Communication methods, first device, network functions, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are communication methods, a first device, a first network function, a fourth network function, a communication system and a storage medium. A method comprises: sending first information to a first network function, wherein the first information is used by the first network function to determine that a mobile gNB user equipment with wireless access backhaul (MWAB-UE) protocol data unit (PDU) session needs to be created for N3 backhaul. In this way, the technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure realizes communication between an MWAB-UE and a core network.

Description

Communication method, first device, network function, communication system and storage medium Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, a first device, a first network function, a fourth network function, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of communication technology, the Mobile gNB with Wireless Access Backhaul (MWAB) has been introduced. The MWAB can act as a base station for terminals and provide network access. The MWAB consists of two parts: MWAB-gNB and MWAB-UE.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] After the introduction of MWAB, MWAB-UE needs to communicate with the core network.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being performed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0006] Send the first message to the first network function;

[0007] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being executed by a first network function, the method comprising:

[0009] Receive the first information sent by the first device;

[0010] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method being executed by a fourth network function, the method comprising:

[0012] Based on the third information, determine the second network function;

[0013] The third information includes at least one of the following:

[0014] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0015] MWAB-UE ID;

[0016] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0017] MWAB-UESMF's identity information.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0019] The first device sends the first information to the first network function;

[0020] The first network function receives the first information sent by the first device;

[0021] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0022] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided, the first device comprising:

[0023] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0024] Send the first message to the first network function;

[0025] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0026] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a first network function is provided, the first network function comprising:

[0027] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0028] Receive the first information sent by the first device;

[0029] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0030] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a fourth network device is provided, the fourth network device comprising:

[0031] The processing module is configured as follows:

[0032] Based on the third information, determine the second network function;

[0033] The third information includes at least one of the following:

[0034] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0035] MWAB-UE ID;

[0036] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0037] MWAB-UESMF's identity information.

[0038] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, wherein the communication system includes a first device, a first network function, and a fourth network function; the first device is configured to implement the method of the first aspect, the first network function is configured to implement the method of the second aspect, and the fourth network function is configured to implement the method of the third aspect.

[0039] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a first device is provided, the first device comprising:

[0040] One or more processors;

[0041] The first device is used to perform the method described in the first aspect.

[0042] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a first network function is provided, the first network function comprising:

[0043] One or more processors;

[0044] The first network function is used to perform the method described in the second aspect.

[0045] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a fourth network function is provided, the fourth network function including:

[0046] One or more processors;

[0047] The fourth network function is used to perform the method described in the third aspect.

[0048] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods provided in the first aspect, the second aspect, and / or the third aspect.

[0049] The technical solution provided in this disclosure enables communication between the MWAB-UE and the core network.

[0050] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0051] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0053] Figure 1b is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0054] Figure 1c is a schematic diagram illustrating a QoS flow according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0055] Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of a communication method flow according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0056] Figure 3a is a schematic diagram of a communication method flow according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0057] Figure 3b is a schematic diagram of a communication method flow according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0058] Figure 4a is a schematic diagram of a communication method flow according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0059] Figure 4b is a schematic diagram of a communication method flow according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0060] Figure 5a is a schematic diagram of a communication method flow according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0061] Figure 5b is a schematic diagram of a communication method flow according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0062] Figure 6a is a schematic diagram of a communication method flow according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0063] Figure 7a is a schematic diagram of a communication method flow according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0064] Figure 8a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0065] Figure 8b is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first network function according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0066] Figure 8c is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fourth network function according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0067] Figure 9a is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UE according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0068] Figure 9b is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0069] This disclosure provides a communication method, a first device, a first network function, a fourth network function, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0070] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method being executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0071] Send the first message to the first network function;

[0072] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0073] In the above embodiments, after the first device sends the first information to the first network function, the first network function can determine based on the first information that a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit PDU session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul, so that N3 backhaul can be performed based on the MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the first information to the first network function includes:

[0075] Send an N2 message to the first network function;

[0076] The N2 message contains the first information.

[0077] In the above embodiments, the first information can be sent to the first network function through the N2 message, thereby realizing the reuse of the N2 message.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the N2 message includes the first information and PDU session creation request information.

[0079] In the above embodiments, a PDU session request can be implemented at the same time as sending the first information.

[0080] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the access parameters include at least one of the following:

[0081] MWAB access indication information;

[0082] The identification ID of the MWAB-gNB community.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0084] Receive the second information sent by the first network function;

[0085] The second information is used to instruct the first device to trigger the creation of a MWAB-UE PDU session for N3 backhaul.

[0086] In the above embodiments, after receiving the second information sent by the first network function, a MWAB-UE PDU session can be created for N3 backhaul based on the second information.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0088] If the second information is received, the MWAB-UE in the first device is triggered to create the MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0089] In the above embodiment, after receiving the second information, the first device will trigger the MWAB-UE in the first device to create the MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0090] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0091] Send third information related to the MWAB-UE PDU session to the first network function;

[0092] The third information includes at least one of the following:

[0093] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0094] MWAB-UE ID;

[0095] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0096] MWAB-UE SMF identity information.

[0097] In the above embodiments, after receiving the third information, the first network function can realize communication based on the third information.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the MWAB-UE SMF identity information is used to determine the MWAB-UE's Serving User Plane Function (UPF) ID.

[0099] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, there is a first mapping relationship between the QoS flow of the terminal and the MWAB-UE QoS flow.

[0100] In the above embodiments, data can be transmitted to or from the core network through the MWAB-UE Uu interface and the UE Uu interface based on the first mapping relationship.

[0101] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method being executed by a first network function, the method comprising:

[0102] Receive the first information sent by the first device;

[0103] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0104] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the first information sent by the first device includes:

[0105] Receive the N2 message sent by the first device;

[0106] The N2 message contains the first information.

[0107] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the N2 message includes the first information and PDU session creation request information.

[0108] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information includes access parameters for the terminal to access the network, the access parameters being used by the first network function to determine that the terminal accesses the network through the MWAB.

[0109] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the access parameters include at least one of the following:

[0110] MWAB access indication information;

[0111] The identification ID of the MWAB-gNB community.

[0112] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0113] Based on the first information, it is determined that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

[0114] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0115] Determine if the MWAB-UE PDU session is available.

[0116] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0117] If no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists, send the second information to the first device;

[0118] The second information is used to instruct the first device to create a MWAB-UE PDU session for N3 backhaul.

[0119] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0120] Receive third-party information;

[0121] The third information includes at least one of the following:

[0122] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0123] MWAB-UE Identity ID;

[0124] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0125] The identity information of the MWAB-UE session management function SMF.

[0126] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, receiving the third information includes:

[0127] If no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists, the third information sent by the first device is received.

[0128] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0129] If the third information does not include the CN tunnel information and / or the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF, the core network CN tunnel information and / or the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF shall be obtained from the third network function.

[0130] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF is used to determine the MWAB-UE's Serving User Plane Function (UPF) ID.

[0131] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0132] Send the third information to the fourth network function.

[0133] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0134] Determine the fourth network function.

[0135] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining the fourth network function includes:

[0136] The fourth network function is determined to be MWAB-UE service SMF.

[0137] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining that the fourth network function is a MWAB-UE serving SMF includes:

[0138] The fourth network function is determined to be the MWAB-UE service SMF indicated by the MWAB-UE SMF identifier contained in the fourth information.

[0139] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0140] The fourth network function is determined to be an SMF that is different from the MWAB-UE service SMF.

[0141] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, determining that the fourth network function is an SMF different from the MWAB-UE serving SMF includes:

[0142] Based at least on load balancing information, it is determined that the fourth network function is an SMF that is different from the MWAB-UE service SMF.

[0143] Thirdly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method being executed by a fourth network function, the method comprising:

[0144] Based on the third information, determine the second network function;

[0145] The third information includes at least one of the following:

[0146] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0147] MWAB-UE ID;

[0148] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0149] MWAB-UESMF's identity information.

[0150] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0151] Receive the third information sent by the first network function.

[0152] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth network function is UE SMF; the second network function is UE UPF; if UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF are the same; the determination of the second network function based on the third information includes one of the following:

[0153] If the third information includes the CN tunnel information, the UE UPF is determined to be MWAB-UE UPF based on the CN tunnel information;

[0154] If the third information does not contain the CN tunnel information, the MWAB-UE UPF contained in the SMF context is determined to be the MWAB-UE UPF.

[0155] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth network function is UE SMF; the second network function is UE UPF; if the UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF are different; the determination of UE UPF based on the third information includes one of the following:

[0156] If the third information includes the CN tunnel information, the UE UPF is determined to be MWAB-UE UPF based on the CN tunnel information;

[0157] If the third information does not contain the CN tunnel information, the MWAB-UE UPF obtained by requesting the MWAB-UE UPF indicated by the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF is determined to be the MWAB-UE UPF.

[0158] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method, the method comprising:

[0159] The first device sends the first information to the first network function;

[0160] The first network function receives the first information sent by the first device;

[0161] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0162] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first device, the first device comprising:

[0163] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0164] Send the first message to the first network function;

[0165] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0166] Sixthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first network function, the first network function including:

[0167] The transceiver module is configured as follows:

[0168] Receive the first information sent by the first device;

[0169] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0170] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a fourth network device, the fourth network device comprising:

[0171] The processing module is configured as follows:

[0172] Based on the third information, determine the second network function;

[0173] The third information includes at least one of the following:

[0174] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0175] MWAB-UE ID;

[0176] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0177] MWAB-UESMF's identity information.

[0178] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, the communication system including a first device, a first network function, and a fourth network function; the first device is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect, the first network function is configured to implement the method described in the second aspect, and the fourth network function is configured to implement the method described in the third aspect.

[0179] Ninthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first device, the first device comprising:

[0180] One or more processors;

[0181] The first device is used to perform the method provided in the first aspect.

[0182] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a first network function, the first network function including:

[0183] One or more processors;

[0184] The first network function is used to execute the method provided in the second aspect.

[0185] In one aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a fourth network function, which includes:

[0186] One or more processors;

[0187] The fourth network function is used to execute the method provided by the third aspect.

[0188] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the methods described in optional implementations of the first, second, and / or third aspects.

[0189] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method as described in the optional implementations of the first, second, and / or third aspects.

[0190] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the methods described in optional implementations of the first, second, and / or third aspects.

[0191] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to optional implementations of the first, second, and / or third aspects above.

[0192] It is understood that the aforementioned first device, first network function, fourth network function, communication system, storage medium, program product, computer program, chip, or chip system are all used to execute the methods proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0193] This disclosure provides a communication method, a first device, a first network function, a fourth network function, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "communication method" and "information indication method," "information processing method," and "information transmission method" can be used interchangeably, as can the terms "communication system" and "information processing system."

[0194] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0195] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0196] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0197] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0198] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0199] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0200] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0201] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0202] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0203] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0204] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0205] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0206] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. In some cases, they may also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "body", etc.

[0207] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in the network, such as access network devices, core network devices, etc.

[0208] In some embodiments, "access network device (AN device)" may also be referred to as "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," or "fixed station." In some embodiments, it may also be understood as "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," or "bandwidth part (BWP)."

[0209] In some embodiments, "terminal" or "terminal device" may be referred to as "user equipment (UE)," "user terminal," "mobile station (MS)," "mobile terminal (MT)," "subscriber station," "mobile unit," "subscriber unit," "wireless unit," "remote unit," "mobile device," "wireless device," "wireless communication device," "remote device," "mobile subscriber station," "access terminal," "mobile terminal," "wireless terminal," "remote terminal," "handset," "user agent," "mobile client," "client," etc.

[0210] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0211] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0212] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0213] Figure 1a is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0214] As shown in Figure 1a, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101 and a network device 102.

[0215] In some embodiments, network device 102 may include at least one of access network device 1021 and core network device 1022.

[0216] In some embodiments, the access network device 1021 may be a MWAB.

[0217] In some embodiments, the terminal includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0218] In some embodiments, the access network device may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0219] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0220] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0221] In some embodiments, a core network device may be a single device comprising one or more network elements, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each comprising all or part of the aforementioned one or more network elements. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), or a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0222] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0223] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1a, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1a are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1a, or it may include other main bodies outside of FIG1a. The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0224] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0225] In some embodiments, a Mobile gNB with Wireless Access Backhaul (MWAB) is a mobile base station that can act as a gNB for other UEs and provide access to the 5G network. Specifically, it provides a New Radio (NR) access link to the UE and wirelessly connects to the 5GC (using NR) via an Internet Protocol (IP) connection provided by a Packet Data Unit (PDU) or Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. The PDU session is established via an NG-RAN cell, on which the mobile gNB can camp. The PDU session is provided by a terrestrial or non-terrestrial network. This mobile gNB can be installed in a moving vehicle and serve UEs that can be located inside or outside the vehicle (or entering / leaving the vehicle).

[0226] In some embodiments, MWAB-gNB is the base station portion of MWAB.

[0227] In some embodiments, MWAB-UE is the terminal portion of NWAB.

[0228] Please refer to Figure 1b, which shows an example of the architecture of a 5G system in a non-roaming scenario.

[0229] In some embodiments, based on the definition of MWAB, MWAB provides wireless connectivity to 5GC through an IP connection provided by a PDU session, and both the N2 and N3 interfaces are carried on the PDU session between MWAB-UE and 5GC.

[0230] In some embodiments, for the N2 and N3 interfaces, at least one PDU session is established between the MWAB-UE and the 5GC:

[0231] If the MWAB-UE's serving AMF and serving UPF are in the same Data Network Name (DNN), then N2 and N3 use a single PDU session; otherwise, the PDU sessions for N2 and N3 are separate.

[0232] Referring to Figure 1c, UE PDU sessions undergo N3 backhaul via MWAB-UE PDU sessions, therefore they need to share common characteristics, such as Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), DNN, PDU session type, and Session and Service Continuity (SSC) mode. Furthermore, UE Quality of Service (QoS) streams and MWAB-UE QoS streams must be mutually mapped for transmission to / from the 5GC via the MWAB-UE Uu interface and the UE Uu interface.

[0233] In some embodiments, in the relevant solution for establishing an N3 backhaul PDU session, the UE PDU session establishment process is executed first. After receiving a PDU session resource establishment request from the UE AMF, the MWAB-gNB decides to establish a MWAB-UE PDU session for radio N3 backhaul. The same User Plane Function (UPF) of the UE PDU session is used for the MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0234] In some embodiments, selecting the UE UPF before N3 wireless backhaul is available results in the UE UPF becoming unreachable.

[0235] In some embodiments, the UE UPF and MWAB-UE UPF are the same, but details are lacking regarding how to ensure that the same UPF is selected for the UE and MWAB-UE. If the UE PDU session shares the same UPF with the MWAB-UE session, UPF reselection and service forwarding between the MWAB-UE UPF and the UE UPF can be avoided.

[0236] In some embodiments, the MWAB-UE PDU session should be established before the UE PDU session establishment procedure. The UE sends a PDU session establishment request (N2 backhaul PDU session) to the UE AMF, and the N2 message includes a MWAB indication. The MWAB indication is used to help the AMF or SMF determine that the N3 radio backhaul requires a MWAB-UE PDU session, and if no existing MWAB-UE PDU session is available, the MWAB-UE PDU session establishment procedure is triggered.

[0237] In some embodiments, MWAB-UE PDU sessions and UE-PDU sessions can share the same UPF.

[0238] Figure 2a is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2a, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0239] Step S2101: The first device sends the first information to the first network function.

[0240] In some embodiments, the first network function receives first information sent by the first device.

[0241] In some embodiments, the first device may be a MWAB, which includes two parts: MWAB-gNB and MWAB-UE.

[0242] In some embodiments, the first network function is an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), such as a UE AMF.

[0243] It should be noted that the network function (e.g., the first network function) in this disclosure may also be referred to as a network device, network entity, network element, or device in certain scenarios, and no limitation is made here. A network function can be a logical function, and different logical functions can be deployed in the same device or in different devices, and no limitation is made here.

[0244] In some embodiments, the first information is used to enable the first network function to determine that a MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created for the N3 (interface) backhaul. Here, the MWAB-UE PDU session can be a PDU session between the MWAB-UE and the core network equipment.

[0245] In some embodiments, the first device sends an N2 message to a first network function, the N2 message containing the first information.

[0246] In some embodiments, the N2 message contains only the first information but not the PDU session creation request information.

[0247] In some embodiments, the N2 message includes the first information and PDU session creation request information.

[0248] In some embodiments, whether the N2 message also needs to include PDU session creation request information when it contains the first information can be determined based on the timing of the request to create a PDU session. For example, if an immediate request to create a PDU session is required, the first information and the PDU session creation request information can be included together in the N2 message. If an immediate request to create a PDU session is not required, the N2 message may only contain the first information and not the PDU session creation request information. The PDU session creation request information can be sent separately based on the timing of the request to create a PDU session or through other messages. No limitation is made here.

[0249] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that a MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0250] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that the terminal accesses the network via MWAB.

[0251] In some embodiments, the first information includes access parameters for the terminal to access the network.

[0252] In some embodiments, the access parameters are used to enable the first network function to determine that the terminal accesses via MWAB.

[0253] In some embodiments, the access parameters include at least one of the following:

[0254] MWAB access indication information;

[0255] The identity document (ID) of the MWAB-gNB cell.

[0256] It should be noted that the ID of a MWAB-gNB cell is different from the ID of a regular gNB (or conventional or traditional non-mobile gNB) cell, so the core network equipment can determine (or judge) whether a gNB is a MWAB-gNB or a regular gNB based on the gNB cell ID.

[0257] In some embodiments, there is a first mapping relationship between the QoS flow of the terminal accessing MWAB and the QoS flow of MWAB-UE.

[0258] Step S2102: The first network function determines, based on the first information, that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

[0259] In some embodiments, a first core network receives first information sent by a first device. A first network function determines, based on the first information, that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

[0260] In some embodiments, if the first information is received, the first network function determines that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

[0261] In some embodiments, if the first information is not received, the first network function determines that there is no need to create the MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0262] In some embodiments, if the first information is used to indicate that performing N3 backhaul requires the creation of a MWAB-UE PDU session, the first network function determines that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

[0263] In some embodiments, if the first information is used to indicate that the terminal accesses the network via MWAB, the first network function determines that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

[0264] In some embodiments, if the access parameters carried by the first information include MWAB access indication information, the first network function determines that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

[0265] In some embodiments, if the access parameters carried by the first information include the identity ID of the MWAB cell, the first network function determines that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

[0266] Step S2103: The first network function determines whether the MWAB-UE PDU session is available.

[0267] In some embodiments, a first network function determines that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created, and the first network function determines whether the MWAB-UE PDU session is available.

[0268] In some embodiments, the first network function determines that the MWAB-UE PDU session is available by the existence of an already established MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0269] In some embodiments, the first network function determining that no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists may mean that no established MWAB-UE PDU session exists.

[0270] Step S2104: The first network function sends the second information to the first device.

[0271] In some embodiments, the first device receives second information sent by a first network function.

[0272] In some embodiments, if no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists, the first network function sends second information to the first device.

[0273] In some embodiments, the second information is used to instruct the first device to trigger the creation of a MWAB-UE PDU session for N3 backhaul.

[0274] Step S2105: The first device triggers the creation of the MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0275] In some embodiments, if the second information is received, the first device triggers the MWAB-UE in the first device to create the MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0276] In some embodiments, after the MWAB-UE in the first device creates the MWAB-UE PDU session, it can obtain relevant information about the MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0277] In some embodiments, the MWAB-UE in the first device can send information related to the MWAB-UE PDU session to the MWAB-gNB in ​​the first device.

[0278] In some embodiments, the MWAB-UE in the first device sends information related to the MWAB-UE PDU session to the MWAB-gNB in ​​the first device.

[0279] In some embodiments, the relevant information of the MWAB-UE PDU session includes at least one of the following:

[0280] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0281] MWAB-UE ID;

[0282] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0283] MWAB-UE Session Management Function (SMF) identity information.

[0284] Step S2106: The first device sends third information to the first network function.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first network function receives third information sent by the first device.

[0286] In some embodiments, the first device sends third information related to the MWAB-UE PDU session to the first network function.

[0287] In some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0288] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0289] MWAB-UE ID;

[0290] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0291] MWAB-UE SMF identity information.

[0292] In some embodiments, the MWAB-UE SMF identity information is used to determine the MWAB-UE's User Plane Function (UPF) ID.

[0293] In some embodiments, if no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists, the first network function receives the third information sent by the first device.

[0294] In some embodiments, if the third information does not include the CN tunnel information, the first network function obtains the core network CN tunnel information from the third network function.

[0295] In some embodiments, if the third information does not contain the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF, the first network function obtains the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF from the third network function.

[0296] In some embodiments, the third network function may be Unified Data Management (UDM).

[0297] Step S2107: The first network function determines the fourth network function.

[0298] In some embodiments, the fourth network function may be a Session Management Function (SMF). For example, a UE SMF.

[0299] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the fourth network function as MWAB-UE Service SMF.

[0300] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the fourth network function as the MWAB-UE service SMF indicated by the MWAB-UE SMF identifier contained in the fourth information.

[0301] In some embodiments, the first network function determines that the fourth network function is an SMF that is different from the MWAB-UE serving SMF.

[0302] In some embodiments, the first network function determines, at least based on load balancing information, that the fourth network function is an SMF different from the MWAB-UE serving SMF.

[0303] Step S2108: The first network function sends the third information to the fourth network function.

[0304] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives third information sent by the first network function.

[0305] In some embodiments, a first network function determines a fourth network function, and the first network function sends third information to the fourth network function.

[0306] Step S2109: The fourth network function determines the second network function.

[0307] In some embodiments, the fourth network function determines the second network function based on third information.

[0308] In some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0309] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0310] MWAB-UE ID;

[0311] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0312] Identity information of MWAB-UE SMF.

[0313] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives third information sent by the first network function. The fourth network function determines the second network function based on the third information.

[0314] In some embodiments, the fourth network function is UE SMF; the second network function is UE UPF; if the UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF are the same and if the third information includes the CN tunnel information, the fourth network function determines that the UE UPF is MWAB-UE UPF based on the CN tunnel information.

[0315] In some embodiments, the fourth network function is UE SMF; the second network function is UE UPF; if the UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF are the same and if the third information does not contain the CN tunnel information, the fourth network function determines that the MWAB-UE UPF contained in the SMF context is the MWAB-UE UPF.

[0316] In some embodiments, the fourth network function is UE SMF; the second network function is UE UPF; if UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF are different and if the third information includes the CN tunnel information, the UE UPF is determined to be MWAB-UE UPF based on the CN tunnel information.

[0317] In some embodiments, the fourth network function is UE SMF; the second network function is UE UPF; if the UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF are different and if the third information does not contain the CN tunnel information, the MWAB-UE UPF obtained by requesting the MWAB-UE SMF indicated by the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF is determined to be the MWAB-UE UPF.

[0318] In some embodiments, the term "information" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "message," "signal," "signaling," "report," "configuration," "indication," "instruction," "command," "channel," "parameter," "field," and "data."

[0319] In some embodiments, the term "send" may be used interchangeably with terms such as "transmit," "report," or "transmit."

[0320] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2109. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2101 combined with steps S2102, S2104, and S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2101 combined with steps S2102, S2103, S2104, and S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; and step S2101 combined with steps S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. Step S2101 in combination with steps S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2106, S2107, and S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2101 in combination with steps S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2106, S2107, S2108, and S2109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0321] Figure 3a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0322] Step S3101: Send the first information to the first network function.

[0323] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S3101 can be found in step S2101 of FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0324] Step S3102: Receive the second information sent by the first network function.

[0325] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S3102 can be found in step S2104 of FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0326] Step S3103: Trigger the creation of the MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0327] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S3103 can be found in step S2105 of FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0328] Step S3104: Send third information to the first network function.

[0329] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S3104 can be found in step S2106 of FIG2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0330] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3104. For example, step S3101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S3102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S3103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S3104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S3101 combined with steps S3102 and S3103 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, or step S3101 combined with steps S3102, S3103, and S3104 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment, but the method is not limited thereto.

[0331] Figure 3b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a first device, the method comprising:

[0332] Step S3201: Send the first information to the first network function.

[0333] In some embodiments, the first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a Mobile Base Station Terminal MWAB-UE Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0334] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S3201 can be found in other related parts of the embodiments involved in the steps of FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0335] In some embodiments, sending the first information to the first network function includes:

[0336] Send an N2 message to the first network function;

[0337] The N2 message contains the first information.

[0338] In some embodiments, the N2 message includes the first information and PDU session creation request information.

[0339] In some embodiments, the first information includes access parameters for the terminal to access the network, the access parameters being used by the first network function to determine that the terminal accesses the network via MWAB.

[0340] In some embodiments, the access parameters include at least one of the following:

[0341] MWAB access indication information;

[0342] The identification ID of the MWAB-gNB community.

[0343] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0344] Receive the second information sent by the first network function;

[0345] The second information is used to instruct the first device to trigger the creation of a MWAB-UE PDU session for N3 backhaul.

[0346] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0347] If the second information is received, the MWAB-UE in the first device is triggered to create the MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0348] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0349] Send third information related to the MWAB-UE PDU session to the first network function;

[0350] The third information includes at least one of the following:

[0351] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0352] MWAB-UE ID;

[0353] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0354] MWAB-UE SMF identity information.

[0355] In some embodiments, the MWAB-UE SMF identity information is used to determine the MWAB-UE's Serving User Plane Function (UPF) ID.

[0356] In some embodiments, there is a first mapping relationship between the QoS flow of the terminal accessing MWAB and the QoS flow of MWAB-UE.

[0357] Figure 4a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a first network function, the method comprising:

[0358] Step S4101: Receive the first information sent by the first device.

[0359] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4101 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involving step S2101 in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0360] Step S4102: Based on the first information, determine that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

[0361] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4102 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involving step S2102 in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0362] Step S4103: Determine whether the MWAB-UE PDU session is available.

[0363] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4103 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involving step S2103 in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0364] Step S4104: Send the second information to the first device.

[0365] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4104 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involving step S2104 in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0366] Step S4105: Receive the third information sent by the first device.

[0367] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4105 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involving step S2106 in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0368] Step S4106: Determine the fourth network function.

[0369] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4106 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involving step S2107 in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0370] Step S4107: Determine the fourth network function.

[0371] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4107 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involving step S2108 in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0372] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4107. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4102 can be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4103 can be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4104 can be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4105 can be implemented as a standalone embodiment, step S4106 can be implemented as a standalone embodiment, and step S4107 can be implemented as a standalone embodiment. For example, step S4101 combined with steps S4102 and S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4101 combined with steps S4102, S4103, and S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4101 combined with steps S4102, S4103, S4104, and S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4101 combined with steps S4102, S4103, S4104, S4105, S4106, and S4107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4101 combined with steps S4102, S4103, S4104, S4105, S4106, and S4107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0373] Figure 4b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a first network function, the method comprising:

[0374] Step S4201: Receive the first information sent by the first device.

[0375] In some embodiments, the first information is used to enable the first network function to determine that a MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0376] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S4201 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involving step 2101 in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0377] In some embodiments, receiving the first information sent by the first device includes:

[0378] Receive the N2 message sent by the first device;

[0379] The N2 message contains the first information.

[0380] In some embodiments, the N2 message includes the first information and PDU session creation request information.

[0381] In some embodiments, the first information includes access parameters for the terminal to access the network, the access parameters being used by the first network function to determine that the terminal accesses the network through the MWAB.

[0382] In some embodiments, the access parameters include at least one of the following:

[0383] MWAB access indication information;

[0384] The identification ID of the MWAB-gNB community.

[0385] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0386] Based on the first information, it is determined that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

[0387] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0388] Determine if the MWAB-UE PDU session is available.

[0389] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0390] If no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists, send the second information to the first device;

[0391] The second information is used to instruct the first device to trigger the creation of a MWAB-UE PDU session for N3 backhaul.

[0392] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0393] Receive third-party information;

[0394] The third information includes at least one of the following:

[0395] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0396] MWAB-UE Identity ID;

[0397] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0398] The identity information of the MWAB-UE session management function SMF.

[0399] In some embodiments, receiving third information includes:

[0400] If no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists, the third information sent by the first device is received.

[0401] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0402] If the third information does not include the CN tunnel information and / or the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF, the core network CN tunnel information and / or the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF shall be obtained from the third network function.

[0403] In some embodiments, the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF is used to determine the MWAB-UE's Serving User Plane Function (UPF) ID.

[0404] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0405] Send the third information to the fourth network function.

[0406] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0407] Determine the fourth network function.

[0408] In some embodiments, determining the fourth network function includes:

[0409] The fourth network function is determined to be MWAB-UE service SMF.

[0410] In some embodiments, determining that the fourth network function is a MWAB-UE serving SMF includes:

[0411] The fourth network function is determined to be the MWAB-UE service SMF indicated by the MWAB-UE SMF identifier contained in the fourth information.

[0412] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0413] The fourth network function is determined to be an SMF that is different from the MWAB-UE service SMF.

[0414] In some embodiments, determining that the fourth network function is an SMF different from the MWAB-UE serving SMF includes:

[0415] Based at least on load balancing information, it is determined that the fourth network function is an SMF that is different from the MWAB-UE service SMF.

[0416] Figure 5a is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a fourth network function, the method comprising:

[0417] Step S5101: Receive the third information sent by the first network function.

[0418] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S5101 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involving step 2108 in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0419] Step S5102: Determine the second network function.

[0420] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S5102 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involving step 2109 in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0421] The information indication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S5101 to S5102. For example, step S5101 may be implemented as a separate embodiment, and step S5102 may be implemented as a separate embodiment.

[0422] Figure 5b is a flowchart illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method executed by a fourth network function, the method comprising:

[0423] Step S5201: Determine the second network function based on the third information.

[0424] In some embodiments, the third information includes at least one of the following:

[0425] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0426] MWAB-UE ID;

[0427] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0428] Identity information of MWAB-UE SMF.

[0429] In some embodiments, optional implementations of step S5201 can be found in other related parts of the embodiment involving step 2108 in FIG2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0430] Figure 6a is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6a, the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, the method including one of the following steps:

[0431] Step S6101: The first device sends the first information to the first network function.

[0432] In some embodiments, the first network function receives first information sent by the first device.

[0433] The optional implementations of step S6101 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S2101 to S2109 in Figure 2a and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0434] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods of the above-described communication system side, first device, first network function, fourth network function, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0435] To better understand the embodiments of this disclosure, the following exemplary embodiments are provided for further explanation:

[0436] In some embodiments, the MWAB-UE PDU session returned by N2 has been established.

[0437] In some embodiments, one or more MWAB-UE PDU sessions for N3 backhaul have been established or have not yet been established.

[0438] In some embodiments, the MWAB-UE PDU session returned by N2 can also be used as the MWAB-UE PDU session returned by N3, as long as it meets the requirements of N3 return.

[0439] Example 1:

[0440] Please refer to Figure 7a, which illustrates a communication method, the method comprising:

[0441] Step S7101: Send N2 message, including PDU session establishment request and MWAB indication (corresponding to the first information). The UE sends a PDU session establishment request (N2 backhaul PDU session) to the UE AMF. The N2 message includes the MWAB indication. The MWAB indication is used to help the AMF or SMF determine that the N3 radio backhaul requires a MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0442] In step S7102, the AMF or SMF determines the N3PDU session required for wireless backhaul based on the information received in step S7101, and checks whether an available MWAB-UE PDU session exists.

[0443] Step S7103: If an available MWAB-UE PDU session exists, the AMF or SMF will send MWAB-UE PDU session-related information to the MWAB-gNB. Skip steps S7104 and S7105. If no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists, the AMF or SMF instructs the MWAB-gNB to create a new MWAB-UE PDU session for the N3 radio backhaul (corresponding to the second information).

[0444] Step S7104: MWAB-UE requests to establish a PDU session.

[0445] Step S7105: The MWAB-gNB sends MWAB-UE PDU session-related information (corresponding to the third information) to the UE AMF. If an available MWAB-UE PDU session exists as described in step S7103, the MWAB-UE PDU session-related information will be retrieved by the AMF / SMF itself.

[0446] The MWAB-UE PDU session-related information may include one or more of the following:

[0447] CN tunnel information (including UPF identity);

[0448] MWAB UE ID;

[0449] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0450] MWAB-UE SMF identifier.

[0451] Step S7106: If neither the CN tunnel information nor the MWAB-UE SMF identifier is included in the MWAB-UE PDU session information, the UE AMF will retrieve the MWAB-UE service SMF identifier from the UDM. The MWAB-UE SMF identifier can be used to retrieve the MWAB-UE service UPF identifier.

[0452] Steps S7107-S7109: UE AMF performs SMF selection.

[0453] The UE AMF can select the MWAB-UE serving the SMF as the UE SMF protocol for the MWAB-UE SMF identity received in step 5 / 6. (The same applies to UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF).

[0454] If the CN tunnel information is included in the MWAB-UE PDU session-related information, the UE SMF will use the MWAB-UE UPF as the UE uplink to CN tunnel information.

[0455] If the CN tunnel information is not included in the MWAB-UE PDU session-related information, the UE SMF will retrieve the MWAB-UE UPF from the SMF context.

[0456] Alternatively, the UE AMF can select a different UE SMF from the MWAB—the UE SMF takes into account other considerations such as load balancing. (UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF are different cases).

[0457] If the CN tunnel information is included in the MWAB-UE PDU session-related information, the UE SMF will use the MWAB-UE UPF as the UE uplink to CN tunnel information.

[0458] If the CN tunnel information is not included in the MWAB-UE PDU session-related information, the UE SMF will request the MWAB-UE UPF from the MWAB-UE SMF based on the MWAB-UE SMF identity.

[0459] Steps S7110-S7116: MWAB configures mapping rules through 5GC. UE QoS flows and MWAB-UE QoS flows must be mapped to each other in order to be transmitted to / from 5GC through the MWAB-UE Uu interface and the UE Uu interface.

[0460] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0461] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0462] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0463] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0464] Figure 8a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first device 8100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 8a, the first device 8100 may include at least one of a transceiver module 8101, a processing module 8102, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to send and receive information. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. Optionally, the processing module is used to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first device in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0465] In some embodiments, a first device 8100 is provided, the first device 8100 including a transceiver module 8101 and a processing module 8102, wherein the transceiver module 8101 is configured to:

[0466] Send the first message to the first network function;

[0467] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0468] The transceiver module 8101 is configured to send an N2 message to the first network function.

[0469] The N2 message contains the first information.

[0470] The transceiver module 8101 is configured such that the N2 message includes the first information and the PDU session creation request information.

[0471] The transceiver module 8101 is configured such that: the first information includes access parameters for the terminal to access the network, and the access parameters are used by the first network function to determine that the terminal accesses the network through MWAB.

[0472] The transceiver module 8101 is configured such that the access parameters include at least one of the following:

[0473] MWAB access indication information;

[0474] The identification ID of the MWAB-gNB community.

[0475] The transceiver module 8101 is configured to receive second information sent by the first network function;

[0476] The second information is used to instruct the first device to trigger the creation of a MWAB-UE PDU session for N3 backhaul.

[0477] The processing module 8102 is configured to: if the second information is received, trigger the MWAB-UE in the first device to create the MWAB-UE PDU session.

[0478] The transceiver module 8101 is configured to send third information related to the MWAB-UE PDU session to the first network function;

[0479] The third information includes at least one of the following:

[0480] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0481] MWAB-UE ID;

[0482] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0483] MWAB-UE SMF identity information.

[0484] The transceiver module 8101 is configured such that the MWAB-UE SMF identity information is used to determine the MWAB-UE's Serving User Plane Function (UPF) ID.

[0485] The transceiver module 8101 is configured such that: the first device is MWAB, and there is a first mapping relationship between the QoS flow of the terminal accessing the MWAB and the MWAB-UE QoS flow.

[0486] Figure 8b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network function 8200 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 8b, the first network function 8200 may include at least one of a transceiver module 8201, a processing module 8202, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to send and receive information. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network function in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a sending module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0487] In some embodiments, a first network function is provided, the core network device including a transceiver module 8201 and a processing module 8202, wherein the transceiver module 8201 is configured to:

[0488] Receive the first information sent by the first device;

[0489] The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

[0490] The transceiver module 8201 is configured to receive N2 messages sent by the first device;

[0491] The N2 message contains the first information.

[0492] The transceiver module 8201 is configured such that the N2 message contains the first information and the PDU session creation request information.

[0493] The transceiver module 8201 is configured such that: the first information includes access parameters for the terminal to access the network, and the access parameters are used by the first network function to determine that the terminal accesses the network through the MWAB.

[0494] The transceiver module 8201 is configured such that the access parameters include at least one of the following:

[0495] MWAB access indication information;

[0496] The identification ID of the MWAB-gNB community.

[0497] The processing module 8202 is configured to: determine, based on the first information, that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

[0498] The processing module 8202 is configured to determine whether an available MWAB-UE PDU session exists.

[0499] The transceiver module 8201 is configured to send second information to the first device if no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists.

[0500] The second information is used to instruct the first device to trigger the creation of a MWAB-UE PDU session for N3 backhaul.

[0501] The transceiver module 8201 is configured to receive third information;

[0502] The third information includes at least one of the following:

[0503] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0504] MWAB-UE Identity ID;

[0505] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0506] The identity information of the MWAB-UE session management function SMF.

[0507] The transceiver module 8201 is configured to receive the third information sent by the first device if no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists.

[0508] The processing module 8202 is configured to: if the third information does not contain the CN tunnel information and / or the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF, obtain the core network CN tunnel information and / or the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF from the third network function.

[0509] The processing module 8202 is configured such that the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF is used to determine the MWAB-UE's Serving User Plane Function (UPF) ID.

[0510] The transceiver module 8201 is configured to send the third information to the fourth network function.

[0511] The processing module 8202 is configured to: determine the fourth network function.

[0512] The processing module 8202 is configured to: determine that the fourth network function is MWAB-UE service SMF.

[0513] The processing module 8202 is configured to: determine that the fourth network function is the MWAB-UE service SMF indicated by the MWAB-UE SMF identifier contained in the fourth information.

[0514] The processing module 8202 is configured to: determine that the fourth network function is an SMF that is different from the MWAB-UE service SMF.

[0515] The processing module 8202 is configured to: determine, at least based on load balancing information, that the fourth network function is an SMF that is different from the MWAB-UE service SMF.

[0516] Figure 8c is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network function 8300 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 8c, the fourth network function 8300 may include at least one of a transceiver module 8301, a processing module 8302, etc. In some embodiments, the transceiver module is used to send and receive information. Optionally, the transceiver module is used to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the fourth network function in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a sending module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0517] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0518] In some embodiments, a fourth network function is provided, the fourth network function including a transceiver module 8301 and a processing module 8302, wherein the processing module 8302 is configured to:

[0519] Based on the third information, determine the second network function;

[0520] The third information includes at least one of the following:

[0521] Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function;

[0522] MWAB-UE ID;

[0523] MWAB-UE PDU Session ID;

[0524] Identity information of MWAB-UE SMF.

[0525] The transceiver module 8301 is configured as follows:

[0526] Receive the third information sent by the first network function.

[0527] The processing module 8302 is configured such that: the fourth network function is UE SMF; the second network function is UE UPF; if UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF are the same; the determination of the second network function based on the third information includes one of the following:

[0528] If the third information includes the CN tunnel information, the UE UPF is determined to be MWAB-UE UPF based on the CN tunnel information;

[0529] If the third information does not contain the CN tunnel information, the MWAB-UE UPF contained in the SMF context is determined to be the MWAB-UE UPF.

[0530] The processing module 8302 is configured such that: the fourth network function is UE SMF; the second network function is UE UPF; if UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF are different; the determination of UE UPF based on third information includes one of the following:

[0531] If the third information includes the CN tunnel information, the UE UPF is determined to be MWAB-UE UPF based on the CN tunnel information;

[0532] If the third information does not contain the CN tunnel information, the MWAB-UE UPF obtained by requesting the MWAB-UE UPF indicated by the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF is determined to be the MWAB-UE UPF.

[0533] Figure 9a is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 9100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 9100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal (e.g., user equipment, etc.), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 9100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0534] As shown in Figure 9a, the communication device 9100 includes one or more processors 9101. The processor 9101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. The communication device 9100 is used to execute any of the above methods.

[0535] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more memories 9102 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 9102 may also be located outside the communication device 9100.

[0536] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 further includes one or more transceivers 9103. When the communication device 9100 includes one or more transceivers 9103, the transceivers 9103 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S3101, but not limited thereto), and the processor 9101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0537] In some embodiments, a transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0538] In some embodiments, the communication device 9100 may include one or more interface circuits 9104. Optionally, the interface circuit 9104 is connected to the memory 9102, and the interface circuit 9104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 9102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 9102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 9104 can read instructions stored in the memory 9102 and send the instructions to the processor 9101.

[0539] The communication device 9100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 9100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 9100 may not be limited by FIG. 9a. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0540] Figure 9b is a schematic diagram of the structure of the chip 9200 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 9100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 9200 shown in Figure 9b, but it is not limited thereto.

[0541] Chip 9200 includes one or more processors 9201, which are used to perform any of the above methods.

[0542] In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more interface circuits 9202. Optionally, the interface circuit 9202 is connected to memory 9203, and the interface circuit 9202 can be used to receive signals from memory 9203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 9202 can be used to send signals to memory 9203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 9202 can read instructions stored in memory 9203 and send the instructions to processor 9201.

[0543] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 9202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S3101, but not limited thereto), and the processor 9201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0544] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, transceiver, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0545] In some embodiments, chip 9200 further includes one or more memories 9203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 9203 may be located outside of chip 9200.

[0546] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 9100, cause the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0547] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 9100, causes the communication device 9100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0548] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a first device, and the method includes: Send the first message to the first network function; The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the first network function includes: Send an N2 message to the first network function; The N2 message contains the first information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The N2 message contains the first information and the PDU session creation request information.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: For N3 backhaul, a MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created; The terminal accesses the network via MWAB.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate that the terminal accesses the network through MWAB. The first information includes access parameters for the terminal to access the network. The access parameters are used by the first network function to determine that the terminal accesses the network through MWAB.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The access parameters include at least one of the following: MWAB access indication information; The identification ID of the MWAB-gNB community.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the second information sent by the first network function; The second information is used to instruct the first device to trigger the creation of a MWAB-UE PDU session for N3 backhaul.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the second information is received, the MWAB-UE in the first device is triggered to create the MWAB-UE PDU session.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send third information related to the MWAB-UE PDU session to the first network function; The third information includes at least one of the following: Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function; MWAB-UE ID; MWAB-UE PDU Session ID; MWAB-UE SMF identity information.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The MWAB-UE SMF identity information is used to determine the MWAB-UE's Serving User Plane Function (UPF) ID.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first device is a MWAB, and there is a first mapping relationship between the QoS flow of the terminal accessing the MWAB and the MWAB-UE QoS flow.

12. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a first network function, and the method includes: Receive the first information sent by the first device; The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first information received from the first device includes: Receive the N2 message sent by the first device; The N2 message contains the first information.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The N2 message contains the first information and the PDU session creation request information.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: For N3 backhaul, a MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created; The terminal accesses the network via MWAB.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first information is used to indicate that the terminal accesses the network through MWAB. The first information includes access parameters for the terminal to access the network. The access parameters are used by the first network function to determine that the terminal accesses the network through MWAB.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The access parameters include at least one of the following: MWAB access indication information; The identification ID of the MWAB-gNB community.

18. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the first information, it is determined that the MWAB-UE PDU session needs to be created.

19. The method according to claim 12 or 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine if the MWAB-UE PDU session is available.

20. The method according to claim 12 or 19, characterized in that, The method further includes: If no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists, send the second information to the first device; The second information is used to instruct the first device to trigger the creation of a MWAB-UE PDU session for N3 backhaul.

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive third-party information; The third information includes at least one of the following: Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function; MWAB-UE Identity ID; MWAB-UE PDU Session ID; The identity information of the MWAB-UE session management function SMF.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The receipt of the third information includes: If no available MWAB-UE PDU session exists, the third information sent by the first device is received.

23. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the third information does not include the CN tunnel information and / or the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF, the core network CN tunnel information and / or the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF shall be obtained from the third network function.

24. The method according to claim 21 or 23, characterized in that, The identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF is used to determine the MWAB-UE's Service User Plane Function (UPF) ID.

25. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send the third information to the fourth network function.

26. The method according to claim 12 or 25, characterized in that, The method further includes: Determine the fourth network function.

27. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The determination of the fourth network function includes: The fourth network function is determined to be MWAB-UE service SMF.

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that, The determination that the fourth network function is MWAB-UE serving SMF includes: The fourth network function is determined to be the MWAB-UE service SMF indicated by the MWAB-UE SMF identifier contained in the fourth information.

29. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that, The method further includes: The fourth network function is determined to be an SMF that is different from the MWAB-UE service SMF.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The determination that the fourth network function is an SMF different from the MWAB-UE serving SMF includes: Based at least on load balancing information, it is determined that the fourth network function is an SMF that is different from the MWAB-UE service SMF.

31. A communication method, characterized in that, The method is performed by a fourth network function, and the method includes: Based on the third information, determine the second network function; The third information includes at least one of the following: Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function; MWAB-UE ID; MWAB-UE PDU Session ID; Identity information of MWAB-UE SMF.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the third information sent by the first network function.

33. The method according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that, The fourth network function is UE SMF; the second network function is UE UPF; if UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF are the same; the determination of the second network function based on the third information includes one of the following: If the third information includes the CN tunnel information, the UE UPF is determined to be MWAB-UE UPF based on the CN tunnel information; If the third information does not contain the CN tunnel information, the MWAB-UE UPF contained in the SMF context is determined to be the MWAB-UE UPF.

34. The method according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that, The fourth network function is UE SMF; the second network function is UE UPF; if UE SMF and MWAB-UE SMF are different; the determination of UE UPF based on the third information includes one of the following: If the third information includes the CN tunnel information, the UE UPF is determined to be MWAB-UE UPF based on the CN tunnel information; If the third information does not contain the CN tunnel information, the MWAB-UE UPF obtained by requesting the MWAB-UE UPF indicated by the identity information of the MWAB-UE SMF is determined to be the MWAB-UE UPF.

35. A communication method, characterized in that, The method includes: The first device sends the first information to the first network function; The first network function receives the first information sent by the first device; The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

36. A first device, characterized in that, The first device includes: The transceiver module is configured as follows: Send the first message to the first network function; The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

37. A first network function, characterized in that, The first network function includes: The transceiver module is configured as follows: Receive the first information sent by the first device; The first information is used to enable the first network function to determine whether a mobile base station terminal MWAB-UE protocol data unit (PDU) session with wireless backhaul needs to be created for N3 backhaul.

38. A fourth network device, characterized in that, The fourth network device includes: The processing module is configured as follows: Based on the third information, determine the second network function; The third information includes at least one of the following: Core network CN tunnel information, wherein the CN tunnel information includes the identity information of the second network function; MWAB-UE ID; MWAB-UE PDU Session ID; MWAB-UESMF's identity information.

39. A communication system, characterized in that, The communication system includes a first device, a first network function, and a fourth network function; the first device is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 11, the first network function is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 12 to 30, and the fourth network function is configured to implement the method of any one of claims 31 to 34.

40. A first device, characterized in that, The first device includes: One or more processors; The first device is used to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

41. A first network function, characterized in that, The first network function includes: One or more processors; The first network function is used to perform the method of any one of claims 12 to 30.

42. A fourth network function, characterized in that, The fourth network function includes: One or more processors; The fourth network function is used to perform the method of any one of claims 31 to 34.

43. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 11, 12 to 30, or claims 31 to 34.

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