Communication method, first device, first network device, second network device, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are a communication method, a first device, a first network device, a second network device, a communication system and a storage medium. The method is executed by a first network device. The method comprises: sending first information to a first network device, wherein the first information is used for indicating that a first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access protocol data unit (PDU) session. The technical solution provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure can adapt to a communication mechanism after the deployment of a first device.

Description

Communication method, first device, first network device, second network device, communication system and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to a communication method, a first device, a first network device, a second network device, a communication system and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of communication technology, a device is introduced which can implement transmission control or transmission switching between two access networks, for example, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access networks, wherein the two 3GPP access networks can connect the same or different public land mobile networks (PLMN, Public Land Mobile Network). The above-mentioned device is a dual 3GPP access device (exemplarily, which can be referred to as a DS (Dual steer) device).

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] After the introduction of the DS device, the communication mechanism of the network needs to be adjusted.

[0005] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first device, a first network device, a second network device, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0006] According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method is performed by a first device, and the method comprises:

[0007] sending first information to a first network device;

[0008] The first information is used to indicate the capability of the first device supporting establishing a dual third generation partnership project (3GPP) access protocol data unit (PDU) session.

[0009] According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises:

[0010] receiving first information sent by a first device;

[0011] The first information is used to indicate the capability of the first device supporting establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0012] According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method is performed by a second network device, and the method comprises:

[0013] receiving first information sent by a first network device;

[0014] The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0016] The first device sends first information to a first network device;

[0017] The first network device sends the first information to a second network device;

[0018] The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first device is provided, the first device comprising:

[0020] a processing module configured to:

[0021] a transceiver module configured to:

[0022] send first information to a first network device;

[0023] The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0024] According to a sixth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a first network device is provided, the first network device comprising:

[0025] a processing module configured to:

[0026] receive first information sent by a first device;

[0027] The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0028] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a second network device is provided, the second network device comprising:

[0029] a transceiver module configured to:

[0030] receive first information sent by a first network device;

[0031] The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0032] According to an eighth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, the communication system comprising a first device, a first network device and a second network device, wherein the first device is configured to perform the method of the first aspect, the first network device is configured to implement the method of the second aspect, and the second network device is configured to perform the method of the third aspect.

[0033] According to a ninth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a first device is provided, the first device comprising:

[0034] one or more processors;

[0035] The first device is configured to perform the communication method of the first aspect.

[0036] According to a tenth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network device is provided, the first network device comprising:

[0037] one or more processors;

[0038] The first network device is configured to perform the communication method of the second aspect.

[0039] According to an eleventh aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network device is provided, the second network device comprising:

[0040] one or more processors;

[0041] The second network device is configured to perform the communication method of the third aspect.

[0042] According to a twelfth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device is caused to perform the communication method provided by the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0043] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be adapted to the communication mechanism after the introduction of the DS device.

[0044] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0045] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the present disclosure together with the specification.

[0046] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an example embodiment;

[0048] FIG. 1c is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0049] FIG. 2a is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 4a is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0053] FIG. 4b is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0054] FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 5b is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0056] FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0057] FIG. 7a is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0058] FIG. 7b is a schematic diagram of a flow of a communication method according to an example embodiment;

[0059] FIG. 8a is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first device according to an example embodiment;

[0060] FIG. 8b is a schematic diagram of a structure of a first network device according to an example embodiment;

[0061] FIG. 8c is a schematic diagram of a structure of a second network device according to an example embodiment;

[0062] FIG. 9a is a schematic diagram of a structure of a UE according to an example embodiment;

[0063] FIG. 9b is a schematic diagram of a structure of a communication device according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, a first device, a first network device, a second network device, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0065] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method is performed by a first device, and the method comprises:

[0066] sending first information to a first network device;

[0067] The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual third generation partnership project, 3GPP, access protocol data unit, PDU, session.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the first device can send the first information to the first network device, the first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a DS PDU session, so that the first network device can explicitly determine that the first device supports the capability of establishing a DS PDU session, and then the first network device can establish a dual 3GPP access PDU session with the first device according to the requirement.

[0069] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first device supports establishing a first type of protocol data unit, PDU, session and supports establishing a second type of PDU session; the first type of PDU session is a PDU session established through single access, and the second type of PDU session is a dual access, DS, PDU session.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the first device can support different types of PDU sessions, for example, the first device can establish a first type of PDU session as a normal terminal, and the first device can establish a second type of PDU session as a DS device.

[0071] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the sending of the first information to the first network device comprises:

[0072] sending the first information to the first network device in a process of initiating establishment or modification of a first PDU session by the first device;

[0073] The first PDU session is a first type of PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the first information can be sent to the first network device in a process of initiating establishment or modification of a PDU session established through a first 3GPP access by the first device.

[0075] In combination with the embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first device initiates the process of establishing or modifying the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier, SUPI.

[0076] In some embodiments, the sending the first information to the first network device in initiating the establishment or the modification procedure of the first PDU session comprises:

[0077] sending a first PDU session establishment request message to the first network device, the first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or

[0078] sending a first PDU session modification request message to the first network device, the first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

[0079] In the above embodiments, the first information can be sent to the first network device through a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message, so that the first information can be sent through a newly established session or a modified existing session.

[0080] In some embodiments, the sending the first PDU session modification request message to the first network device comprises one of the following:

[0081] the first device has established the first PDU session based on the first SUPI and needs to establish a second type PDU session, the first PDU session modification request message is sent to the first network device;

[0082] the first device has established the first PDU session based on the first SUPI and receives second information sent by the network, the first PDU session modification request message is sent to the first network device;

[0083] wherein the second type PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access, and the second information is used to trigger establishment of the second type PDU session.

[0084] In the above embodiments, the first PDU session modification request message can be sent to the first network device in different situations,

[0085] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0086] receiving third information sent by the first network device;

[0087] wherein the third information is used to indicate that the first PDU session modification request message is rejected.

[0088] In the above embodiments, the first network device can reject the request of the first PDU session modification request message by sending the third information.

[0089] In some embodiments, the third information comprises a cause of rejecting the first PDU session modification request message, the cause comprising: the second network device serving the first PDU session does not support establishment of the second type PDU session or needs to trigger the first device to re-initiate establishment of the second type PDU session.

[0090] In the above embodiments, the network device can make the first device know the cause of rejecting the first PDU session modification request message through the third information.

[0091] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0092] releasing the first PDU session and starting an establishment procedure of the second type PDU session.

[0093] In the above embodiments, the establishment procedure of the second type PDU session is started in time after the first PDU session is released.

[0094] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0095] receiving fifth information sent by the second network device;

[0096] The fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0097] an identifier of the second type PDU session, the second type PDU session being a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access;

[0098] a first SUPI and a second SUPI used by the second type PDU session;

[0099] dual access policy rule information, the dual access policy rule information comprising a policy of data flow transmission or switching on two access paths.

[0100] In the above embodiments, the identifier of the second type PDU session, the first SUPI and the second SUPI used by the second type PDU session, and / or the dual access policy rule information can be obtained through the fifth information.

[0101] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method being performed by a first network device, and the method comprising:

[0102] receiving first information sent by a first device;

[0103] The first information is used to indicate a capability of the first device supporting establishment of a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0104] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first device supports establishing a first type of PDU session and supports establishing a second type of PDU session; wherein the first type of PDU session is a single access established PDU session, and the second type of PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

[0105] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving the first information sent by the first device comprises:

[0106] receiving the first information sent by the first device in a process of initiating establishment or modification of a first PDU session by the first device;

[0107] wherein the first PDU session is a first type of PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

[0108] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first device initiates the establishment or modification process of the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0109] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving the first information sent by the first device in a process of initiating establishment or modification of a first PDU session by the first device comprises:

[0110] receiving a first PDU session establishment request message sent by the first device, the first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or

[0111] receiving a first PDU session modification request message sent by the first device, the first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0113] receiving the first PDU session establishment request message, determining a second network device;

[0114] wherein the second network device supports establishment of the second type of PDU session, and the second type of PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

[0115] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second network device is: a network device selected by the first network device according to the capability of supporting establishment of the dual 3GPP access PDU session, or a second network device determined by a third network device selected by the first network device.

[0116] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the determining the second network device comprises:

[0117] determining that the first device has established a second PDU session using a second SUPI, and determining that the second network device is a second network device serving the second PDU session;

[0118] wherein the second PDU session is established by the first device through a second 3GPP access.

[0119] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises one of:

[0120] receiving the first PDU session modification request message and determining that the second network device serving the first PDU session does not support establishment of the second type of PDU session, sending third information to the first device;

[0121] receiving the first PDU session modification request message, determining that the first device has established a second PDU session using a second SUPI, and determining that the second network device serving the first PDU session is different from a second network device serving the second PDU session, sending third information to the first device;

[0122] wherein the third information is used to indicate that the first PDU session modification request message is rejected.

[0123] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third information contains a cause of rejecting the first PDU session modification request message, and the cause comprises that the second network device serving the first PDU session does not support establishment of the second type of PDU session or needs to trigger the first device to re-initiate establishment of the second type of PDU session.

[0124] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0125] sending the first information to the second network device.

[0126] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the sending the first information to the second network device comprises:

[0127] sending the first information to the second network device in a process of initiating establishment or modification of the first PDU session by the first device;

[0128] wherein the first PDU session is a first type of PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

[0129] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first device initiates the establishment or modification procedure of the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0130] According to an embodiment of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the sending, to the second network device, the first information in the initiation of the establishment or modification procedure of the first PDU session by the first device comprises:

[0131] sending, to the second network device, a first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or

[0132] sending, to the second network device, a first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

[0133] According to a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, the method being performed by a second network device, and the method comprising:

[0134] receiving first information sent by a first network device;

[0135] The first information is used to indicate a capability of the first device to support establishment of a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0136] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first device supports establishment of a first type of protocol data unit (PDU) session and supports establishment of a second type of PDU session; the first type of PDU session is a PDU session established through single access, and the second type of PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

[0137] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving the first information sent by the first network device comprises:

[0138] receiving, in the initiation of the establishment or modification procedure of the first PDU session by the first device, the first information sent by the first network device;

[0139] The first PDU session is a first type of PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

[0140] According to an embodiment of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first device initiates the establishment or modification procedure of the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0141] According to embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the receiving, in the establishing or modifying procedure of the first PDU session initiated by the first device, the first information sent by the first network device comprises:

[0142] receiving a first PDU session establishment request message sent by the first network device, the first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or

[0143] receiving a first PDU session modification request message sent by the first network device, the first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

[0144] According to embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0145] determining, based on the first information, to establish a second-type PDU session;

[0146] wherein the second-type PDU session is a dual-3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

[0147] According to embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session establishment request message contains the first information, and the determining, based on the first information, to establish a second-type PDU session comprises:

[0148] establishing, based on the first information, a first PDU session;

[0149] wherein the first PDU session is a second-type PDU session.

[0150] According to embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session modification request message contains the first information, and the establishing, based on the first information, a first PDU session comprises:

[0151] modifying a type of the established first PDU session from a first-type PDU session to the second-type PDU session;

[0152] wherein the first-type PDU session is a PDU session established through single access.

[0153] According to embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0154] establishing, after the second-type PDU session is established, an association between the first PDU session and a second PDU session;

[0155] wherein the second PDU session is established by the first device through a second 3GPP access.

[0156] According to embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0157] establishing the second PDU session.

[0158] According to embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0159] sending fourth information to a third network device;

[0160] wherein the fourth information comprises dual 3GPP access PDU session information, the dual 3GPP access PDU session information containing a first SUPI and a second SUPI used by a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0161] According to embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0162] sending fifth information to the first device;

[0163] wherein the fifth information is used to indicate at least one of:

[0164] an identity of a second type PDU session, the second type PDU session being a dual 3GPP access PDU session;

[0165] a first SUPI and a second SUPI used by the second type PDU session;

[0166] dual access policy rule information, the dual access policy rule information containing a policy for data flow transmission or switching on two access paths.

[0167] According to embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of:

[0168] generating an identity of the second type PDU session;

[0169] obtaining the identity of the second type PDU session from a fourth network device;

[0170] generating the dual access policy rule information based on a first policy, wherein the first policy is obtained from a policy control function (PCF).

[0171] According to embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the determining to establish the second type PDU session comprises:

[0172] determining to establish the second type PDU session based on sixth information;

[0173] wherein the sixth information comprises at least one of:

[0174] information that the first device completes network registration via different access networks using a first SUPI and a second SUPI;

[0175] subscription information of the first device, wherein the subscription information of the first device is used to indicate whether dual 3GPP access is supported and data transmission steering and / or handover between the dual 3GPP access is enabled;

[0176] operator policy information used to indicate whether the capability of using dual access by the first device is allowed;

[0177] performing service requires information based on dual access capability.

[0178] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a communication method, and the method comprises:

[0179] The first device sends first information to a first network device;

[0180] The first network device sends the first information to a second network device;

[0181] The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0182] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first device, and the first device comprises:

[0183] The transceiver module is configured to:

[0184] send first information to a first network device;

[0185] The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0186] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network device, and the first network device comprises:

[0187] The transceiver module is configured to:

[0188] receive first information sent by a first device;

[0189] The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0190] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network device, and the first network device comprises:

[0191] The transceiver module is configured to:

[0192] receive the first information sent by the first network device;

[0193] The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0194] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication system, the communication system comprising a first device, a first network device and a second network device, the first device being configured to implement the embodiments provided in the first aspect, the first network device being configured to implement the communication method provided in the second aspect, and the second network device being configured to implement the communication method provided in the third aspect.

[0195] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first device, the first device comprising:

[0196] one or more processors;

[0197] The first device is configured to perform the communication method provided in the first aspect.

[0198] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a first network device, the first network device comprising:

[0199] one or more processors;

[0200] The first network device is configured to perform the communication method provided in the second aspect.

[0201] In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a second network device, the second network device comprising:

[0202] one or more processors;

[0203] The second network device is configured to perform the communication method provided in the second aspect.

[0204] In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a storage medium, wherein the storage medium stores instructions, when the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the communication method described in the optional implementation manner of the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the third aspect.

[0205] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a program product, when the program product is executed by a communication device, the communication device performs the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the optional implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0206] In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program, when the computer program is executed on a computer, the computer performs the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect and / or the optional implementation manner of the third aspect.

[0207] In a fifteenth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, and / or the third aspect.

[0208] It can be understood that the first device, the first network device, the second network device, the communication system, the storage medium, the program product, the computer program, the chip or the chip system are all used to execute the method proposed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here.

[0209] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose a communication method, a first network device, a first device, a communication system and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the communication method and the information processing method, the information transmission method and other terms can be replaced with each other, and the communication system and the information processing system can be replaced with each other.

[0210] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not exhaustive, but only illustrate some embodiments, and are not specific limitations on the protection scope of the present disclosure. In the case of no contradiction, each step in an embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be combined arbitrarily, for example, the scheme after removing some steps in an embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in an embodiment can be exchanged arbitrarily, in addition, the optional implementation in an embodiment can be combined arbitrarily; in addition, the embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, for example, part or all of the steps of different embodiments can be combined arbitrarily, and an embodiment can be combined with the optional implementation of other embodiments.

[0211] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, the terms and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent if there is no special description and logical conflict, and can be referred to each other, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form a new embodiment according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0212] The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and not as a limitation on the present disclosure.

[0213] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the elements expressed in singular form, such as "one", "a", "the", "above", "said", "preceding", "this" and the like, can represent "one and only one", or "one or more", "at least one" and the like. For example, in the case of using articles such as "a", "an", "the" and the like in English, the noun after the article can be understood as singular expression, or as plural expression.

[0214] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0215] In some embodiments, the terms "at least one of", "one or more of", "a plurality of", "multiple", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0216] In some embodiments, the description modes such as "at least one of A, B", "A and / or B", "A in one case and B in another case", "in response to a case A, in response to a case B", and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: A is executed in some embodiments (A is executed regardless of B); B is executed in some embodiments (B is executed regardless of A); A and B are selectively executed in some embodiments (A and B are selected to be executed); A and B are executed in some embodiments (A and B are both executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0217] In some embodiments, the description modes such as "A or B" and the like can include the following technical solutions according to the case: A is executed in some embodiments (A is executed regardless of B); B is executed in some embodiments (B is executed regardless of A); A and B are selectively executed in some embodiments (A and B are selected to be executed). When there are more branches such as A, B, C, and the like, the above is similar.

[0218] The prefix words "first", "second", and the like in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different description objects, and do not constitute a limitation on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the description objects. The description of the description objects should be referred to the description in the context of the claims or embodiments, and should not be limited by the prefix words. For example, the description objects are "fields", and the ordinal words before "fields" in "first field" and "second field" do not limit the position or order between "fields". "First" and "second" do not limit whether the "fields" modified thereby are in the same message, nor do they limit the order of "first field" and "second field". For another example, the description objects are "levels", and the ordinal words before "levels" in "first level" and "second level" do not limit the priority between "levels". For another example, the quantity of the description objects is not limited by the ordinal words, and can be one or more. For example, "first device", wherein the quantity of "devices" can be one or more. In addition, the objects modified by different prefix words can be the same or different. For example, the description objects are "devices", and "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and the types thereof can be the same or different. For another example, the description objects are "information", and "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and the contents thereof can be the same or different.

[0219] In some embodiments, "comprising", "including", "to indicate", "carrying", can be interpreted as directly carrying A, or indirectly indicating A.

[0220] In some embodiments, the terms "in response to", "in response to determining", "in the case of", "when", "when", "if", "if" and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0221] 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", "above", and the like can be replaced with each other, and 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", "below", and the like can be replaced with each other.

[0222] In some embodiments, the apparatus and device can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and its name is not limited to the name recorded in the embodiments, and in some cases can also be understood as "equipment", "device", "circuit", "network element", "node", "function", "unit", "section", "system", "network", "chip", "chip system", "entity", "subject" and the like.

[0223] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as an apparatus contained in the network, such as an access network device, a core network device, and the like.

[0224] In some embodiments, an “access network device (AN device)” can also be referred to as a “radio access network device (RAN device),” a “base station (BS),” a “radio base station,” a “fixed station,” and in some embodiments can also be understood as a “node,” an “access point,” a “transmission point (TP),” a “reception point (RP),” a “transmission / reception point (TRP),” a “panel,” an “antenna panel,” an “antenna array,” a “cell,” a “macro cell,” a “small cell,” a “femto cell,” a “pico cell,” a “sector,” a “cell group,” a “serving cell,” a “carrier,” a “component carrier,” a “bandwidth part (BWP),” and the like.

[0225] In some embodiments, a "terminal" or "terminal device" can be referred to as a "user equipment" (UE), a "user terminal," a "mobile station" (MS), a "mobile terminal" (MT), a subscriber station, a mobile unit, a subscriber unit, a wireless unit, a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a wireless communication device, a remote device, a mobile subscriber station, an access terminal, a mobile terminal, a wireless terminal, a remote terminal, a handset, a user agent, a mobile client, a client, and / or the like.

[0226] In some embodiments, data, information and / or the like can be obtained in compliance with laws and regulations of a country where the data, information and / or the like is obtained.

[0227] In some embodiments, data, information and / or the like can be obtained after consent of a user.

[0228] In addition, each element, each row, or each column in a table of embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and a combination of any element, any row, or any column can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0229] FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0230] As shown in FIG. 1a, a communication system 100 includes a first device 101, a first network device 102, and a second network device 103.

[0231] In some embodiments, the first device 101 can be a terminal.

[0232] In some embodiments, the first network device 102 can be an access network device or a core network device.

[0233] In some embodiments, the second network device 103 can be an access network device or a core network device.

[0234] In some embodiments, the terminal is at least one of, for example, a mobile phone, a wearable device, an Internet of Things device, a communication-capable automobile, a smart automobile, a tablet (Pad), a wireless transceiver-equipped computer, a virtual reality (VR) terminal device, an augmented reality (AR) terminal device, a wireless terminal device in industrial control, a wireless terminal device in self-driving, a wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal device in a smart grid, a wireless terminal device in transportation safety, a wireless terminal device in a smart city, a wireless terminal device in a smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0235] In some embodiments, the access network device can be at least one of, for example, a node or a device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, and can include an evolved NodeB (eNB) in a 5G communication system, a next generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an Open RAN, a Cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0236] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of the present disclosure can be applied to an Open RAN architecture, at this time, the interfaces between or within the access network devices involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure can become internal interfaces of the Open RAN, and the processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented through software or programs.

[0237] In some embodiments, the access network device can be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU), where the CU can also be referred to as a control unit. The CU-DU structure can split the protocol layers of the access network device, and some of the protocol layers are controlled by the CU, and the rest or all of the protocol layers are distributed in the DU and controlled by the CU, but not limited thereto.

[0238] In some embodiments, the core network device can be one device including one or more network elements, or can be multiple devices or device groups including all or part of the above one or more network elements. The network element can be virtual or physical. The core network includes at least one of an evolved packet core (EPC), a 5G core network (5GCN), and a next-generation core (NGC).

[0239] It can be understood that the communication system described in the embodiments of the present disclosure is for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can know that, with the evolution of system architecture and the appearance of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0240] The following embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG. 1a or part of the subject, but are not limited thereto. The subjects shown in FIG. 1a are examples, and the communication system can include all or part of the subjects in FIG. 1a, or include other subjects other than those in FIG. 1a. The number and form of each subject is arbitrary, and the connection relationship between each subject is an example. Each subject can not be connected or can be connected, and the connection can be in any way, can be direct connection or indirect connection, can be wired connection or wireless connection.

[0241] The embodiments of the present disclosure 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 (registered trademark)), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX (registered trademark)), IEEE 802.20, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Bluetooth (Bluetooth (registered trademark)), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) network, Device-to-Device (D2D) system, Machine to Machine (M2M) system, Internet of Things (IoT) system, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), system using other communication methods, next-generation system expanded based thereon, and the like. In addition, a plurality of systems can be combined (for example, combination of LTE or LTE-A and 5G, and the like).

[0242] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, the technical solutions of the present disclosure are described below through some exemplary embodiments:

[0243] In some embodiments, a dual 3GPP access device (exemplarily, can be referred to as a DS (Dual steer) device) can be a single terminal with dual Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM).

[0244] In some embodiments, the DS device can be two independent terminals with single USIM respectively.

[0245] In some embodiments, the independent terminals contained by the DS device can be served by different Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMFs), for example, AMF1 serves the first terminal and AMF2 serves the second terminal.

[0246] In some embodiments, the DS device has two subscriptions or Subscription Permanent Identifiers (SUPIs), sharing one subscription profile from the same operator.

[0247] In some embodiments, at any given point in time, each subscription or SUPI of the DS device is connected to only one of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) accesses.

[0248] In some embodiments, the two New Radio (NR) accesses belong to the same PLMN (Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) or Visited Public Land Mobile Network (NPLMN)), and each access can be an NR Terrestrial Network (TN) or an NR Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN).

[0249] In some embodiments, the two NR accesses belong to two different PLMNs (including two VPLMNs, or one VPLMN and one HPLMN), and each access can be an NR TN or an NR NTN.

[0250] In some embodiments, NR and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) access to two different PLMNs (including two VPLMNs, or one VPLMN and one HPLMN).

[0251] In some embodiments, NR and E-UTRA access to the same PLMN (HPLMN or VPLMN).

[0252] In some embodiments, in order to enable the dualsteer feature and support various scenarios, an architecture supporting dualsteer devices is introduced.

[0253] In some embodiments, please refer to FIG. 1b, an architecture is shown, which is a non-roaming architecture, having two 3GPP accesses belonging to one PLMN.

[0254] In order to implement transmission control or transmission switching, the DS device should first register with the network through the two 3GPP accesses respectively, and then establish a DS protocol data unit (PDU) session through the two 3GPP accesses.

[0255] Please refer to FIG. 1c, a DS PDU session establishment procedure is shown. The DS PDU session establishment procedure includes:

[0256] Step S1101, UE1 of the DS device registers with the 5GC through AMF1 using SUPI1 and receives a DS user route selection policy (URSP) rule.

[0257] Step S1102, a session establishment request is sent. UE1 sends a PDU session establishment request with a request type of initial request using SUPI1, and includes a new parameter DS-related ID in the N1 session management container. The DS-related ID is generated by the DS device and should uniquely identify the DS PDU session across the two UEs.

[0258] Step S1103, an SMF is selected. The access and mobility management function (AMF) selects an SMF1 (home session management function (H-SMF)) supporting DS capability based on the DS-related ID.

[0259] Step S1104, the AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request to the H-SMF.

[0260] Step S1105, the H-SMF retrieves SM subscription data from the Unified Data Management (UDM) including a new parameter DS SUPI containing SUPI2.

[0261] comprises:

[0262] Step S1105a, an SDM_GET request is sent;

[0263] Step S1105b, an SDM_GET response is sent.

[0264] Step S1106, the H-SMF establishes an SM policy association and includes the DS SUPI (SUPI2) in the request in addition to SUPI1. The Policy Control Function (PCF) provides policy and charging control (PCC) rules for the DS PDU session.

[0265] Step S1107, the H-SMF establishes an N4 session with the User Plane Function (UPF). Similar to the multi-access MA PDU session, the H-SMF generates N4 rules.

[0266] Step S1108, the H-SMF registers the PDU session with the UDM. In addition, it includes the DS related ID as a new parameter in the registration request.

[0267] Step S1109, if the DS device has not registered with SUPI2 through a second access, it registers and receives DS URSP rules in this step.

[0268] Step S1110, a PDU session establishment request is sent. This step is identical to step S1102 with a new parameter in the SM container, in the existing PDU, it indicates that the PDU session for SUPI1 has been created. UE-2 of the DS device sends the same DS related ID and the same data network name (DNN) or single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) as in step S1102.

[0269] Step S1111, Selecting SMF. The AMF2 selects a visited Session Management Function (V-SMF, SMF2) based on current mechanisms and the same H-SMF as in step S1103 based on the DS related ID.

[0270] Step S1112, The AMF2 sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request to the V-SMF and further to the H-SMF. In this step, the H-SMF checks if there is a PDU session corresponding to SUPI2 and the DS related ID. If yes, steps S1113 to S1116 are skipped.

[0271] Step S1113, The H-SMF retrieves the subscription data for SUPI2 including the DS SUPI (containing SUPI1). The H-SMF associates the DS PDU session with SUPI1 and SUPI2.

[0272] Contains:

[0273] Step S1113a, Sending SDM_GET request;

[0274] Step S1113b, Sending SDM_GET response.

[0275] Step S1114, The H-SMF triggers an SM Policy Association establishment request including the DS SUPI (SUPI1) in the request. The PCF provides PCC rules for the DS PDU session. The H-PCF associates the SM Policy Association corresponding to SUPI1 and the SM Policy Association corresponding to SUPI2. Alternatively, the H-SMF triggers an SM Policy Association update request to update the policy information of the PDU session and includes the DS SUPI (SUPI1). The H-PCF associates the SM Policy Association with SUPI1 and SUPI2. The PCF can modify the PCC rules based on the access type and the PLMN of SUPI2.

[0276] Step S1115, The H-SMF modifies the N4 rules in order to establish additional N3 or N9 tunnels between the second ingress and the UPF.

[0277] Step S1116, Same as step 11-21 of TS 23.502 Figure 4.3.2.2.1-1.

[0278] In some embodiments, to support the DS function, a DS PDU session needs to be established for the DS device. As part of the DS PDU session establishment, two UEs of the DS device initiate PDU session establishment respectively. This means that if the dual 3GPP access capability (transmission control or transmission handover) is not enabled, the UE of the DS device can act as a common UE, i.e., it registers as a common UE and establishes a PDU session (instead of a DS PDU session) to start the service. Subsequently, if the dual 3GPP access capability needs to be activated, the role of the UE should be converted from the common UE to the dual 3GPP access UE by establishing a DS PDU session. This can be achieved by releasing the PDU session and establishing a new DS PDU session. However, the process is complicated, which will increase the time delay.

[0279] FIG. 2a is an interaction diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method for a communication system 100, and the method comprises:

[0280] Step S2101: The first device sends first information to the first network device.

[0281] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the first information sent by the first device.

[0282] In some embodiments, the first device is a device supporting access to at least two networks (e.g., 3GPP networks).

[0283] In some embodiments, the first device is a device capable of connecting to the same or different PLMN for implementing transmission control or transmission handover between two 3GPP access networks, for example, the first device can be a dual steer device. It should be noted that the dual steer device is not limited to being referred to as a dual 3GPP access device or a dual steering device or a dual control device. Such access can be simultaneous access, or can be non-simultaneous access. That is, the first device can access at least two 3GPP networks simultaneously, or the first device can access one 3GPP network first and then access another 3GPP network.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first network device can be an access and mobility management function (AMF). It should be noted that the network device in the present disclosure can also be referred to as a network element, a function or a network node, etc., which is not limited herein.

[0285] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate the capability of the first device to support establishing a dual third generation partnership project (3GPP) access protocol data unit (PDU) session.

[0286] In some embodiments, the dual 3GPP access can refer to accessing to a home PLMN through two 3GPP access networks, wherein the two 3GPP access networks can access to the same home PLMN, or one accesses to the home PLMN through a visited PLMN and the other accesses to the home PLMN directly, or both accesses to the home PLMN through a visited PLMN respectively. The dual 3GPP access PDU session can refer to that the first device establishes PDU sessions through the above two 3GPP access networks respectively, and associates the PDU sessions to form a dual access PDU session, which can also be referred to as a "DS PDU session". Through the DS PDU session, data transmission control or transmission switching between the two 3GPP accesses can be realized.

[0287] In the present disclosure, the first 3GPP access can refer to a first 3GPP access path, or can refer to a first 3GPP access network, which is not limited herein.

[0288] In the present disclosure, the second 3GPP access can refer to a second 3GPP access path, or can refer to a second 3GPP access network, which is not limited herein.

[0289] In some embodiments, the first device supports establishing a first type of protocol data unit (PDU) session and supports establishing a second type of PDU session.

[0290] In some embodiments, the first type of PDU session is a PDU session established through single access.

[0291] In some embodiments, the second type of PDU session is a DS PDU session established through dual access.

[0292] In some embodiments, the first device sends first information to a first network device in a process of initiating establishment or modification of a first PDU session.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first PDU session is a first type of PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

[0294] In some embodiments, the first device initiates the establishment or modification process of the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0295] In some embodiments, the first device sends a first PDU session establishment request message to the first network device, and the first PDU session establishment request message contains the first information.

[0296] In some embodiments, the first device sends a first PDU session modification request message to the first network device, the first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first device has established the first PDU session based on a first SUPI and the first device needs to establish a second type PDU session, the first device sends the first PDU session modification request message to the first network device.

[0298] In some embodiments, the first device has established the first PDU session based on a first SUPI and receives second information sent by a network, the first device sends the first PDU session modification request message to the first network device.

[0299] In some embodiments, the second information is used to trigger establishment of the second type PDU session.

[0300] In some embodiments, the second information is sent to the first device by an AMF or an SMF.

[0301] Step S2102: The first network device determines a second network device.

[0302] In some embodiments, the second network device can be a session management function (SMF).

[0303] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the first PDU session establishment request message and determines the second network device;

[0304] In some embodiments, the second network device supports establishment of the second type PDU session, and the second type PDU session is a DS PDU session established through dual access.

[0305] In some embodiments, the second network device is a network device selected by the first network device according to the capability of supporting establishment of the DS PDU session.

[0306] In some embodiments, the second network device is a second network device (e.g., SMF1) determined by a third network device (e.g., SMF2) selected by the first network device.

[0307] In some embodiments, the first device has established a second PDU session using a second SUPI, and the second network device is determined to be a second network device serving the second PDU session.

[0308] In some embodiments, the second PDU session is established by the first device through a second 3GPP access.

[0309] Step S2103: The first network device sends third information to the first device.

[0310] In some embodiments, the first device receives the third information sent by the first network device.

[0311] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the first PDU session modification request message and a second network device serving the first PDU session does not support establishment of the second type PDU session, and the first network device sends third information to the first device.

[0312] In some embodiments, the first network device receives the first PDU session modification request message, determines that the first device has established a second PDU session using a second SUPI, and a second network device serving the first PDU session is different from a second network device serving the second PDU session, and the first network device sends third information to the first device.

[0313] In some embodiments, the third information is used to indicate that the first PDU session modification request message is rejected.

[0314] In some embodiments, the third information includes a reason for rejecting the first PDU session modification request message.

[0315] In some embodiments, the reason includes that a second network device serving the first PDU session does not support establishment of the second type PDU session or needs to trigger the first device to re-initiate establishment of the second type PDU session.

[0316] In some embodiments, after receiving the third information, the first device can release the first PDU session and start an establishment procedure of the second type PDU session.

[0317] Step S2104: The first network device sends first information to the second network device.

[0318] In some embodiments, the second network device receives the first information sent by the first network device.

[0319] In some embodiments, the first network device sends the first information to the second network device during establishment or modification of the first PDU session initiated by the first device.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first PDU session is a first type PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

[0321] In some embodiments, the first device initiates a procedure of establishing or modifying the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0322] In some embodiments, the first network device sends, to the second network device, a first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information.

[0323] In some embodiments, the first network device sends, to the second network device, a first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

[0324] Step S2105: The second network device determines to establish a second type PDU session.

[0325] In some embodiments, based on the first information, the second network device determines to establish a second type PDU session; wherein the second type PDU session is a DS PDU session established through dual access.

[0326] In some embodiments, the first PDU session establishment request message contains the first information. Based on the first information, the second network device establishes a first PDU session; wherein the first PDU session is a second type PDU session.

[0327] In some embodiments, the first PDU session modification request message contains the first information. The second network device modifies a type of the established first PDU session from a first type PDU session to the second type PDU session; wherein the first type PDU session is a PDU session established through single access.

[0328] In some embodiments, after the second type PDU session is established, the second network device establishes an association between the first PDU session and a second PDU session; wherein the second PDU session is established by the first device through a second 3GPP access.

[0329] In some embodiments, after the second PDU session is not established, the second network device triggers establishment of the second PDU session.

[0330] In some embodiments, based on sixth information, the second network device determines to establish the second type PDU session.

[0331] In some embodiments, the sixth information includes at least one of the following:

[0332] Information that the first device completes network registration via different access networks using a first SUPI and a second SUPI.

[0333] subscription information of the first device, wherein the subscription information of the first device is used to indicate whether dual 3GPP access is supported and data transmission steering and / or handover between the dual 3GPP access is enabled;

[0334] operator policy information, wherein the operator policy information is used to indicate whether the capability of using dual access is allowed for the first device;

[0335] performing service requires information based on dual access capability.

[0336] Step S2106: The second network device sends fourth information to the third network device.

[0337] In some embodiments, the third network device can be a UDM.

[0338] In some embodiments, the third network device receives the fourth information sent by the second network device.

[0339] In some embodiments, the fourth information includes DS PDU session information, wherein the DS PDU session information contains a first SUPI and a second SUPI used by a DS PDU session.

[0340] Step S2107: The second network device sends fifth information to the first device.

[0341] In some embodiments, the first device receives the fifth information sent by the second network device.

[0342] In some embodiments, the fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0343] an identification of a second type PDU session, wherein the second type PDU session is a DS PDU session established through dual access;

[0344] a first SUPI and a second SUPI used by the second type PDU session;

[0345] dual access policy rule information, wherein the dual access policy rule information contains a policy of data flow transmission or handover on two access paths.

[0346] In some embodiments, the second network device generates the identification of the second type PDU session.

[0347] In some embodiments, the second network device obtains the identification of the second type PDU session from a fourth network device.

[0348] In some embodiments, the second network device generates the dual access policy rule information based on a first policy, wherein the first policy is acquired from a policy control function (PCF).

[0349] In some embodiments, the term "information" can be mutually replaced with the terms "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "field", "data", and the like.

[0350] In some embodiments, the term "send" can be mutually replaced with the terms "transmit", "report", "transport", and the like.

[0351] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S2101 to S2107. 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, and step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S2101 in combination with step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2101 in combination with step S2102 and step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2101 in combination with step S2102, step S2103, and step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2101 in combination with step S2102, step S2103, step S2104, and step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2101 in combination with step S2102, step S2103, step S2104, step S2105, and step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2101 in combination with step S2102, step S2103, step S2104, step S2105, step S2106, and step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, or in the case of no contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily exchanged and freely combined for implementation.

[0352] FIG. 3a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a first device, and the method comprises the following steps.

[0353] In step S3101, first information is sent to a first network device.

[0354] In some embodiments, optional implementation of step S3101 can refer to optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0355] In step S3102, third information sent by the first network device is received.

[0356] Optional implementation of step S3102 can refer to optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0357] In step S3103, fifth information sent by a second network device is received.

[0358] In some embodiments, optional implementation of step S3103 can refer to optional implementation of step S2107 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0359] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise at least one of steps S3101 to S3103. For example, step S3101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S3101 in combination with step S3102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S3101 in combination with steps S3102 and S3103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, or in the case of no contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily exchanged and freely combined for implementation.

[0360] FIG. 3b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3b, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises the following steps.

[0361] In step S3201, first information is sent to a first network device.

[0362] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual third generation partnership project 3GPP access protocol data unit PDU session.

[0363] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S3201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which are not described herein again.

[0364] In some embodiments, the first device supports establishing a first type of protocol data unit (PDU) session and supports establishing a second type of PDU session; wherein the first type of PDU session is a PDU session established through single access, and the second type of PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

[0365] In some embodiments, the sending, to the first network device, of the first information comprises:

[0366] In a process of initiating establishment or modification of a first PDU session by the first device, sending, to the first network device, the first information.

[0367] In some embodiments, the first PDU session is a first type of PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

[0368] In some embodiments, the first device initiates the process of establishing or modifying the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0369] In some embodiments, the sending, to the first network device, of the first information in the process of initiating establishment or modification of a first PDU session comprises:

[0370] sending, to the first network device, a first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or

[0371] sending, to the first network device, a first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

[0372] In some embodiments, the sending, to the first network device, of the first PDU session modification request message comprises one of the following:

[0373] the first device has established the first PDU session based on a first SUPI and needs to establish a second type of PDU session, and the first device sends the first PDU session modification request message to the first network device;

[0374] the first device has established the first PDU session based on a first SUPI and receives second information sent by the network, and the first device sends the first PDU session modification request message to the first network device;

[0375] The second type PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

[0376] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0377] receiving third information sent by the first network device;

[0378] The third information is used to indicate that the first PDU session modification request message is rejected.

[0379] In some embodiments, the third information contains a reason for rejecting the first PDU session modification request message, and the reason includes that a second network device serving the first PDU session does not support establishment of the second type PDU session or needs to trigger the first device to re-initiate second type PDU session establishment.

[0380] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0381] releasing the first PDU session and starting an establishment process of the second type PDU session.

[0382] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0383] receiving fifth information sent by a second network device;

[0384] The fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0385] an identifier of a second type PDU session, the second type PDU session being a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access;

[0386] a first SUPI and a second SUPI used by the second type PDU session;

[0387] dual access policy rule information containing a policy for data flow transmission or switching on two access paths.

[0388] FIG. 4a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a first network device, and the above method includes:

[0389] Step S4101: receiving first information sent by the first device.

[0390] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be described here.

[0391] Step S4102: determining the second network device.

[0392] In some embodiments, optional implementation of step S4102 can refer to optional implementation of step S2102 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0393] Step S4103: sending third information to the first device.

[0394] Optional implementation of step S4103 can refer to optional implementation of step S2103 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0395] Step S4104: sending the first information to the second network device.

[0396] Optional implementation of step S4104 can refer to optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0397] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S4101 to S4104. For example, step S4101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S4101 in combination with step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S4101 in combination with step S4102 and step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S4101 in combination with step S4102, step S4103 and step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be independently implemented, or in the case of no contradiction, the order can be arbitrarily exchanged and freely combined for implementation.

[0398] FIG. 4b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4b, the communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure is executed by the first device, and the above method includes:

[0399] Step S4201: receiving first information sent by the first device.

[0400] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0401] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S4201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2101 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which are not described herein again.

[0402] In some embodiments, the first device supports establishing a first type of PDU session and supports establishing a second type of PDU session; wherein the first type of PDU session is a PDU session established through single access, and the second type of PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

[0403] In some embodiments, the receiving the first information sent by the first device comprises:

[0404] In a process of initiating establishment or modification of a first PDU session by the first device, receiving the first information sent by the first device;

[0405] In some embodiments, the first PDU session is a first type of PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

[0406] In some embodiments, the first device initiates the establishment or modification process of the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0407] In some embodiments, the receiving the first information sent by the first device in the process of initiating establishment or modification of a first PDU session by the first device comprises:

[0408] receiving a first PDU session establishment request message sent by the first device, the first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or

[0409] receiving a first PDU session modification request message sent by the first device, the first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

[0410] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0411] Upon receiving the first PDU session establishment request message, determining a second network device;

[0412] In some embodiments, the second network device supports establishment of the second type of PDU session, and the second type of PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

[0413] In some embodiments, the second network device is a network device selected by the first network device according to the capability of supporting establishment of the dual 3GPP access PDU session, or a second network device determined by a third network device selected by the first network device.

[0414] In some embodiments, the determining the second network device comprises:

[0415] The first device has established a second PDU session using a second SUPI, and the second network device is determined to be a second network device serving the second PDU session;

[0416] The second PDU session is established by the first device through a second 3GPP access.

[0417] In some embodiments, the method further comprises one of:

[0418] Upon receiving the first PDU session modification request message and determining that the second network device serving the first PDU session does not support establishment of the second type of PDU session, sending third information to the first device;

[0419] Upon receiving the first PDU session modification request message, determining that the first device has established a second PDU session using a second SUPI, and that the second network device serving the first PDU session is different from the second network device serving the second PDU session, sending third information to the first device;

[0420] The third information is used to indicate that the first PDU session modification request message is rejected.

[0421] In some embodiments, the third information includes a cause for rejecting the first PDU session modification request message, and the cause includes that the second network device serving the first PDU session does not support establishment of the second type of PDU session or needs to trigger the first device to re-initiate establishment of the second type of PDU session.

[0422] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0423] Sending the first information to the second network device.

[0424] In some embodiments, the sending the first information to the second network device comprises:

[0425] The first information is sent to the second network device during initiation of establishment or modification of the first PDU session by the first device;

[0426] The first PDU session is a first type of PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

[0427] In some embodiments, the first device initiates the establishment or modification process of the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0428] In some embodiments, the sending, to the second network device, the first information in the establishing or modifying procedure of the first PDU session by the first device comprises:

[0429] sending, to the second network device, a first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or

[0430] sending, to the second network device, a first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

[0431] FIG. 5a is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, which is performed by a second network device, and the above method comprises:

[0432] Step S5101: receiving first information sent by a second network device.

[0433] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S5101 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0434] Step S5102: determining to establish a second-type PDU session.

[0435] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S5102 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2105 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0436] Step S5103: sending fourth information to a third network device.

[0437] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S5103 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2106 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0438] Step S5104: sending fifth information to a first device.

[0439] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S5104 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2107 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0440] The communication method related to the embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one of steps S5101 to S5104. For example, step S5101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. For example, step S5101 in combination with step S5102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S5101 in combination with step S5102 and step S5103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S5101 in combination with step S5102, step S5103 and step S5104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It should be noted that each step can be implemented independently, or in the case of no contradiction, the order can be exchanged and combined freely.

[0441] FIG. 5b is a flow diagram illustrating a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5b, the embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a communication method, which is performed by a second network device, and the above method comprises:

[0442] Step S5201: receiving first information sent by a first network device.

[0443] In some embodiments, the optional implementation of step S5201 can refer to the optional implementation of step S2104 in FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments related to FIG. 2a, which will not be described here.

[0444] In some embodiments, the first device supports establishing a first type of protocol data unit (PDU) session and supports establishing a second type of PDU session; wherein the first type of PDU session is a PDU session established through single access, and the second type of PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

[0445] In some embodiments, the receiving of the first information sent by the first network device comprises:

[0446] In the process of initiating establishment or modification of a first PDU session by the first device, the first information sent by the first network device is received.

[0447] The first PDU session is a first type of PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

[0448] In some embodiments, the first device initiates the establishment or modification process of the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

[0449] In some embodiments, the receiving the first information sent by the first network device in the establishment or modification procedure of the first PDU session initiated by the first device comprises:

[0450] receiving a first PDU session establishment request message sent by the first network device, the first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or

[0451] receiving a first PDU session modification request message sent by the first network device, the first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

[0452] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0453] determining to establish a second type PDU session based on the first information;

[0454] wherein the second type PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

[0455] In some embodiments, the first PDU session establishment request message contains the first information, and the determining to establish a second type PDU session based on the first information comprises:

[0456] establishing a first PDU session based on the first information;

[0457] wherein the first PDU session is a second type PDU session.

[0458] In some embodiments, the first PDU session modification request message contains the first information, and the establishing a first PDU session based on the first information comprises:

[0459] modifying a type of the established first PDU session from a first type PDU session to the second type PDU session;

[0460] wherein the first type PDU session is a PDU session established through single access.

[0461] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0462] establishing an association between the first PDU session and a second PDU session after the second type PDU session is established;

[0463] wherein the second PDU session is established by the first device through a second 3GPP access.

[0464] In some embodiments, the method further comprises:

[0465] The second PDU session is not established, and establishing the second PDU session is triggered.

[0466] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0467] sending fourth information to a third network device;

[0468] The fourth information includes dual 3GPP access PDU session information, and the dual 3GPP access PDU session information includes a first SUPI and a second SUPI used by a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0469] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0470] sending fifth information to the first device;

[0471] The fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following:

[0472] an identifier of a second type PDU session, the second type PDU session being a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access;

[0473] a first SUPI and a second SUPI used by the second type PDU session;

[0474] dual access policy rule information, the dual access policy rule information including a policy for data flow transmission or switching on two access paths.

[0475] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0476] generating the identifier of the second type PDU session;

[0477] obtaining the identifier of the second type PDU session from a fourth network device;

[0478] generating the dual access policy rule information based on a first policy, wherein the first policy is obtained from a policy control function (PCF).

[0479] In some embodiments, the determination to establish the second type PDU session includes:

[0480] determining to establish the second type PDU session based on sixth information;

[0481] The sixth information includes at least one of the following:

[0482] information that the first device completes network registration via different access networks using a first SUPI and a second SUPI;

[0483] subscription information of the first device, wherein the subscription information of the first device is used to indicate whether dual 3GPP access is supported and data transmission steering and / or switching between the dual 3GPP access is enabled;

[0484] operator policy information used to indicate whether the first device is allowed to use the capability of dual access;

[0485] performing service requires information based on the capability of dual access.

[0486] FIG. 6a is an interaction schematic diagram of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6a, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a communication method, for a communication system 100, the method comprising one of the following steps:

[0487] Step S6101: The first device sends first information to the first network device.

[0488] Step S6102: The first network device sends the first information to the second network device.

[0489] In some embodiments, the first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

[0490] The optional implementation of step S6101 and step 6102 can be referred to the optional implementation of steps of FIG. 2a and other associated parts in the embodiments involved by FIG. 2a, which will not be repeated here.

[0491] In some embodiments, the above method can include the method of the above communication system side, first device side, network device side, etc. embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0492] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is further illustrated by some exemplary embodiments as follows:

[0493] In some embodiments, for the first device, i.e., Device (supporting Dualsteer capability) side:

[0494] In some embodiments, the Device initiates a first PDU session request or modification using a first SUPI, and includes an "indication of supporting DS PDU session" (corresponding to the first information) in the PDU session establishment request or PDU session modification request.

[0495] If the indication is included in the PDU session establishment request:

[0496] In some embodiments, according to the indication, an SMF supporting the DS PDU session capability is selected for the first PDU session.

[0497] In some embodiments, the AMF (corresponding to the first network device) selects an SMF (corresponding to the second network device) that supports DSSession capability according to the indication.

[0498] In some embodiments, the AMF selects a first SMF, and the first SMF selects a second SMF (corresponding to the second network device) that supports DSSession capability according to the indication.

[0499] In some embodiments, if the device has established a second PDU session using a second SUPI, the SMF used by the second PDU session is selected for the first SUPI.

[0500] If the indication is included in a PDU session modification:

[0501] In some embodiments, the case occurs if the device has established a first PDU session using a first SUPI, and then the device decides to initiate a DSSession, initiates the first PDU session modification, or receives an indication from the network that a DSSession needs to be established.

[0502] In some embodiments, if the SMF selected by the first PDU session does not support DSSession capability, or the device has established a second PDU session using a second SUPI, and the SMF selected by the first PDU session is different from the SMF selected by the second PDU session, a first PDU session modification reject message (corresponding to the third information) is returned, and the reason is indicated as that the SMF of the first PDU session does not support DSSession capability or that the device is instructed to re-initiate the establishment of a DSSession. The device receives the reject message, releases the first PDU session, and re-initiates the establishment of a DSSession.

[0503] In some embodiments, the SMF establishes the DSSession,

[0504] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the indication included in the first PDU session establishment request, the SMF establishes a first PDU session or establishes a DSSession. If the SMF determines that a DSSession needs to be established according to the indication, the DSSession is established according to the first PDU session establishment request.

[0505] In some embodiments, in response to receiving the indication included in the first PDU session modification request, the SMF establishes a DSSession.

[0506] In some embodiments, the establishing the DS PDU session comprises at least one of:

[0507] establishing an association of the first PDU session and the second PDU session. The association also triggers establishing the second PDU session if the second PDU session has not been established yet;

[0508] registering DS PDU session information (corresponding to fourth information) to a UDM (corresponding to a third network device), the information comprising the first SUPI and the second SUPI used by the DS PDU session;

[0509] returning a PDU session establishment or modification response (corresponding to fifth information) to the UE, the response message containing a DS PDU session identifier and a Dualsteer policy rule. The DS PDU session identifier is assigned by the SMF when the SMF establishes the DS PDU session, or is obtained from other network elements; the Dualsteer policy rule is generated by the SMF according to a policy issued by a PCF, and the Dualsteer policy rule contains a policy for data flow transmission or switching (traffic steering or switching) on two 3GPP access paths.

[0510] In some embodiments, the SMF determines that the DS PDU session needs to be established according to at least one of:

[0511] the device completes registration indication using the first SUPI and the second SUPI, and the registration is a registration completed through different 3GPP accesses;

[0512] subscription information of the device indicates whether to allow performing a dualsteer capability (supporting dual 3GPP access, and being capable of data transmission steering and / or switching between the dual 3GPP accesses);

[0513] whether an operator policy allows performing the dualsteer capability;

[0514] whether an application service needs to invoke the dualsteer capability.

[0515] -

[0516] Example 1

[0517] Referring to FIG. 7a, a communication method is provided, the method comprising:

[0518] Step S7101:

[0519] Step S7101a: The first device registers with 5GC using SUPI1 through AMF1 and receives DS UE Route Selection Policy, i.e. user route selection policy rules.

[0520] Step S7101b: The first device registers with 5GC using SUPI2 through AMF2 and receives DS URSP rules.

[0521] Step S7102: The first device sends a PDU session establishment request (corresponding to a first PDU session establishment request) of request type initial request as a normal terminal device using SUPI1 and, if the first device supports DS capability, includes a "DS PDU session support" indication in the request message (corresponding to a first information). The "DS PDU session support" indication means that the single access PDU session requested to be established can be converted into a DS PDU session supporting dual access according to the HPLMN network requirement.

[0522] Step S7103: Select SMF (corresponding to a second network device). AMF1 selects an SMF supporting dual 3gpp access capability based on the DS PDU session support indication. If the first device has already established a second PDU session through a second 3GPP access using SUPI2, AMF1 should select the same SMF serving the second PDU session to serve this PDU session.

[0523] Step S7104: AMF1 sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request to the SMF. The request message includes SUPI1, PDU ID1 and "DS PDU session support" indication.

[0524] Step S7105: Before the SMF determines whether to establish a DS PDU session, it can retrieve session management SM related subscription data from UDM.

[0525] Contains:

[0526] Step S7105a: Send SDM_GET request;

[0527] Step S7105b: Send SDM_GET response.

[0528] Step S7106: Determine to establish a DS PDU session. The SMF determines whether to allow the first device to establish a DS PDU session, i.e. the first device can act as a DS device, based on SM subscription data, operator policy, application services that have a need for transmission control or handover. For example, if the SM subscription data includes a parameter DS SUPI (i.e. SUPI2) which implies that the first device supports dual 3gpp access capability, then based on the subscription information, the first device is allowed to establish a DS PDU session.

[0529] In addition, the determination to establish a DS PDU session is also based on whether the first device has completed registration on both 3GPP accesses. This information can be indicated by the AMF or UDM. If the registration on both 3GPP accesses is completed, the establishment of a DS PDU session is allowed. Otherwise, the SMF allows the establishment of a PDU session serving the first device (as a normal terminal).

[0530] If the establishment of a DS PDU session is allowed, the SMF can allocate a DS PDU session ID for the DS PDU session. The DS PDU session ID should uniquely identify the DS PDU session across both SUPIs.

[0531] Step S7107: The SMF establishes an SM policy association and includes the DS SUPI (SUPI2) in the request in addition to SUPI1. The PCF provides PCC rules for the DS PDU session.

[0532] Contains:

[0533] Step S7107a: Send an SM policy control request;

[0534] Step S7107b: Send an SM policy control response.

[0535] Step S7108: The SMF generates a DS rule for the DS PDU session. The DS rule is used to indicate the traffic data control and / or handover policy for the application service on both 3GPP access paths. For example, the application matching the DS rule will use the first 3GPP access for data transmission. If the first 3GPP access is not available, the data traffic will be handed over to the second 3GPP access path. Such a DS rule can be applied on the DS device and the UPF.

[0536] Step S7109: The SMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext response to the AMF1, including the DS PDU session ID and the DS rule.

[0537] Step S7110: The AMF1 sends to the first device using SUPI1 a PDU session establishment accept message including the DS PDU session ID and the DS rules, the message implying to the first device that the PDU session establishment is for a DS PDU session.

[0538] Step S7111: In parallel with step S7109, the SMF establishes a N4 session with the UPF and also sends the DS rules to the UPF.

[0539] Step S7112: The first device establishes a DS PDU session using SUPI2 with the DS PDU session ID in step S7110.

[0540] Example 2

[0541] Referring to Figure 7b, there is provided a method of communication, the method comprising:

[0542] Step S7201:

[0543] comprising,

[0544] Step S7201a: The first device registers to the 5GC using SUPI1 through the AMF1 and receives DS URSP rules.

[0545] Step S7201b: The first device registers to the 5GC using SUPI2 through the AMF2 and receives DS URSP rules.

[0546] Step S7202: The first device, as a normal terminal, establishes a PDU session (corresponding to a first PDU session) on a first 3GPP access.

[0547] Step S7203: The first device is triggered to initiate a DS PDU session establishment. The trigger can be based on its implementation (e.g. the first device wants to start an application service that performs traffic transmission handover between dual 3GPP accesses) or based on an indication received from the network (e.g. the SMF) requiring the first device to establish a DS PDU session as a DS device.

[0548] Step S7204: The first device, as a normal terminal, sends a PDU session modification request (corresponding to a first PDU session modification request) using SUPI1 and includes in the request message a “DS PDU session support” indication. The “DS PDU session support” indication is used to indicate that the requested single access PDU session needs to be converted to a DS PDU session.

[0549] Step S7204: If the SMF selected by the AMF1 during PDU session establishment does not support dual 3gpp access capability (i.e. traffic steering and / or switching), the AMF1 can reject the PDU session modification and indicate with appropriate cause value that the SMF serving the PDU session does not support Ds PDU session establishment. When the first device receives the rejection, it should release the PDU session and request a new PDU session for the Ds PDU session establishment and skip the other steps below. Otherwise,

[0550] Step S7205: The AMF1 sends Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request to the SMF. The request message includes SUPI1, PDU ID1 and "Ds PDU session support" indication.

[0551] Step S7206: The Ds PDU session established in the procedure can be established using the related steps described in steps S6105 to S6108 of FIG. 6a.

[0552] Step S7207: If the SMF is allowed to use PDU session modification to establish the Ds PDU session, it sends Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF1 including the Ds PDU session ID and the DS rules.

[0553] Step S7208: The AMF1 sends PDU session modification accept message to the first device including the Ds PDU session ID and the DS rules, which implies to the first device that the Ds PDU session has been established.

[0554] Step S7209: In parallel with step S7207, the SMF establishes N4 session with the UPF and sends the DS rules to the UPF.

[0555] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, part or all of the steps, and optional implementation manners thereof, can be combined with part or all of the steps in other embodiments, or can be combined with optional implementation manners in other embodiments.

[0556] The embodiments of the present disclosure also propose an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods, for example, an apparatus is proposed, and the apparatus includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For another example, another apparatus is proposed, and the apparatus includes units or modules for implementing each step performed by a network device (such as an access network device, a core network function node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0557] It should be understood that the division of each unit or module in the above apparatus is only a logical function division, and all or part of them can be integrated into a physical entity or physically separated in actual implementation. In addition, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software: for example, the apparatus includes a processor connected with a memory, the memory stores instructions, and the processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or realize the functions of each unit or module of the above apparatus, wherein the processor is, for example, a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is a memory in the apparatus or a memory outside the apparatus. Alternatively, the units or modules in the apparatus can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units or modules can be realized by the design of hardware circuit. The above hardware circuit can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the above hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the above units or modules are realized by the design of the logical relationship of elements in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the above hardware circuit is a programmable logic device (PLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA) is taken as an example, which can include a large number of logic gate circuits, and the connection relationship between the logic gate circuits is configured by a configuration file, so as to realize the functions of part or all of the above units or modules. All units or modules of the above apparatus can be implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all units or modules can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part of the units or modules are implemented in the form of processor calling software, and the remaining part is implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0558] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capability. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction reading and running capability, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), a digital signal processor (DSP), and the like. In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through a logical relationship of hardware circuit, and the logical relationship of the hardware circuit is fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In the reconfigurable hardware circuit, the processor loads a configuration document to implement the configuration of the hardware circuit. It can be understood that the processor loads instructions to implement the functions of the above part or all units or modules. In addition, 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), a deep learning processing unit (DPU), and the like.

[0559] FIG. 8a is a structural schematic diagram of the first device 8100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7a, the first device 8100 can include at least one of a transceiver module 8101, a processing module 8102, and the like. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8101 is configured to transmit the first information. Optionally, the transceiver module 8101 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as transmitting and / or receiving, performed by the first device 8100 in any of the methods, which will not be described herein again. Optionally, the processing module 8102 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first device 8100 in any of the methods, which will not be described herein again.

[0560] FIG. 8b is a structural diagram of the first network device 8200 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7b, the first network device 8200 can include at least one of a transceiver module 8201, a processing module 8202, and the like. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8201 is configured to receive the first information. Optionally, the transceiver module 8201 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as the receiving and / or the transmitting performed by the terminal 8200 in any of the methods described above, details of which are not described herein again. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8201 can include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module 8201 can be replaced by a transceiver. Optionally, the processing module 8202 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first network device 8200 in any of the methods described above, details of which are not described herein again.

[0561] FIG. 8c is a structural diagram of the first device 8300 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8c, the first device 8300 can include at least one of a transceiver module 8301, a processing module 8302, and the like. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8301 is configured to transmit the first information. Optionally, the transceiver module 8301 is configured to perform at least one of the communication steps, such as the receiving and / or the transmitting performed by the terminal 8300 in any of the methods described above, details of which are not described herein again. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 8301 can include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the transceiver module 8301 can be replaced by a transceiver. Optionally, the processing module 8302 is configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the first device 8300 in any of the methods described above, details of which are not described herein again.

[0562] In some embodiments, the processing module can be a module or can include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules perform all or part of the steps required to be performed by the processing module, respectively. Optionally, the processing module can be replaced by a processor.

[0563] FIG. 9a is a structural diagram of the communication device 8100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication device 8100 can be a network device (such as an access network device, a core network device, and the like), a terminal (such as a user equipment, and the like), a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the network device to implement any of the methods described above, or a chip, a chip system, or a processor supporting the terminal to implement any of the methods described above. The communication device 8100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments, and details can be referred to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0564] As shown in FIG. 9a, the communication device 8100 includes one or more processors 8101. The processor 8101 can be a general processor or a special-purpose processor, etc., for example, a baseband processor or a central processor. The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, the central processor can be used to control a communication apparatus (e.g., a base station, a baseband chip, a terminal device, a terminal device chip, a DU or a CU, etc.), execute programs, and process data of the programs. The communication device 8100 is configured to perform any of the above methods.

[0565] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more memories 8102 configured to store instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 8102 can also be outside the communication device 8100.

[0566] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 further includes one or more transceivers 8103. When the communication device 8100 includes one or more transceivers 8103, the transceiver 8103 performs at least one of the communication steps such as transmitting and / or receiving in the above methods, and the processor 8101 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0567] In some embodiments, the transceiver can include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which can be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiving unit, transceiver, transceiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other, and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc. can be replaced with each other.

[0568] In some embodiments, the communication device 8100 can include one or more interface circuits 8104. Optionally, the interface circuit 8104 is connected to the memory 8102, and the interface circuit 8104 can be used to receive signals from the memory 8102 or other devices, and can be used to send signals to the memory 8102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8104 can read instructions stored in the memory 8102 and send the instructions to the processor 8101.

[0569] The communication device 8100 described in the above embodiments can be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 8100 described in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 8100 can not be limited by FIG. 9a. The communication device can be a standalone device or can be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device can be: 1) a standalone integrated circuit (IC), or a chip, or a chip system or subsystem; (2) a set of one or more ICs, which can optionally also include storage components for storing data, programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, a terminal device, a smart terminal device, a cellular phone, a wireless device, a handset, a mobile unit, a vehicle-mounted device, a network device, a cloud device, an artificial intelligence device, and the like; (6) and the like.

[0570] FIG. 9b is a structural schematic diagram of a chip 8200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the case where the communication device 8100 is a chip or a chip system, the structural schematic diagram of the chip 8200 shown in FIG. 9b can be referred to, but is not limited thereto.

[0571] The chip 8200 includes one or more processors 8201, and the chip 8200 is configured to execute any of the above methods.

[0572] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more interface circuits 8202. Optionally, the interface circuit 8202 is connected to the memory 8203, and the interface circuit 8202 can be configured to receive signals from the memory 8203 or other devices, and the interface circuit 8202 can be configured to send signals to the memory 8203 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 8202 can read instructions stored in the memory 8203 and send the instructions to the processor 8201.

[0573] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 8202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above methods, and the processor 8201 performs at least one of the other steps.

[0574] In some embodiments, the terms interface circuit, interface, transceiver pin, and transceiver can be replaced by each other.

[0575] In some embodiments, the chip 8200 further includes one or more memories 8203 for storing instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memory 8203 can be outside the chip 8200.

[0576] The disclosure further provides a storage medium having stored instructions which, when executed on the communication device 8100, cause the communication device 8100 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 is not limited to this, and can also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, but is not limited to this, and can also be a transitory storage medium.

[0577] The disclosure further provides a program product which, when executed by the communication device 8100, causes the communication device 8100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0578] The disclosure further provides a computer program which, when executed on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a first device, and the method comprises: sending first information to a first network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual third generation partnership project, 3GPP, access protocol data unit, PDU, session.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first device supports establishing a first type of PDU session and supports establishing a second type of PDU session; wherein the first type of PDU session is a PDU session established through single access, and the second type of PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The sending of the first information to the first network device comprises: sending the first information to the first network device in a process of initiating establishment or modification of a first PDU session by the first device; wherein the first PDU session is a first type of PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first device initiates the process of establishing or modifying the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier, SUPI.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, The sending of the first information to the first network device in the process of initiating establishment or modification of the first PDU session comprises: sending, to the first network device, a first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or sending, to the first network device, a first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The sending of the first PDU session modification request message to the first network device comprises one of the following: the first device has established the first PDU session based on the first SUPI and needs to establish the second type of PDU session, the first device sends the first PDU session modification request message to the first network device; the first device has established the first PDU session based on the first SUPI and receives second information sent by the network, the first device sends the first PDU session modification request message to the first network device; wherein the second type of PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access; and the second information is used to trigger establishment of the second type of PDU session.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving third information sent by the first network device; wherein the third information is used to indicate that the first PDU session modification request message is rejected.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The third information contains a reason for rejecting the first PDU session modification request message, and the reason comprises that a second network device serving the first PDU session does not support establishment of the second type of PDU session or needs to trigger the first device to re-initiate establishment of the second type of PDU session.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The method further comprises: releasing the first PDU session and starting an establishment procedure of the second type of PDU session.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving fifth information sent by a second network device; wherein the fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: an identifier of a second type of PDU session, the second type of PDU session being a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access; and / or an identifier of a first type of PDU session, the first type of PDU session being a PDU session established through single access. a first SUPI and a second SUPI used by the second type of PDU session; dual access policy rule information, the dual access policy rule information containing a policy of data flow transmission or switching on two access paths.

11. A communication method, comprising: The method is performed by a first network device, and the method comprises: receiving first information sent by a first device; wherein the first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The first device supports the establishment of a first type of PDU session and supports the establishment of a second type of PDU session; wherein the first type of PDU session is a PDU session established through single access, and the second type of PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein, The receiving first information sent by the first device comprises: receiving first information sent by a first device in a process of initiating establishment or modification of a first PDU session by the first device; wherein the first PDU session is a first type of PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The first device initiates the establishment or modification process of the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

15. The method of claim 13, wherein, The receiving first information sent by the first device in the process of initiating establishment or modification of the first PDU session by the first device comprises: receiving a first PDU session establishment request message sent by the first device, the first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or receiving a first PDU session modification request message sent by the first device, the first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving the first PDU session establishment request message, determining a second network device; wherein the second network device supports the establishment of the second type of PDU session, and the second type of PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The second network device is a network device selected by the first network device according to the capability of supporting the establishment of the dual 3GPP access PDU session, or a second network device determined by a third network device selected by the first network device.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein, The determining a second network device comprises: determining that the second network device is a second network device serving a second PDU session established by the first device using a second SUPI; wherein the second PDU session is established by the first device through a second 3GPP access.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein, The method further comprises one of the following: receiving the first PDU session modification request message and determining that a second network device serving the first PDU session does not support the establishment of the second type of PDU session, sending third information to the first device; receiving the first PDU session modification request message, determining that the first device has established a second PDU session using a second SUPI, and determining that the second network device serving the first PDU session is different from the second network device serving the second PDU session, sending third information to the first device; The third information is used to indicate that the first PDU session modification request message is rejected.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The third information includes a cause of rejecting the first PDU session modification request message, and the cause includes that a second network device serving the first PDU session does not support an establishment capability of the second type PDU session or needs to trigger the first device to re-initiate establishment of the second type PDU session.

21. The method of claim 11, wherein, The method further includes: sending the first information to the second network device.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The sending of the first information to the second network device includes: sending the first information to the second network device in a process of initiating establishment or modification of the first PDU session by the first device. The first PDU session is a first type PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The first device initiates the process of establishing or modifying the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

24. The method of claim 22, wherein, The sending of the first information to the second network device in the process of initiating establishment or modification of the first PDU session by the first device includes: sending, to the second network device, a first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or sending, to the second network device, a first PDU session modification request message containing the first information.

25. A method of communication, comprising: The method is performed by a second network device, and the method includes: receiving first information sent by a first network device; The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports a capability of establishing a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The first device supports establishment of a first type protocol data unit (PDU) session and supports establishment of a second type PDU session; the first type PDU session is a PDU session established through single access, and the second type PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein, The receiving of the first information sent by the first network device includes: receiving the first information sent by the first network device in a process of initiating establishment or modification of the first PDU session by the first device; The first PDU session is a first type PDU session established by the first device through a first 3GPP access. The first device initiates the process of establishing or modifying the first PDU session using a first subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

28. The method of claim 27, wherein, The receiving of the first information sent by the first network device in the process of initiating establishment or modification of the first PDU session by the first device includes:

29. The method of claim 27, wherein, receiving, from the first network device, a first PDU session establishment request message containing the first information; and / or receiving, from the first network device, a first PDU session modification request message containing the first information. The method further includes:

30. The method of claim 29, wherein, determining, based on the first information, to establish a second type PDU session; The second type PDU session is a dual 3GPP access PDU session established through dual access. ​ 31. The method of claim 30, wherein, The first PDU session establishment request message contains the first information, and the first PDU session is determined to be established based on the first information. The first PDU session is established based on the first information. The first PDU session is a second type PDU session.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein, The first PDU session modification request message contains the first information, and the first PDU session is established based on the first information. The type of the established first PDU session is modified from a first type PDU session to the second type PDU session. The first type PDU session is a PDU session established through single access.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein, The method further comprises: The second type PDU session is established, and an association between the first PDU session and the second PDU session is established. The second PDU session is established by the first device through a second 3GPP access.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein, The method further comprises: The second PDU session is not established, and the second PDU session is triggered to be established.

35. The method of claim 31, wherein, The method further comprises: Fourth information is sent to a third network device. The fourth information includes double 3GPP access PDU session information, and the double 3GPP access PDU session information contains a first SUPI and a second SUPI used by a double 3GPP access PDU session.

36. The method of claim 25 or 35, wherein, The method further comprises: Fifth information is sent to the first device. The fifth information is used to indicate at least one of the following: An identifier of a second type PDU session, the second type PDU session being a double 3GPP access PDU session established through double access; A first SUPI and a second SUPI used by the second type PDU session; Double access policy rule information, the double access policy rule information containing a policy for data flow transmission or switching on two access paths.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein, The method further comprises at least one of the following: An identifier of the second type PDU session is generated; The identifier of the second type PDU session is obtained from a fourth network device; The double access policy rule information is generated based on a first policy, wherein the first policy is obtained from a policy control function (PCF).

38. The method of claim 30, wherein, The determination to establish the second type PDU session comprises: The second type PDU session is determined to be established based on sixth information. The sixth information includes at least one of the following: Information that the first device completes network registration via different access networks using a first SUPI and a second SUPI; Subscription information of the first device, wherein the subscription information of the first device is used to indicate whether double 3GPP access is supported and data transmission switching and / or switching between the double 3GPP access is enabled; Operator policy information, the operator policy information being used to indicate whether the capability of using double access of the first device is allowed; Information that the capability of double access is required for performing service.

39. A method of communication, comprising: The method comprises: A first device sends first information to a first network device; The first network device sends the first information to a second network device; The first information is used to indicate that the first device supports the capability of establishing a double 3GPP access PDU session.

40. A first device, comprising: The first device comprises: a transceiver configured to: send first information to a first network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate a capability of the first device to support establishment of a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

41. A first network device, comprising: The first network device comprises: a transceiver configured to: receive first information sent by the first device; wherein the first information is used to indicate a capability of the first device to support establishment of a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

42. A second network device, comprising: The second network device comprises: a transceiver configured to: receive first information sent by the first network device; wherein the first information is used to indicate a capability of the first device to support establishment of a dual 3GPP access PDU session.

43. A communication system, characterized by The communication system comprises a first device, a first network device and a second network device, wherein the first device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 10, the first network device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 11 to 24, and the second network device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 25 to 38.

44. A first device, comprising: The first device comprises: one or more processors; wherein the first device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 10.

45. A first network device, comprising: The first network device comprises: one or more processors; wherein the first network device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 11 to 24.

46. A second network device, comprising: The second network device comprises: one or more processors; wherein the second network device is configured to perform the communication method of any one of claims 25 to 38.

47. A storage medium, wherein, The storage medium stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the communication method of any one of claims 1 to 10, 11 to 24 and / or 25 to 38.

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