1501 and a processor 1502 ;

[0590] The transceiver 1501 is configured for the second network function to receive the first request information sent by the first network function, for requesting to measure N6 delay information;

[0591] The transceiver 1501 is further configured to send N6 delay information to the first network function.

[0592] Optionally, the first request information is used to request measurement of uplink N6 delay information.

[0593] Optionally, the first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0594] Optionally, the uplink N6 delay related information and / or uplink N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the uplink N6 delay.

[0595] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to construct and / or send a first message to the EAS, where the first message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

[0596] Optionally, the first message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a first time.

[0597] Optionally, the uplink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the first message is used for uplink N6 delay measurement; and / or, the first time is the time when the second network function sends the first message.

[0598] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to receive a second message sent by the EAS, where the second message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

[0599] Optionally, the second message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, and uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information.

[0600] Optionally, the N6 delay information is uplink N6 delay information; and / or the transceiver is further used to send EAS address information to the first network function.

[0601] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to send the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0602] Optionally, the first request information is used to request measurement of downlink N6 delay information.

[0603] Optionally, the first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0604] Optionally, the downlink N6 delay related information and / or downlink N6 delay indication information is used to indicate or request measurement of the downlink N6 delay.

[0605] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to construct and / or send a third message to the EAS, where the third message is used to request measurement of the downlink N6 delay.

[0606] Optionally, the third message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement request related information, downlink N6 delay measurement request indication information.

[0607] Optionally, the downlink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information is used to request downlink N6 delay measurement.

[0608] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to receive a fourth message sent by the EAS, where the fourth message is related to measuring the downlink N6 delay.

[0609] Optionally, the fourth message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement message related information, downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a third time.

[0610] Optionally, the downlink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fourth message is used for downlink N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0611] The third time is the time when the EAS sends the fourth message.

[0612] Optionally, the processor is further used to calculate the N6 delay.

[0613] Optionally, the processor is further used to calculate the N6 delay based on the third time and the fourth time, where the fourth time is the time when the second network function receives the fourth message.

[0614] Optionally, the N6 delay information is downlink N6 delay information; and / or the transceiver is further used to send EAS address information to the first network function.

[0615] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to send the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0616] Optionally, the first request information is used to request measurement of bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0617] Optionally, the first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, two-way N6 delay related information, two-line N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

[0618] Optionally, the two-way N6 delay related information and / or the two-way N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the two-way N6 delay.

[0619] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to construct and / or send a fifth message to the EAS, where the fifth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay.

[0620] Optionally, the fifth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a fifth time.

[0621] Optionally, the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fifth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0622] The fifth time is the time when the second network function sends the fifth message.

[0623] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to receive a sixth message sent by the EAS, where the sixth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay.

[0624] Optionally, the sixth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, the fifth time, the sixth time, and the seventh time.

[0625] Optionally, the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the sixth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0626] The sixth time is the time when the EAS receives the fifth message; and / or,

[0627] The seventh time is the time when the EAS sends the sixth message.

[0628] Optionally, the processor is further used to calculate the N6 delay.

[0629] Optionally, the processor is further used to calculate the N6 delay based on the fifth time, the sixth time, the seventh time and the eighth time, where the eighth time is the time when the second network function receives the sixth message.

[0630] Optionally, the N6 delay information is bidirectional N6 delay information; and / or the transceiver is further used to send EAS address information to the first network function.

[0631] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to send the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to the reporting frequency.

[0632] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the first network function described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0633] Referring to FIG16 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a third network function 1600 , including: a transceiver 1601 and a processor 1602 ;

[0634] The transceiver 1601 is configured to send a second request message to the fourth function to request related operations of measuring N6 delay; or, send a second request message to the fourth function via at least one network function to request related operations of measuring N6 delay.

[0635] Optionally, the second request information includes at least one of the following: N6 delay measurement identification information, address information of the second network function, support for uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information, and reporting frequency.

[0636] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the first network function described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0637] Referring to FIG17 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a third network function 1700 , including: a transceiver 1701 and a processor 1702 ;

[0638] The transceiver 1701 is configured to send N6 delay measurement related policy information to the first network function.

[0639] Optionally, the N6 delay measurement related policy information indicates measuring N6 delay.

[0640] Optionally, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay, downlink N6 delay, and bidirectional N6 delay.

[0641] Optionally, the N6 delay measurement related policy information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, and bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information.

[0642] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to receive at least one of the following items sent by the first network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

[0643] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to send N6 delay information to the first network function.

[0644] Optionally, the N6 delay information is delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

[0645] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to send N6 delay threshold related information to the first network function.

[0646] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the first network function described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0647] Referring to FIG18 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a third network function 1800 , including: a transceiver 1801 and a processor 1802 ;

[0648] The transceiver 1801 is used to send N6 delay information to the first network function.

[0649] Optionally, the N6 delay information is delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

[0650] Optionally, the N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

[0651] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to receive a policy update request sent by the first network function, where the policy update request is used to request N6 delay information.

[0652] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to receive at least one of the following items sent by the first network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

[0653] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to perform at least one of the following:

[0654] receiving, by the third network function, delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the fourth function, or receiving, by the third network function, delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the fourth function via at least one network function;

[0655] receiving delay information between the second network function and an EAS sent by the NEF;

[0656] Receive the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the UDR.

[0657] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the first network function described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0658] Referring to FIG19 , an embodiment of the present application further provides an EAS 1900 , including: a transceiver 1901 and a processor 1902 ;

[0659] The transceiver 1901 is configured to receive a first message sent by a second network function, where the first message is related to measuring uplink N6 delay;

[0660] The transceiver 1901 is further configured to send a second message to the second network function, where the second message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

[0661] Optionally, the first message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a first time.

[0662] Optionally, the uplink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the first message is used for uplink N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0663] The first time is the time when the second network function sends the first message.

[0664] Optionally, the second message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, and uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information.

[0665] Optionally, the processor is further used to calculate the uplink N6 delay information.

[0666] Optionally, the processor is further configured to calculate the uplink N6 delay information according to the first time and a second time, where the second time is the time when the EAS receives the first message.

[0667] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment corresponds to the method applied to EAS described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be detailed here.

[0668] Referring to FIG. 20 , an embodiment of the present application further provides an EAS 2000 , including: a transceiver 2001 and a processor 2002 ;

[0669] The transceiver 2001 is configured to receive, via the EAS, a third message sent by the second network function, where the third message is used to request measurement of the downlink N6 delay;

[0670] The transceiver 2001 is further configured to construct a fourth message and / or send a fourth message to the second network function, where the fourth message is related to measuring the downlink N6 delay.

[0671] Optionally, the third message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement request related information, downlink N6 delay measurement request indication information.

[0672] Optionally, the uplink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information is used to request downlink N6 delay measurement.

[0673] Optionally, the fourth message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement message related information, downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a third time.

[0674] Optionally, the downlink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fourth message is used for downlink N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0675] The third time is the time when the EAS sends the fourth message.

[0676] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment corresponds to the method applied to EAS described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be detailed here.

[0677] Referring to FIG. 21 , an embodiment of the present application further provides an EAS 2100 , including: a transceiver 2101 and a processor 2102 ;

[0678] The transceiver 2101 is configured to receive a fifth message sent by the second network function, where the fifth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay;

[0679] The transceiver 2101 is further configured to send a sixth message to the second network function, where the sixth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay.

[0680] Optionally, the fifth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a fifth time.

[0681] Optionally, the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fifth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0682] The fifth time is the time when the second network function sends the fifth message.

[0683] Optionally, the sixth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, the fifth time, the sixth time, and the seventh time.

[0684] Optionally, the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the sixth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or,

[0685] The sixth time is the time when the EAS receives the fifth message; and / or,

[0686] The seventh time is the time when the EAS sends the sixth message.

[0687] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment corresponds to the method applied to EAS described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be detailed here.

[0688] Referring to FIG. 22 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a fourth function 2100 , including: a transceiver 2201 and a processor 2202 ;

[0689] The transceiver 2201 is configured to receive a second request message sent by a third network function or sent via at least one network function, where the second request message is used to request measurement of N6 delay.

[0690] Optionally, the second request information includes at least one of the following: N6 delay measurement identification information, address information of the second network function, support for uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information, and reporting frequency.

[0691] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the fourth function described above, and the implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0692] Referring to FIG. 23 , another embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, including:

[0693] Step 231: The first network function receives EAS load information.

[0694] Through the above steps, the first network function can obtain EAS load information, which can be used for subsequent EAS selection and / or reselection.

[0695] Optionally, the first network function receives EAS load information, which may specifically include: the first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the NEF; and / or, the first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function, or the first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function via at least one network function.

[0696] Optionally, the EAS load information is included in the EAS deployment information.

[0697] Optionally, the first network function receiving the EAS load information may specifically include: the first network function receiving the EAS load information sent by the third network function.

[0698] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the first network function sends a third request message to the third network function; the third request message is used to request the EAS load information. Then, the first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the third network function.

[0699] Optionally, the request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0700] In an embodiment of the present application, after obtaining the EAS load information, the first network function may select the EAS according to the EAS load information; and / or, the first network function may reselect the EAS according to the EAS load information.

[0701] Optionally, the first network function sends a fourth request message to the fourth function, or the first network function sends a fourth request message to the fourth function via at least one network function; the fourth request message is used to request the EAS load information. In this way, the fourth function can provide the first network function with the EAS load information based on the fourth request message. Here, the fourth request message may include at least one of the following: EAS address information and FQDN.

[0702] Referring to FIG. 24 , another embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, including:

[0703] Step 241: The third network function receives a third request message sent by the first network function; the third request message is used to request EAS load information;

[0704] Step 242: The third network function sends the EAS load information to the first network function.

[0705] Through the above steps, the first network function can obtain EAS load information, which can be used for subsequent EAS selection and / or reselection.

[0706] Optionally, the third request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0707] Optionally, the third network function may further send fourth request information to the fourth function, or the third network function may send fourth request information to the fourth function via at least one network function; the fourth request information is used to request the EAS load information.

[0708] Optionally, the fourth request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0709] Optionally, the third network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function, or the third network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function via at least one network function.

[0710] The following provides an example of exchanging the EAS load information between network functions, wherein the first network function is a first network function, the third network function is a third network function, and the fourth function is a fourth function.

[0711] Example 3:

[0712] As shown in Figure 25, this example includes steps 2501 to 2506. Step 2501 and steps 2502-2505 both provide load information to the first network function. Therefore, only one of 2501 or 2502-2505 needs to be executed. Of course, all steps can also be executed. Specifically, each step is described as follows:

[0713] 2501. The fourth function sends EAS load information to the first network function via the NEF; or, the NEF sends EAS load information to the first network function.

[0714] As a possible implementation manner, the EAS load information is included in the EAS deployment information.

[0715] 2502. The third network function sends a request message to the fourth function, or the third network function sends a request message to the fourth function via the NEF. The request message is used to request EAS load information.

[0716] The request information may include at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0717] 2503. The fourth function sends the EAS load information to the third network function, or the fourth function sends the EAS load information to the third network function via the NEF.

[0718] 2504. The first network function sends a request message to the third network function, wherein the request message is used to request EAS load information.

[0719] The request information may include at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0720] As a possible implementation method, the request information is SM policy update request information.

[0721] 2505. The third network function sends the EAS load information to the first network function.

[0722] As a possible implementation manner, the EAS load information is included in the SM policy information.

[0723] 2506. The first network function performs EAS selection / reselection based on the EAS load information.

[0724] Referring to FIG. 26 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a first network function 2600 , including: a transceiver 2601 and a processor 2602 ;

[0725] The transceiver 2601 is used to receive EAS load information.

[0726] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to:

[0727] receiving the EAS load information sent by the NEF; and / or,

[0728] The EAS load information is received from a fourth function, or the EAS load information is received from a fourth function via at least one network function.

[0729] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to: receive the EAS load information sent by a third network function.

[0730] Optionally, the EAS load information is included in the EAS deployment information.

[0731] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to: send third request information to the third network function; the third request information is used to request the EAS load information.

[0732] Optionally, the request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0733] Optionally, the processor is configured to:

[0734] Selecting an EAS based on the EAS load information; and / or,

[0735] The EAS is reselected according to the EAS load information.

[0736] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to: send fourth request information to a fourth function, or send fourth request information to the fourth function via at least one network function; the fourth request information is used to request the EAS load information.

[0737] Optionally, the fourth request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0738] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the first network function described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0739] 27 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a third network function 2700 , including: a transceiver 2701 and a processor 2702 ;

[0740] The transceiver 2701 is configured to receive third request information sent by the first network function; the third request information is used to request EAS load information; and send the EAS load information to the first network function.

[0741] Optionally, the third request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0742] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to send fourth request information to a fourth function, or to send fourth request information to the fourth function via at least one network function; the fourth request information is used to request the EAS load information.

[0743] Optionally, the fourth request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

[0744] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to receive the EAS load information sent by a fourth function, or received by the fourth function via at least one network function.

[0745] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the third network function described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0746] In order to enable the AF to obtain a UPF that can support its needs, an embodiment of the present application provides a solution that registers the functions supported by the UPF with the NRF. In this way, the AF can find a UPF that supports the AF's needs through the NRF. In addition, the NRF can also determine whether it is capable of releasing the requested information based on the UPF functional authorization.

[0747] Referring to FIG. 28 , an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, including:

[0748] In step 281 , the fifth network function sends, registers, or updates the first information to the sixth network function.

[0749] Here, the fifth network function may be a UPF; the sixth network function may be an NRF. The first information is a function of the fifth network function, or a capability of the fifth network function. In an embodiment of the present application, the first information may specifically be descriptive information for a function or capability. The first information or the function or capability may include at least one of the following:

[0750] Network Address Translation (NAT) functionality;

[0751] Type of NAT function;

[0752] Dynamic NAT (pooled NAT);

[0753] Static NAT;

[0754] Network Address Port Translation (NAPT);

[0755] Easy IP;

[0756] NAT server;

[0757] NAT supports conversion from private IPv4 address to public IPv4 address;

[0758] NAT supports the conversion of public IPv4 addresses to private IPv4 addresses;

[0759] NAT supports IPv6 address to IPv6 address translation;

[0760] Packet inspection function;

[0761] QoS monitoring function;

[0762] PDU set information identification and / or information processing capabilities.

[0763] Through the above steps, the embodiment of the present application notifies the sixth network function of the function or capability of the fifth network function, so that the sixth network function can select the fifth network function with relevant capabilities or functions based on its stored information.

[0764] In the embodiment of the present application, the fifth network function sends, registers, or updates the first information to the sixth network function, including at least one of the following:

[0765] (1) When the fifth network function initiates registration with the sixth network function, the fifth network function sends or registers the first information to the sixth network function.

[0766] For example, when the fifth network function initiates registration with the sixth network function, the first information may be sent to or registered with the sixth network function during the registration process, thereby being stored in the sixth network function. Specifically, the registration process may be implemented through the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFRegister service.

[0767] (2) When the fifth network function initiates an update to the sixth network function, the fifth network function sends or updates the first information to the sixth network function.

[0768] For example, when the fifth network function needs to update its registration information in the sixth network function, the fifth network function can initiate an update process and, during the update process, send or register the first information to the sixth network function, thereby storing it in the sixth network function. Specifically, the update process can be implemented through the Nnrf_NFManagement_NFUpdate service.

[0769] Referring to FIG. 29 , an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, including:

[0770] In step 291 , the sixth network function maps and obtains second information according to the request of the seventh network function.

[0771] Here, the sixth network function may receive the request information sent by the seventh network function, for example, the request message may carry an event ID, and the sixth network function maps the request information to capability or function description information, thereby obtaining the second information.

[0772] Specifically, the second information or the function or capability may include at least one of the following:

[0773] Network Address Translation (NAT) functionality;

[0774] Type of NAT function;

[0775] Dynamic NAT (pooled NAT);

[0776] Static NAT;

[0777] Network Address Port Translation (NAPT);

[0778] Easy IP;

[0779] NAT server;

[0780] NAT supports conversion from private IPv4 address to public IPv4 address;

[0781] NAT supports the conversion of public IPv4 addresses to private IPv4 addresses;

[0782] NAT supports IPv6 address to IPv6 address translation;

[0783] Packet inspection function;

[0784] QoS monitoring function;

[0785] PDU set information identification and / or information processing capabilities.

[0786] Step 292: The sixth network function determines a fifth network function that meets the second information and / or the request of the seventh network function.

[0787] Through the above steps, the sixth network function can determine the fifth network function.

[0788] In this embodiment of the present application, the sixth network function may further receive and store the first information of the fifth network function. For example, when the fifth network function initiates registration with the sixth network function, the sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function; and / or when the fifth network function initiates an update with the sixth network function, the sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function.

[0789] Here, the first information may specifically be descriptive information for a function or capability. The first information or the function or capability may include at least one of the following:

[0790] Network Address Translation (NAT) functionality;

[0791] Type of NAT function;

[0792] Dynamic NAT (pooled NAT);

[0793] Static NAT;

[0794] Network Address Port Translation (NAPT);

[0795] Easy IP;

[0796] NAT server;

[0797] NAT supports conversion from private IPv4 address to public IPv4 address;

[0798] NAT supports the conversion of public IPv4 addresses to private IPv4 addresses;

[0799] NAT supports IPv6 address to IPv6 address translation;

[0800] Packet inspection function;

[0801] QoS monitoring function;

[0802] PDU set information identification and / or information processing capabilities.

[0803] Referring to FIG. 30 , an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, including:

[0804] Step 301: The seventh network function discovers the fifth network function through the sixth network function.

[0805] Here, the fifth network function may be a UPF, the sixth network function may be an NRF, and the seventh network function may be an application function (AF) or a network data analysis function (NWDAF).

[0806] Through the above steps, the embodiment of the present application realizes the discovery of network functions.

[0807] Referring to FIG. 31 , an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, including:

[0808] Step 311: The eighth network function selects the fifth network function according to the third information.

[0809] Here, the eighth network function may be a session management function (SMF).The fifth network function may be a UPF.

[0810] Through the above steps, the embodiment of the present application realizes the selection of network functions.

[0811] Optionally, the eighth network function may obtain the first information of the fifth network function through the sixth network function.

[0812] Optionally, the eighth network function may also map and obtain the third information according to requests of other network functions, and determine a fifth network function that meets the third information and / or the requests of other network functions.

[0813] Here, the first information and / or the third information may specifically be descriptive information for a function or capability. The first information or the function or capability may include at least one of the following:

[0814] Network Address Translation (NAT) functionality;

[0815] Type of NAT function;

[0816] Dynamic NAT (pooled NAT);

[0817] Static NAT;

[0818] Network Address Port Translation (NAPT);

[0819] Easy IP;

[0820] NAT server;

[0821] NAT supports conversion from private IPv4 address to public IPv4 address;

[0822] NAT supports the conversion of public IPv4 addresses to private IPv4 addresses;

[0823] NAT supports IPv6 address to IPv6 address translation;

[0824] Packet inspection function;

[0825] QoS monitoring function;

[0826] PDU set information identification and / or information processing capabilities.

[0827] Referring to FIG32 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a fifth network function 3200 , including: a transceiver 3201 and a processor 3202 ;

[0828] The transceiver 3201 is configured to send, register, or update the first information to the sixth network function.

[0829] Optionally, the fifth network function is a user plane function UPF; the sixth network function is a network storage function NRF.

[0830] Optionally, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0831] The function of Network Address Translation NAT;

[0832] Type of NAT function;

[0833] Dynamic NAT (pooled NAT);

[0834] Static NAT;

[0835] Network Address Port Translation (NAPT);

[0836] Easy IP;

[0837] NAT server;

[0838] NAT supports conversion from private IPv4 address to public IPv4 address;

[0839] NAT supports the conversion of public IPv4 addresses to private IPv4 addresses;

[0840] NAT supports IPv6 address to IPv6 address translation;

[0841] Packet inspection function;

[0842] QoS monitoring function;

[0843] PDU set information identification and / or information processing capabilities.

[0844] Optionally, the fifth network function sending, registering, or updating the first information to the sixth network function includes at least one of the following:

[0845] When the fifth network function initiates registration with the sixth network function, the fifth network function sends or registers the first information to the sixth network function;

[0846] When initiating an update to the sixth network function, the fifth network function sends or updates the first information to the sixth network function.

[0847] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the fifth network function. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0848] Referring to FIG33 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a sixth network function 3300 , including: a transceiver 3301 and a processor 3302 ;

[0849] The processor 3302 is configured to map and obtain second information according to a request of the seventh network function; and determine a fifth network function that complies with the second information and / or the request of the seventh network function.

[0850] Optionally, the transceiver is further used to receive and store first information of a fifth network function.

[0851] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to receive and store first information of a fifth network function, including at least one of the following:

[0852] When the fifth network function initiates registration with the sixth network function, the sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function;

[0853] When the fifth network function initiates an update to the sixth network function, the sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function.

[0854] Optionally, the second information and / or the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0855] The function of Network Address Translation NAT;

[0856] Type of NAT function;

[0857] Dynamic NAT (pooled NAT);

[0858] Static NAT;

[0859] Network Address Port Translation (NAPT);

[0860] Easy IP;

[0861] NAT server;

[0862] NAT supports conversion from private IPv4 address to public IPv4 address;

[0863] NAT supports the conversion of public IPv4 addresses to private IPv4 addresses;

[0864] NAT supports IPv6 address to IPv6 address translation;

[0865] Packet inspection function;

[0866] QoS monitoring function;

[0867] PDU set information identification and / or information processing capabilities.

[0868] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the sixth network function described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0869] Referring to FIG. 34 , an embodiment of the present application further provides a seventh network function 3400 , including: a transceiver 3401 and a processor 3402 ;

[0870] The transceiver 3401 is configured to discover the fifth network function through the sixth network function.

[0871] Optionally, the seventh network function is an application function AF or a network data analysis function NWDAF.

[0872] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the seventh network function described above. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of this device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of this application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0873] Referring to FIG. 35 , an embodiment of the present application further provides an eighth network function 3500 , including: a transceiver 3501 and a processor 3502 ;

[0874] The transceiver 3501 is configured to select the fifth network function through the third information.

[0875] Optionally, the eighth network function is a session management function SMF.

[0876] Optionally, the transceiver is further configured to obtain the first information of the fifth network function through the sixth network function.

[0877] Optionally, the processor is further configured to map and obtain third information according to a request of another network function; and determine a fifth network function that complies with the third information and / or the request of another network function.

[0878] It should be noted that the device in this embodiment is a device corresponding to the method applied to the eighth network function. The implementation methods in the above embodiments are all applicable to the embodiments of the device and can achieve the same technical effects. The above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effects. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as those in the method embodiment will not be specifically described here.

[0879] Please refer to Figure 36. An embodiment of the present application also provides a network function 3600, including a processor 3601, a memory 3602, and a computer program stored in the memory 3602 and executable on the processor 3601. When the computer program is executed by the processor 3601, the various processes of the communication methods of the above-mentioned various embodiments are implemented, and the same technical effects can be achieved. To avoid repetition, they will not be described here.

[0880] The present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, each process of the above-mentioned communication method embodiment is implemented, and the same technical effect is achieved. To avoid repetition, the details are not described here. The computer-readable storage medium is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk.

[0881] 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 are implemented and can achieve the same technical effect. To avoid repetition, they are not repeated here.

[0882] 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.

[0883] 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, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium (such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk), including a number of instructions for enabling a terminal (which can be a mobile phone, computer, server, air conditioner, or network equipment, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0884] The embodiments of the present application are described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, but the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned specific implementation methods. The above-mentioned specific implementation methods are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the guidance of this application, ordinary technicians in this field can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of this application and the scope of protection of the claims, all of which are within the protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: The first network function sends a first request message to the second network function, requesting measurement of N6 delay information; The first network function receives N6 delay information sent by the second network function.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first request information is used to request measurement of uplink N6 delay information.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The uplink N6 delay related information and / or uplink N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the uplink N6 delay.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising: The first network function determines at least one of the following according to the N6 delay measurement related strategy: uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters; and / or, the first network function determines at least one of the following according to the local configuration: uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein The N6 delay information is uplink N6 delay information; and / or, The first network function receives the EAS address information sent by the second network function.

8. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising: The first network function receives the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first request information is used to request measurement of downlink N6 delay information.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The downlink N6 delay related information and / or downlink N6 delay indication information is used to indicate or request measurement of the downlink N6 delay.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: The first network function determines at least one of the following according to the N6 delay measurement related policy: downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters; and / or, The first network function determines at least one of the following according to the local configuration: downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein The N6 delay information is downlink N6 delay information; and / or, The first network function receives the EAS address information sent by the second network function.

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: The first network function receives the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

15. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first request information is used to request measurement of two-way N6 delay information.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, bidirectional N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The two-way N6 delay related information and / or the two-way N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the two-way N6 delay.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising: The first network function determines at least one of the following according to the N6 delay measurement related policy: the first network function determines according to the local configuration; and / or, The first network function determines at least one of the following according to the local configuration: bidirectional N6 delay related information, bidirectional N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

19. The method according to claim 1, wherein The N6 delay information is bidirectional N6 delay information; and / or, The first network function receives the EAS address information sent by the second network function.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising: The first network function receives the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information sent by the second network function according to the reporting frequency.

21. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: The first network function receives N6 delay measurement related policy information sent by the third network function.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The N6 delay measurement related policy information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, and bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information.

23. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The first network function sends at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the first network function sends at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information, comprising: When the N6 delay information reaches or exceeds or exceeds the relevant information of the N6 delay threshold, the first network function sends at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information; or If the N6 delay information reaches or exceeds or exceeds the N6 delay threshold related information, the first network function sends at least one of the following to the third network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising: The first network function obtains the N6 delay threshold related information from the third network function; or, The first network function locally configures the N6 delay threshold related information.

26. The method of claim 22, further comprising: The first network function receives N6 latency information from the third network function.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein The N6 delay information is the delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein: The N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising: The first network function receives the N6 delay information sent by the third network function.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein The method further comprises: The N6 delay information is the delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

31. The method of claim 29, further comprising: The first network function selects the second network function and / or EAS according to the N6 delay information.

32. The method of claim 29, further comprising: The first network function sends a policy update request to the third network function to request N6 latency information.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein: The N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

34. A communication method comprising: The second network function receives the first request information sent by the first network function, for requesting to measure N6 delay information; The second network function sends N6 delay information to the first network function.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein The N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

36. The method according to claim 34 or 35, wherein The first request information is used to request measurement of uplink N6 delay information.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein The first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, uplink N6 delay related information, uplink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein The uplink N6 delay related information and / or uplink N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the uplink N6 delay.

39. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, further comprising: The second network function constructs a first message and / or sends a first message to the EAS, where the first message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein The first message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a first time.

41. The method according to claim 40, wherein The uplink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the first message is used for uplink N6 delay measurement; and / or, The first time is the time when the second network function sends the first message.

42. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 41, further comprising: The second network function receives a second message sent by the EAS, where the second message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

43. The method according to claim 42, wherein The second message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, and uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information.

44. The method of claim 34, wherein: The N6 delay information is uplink N6 delay information; and / or, The second network function sends EAS address information to the first network function.

45. The method of claim 37, further comprising: The second network function sends the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to the reporting frequency.

46. The method according to claim 34 or 35, wherein The first request information is used to request measurement of downlink N6 delay information.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein The first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, downlink N6 delay related information, downlink N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein The downlink N6 delay related information and / or downlink N6 delay indication information is used to indicate or request measurement of the downlink N6 delay.

49. The method according to any one of claims 46 to 48, further comprising: The second network function constructs a third message and / or sends a third message to the EAS, where the third message is used to request measurement of the downlink N6 delay.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein The third message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement request related information and downlink N6 delay measurement request indication information.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein: The downlink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information is used to request downlink N6 delay measurement.

52. The method according to any one of claims 46 to 51, further comprising: The second network function receives a fourth message sent by the EAS, where the fourth message is related to measuring the downlink N6 delay.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein: The fourth message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement message related information, downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a third time.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein: The downlink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fourth message is used for downlink N6 delay measurement; and / or, The third time is the time when the EAS sends the fourth message.

55. The method of claim 34, further comprising: The second network function calculates the N6 delay.

56. The method according to claim 53, wherein the second network function calculates the N6 delay comprising: The second network function calculates the N6 delay according to the third time and a fourth time, where the fourth time is the time when the second network function receives the fourth message.

57. The method of claim 34, wherein: The N6 delay information is downlink N6 delay information; and / or, The second network function sends EAS address information to the first network function.

58. The method of claim 47, further comprising: The second network function sends the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to the reporting frequency.

59. The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein The first request information is used to request measurement of two-way N6 delay information.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein The first request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, two-way N6 delay related information, two-line N6 delay indication information, reporting frequency, and measurement parameters.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein: The two-way N6 delay related information and / or the two-way N6 delay indication information is used to instruct or request the second network function to measure the two-way N6 delay.

62. The method according to any one of claims 59 to 61, further comprising: The second network function constructs a fifth message and / or sends a fifth message to the EAS, where the fifth message is related to measuring the two-way N6 delay.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein: The fifth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a fifth time.

64. The method of claim 63, wherein The bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fifth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or, The fifth time is the time when the second network function sends the fifth message.

65. The method of claim 59, further comprising: The second network function receives a sixth message sent by the EAS, where the sixth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein The sixth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, the fifth time, the sixth time, and the seventh time.

67. The method of claim 66, wherein The bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the sixth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or, The sixth time is the time when the EAS receives the fifth message; and / or, The seventh time is the time when the EAS sends the sixth message.

68. The method of claim 34, further comprising: The second network function calculates the N6 delay.

69. The method according to claim 68, wherein the second network function calculates the N6 delay comprising: The second network function calculates the N6 delay according to the fifth time, the sixth time, the seventh time and the eighth time, where the eighth time is the time when the second network function receives the sixth message.

70. The method of claim 34, wherein The N6 delay information is bidirectional N6 delay information; and / or, The second network function sends EAS address information to the first network function.

71. The method of claim 60, further comprising: The second network function sends the N6 delay information and / or the EAS address information to the first network function according to the reporting frequency.

72. A communication method comprising: The third network function sends a second request message to the fourth function to request related operations for measuring the N6 delay; or, Sending second request information to the fourth function via at least one network function to request related operations of measuring the N6 delay.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein: The second request information includes at least one of the following: N6 delay measurement identification information, address information of the second network function, support for uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information, and reporting frequency.

74. A communication method comprising: The third network function sends N6 delay measurement related policy information to the first network function.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein The N6 delay measurement related policy information indicates measuring the N6 delay.

76. The method of claim 74 or 75, wherein The N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay, downlink N6 delay, and bidirectional N6 delay.

77. The method of claim 74 or 75, wherein The N6 delay measurement related policy information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, and bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information.

78. The method of claim 74, further comprising: The third network function receives at least one of the following sent by the first network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

79. The method of claim 78, further comprising: The third network function sends N6 delay information to the first network function.

80. The method of claim 79, wherein The N6 delay information is the delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

81. The method according to any one of claims 74 to 80, further comprising: The third network function sends N6 delay threshold related information to the first network function.

82. A communication method comprising: The third network function sends the N6 delay information to the first network function.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein The N6 delay information is the delay information between a second network function and an EAS.

84. The method of claim 82 or 83, wherein The N6 delay information includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, downlink N6 delay information, and bidirectional N6 delay information.

85. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 84, further comprising: The third network function receives a policy update request sent by the first network function, where the policy update request is used to request N6 delay information.

86. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 85, further comprising: The third network function receives at least one of the following sent by the first network function: the N6 delay information, the address information of the second network function, and the EAS address information.

87. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 86, further comprising at least one of the following: The third network function receives the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the fourth function, or the third network function receives the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the fourth function via at least one network function; The third network function receives the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the NEF; The third network function receives the delay information between the second network function and the EAS sent by the UDR.

88. A communication method comprising: The EAS receives a first message sent by the second network function, where the first message is related to measuring uplink N6 latency; The EAS sends a second message to the second network function, where the second message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

89. The method of claim 88, wherein The first message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a first time.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein The uplink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the first message is used for uplink N6 delay measurement; and / or, The first time is the time when the second network function sends the first message.

91. The method according to any one of claims 88 to 90, wherein: The second message includes at least one of the following: uplink N6 delay information, uplink N6 delay measurement message related information, and uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information.

92. The method of claim 91, further comprising: The EAS calculates the uplink N6 delay information.

93. The method according to claim 92, wherein the EAS calculates the uplink N6 delay information comprising: The EAS calculates the uplink N6 delay information according to the first time and the second time, where the second time is the time when the EAS receives the first message.

94. A communication method comprising: The EAS receives a third message sent by the second network function, where the third message is used to request measurement of downlink N6 latency; The EAS constructs a fourth message and / or sends a fourth message to the second network function, where the fourth message is related to measuring the downlink N6 delay.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein The third message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement request related information and downlink N6 delay measurement request indication information.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein The uplink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the uplink N6 delay measurement message indication information is used to request downlink N6 delay measurement.

97. The method of claim 94 or 95, wherein The fourth message includes at least one of the following: downlink N6 delay measurement message related information, downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a third time.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein The downlink N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the downlink N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fourth message is used for downlink N6 delay measurement; and / or, The third time is the time when the EAS sends the fourth message.

99. A communication method comprising: The EAS receives a fifth message sent by the second network function, where the fifth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay; The EAS sends a sixth message to the second network function, where the sixth message is related to measuring the two-way N6 delay.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein The fifth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, and a fifth time.

101. The method according to claim 100, wherein The bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the fifth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or, The fifth time is the time when the second network function sends the fifth message.

102. The method according to any one of claims 99 to 101, wherein: The sixth message includes at least one of the following: bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information, bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information, the fifth time, the sixth time, and the seventh time.

103. The method according to claim 102, wherein The bidirectional N6 delay measurement message related information and / or the bidirectional N6 delay measurement message indication information indicates that the sixth message is used for bidirectional N6 delay measurement; and / or, The sixth time is the time when the EAS receives the fifth message; and / or, The seventh time is the time when the EAS sends the sixth message.

104. A communication method comprising: The fourth function receives second request information sent by the third network function or sent via at least one network function, where the second request message is used to request measurement of N6 delay.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein: The second request information includes at least one of the following: N6 delay measurement identification information, address information of the second network function, support for uplink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for downlink N6 delay measurement related indication information, support for bidirectional N6 delay measurement related indication information, and reporting frequency.

106. A communication method comprising: The first network function receives EAS load information.

107. The method of claim 106, wherein the first network function receives EAS load information comprising: The first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the NEF; and / or, The first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function, or the first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function via at least one network function.

108. The method of claim 106, further comprising: The first network function receives the EAS load information sent by the third network function.

109. The method according to claim 107 or 108, wherein The EAS load information is included in the EAS deployment information.

110. The method according to claim 108 or 109, further comprising: The first network function sends third request information to the third network function; The third request information is used to request the EAS load information.

111. The method according to claim 110, wherein The request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

112. The method according to any one of claims 106 to 111, further comprising: The first network function selects the EAS according to the EAS load information; and / or, The first network function reselects an EAS according to the EAS load information.

113. A communication method comprising: The third network function receives the third request information sent by the first network function; The third request information is used to request EAS load information; The third network function sends the EAS load information to the first network function.

114. The method according to claim 113, wherein The third request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

115. The method of claim 113 or 114, further comprising: The third network function sends fourth request information to the fourth function, or the third network function sends the fourth request information to the fourth function via at least one network function; The fourth request information is used to request the EAS load information.

116. The method of claim 115, wherein: The fourth request information includes at least one of the following: EAS address information, FQDN.

117. The method of claim 113, further comprising: The third network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function, or the third network function receives the EAS load information sent by the fourth function via at least one network function.

118. A first network function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is configured to send first request information to the second network function, requesting measurement of N6 delay information; The transceiver is further used to receive N6 delay information sent by the second network function.

119. A first network function, comprising: A processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 33 are implemented.

120. A second network function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is configured to receive first request information sent by the first network function, requesting measurement of N6 delay information; The transceiver is also used for the second network function to send N6 delay information to the first network function.

121. A second network function comprising: A processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 34 to 71.

122. A third network function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is configured to send second request information to the fourth function to request an operation related to measuring the N6 delay; Alternatively, second request information is sent to the fourth function via at least one network function to request related operations of measuring the N6 delay.

123. A third network function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is used to send N6 delay measurement related policy information to the first network function.

124. A third network function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is used to send N6 delay information to the first network function.

125. A third network function comprising: A processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 72 to 87.

126. An EAS comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is configured to receive a first message sent by a second network function, where the first message is related to measuring an uplink N6 delay; The transceiver is further configured to send a second message to the second network function via the EAS, where the second message is related to measuring the uplink N6 delay.

127. An EAS comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is configured to receive, via the EAS, a third message sent by the second network function, where the third message is used to request measurement of the downlink N6 delay; The transceiver is further used to construct a fourth message and / or send a fourth message to the second network function, where the fourth message is related to measuring the downlink N6 delay.

128. An EAS comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is configured to receive a fifth message sent by the second network function, where the fifth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay; The transceiver is further configured to send a sixth message to the second network function via the EAS, where the sixth message is related to measuring a two-way N6 delay.

129. An EAS comprising: A processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 88 to 103.

130. A fourth function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is configured to receive a second request message sent by a third network function or sent via at least one network function, where the second request message is used to request measurement of N6 delay.

131. A fourth function, comprising: A processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 103 to 105 are implemented.

132. A first network function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is used to receive EAS load information.

133. A first network function, comprising: A processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 106 to 112 are implemented.

134. A third network function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is used to receive third request information sent by the first network function; the third request information is used to request EAS load information.

135. A third network function comprising: A processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 113 to 117 are implemented.

136. A communication method comprising: The fifth network function sends, registers, or updates the first information to the sixth network function.

137. The method of claim 136, wherein The fifth network function is a user plane function UPF; the sixth network function is a network storage function NRF.

138. The method of claim 136 or 137, wherein The first information includes at least one of the following: The function of Network Address Translation NAT; Type of NAT function; Dynamic NAT; Static NAT; Network Address Port Translation (NAPT); Easy IP; NAT server; NAT supports conversion from private IPv4 addresses to public IPv4 addresses; NAT supports the conversion of public IPv4 addresses to private IPv4 addresses; NAT supports IPv6 address to IPv6 address translation; Packet detection function; Service quality detection function; PDU set information identification and / or information processing capabilities.

139. The method according to any one of claims 136-138, wherein The fifth network function sending, registering, or updating the first information to the sixth network function includes at least one of the following: When the fifth network function initiates registration with the sixth network function, the fifth network function sends or registers the first information to the sixth network function; When initiating an update to the sixth network function, the fifth network function sends or updates the first information to the sixth network function.

140. A communication method comprising: The sixth network function maps and obtains the second information according to the request of the seventh network function; The sixth network function determines a fifth network function that complies with the second information and / or the request of the seventh network function.

141. The method of claim 140, further comprising: The sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function.

142. The method of claim 141, wherein The sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function, including at least one of the following: When the fifth network function initiates registration with the sixth network function, the sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function; When the fifth network function initiates an update to the sixth network function, the sixth network function receives and stores the first information of the fifth network function.

143. The method according to claim 141 or 142, wherein The second information and / or the first information includes at least one of the following: The function of Network Address Translation NAT; Type of NAT function; Dynamic NAT; Static NAT; Network Address Port Translation (NAPT); Easy IP; NAT server; NAT supports conversion from private IPv4 addresses to public IPv4 addresses; NAT supports the conversion of public IPv4 addresses to private IPv4 addresses; NAT supports IPv6 address to IPv6 address translation; Packet inspection function; QoS monitoring function; PDU set information identification and / or information processing capabilities.

144. A communication method comprising: The seventh network function discovers the fifth network function through the sixth network function.

145. The method of claim 144, wherein The seventh network function is an application function AF or a network data analysis function NWDAF.

146. A communication method comprising: The eighth network function selects the fifth network function through the third information.

147. The method of claim 146, wherein The eighth network function is a session management function SMF.

148. The method of claim 146 or 147, further comprising: The eighth network function obtains the first information of the fifth network function through the sixth network function.

149. The method according to any one of claims 146 to 148, further comprising: The eighth network function maps and obtains the third information according to the request of the other network function; The nth function determines a fifth network function that complies with the third information and / or the other network function request.

150. A fifth network function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is used to send, register or update the first information to the sixth network function.

151. A fifth network function comprising: A processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 137 to 140.

152. A sixth network function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The processor is configured to map and obtain second information according to a request of the seventh network function; and determine a fifth network function that complies with the second information and / or the request of the seventh network function.

153. A sixth network function, comprising: A processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 140 to 143.

154. A seventh network function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is configured to discover the fifth network function through the sixth network function.

155. A seventh network function, comprising: A processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 144 to 145 are implemented.

156. An eighth network function comprising a transceiver and a processor, wherein: The transceiver is configured to select a fifth network function according to the third information.

157. An eighth network function, comprising: A processor, a memory, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 146 to 149.

158. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 117, or implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 135 to 149.

159. A computer program product comprising computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 117, or implement the steps of the method according to any one of claims 136 to 149.

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