Session establishment method, apparatus and system

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a session establishment method, apparatus and system. The method comprises: a first network element receiving first information from a second network element, wherein the first information is used for requesting to establish a first session; sending second information to a third network element, wherein the second information is used for requesting to acquire subscription data and / or a policy of a terminal; receiving third information, wherein the third information comprises the subscription data and / or the policy of the terminal; and selecting a fourth network element on the basis of the third information, and sending fourth information to the fourth network element, wherein the fourth information is used for requesting to establish the first session, the first network element is a network element providing a session management function (SMF), and the first network element is used for managing or controlling one or more sessions of the terminal. By using this means, the problem that an AMF is frequently upgraded and thus a base station is affected because a new service involves SMF selection policy modifications is solved, and the problem of SMF upgrade in a dual-domain private network scenario where modifications to a public network SMF are required to support the selection of a private network SMF is solved.

Description

Session establishment method and device, system

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410657925.7, filed on May 24, 2024, with the State Intellectual Property Office of China, and entitled "Session establishment method and device, system", the whole content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication, in particular to a session establishment method and device, system. BACKGROUND

[0003] In the existing communication system, an Access and Mobility management Function (AMF) and a Session Management Function (SMF) are defined, wherein the AMF is mainly used for access authentication and authorization, registration, connection and mobility management, and transmission of session management (SM) messages between a user equipment (UE) and the SMF; and the SMF is mainly used for session management, selection and control of a user plane function (UPF), and execution of policy control functions (PCF) indicated by policy control.

[0004] In the session establishment, the AMF selects the SMF based on data network name (DNN), Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), and the like; and the SMF selects a packet data unit (PDU) session anchor (PSA) based on the DNN, S-NSSAI, and the like. Alternatively, in the session establishment and mobility process, the AMF selects an Intermediate SMF (I-SMF) based on the DNN, S-NSSAI, and UE location information; and the I-SMF selects an Intermediate UPF (I-UPF) based on the DNN, S-NSSAI, and UE location information.

[0005] However, when current session service changes or new service is added, if the SMF supporting the new service needs to be selected, the AMF needs to be upgraded synchronously, and the AMF is centrally deployed, the number of users served by the AMF can reach millions, and the influence range of the upgrade is large; at the same time, the AMF also maintains N2 link with thousands of base stations, so the upgrade of the AMF will also affect the base station side, resulting in problems such as difficulty and slowness in deploying the new service in the existing network. SUMMARY

[0006] The application discloses a session establishment method and device, and system, which can solve the problem of frequent AMF upgrade and base station influence caused by SMF selection strategy modification of new service.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the application provides a session establishment method. The method is applied to a first network element, the first network element being a network element providing session management function, and the first network element being used for managing or controlling one or more sessions of a terminal. The method comprises:

[0008] The first network element receives first information from a second network element, the first information being used for requesting to establish a first session.

[0009] The first network element sends second information to a third network element, the second information being used for requesting to obtain subscription data and / or policy of the terminal.

[0010] The first network element receives third information from the third network element, the third information comprising the subscription data and / or policy of the terminal.

[0011] The first network element selects a fourth network element according to the third information, and sends fourth information to the fourth network element, the fourth information being used for requesting to establish the first session.

[0012] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the application provides a session establishment method. The method is applied to a first network element, the first network element being a network element providing session management function, and the first network element being used for managing or controlling one or more sessions of a terminal. The method comprises:

[0013] The first network element receives first information from a terminal or a base station, the first information being used for requesting to establish a first session.

[0014] The first network element sends second information to a third network element, the second information being used for requesting to obtain subscription data and / or policy of the terminal.

[0015] The first network element receives third information from the third network element, the third information comprising the subscription data and / or policy of the terminal.

[0016] The first network element selects a fourth network element according to the third information, and sends fourth information to the fourth network element, the fourth information being used for requesting establishment of the first session.

[0017] In the above embodiments of the application, the first network element selects a fourth network element according to the subscription data and / or the policy of the terminal, and sends fourth information to the fourth network element, the fourth information being used for requesting establishment of the first session. With this means, the first network element is a network element providing a session management function, and the first network element is used for managing or controlling one or more sessions of the terminal. The problem that the AMF is frequently upgraded and the base station is affected due to the modification of the SMF selection policy of a new service is solved, and the SMF upgrade problem that a large network SMF needs to be modified to support selection of a private network SMF in a dual-domain private network scenario is solved.

[0018] For example, the first network element is a serving session management network element (S-SMF or S-SM), or the first network element is an intermediate session management network element (I-SMF) supporting the function of managing or controlling one or more sessions of the terminal, or the first network element is a session management network element (SMF) supporting the function of managing or controlling one or more sessions of the terminal.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a network element providing an access and / or mobility management function. For example, the second network element is an AMF, an MM, or an AM.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the first session can support access to a central service, such as an internet service.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the subscription data includes a first data network identifier and a first slice, and the fourth network element supports the first data network identifier and the first slice.

[0022] For example, the subscription data includes one or more data network identifiers (or names) DNN and a slice S-NSSAI. The DNN is, for example, a general DNN, a private DNN, an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) DNN, etc., and is used to identify different data networks or services. The slice is, for example, an enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) slice, a massive machine-type communications (mMTC) slice, an ultra-reliable low-latency communication (uRLLC) slice, etc., and is used to identify different tenants and slice services.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the policy can be, for example, a policy for establishing the second session.

[0024] In another possible implementation, the policy includes an indication of a service data flow of the second session, or a service data flow of a private network, a data flow of a local service, etc.

[0025] In a possible implementation, the third network element is a network element that provides a unified data management function or a subscription data management function. For example, the third network element is a UDM.

[0026] In another possible implementation, the third network element is a network element that provides a policy control function. For example, the third network element is a PCF. Alternatively, the third network element is a network element SM-PCF that provides a session management policy, or the third network element is a local policy control network element L-PCF.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the first information includes a location of the terminal, and the first network element selects the fifth network element according to the location of the terminal.

[0028] The first network element receives fifth information from the fourth network element, and the fifth information is used to indicate a service data flow of the first session.

[0029] The first network element sends sixth information to the fifth network element, and the sixth information is used to instruct the fifth network element to forward the service data flow of the first session to a sixth network element.

[0030] The fourth network element can be a network element that provides a session management function, and the fourth network element is used to manage or control one session of the terminal. For example, the fourth network element can be a service SMF, a SMF, or a SM, such as an anchor session management network element (A-SMF), a home session management network element (H-SMF), a local session management network element (L-SMF), a private network session management network element (private network SMF), etc.

[0031] The sixth network element is a network element that provides a user plane function, and the fourth network element controls the sixth network element. For example, the sixth network element is a user plane network element UPF, such as an anchor user plane network element (A-UPF, PDU Session Anchor UPF, PSA UPF, PSA), a home user plane network element (H-UPF), a local user plane network element (L-UPF), a private network user plane network element (private network UPF), etc.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the third information includes a second data network identifier and a second slice, the first network element receives seventh information from the third network element, the seventh information being used to indicate a service data flow of a second session. For example, the second session supports a terminal to remotely access a service of a private network outside an enterprise / campus, such as remotely accessing an intranet / private network in an enterprise / campus.

[0033] The first network element sends eighth information to the fifth network element, the eighth information being used to instruct the fifth network element to detect according to the seventh information. The first network element receives ninth information from the fifth network element, the ninth information being used to indicate that the fifth network element detects the service data flow of the second session.

[0034] The first network element selects a seventh network element based on the ninth information and the third information, the seventh network element supporting the second data network identifier and the second slice.

[0035] The fifth network element is a network element providing a user plane function, and the first network element controls the fifth network element. For example, the fifth network element is a service user plane network element (S-UPF), or the fifth network element is an uplink classifier (UL CL, UL CL UPF) supporting uplink splitting, or the first network element is an I-SMF, and the fifth network element is an intermediate user plane network element (I-UPF), the I-SMF controls the I-UPF, or the first network element is an SMF, and the fifth network element is a user plane network element (UPF), the SMF controls the UPF.

[0036] Optionally, the seventh network element is a network element providing a session management function, and the seventh network element manages the second session. For example, the seventh network element is a session management network element (SMF), which can be a private network session management network element (private network SMF), a local session management network element (L-SMF), and the like.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the first network element sends tenth information to the seventh network element, the tenth information being used to request to establish the second session.

[0038] The first network element sends eleventh information to the fifth network element, the eleventh information being used to instruct the fifth network element to forward the service data flow of the second session to an eighth network element.

[0039] Optionally, the eighth network element is a network element providing a user plane function, and the seventh network element controls the eighth network element. For example, the eighth network element is a user plane network element (UPF), which can be a private network user plane network element (private network UPF), a local user plane network element (L-UPF), and the like.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the third information includes a plurality of data network identities and slices, and wherein:

[0041] The first network element selects a plurality of fourth network elements according to the third information, the plurality of fourth network elements corresponding to the plurality of data network identities and slices.

[0042] The first network element requests the plurality of fourth network elements to establish a plurality of sessions.

[0043] And / or,

[0044] The first network element selects a plurality of seventh network elements according to the third information, the plurality of seventh network elements corresponding to the plurality of data network identities and slices.

[0045] The first network element requests the plurality of seventh network elements to establish a plurality of sessions.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the first network element can further receive a third session establishment request, the third session supporting access to services of a local network, such as edge applications.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a network element providing an access and / or mobility management function; and / or, the third network element is a network element providing a unified data management function or a subscription data management function; or, the third network element is a network element providing a policy control function; and / or, the fourth network element is a network element providing a session management function, the fourth network element managing the first session; and / or, the fifth network element is a network element providing a user plane function, the first network element controlling the fifth network element; and / or, the sixth network element is a network element providing a user plane function, the fourth network element controlling the sixth network element; and / or, the seventh network element is a network element providing a session management function, the seventh network element managing the second session; and / or, the eighth network element is a network element providing a user plane function, the seventh network element controlling the eighth network element.

[0048] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a session establishment method, applied to a second network element, and the method comprises the following steps:

[0049] The second network element receives twelfth information from a terminal or a base station, the twelfth information being used for requesting establishment of a first session, and the twelfth information including a location of the terminal.

[0050] The second network element selects a first network element according to the location of the terminal, the first network element being a network element providing a session management function, and the first network element being used for managing or controlling one or more sessions of the terminal.

[0051] The second network element sends first information to the first network element, the first information being used for requesting establishment of the first session.

[0052] In a possible implementation, the second network element receives thirteenth information from the first network element, where the thirteenth information indicates acceptance of establishment of the first session.

[0053] The second network element sends fourteenth information to the terminal or the base station, where the fourteenth information indicates acceptance of establishment of the first session.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a network element providing an access and / or mobility management function.

[0055] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a session establishment apparatus, where the apparatus is a device providing a session management function, and the apparatus is configured to manage or control one or more sessions of a terminal. The apparatus is a first network element, or a device (for example, a chip or a chip system or a circuit) in the first network element, or a device capable of being used in cooperation with the first network element, or a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of functions of the first network element. The apparatus comprises:

[0056] A communication module, configured to receive first information from a second network element or a UE or a base station, where the first information is used to request establishment of a first session.

[0057] The communication module is further configured to send second information to a third network element, where the second information is used to request obtaining subscription data and / or a policy of the terminal.

[0058] The communication module is further configured to receive third information from the third network element, where the third information comprises the subscription data and / or the policy of the terminal.

[0059] A processing module, configured to select a fourth network element according to the third information.

[0060] The communication module is further configured to send fourth information to the fourth network element, where the fourth information is used to request establishment of the first session.

[0061] In a possible implementation, the subscription data comprises a first data network identifier and a first slice, and the fourth network element supports the first data network identifier and the first slice.

[0062] In a possible implementation, the first information comprises a location of the terminal, and the processing module is further configured to:

[0063] select a fifth network element according to the location of the terminal;

[0064] The communication module is further configured to receive fifth information from the fourth network element, where the fifth information is used to indicate a service data flow of the first session.

[0065] The communication module is further configured to send sixth information to the fifth network element, where the sixth information is used to instruct the fifth network element to forward the service data flow of the first session to a sixth network element.

[0066] In a possible implementation, the third information includes a second data network identifier and a second slice, and the communication module is further configured to:

[0067] receive seventh information from the third network element, where the seventh information is used to instruct a service data flow of a second session;

[0068] send eighth information to the fifth network element, where the eighth information is used to instruct the fifth network element to perform detection according to the seventh information;

[0069] receive ninth information from the fifth network element, where the ninth information is used to instruct that the fifth network element detects the service data flow of the second session;

[0070] The processing module is further configured to select a seventh network element based on the ninth information and the third information, where the seventh network element supports the second data network identifier and the second slice.

[0071] In a possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to:

[0072] send tenth information to the seventh network element, where the tenth information is used to request establishment of a second session;

[0073] send eleventh information to the fifth network element, where the eleventh information is used to instruct the fifth network element to forward a service data flow of the second session to an eighth network element.

[0074] In a possible implementation, the third information includes a plurality of data network identifiers and slices, and the processing module is further configured to select a plurality of fourth network elements according to the third information, where the plurality of fourth network elements correspond to the plurality of data network identifiers and slices;

[0075] The communication module is further configured to request establishment of a plurality of sessions from the plurality of fourth network elements;

[0076] and / or,

[0077] The processing module is further configured to select a plurality of seventh network elements according to the third information, where the plurality of seventh network elements correspond to the plurality of data network identifiers and slices;

[0078] The communication module is further configured to request establishment of a plurality of sessions from the plurality of seventh network elements.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the second network element is a network element providing an access and / or mobility management function; and / or, the third network element is a network element providing a unified data management function or a subscription data management; or, the third network element is a network element providing a policy control function; and / or, the fourth network element is a network element providing a session management function, the fourth network element managing the first session; and / or, the fifth network element is a network element providing a user plane function, the first network element controlling the fifth network element; and / or, the sixth network element is a network element providing a user plane function, the fourth network element controlling the sixth network element; and / or, the seventh network element is a network element providing a session management function, the seventh network element managing the second session; and / or, the eighth network element is a network element providing a user plane function, the seventh network element controlling the eighth network element.

[0080] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a session establishment apparatus. The apparatus is a second network element, or a device (for example, a chip or a chip system or a circuit) in the second network element, or a device capable of being used with the second network element, or a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the function of the second network element. The apparatus comprises:

[0081] A communication module, configured to receive twelfth information from a terminal or a base station, the twelfth information being used to request establishment of a first session, the twelfth information comprising a location of the terminal.

[0082] A processing module, configured to select a first network element according to the location of the terminal, the first network element being a network element providing a session management function, the first network element being used to manage or control one or more sessions of the terminal.

[0083] The communication module is further configured to send first information to the first network element, the first information being used to request establishment of the first session.

[0084] In a possible implementation, the communication module is further configured to:

[0085] receive thirteenth information from the first network element, the thirteenth information indicating acceptance of establishment of the first session;

[0086] send fourteenth information to the terminal or the base station, the fourteenth information indicating acceptance of establishment of the first session.

[0087] In a possible implementation, the apparatus is an apparatus providing an access and / or mobility management function.

[0088] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a session establishment apparatus, comprising a processor configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to the first aspect and any possible implementation of the first aspect, or perform the method according to the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect, or perform the method according to the third aspect and any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0089] In a possible implementation, the apparatus further comprises a memory.

[0090] In a possible implementation, the processor and the memory are integrated together.

[0091] In another possible implementation, the memory is located outside the apparatus.

[0092] The apparatus further comprises a communication interface configured to enable the apparatus to communicate with other devices, such as transmitting or receiving data and / or signals. For example, the communication interface can be a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module or other types of communication interface.

[0093] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a session establishment system, comprising the session establishment apparatus according to any possible implementation of the fourth aspect, and the session establishment apparatus according to any possible implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0094] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, causes the method according to any possible implementation of the first aspect to be implemented, or the method according to any possible implementation of the second aspect to be implemented, or the method according to any possible implementation of the third aspect to be implemented.

[0095] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product runs on a computer, cause the method according to any possible implementation of the first aspect to be implemented, or the method according to any possible implementation of the second aspect to be implemented, or the method according to any possible implementation of the third aspect to be implemented.

[0096] It can be understood that the apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the system according to the seventh aspect, the computer storage medium according to the eighth aspect, or the computer program product according to the ninth aspect are all used to execute the method according to any of the first aspect to the third aspect. Therefore, the beneficial effects achievable by them can refer to the beneficial effects in the corresponding method, which will not be described here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0097] The drawings used in the embodiments of the present application are described as follows.

[0098] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] FIG. 2a is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a communication network according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] FIG. 2c is a schematic diagram of an architecture of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] FIG. 2d is a schematic diagram of an architecture of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0103] FIG. 2e is a schematic diagram of an architecture of another communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0104] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a session establishment method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0105] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a session establishment method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0106] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another session establishment method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0107] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another session establishment method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0108] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of another session establishment method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] FIG. 8a is a schematic diagram of a structure of a session establishment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] FIG. 8b is a schematic diagram of a structure of another session establishment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a structure of another session establishment apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] The embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. The terms used in the implementation manner part of the embodiments of the present application are only used to explain the specific embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0113] FIG. 1 shows a possible, non-limiting system diagram. Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a wireless communication system provided by embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the wireless communication system includes a radio access network 100. The radio access network 100 can be a next generation (e.g., a future communication system / network) radio access network, or a legacy (e.g., 5G or 4G) radio access network. One or more communication devices (120a-120j, collectively referred to as 120) can be connected to each other or to one or more network devices (110a, 110b, collectively referred to as 110) in the radio access network 100. Wherein, FIG. 1 is only a schematic diagram, the wireless communication system can also include other devices, such as core network devices, wireless relay devices, and / or wireless backhaul devices, etc., which are not shown in FIG. 1.

[0114] Exemplarily, in actual applications, the wireless communication system can simultaneously include multiple network devices (also referred to as access network devices), and can also simultaneously include multiple communication devices. One network device can simultaneously serve one or more communication devices. One communication device can also simultaneously access one or more network devices. Embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of communication devices and network devices included in the wireless communication system.

[0115] The network device can be an entity for transmitting or receiving signals on the network side. The network device can be an access device for a communication device to access the wireless communication system by wireless means. For example, the network device can be a base station. The base station can be referred to as a node B (Node B), an evolved Node B (eNB), a next generation Node B (gNB), an access network device in an open radio access network (O-RAN), a relay station, an access point, a transmission point (TRP), a transmitting point (TP), a master eNB (MeNB), a secondary eNB (SeNB), a multi-mode wireless node, a home base station, a network controller, an access node, a wireless node, an access point (AP), a transmission node, a transceiver node, a baseband unit (BBU), a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna unit (AAU), a remote radio head (RRH), a centralized unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a radio unit (RU), a CU control plane (CU-CP) node, a CU user plane (CU-UP) node, a positioning node, or the like. The base station can be a macro base station, a micro base station, a relay node, a donor node, or the like, or a combination thereof. The network device can also refer to a communication module, a modem, or a chip for being arranged in the foregoing devices or apparatuses. The network device can also be a mobile switching center, a device-to-device (D2D) device, a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) device, a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, a network device in a future communication system / network, a device with base station functions in a future communication system, or the like. The network device can support networks with the same or different access technologies. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the network device.

[0116] All or part of the functions of the network device in the present application can also be implemented by software functions running on hardware, or by virtualized functions instantiated on a platform, such as a cloud platform. The network device in the present application can also be a logical node, a logical module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the network device.

[0117] The network device can be fixed or mobile. For example, the base stations 110a, 110b are stationary and are responsible for wireless transmission and reception in one or more cells from the communication devices 120. The helicopter or drone 120i shown in Figure 1 can be configured to act as a mobile base station, and one or more cells can move according to the location of the mobile base station 120i. In other examples, the helicopter or drone (120i) can be configured to function as a communication device that communicates with the base station 110b.

[0118] In the present application, the communication device for implementing the access network function as described above can be an access network device, or a network device having part of the function of the access network, or a device capable of supporting the implementation of the access network function, such as a chip system, a hardware circuit, a software module, or a hardware circuit plus a software module, which can be installed in or matched with the access network device. In the method of the present application, the communication device for implementing the function of the access network device is described by taking the access network device as an example.

[0119] The communication device can be an entity on the user side for receiving or transmitting signals, such as a mobile phone. The communication device can be used to connect people, things and machines. The communication device can communicate with one or more core networks through a network device. The communication device includes a handheld device with a wireless connection function, another processing device connected to a wireless modem, or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. The communication device can be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device. The communication device 120 can be widely used in various scenarios, such as cellular communication, device-to-device, vehicle-to-everything (V2X), point-to-point (P2P), machine-to-machine (M2M), machine type communication (MTC), internet of things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), industrial control, autonomous driving, remote medical treatment, smart power grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, unmanned aerial vehicle, robot, remote sensing, passive sensing, positioning, navigation and tracking, autonomous delivery and mobile, etc.Some examples of the communication device 120 are: a user equipment (UE) of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard, a fixed device, a mobile device, a handheld device, a wearable device, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a notebook, a personal computer, a smart book, a vehicle, a satellite, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a target tracking device, a drone, a helicopter, an aircraft, a ship, a remote control device, a smart home device, an industrial device, a personal communication service (PCS) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless webcam, a tablet, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device such as a smart watch, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a terminal in Internet of Things (IoT) system, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city such as a smart fuel dispenser, a terminal on a high-speed train, and a wireless terminal in a smart home such as a smart speaker, a smart coffee machine, a smart printer, etc. The communication device 120 can be a wireless device in the above various scenarios or an apparatus used in the wireless device, e.g., a communication module, a modem, or a chip in the above devices. The communication device can also be referred to as a terminal, a terminal device, a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), etc. The communication device can also be a communication device in future wireless communication systems. The communication device can be used in a dedicated network device or a general-purpose device. The embodiments of the present application do not limit specific technologies and specific device forms adopted by the communication device.

[0120] Exemplarily, the communication device can be used to act as a base station. For example, a UE can act as a scheduling entity which provides sidelink signals between UEs in V2X, D2D or point-to-point (P2P), etc. As shown in FIG. 1, the cell phone 120a and the car 120b communicate with each other using sidelink signals. The cell phone 120a and the smart home device 120e communicate without relaying the communication signals through the base station 110b.

[0121] In the present application, the communication device for realizing the function of the communication device can be a terminal, or a terminal with part of the function of the above communication device, or a device capable of supporting the realization of the function of the above communication device, such as a chip system, which can be installed in or matched with the terminal. In the present application, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices. In the technical solutions provided in the present application, the communication device is exemplarily described as a terminal or a UE.

[0122] Exemplarily, a wireless communication system is usually composed of a cell, and a base station provides management of the cell and provides communication services to a plurality of mobile stations (MSs) in the cell. The base station includes a baseband unit (BBU) and a remote radio unit (RRU). The BBU and the RRU can be placed in different places, for example, the RRU is pulled away and placed in a high traffic area, and the BBU is placed in a central machine room. The BBU and the RRU can also be placed in the same machine room. The BBU and the RRU can also be different components under one rack. Exemplarily, one cell can correspond to one carrier or a member carrier.

[0123] It can be understood that the present application can be applied between a network device and a communication device, between network devices, or between communication devices, i.e., between a primary device and a secondary device. The primary device can be a network device or a communication device. When the primary device is a network device, the secondary device can be another network device or a communication device. When the primary device is a communication device, the secondary device can be another communication device.

[0124] The communication between the access network device and the terminal follows a certain protocol layer structure. The protocol layer structure can include a control plane protocol layer structure and a user plane protocol layer structure. For example, the control plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as a radio resource control (RRC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and a physical layer. For example, the user plane protocol layer structure can include the functions of protocol layers such as a PDCP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, and a physical layer, and in a possible implementation, a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer can be further included above the PDCP layer.

[0125] Exemplarily, the protocol layer structure between the access network device and the terminal can further include an artificial intelligence (AI) layer for transmitting data related to AI functions.

[0126] Taking the data transmission between the access network device and the terminal as an example, the data transmission needs to pass through the user plane protocol layers, such as the SDAP layer, the PDCP layer, the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the physical layer. Among them, the SDAP layer, the PDCP layer, the RLC layer, the MAC layer, and the physical layer can also be collectively referred to as an access layer. According to the transmission direction of the data, each layer is divided into a sending part and a receiving part. Taking the following downlink data transmission as an example, the PDCP layer obtains data from the upper layer, transmits the data to the RLC layer and the MAC layer, generates a transport block by the MAC layer, and then performs wireless transmission through the physical layer. The data is encapsulated in each layer. For example, the data received by a layer from the upper layer of the layer is regarded as a service data unit (SDU) of the layer, and after encapsulation by the layer, becomes a protocol data unit (PDU), and is then transmitted to the next layer.

[0127] The terminal can also have an application layer and a non-access layer. The application layer can be used to provide services to applications installed in the terminal. For example, the terminal can receive downlink data from the network, and the physical layer can transmit the data to the application layer in sequence, and the application layer can provide the data to the application. For another example, the application layer can obtain data generated by the application, and transmit the data to the physical layer in sequence, and send the data to other communication devices. The non-access layer can be used to forward user data. For example, the non-access layer can forward uplink data received from the application layer to the SDAP layer, or forward downlink data received from the SDAP layer to the application layer.

[0128] The access network device can include a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). A plurality of DUs can be centrally controlled by one CU. As an example, the interface between the CU and the DU can be referred to as the F1 interface. The control panel (CP) interface can be F1-C, and the user panel (UP) interface can be F1-U. The CU and the DU can be divided according to the protocol layer of the wireless network: for example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above the PDCP layer are set in the CU, and the functions of the protocol layer below the PDCP layer (such as the RLC layer and the MAC layer) are set in the DU; for another example, the functions of the PDCP layer and above the PDCP layer are set in the CU, and the functions of the PDCP layer and below the PDCP layer are set in the DU.

[0129] It can be understood that the above-mentioned processing functions of the CU and the DU according to the protocol layer division are only an example, and can also be divided in other ways, for example, the CU or the DU can be divided into more protocol layer functions, and for another example, the CU or the DU can also be divided into partial processing functions of the protocol layer. In one design, part of the functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer above the RLC layer are set in the CU, and the remaining functions of the RLC layer and the functions of the protocol layer below the RLC layer are set in the DU. In another design, the functions of the CU or the DU can also be divided according to the service type or other system requirements, for example, according to the delay, the functions that need to meet the delay requirement are set in the DU, and the functions that do not need to meet the delay requirement are set in the CU. In another design, the CU can also have one or more functions of the core network. For example, the CU can be set on the network side for centralized management. In another design, the RU of the DU is set remotely. The RU has a radio frequency function.

[0130] Exemplarily, the DU and the RU can be divided at a physical layer (PHY). For example, the DU can implement high-layer functions in the PHY, and the RU can implement low-layer functions in the PHY. Wherein, for transmission, the functions of the PHY can include adding a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, precoding, resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, and / or radio frequency transmission functions. For reception, the functions of the PHY can include CRC, channel decoding, de-rate matching, descrambling, demodulation, de-layer mapping, channel detection, resource demapping, physical antenna demapping, and / or radio frequency reception functions. Wherein, the high-layer functions in the PHY can include part of the functions of the PHY, for example, the part of the functions is closer to the MAC layer, and the low-layer functions in the PHY can include another part of the functions of the PHY, for example, the part of the functions is closer to the radio frequency functions. For example, the high-layer functions in the PHY can include adding a CRC code, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, and layer mapping, and the low-layer functions in the PHY can include precoding, resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, and radio frequency transmission functions; or the high-layer functions in the PHY can include adding a CRC code, channel coding, rate matching, scrambling, modulation, layer mapping, and precoding, and the low-layer functions in the PHY can include resource mapping, physical antenna mapping, and radio frequency transmission functions.

[0131] Exemplarily, the functions of the CU can be implemented by one entity, or can also be implemented by different entities. For example, the functions of the CU can be further divided, that is, the control plane and the user plane are separated and implemented by different entities, respectively, as a control plane CU entity (that is, a CU-CP entity) and a user plane CU entity (that is, a CU-UP entity). The CU-CP entity and the CU-UP entity can be coupled with the DU to jointly complete the functions of the access network device.

[0132] In the above architecture, the signaling generated by the CU can be transmitted to the terminal through the DU, or the signaling generated by the terminal can be transmitted to the CU through the DU. For example, the signaling of the RRC or the PDCP layer is finally processed as the signaling of the physical layer to be transmitted to the terminal, or is converted from the received physical layer signaling. In this architecture, the signaling of the RRC or the PDCP layer can be considered as being transmitted through the DU, or being transmitted through the DU and the RU.

[0133] Exemplarily, any of the above DU, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP and RU can be a software module, a hardware structure, or a software module + hardware structure, without limitation. Among them, the existence forms of different entities can be different, without limitation. For example, the DU, CU, CU-CP, CU-UP are software modules, and the RU is a hardware structure. These modules and the methods they perform are also within the protection scope of the present application.

[0134] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the O-RAN system, the CU can also be referred to as O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as O-RU.

[0135] It should be understood that the number and type of devices in the communication system shown in FIG. 1 are only illustrative, and the present application is not limited thereto. In actual applications, more terminals, more access network devices, and other network elements, such as core network devices and / or network elements for implementing artificial intelligence functions, can also be included in the communication system.

[0136] It can be understood that all or part of the functions implemented by one or more of the terminal, the access network device, the core network device, or the network element for implementing artificial intelligence functions can be virtualized, that is, implemented by one or more of a special processor or a general processor and a corresponding software module. Among them, the terminal and the access network device involve the interface of air interface transmission, and the transceiving function of the interface can be realized by hardware. The core network device, such as the operation administration and maintenance (OAM) network element, can be virtualized. Exemplarily, one or more functions of the virtualized terminal, access network device, core network device, or network element for implementing artificial intelligence functions can be implemented by a cloud device, such as a cloud device in an over the top (OTT) system.

[0137] The method provided by the present application can be used for communication between the access network device and the terminal, and can also be used for communication between other communication devices, such as communication between a macro base station and a micro base station in a wireless backhaul link, and communication between two terminals in a sidelink (SL), without limitation.

[0138] In the present application, "sending information to (for example, a terminal)" or related illustrations in the drawings can be understood as that the destination of the information is the terminal. It can include directly or indirectly sending information to the terminal. "Receiving information from (for example, a terminal)" or "receiving information from (for example, a terminal)", or related illustrations in the drawings can be understood as that the source of the information is the terminal, and it can include directly or indirectly receiving information from the terminal. The information can be processed as necessary between the source and the destination of the information, such as format change, etc., but the destination can understand the valid information from the source. Similar expressions in the present application can be similarly understood, and will not be repeated here.

[0139] As shown in FIG. 2a, a network architecture diagram of a communication network provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown. The communication system can include terminal devices, access network devices, core networks, data networks. Among them, the control plane of the core network can include access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), policy control function (PCF), unified data management (UDM), application function (AF), edge application server discovery function (EASDF), network exposure function (NEF), network repository function (NRF) and the like. Functional network elements (or network elements, network functions (NF), etc., not limited). The user plane of the core network can include user plane function (UPF) and the like. Functional network elements (or network elements, network functions (NF), etc., not limited).

[0140] It should be noted that the above functional entities are only names, and the names themselves do not constitute a limitation on the entities. For example, the session management function entity can also be replaced by "session management function" or other names. Moreover, the session management function entity can also correspond to an entity that includes functions other than the session management function. The user plane function entity can also be replaced by "user plane function" or other names, and the user plane function entity can also correspond to an entity that includes functions other than the user plane function. A unified description is made here, and the following will not be repeated.

[0141] It can be understood that the above functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on special hardware, or a combination of hardware and software, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0142] With the continuous development of communication technology, new communication scenarios such as industrial enterprises have emerged. The large flow of traffic in the communication scenario of industrial enterprises mainly generates and terminates locally, and data is not transmitted externally. In order to meet this demand, the user plane of the core network can be deployed to the park, and the user plane can be networked with the central control plane of the core network to provide low-latency, high-bandwidth local network services for terminals.

[0143] Among them, every time a UPF is newly deployed, the configuration of the central control plane such as SMF of the core network connected to the UPF needs to be modified, and the SMF updates the configuration registration to the NRF to affect the logic of the AMF selecting the SMF. For example, an operator deploys a UPF in an enterprise park, needs to allocate a new data network identifier (DNN) for the enterprise or enterprise park, and the terminal carries the DNN to register to the network. The AMF should select the SMF connected to the UPF based on the DNN, and the SMF controls the UPF of the park. Therefore, with the increase of local communication scenarios such as industrial enterprises, the central control plane needs more and more logic for the SMF selection of the local park configuration.

[0144] In addition, with the increase of local communication scenarios such as industrial enterprises, industrial enterprises and other communication scenarios put forward more diverse network demands on the network, such as MEC, 5G LAN, slicing, positioning, etc. The central control plane such as SMF needs to be frequently upgraded to support new communication scenarios and new network capabilities, or deploy new SMFs to support new communication scenarios and new network capabilities, and the AMF also needs to be upgraded to support the selection of SMF according to the new network capability.

[0145] In addition, with the continuous development of communication technology, in addition to the scenario of accessing local services in a specific area, new scenarios such as remotely accessing local services outside the area are also promoted. In this application, the communication scenario of such a remote access network can be understood as a dual-domain private network. For example, faculty and students can access campus network resources anytime and anywhere on and off campus, and enterprise employees can access enterprise private networks and handle daily office work anytime and anywhere, whether at the headquarters or on business trips. Such scenarios also increase the SMF selection logic based on private network DNN and private network capabilities.

[0146] To solve the above technical problems, as shown in FIG. 2b, an architecture schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application is provided. It should be noted that the present scheme can also be applied to 5.5G or future communication systems / networks, and is not limited to this. In the method, the first network element is a network element providing a session management function, and the first network element is used to manage or control one or more sessions of a terminal. The first network element receives first information from a second network element, and the first information is used to request to establish a first session. The first network element sends second information to a third network element, and the second information is used to request to obtain subscription data and / or policies of the terminal. Further, the first network element receives third information from the third network element, and the third information includes the subscription data and / or policies of the terminal. The first network element selects a fourth network element according to the third information, and sends fourth information to the fourth network element, and the fourth information is used to request to establish the first session. Further, the first network element also sends eighth information to a fifth network element, and the eighth information is used to instruct the fifth network element to perform detection according to seventh information, and the seventh information is used to indicate a service data flow of a second session. The first network element receives ninth information from the fifth network element, and the ninth information is used to indicate that the fifth network element detects the service data flow of the second session, and the first network element selects a seventh network element based on the ninth information and the third information.

[0147] It should be noted that the AMF, SMF, UPF, etc. below can be understood or equivalent to mobility management (MM) or access management (AM), session management (SM), user plane (UP), etc. The S-SMF in the following embodiments can also be understood or equivalent to S-SM, the A-SMF can also be understood or equivalent to A-SM, the H-SMF can also be understood or equivalent to H-SM, the L-SMF can also be understood or equivalent to L-SM, the S-UPF can also be understood or equivalent to S-UP, the H-UPF can also be understood or equivalent to H-UP, etc. Only some are listed here, and the same applies to other unlisted ones, and the present scheme is not limited to this.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 2b, the first network element S-SM and the fifth network element S-UP are deployed in a metropolitan area / city, and the second network element is deployed in a center. The third network element can be deployed in a center, a metropolitan area, a city, a park, a home, etc., and the application does not limit the deployment position of the third network element. The first network element can communicate with the fourth network element or the seventh network element of multiple networks to establish a connection to different networks for a terminal. The network can also be understood as an operator network, a center network, a metropolitan area network, a park network, a local network, a private network, a subnet, etc. It should be noted that the first network element and the fifth network element can belong to the same network as the fourth network element or the seventh network element, such as belonging to the same operator network, or can belong to different networks, such as belonging to different operator networks, or, for example, the first network element and the fifth network element belong to an operator network, the fourth network element belongs to a park network, and the seventh network element belongs to a private network, etc., which are not limited by the present application. Among them, the user equipment accesses the network through a RAN node or an access network (access network, AN) node. The RAN node is mainly a wireless network device in the 3GPP network, and the AN can be an access network device defined by non-3GPP. For example, as shown in FIG. 2c, the fourth network element is an SM deployed in a center, and the S-SM can request the A-SM to establish a first session to establish a connection to a center such as an internet service for a terminal. For another example, as shown in FIG. 2d, the seventh network element is an SM deployed in an enterprise park or a private network serving the enterprise network, and in addition to the first session, the S-SM can request the private network SM to establish a second session to establish a connection to the enterprise network for a terminal outside the enterprise park. For another example, as shown in FIG. 2e, the fourth network element is an L-SM deployed in a local park, and in addition to the first session, the S-SM can request the L-SM to establish a third session to establish a connection to a local network for a terminal. It should be noted that the first network element can establish the first, second and third sessions, or the second and third sessions, etc., and the number and type of sessions that the first network element can establish are not limited by the present application. Optionally, the first session is a general PDU session, the second session is a private PDU session, and the third session is a local session, etc. It should be noted that the session can be understood as a PDU session, a PDU, etc.

[0149] It should be noted that the fourth network element and the seventh network element in the scheme are both session management network elements. The fourth network element manages the first session, and the seventh network element manages the second session; or the fourth network element supports the first data network identifier and the first slice, and the seventh network element supports the second data network identifier and the second slice; or the first network element triggers the selection of the fourth network element according to the first information of the terminal or the base station, and triggers the selection of the seventh network element according to the ninth information of the fifth network element. The seventh network element can be the same network element or the same device (for example, a chip, or a chip system, or a circuit) as the fourth network element, or a device that can be matched with the network element, and can also be a logical module or software that can realize all or part of the functions of the network element. For example, in the embodiment scenario shown in FIG. 6 below, the A-SMF and the private network SMF can be understood as the fourth network element, wherein the A-SMF manages the first session (a general session), and the private network SMF manages the second session (a private session); the A-SMF supports the first data network identifier and the first slice, and the private network SMF supports the second data network identifier and the second slice; and the first network element triggers the selection of the A-SMF and the private network SMF according to the first information of the terminal or the base station and the third information of the third network element.

[0150] Of course, the seventh network element can also be a different network element or device (for example, a chip, or a chip system, or a circuit) from the fourth network element. For example, in the embodiment scenarios shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 below, the SMF in FIG. 4 can be understood as the fourth network element, and the private network SMF in FIG. 5 can be understood as the seventh network element. The SMF manages the first session (a general session), and the private network SMF manages the second session (a private session); the SMF supports the first data network identifier and the first slice, and the private network SMF supports the second data network identifier and the second slice; and the first network element triggers the selection of the SMF according to the first information of the terminal or the base station, and triggers the selection of the private network SMF according to the ninth information of the fifth network element.

[0151] The above is only an example of the seventh network element, and the scheme is not limited thereto.

[0152] The architecture of the embodiment of the present application is described above, and the method of the embodiment of the present application is described in detail below.

[0153] With reference to FIG. 3, a flowchart of a session establishment method is shown. It can be understood that the method can also be referred to as a communication method. Optionally, the method can be applied to the communication system described above, such as the communication system shown in FIG. 1. The session establishment method shown in FIG. 3 can include steps 301-304. It should be understood that the order of 301-304 is described for the convenience of description, and is not intended to limit the execution of the above-mentioned order. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the order of execution, the time of execution, the number of execution, etc. of one or more steps described above. Steps 301-304 are as follows:

[0154] 301. The first network element receives first information from a second network element, the first information being used to request establishment of a first session, the first network element being a network element providing a session management function, the first network element being configured to manage or control one or more sessions of a terminal.

[0155] The first network element is a network element providing a session management function, and is configured to manage or control one or more sessions of a terminal. For example, the first network element is a serving session management network element (S-SMF or S-SM), or an intermediate session management network element (I-SMF) supporting the function of managing or controlling one or more sessions of a terminal, or a session management network element (SMF) supporting the function of managing or controlling one or more sessions of a terminal. The present application does not limit this.

[0156] In one possible implementation, the second network element is a network element providing access and / or mobility management function. For example, the second network element is an AMF, MM, or access management (AM).

[0157] For example, the second network element (such as an AMF) receives twelfth information from a terminal or a base station, the twelfth information being used to request establishment of a first session, the twelfth information including a location of the terminal. The second network element selects a first network element according to the location of the terminal. For example, the second network element selects a first network element supporting the location of the terminal according to the locally configured first network element information. Alternatively, the second network element requests service discovery from an NRF, and the NRF returns a first network element supporting the location of the terminal to the second network element. Further, the second network element sends the first information to the first network element.

[0158] The above example takes the first network element receiving first information from an AMF as an example. In another possible implementation, the second network element can also be another network element providing access and / or mobility management function.

[0159] Optionally, the first network element receives or directly receives the twelfth information from the terminal or the base station, and the twelfth information contains the first information without passing through the second network element. This scheme is not limited in this regard.

[0160] In a possible implementation, the first session can support access to central services, such as internet services and the like.

[0161] 302. The first network element sends second information to the third network element, and the second information is used to request to obtain the subscription data and / or the policy of the terminal. Correspondingly, the third network element receives the second information.

[0162] In a possible implementation, the third network element is a network element that provides a unified data management function or subscription data management. For example, the third network element is a UDM.

[0163] In another possible implementation, the third network element is a network element that provides a policy control function. For example, the third network element is a PCF. Optionally, the third network element is a network element SM-PCF that provides a session policy, or the third network element is a local policy control network element (L-PCF).

[0164] Optionally, the first network element sends the above-mentioned second information to the UDM and / or the PCF.

[0165] 303. The third network element sends third information to the first network element, and the third information includes the subscription data and / or the policy of the terminal. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the third information.

[0166] In a possible implementation, the subscription data of the terminal comprises one or more data network identities (or names) DNNs and slice S-NSSAIs. The DNNs, such as general DNNs, special DNNs, IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) DNNs, etc., are used to identify different data networks or services, for example, a general DNN is used to identify an internet service, a special DNN is used to identify a special network service (such as a corporate network service), etc. The slices, such as enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) slices, Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC) slices, ultra-reliable low-latency communication (uRLLC) slices, etc., are used to identify different tenants and slice services. For example, the subscription data of the terminal can be SmfSelectionSubscriptionData used to select a session management network element.

[0167] In a possible implementation, the policy can be, for example, a policy for establishing a second session. For example, the policy comprises a second data network identity and a second slice, and the first network element selects to establish the second session according to the policy.

[0168] In another possible implementation, the policy comprises an indication of a service data flow of the second session, or a service data flow of a special network, a data flow of a local service, etc. Optionally, the first network element instructs the fourth network element to perform detection on the specified service data flow according to the policy.

[0169] Optionally, the data flow of the second session / special network / local service can be understood as a packet filter, a service data flow filter (SDF filter), Flow Information, etc. in the present application, and details are not described herein.

[0170] 304. The first network element selects a fourth network element according to the third information, and sends fourth information to the fourth network element, where the fourth information is used to request establishment of a first session.

[0171] The fourth network element can be a network element providing a session management function, and is configured to manage or control a session of the terminal. For example, the fourth network element can be a service SMF, an SMF, or an SM, such as an anchor SMF (A-SMF), a home SMF (H-SMF), a local SMF (L-SMF), a private network SMF, or the like.

[0172] Optionally, the fourth network element, such as the A-SMF, is deployed in a large area center, the L-SMF is deployed in a local park, and the private network SMF is deployed in a private network domain. The first network element, such as the S-SMF, is deployed in a city or a metropolitan area.

[0173] In a possible implementation, the subscription data of the terminal includes a first data network identifier (or name) DNN and a first slice S-NSSAI. The fourth network element supports the first data network identifier and the first slice.

[0174] In a possible implementation, the fourth network element is a network element providing a session management function, and the fourth network element manages the first session. For example, the fourth network element can be an anchor SMF.

[0175] In a possible implementation, the first network element selects the fourth network element, the fourth network element selects the fifth network element, the fifth network element selects the sixth network element, the sixth network element selects the seventh network element, and the seventh network element selects the eighth network element. It can be understood that the first network element selects the fourth network element according to the fourth network element information configured locally, or the first network element requests service discovery from the NRF, and the NRF returns the fourth network element supporting the first data network identifier and the first slice to the first network element.

[0176] For example, the first network element selects the fourth network element, which can be understood as that the first network element selects the fourth network element supporting the first data network identifier and the first slice according to the fourth network element information configured locally. Alternatively, the first network element requests service discovery from the NRF, and the NRF returns the fourth network element supporting the first data network identifier and the first slice to the first network element.

[0177] For the implementation of selecting the fifth network element, the seventh network element, the sixth network element, the eighth network element, and the like below, reference can be made to the description, which will not be repeated here.

[0178] In a possible implementation, the first information includes a location of the terminal. The first network element selects the fifth network element according to the location of the terminal. For example, the first network element selects the fifth network element supporting the location of the terminal according to the fifth network element information configured locally. Alternatively, the first network element requests service discovery from the NRF, and the NRF returns the fifth network element supporting the location of the terminal to the first network element.

[0179] Optionally, the fifth network element is a network element providing user plane function, and the first network element controls the fifth network element. For example, the fifth network element is a service user plane network element (S-UPF); or the fifth network element is a user plane network element supporting uplink classification (UL CL, UL CL UPF); or the first network element is an I-SMF, and the fifth network element is an intermediate user plane network element (I-UPF), and the I-SMF controls the I-UPF; or the first network element is an SMF, and the fifth network element is a user plane network element (UPF), and the SMF controls the UPF.

[0180] The first network element receives fifth information from the fourth network element, and the fifth information is used to indicate a service data flow of the first session. Optionally, the fifth information can include flow information, a classification rule (such as N4 information), a packet filter, a service data flow filter (SDF filter), and the like. For the introduction of this part, please refer to the description of the embodiments below, which will not be repeated here.

[0181] Further, the first network element sends sixth information to the fifth network element, and the sixth information is used to instruct the fifth network element to forward the service data flow of the first session to a sixth network element. Correspondingly, the sixth network element receives the sixth information.

[0182] Optionally, the sixth network element is a network element providing user plane function, and the fourth network element controls the sixth network element. For example, the sixth network element is a user plane network element (UPF), an anchor user plane network element (A-UPF, PSA UPF), a home user plane network element (H-UPF), a local user plane network element (L-UPF), a private network user plane network element (private network UPF), and the like.

[0183] In a possible implementation, the first network element sends thirteenth information to the second network element, and the thirteenth information indicates acceptance of establishment of the first session. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the thirteenth information.

[0184] Optionally, the fourth network element sends indication information to the first network element, indicating acceptance of establishment of the first session. Further, the first network element sends the thirteenth information to the second network element.

[0185] Further, the second network element sends fourteenth information to the terminal or the base station, and the fourteenth information indicates acceptance of establishment of the first session.

[0186] With the example, establishment of the first session can be implemented.

[0187] In a possible implementation, the third information includes a second data network identifier and a second slice. The first network element receives seventh information from the third network element, the seventh information being used to indicate a service data flow of a second session. In a possible implementation, the second session can support service accessing a private network, such as an intranet or the like. Optionally, the seventh information can include flow information, a flow rule (such as N4 information), a packet filter, a service data flow filter (SDF filter), a policy for detecting a private network data flow, and the like. For the introduction of this part, refer to the description of the embodiments below, which will not be repeated here.

[0188] The first network element sends eighth information to the fifth network element, the eighth information being used to instruct the fifth network element to detect according to the seventh information. Correspondingly, the fifth network element receives the eighth information.

[0189] The fifth network element sends ninth information to the first network element, the ninth information being used to indicate that the fifth network element detects the service data flow of the second session. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the ninth information.

[0190] The first network element selects a seventh network element based on the ninth information and the third information, the seventh network element supporting the second data network identifier and the second slice.

[0191] Optionally, the seventh network element is a network element providing a session management function, and the seventh network element manages the second session. For example, the seventh network element is a session management network element (SMF), which can be a private network session management network element (private network SMF), a local session management network element (L-SMF), or the like.

[0192] In a possible implementation, the first network element sends tenth information to the seventh network element, the tenth information being used to request establishment of a second session. For example, the second session supports or is associated with the second data network identifier and the second slice, and the above tenth information is carried in the message.

[0193] Further, the first network element sends eleventh information to the fifth network element, the eleventh information being used to instruct the fifth network element to forward the service data flow of the second session to an eighth network element.

[0194] Optionally, the eighth network element is a network element providing a user plane function, and the seventh network element controls the eighth network element. Exemplarily, the eighth network element is a user plane network element (UPF), which can be a private network user plane network element (private network UPF), a local user plane network element (L-UPF), or the like.

[0195] With this example, the establishment of the second session can be implemented.

[0196] In a possible implementation, the third information includes a plurality of data network identifiers and slices. The first network element selects a plurality of fourth network elements according to the third information, and the plurality of fourth network elements correspond to the plurality of data network identifiers and slices.

[0197] Further, the first network element requests the plurality of fourth network elements to establish a plurality of sessions.

[0198] In another possible implementation, the third information includes a plurality of data network identifiers and slices. The first network element selects a plurality of seventh network elements according to the third information, and the plurality of seventh network elements correspond to the plurality of data network identifiers and slices.

[0199] Further, the first network element requests the plurality of seventh network elements to establish a plurality of sessions.

[0200] That is, the present solution can implement the establishment of one session, and can also implement the establishment of a plurality of sessions.

[0201] In the embodiment of the present application, the first network element selects a fourth network element according to the subscription data and / or policy of the terminal, and sends fourth information to the fourth network element, where the fourth information is used to request the establishment of a first session. With this means, the first network element is a network element providing a session management function, and the first network element is used to manage or control one or more sessions of the terminal, thereby solving the problem that the modification of the selection policy of the new service involving the SMF causes the frequent upgrade of the AMF and affects the base station, and solving the problem of the SMF upgrade in the dual-domain private network scenario that needs to be supported by the large network SMF to support the selection of the private network SMF.

[0202] Referring to FIG. 4, it is a schematic diagram of a session establishment method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This example takes the first network element as an S-SMF, the fourth network element as an SMF, the fifth network element as an S-UPF, the sixth network element as an UPF, and the terminal UE initiates a session establishment request to the first network element as an example. As shown in FIG. 4, the method can include steps 401-412, which are specifically as follows:

[0203] 401. The UE sends a session establishment request to the S-SMF. Correspondingly, the S-SMF receives the session establishment request.

[0204] 402、S-SMF obtains the subscription data of the UE, and determines the session to be established according to the subscription data of the UE.

[0205] Optionally, the S-SMF confirms that the session establishment request of the UE is legal.

[0206] Optionally, the S-SMF sends a request to the UDM to obtain the subscription data of the UE. For example, the UDM issues a general DNN. Illustratively, the UE carries the general DNN in the session establishment request. The S-SMF confirms that the session establishment request carrying the general DNN is legal.

[0207] 403、The S-SMF selects an S-UPF according to the location of the UE.

[0208] Optionally, the UE carries the location of the UE in the session establishment request.

[0209] 404、The S-SMF requests the S-UPF to establish an N4 session.

[0210] Optionally, the N4 session can be understood as a Packet Forwarding Control Protocol (PFCP) session, a user plane session, etc.

[0211] 405、The S-SMF selects an SMF according to the subscription data of the UE.

[0212] 406、The S-SMF requests the SMF to establish a session.

[0213] 407、The SMF receives the session establishment request and obtains a session policy.

[0214] Illustratively, the session policy can include a Quality of Service (QoS) policy (QoSData), flow information (FlowInformation), etc.

[0215] 408、The SMF selects a UPF according to the general DNN, the slice, and the location of the UE.

[0216] 409、The SMF requests the UP to establish an N4 session.

[0217] 410、The SMF returns a splitting policy to the S-SMF.

[0218] 411、The S-SMF configures a splitting rule to the S-UPF.

[0219] 412、The S-SMF replies to the UE with a session establishment response.

[0220] By adopting the embodiment, any session of the UE can be established, the S-SMF is selected for the new capability, the AMF adaptation or upgrade support for establishing the new session is completed by the S-SMF, and the influence on the base station side is reduced.

[0221] Referring to FIG. 5, another session establishment method provided by the embodiment of the application is shown. The example takes the first network element as the S-SMF, the fourth network element as the private network SMF, the fifth network element as the S-UPF, the sixth network element as the UPF, and the first network element receiving the session establishment request from the terminal UE as an example for introduction. As shown in FIG. 5, the method can include steps 501-506, and the details are as follows.

[0222] 501. The S-SMF obtains the private network subscription data of the UE.

[0223] Optionally, the S-SMF sends a request to the UDM to obtain the subscription data of the UE.

[0224] Optionally, the S-SMF obtaining the subscription data of the UE can be understood as that the S-SMF sends a subscription message to the UDM, and the UDM sends a subscription response to the S-SMF. The UDM obtains the subscription data of the UE and actively sends a notification message to the S-SMF, carrying the subscription data of the UE.

[0225] 502. The S-SMF obtains the offloading policy of the private network.

[0226] Optionally, the S-SMF sends a request to the PCF to obtain the private network offloading policy of the UE.

[0227] Optionally, the S-SMF obtaining the policy of the UE can be understood as that the S-SMF sends a subscription message to the PCF, and the PCF sends a subscription response to the S-SMF; the PCF obtains the policy of the UE and actively sends a notification message to the S-SMF, carrying the policy of the UE.

[0228] 503. The S-SMF configures a policy for detecting private network data flow to the S-UPF.

[0229] 504. The S-UPF detects based on the above-mentioned policy for detecting private network data flow, and sends a request to the S-SMF when detecting the private network data flow. Optionally, a report request Report Request is sent.

[0230] 505. The S-SMF receives the request from the S-UPF, and selects the private network SMF according to the private network subscription data and / or the offloading policy of the private network.

[0231] 506. The S-SMF requests the private network SMF to establish a private network session. The private network session can be understood as a second session.

[0232] Exemplarily, the procedure of establishing the private network session can include A1-A6, specifically as follows:

[0233] A1, the SMF receives the session establishment request and obtains a session policy.

[0234] Exemplarily, the session policy can include a QoS policy (QoSData), flow information (FlowInformation), etc.

[0235] A2, the SMF selects a UPF according to a general DNN, a slice, and a location of the UE.

[0236] A3, the SMF requests the UP to establish an N4 session.

[0237] A4, the SMF returns a private network offloading policy to the S-SMF.

[0238] A5, the S-SMF configures an offloading rule to the S-UPF. The offloading rule can be understood as a policy for detecting private network data flow.

[0239] A6, the S-SMF replies to the UE with a session establishment response.

[0240] For the introduction of this part, reference can be made to the description of steps 407-412 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0241] With this embodiment, the establishment of a private network session can be achieved, the SMF supporting the private network is selected, the establishment of the private network session does not require AMF adaptation or upgrade support, is completed by the S-SMF, and the impact on the base station side is reduced.

[0242] Referring to FIG. 6, it is a schematic diagram of another session establishment method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This example takes the first network element as the S-SMF, the second network element as the AMF, the third network element as including the UDM and the SM-PCF, the fourth network element as including the A-SMF and the private network SMF, and the fifth network element as the UL CL UPF, and the sixth network element as the PSA and the private network UPF. As shown in FIG. 6, the method can include steps 601-623, specifically as follows:

[0243] 601, the UE sends a session establishment request to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the session establishment request.

[0244] Optionally, the session establishment request includes the location of the UE.

[0245] 602, the AMF selects the S-SMF according to the location of the UE.

[0246] 603, the AMF sends an SM context establishment request (or, an establishment PDU session request) to the S-SMF.

[0247] 604、S-SMF requests the UDM to obtain the subscription data of the UE, and confirms the request is legal.

[0248] For example, the subscription data can include one or more DNNs and slice S-NSSAIs. The DNNs can be, for example, a general DNN, a special DNN, an IMS DNN, and the like. The slices can be, for example, an eMBB slice, an mMTC slice, a uRLLC slice, and the like.

[0249] For example, the UE carries a general DNN in the request in step 601, and the UDM issues the general DNN in step 604. Further, the S-SMF confirms that the session establishment request carrying the general DNN is legal.

[0250] In a possible implementation, the S-SMF saves the subscription data of the UE. When the UE requests the core network to establish a second session, the S-SMF can no longer need to obtain the subscription data from the UDM, and the S-SMF can query the saved subscription data to confirm the request is legal.

[0251] Of course, the S-SMF can also obtain the subscription data of the UE from the UDM again, and the present solution does not limit this.

[0252] 605、S-SMF selects an S-UPF according to the location of the UE, and requests to establish an N4 session, and allocates N3 and N9 tunnel information of the S-UPF.

[0253] 606、S-SMF selects an A-SMF according to the session that needs to be established by the subscription of the UE.

[0254] For example, the UE carries a general DNN in the request in step 601, the UDM issues the general DNN in step 604, the S-SMF confirms to establish a general DNN session, and then the S-SMF selects an A-SMF according to the general DNN and the slice.

[0255] 607、S-SMF requests the A-SMF to establish a session, and carries N9 tunnel information of the S-UPF.

[0256] 608、A-SMF obtains a policy related to services in the session from an SM-PCF.

[0257] The policy can include a QoS policy (QoSData), flow information (FlowInformation), and the like.

[0258] It can be understood that the flow information corresponds to the fifth information and the seventh information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, that is, the fifth information and the seventh information can include the flow information.

[0259] 609、A-SMF selects a PSA UPF according to the general DNN, the slice, and the location of the UE.

[0260] 610. The A-SMF requests the PSA UPF to establish an N4 session and allocates N9 tunnel information of the PSA UPF.

[0261] 611. The A-SMF sends a session establishment response to the S-SMF, which carries a split rule (such as N4Information), N9 tunnel information of the PSA UPF, and QoSFlow information, etc.

[0262] It can be understood that the split rule corresponds to the fifth information and the seventh information in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, that is, the fifth information and the seventh information can include the split rule.

[0263] In a possible implementation, the S-SMF can also select a private network SMF according to the UE subscription and establish a private network session. For example, the UE carries a general DNN in the step 601 request, the UDM issues a mapping / binding relationship between the general DNN and the private DNN in the step 604, or the private DNN carries an indication of default establishment, and the S-SMF selects a private network SMF according to the private DNN and the slice.

[0264] For example, the method further includes steps 612-616. Specifically as follows:

[0265] 612. The S-SMF requests the session establishment to the private network SMF and carries N9 tunnel information of the S-UPF.

[0266] 613. The private network SMF obtains the session policy of the UE from the SM-PCF.

[0267] The policy can include QoS policy (QoSData), flow information (FlowInformation), etc.

[0268] 614. The private network SMF selects a private network UPF according to the general DNN, the slice, and the location of the UE.

[0269] 615. The private network SMF requests the private network UPF to establish an N4 session and allocates N9 tunnel information of the private network UPF.

[0270] 616. The private network SMF sends a session establishment response to the S-SMF, which carries a split rule (such as N4Information), N9 tunnel information of the private network UPF, and QoSFlow information, etc.

[0271] It should be noted that the steps 607-611 and the steps 612-616 can be executed in parallel, or the steps 607-611 are executed first and then the steps 612-616 are executed, or the steps 612-616 are executed first and then the steps 607-611 are executed, and the present solution does not limit this.

[0272] 617、The S-SMF sends an N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF, which carries PDU session information (such as the IDs of two PDU sessions), N2 messages (containing N3 tunnel information of the S-UPF in step 605, QoS Flow information in steps 611 and 616), and N1 messages. Accordingly, the AMF receives the message.

[0273] 618、The AMF sends an N2 PDU session request to the RAN, which includes the above-mentioned N1 message and N2 message. Accordingly, the RAN receives the request.

[0274] 619、The RAN sends information to the UE to indicate acceptance of the establishment of the above-mentioned session. Wherein, the information includes the above-mentioned N1 message. Accordingly, the UE receives the information.

[0275] 620、The RAN replies to the AMF with the requested N2 information, such as sending a PDU Resource Setup Response to the AMF. Wherein, the response carries the N3 tunnel information of the RAN. Accordingly, the AMF receives the response.

[0276] 621、The AMF sends a PDU session SM context update request to the S-SMF, which carries the N3 tunnel information of the RAN. Accordingly, the S-SMF receives the request.

[0277] 622、The S-SMF sends an update N4 session request to the UL CL UPF, which carries the N3 tunnel information of the RAN in step 620, the split rule and QoS Flow information in steps 611 and 616. Accordingly, the A-SMF receives the request.

[0278] 623、The S-SMF replies to the AMF with a response.

[0279] With this example, session establishment can be achieved, including the establishment of general PDU sessions and the establishment of private network PDU sessions, etc. It should be noted that both general PDU sessions and private network PDU sessions can be understood as the first session in the foregoing embodiments. Wherein, the selection of SMF and private network SMF, the establishment of general and private sessions do not require AMF adaptation or upgrade support, which is completed by the S-SMF, reducing the impact on the base station side.

[0280] Referring to FIG. 7, a schematic diagram of another session establishment method provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. The example takes the first network element as S-SMF, the second network element as AMF, the third network element as a local policy control network element L-PCF, the fourth network element as a local session management network element (Local SMF, L-SMF), the fifth network element as an edge UPF, and the terminal triggers establishment of a connection to an edge application service / local park as an example for introduction. As shown in FIG. 7, the method can include steps 701-722, which are specifically as follows:

[0281] 701. The UE has established a session.

[0282] For the introduction of this part, reference can be made to the description of establishing a session in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, or establishing multiple sessions, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0283] 702. The S-SMF obtains the correspondence between the application and the data network access identifier (Data Network Access Identifier, DNAI).

[0284] For example, the S-SMF obtains the correspondence by reading the local configuration.

[0285] 703. The S-SMF issues a configuration to the uplink classifier (Uplink Classifier UPF, UL CL UPF) (such as S-UPF) to support sending of a domain name system (Domain Network Server, DNS) message to an edge application server discovery function (Edge Application Server Discovery Function, EASDF).

[0286] 704. The S-SMF configures a message processing rule for the EASDF according to the DNAI corresponding to the service.

[0287] For example, the message sent by the S-SMF to the EASDF can be Neasdf_DNSContext_Create Request, which can include at least one of the DNS message processing rule, the UE IP address, and the DNN.

[0288] In a possible implementation, the Neasdf_DNSContext_Create Request message is sent before the S-SMF sends the N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF.

[0289] Optionally, the EASDF can be pre-configured with DNS processing rules based on local service / application and flow granularity. The DNS message processing rules in the Neasdf_DNSContext_Create Request message only contain rule ID and the association information of the rule ID and the terminal UE or one PDU session of the terminal. In this way, the problems such as frequent modification of rules in the dynamic configuration scenario of the EASDF, long path of modification from the central SMF to the local EASDF, and non-real-time modification can be avoided.

[0290] 705. The S-SMF sends a message to the UE, which is used to instruct the UE to configure the EASDF as a DNS server.

[0291] For example, the PDU Session Establishment Accept message carries the IP address of the EASDF.

[0292] 706. The UE sends a DNS request (such as DNS Query) to the EASDF, and the EASDF forwards the DNS Query to the corresponding DNS server according to the DNS message processing rules obtained above.

[0293] Optionally, the UE sends the DNS request to the UL CL UPF, which forwards the DNS request to the EASDF.

[0294] 707. The EASDF receives a DNS response.

[0295] 708. The EASDF reports the application corresponding DNAI to the S-SMF according to the DNS processing rules.

[0296] 709. The S-SMF selects a local service SMF (L-SMF) according to the DNAI, and determines to establish a local service path.

[0297] 710. The S-SMF sends a session establishment request to the L-SMF, which carries the N9 tunnel information of the S-UPF. Correspondingly, the L-SMF receives the session establishment request.

[0298] 711. The L-SMF obtains a local policy from the L-PCF.

[0299] For example, the policy can include QoS policy (QoSData), flow information (FlowInformation), etc.

[0300] 712、The L-SMF selects an edge UPF (L-UPF) based on one or more of the DNN, slice, DNAI, and location of the UE, etc.

[0301] 713、The L-SMF requests the edge UPF to establish an N4 session.

[0302] 714、The L-SMF sends a session establishment response to the S-SMF, which carries the offload rule (such as N4Information) and QoS Flow information, etc.

[0303] 715、The S-SMF sends an N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the message.

[0304] Optionally, if the L-SMF indicates to establish local QoS (carrying QoS Flow information in step 714), the S-SMF sends an N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF, which carries the QoS information that needs to be established. Further, the AMF sends to the RAN in step 716, and the RAN sends to the UE in step 717.

[0305] 716、The AMF sends an N2 PDU session request to the RAN, which includes the above-mentioned QoS information that needs to be established. Correspondingly, the RAN receives the request.

[0306] 717、The RAN sends information to the UE to indicate acceptance of the establishment of the above-mentioned session. The information includes the above-mentioned QoS information that needs to be established. Correspondingly, the UE receives the information.

[0307] 718、The RAN replies to the AMF with an N2 PDU session response. Correspondingly, the AMF receives the response.

[0308] 719、The AMF sends a PDU session update request or SM context update request to the S-SMF. Correspondingly, the S-SMF receives the request.

[0309] 720、The S-SMF configures the offload rule and QoS Flow information to the UL CL UPF. Correspondingly, the UL CL UPF receives the offload rule and QoS Flow information.

[0310] 721、The S-SMF sends a PDU session SM context update response to the AMF.

[0311] 722、The EASDF sends a DNS response to the UE.

[0312] By using the embodiment, a local session or a local connection can be realized, that is, the terminal triggers to establish a connection to an edge application service or a local park in a local manner, and the UL CL UPF can forward a service flow of the edge application or the local park to an edge application or a local park network, so that the terminal accesses the edge / local service. The S-SMF is responsible for supporting the connection to the edge application service or the local park, and the AMF does not need to be adapted / updated to support the establishment of the connection.

[0313] It should be noted that in each of the embodiments of the present application, the terms and / or descriptions of each of the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referred to if there is no special description and logical conflict. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0314] The above describes the method of the embodiments of the present application in detail, and the apparatus of the embodiments of the present application is provided below. It can be understood that the division of a plurality of units or modules in each apparatus embodiment of the present application is only a logical division according to functions, and does not limit the specific structure of the apparatus. In a specific implementation, some of the function modules can be subdivided into more detailed function modules, and some of the function modules can be combined into one function module, but regardless of whether the function modules are subdivided or combined, the general flow performed by the apparatus is the same. For example, some apparatuses include a receiving unit and a sending unit. In some designs, the sending unit and the receiving unit can also be integrated into a communication unit, which can realize the functions realized by the receiving unit and the sending unit. Generally, each unit corresponds to a respective program code (or program instruction), and the respective program code of each unit causes the unit to be controlled by the processing unit to execute the corresponding flow to realize the corresponding function when the respective program code of each unit runs on the processor.

[0315] The embodiments of the present application also provide an apparatus for implementing any one of the above methods, for example, a session establishment apparatus is provided, which includes a module (or means) for implementing each step performed by the first network element in any one of the above methods.

[0316] For example, referring to FIG. 8a, which is a structural schematic diagram of a session establishment apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. The session establishment apparatus is used to implement the session establishment method described above, and the apparatus is an apparatus providing a session management function, which is used to manage or control one or more sessions of a terminal, for example, the function of the first network element in the session establishment method shown in FIG. 3.

[0317] As shown in FIG. 8a, the apparatus can include a communication module 801 and a processing module 802, specifically as follows:

[0318] The communication module 801 is configured to receive first information from a second network element, the first information being used to request to establish a first session.

[0319] The communication module 801 is further configured to send second information to a third network element, the second information being used to request to obtain subscription data and / or a policy of the terminal;

[0320] The communication module 801 is further configured to receive third information from the third network element, the third information including the subscription data and / or the policy of the terminal;

[0321] The processing module 802 is configured to select a fourth network element according to the third information;

[0322] The communication module 801 is further configured to send fourth information to the fourth network element, the fourth information being used to request to establish a first session.

[0323] In a possible implementation, the subscription data includes a first data network identifier and a first slice, and the fourth network element supports the first data network identifier and the first slice.

[0324] In a possible implementation, the first information includes a location of the terminal, and the processing module 802 is further configured to:

[0325] select a fifth network element according to the location of the terminal;

[0326] The communication module 801 is further configured to receive fifth information from the fourth network element, the fifth information being used to indicate a service data flow of the first session;

[0327] The communication module 801 is further configured to send sixth information to the fifth network element, the sixth information being used to instruct the fifth network element to forward the service data flow of the first session to a sixth network element.

[0328] In a possible implementation, the third information includes a second data network identifier and a second slice, and the communication module 801 is further configured to:

[0329] receive seventh information from the third network element, the seventh information being used to indicate a service data flow of a second session;

[0330] send eighth information to the fifth network element, the eighth information being used to instruct the fifth network element to perform detection according to the seventh information;

[0331] receive ninth information from the fifth network element, the ninth information being used to indicate that the fifth network element detects the service data flow of the second session;

[0332] The processing module 802 is further configured to select a seventh network element based on the ninth information and the third information, the seventh network element supporting the second data network identifier and the second slice.

[0333] In a possible implementation, the communication module 801 is further configured to:

[0334] send tenth information to the seventh network element, the tenth information being used to request establishment of a second session;

[0335] send eleventh information to the fifth network element, the eleventh information being used to instruct the fifth network element to forward a traffic data stream of the second session to an eighth network element.

[0336] In a possible implementation, the third information includes a plurality of data network identifiers and slices, and the processing module 802 is further configured to select a plurality of fourth network elements according to the third information, the plurality of fourth network elements corresponding to the plurality of data network identifiers and slices.

[0337] The communication module 801 is further configured to request establishment of a plurality of sessions from the plurality of fourth network elements;

[0338] and / or,

[0339] The processing module 802 is further configured to select a plurality of seventh network elements according to the third information, the plurality of seventh network elements corresponding to the plurality of data network identifiers and slices.

[0340] The communication module 801 is further configured to request establishment of a plurality of sessions from the plurality of seventh network elements.

[0341] In a possible implementation, the second network element is an access and / or mobility management function-providing network element; and / or, the third network element is a unified data management function-providing network element; or, the third network element is a policy control function-providing network element or a subscription data management-providing network element; and / or, the fourth network element is a session management function-providing network element, the fourth network element managing the first session; and / or, the fifth network element is a user plane function-providing network element, the device controlling the fifth network element; and / or, the sixth network element is a user plane function-providing network element, the fourth network element controlling the sixth network element; and / or, the seventh network element is a session management function-providing network element, the seventh network element managing the second session; and / or, the eighth network element is a user plane function-providing network element, the seventh network element controlling the eighth network element.

[0342] The above modules can refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be described here again.

[0343] For example, the embodiments of the present application also provide a device for implementing any of the above methods, for example, a session establishment device is provided, which comprises modules (or means) for implementing the steps performed by the second network element in any of the above methods.

[0344] As shown in FIG. 8b, the device can comprise a communication module 803 and a processing module 804, specifically as follows:

[0345] The communication module 803 is configured to receive twelfth information from a terminal or a base station, the twelfth information being used for requesting establishment of a first session, and the twelfth information comprising a location of the terminal.

[0346] The processing module 804 is configured to select a first network element according to the location of the terminal, the first network element being a network element providing a session management function, and the first network element being used for managing or controlling one or more sessions of the terminal.

[0347] The communication module 803 is further configured to send first information to the first network element, the first information being used for requesting establishment of the first session.

[0348] In a possible implementation, the communication module 803 is further configured to:

[0349] receive thirteenth information from the first network element, the thirteenth information indicating acceptance of establishment of the first session;

[0350] send fourteenth information to the terminal or the base station, the fourteenth information indicating acceptance of establishment of the first session.

[0351] In a possible implementation, the device is an access and / or mobility management function device.

[0352] The above modules can refer to the descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, and thus repeated description is omitted here.

[0353] It should be understood that the division of each module in each of the above devices is only a logical functional division, and all or part of the modules can be integrated into one physical entity or physically separated when actually implemented. In addition, the modules in the session establishment device can be implemented in the form of processor calling software; for example, the session establishment device 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 to implement the functions of the modules of the device, wherein the processor is, for example, a general processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory is an internal memory or an external memory of the device. Alternatively, the modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, and the functions of part or all of the units can be implemented by the design of the hardware circuit, which can be understood as one or more processors; for example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and the functions of part or all of the units are implemented by the design of the logical relationship of the elements in the circuit; for example, in another implementation, the 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 implement the functions of part or all of the units. All the modules of the above device can be implemented in the form of processor calling software, or all the modules can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit, or part of the modules can be implemented in the form of processor calling software, and the remaining part can be implemented in the form of hardware circuit.

[0354] Referring to FIG. 9, it is a hardware structure schematic diagram of another session establishment device provided by the embodiment of the application. As shown in FIG. 9, the session establishment device 900 (which can be a computer device) includes a memory 901, a processor 902, a communication interface 903 and a bus 904. The memory 901, the processor 902 and the communication interface 903 are in communication connection with each other through the bus 904.

[0355] The memory 901 can be a read only memory (ROM), a static storage device, a dynamic storage device or a random access memory (RAM).

[0356] The memory 901 can store programs, and when the programs stored in the memory 901 are executed by the processor 902, the processor 902 and the communication interface 903 are configured to perform the steps of the session establishment method of the embodiments of the present application.

[0357] The processor 902 is a circuit with a processing capability of signals. In one implementation, the processor 902 can be a circuit with an 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 902 can implement certain functions through a logic relationship of a hardware circuit, which is fixed or can be reconfigured. For example, the processor 902 is a hardware circuit implemented by an 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 an instruction to implement the functions of the above 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. The processor 902 is configured to execute a related program to implement the functions required by the units in the session establishment apparatus of the embodiments of the present application, or execute the session establishment method of the method embodiments of the present application.

[0358] It can be seen that each module in the above apparatus can be one or more processors (or processing circuits) configured to implement the above method, such as a CPU, a GPU, an NPU, a TPU, a DPU, a microprocessor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination of at least two of these processor forms.

[0359] In addition, each module in the above apparatus can be integrated together or can be independently implemented. In one implementation, the modules are integrated together to implement a system-on-a-chip (SOC). The SOC can include at least one processor for implementing the functions of any one of the above methods or implementing the functions of the modules of the apparatus. The at least one processor can be different, such as a CPU and an FPGA, a CPU and an artificial intelligence processor, a CPU and a GPU, and the like.

[0360] The communication interface 903 uses a transceiving device such as, but not limited to, a transceiver to enable communication between the apparatus 900 and other devices or communication networks. For example, data can be acquired through the communication interface 903.

[0361] The bus 904 can include a path for communicating information between the various components (e.g., the memory 901, the processor 902, the communication interface 903) of the apparatus 900.

[0362] It should be noted that although the apparatus 900 shown in FIG. 9 only shows a memory, a processor, and a communication interface, in actual implementation, those skilled in the art should understand that the apparatus 900 also includes other devices necessary for normal operation. Meanwhile, according to specific needs, those skilled in the art should understand that the apparatus 900 can also include hardware devices for implementing other additional functions. In addition, those skilled in the art should understand that the apparatus 900 can also only include devices necessary for implementing the embodiments of the present application, and does not necessarily include all the devices shown in FIG. 9.

[0363] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer readable storage medium, which stores instructions, and when the instructions run on a computer or a processor, cause the computer or the processor to perform one or more steps in any of the above methods.

[0364] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product containing instructions. When the computer program product runs on a computer or a processor, it causes the computer or the processor to perform one or more steps in any of the above methods.

[0365] It should be understood that, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " represents that the objects before and after the " / " are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can represent A or B; wherein A, B can be singular or plural. And, in the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or the like means any combination of the items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, wherein a, b, c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, the same items or similar items with basically the same function and role are distinguished by using "first", "second", etc. The skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second", etc. do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second", etc. do not necessarily mean different. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, "exemplary" or "for example" means to serve as an example, illustration or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, "exemplary" or "for example" is used to present the relevant concept in a specific manner, for understanding.

[0366] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the division of the unit is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. The coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0367] The unit described as a separate component can or can not be physically separated, and the component shown as a unit can or can not be a physical unit, that is, it can be located in one place, or it can be distributed to multiple network units. According to actual needs, part or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of the embodiments of the present application.

[0368] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable apparatus. The computer instructions can be stored in or transmitted by a computer readable storage medium. The computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through a wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) manner. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. integrated with one or more available media sets. The available medium can be a read-only memory (ROM), or a random access memory (RAM), or a magnetic medium, such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, a magnetic disk, or an optical medium, such as a digital versatile disc (DVD), or a semiconductor medium, such as a solid state disk (SSD), etc.

[0369] The above is only a specific implementation of the embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any change or replacement within the technical scope disclosed by the embodiments of the present application should be covered within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A session establishment method, characterized by, The method is applied to a first network element, the first network element being a network element providing a session management function, the first network element being configured to manage or control one or more sessions of a terminal, and the method comprising: receiving first information from a second network element, the first information being configured to request establishment of a first session; sending second information to a third network element, the second information being configured to request obtaining subscription data and / or a policy of the terminal; receiving third information from the third network element, the third information comprising the subscription data and / or the policy of the terminal; selecting a fourth network element according to the third information, and sending fourth information to the fourth network element, the fourth information being configured to request establishment of the first session.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The subscription data comprises a first data network identifier and a first slice, and the fourth network element supports the first data network identifier and the first slice.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first information comprises a location of the terminal, and the method further comprises: selecting a fifth network element according to the location of the terminal; receiving fifth information from the fourth network element, the fifth information being configured to indicate a traffic data flow of the first session; sending sixth information to the fifth network element, the sixth information being configured to instruct the fifth network element to forward the traffic data flow of the first session to a sixth network element.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The third information comprises a second data network identifier and a second slice, and the method further comprises: receiving seventh information from the third network element, the seventh information being configured to indicate a traffic data flow of a second session; sending eighth information to the fifth network element, the eighth information being configured to instruct the fifth network element to perform detection according to the seventh information; receiving ninth information from the fifth network element, the ninth information being configured to indicate that the fifth network element has detected the traffic data flow of the second session; selecting a seventh network element based on the ninth information and the third information, the seventh network element supporting the second data network identifier and the second slice.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further comprises: sending tenth information to the seventh network element, the tenth information being configured to request establishment of the second session; sending eleventh information to the fifth network element, the eleventh information being configured to instruct the fifth network element to forward the traffic data flow of the second session to an eighth network element.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The third information comprises a plurality of data network identifiers and slices, and wherein: a plurality of fourth network elements are selected according to the third information, the plurality of fourth network elements corresponding to the plurality of data network identifiers and slices; a plurality of sessions are requested to be established to the plurality of fourth network elements; and / or a plurality of seventh network elements are selected according to the third information, the plurality of seventh network elements corresponding to the plurality of data network identifiers and slices; a plurality of sessions are requested to be established to the plurality of seventh network elements. The second network element is a network element providing an access and / or mobility management function; and / or, the third network element is a network element providing a unified data management function or subscription data management; or, the third network element is a network element providing a policy control function; 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, and / or, the fourth network element is a network element providing a session management function, the fourth network element managing the first session. ​ And / or, the fifth network element is a network element providing user plane function, and the first network element controls the fifth network element; and / or, the sixth network element is a network element providing user plane function, and the fourth network element controls the sixth network element; and / or, the seventh network element is a network element providing session management function, and the seventh network element manages the second session; And / or, the eighth network element is a network element providing user plane function, and the seventh network element controls the eighth network element.

8. A session establishment method, characterized by, The method applied to the second network element comprises: receiving twelfth information from a terminal or a base station, the twelfth information being used for requesting establishment of a first session, and the twelfth information comprising a location of the terminal; selecting a first network element according to the location of the terminal, the first network element being a network element providing session management function and being used for managing or controlling one or more sessions of the terminal; sending first information to the first network element, the first information being used for requesting establishment of the first session.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving thirteenth information from the first network element, the thirteenth information indicating acceptance of establishment of the first session; sending fourteenth information to the terminal or the base station, the fourteenth information indicating acceptance of establishment of the first session.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The second network element is a network element providing access and / or mobility management function.

11. A session establishment apparatus, characterized by comprising: The device is a device providing session management function, and is used for managing or controlling one or more sessions of a terminal, and comprises: a communication module, configured to receive first information from a second network element, the first information being used for requesting establishment of a first session; the communication module is further configured to send second information to a third network element, the second information being used for requesting acquisition of subscription data and / or policy of the terminal; the communication module is further configured to receive third information from the third network element, the third information comprising the subscription data and / or policy of the terminal; a processing module, configured to select a fourth network element according to the third information; the communication module is further configured to send fourth information to the fourth network element, the fourth information being used for requesting establishment of the first session.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The subscription data comprises a first data network identifier and a first slice, and the fourth network element supports the first data network identifier and the first slice.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein, The first information comprises a location of the terminal, and the processing module is further configured to: select a fifth network element according to the location of the terminal; the communication module is further configured to receive fifth information from the fourth network element, the fifth information being used for indicating a service data flow of the first session; the communication module is further configured to send sixth information to the fifth network element, the sixth information being used for instructing the fifth network element to forward the service data flow of the first session to a sixth network element.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The third information comprises a second data network identifier and a second slice, and the communication module is further configured to: receive seventh information from the third network element, the seventh information being used for indicating a service data flow of a second session; send eighth information to the fifth network element, the eighth information being used for instructing the fifth network element to perform detection according to the seventh information; receiving ninth information from the fifth network element, the ninth information being used to indicate that the fifth network element detects traffic data flow of the second session; the processing module is further configured to select a seventh network element based on the ninth information and the third information, the seventh network element supporting the second data network identifier and the second slice.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, the communication module is further configured to: send tenth information to the seventh network element, the tenth information being used to request establishment of a second session; send eleventh information to the fifth network element, the eleventh information being used to instruct the fifth network element to forward traffic data flow of the second session to an eighth network element.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein, the third information comprises a plurality of data network identifiers and slices, and the processing module is further configured to select a plurality of fourth network elements according to the third information, the plurality of fourth network elements corresponding to the plurality of data network identifiers and slices; the communication module is further configured to request establishment of a plurality of sessions from the plurality of fourth network elements; and / or, the processing module is further configured to select a plurality of seventh network elements according to the third information, the plurality of seventh network elements corresponding to the plurality of data network identifiers and slices; the communication module is further configured to request establishment of a plurality of sessions from the plurality of seventh network elements.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein, the second network element is a network element providing access and / or mobility management function; and / or, the third network element is a network element providing unified data management function or subscription data management; or, the third network element is a network element providing policy control function; and / or, the fourth network element is a network element providing session management function, and the fourth network element manages the first session; and / or, the fifth network element is a network element providing user plane function, and the first network element controls the fifth network element; and / or, the sixth network element is a network element providing user plane function, and the fourth network element controls the sixth network element; and / or, the seventh network element is a network element providing session management function, and the seventh network element manages the second session; and / or, the eighth network element is a network element providing user plane function, and the seventh network element controls the eighth network element.

18. A session establishment apparatus, characterized by comprising: The apparatus comprises: a communication module configured to receive twelfth information from a terminal or a base station, the twelfth information being used to request establishment of a first session, and the twelfth information comprising a location of the terminal; a processing module configured to select a first network element according to the location of the terminal, the first network element being a network element providing session management function, and the first network element being used to manage or control one or more sessions of the terminal; the communication module is further configured to send first information to the first network element, the first information being used to request establishment of the first session.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, the communication module is further configured to: receive thirteenth information from the first network element, the thirteenth information indicating acceptance of establishment of the first session; send fourteenth information to the terminal or the base station, the fourteenth information indicating acceptance of establishment of the first session.

20. The apparatus of claim 18 or 19, wherein, The apparatus is an apparatus providing access and / or mobility management function.

21. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises a processor configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 1-7 by executing computer programs or computer executable instructions stored in a memory, and / or by logic circuitry.

22. A communications device, characterized by The apparatus comprises a processor configured to cause the apparatus to perform the method of any of claims 8-10 by executing computer programs or computer executable instructions stored in a memory, and / or by logic circuitry.

23. The apparatus of claim 21 or 22, wherein, The memory is also included.

24. A communication system, characterized by The system comprises the communication apparatus of claim 21, the communication apparatus of claim 22.

25. A computer readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program is stored, which, when executed by a processor, causes the method of any of claims 1-7 to be performed; or causes the method of any of claims 8-10 to be performed.

26. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on a processor, cause the method of any of claims 1-7 to be performed; or cause the method of any of claims 8-10 to be performed.

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