Information processing method, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are an information processing method, a communication system, and a storage medium. The information processing method is executed by a first network function and comprises: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between an access network device and the second network function, the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection, and the first information is used by the second network function to send seventh information to the access network device; and the seventh information comprises the first identifier and the first address information, and the seventh information is used for requesting the establishment of the connection. In this way, a connection from the access network device to a core network device is easily established, so as to transmit service data from the access network device to the core network device.

Description

Information processing method, communication system, and storage medium TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to an information processing method, a communication system, and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of communication technology, a connection can usually be established between a user equipment (UE) and a core network to transmit data for the UE. However, in some scenarios, a large amount of service data is also exchanged between an access network and the core network for data processing, and there is no connection for transmitting data from the access network.

[0003] SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure need to solve the technical problem that there is no connection for transmitting service data collected and / or generated by an access network device to a core network device.

[0005] According to a first aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided, performed by a first network function, comprising: sending, to a second network function, first information, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information being address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection.

[0006] According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided, performed by a second network function, comprising: receiving first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information being address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection; and sending, to the access network device, seventh information, wherein the seventh information comprises the first identifier and the first address information, and the seventh information is used to request to establish the connection.

[0007] According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided, performed by a third network function, comprising: receiving third information sent by a first network function, wherein the third information comprises an indication of a first identifier, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and the third network function, and the third information being used to establish the connection; and sending, to the first network function, a second response, wherein the second response is used to determine to establish the connection.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided, performed by a fourth network function, comprising: receiving fourth information sent by a first network function, wherein the fourth information comprises a first identifier and address information of a third network function, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between an access network device and the third network function, and the fourth information is used for establishing the connection; and sending a third response to the first network function, wherein the third response is used for determining to establish the connection.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided, performed by an access network device, comprising: receiving seventh information sent by a second network function, wherein the seventh information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between the access network device and a third network function, the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection, and the seventh information is used for requesting to establish the connection.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an information processing method is provided, comprising: a first network function sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection; and the second network function sending seventh information to the access network device, wherein the seventh information comprises the first identifier and the first address information, and the seventh information is used for requesting to establish the connection.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network function is provided, comprising: a first transceiver configured to send first information to a second network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a second network function is provided, comprising: a second transceiver configured to receive first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection; and the second transceiver is further configured to send seventh information to the access network device, wherein the seventh information comprises the first identifier and the first address information, and the seventh information is used for requesting to establish the connection.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a third network function is provided, including: a third transceiver configured to receive third information sent by a first network function, wherein the third information includes a first identifier, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and the third network function, and the third information being used for establishing the connection; and the third transceiver is further configured to send a second response to the first network function, wherein the second response is used for determining whether to establish the connection.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a fourth network function is provided, including: a fourth transceiver configured to receive fourth information sent by a first network function, wherein the fourth information includes address information of the third network function and an indication of a first identifier, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and the third network function, and the fourth information being used for establishing the connection; and the fourth transceiver is further configured to send a third response to the first network function, wherein the third response is used for determining whether to establish the connection.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an access network device is provided, including: a fifth transceiver configured to receive seventh information sent by a second network function, wherein the seventh information includes a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between the access network device and a third network function, and the first address information being address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection, and the seventh information being used for requesting to establish the connection.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, including one or more processors; and the communication device is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, the sixth aspect, or the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and the sixth aspect.

[0017] According to a thirteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, including: a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, a fourth network function, and an access network device; wherein the first network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, the third network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the third aspect, the fourth network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the fourth aspect, and the access network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0018] According to a fourteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided, and the storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, the sixth aspect, or the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and the sixth aspect.

[0019] According to a fifteenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, and the computer program product includes a computer program or instructions. When the computer program or instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, the sixth aspect, or the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, the fifth aspect, and the sixth aspect is implemented.

[0020] The embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a connection between an access network device and a core network device to transmit service data from the access network device to the core network device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure, the following describes the drawings required for the embodiments, and the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not specifically limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 2A is an interaction schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 2B is an interaction schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 3A is a flow schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3B is a flow schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3C is a flow schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4A is a flow schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 4B is a flow schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 5A is a flow diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 5B is a flow diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 6A is a flow diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 6B is a flow diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 7A is a flow diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 7B is a flow diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 8 is an interaction diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 9A is a structural diagram illustrating a network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 9B is a flow diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 9C is a structural diagram illustrating a network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 9D is a flow diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 10A is a structural diagram illustrating a first network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 10B is a structural diagram illustrating a second network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 10C is a structural diagram illustrating a third network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 10D is a structural diagram illustrating a fourth network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 10E is a structural diagram illustrating an access network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 11A is a structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 11B is a structural diagram of a chip according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, a communication system and a storage medium.

[0049] In a first aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, executed by a first network function, comprising: sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information being address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the connection between the access network device and the core network device is established to transmit service data from the access network device to the core network device.

[0051] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection is determined according to one of the following: transmission information in the first information, wherein the transmission information is used to indicate the protocol corresponding to the connection; the first address information in the first information; connection indication information in the first information, wherein the connection indication information is used to indicate the type of the connection; and the network function associated with the transmission path of the connection.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the corresponding transmission protocol can be configured for the connection, thereby improving the transmission quality. The transmission protocol corresponding to the connection can be indicated by carrying information in the first information, or can be implicitly indicated by the type of the connection or the network function associated with the transmission path of the connection or the first address information, so that the indication of the transmission protocol can be flexibly implemented, and more application scenarios can be adapted. In addition, when implicitly indicating, the transmission information does not need to be carried in the signaling or the message to indicate, so that the signaling overhead can be reduced.

[0053] In some embodiments of the first aspect, the method further comprises: receiving a first response sent by the second network function, and the first response comprises second address information of the access network device.

[0054] In the above embodiment, the first network function can receive the response sent by the access network device, and the response comprises the second address information of the access network device, so that the first network function can inform the third network function and the fourth network function which access network device the connection established by the first network function corresponds to.

[0055] In some embodiments of the first aspect, before the first information is sent to the second network function, the method further comprises: determining the third network function, wherein the third network function is an end node of the connection, and the third network function is used to process data.

[0056] In the above embodiments, a suitable third network function can be selected as the end node of the connection.

[0057] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the third network function comprises at least one of the following: determining the third network function based on the second information, wherein the second information comprises information of the access network device, the first capability information, and / or first load information of the third network function, and the first capability information is used to indicate whether the connection is supported; determining the third network function based on an area and / or a location of the requested service data.

[0058] In the above embodiments, the end node of the connection can be determined in various ways, which can adapt to more application scenarios.

[0059] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises at least one of the following: determining the first identifier of the connection in a case where it is determined that there is no connection between the access network device and the third network function; using the connection to provide the service in a case where it is determined that there is a connection between the access network device and the third network function.

[0060] In the above embodiments, if a connection for transmitting data (e.g., data of a certain type of service) has not been established before, the first identifier of the connection can be allocated to facilitate establishment of the corresponding connection; or if a connection for transmitting data (e.g., data of a certain type of service) has been established before, the connection can be directly used for data transmission without the need to re-establish the connection, thereby reducing power consumption, etc.

[0061] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: sending third information to the third network function, wherein the third information comprises the first identifier, and the third information is used to establish the connection; and receiving a second response sent by the third network function, wherein the second response is used to confirm establishment of the connection.

[0062] In the above embodiments, the third network function can be informed to establish the connection, and the third network function can be informed that it is the end node of the connection.

[0063] With reference to some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before the first information is sent to the second network function, the method further comprises: determining a fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is an intermediate node of the connection, and the fourth network function is used to forward data.

[0064] In the above embodiments, a suitable fourth network function can be selected as the intermediate node of the connection.

[0065] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, determining the fourth network function comprises at least one of the following: determining the fourth network function based on the second information, wherein the second information comprises information of the access network device, second capability information, and / or second load information of the fourth network function, the second capability information being used to indicate whether the connection capability is supported; determining the fourth network function based on address information of the third network function; and determining the fourth network function based on a region and / or a location of the requested service data.

[0066] In the above embodiments, the intermediate node of the connection can be determined in various manners, and more application scenarios can be adapted.

[0067] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: in a case where it is determined that there is no connection between the access network device and the third network function, sending fourth information to the fourth network function, wherein the fourth information comprises the first identifier and address information of the third network function, and the fourth information is used to establish the connection; and receiving a third response sent by the fourth network function, wherein the third response is used to confirm establishment of the connection.

[0068] In the above embodiments, if a connection for transmitting data (e.g., data of a certain type of service) via the fourth network function has not been established before, the first identifier and the address information of the third network function can be sent to the third network function, so as to establish the connection and enable the fourth network function to know the address information of the terminating node of the connection.

[0069] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first address information comprises address information of the third network function.

[0070] In the above embodiments, it can be determined that the transmission path of the connection does not pass through the fourth network function.

[0071] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first address information comprises address information of the third network function and address information of the fourth network function.

[0072] In the above embodiments, it can be determined that the transmission path of the connection passes through the fourth network function.

[0073] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: sending fifth information to the third network function, wherein the fifth information comprises the second address information and / or address information of the fourth network function, and the fifth information is used to modify the connection; and receiving a fourth response sent by the third network function, wherein the fourth response is used to confirm modification of the connection.

[0074] In the above embodiments, the third network function can be informed of which fourth network function and which access network device the transmission path of the connection passes through.

[0075] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: sending sixth information to the fourth network function, wherein the sixth information comprises the second address information, and the sixth information is used for modifying the connection; and receiving a fifth response sent by the fourth network function, wherein the fifth response is used for confirming the modification of the connection.

[0076] In the above embodiments, the fourth network function can be informed of which access network device is the other end node of the transmission path of the connection.

[0077] In some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, when the transmission path of the connection is associated with the fourth network function, the data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function through the fourth network function; or when the transmission path of the connection is not associated with the fourth network function, the data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function.

[0078] In the second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, executed by a second network function, comprising: receiving first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection; and sending seventh information to the access network device, wherein the seventh information comprises the first identifier and the first address information, and the seventh information is used for requesting to establish the connection.

[0079] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the connection is used for transmitting data of any service between the access network device and the third network function, or is used for transmitting data of a first service.

[0080] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, a transmission protocol corresponding to the connection is determined according to one of the following: transmission information in the first information and / or the seventh information, the transmission information being used for indicating a protocol corresponding to the connection; the first address information in the first information and / or the seventh information; connection indication information in the first information and / or the seventh information, wherein the connection indication information is used for indicating a type of the connection; and a network function associated with the transmission path of the connection.

[0081] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving a sixth response sent by the access network device, wherein the sixth response is used for confirming the establishment of the connection, and the sixth response comprises second address information of the access network device; and sending a first response to the first network function, wherein the first response comprises the second address information.

[0082] In some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first address information comprises address information of the third network function; or the first address information comprises address information of the third network function and address information of the fourth network function.

[0083] In a third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, executed by a third network function, comprising: receiving third information sent by a first network function, wherein the third information comprises a first identifier, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and the third network function, and the third information being used for establishing the connection; and sending a second response to the first network function, wherein the second response is used for determining to establish the connection.

[0084] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method further comprises at least one of the following: allocating address information of the third network function of the connection; and storing eighth information related to the connection, wherein the eighth information comprises the first identifier, the first address information, and / or transmission information indicating a transmission protocol corresponding to the connection.

[0085] In some embodiments of the third aspect, the method further comprises: receiving fifth information sent by the first network function, wherein the fifth information comprises second address information of the access network device and / or address information of the fourth network function, and the fifth information is used for modifying the connection; and sending a fourth response to the first network function, wherein the fourth response is used for confirming to modify the connection.

[0086] In a fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, executed by a fourth network function, comprising: receiving fourth information sent by a first network function, wherein the fourth information comprises a first identifier and address information of a third network function, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and the third network function, and the fourth information being used for establishing the connection; and sending a third response to the first network function, wherein the third response is used for determining to establish the connection.

[0087] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises at least one of the following: allocating address information of the fourth network function of the connection; and storing eighth information related to the connection, wherein the eighth information comprises the first identifier, the first address information, and / or transmission information indicating a transmission protocol corresponding to the connection.

[0088] In some embodiments of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises: receiving sixth information sent by the first network function, wherein the sixth information comprises second address information of the access network device, and the sixth information is used for modifying the connection; and sending a fifth response to the first network function, wherein the fifth response is used for confirming to modify the connection.

[0089] In a fifth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, executed by an access network device, comprising: receiving seventh information sent by a second network function, wherein the seventh information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between the access network device and a third network function, the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection, and the seventh information is used to request establishment of the connection.

[0090] In some embodiments in combination with the fifth aspect, the method further comprises one of the following: determining a transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on transmission information included in the seventh information, the transmission information being used to indicate a protocol corresponding to the connection; determining the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on connection indication information included in the seventh information, the connection indication information being used to indicate a type of the connection; determining the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on the first address information included in the seventh information; and determining the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on a third network function associated with the transmission path of the connection, the third network function being an end node of the connection.

[0091] In some embodiments in combination with the fifth aspect, the method further comprises: sending a sixth response to the second network function, wherein the sixth response is used to confirm establishment of the connection, and the sixth response comprises second address information of the access network device; and wherein the sixth response is used for the second network function to send a first response to a first network function, wherein the first response comprises the second address information.

[0092] In some embodiments in combination with the fifth aspect, the first address information comprises address information of the third network function; or the first address information comprises address information of the third network function and address information of a fourth network function.

[0093] In a sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide an information processing method, comprising: a first network function sending first information to a second network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection; and the second network function sending seventh information to the access network device, wherein the seventh information comprises the first identifier and the first address information, and the seventh information is used to request establishment of the connection.

[0094] In a seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a first network function, comprising: a first transceiver configured to send first information to a second network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection.

[0095] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a second network function, including: a second transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information includes a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information being address information of a network function associated with the transmission path of the connection; the second transceiver module is further configured to send seventh information to the access network device, wherein the seventh information includes the first identifier and the first address information, and the seventh information is used to request the establishment of a connection.

[0096] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a third network function, including: a third transceiver module configured to receive third information sent by a first network function, wherein the third information includes a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being used to identify a connection between an access network device and the third network function, and the third information being used to establish a connection; the third transceiver module is further configured to send a second response to the first network function, wherein the second response is used to determine that a connection has been established.

[0097] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a fourth network function, including: a fourth transceiver module configured to receive fourth information sent by a first network function, wherein the fourth information includes a first identifier indicating a connection and address information of a third network function, serving as an identifier for a connection between an access network device and the third network function, and the fourth information is used to establish a connection; the fourth transceiver module is further configured to send a third response to the first network function, wherein the third response is used to determine that a connection has been established.

[0098] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide an access network device, including: a fifth transceiver module configured to receive seventh information sent by a second network function, wherein the seventh information includes a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between the access network device and a third network function, the first address information being address information of a network function associated with the transmission path of the connection, and the seventh information being used to request the establishment of a connection.

[0099] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device including one or more processors; wherein the communication device is used to execute, as in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, fifth aspect, sixth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, fifth aspect, and sixth aspect.

[0100] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, a fourth network function, and an access network device; wherein the first network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the second network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, the third network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the third aspect, the fourth network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the fourth aspect, and the access network device is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0101] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth aspects, or optional implementations of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects.

[0102] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions which, when executed by a processor, implement the methods described in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects, or optional implementations of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects.

[0103] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product that, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method described in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects, or optional implementations of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects.

[0104] In a seventeenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the information processing method as described in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects, or optional implementations of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects.

[0105] In an eighteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system; the chip or chip system includes processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects, or alternative implementations of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects.

[0106] It is understood that the aforementioned network functions (e.g., the first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and / or the fourth network function), access network equipment, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0107] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "information processing method" and "information processing device" are interchangeable, as are "information processing apparatus" and "communication apparatus," and "information processing system" and "communication system."

[0108] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0109] In each of the disclosed embodiments, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the embodiments are consistent and can be used interchangeably. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0110] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0111] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0112] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0113] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0114] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, A and B (both A and B are executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0115] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0116] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. As another example, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "seventh information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0117] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0118] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0119] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0120] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0121] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0122] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0123] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0124] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures that replace communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals with communication between multiple terminals (e.g., also referred to as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, uplink link, downlink link, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0125] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0126] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0127] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0128] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0129] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the information processing system 100 may include at least one of an access network device 101 and a core network device 102.

[0130] In some embodiments, the information processing system may include a terminal. Terminals include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things (IoT) device or terminal, car with communication capabilities, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0131] In some embodiments, the access network device is, for example, a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system.

[0132] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0133] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0134] In some embodiments, the core network equipment may be a single device, including a first network element, a second network function, a third network function, a fourth network function, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the aforementioned first network function, second network function, and / or third network function. The first network function, second network function, and third network function may all be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), Next Generation Core (NGC), and 6G Core Network (6GCN).

[0135] In some embodiments, the first network function is a network function with data transmission connection management capabilities for data services. The first network function can be any network element, entity, or network function in the network that has network analysis and / or data management capabilities; alternatively, the first network function can be any network element, entity, or network function in the network that has positioning or sensing capabilities; or alternatively, the first network function can be any network element, entity, or network function in the network that has session management or transmission connection management capabilities. The name of the first network function is not limited, and it can be, for example, a Data-centric Service Task Management Function (DSTMF), a Data Plane Management Function (DPMF), a Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF), a Location Management Function (LMF), a Sensing Function (SF), or a Session Management Function (SMF), etc.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second network function can be any network element or entity in the core network that has mobility management capabilities. The name of the second network function is not limited, and it can be, for example, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0137] In some embodiments, the third network function can be any network element or entity in the core network that has data processing capabilities. The name of the third network function is not limited, and it may be, for example, a data plane function (DPF), a data processing function (DPF), or an enhanced user plane function (UPF), etc.

[0138] In some embodiments, the fourth network function can be any network element or entity in the core network that has data forwarding capabilities. The name of the fourth network function is not limited; it can be, for example, a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0139] It is understood that the information processing system described in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0140] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the information processing system 100 shown in FIG1, or some of its components, but are not limited thereto. The components shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The information processing system may include all or some of the components in FIG1, or may include other components outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each component are arbitrary. The connection relationship between the components is illustrative. The components may not be connected to each other or may be connected in any way. The connection may be direct or indirect, wired or wireless.

[0141] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 6th generation mobile communication system (6G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (P6 Response) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., LTE or LTE-A combined with 5G, 5G combined with 5G, 5G combined with 6G, etc.) for application.

[0142] Wireless sensing technology aims to detect and / or acquire features of objects at a distance without physical contact. Sensing data of objects and their environment can be used for analysis to extract relevant features and / or information about the objects.

[0143] In some embodiments, integrated sensing and communication means that sensing capabilities are provided by the same wireless communication system and base station facilities used for communication, and that sensing information can be obtained from radio frequency (RF) based or non-RF based sensors. Generally, this can relate to scenarios where communication assists sensing; for example, a 5G communication system providing sensing services or sensing services assisting communication; or sensing information related to a communication channel or environment used to improve communication services; or sensing information used to assist in radio resource management, interference mitigation, beam management, and / or mobility.

[0144] In some embodiments, examples of communication-assisted sensing services are provided:

[0145] Example 1: Real-time Environmental Monitoring. Real-time environmental monitoring can reconstruct environmental maps using wireless signals to further improve positioning accuracy and enable environmentally relevant applications. For example, such applications could include dynamic 3D maps for driver assistance, pedestrian traffic statistics, intrusion detection, and / or traffic detection.

[0146] Example 2: Autonomous Vehicles / Drones. Autonomous vehicle / drone applications share some common functional requirements. For example, autonomous vehicles / drones should support Detect and Avoid (DAA) to avoid obstacles. Optionally, autonomous vehicles / drones should have the ability to monitor path information, such as choosing routes and / or complying with traffic regulations.

[0147] Example 3: Air pollution monitoring. As air humidity, particulate matter (PM) concentration, and / or carrier frequency change, the quality of the received wireless signal exhibits different attenuation characteristics, which can be used for weather or air quality detection.

[0148] Example 4: Indoor hygiene and intrusion detection. Indoor hygiene and intrusion detection can achieve respiratory rate estimation, respiratory depth estimation, apnea detection, vital sign monitoring in the elderly, and / or indoor intrusion detection.

[0149] In some embodiments, a radio access network node (e.g., an access network device) can act as a receiver to collect 3GPP sensing data, and a large amount of sensing data should be sent to the core network.

[0150] In other services, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), a large amount of service data needs to be exchanged between the access network and the core network for data processing. Here, the data is not for each individual UE but for a group of UEs, or not for a single UE but for an entire object; and this data can be used for data services from any consumer, such as data services from a UE, an Application Server (AS), a RAN node (such as access network equipment), or a core network network function (NF). Therefore, the connection between the access network and the core network should be managed to exchange large amounts of service data.

[0151] In some embodiments, a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session management mechanism is used to establish a user plane path between the UE and the data network (DN); this PDU session management mechanism can be UE-(R)AN node (e.g., access network equipment)-UPS-AS. The PDU session management mechanism mainly includes the following: PDU session establishment; PDU session modification; PDU session release.

[0152] PDU session establishment is initiated by the UE using a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message, and session management is implemented in the core network by the Session Management Function (SMF).

[0153] Using the current PDU session's UP path for PDU transmission, the base station (e.g., gNB) only forwards PDUs sent from the UE to the UPF, and the UPF forwards the PDUs to the application server identified by the PDU's destination address. However, there is no solution for transmitting large amounts of service data from the (R)AN, which is generated by the (R)AN and sent to the relevant core network functions.

[0154] In some embodiments, the UE can be a terminal, or the terminal can be a UE.

[0155] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2A, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in an information processing system 100, the method comprising:

[0156] In step S2101, the first network function determines to establish a connection for data transmission between the access network device and the third network device. Optionally, the first network function selects the third network function.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first network function can be any network function with data service data transmission connection management capabilities, such as a network element or entity or network function with network analysis and / or data service management and its corresponding service data transmission connection management capabilities. The first network function is one of the following: DSTMF, NWDAF, DPMF, LMF, SF, and SMF.

[0158] In some embodiments, the third network function can be any network element or entity with data processing or data plane data processing capabilities; for example, the third network function is a DPF.

[0159] In some embodiments, the fourth network function can be any network element, entity, or network function with capabilities such as data forwarding. For example, the fourth network function is a UPF.

[0160] In some embodiments, the third network function is a connected end node; the third network function is used to process data.

[0161] Optionally, the connection can be between an access network device and a third network device. For example, the transmission path of this connection may or may not be associated with a fourth network function; for instance, the transmission path can be from the access network device to the third network device; or, for example, the transmission path can be from the access network device to a fourth network function and then to the third network function. When the transmission path of the connection is associated with a fourth network function, there can be one or more fourth network functions; in the case of multiple fourth network functions, one of the fourth network functions is directly connected to the access network device, while the other fourth network functions serve as intermediate nodes between the fourth network function and the third network function.

[0162] Optionally, the connection can be a non-UE connection. For example, a non-UE connection is used to transmit data for at least one service. This non-UE connection is not for data transmission to a single UE; it can be for data transmission to a group of UEs or for data transmission related to a service, etc.

[0163] For example, when the transmission path of the connection is associated with a fourth network function, the data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function through the fourth network function.

[0164] For example, if the transmission path of the connection is not associated with a fourth network function, the data of the connection is sent from the access network device to the third network function.

[0165] Optionally, the data can be data from any business or user plane data.

[0166] Optionally, the data can be data from the first service. For example, the first service can be a specified service or a pre-set service. For example, the first service includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: defined service, perceived service, and intelligent service. For example, the intelligent service can be an AI service, etc.

[0167] Optionally, the connection between the access network device and the third network function can be shared by data services that require data exchange between the access network device and the third network function, or the connection can be dedicated to a specific data service. The sharing of multiple connections between the access network device and the third network function can be determined based on the data traffic between the access network device and the third network function or the service type or service type data of any data flow.

[0168] For example, a connection can be dedicated to a specific data service. This can mean that each data service task that needs to obtain data from a specific access network device triggers the establishment of a corresponding connection, that is, there is a one-to-one relationship between the data service task and the connection.

[0169] For example, a connection can be dedicated to a specific data service. This can mean that for each service or task, a connection dedicated to that service or task can be established; or for each type of service, a connection dedicated to that type can be established.

[0170] For example, connections can be shared according to data service type. That is, data service tasks of the same service type that obtain data from the same access network device share a connection. When a connection is established by a previous service of the same type, subsequent data services of the same type do not need to establish a new connection. They can reuse the existing connection for data transmission. This may involve modifying the connection to ensure that the data is transmitted to the specified network function.

[0171] For example, connections can be shared at the node level, meaning that data service tasks of all service types that obtain data from a specific access network device share a single connection.

[0172] For example, the connection can be shared according to one or more specified service types, that is, one or more specified services can share the connection.

[0173] For example, a connection can be shared according to a specified number of service flows, that is, the data sharing corresponding to the specified number of service flows establishes a connection for the specified number of service flows.

[0174] For example, a connection can be shared according to a specified business flow type, that is, the data sharing corresponding to the specified business flow type establishes a connection for the specified business flow type.

[0175] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function obtains second information or uses the second information, such as input conditions, to query a third network function that meets the conditions.

[0176] Optionally, the second information may include at least one of the following: information about the access network device, first capability information, and / or first load information.

[0177] For example, the information of the access network device is used to indicate the list of Tracking Area Identity (TAI) and / or Cell Identity (CI) supported by the access network device, or the information of the access network device includes a TAI list and / or a CI list. The TAI list includes at least one TAI, and one TAI is used to identify an area; the CI list includes at least one CI, and one CI is used to identify a cell.

[0178] For example, information about the access network device can be used to indicate the access network device; for instance, the information about the access network device may include an access network device identifier, etc.

[0179] For example, the name of the information of the access network device is not limited; it may be, for example, node information or (RAN) node information.

[0180] For example, the first capability information can be used to indicate whether a connection is supported. For instance, the first capability information can be used to indicate whether a third network function supports the required connection. For example, the capability to support the connection required for data transmission of a corresponding service may include the capability to encapsulate and transmit data via a corresponding transport protocol.

[0181] For example, the first capability information can be used to indicate whether the capabilities required for a service are supported; these capabilities can refer to the ability to transmit and / or process data corresponding to any service. For instance, for a location service, the first capability information is used to indicate whether the capabilities for data transmission and / or data processing related to the location service are supported; similarly, for a sensing service, the first capability information is used to indicate whether the capabilities for data transmission and / or data processing related to the sensing service are supported; and so on. For example, the first capability information can be used to indicate whether a third network function supports the capabilities required for the service.

[0182] For example, the first capability information can be used to indicate the capability of a third network function to support certain service types. For instance, the first capability information indicates the capability of a third network function to support the transmission of data for location services and / or the capability to support the transmission of data for sensing services.

[0183] For example, the first load information is used to indicate the load status of the third network function.

[0184] Optionally, the first network function receives information about the access network device sent by a receiving terminal, application function (AF), or 5GC network function (NF). For example, the first network function receives a service request sent by the receiving terminal, AF, or 5GC NE, the service request including information about the access network device. For example, the service request is used to request service data.

[0185] One implementation: The service request may further include third capability information and / or third load information; the third capability information is used to indicate the capabilities required by the service, and the third capability information may be displayed in the service request or may be derived from the service type and / or service-related parameters of the service request; the third load information is used to indicate the load required by the service.

[0186] Another implementation: the first capability information may indicate the capabilities supported by the third network function and / or the capabilities required by the service; and / or, the first load information may indicate the load supported by the third network function and / or the load required by the service.

[0187] Optionally, the first network function acquires the stored second information.

[0188] Optionally, the name of the second information is not limited; it may be, for example, (R)AN node information, capacity indication information, or load indication information.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the third network function based on the second information.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the third network function based on the region and / or location of the requested service data.

[0191] Optionally, if the first network function determines that it has not obtained information about the access network device, it may determine a third network function based on the region and / or location of the requested service data.

[0192] Optionally, the first network function may determine the third network function based on the second information, the third capability information, and / or the third load information.

[0193] For example, the first network function determines the capability required for the service as the first capability based on the third capability information; the first network function determines that there are three third network functions based on the information of the access network device, wherein the first third network function has the first capability required for the service, and the second and third third network functions do not have the first capability required for the service; then the first network function selects the first third network function as the end node for connection, that is, the first network function selects the first third network function.

[0194] For example, the first network function determines three third network functions based on information from the access network device, wherein the second third network function has a smaller load than the first and third third network functions; then the first network function selects the second third network function as the end node for connection, that is, the first network function selects the second third network function.

[0195] For example, if the first network function determines that it has not obtained information from the access network device, it may determine any third network function in the area and / or location where the requested service data is located as the required third network function; or determine a third network function in the area and / or location that meets the service requirements as the required third network function; or determine a third network function in the area and / or location with the lowest load as the required third network function (i.e., as the end node of the connection).

[0196] For example, when selecting a third network function, the first network function may not consider the information of the access network device or the region and / or location of the requested service data.

[0197] Optionally, some of the conditions and combinations for selecting a third network function as described above can also be used. Selecting a third network function involves choosing one that meets the conditions from a list containing at least one third network function.

[0198] In some optional embodiments, when a first network function determines that a service needs to obtain data from an access network device, it determines that a data transmission channel needs to be established, with the access network device being one end node of the connection; it then determines that a third network function receiving the data is the other end node of the connection and begins establishing a connection between the two end nodes. Here, the first network function determines that a connection needs to be established between the access network device and the third network function.

[0199] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function requests the DPF to establish the required data connection.

[0200] In step S2102, the first network function sends third information to the third network function.

[0201] In some embodiments, the third network function receives third information sent by the first network function.

[0202] In some embodiments, if the first network function determines that there is no connection between the access network device and the third network function, it sends third information to the third network function.

[0203] In some embodiments, the third information includes an indication of the first identifier. The third information is used to establish a connection between the access network device and the third network function, and to set the third network function as the end node of the transmission path of the connection between the access network device and the third network function.

[0204] Optionally, the first identifier is an identifier for the connection between the access network device and the third network function.

[0205] Optionally, the name of the third information is not limited; it may be, for example, a data connection establishment request or message.

[0206] In some alternative embodiments, the third network function can send a second response to the first network.

[0207] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function receives a second response sent by the third network function.

[0208] Optionally, the second response is determined based on third information.

[0209] Optionally, the second response is used to confirm the establishment of a connection. For example, the second response is used to confirm the establishment of a connection between the access network device and the third network function. For example, the second response is used to confirm that the established connection requires connection to the third network function.

[0210] Optionally, the name of the second response is not limited; for example, it may be a data connection establishment response, etc.

[0211] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function performs the first operation.

[0212] Optionally, the first operation includes at least one of the following: determining a first identifier for the connection; determining that the connection will be used to provide services; determining address information for a third network function of the connection; and storing eighth information related to the connection.

[0213] Optionally, if the first network function determines that there is no connection between the access network device and the third network function, it determines a first identifier of the connection. For example, the first network function assigns an identifier to the connection. Here, the operation of determining the first identifier of the connection is performed before step S2102.

[0214] Optionally, the first network function provides services using the connection if it determines that there is a connection between the access network device and the third network function.

[0215] Optionally, the first network function determines the address information of the third network function used for connection.

[0216] For example, the first network function determines the address information of the third network function for connection based on the second information, or the first network function selects one address from at least one address of the third network function as the address information of the third network function for connection.

[0217] Optionally, the first network function assigns address information for the third network function to be connected.

[0218] Optionally, the first network function stores eighth information. For example, the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a first identifier, first address information, and / or transmission information indicating the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection. For example, the first address information includes address information of the third network function associated with the transmission path of the connection. For example, the first address information includes address information of the third network function associated with the transmission path of the connection and address information of the fourth network function.

[0219] Optionally, the name of the eighth piece of information is not limited; it may be, for example, related information or link related information.

[0220] In some alternative embodiments, the third network function performs the second operation.

[0221] Optionally, the second operation includes at least one of the following: allocating address information for a third network function; and storing eighth information related to the connection.

[0222] Optionally, the third network function assigns address information for the third network function used in the connection.

[0223] Optionally, the third network function stores eighth information. For example, the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a first identifier, first address information, and / or transmission information indicating the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection. For example, the first address information includes address information of the third network function associated with the connection. For example, the first address information includes address information of both the third network function associated with the connection and the address information of the fourth network function associated with the connection.

[0224] Step S2103: The first network function determines the fourth network function. Optionally, the first network function selects the fourth network function.

[0225] In some embodiments, the fourth network function is an intermediate node of the connection; the fourth network function is used to forward data.

[0226] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the fourth network function based on the second information. Optionally, the second information may include at least one of the following: information about the access network device, second capability information, and / or second load information.

[0227] For example, the second capability information can be used to indicate whether connectivity is supported. For instance, the second capability information can be used to indicate whether a fourth network function supports connectivity. For example, the connectivity required to support data transmission for a corresponding service may include the capability to encapsulate and forward data via a corresponding transport protocol.

[0228] For example, the second capability information can be used to indicate whether the capabilities required for a service are supported; these capabilities can refer to the ability to transmit and / or process data corresponding to any service. For instance, for a location service, the second capability information indicates whether the capabilities for data transmission and / or data processing related to the location service are supported; similarly, for a sensing service, the second capability information indicates whether the capabilities for data transmission and / or data processing related to the sensing service are supported; and so on. For example, the second capability information can indicate whether a fourth network function supports the capabilities required for a service.

[0229] For example, the second capability information can be used to indicate the capability of the fourth network function to support service types. For instance, the second capability information indicates the capability of the fourth network function to support the transmission of data for location services and / or the capability to support the transmission of data for sensing services.

[0230] For example, the second load information is used to indicate the load status of the fourth network function.

[0231] One implementation: The service request may further include third capability information and / or third load information; the third capability information is used to indicate the capabilities required by the service, and the third capability information may be displayed in the service request or may be derived from the service type and / or service-related parameters of the service request; the third load information is used to indicate the load required by the service.

[0232] Another implementation: the second capability information may indicate the capabilities supported by the fourth network function and / or the capabilities required by the service; and / or, the second load information may indicate the load supported by the fourth network function and / or the load required by the service.

[0233] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the fourth network function based on the address information of the third network function. That is, it selects a relay node or intermediate node for the optimized transmission path of the third network to be connected.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the fourth network function based on the region and / or location of the requested service data.

[0235] Optionally, if the first network function determines that it has not obtained information about the access network device, it determines the fourth network function based on the region and / or location of the requested service data.

[0236] Optionally, the first network function may determine the fourth network function based on the second information, the third capability information, and / or the third load information.

[0237] For example, the first network function determines the capability required for the service as the first capability based on the third capability information; the first network function determines that there are three third network functions based on the information of the access network device, wherein the first fourth network function has the first capability required for the service, and the second and third fourth network functions do not have the first capability required for the service; then the first network function selects the first fourth network function as the end node for connection, that is, the first network function selects the first fourth network function.

[0238] For example, the first network function determines that there are three fourth network functions based on the information of the access network device, wherein the second fourth network function has a smaller load than the first and third fourth network functions; then the first network function selects the second fourth network function as the end node for connection, that is, the first network function selects the second fourth network function.

[0239] For example, if the first network function determines that it has not obtained information from the access network device, it may determine any fourth network function in the area and / or location where the requested service data is located as the fourth network function to be selected; or determine a fourth network function in the area and / or location that meets the service requirements as the fourth network function to be selected; or determine a fourth network function in the area and / or location with the least load as the fourth network function to be selected (i.e., as an intermediate node for the connection).

[0240] Optionally, the first network function can select multiple fourth network functions, one of which is directly connected to the access network device, while the other fourth network functions serve as intermediate nodes between the selected fourth network function and the third network function. The conditions and combinations for selecting the third network function described above can also be partially used. Selecting a fourth network function involves choosing a suitable fourth network function from a list containing at least one fourth network function. When selecting a fourth network function that is directly connected to the access network device, the first network function must select a fourth network function that can establish a connection to the access network device.

[0241] Step S2104: The first network function sends the fourth information to the fourth network function.

[0242] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives fourth information sent by the first network function.

[0243] In some embodiments, if the fourth network function determines that there is no connection between the access network device and the third network function that can be used to connect the access network device and the third network function, the fourth network function sends fourth information to the fourth network function.

[0244] In some embodiments, the fourth network function serves as an intermediate node connecting the access network device and the third network function. The connection between the access network device and the third network function can be a complete end-to-end connection, or it can be a combination of the connection between the access network device and the fourth network function plus the connection between the fourth network function and the third network function.

[0245] In some embodiments, the fourth information includes a first identifier, and the fourth information is used to establish a connection between the access network device and the third network function, setting the fourth network function as an intermediate node in the transmission path of the connection between the access network device and the third network function.

[0246] Optionally, the fourth information may include the address information of the third network function, which is used to set the processing rules for uplink and downlink data packets of the fourth network function as a connection intermediate node, that is, when the corresponding uplink data packet is received, it is forwarded to the address information of the specified third network function.

[0247] Optionally, the name of the fourth piece of information is not limited; it may be, for example, a data connection establishment request or message.

[0248] In some alternative embodiments, the fourth network function sends a third response to the first network function.

[0249] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function receives a third response sent by the fourth network function.

[0250] Optionally, the third response is determined based on the fourth information.

[0251] Optionally, the third response is used to confirm the establishment of a connection. For example, the third response is used to confirm the establishment of a connection between the access network device and a third network function. For example, the third response is used to confirm that the established connection requires the connection's transmission path to be associated with a fourth network function.

[0252] Optionally, the name of the third response is not limited; for example, it may be a data connection establishment response, etc.

[0253] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function determines address information for a fourth network function to be connected. Optionally, the first operation may further include: determining the address information of the fourth network function to be connected.

[0254] Optionally, the first network function determines the address information of the fourth network function for connection. For example, the first network function determines the address information of the fourth network function for connection based on the second information, or the first network function selects one address from the address information of at least one fourth network function as the address information of the fourth network function for connection.

[0255] Optionally, the first network function assigns address information for the fourth network function used for connection.

[0256] In some alternative embodiments, the fourth network function performs the third operation.

[0257] Optionally, the third operation includes at least one of the following: allocating address information for the fourth network function; and storing eighth information related to the connection.

[0258] Optionally, the fourth network function assigns address information for the fourth network function used for connection.

[0259] Optionally, the fourth network function stores eighth information. For example, the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a first identifier, first address information, and / or transmission information indicating the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection. For example, the first address information includes address information from the third network function and address information from the fourth network function.

[0260] Step S2105: The first network function sends the first information to the second network function.

[0261] In some embodiments, the second network function receives the first information sent by the first network function.

[0262] In some embodiments, the second network function is any network element or entity or network function with capabilities such as mobility management. For example, the second network function is AMF.

[0263] In some embodiments, the first information includes a first identifier and first address information.

[0264] Optionally, the first address information is the address information corresponding to the network function of the connected transmission path.

[0265] For example, when the first address information only includes the address information of the third network function, the connected transmission path is not associated with the fourth network function but is associated with the third network function.

[0266] For example, when the first address information includes the address information of the third network function and the address information of the fourth network function, the connected transmission path is associated with the fourth network function and the third network function.

[0267] Optionally, the name of the first address information is not limited, and it may be, for example, core network (CN) address information.

[0268] Optionally, the first information may include transmission information, which is used to indicate the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection, or to indicate the transmission protocol used by the connection.

[0269] For example, transmission information can be used to indicate the transmission protocol corresponding to each segment in the connection. For instance, transmission information can indicate that the connection between the access network device and the fourth network function corresponds to a first transmission protocol; or, transmission information can indicate that the connection between the fourth network function and the third network function corresponds to a second transmission protocol; or, transmission information can indicate that the connection between the access network device and the third network function corresponds to a third transmission protocol. For example, data transmitted between the access network device and the fourth network function may use the first transmission protocol, and data transmitted between the fourth network function and the third network function may use the second transmission protocol.

[0270] For example, when the transmission information is a first value, it indicates that the connection between the access network device and the fourth network function corresponds to the General Packet Radio System (GPRS) Tunneling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U); or, when the transmission information is a second value, it indicates that the connection between the access network device and the third network function corresponds to the Quick UDP Internet Connection (QUIC) based on UDP; or, when the transmission information is a third value, it indicates that the connection between the access network device and the third network function directly uses the TCP / IP protocol or the IP protocol for transmission. The transmission information can be a list of values, such as multiple transmission protocol selections; or, when specifying transmission protocols for segmented connections, it can correspond to the transmission protocols for each segment path or a list of transmission protocol selections for each segment path.

[0271] Optionally, the first information may include connection indication information, wherein the connection indication information is used to indicate the type of connection. This connection indication information can be used to determine the transport protocol corresponding to the connection.

[0272] For example, different connection types correspond to different transport protocols.

[0273] For example, the connection type may include a first type or a second type. For instance, a first type connection is a transmission path for non-terminal related data; a second type connection is a transmission path for terminal related data.

[0274] For example, the type of connection can be determined based on the service data transmitted by the connection. For instance, the first type of connection is a connection for transmitting location service data; the second type of connection is a connection for transmitting sensing service data; and the third type of connection is a connection for transmitting intelligent services.

[0275] For example, a connection of type 1 indicates that the connection corresponds to a first transport protocol; a connection of type 2 indicates that the connection corresponds to a second transport protocol; and a connection of type 3 indicates that the connection corresponds to a third transport protocol. Multiple connection types may share the same transport protocol by agreement.

[0276] Optionally, the transport protocol corresponding to the connection is determined based on the network function associated with the transport path of the connection or based on the network function associated with the transport path of the connection.

[0277] For example, when the third network function of the end node associated with the connected transmission path is used for non-terminal related data transmission (collection) and processing, it is used to indicate that the connection to the third network function corresponds to a first transmission protocol; or when the third network function of the end node associated with the connected transmission path is used for locating service related data transmission (collection) and processing, it is used to indicate that the connection to the third network function corresponds to a second transmission protocol.

[0278] Optionally, the corresponding transport protocol for the connection is based on the first address information.

[0279] For example, the first address information includes the address information of the third network function and the address information of the fourth network function, used to indicate the connection corresponding to the first transmission protocol; or, the first address information includes the address information of the third network function, used to indicate the connection corresponding to the second transmission protocol.

[0280] For example, the first address information may also include an identifier indicating a transmission protocol. For instance, the first address information may include address information for a fourth network function and a tunnel identifier (ID) for GTP-U, indicating that the connection between the access network device and the fourth network function uses or corresponds to GTP-U. As another example, the first address information may include address information for a third network function and an identifier indicating a QUIC, indicating that the connection between the access network device and the third network function uses or corresponds to a QUIC.

[0281] Optionally, the first information is used by the second network function to send the seventh information to the access network device.

[0282] Optionally, the first information can be used to send the first identifier, first address information, and / or transmission information to the access network device by invoking a specified service.

[0283] Optionally, the name of the first piece of information is not limited; for example, it may be service call information, etc.

[0284] In some embodiments, the seventh information includes a first identifier and a first address.

[0285] Optionally, the seventh information is used to request the establishment of a connection. For example, the seventh information is used to request the establishment of a connection between the access network device and a third network function.

[0286] Optionally, the name of the seventh message is not limited, and it may be, for example, a connection establishment request or message, or a call to a specified service.

[0287] In some alternative embodiments, the second network function performs the fourth operation.

[0288] Optionally, the fourth operation includes at least one of the following: creating a context; storing the eighth information; and storing information about the access network device.

[0289] In some alternative embodiments, prior to step S2105, the method further includes: a first network function determining a second network function. Optionally, the first network function selects the second network function.

[0290] Optionally, the first network function selects the second network function based on information from the access network device (such as (R)AN node information).

[0291] Step S2106: The second network function sends the seventh information to the access network device.

[0292] In some embodiments, the access network device receives seventh information sent by the second network function.

[0293] Step S2107: The access network device sends a sixth response to the second network function.

[0294] In some embodiments, the second network function receives a sixth response sent by the access network device.

[0295] Optionally, the sixth response is determined based on the seventh information.

[0296] Optionally, the sixth response is used to confirm the connection establishment. For example, when the access network device determines that a connection has been established between the access network device and the third network function, it sends a sixth response to the second network function. The sixth response is used to confirm or indicate that a connection has been established between the access network device and the third network function. For example, the sixth response may include first indication information, which indicates that a connection has been established between the access network device and the third network function.

[0297] Optionally, the sixth response can also be used to indicate that a connection has not been established. For example, if the access network device determines that a connection has not been established between the access network device and the third network function, it sends a sixth response to the second network function, the sixth response indicating that a connection has not been established between the access network device and the third network function. For example, the sixth response may include second indication information indicating that a connection has not been established between the access network device and the third network function.

[0298] Optionally, the sixth response includes second address information.

[0299] For example, the second address information is the address information of the access network device associated with the connected transmission path.

[0300] For example, the name of the second address message is not limited, and it may be, for example, (R)AN address information.

[0301] Optionally, the name of the sixth response is not limited; it may be, for example, a connection establishment response, or the result or output of a call to a specified service.

[0302] In some alternative embodiments, if step S2105 can request multiple paths, and each path can request multiple transport protocols, then step S2107 can respond to one or more transport protocols among the multiple transport protocols of the requested at least one path. Optionally, step S2107 returning one or more transport protocols among the multiple transport protocols of at least one path can indicate: returning the encapsulation capability of the data packets corresponding to the one or more transport protocols supporting the at least one path; or, the encapsulation capability of the data packets of the one or more transport protocols can be indicated in other ways.

[0303] In some alternative embodiments, if step S2105 can request multiple transport protocols for the end-to-end full path, then step S2107 can respond to the request by returning one of the multiple transport protocols for the full path. Optionally, step S2107 returning one of the multiple transport protocols for the full path may indicate: returning the encapsulation capability of the data packets corresponding to one of the multiple transport protocols supporting the full path; or, the encapsulation capability of the data packets of the one or more transport protocols may be indicated in other ways.

[0304] In some alternative embodiments, if step S2105 does not request a transport protocol, then step S2107 may also request one or more transport protocols.

[0305] In some alternative embodiments, the access network device performs the fifth operation.

[0306] Optionally, the fifth operation includes at least one of the following: determining the connection between the access network device and the third network function; determining the transmission protocol corresponding to or used by the connection; determining the second address information; storing the access network device information; and storing the eighth information.

[0307] Optionally, the access network device determines the transmission protocol used or corresponding to the connection based on the transmission information.

[0308] Optionally, the access network device determines the transmission protocol used or corresponding to the connection based on the connection indication information.

[0309] Optionally, the access network device determines the transmission protocol used or corresponding to the connection based on the third network function associated with the transmission path of the connection, wherein the third network function is the end node of the connection.

[0310] Optionally, the access network device determines the transmission protocol used or corresponding to the connection based on the first address information.

[0311] Optionally, the access network device determines the second address information based on a defined transmission protocol.

[0312] In step S2108, the second network function sends a first response to the first network function.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first network function sends a first response to the second network function.

[0314] Optionally, the first response is determined based on the first information.

[0315] Optionally, the first response is sent after the second network function receives the sixth response sent by the access network device.

[0316] Optionally, the first response may include second address information.

[0317] Optionally, the first response may include a first identifier.

[0318] Optionally, the name of the first response is not limited; it may be, for example, a service notification.

[0319] Step S2109: The first network function sends the sixth information to the fourth network function.

[0320] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives a sixth message sent by the first network function.

[0321] In some embodiments, the sixth information includes the second address information, and the sixth information is used to modify the connection. For example, the sixth information is used to modify the connection between the access network device and the third network function, and to modify the processing rules for uplink and downlink data packets of the associated fourth network function as an intermediate node in the connection.

[0322] Optionally, the sixth information may include at least one of the following: rule information, address information of the third network function, and transmission information. For example, the rule information is a set of rules for processing uplink and downlink data packets. Both the second address information and the address information of the third network function can be included in the corresponding rule information.

[0323] Optionally, the name of the sixth message is not limited; it may be, for example, a data connection modification request or message.

[0324] Optionally, when the first network function sends the sixth information to the fourth network function, the transmission path of the connection is associated with the fourth network function; the data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function through the fourth network function. For example, the uplink data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function through the fourth network function; and / or, the downlink data of the connection is sent by the third network function to the access network device through the fourth network function.

[0325] In step S2110, the fourth network function sends a fifth response to the first network function.

[0326] In some embodiments, the first network function receives a fifth response sent by the fourth network function.

[0327] Optionally, the fifth response is determined based on the sixth information.

[0328] Optionally, the fifth response is used to confirm the modified connection.

[0329] Optionally, the name of the fifth response is not limited; for example, it may be called a data connection modification response.

[0330] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function sends the fifth information to the third network function.

[0331] In some alternative embodiments, the third network function receives the fifth information sent by the first network.

[0332] Optionally, the fifth information includes the second address information and / or the address information of the fourth network function, and the fifth information is used to modify the connection. For example, the fifth information is used to modify the connection between the access network device and the third network function.

[0333] Optionally, the fifth piece of information may include rule information and / or transmission information. For example, the rule information consists of rules used to process uplink and downlink data packets.

[0334] Optionally, the name of the fifth message is not limited; it may be, for example, a data connection modification request or message.

[0335] Optionally, the first network function sends fifth information to the third network function, and the connected transmission path is associated with the fourth network function; the connected data is sent by the access network device to the third network function through the fourth network function. For example, the connected uplink data is sent by the access network device to the third network function through the fourth network function; and / or, the connected downlink data is sent by the third network function to the access network device through the fourth network function.

[0336] Optionally, the first network function sends fifth information to the third network function, and the transmission path of the connection is not associated with the fourth network function; the data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function. For example, the uplink data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function; and / or, the downlink data of the connection is sent by the third network function to the access network device.

[0337] In some alternative embodiments, the third network function sends a fourth response to the first network function.

[0338] Optionally, the fourth response is determined based on the fifth information.

[0339] Optionally, the fourth response is used to confirm the modified connection.

[0340] Optionally, the name of the fourth response is not limited; it may be, for example, a data connection modification response.

[0341] In some optional embodiments, after obtaining the second address information, the first network function, the third network function and / or the fourth network function store the second address information in correspondence with the first identifier, the first address information and / or the transmission information.

[0342] For example, after receiving the first response, the first network function obtains the second address information based on the first response, and stores the second address information in correspondence with the first address information, the first address information and / or the transmission information.

[0343] For example, after receiving the fifth information, the third network function obtains the second address information based on the fifth information, and stores the second address information in correspondence with the first address information, the first address information and / or the transmission information.

[0344] For example, after receiving the sixth information, the third network function obtains the second address information based on the sixth information, and stores the second address information in correspondence with the first address information, the first address information and / or the transmission information.

[0345] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function sends the ninth information to the fourth network function.

[0346] In some alternative embodiments, the fourth network function receives the ninth message sent by the first network function.

[0347] Optionally, the ninth information includes a first identifier indicating a connection. Optionally, the ninth information may also include second address information and / or address information for a third network function.

[0348] Optionally, the ninth message is used to request the release of the connection. For example, the ninth message is used to request the release of the connection between the access network device and the third network function.

[0349] Optionally, the name of the ninth message is not limited; it may be, for example, a data connection release request or message.

[0350] In some alternative embodiments, the fourth network function sends a seventh response to the first network function.

[0351] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function receives a seventh response sent by the fourth network function.

[0352] Optionally, the seventh response is determined based on the ninth information.

[0353] Optionally, the seventh response is used to confirm the release of the connection.

[0354] Optionally, the name of the seventh response is not limited; it may be, for example, a data connection release response.

[0355] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function sends a tenth message to the third network function.

[0356] In some alternative embodiments, the third network function receives the tenth information sent by the first network function.

[0357] Optionally, the tenth information includes a first identifier indicating a connection. Optionally, the tenth information may also include second address information and / or address information for a fourth network function.

[0358] Optionally, the tenth information is used to request the release of the connection. For example, the tenth information is used to request the release of the connection between the access network device and the third network function.

[0359] Optionally, the name of the tenth message is not limited; it may be, for example, a data connection release request or a message.

[0360] In some alternative embodiments, the third network function sends an eighth response to the first network function.

[0361] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function receives an eighth response sent by the third network function.

[0362] Optionally, the eighth response is determined based on the tenth information.

[0363] Optionally, the eighth response is used to confirm the release of the connection.

[0364] Optionally, the name of the eighth response is not limited; it may be, for example, a data connection release response.

[0365] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0366] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0367] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0368] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0369] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0370] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2110. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101 and S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2103 and S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2105 and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2106 and S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. Implementation; the combination of steps S2107 and S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2105 to S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2109 and S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 and S2102 and steps S2105 to S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 and S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 to S2110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0371] In some embodiments, steps S2103 to S2104 and steps S2109 to S2110 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0372] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2104 and steps S2109 to S2110 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0373] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0374] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2B, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in an information processing system 100, the method comprising:

[0375] Step S2201: The first network function determines to establish a connection for data transmission between the access network device and the third network device. Optionally, the first network function determines the third network function.

[0376] The optional implementation of step S2201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0377] Step S2202: The first network function sends third information to the third network function.

[0378] The optional implementation of step S2202 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0379] In some alternative embodiments, the third network function can send a second response to the first network.

[0380] Step S2203: The first network function sends the first information to the second network function.

[0381] The optional implementation of step S2203 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0382] Step S2204: The second network function sends the seventh information to the access network device.

[0383] The optional implementation of step S2204 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0384] Step S2205: The access network device sends a sixth response to the second network function.

[0385] The optional implementation of step S2205 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0386] Step S2206: The second network function sends a first response to the first network function.

[0387] The optional implementation of step S2206 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0388] Step S2207: The first network function sends the fifth information to the third network function.

[0389] In step S2208, the third network function sends a fourth response to the first network function.

[0390] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2208. For example, step S2201 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2201 and S2202 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2203 and S2204 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2205 and S2206 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2204 and S2205 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2203 to S2206 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2201 to S2206 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2207 and S2208 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2201 to S2208 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0391] In some embodiments, steps S2201 to S2202 and steps S2207 to S2208 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0392] In some embodiments, steps S2207 to S2208 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0393] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0394] Figure 3A is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a first network function, the method comprising:

[0395] Step S3101: Determine the third network function. Optionally, the first network function determines that a connection needs to be established between the access network device and the third network function.

[0396] The optional implementation of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0397] Step S3102A: Send the third message.

[0398] The optional implementation of step S3102A can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0399] In some embodiments, the first network function may send third information to the third network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also send third information to other entities.

[0400] Step S3102B: Obtain the second response.

[0401] The optional implementations of step S3102B can be found in the optional embodiments of step S2102 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0402] In some embodiments, the first network function receives a second response sent by a third network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a second response sent by other entities.

[0403] In some embodiments, the first network function obtains a second response as specified in the acquisition protocol.

[0404] In some embodiments, the first network function obtains a second response from the upper layer(s).

[0405] In some embodiments, the first network function processes the data to obtain the second response.

[0406] In some embodiments, step S3102B is omitted, the first network function autonomously implements the function indicated by the second response, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0407] Step S3103: Determine the fourth network function.

[0408] The optional implementation of step S3103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0409] Step S3104A: Send the fourth message.

[0410] The optional implementation of step S3104A can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0411] In some embodiments, the first network function may send fourth information to the fourth network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also send fourth information to other entities.

[0412] Step S3104B: Obtain the third response.

[0413] The optional implementations of step S3104B can be found in the optional embodiments of step S2104 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0414] In some embodiments, the first network function receives a third response sent by the fourth network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a third response sent by other entities.

[0415] In some embodiments, the first network function obtains a third response as specified in the protocol.

[0416] In some embodiments, the first network function obtains a third response from the upper layer(s).

[0417] In some embodiments, the first network function processes the data to obtain a third response.

[0418] In some embodiments, step S3104B is omitted, the first network function autonomously implements the function indicated by the third response, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0419] Step S3105: Send the first information. Optionally, the first information is used by the second network function to send the seventh information to the access network device.

[0420] The optional implementation of step S3105 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0421] In some embodiments, the first network function may send the first information to the second network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also send the first information to other entities.

[0422] Step S3106: Obtain the first response. Optionally, the first response is sent by the second network function after receiving the sixth response sent by the access network device.

[0423] The optional implementations of step S3106 can be found in the optional embodiments of step S2108 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0424] In some embodiments, the first network function receives a first response sent by the second network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a first response sent by other entities.

[0425] In some embodiments, the first network function obtains a first response as specified in the acquisition protocol.

[0426] In some embodiments, the first network function obtains a first response from the upper layer(s).

[0427] In some embodiments, a first network function processes data to obtain a first response.

[0428] In some embodiments, step S3106 is omitted, the first network function autonomously implements the function indicated by the first response, or the above function is default or default.

[0429] Step S3107: Send the sixth message.

[0430] The optional implementation of step S3107 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0431] In some embodiments, the first network function may send the sixth information to the fourth network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also send the sixth information to other entities.

[0432] Step S3108: Obtain the fifth response.

[0433] The optional implementations of step S3108 can be found in the optional embodiments of step S2110 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0434] In some embodiments, the first network function receives a fifth response sent by the second network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a fifth response sent by other entities.

[0435] In some embodiments, the first network function obtains a fifth response as specified in the protocol.

[0436] In some embodiments, the first network function obtains a fifth response from the upper layer(s).

[0437] In some embodiments, the first network function processes the data to obtain the fifth response.

[0438] In some embodiments, step S3108 is omitted, the first network function autonomously implements the function indicated by the fifth response, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0439] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S3101 to S3108. For example, step S3101 can be implemented as a standalone embodiment; the combination of steps S3102A and S3102B can be implemented as a standalone embodiment; steps S2101, S3102A, and S3102B can be implemented as standalone embodiments; step S3103 can be implemented as a standalone embodiment; the combination of steps S3104A and S3104B can be implemented as a standalone embodiment; the combination of steps S3103, S3104A, and S3104B can be implemented as a standalone embodiment; step S3105 The combination of step S3101 and step S3102A and step S3102B and step S3105 and step S3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of step S3101 and step S3102A and step S3102B and step S3103 and step S3104A and step S3104B and step S3105 and step S3106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S3101 to step S3108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0440] In some embodiments, steps S3103, S3104A, S3104B, and S3107 to S3108 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0441] In some embodiments, steps S3101 and S3102A and S3102B and steps S3103 and S3104A and S3104B, and steps S3107 to S3108 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0442] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0443] Figure 3B is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a first network device, the method comprising:

[0444] Step S3201: Send first information to the second network function, wherein the first information includes a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of the connection between the access network device and the third network function, and the first address information being the address information of the network function associated with the connected transmission path.

[0445] Optionally, the first information is used by the second network function to send the seventh information to the access network device; wherein the seventh information includes the first identifier and the first address information, and the seventh information is used to request the establishment of a connection.

[0446] Optional implementations of step S3201 can be found in step S2105 in Figure 2A or step S3105 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0447] In some embodiments, the connection is used to transmit data for a first service between the access network device and a third network function.

[0448] In some embodiments, the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection is determined by one of the following: transmission information in the first information; first address information in the first information; connection indication information in the first information, wherein the connection indication information is used to indicate the type of connection; and network functions associated with the transmission path of the connection.

[0449] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a first response sent by a second network function, the first response including second address information of the access network device. Optionally, the first response is sent by the second network function after receiving a sixth response sent by the access network device, the sixth response being used to confirm the connection establishment, and the sixth response including the second address information.

[0450] In some embodiments, before sending the first information to the second network function, the method further includes: determining a third network function, wherein the third network function is a connected end node and is used to process data.

[0451] In some embodiments, determining a third network function includes at least one of the following: determining a third network function based on second information, wherein the second information includes information about the access network device, first capability information and / or first load information of the third network function, the first capability information being used to indicate whether the capability to support connectivity is supported; determining a third network function based on the area and / or location of the requested service data.

[0452] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: determining a first identifier of a connection if it is determined that there is no connection between the access network device and the third network function; and using the connection to provide services if it is determined that there is a connection between the access network device and the third network function.

[0453] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending third information to a third network function, wherein the third information includes a first identifier and is used to establish a connection; and receiving a second response sent by the third network function, wherein the second response is used to confirm the establishment of the connection.

[0454] In some embodiments, the address information for the third network function used for connection is determined by one of the following: determined by the first network function based on second information; assigned by the first network function; or assigned by the third network function.

[0455] In some embodiments, before sending the first information to the second network function, the method further includes: determining a fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is an intermediate node of the connection and is used to forward data.

[0456] In some embodiments, determining a fourth network function includes at least one of the following: determining a fourth network function based on second information, wherein the second information includes information about the access network device, second capability information, and / or second load information of the fourth network function, the second capability information being used to indicate whether the capability to support connectivity is supported; determining a fourth network function based on address information of a third network function; or determining a fourth network function based on the area and / or location of the requested service data.

[0457] In some embodiments, the method further includes: if it is determined that there is no connection between the access network device and the fourth network function, sending fourth information to the fourth network function, wherein the fourth information includes a first identifier and address information of the third network function, and the fourth information is used to establish a connection; and receiving a third response sent by the fourth network function, wherein the third response is used to confirm the establishment of a connection.

[0458] In some embodiments, the address information for the fourth network function used for connection is determined by one of the following: determined by the first network function based on second information; allocated by the first network function; or allocated by the fourth network function.

[0459] In some embodiments, the first address information includes the address information of the third network function.

[0460] In some embodiments, the first address information includes the address information of the third network function and the address information of the fourth network function.

[0461] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending fifth information to a third network function, wherein the fifth information includes second address information and / or address information of a fourth network function, and the fifth information is used to modify the connection; and receiving a fourth response sent by the third network function, wherein the fourth response is used to confirm the modification of the connection.

[0462] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending sixth information to a fourth network function, wherein the sixth information includes second address information and is used to modify the connection; and receiving a fifth response sent by the fourth network function, wherein the fifth response is used to confirm the modified connection.

[0463] In some embodiments, when the transmission path of the connection is associated with a fourth network function, the data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function through the fourth network function; or, when the transmission path of the connection is not associated with a fourth network function, the data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function.

[0464] In some embodiments, the first service includes at least one of the following: location service, sensing service, and intelligent service.

[0465] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 3A, and will not be repeated here.

[0466] Figure 3C is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3C, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a first network function, the method comprising:

[0467] Step S3301: Determine the third network function.

[0468] The optional implementation of step S3301 can be found in step S2101 in Figure 2A or the optional implementation of step S3101 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0469] Step S3302A: Send the third message.

[0470] The optional implementation of step S3302A can be found in step S2102 in Figure 2A or the optional implementation of step S3102A in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0471] Step S3302B: Obtain the second response.

[0472] The optional implementation of step S3302B can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, or the optional implementation of step S3102B in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0473] Step S3303: Send the first message.

[0474] Optional implementations of step S3303 can be found in step S2105 in Figure 2A or step S3105 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0475] Step S3304: Obtain the first response.

[0476] Optional implementations of step S3304 can be found in step S2108 in Figure 2A or step S3106 in Figure 3A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 3A, which will not be repeated here.

[0477] Step S3305: Send the fifth message. Optionally, the first network function sends the fifth message to the third network function.

[0478] Step S3306: Obtain the fourth response. Optionally, the first network function obtains the fourth response sent by the third network function.

[0479] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 3A, and will not be repeated here.

[0480] Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a second network function, the method comprising:

[0481] Step S4101: Obtain the first information.

[0482] The optional implementation of step S4101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0483] In some embodiments, the second network function receives first information sent by the second network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive first information sent by other entities.

[0484] In some embodiments, the second network function acquires the first information specified in the protocol.

[0485] In some embodiments, the second network function obtains first information from the upper layer(s).

[0486] In some embodiments, the second network function processes the information to obtain the first information.

[0487] In some embodiments, step S4101 is omitted, the second network function autonomously implements the function indicated by the first information, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0488] Step S4102: Send the seventh message.

[0489] The optional implementation of step S4102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0490] In some embodiments, the second network function may send the seventh information to the access network device, but is not limited thereto; it may also send the seventh information to other entities.

[0491] Step S4103: Obtain the sixth response.

[0492] The optional implementation of step S4103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0493] In some embodiments, the second network function receives a sixth response sent by the access network device, but is not limited thereto, and may also receive a sixth response sent by other entities.

[0494] In some embodiments, the second network function acquires the sixth response as specified in the protocol.

[0495] In some embodiments, the second network function obtains a sixth response from the upper layer(s).

[0496] In some embodiments, the second network function processes the data to obtain a sixth response.

[0497] In some embodiments, step S4103 is omitted, the second network function autonomously implements the function indicated by the sixth response, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0498] Step S4104: Send the first response.

[0499] The optional implementation of step S4104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2107 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0500] In some embodiments, the second network function may send a first response to the first network function, but is not limited thereto, and may also send a first response to other entities.

[0501] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4104. For example, a combination of steps S4101 and S4102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S4101 and S4104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S4102 and S4103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; and a combination of steps S4101 to S4104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0502] In some embodiments, steps S4101 and S4104 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0503] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0504] Figure 4B is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a second network function, the method comprising:

[0505] Step S4201: Receive first information sent by the first network function, wherein the first information includes a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of the connection between the access network device and the third network function, and the first address information being the address information of the network function associated with the connected transmission path.

[0506] Optional implementations of step S4201 can be found in step S2105 in Figure 2A or step S4101 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0507] Step S4202: Send the seventh information to the access network device, wherein the seventh information includes the first identifier and the first address information, and the seventh information is used to request the establishment of a connection.

[0508] The optional implementation of step S4202 can be found in the optional embodiment of step S2106 in Figure 2A, or the optional implementation of step S4102 in Figure 4A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0509] In some embodiments, the connection is used to transmit data for a first service between the access network device and a third network function.

[0510] In some embodiments, the transport protocol corresponding to the connection is determined by one of the following: transport information in the first information and / or the seventh information; first address information in the first information and / or the seventh information; connection indication information in the first information and / or the seventh information, wherein the connection indication information is used to indicate the type of connection; and network functions associated with the transmission path of the connection.

[0511] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a sixth response sent by an access network device, wherein the sixth response is used to confirm the establishment of a connection and includes second address information of the access network device; and sending a first response to a first network function, wherein the first response includes the second address information.

[0512] In some embodiments, the first address information includes the address information of the third network function; or, the first address information includes the address information of the third network function and the address information of the fourth network function.

[0513] In some embodiments, the first service includes at least one of the following: location service, sensing service, and intelligent service.

[0514] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 4A, and will not be repeated here.

[0515] Figure 5A is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by an access network device, the method comprising:

[0516] Step S5101: Obtain the seventh information.

[0517] The optional implementation of step S5101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0518] In some embodiments, the access network device receives the seventh information sent by the second network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive the seventh information sent by other entities.

[0519] In some embodiments, the access network device obtains the seventh information specified in the protocol.

[0520] In some embodiments, the access network device obtains the seventh information from the upper layer(s).

[0521] In some embodiments, the access network device processes the information to obtain the seventh piece of information.

[0522] In some embodiments, step S5101 is omitted, and the access network device autonomously implements the function indicated by the seventh information, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0523] Step S5102: Send the sixth response.

[0524] The optional implementations of step S5102 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2107 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0525] In some embodiments, the access network device may send a sixth response to the second network function, but is not limited thereto, and may also send a sixth response to other entities.

[0526] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S5101 to S5102. For example, step S5101 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; step S5102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment; a combination of steps S5101 to S5102 may be implemented as a standalone embodiment.

[0527] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0528] Figure 5B is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by an access network device, the method comprising:

[0529] Step S5201: Receive seventh information sent by the second network function, wherein the seventh information includes a first identifier and first address information. The first identifier is an identifier of the connection between the access network device and the third network function, and the first address information is the address information of the network function associated with the transmission path of the connection. The seventh information is used to request the establishment of a connection. Optionally, the seventh information is sent by the second network function after receiving the first information sent by the first network function, and the first information includes the first identifier and the first address information.

[0530] Optional implementations of step S5201 can be found in step S2106 in Figure 2A, or optional implementations of step S5101 in Figure 5A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 5A, which will not be repeated here.

[0531] In some embodiments, the connection is used to transmit data for any service between the access network device and a third network function, or to transmit data for a first service.

[0532] In some embodiments, the method further includes one of the following: determining the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on the transmission information included in the seventh information; determining the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on the connection indication information included in the seventh information, wherein the connection indication information is used to indicate the type of connection; determining the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on the first address information included in the seventh information; and determining the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on the third network function associated with the transmission path of the connection, wherein the third network function is the end segment of the connection.

[0533] In some embodiments, the method further includes: determining to establish a connection between the access network device and a third network function.

[0534] In some embodiments, the method further includes storing eighth information.

[0535] In some embodiments, the method further includes: sending a sixth response to a second network function, wherein the sixth response is used to confirm the connection establishment and includes second address information of the access network device; wherein the sixth response is used by the second network function to send a first response to the first network function, wherein the first response includes the second address information.

[0536] In some embodiments, the first address information includes the address information of the third network function; or, the first address information includes the address information of the third network function and the address information of the fourth network function.

[0537] In some embodiments, the first service includes at least one of the following: location service, sensing service, and intelligent service.

[0538] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 5A, and will not be repeated here.

[0539] Figure 6A is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a third network function, the method comprising:

[0540] Step S6101: Obtain third information.

[0541] The optional implementation of step S6101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0542] In some embodiments, the third network function receives third information sent by the first network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive third information sent by other entities.

[0543] In some embodiments, the third network function acquires third information as specified in the protocol.

[0544] In some embodiments, the third network function obtains third information from the upper layer(s).

[0545] In some embodiments, a third network function processes information to obtain third information.

[0546] In some embodiments, step S6101 is omitted, the third network function autonomously implements the function indicated by the third information, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0547] Step S6102: Send the second response.

[0548] The optional implementations of step S6102 can be found in the optional embodiments of step S2102 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0549] In some embodiments, the third network function may send a second response to the first network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also send a second response to other entities.

[0550] Step S6103: Obtain the fifth piece of information.

[0551] The optional implementation of step S6103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2207 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0552] In some embodiments, the third network function receives the fifth information sent by the first network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive the fifth information sent by other entities.

[0553] In some embodiments, the third network function obtains the fifth information specified in the protocol.

[0554] In some embodiments, the third network function obtains the fifth information from the upper layer(s).

[0555] In some embodiments, the third network function processes the information to obtain the fifth information.

[0556] In some embodiments, step S6103 is omitted, the third network function autonomously implements the function indicated by the fifth information, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0557] Step S6104: Send the fourth response.

[0558] The optional implementation of step S6104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2208 in Figure 2B, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2B, which will not be repeated here.

[0559] In some embodiments, the third network function may send a fourth response to the first network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also send a fourth response to other entities.

[0560] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S6101 to S6104. For example, the combination of steps S6101 and S6102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S6103 to S6104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; and the combination of steps S6101 to S6104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0561] In some embodiments, steps S6103 and S6104 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0562] In some embodiments, steps S6101 and S6102 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0563] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0564] Figure 6B is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 6B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a third network function, the method comprising:

[0565] Step S6201: Receive third information sent by the first network function, wherein the third information includes a first identifier, which is an identifier of the connection between the access network device and the third network function, and the third information is used to establish a connection; send a second response to the first network function, wherein the second response is used to confirm the establishment of a connection.

[0566] Optional implementations of step S6201 can be found in step S2102 in Figure 2A or step S6101 in Figure 6A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 6A, which will not be repeated here.

[0567] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: assigning address information for a third network function of the connection; storing eighth information related to the connection, wherein the eighth information includes: a first identifier, first address information, and / or transmission information indicating the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection.

[0568] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving fifth information sent by a first network function, wherein the fifth information includes second address information of the access network device and / or address information of a fourth network function, and the fifth information is used to modify the connection; and sending a fourth response to the first network function, wherein the fourth response is used to confirm the modification of the connection.

[0569] In some embodiments, when the transmission path of the connection is associated with a fourth network function, the data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function through the fourth network function; or, when the transmission path of the connection is not associated with a fourth network function, the data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function.

[0570] In some embodiments, the connection is used to transmit data for a first service between the access network device and a third network function.

[0571] In some embodiments, the method further includes storing eighth information.

[0572] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the steps of Figures 2A and 6A, and will not be repeated here.

[0573] Figure 7A is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7A, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a fourth network function, the method comprising:

[0574] Step S7101: Obtain the fourth information.

[0575] The optional implementation of step S7101 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0576] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives fourth information sent by the first network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive fourth information sent by other entities.

[0577] In some embodiments, the fourth network function acquires fourth information as specified in the protocol.

[0578] In some embodiments, the fourth network function obtains fourth information from the upper layer(s).

[0579] In some embodiments, a fourth network function processes information to obtain a fourth piece of information.

[0580] In some embodiments, step S7101 is omitted, the fourth network function autonomously implements the function indicated by the fourth information, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0581] Step S7102: Send the third response.

[0582] The optional implementations of step S7102 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2104 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0583] In some embodiments, the fourth network function may send a third response to the first network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also send a third response to other entities.

[0584] Step S7103: Send the sixth message.

[0585] The optional implementation of step S7103 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0586] In some embodiments, the fourth network function may send a sixth message to the first network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also send a sixth message to other entities.

[0587] Step S7104: Obtain the fifth response.

[0588] The optional implementation of step S7104 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2110 in Figure 2A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0589] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives a fifth response sent by the first network function, but is not limited thereto; it may also receive a fifth response sent by other entities.

[0590] In some embodiments, the fourth network function obtains a fifth response as specified in the protocol.

[0591] In some embodiments, the fourth network function obtains the fifth response from the upper layer(s).

[0592] In some embodiments, the fourth network function processes the data to obtain the fifth response.

[0593] In some embodiments, step S7104 is omitted, the fourth network function autonomously implements the function indicated by the fifth response, or the above function is defaulted or set to default.

[0594] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S7101 to S7104. For example, a combination of steps S7101 and S7102 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S7103 to S7104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S7101 to S7104 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0595] In some embodiments, steps S7103 and S7104 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0596] In some embodiments, steps S7101 and S7102 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0597] In the embodiments disclosed herein, each embodiment can be implemented individually or in combination with each other, and the steps in each embodiment can be distinguished by their order.

[0598] Figure 7B is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 7B, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method executed by a fourth network function, the method comprising:

[0599] Step S7201: Receive fourth information sent by the first network function, wherein the fourth information includes a first identifier and address information of the third network function, the first identifier is an identifier of the connection between the access network device and the third network function, and the fourth information is used to establish a connection; send a third response to the first network function, wherein the third response is used to confirm the establishment of a connection.

[0600] Optional implementations of step S7201 can be found in step S2104 in Figure 2A, or optional implementations of step S7101 in Figure 7A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A and 7A, which will not be repeated here.

[0601] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: allocating address information for a fourth network function of the connection; storing eighth information related to the connection, wherein the eighth information includes: a first identifier, first address information, and / or transmission information indicating the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection.

[0602] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving sixth information sent by a first network function, wherein the sixth information includes second address information of the access network device, and the sixth information is used to modify the connection; and sending a fifth response to the first network function, wherein the fifth response is used to confirm the modification of the connection.

[0603] In some embodiments, where the transmission path of the connection is associated with a fourth network function, the data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function through the fourth network function.

[0604] In some embodiments, the connection is used to transmit data for a first service between the access network device and a third network function.

[0605] In some embodiments, the method further includes storing eighth information.

[0606] The above embodiments can be implemented individually or in combination with each other. Optional implementation methods can be found in the optional implementation methods of the steps in Figures 2A and 7A, which will not be repeated here.

[0607] Figure 8 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method for an information processing system 100, the method including one of the following steps:

[0608] Step S8101: The first network function sends first information to the second network function, wherein the first information includes a first identifier and first address information. The first identifier is the identifier of the connection between the access network device and the third network function, and the first address information is the address information of the network function associated with the connection transmission path.

[0609] The optional implementations of step S8101 can be found in step S2105 in Figure 2, step S3105 in Figure 3A, step S4101 in Figure 4A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 3A, and 4A, which will not be repeated here.

[0610] In step S8102, the second network function sends seventh information to the access network device, wherein the seventh information includes a first identifier and a first address information, and the seventh information is used to request the establishment of a connection.

[0611] The optional implementations of step S8102 can be found in the optional embodiments of step S2106 in Figure 2, step S4102 in Figure 4A, the optional implementations of step S5101 in Figure 5A, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2, 4A, and 5A, which will not be repeated here.

[0612] In some embodiments, the above methods may include the methods described in the above-described information processing system side, first network function side, second network function side, access network device side, third network function side and / or fourth network function, etc., which will not be repeated here.

[0613] This disclosure provides a method for transmitting service data from an (R)AN to a core network function via a connection between an (R)AN and a CN; the method includes the following:

[0614] DSTMF acquires information for establishing a connection between the (R)AN and core network functions; this connection can be shared by any data service that needs to exchange data between access network equipment and core network functions, or it can be dedicated to a specific data service.

[0615] DSTMF manages the connection between the (R)AN and the core network function. Optionally, DSTMF sends the request for the (R)AN to establish a connection with the core network function and the address information of the core network function to the (R)AN node via AMF. Optionally, DSTMF configures the UPF and / or DPF rules for processing data packets exchanged between the (R)AN node and the core network node. Optionally, DSTMF can modify or release connections.

[0616] (R)AN establishes a connection and sends the (R)AN node address information to DSTMF.

[0617] Data is exchanged via the connection between the (R)AN and core network functions using the indicated transport protocol.

[0618] Optionally, the (R)AN node can be the access network device in the previous embodiments; the core network function can be the third network function and / or the fourth network function in the previous embodiments.

[0619] Example 1: Establishing a connection between (R)AN and core network functions, including UPF.

[0620] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the connection for the (R)AN node and core network (CN) functions is managed by the DSTMF, and the core network function receiving data from the (R)AN node is the DPF. The transmission path from the (R)AN node to the DPF involves the UPF. The DSTMF can be deployed together with the SMF or as an enhanced SMF, and the DPF can be a dedicated UPF supporting data processing for data services. Figure 9A shows a schematic diagram of the relevant network functions. The data transmission path between the (R)AN and core network functions is forwarded through the UPF, and the N3 interface between the (R)AN and CN can be reused as much as possible. The DSTMF can be a general network function for all data services processed in the CN, or it can be part of any specific network function for a specific data service, such as the LMF, SF, or NWDAF. This embodiment focuses only on connection management functions; other functions for data services can be configured together with the DSTMF and / or DPF, or independently of the DSTMF and / or DPF.

[0621] Figure 9B is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9B, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0622] In step S9101, DSTMF selects DPF and determines that a connection needs to be established between the (R)AN node and the DPF. Optionally, this connection is a data transmission connection or a data connection.

[0623] Optionally, the DSTMF acquires service requests from the UE, AF, or 5GCNF; the service request uses data collected and / or generated by the data service; optionally, the service request may include (R)AN node information. Optionally, the (R)AN node information may include a Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) list and / or a Cell Identifier (CI) list. Optionally, the (R)AN node information may be the (R)AN node information from the previous embodiments.

[0624] Optionally, DSTM selects a DPF to handle the data for the requested service. For DPF selection, information about (R)AN nodes, DPF capacity, and / or DPF load balancing can be considered.

[0625] Optionally, if the DSF does not receive (R)AN node information, it selects the DPF based on the region or location where the service data is collected.

[0626] Optionally, if the DSFTMF does not receive (R)AN node information and the area or location for collecting service data, it may select the DSF based on local information, such as the locally configured service area or relevant location information obtained through positioning, or without considering location information.

[0627] Step S9102: Establish a data connection between the DSMMF and the DPF.

[0628] Optionally, the connection between the (R)AN node and the DPF can be shared by data services that require data interaction between the (R)AN node and the DPF, or it can be dedicated to a specific data service. The sharing of the connection between the (R)AN node and the DPF can be determined based on the number of data streams between the (R)AN node and the DPF, or the service type or number of service types of any data stream.

[0629] Optionally, if no available connection is established between the indicated or selected (R)AN node and the DPF, the DSTMF assigns an identifier to identify the connection and requests the establishment of a connection by setting the DPF as the end node of the connection. The address information of the DPF for this connection can be obtained by the DSTMF during DPF selection, or it can be assigned by the DSTMF or the DPF.

[0630] Optionally, connection-related information is stored in DSTMF and / or DPF.

[0631] Step S9103, DSTMF selects UPF. Optionally, DSTMF selects UPF based on (R)AN node information and / or DPF address information.

[0632] Optionally, DSTMF can select UPF based on the (R)AN node information obtained in step S9101.

[0633] Optionally, DSTMF selects a UPF based on the (R)AN node information to be connected, such as selecting a UPF based on the (R)AN supported TAI list or CI list; the (R)AN node information may be obtained in step S9101.

[0634] Optionally, if the DSTMF does not receive (R)AN node information, it selects the UPF based on the region or location where service data is collected. Here, (R)AN node information is unavailable, but the region or location used for collecting service data (e.g., sensing data) is available. This region or location for collecting service data can also be used to determine the (R)AN node information.

[0635] Optionally, the UPF needs to support attachable functionality to process uplink non-UE-related data received from the (R)AN node and / or downlink non-UE-related data received from the DPF. This non-UE data can be data acquired and / or generated by the (R)AN node.

[0636] Optionally, for the following steps, only one UPF may be mentioned in the connection path, but it may include multiple UPFs, such as N3 UPF, PDU session anchor (PSA) UPF and one or more intermediate UPFs.

[0637] Step S9104: Establish a data connection between DSTMF and UPF.

[0638] Optionally, the DSTMF establishes a data connection with the UPF selected in step S9103 and obtains the address information of the UPF used for connection on the UPF.

[0639] In step S9105, DSTMF calls the Namf_Communication_DSTN2MessageTransfer service to send the N2 message to AMF.

[0640] Optionally, the N2 information may include the address information of the selected UPF, the connection identifier, and the address information of the selected DPF. Optionally, the connection identifier is the first identifier in the previous embodiment.

[0641] Optionally, the N2 information may also include a transport protocol for data transmission via the connection.

[0642] If the connection between the (R)AN node and the UPF uses GTP-U, the UPF's address information may include the GTP-U tunnel ID and the IP address of the selected UPF. If the connection between the (R)AN node and the UPF does not use GTP-U, the UPF's address information does not include the GTP-U tunnel ID; for example, if QUIC is indicated, the (R)AN node should establish a QUIC connection with the DPF, and the connection between the (R)AN node and the UPF can be a QUIC connection or an IP connection without a GTP-U tunnel.

[0643] Optionally, the AMF creates a context for the connection and records relevant information; this relevant information may include at least one of the following: connection identifier, DSTMF identifier, and (R)AN node information.

[0644] Optionally, prior to step S9105, the DSTMF may also select an AMF based on (R)AN node information and / or the capabilities supported by non-UE connections; the (R)AN node information may include a list of TAIs and / or a list of CIs supported by the (R)AN node.

[0645] Optionally, the DSTMF can subscribe from the same AMF to non-UE N2DST information for non-UE connections that are managed (e.g., established, modified, or released).

[0646] Optionally, the SMF can subscribe to all possible AMFs connected to the (R)AN node to be connected, for use with N2 information of non-UE connections that are managed (e.g., established, modified, or released). This N2 information can be non-UE N2 DST information.

[0647] In step S9106, the AMF sends an N2 DST transport request to the (R)AN node. Optionally, the N2 DST transport request may include the N2 information from step S9105.

[0648] Optionally, the (R)AN node receives N2 information from the AMF for connection management, such as connection establishment; the (R)AN node establishes a connection to the core network function (e.g., UPF and / or DPF) indicated by the received address information; the (R)AN node records the address information of the selected UPF and configures the path between the (R)AN node and the UPF.

[0649] Optionally, if the N2 information includes the address information of the DPF, the data generated from the (R)AN node will be grouped with the destination address set by the address information of the DPF (e.g., IP address).

[0650] Optionally, if the N2 information includes a transport protocol for data transmission over a connection, the (R)AN node establishes a corresponding connection with the DPF and packets the data using the indicated transport protocol. For example, if QUIC is indicated, the (R)AN node establishes a QUIC connection with the DPF. Alternatively, other transport protocols may be used, such as reusing existing GTP-U, or directly using TCP / IP or IP instead of GTP-U.

[0651] Optionally, a new N2 request can be defined, such as an N2 DST connection request or an N2 DST transmission request, to request the (R)AN node to establish a connection between the identified (R)AN node and the DPF based on the N2 information. Optionally, in the previous embodiments, the seventh information can be transmitted through the Namf_Communication_DSTN2MessageTransfer service or the N2 DST transmission request.

[0652] In step S9107, the (R)AN node sends an N2 DST transmission response to the AMF.

[0653] Optionally, an uplink N2 transmission request, including an N2 DST transmission response, is sent from the (R)AN node to the AMF; this includes the (R)AN node address information for the requested connection.

[0654] Optionally, the ability to generate and encapsulate the business data requested in step S9105 may also be included in the response.

[0655] Optionally, if a new N2 request, such as an N2 DST connection request, is defined in step S9106, a corresponding N2 DST connection establishment response is generated; this N2 DST connection establishment response sends the address information of the (R)AN node for the requested connection from the (R)AN node to the AMF. Optionally, the N2 DST transmission response can be the sixth response in the previous embodiment.

[0656] Optionally, if the transport protocol used for the connection is GTP-U, the address information of the (R)AN node includes the GTP-U tunnel ID and the IP address of the (R)AN node. If GTP-U is not used, the GTP-U tunnel ID is not included; for example, if QUIC is indicated, the (R)AN node establishes a QUIC connection with the DPF, and the address information of the (R)AN node includes the QUIC connection identifier of the (R)AN node.

[0657] Optionally, if the transport protocol requested in step S9105 is one or more transport protocols, or if the transport protocols requested in step S9105 can be a list including one or more transport protocols. If the transport protocol requested in step S9105 is multiple transport protocols, the transport protocol returned in step S9107 can be one or more of the requested multiple transport protocols. Optionally, returning one or more transport protocols in step S9107 can indicate the encapsulation capability of the data packets supporting the corresponding one or more transport protocols; or, the encapsulation capability of the data packets of the one or more transport protocols can be indicated in other ways.

[0658] Optionally, if step S9105 can request multiple paths, and each path can request multiple transport protocols, then step S9107 can respond to one or more transport protocols among the multiple transport protocols of the requested at least one path. Optionally, step S9107 returning one or more transport protocols among the multiple transport protocols of at least one path may indicate: returning the encapsulation capability of the data packets corresponding to the one or more transport protocols supporting the at least one path; or the encapsulation capability of the data packets of the one or more transport protocols may be indicated in other ways.

[0659] Optionally, if step S9105 can request multiple transport protocols for the end-to-end full path, then step S9107 can respond to one of the multiple transport protocols for the full path requested by the request. Optionally, step S9107 returning one of the multiple transport protocols for the full path may mean: returning the encapsulation capability of a data packet corresponding to one of the multiple transport protocols supporting the full path; or, the encapsulation capability of the data packets of the one or more transport protocols may be indicated in other ways.

[0660] Optionally, if step S9105 does not request a transmission protocol, step S9107 may also request one or more transmission protocols.

[0661] Optionally, the (R)AN node sends uplink data to the DPF via the UPF. For example, the (R)AN node sends uplink data to the UPF, and the UPF forwards the uplink data to the DPF.

[0662] In step S9108, the AMF calls the Namf_Communication_DSTN2InfoNotify service to send the N2 information to the DSTMF.

[0663] Optionally, the AMF will notify the DSTMF that subscribed to the N2 information from the N2 information received from the (R)AN node; as an example, the Namf_Communication_DSTN2InfoNotify service is invoked to notify of the N2 information. Optionally, the connection ID can be used to distinguish the connection management N2 information used for different connections.

[0664] In step S9109, the DSTMF sends a Data Connection Modification Request to the UPF.

[0665] In step S9110, the UPF sends a Data Connection Modification Response to the DSTMF.

[0666] Optionally, steps S9109 and S9110 perform a data connection modification process between the DSTMF and the UPF. The DSTMF provides the UPF with (R)AN node address information and corresponding forwarding rules to forward data between the (R)AN and the DPF. If GTP-U is used, the connection between the UPF and the DPF can be a GTP-U tunnel. The connection between the UPF and the DPF can also be a non-3GPP tunnel or other tunnels, such as a UDP tunnel, an IP tunnel, or other types of tunnels.

[0667] Optionally, the DPF sends downlink data to the (R)AN node via the UPF. For example, the DPF sends downlink data to the UPF, and the UPF forwards the downlink data to the (R)AN node.

[0668] Furthermore, the connection established as described above can also be modified or released. Service requests with data service parameters can be sent to the identified (R)AN in a separate message, separate from the connection management information, or in a single message along with the connection management information. Data is exchanged via the connection between the (R)AN and the core network functions using the indicated transport protocol.

[0669] Example 2: Establishing a connection between (R)AN and core network functions without UPF.

[0670] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the connection for the (R)AN node and core network (CN) functions is managed by the DSTMF, and the core network function receiving data from the (R)AN node is the DPF. The transmission path from the (R)AN node to the DPF does not involve the UPF. The DSTMF can be deployed together with the SMF or as an enhanced SMF, and the DPF can be a dedicated UPF supporting data processing for data services. Figure 9C shows a schematic diagram of the relevant network functions. The DSTMF can be a general network function for all data services processed in the CN, or it can be part of any specific network function for a specific data service, such as the LMF, SF, or NWDAF. This embodiment focuses only on connection management functions; other functions for data services can be configured together with the DSTMF and / or DPF, or independently of the DSTMF and / or DPF.

[0671] Figure 9D is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 9D, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0672] In step S9201, DSTMF selects DPF and determines that a connection needs to be established between the (R)AN node and the DPF.

[0673] Optionally, step S9201 is similar to step S9101.

[0674] Step S9202: Establish a data connection between the DSMMF and the DPF.

[0675] Optionally, step S9202 is similar to step S9102.

[0676] In step S9203, DSTMF calls the Namf_Communication_DSTN2MessageTransfer service to send the N2 message to AMF.

[0677] Optionally, the N2 information may include the address information and connection identifier of the selected DPF.

[0678] Optionally, the N2 information may also include the transport protocol used for data transmission over the connection. If the connection between the (R)AN node and the DPF uses GTP-U, the DPF's address information may include the GTP-U tunnel ID and the IP address of the selected DPF. If the connection between the (R)AN node and the DPF does not use GTP-U, the UPF's address information does not include the GTP-U tunnel ID; for example, if QUIC is indicated, the (R)AN node should establish a QUIC connection with the DPF.

[0679] Optionally, the AMF creates a context for the connection and records relevant information; this relevant information may include at least one of the following: connection identifier, DSTMF identifier, and (R)AN node information.

[0680] Optionally, prior to step S9103, the DSTMF may also select an AMF based on (R)AN node information and / or the capabilities supported by non-UE connections; the (R)AN node information may include a list of TAIs and / or a list of CIs supported by the (R)AN node.

[0681] Optionally, the DSTMF can subscribe from the same AMF to non-UE N2DST information for non-UE connections that are managed (e.g., established, modified, or released).

[0682] Optionally, the DSTMF can subscribe to all possible AMFs connected to the (R)AN node to be connected, in order to receive N2 information for managed (e.g., established, modified, or released) non-UE connections. This N2 information can be non-UE N2 DST information.

[0683] In step S9204, the AMF sends an N2 DST transmission request to the (R)AN node. Optionally, the AMF sends the N2 DST transmission request to the identified (R)AN, including the N2 information included in step 3.

[0684] Optionally, the (R)AN node receives N2 information for connection management sent by the AMF; the (R)AN node establishes a connection to the core network function (e.g., UPF and / or DPF) indicated by the received address information.

[0685] Optionally, if the N2 information includes a transport protocol for data transmission over a connection, the (R)AN node establishes a corresponding connection with the DPF and packets the data using the indicated transport protocol. For example, if QUIC is indicated, the (R)AN node establishes a QUIC connection with the DPF. Alternatively, other transport protocols may be used, such as reusing existing GTP-U, or directly using TCP / IP or IP instead of GTP-U.

[0686] Optionally, a new N2 request can be defined, such as an N2 DST connection request or an N2 DST transmission request, to request the (R)AN node to establish a connection between the identified (R)AN node and the DPF based on the N2 information. Optionally, the N2 DST transmission request can be implemented by calling a specified service, which may include the seventh information in the previous embodiments.

[0687] In step S9205, the (R)AN node sends an N2 DST transmission response to the AMF.

[0688] Optionally, an uplink N2 transmission request, including an N2 DST transmission response, is sent from the (R)AN node to the AMF; this includes the (R)AN node address information for the requested connection.

[0689] Optionally, the ability to generate and encapsulate the business data requested in step S9104 may also be included in the response.

[0690] Optionally, if a new N2 request, such as an N2 DST connection request, is defined in step S9104, a corresponding N2 DST connection establishment response is generated; this N2 DST connection establishment response sends the address information of the (R)AN node for the requested connection from the (R)AN node to the AMF. Optionally, the N2 DST transmission response can be the sixth response in the previous embodiment, which can be implemented by the response of calling the specified service in step S9204.

[0691] Optionally, if the transport protocol used for the connection is GTP-U, the address information of the (R)AN node includes the GTP-U tunnel ID and the IP address of the (R)AN node. If GTP-U is not used, the GTP-U tunnel ID is not included; for example, if QUIC is indicated, the (R)AN node establishes a QUIC connection with the DPF, and the address information of the (R)AN node includes the QUIC connection identifier of the (R)AN node.

[0692] Optionally, if the transport protocol requested in step S9203 is one or more transport protocols, or if the transport protocols requested in step S9203 can be a list including one or more transport protocols. If the transport protocol requested in step S9203 is multiple transport protocols, the transport protocol returned in step S9205 can be one or more of the requested multiple transport protocols. Optionally, returning one or more transport protocols in step S9205 can indicate the encapsulation capability of the data packets supporting the corresponding one or more transport protocols; or, the encapsulation capability of the data packets of the one or more transport protocols can be indicated in other ways.

[0693] Optionally, if step S9203 can request multiple paths, and each path can request multiple transport protocols, then step S9205 can respond to one or more transport protocols among the multiple transport protocols of the requested at least one path. Optionally, step S9205 returning one or more transport protocols among the multiple transport protocols of at least one path can indicate: returning the encapsulation capability of the data packets corresponding to the one or more transport protocols supporting the at least one path; or, the encapsulation capability of the data packets of the one or more transport protocols can be indicated in other ways.

[0694] Optionally, if step S9203 can request multiple transport protocols for the end-to-end full path, then step S9205 can respond to one of the multiple transport protocols for the full path requested by the request. Optionally, step S9205 returning one of the multiple transport protocols for the full path can indicate: returning the encapsulation capability of the data packets corresponding to one of the multiple transport protocols supporting the full path; or, the encapsulation capability of the data packets of the one or more transport protocols can be indicated in other ways.

[0695] Optionally, if step S9203 does not request a transport protocol, step S9205 may also request one or more transport protocols.

[0696] Optionally, the (R)AN node sends uplink data to the DPF.

[0697] In step S9206, the AMF calls the Namf_Communication_DSTN2InfoNotify service to send the N2 information to the DSTMF.

[0698] Optionally, the AMF will notify the DSTMF that subscribed to the N2 information from the N2 information received from the (R)AN node; as an example, the Namf_Communication_DSTN2InfoNotify service is invoked to notify of the N2 information. Optionally, the connection ID can be used to distinguish the connection management N2 information used for different connections.

[0699] In step S9207, the DSMMF sends a data connection modification request to the DPF.

[0700] In step S9208, the DPF sends a data connection modification response to the DSTMF.

[0701] Optionally, steps S9207 and S9208 perform a data connection modification process between the DSTMF and the DPF. The DSTMF provides the DPF with (R)AN node address information and corresponding forwarding rules to forward data between the (R)AN and the DPF. If GTP-U is used, the connection between the UPF and the DPF can be a GTP-U tunnel. The connection between the UPF and the DPF can also be other non-3GPP tunnels or other tunnels, such as UDP tunnels, IP tunnels, or other types of tunnels.

[0702] Optionally, the (R)AN node sends downlink data to the DPF.

[0703] Furthermore, the connection established as described above can also be modified or released. Service requests with data service parameters can be sent to the identified (R)AN in a separate message, separate from the connection management information, or in a single message along with the connection management information. Data is exchanged via the connection between the (R)AN and the core network functions using the indicated transport protocol.

[0704] In some embodiments, within a service-based architecture (SBA), sending a request is achieved by invoking the corresponding service. For example, the data service task N2 message transmission (e.g., Namf_Communication_DSTN2MessageTransfer) invokes the Namf_Communication_DSTN2MessageTransfer service, and the corresponding response is the result returned by the service invocation.

[0705] In some embodiments, if the access network node (e.g., (R)AN mentioned above) supports the Service-Based Interface (SBI) interface with the AMF, the above scheme can also be applied. Similarly, sending a request is achieved by calling the corresponding service, and the corresponding response is the result of the service call.

[0706] In this embodiment of the disclosure, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations can be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0707] This disclosure also provides an apparatus for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Alternatively, another apparatus is provided that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network device (e.g., an access network device, a core network functional node, a core network device, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0708] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0709] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. In addition, it can also be hardware circuits designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as ASICs, such as Neural Network Processing Units (NPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and Deep Learning Processing Units (DPUs).

[0710] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network function 10100 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10A, the first network function 10100 includes a first transceiver module 10101 and a first processing module 10102. In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 10101 is used to transmit first information. Optionally, the first transceiver module 10101 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the first network function 10100 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2102 and / or steps S2104 and / or steps S2105 and / or steps S2108 and / or steps S2109 and / or steps S2110, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. In some embodiments, the first processing module 10102 is used to determine a third network function. Optionally, the first processing module 10102 executes at least one of the processing steps performed by the first network function 10100 in any of the above methods (such as steps S2101 and / or S2103, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0711] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network function 10200 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10B, the second network function 10200 includes a second transceiver module 10201 and a second processing module 10202. In some embodiments, the second transceiver module 10201 is used to acquire first information. Optionally, the second transceiver module 10201 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., steps S2105 and / or S2106 and / or S2107 and / or S2108, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the second network function 10200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the second processing module 10202 is used to store eighth information. Optionally, the second processing module 10202 performs at least one of the processing steps of the second network function 10200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0712] Figure 10C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third network function 10300 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10C, the third network function 10300 includes a third transceiver module 10301 and a third processing module 10302. In some embodiments, the third transceiver module 10301 is used to receive and acquire third information. Optionally, the third transceiver module 10301 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the third network function 10300 in any of the above methods (e.g., optional embodiments of steps such as step S2102, but not limited thereto), which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the third processing module 10302 is used to store eighth information. Optionally, the third processing module 10302 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the third network function 10300 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0713] Figure 10D is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network function 10400 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10D, the fourth network function 10400 includes a fourth transceiver module 10401 and a fourth processing module 10402. In some embodiments, the fourth transceiver module 10401 is used to receive and acquire fourth information. Optionally, the fourth transceiver module 10401 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the fourth network function 10400 in any of the above methods (e.g., optional embodiments of steps such as step S2104, but not limited thereto), which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the fourth processing module 10402 is used to store eighth information. Optionally, the fourth processing module 10402 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the fourth network function 10400 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0714] Figure 10E is a schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device 10500 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10E, the access network device 10500 includes a fifth transceiver module 10501 and a fifth processing module 10502. In some embodiments, the fifth transceiver module 10501 is used to send and receive seventh information. Optionally, the fifth transceiver module 10501 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps performed by the access network device 10500 in any of the above methods (e.g., optional embodiments of steps S2106 and / or S2107, but not limited thereto), which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the fifth processing module 10502 is used to establish a connection between the access network device and a third network function. Optionally, the fifth processing module 10503 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps performed by the access network device 10500 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0715] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver. For example, the first transceiver module described above includes a first transmitting module and / or a first receiving module. For example, the second transceiver module described above includes a second transmitting module and / or a second receiving module.

[0716] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0717] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 11100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 11100 can be a network device (e.g., access network device, core network device, etc.), a terminal, a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 11100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0718] As shown in Figure 11A, the communication device 11100 includes one or more processors 11101. The processor 11101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 11100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 11101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 11100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0719] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more transceivers 11102. When the communication device 11100 includes one or more transceivers 11102, the transceivers 11102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2102 and / or S2104 and / or S2105 and / or S2106 and / or S2107 and / or S2108 and / or S2109 and / or S2110, but not limited thereto), and the processor 11101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2101 and / or S2103, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceivers may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, terms such as transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, and interface can be used interchangeably; terms such as transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, and transmitting circuit can be used interchangeably; and terms such as receiver, receiving unit, receiver, and receiving circuit can be used interchangeably.

[0720] In some embodiments, the communication device 11100 further includes one or more memories 11103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 11103 may be located outside the communication device 11100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 11100 may include one or more interface circuits 11104. Optionally, the interface circuits 11104 are connected to the memories 11103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 11103 or other devices, and can be used to send data to the memories 11103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 11104 can read data stored in the memories 11103 and send the data to the processor 11101.

[0721] The communication device 11100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 11100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 11100 may not be limited by FIG11A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0722] Figure 11B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 11200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 11100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 11200 shown in Figure 11B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0723] Chip 11200 includes one or more processors 11201. Chip 11200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0724] In some embodiments, chip 11200 further includes one or more interface circuits 11202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 11200 further includes one or more memories 11203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 11203 may be located outside of chip 11200. Optionally, interface circuit 11202 is connected to memory 11203, and interface circuit 11202 can be used to receive data from memory 11203 or other devices, and interface circuit 11202 can be used to send data to memory 11203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 11202 can read data stored in memory 11203 and send the data to processor 11201.

[0725] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 11202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2102 and / or S2104 and / or S2105 and / or S2106 and / or S2107 and / or S2108 and / or S2109 and / or S2110, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 11202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 11202 performing data interaction between the processor 11201, the chip 11200, the memory 11203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 11201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2101 and / or S2103, but not limited thereto).

[0726] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0727] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on the communication device 11100, cause the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0728] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by the communication device 11100, causes the communication device 11100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0729] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

An information processing method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: sending, by a first network function, first information to a second network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection. The method of claim 1, wherein The transmission protocol corresponding to the connection is determined by one of the following: transmission information in the first information, the transmission information being used to indicate the transmission protocol corresponding to the connection; first address information in the first information; connection indication information in the first information; wherein the connection indication information is used to indicate a type of the connection; a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The method further comprises: receiving first response sent by the second network function, the first response comprising second address information of the access network device. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Before the first information is sent to the second network function, the method further comprises: determining a third network function, wherein the third network function is an end node of the connection, and the third network function is used to process data. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The determination of the third network function comprises at least one of the following: determining the third network function based on second information, wherein the second information comprises at least one of the following: information of the access network device, first capability information, and first load information of the third network function, the first capability information being used to indicate whether a capability of the connection is supported; determining the third network function based on a region and / or a location of requested service data. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The method further comprises at least one of the following: in a case where it is determined that there is no connection between the access network device and the third network function, determining the first identifier of the connection; in a case where it is determined that there is the connection between the access network device and the third network function, providing a service using the connection. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The method further comprises: sending third information to the third network function, wherein the third information comprises the first identifier, and the third information is used to establish the connection; receiving second response sent by the third network function, wherein the second response is used to confirm establishment of the connection. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that Before the first information is sent to the second network function, the method further comprises: determining a fourth network function, wherein the fourth network function is an intermediate node of the connection, and the fourth network function is used to forward data. The method of claim 8, wherein The determination of the fourth network function comprises at least one of the following: determining the fourth network function based on second information, wherein the second information comprises at least one of the following: information of the access network device, second capability information, and second load information of the fourth network function, the second capability information being used to indicate whether a capability of the connection is supported; determining the fourth network function based on address information of the third network function; determining the fourth network function based on a region and / or a location of requested service data. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that The method further comprises: in a case where it is determined that there is no connection between the access network device and the third network function, sending fourth information to the fourth network function, wherein the fourth information comprises the first identifier and address information of the third network function, and the fourth information is used to establish the connection; receiving a third response sent by the fourth network function, wherein the third response is used to confirm establishment of the connection. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The first address information comprises address information of the third network function, or the first address information comprises address information of the third network function and address information of the fourth network function. The method of claim 10, wherein The method further comprises at least one of the following: sending fifth information to the third network function and receiving a fourth response sent by the third network function, wherein the fifth information comprises the second address information and / or address information of the fourth network function, and the fifth information is used to modify the connection, and the fourth response is used to confirm modification of the connection; sending sixth information to the fourth network function and receiving a fifth response sent by the fourth network function, wherein the sixth information comprises the second address information, and the sixth information is used to modify the connection, and the fifth response is used to confirm modification of the connection. According to the method of claim 12, in a case where a transmission path of the connection is associated with the fourth network function, data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function through the fourth network function; or, in a case where a transmission path of the connection is not associated with the fourth network function, data of the connection is sent by the access network device to the third network function. executed by the second network function, comprising: receiving first information sent by the first network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection; sending seventh information to the access network device, wherein the seventh information comprises the first identifier and the first address information, and the seventh information is used to request establishment of the connection. An information processing method characterized by comprising: The transmission protocol corresponding to the connection is determined by one of the following: transmission information in the first information and / or the seventh information, the transmission information being used to indicate the protocol corresponding to the connection; the first address information in the first information and / or the seventh information; The method of claim 14, wherein connection indication information in the first information and / or the seventh information; wherein the connection indication information is used to indicate a type of the connection; a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection. The method further comprises: receiving a sixth response sent by the access network device, wherein the sixth response is used to confirm establishment of the connection, and the sixth response comprises second address information of the access network device; sending a first response to the first network function, wherein the first response comprises the second address information. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that According to any one of claims 14 to 16, the first address information comprises address information of the third network function; or, the first address information comprises address information of the third network function and address information of the fourth network function. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The first address information includes address information of the third network function and address information of a fourth network function. An information processing method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a third network function, and includes: receiving third information sent by a first network function, wherein the third information includes a first identifier, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and the third network function, and the third information being used for establishing the connection; sending a second response to the first network function, wherein the second response is used for determining to establish the connection. The method of claim 18, wherein The method further includes at least one of the following: allocating address information of the third network function of the connection; storing eighth information related to the connection, wherein the eighth information includes at least one of the following: the first identifier, first address information, and transmission information indicating a transmission protocol corresponding to the connection. The method according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The method further includes: receiving fifth information sent by the first network function, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of the access network device and address information of a fourth network function, and the fifth information being used for modifying the connection; sending a fourth response to the first network function, wherein the fourth response is used for confirming to modify the connection. An information processing method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by a fourth network function, and includes: receiving fourth information sent by a first network function, wherein the fourth information includes a first identifier and address information of a third network function, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and the third network function, and the fourth information being used for establishing the connection; sending a third response to the first network function, wherein the third response is used for determining to establish the connection. The method of claim 21, wherein The method further includes at least one of the following: allocating address information of the fourth network function of the connection; storing eighth information related to the connection, wherein the eighth information includes at least one of the following: the first identifier, first address information, and transmission information indicating a transmission protocol corresponding to the connection. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that The method further includes: receiving sixth information sent by the first network function, wherein the sixth information includes second address information of the access network device, and the sixth information being used for modifying the connection; sending a fifth response to the first network function, wherein the fifth response is used for confirming to modify the connection. An information processing method characterized by comprising: The method is performed by an access network device, and includes: receiving seventh information sent by a second network function, wherein the seventh information includes a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between the access network device and a third network function, and the first address information being address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection, and the seventh information being used for requesting to establish the connection. The method of claim 24, wherein The method further includes one of the following: determining a transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on transmission information included in the seventh information, the transmission information being used for indicating the protocol corresponding to the connection; determining a transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on connection indication information included in the seventh information, wherein the connection indication information is used for indicating a type of the connection; determining a transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on the first address information included in the seventh information; determine a transmission protocol corresponding to the connection based on a third network function associated with a transmission path of the connection, wherein the third network function is an end node of the connection. The method according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that The method further comprises: sending a sixth response to the second network function, wherein the sixth response is used to confirm the connection establishment, and the sixth response comprises second address information of the access network device. According to any one of claims 24-26, wherein the first address information comprises address information of a third network function; or the first address information comprises address information of the third network function and address information of a fourth network function. An information processing method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: sending, by a first network function, first information to a second network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information being address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection; sending, by the second network function, seventh information to the access network device, wherein the seventh information comprises the first identifier and the first address information, and the seventh information is used to request establishment of the connection. A first network function, characterized in that comprises: a first transceiver module configured to send first information to a second network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information being address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection. A second network function, characterized in that comprises: a second transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the first address information being address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection. A third network function, characterized in that comprises: a third transceiver module configured to receive third information sent by a first network function, wherein the third information comprises a first identifier, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and a third network function, and the third information being used to establish the connection; the third transceiver module is configured to send a second response to the first network function, wherein the second response is used to determine establishment of the connection. A fourth network function, characterized in that comprises: a fourth transceiver module configured to receive fourth information sent by a first network function, wherein the fourth information comprises a first identifier and address information of a third network function, the first identifier being an identifier of a connection between an access network device and the third network function, and the fourth information being used to establish the connection; the fourth transceiver module is configured to send a third response to the first network function, wherein the third response is used to determine establishment of the connection. An access network device, characterized in that comprises: The fifth transceiving module is configured to receive seventh information sent by the second network function, wherein the seventh information comprises a first identifier and first address information, the first identifier is an identifier of a connection between the access network device and the third network function, the first address information is address information of a network function associated with a transmission path of the connection, and the seventh information is used to request establishment of the connection. A communication device characterized by comprising: Comprise: one or more processors; The communication device is configured to execute the information processing method in any one of claims 1-13, or claims 14-17, or claims 18-20, or claims 21-23, or claims 24-27, or claim 28. A communication system characterized by Comprise: The first network function, the second network function, the third network function, the fourth network function, and the access network device; wherein the first network function is configured to implement the information processing method in any one of claims 1-13, the second network function is configured to implement the information processing method in any one of claims 14-17, the third network function is configured to implement the information processing method in any one of claims 18-20, the fourth network function is configured to implement the information processing method in any one of claims 21-23, and the access network device is configured to implement the information processing method in any one of claims 24-27. A storage medium storing instructions, the instructions comprising: When the instructions run on the communication device, the communication device executes the information processing method in any one of claims 1-13, or claims 14-17, or claims 18-20, or claims 21-23, or claims 24-27, or claim 28. A computer program product comprising computer programs or instructions, characterized in that, The computer program or instructions are executed by the processor to implement the information processing method in any one of claims 1-13, or claims 14-17, or claims 18-20, or claims 21-23, or claims 24-27, or claim 28.

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