Communication method, communication apparatus, and communication system

Abstract

A communication method, a communication apparatus, and a communication system, relating to the technical field of communications. In the method, an access function network element sends, to a first network repository function network element, first service discovery information comprising a data network name; and on the basis of at least two pieces of area information from the first network repository function network element, the access function network element may determine that a first area indicated by first area information is an access area. An area indicated by each piece of area information among the at least two pieces of area information comprises one or more session function network elements supporting the data network name. In this way, the access function network element does not need to locally configure one or more pieces of area information for the data network name, so that daily operational configuration overhead of the access function network element can be reduced, thereby enabling support for flexible user selection of an access area with relatively low complexity.

Description

Communication methods, communication devices and communication systems

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411013445.3, filed on July 25, 2024, entitled "Communication Method, Communication Apparatus and Communication System", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and more specifically, to a communication method, communication device, and communication system. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, enterprises deploy multiple data centers nationwide. Users of these data centers can access the enterprise's network, identified by a data network name (DNN). For example, Enterprise 1 deploys Data Center 1 in Region 1 and Data Center 2 in Region 2. When a user of Enterprise 1 in Region 3 wants to access Data Center 1, the user uses the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) of Region 3 (which is locally configured with information from Region 1 and Region 2) to query the Network Repository Function (NRF) of Region 3 for the Session Management Function (SMF) within Region 1 that supports the network identified by the DNN provided by Enterprise 1. After obtaining the configuration file of the SMF, the user can choose to access that SMF, thereby gaining access to Data Center 1.

[0004] However, as the number of networks provided by enterprises increases, the above solution will increase the daily operational configuration workload of the AMF. For example, the AMF needs to configure information for one or more regions for each DNN, and each region includes one or more SMFs supporting the corresponding DNN, which will increase the complexity of the AMF. Therefore, how to allow users to flexibly select access regions with lower complexity is a key issue. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a communication method, communication device, and communication system that enable users to flexibly select access areas with low complexity.

[0006] In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, comprising: sending first service discovery information to a first network warehousing function network element, the first service discovery information including a data network name; receiving at least two area information from the first network warehousing function network element, the area indicated by the area information including one or more session function network elements, the session function network elements being network elements supporting the data network name; and determining, based on the at least two area information, a first area indicated by the first area information as an access area, the at least two area information including the first area information.

[0007] The solution described in the first aspect can be executed by a device on the access function network element side. This device can be the access function network element itself, a module within the access function network element (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the access function network element's functions. For ease of description, the following description uses the access function network element as an example.

[0008] In the above scheme, the access function network element obtains at least two area information pieces supporting the data network name included in the first service discovery information from the first network repository function network element. The access function network element can select one area indicated by the area information from the at least two area information pieces as the access area. In this way, the access function network element does not need to configure one or more area information pieces locally for the data network name, which can reduce the daily operational configuration workload of the access function network element and support users to flexibly select the access area with lower complexity.

[0009] In addition, after the access function network element obtains at least two area information that supports the data network name, the access function network element selects the area indicated by one of the at least two area information as the access area and selects the area indicated by the other area information as the disaster recovery area. When the access area fails, the user can choose to access the disaster recovery area, which can improve the stability of the service.

[0010] In some implementations of the first aspect, receiving at least two area information from a first network warehousing function element includes: receiving a configuration file of a first session function element from the first network warehousing function element, the configuration file of the first session function element including at least two area information, the first session function element being located in a second area, the at least two area information including second area information, the second area information indicating the second area, and the first session function element supporting the data network name.

[0011] By configuring at least two of the aforementioned area information in the configuration file of the first session function network element, when the area where the first session function network element is located is the access area, this allows the access function network element to directly initiate the access process without having to perform a service discovery process, which can effectively reduce the signaling interaction overhead of the access function network element.

[0012] In some implementations of the first aspect, the second region is the same as the first region, and the method further includes: sending a first request message to a first session function network element, the first request message being used to request access to the first session function network element; and receiving a first response message from the first session function network element, the first response message being used to respond to the first request message.

[0013] Optionally, when the access function network element determines that the first area is different from the second area, the access function network element sends a first request message to the first session function network element.

[0014] Through the above process, access function network elements can be enabled to access the first session function network element.

[0015] In some implementations of the first aspect, the second region is different from the first region. The method further includes: sending second service discovery information to the first network repository function element, the second service discovery information including the data network name and the first region information; receiving a configuration file of a second session function element from the network repository function element, the configuration file of the second session function element including at least two region information, the second session function element being located in the first region, and the second session function element supporting the data network name.

[0016] Optionally, when the access function network element determines that the first area is different from the second area, the access function network element sends the second service discovery information to the first network warehouse function network element.

[0017] Through the above process, access function network elements can obtain configuration files of session function network elements that support the data network name within the access area.

[0018] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending a second request message to a second session function network element, the second request message being used to request access to the second session function network element; and receiving a second response message from the second session function network element, the second response message being used to respond to the second request message.

[0019] Through the above process, access function network elements can be enabled to access second session function network elements.

[0020] In some implementations of the first aspect, receiving at least two area information from the first network warehousing function element includes: receiving first information from the first network warehousing function element, the first information including at least two area information, the first information not belonging to the configuration file of the session function element.

[0021] When the above-mentioned at least two area information is not carried in the configuration file of the session function network element, this can reduce the signaling processing overhead of the access function network element. For example, the access function network element does not need to traverse and search for at least two area information corresponding to DNN1 in the configuration file of the session function network element.

[0022] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: sending third service discovery information to a first network warehousing function element, the third service discovery information including the data network name and first area information; receiving a configuration file of a third session function element from the first network warehousing function element, the configuration file of the third function element including at least two area information, the third session function element being located in the first area, and the third session function element supporting data network names.

[0023] Through the above process, access function network elements can obtain configuration files of session function network elements that support the data network name within the access area.

[0024] In some implementations of the first aspect, determining the first region indicated by the first region information as the access region based on at least two region information includes: determining the first region as the access region based on the region where the access function network element is located and at least two region information; or, determining the first region as the access region based on the quality of service associated with the region indicated by each of the at least two region information.

[0025] Thus, the access function network element can determine the appropriate access area based on any of the above.

[0026] In some implementations of the first aspect, determining the first region as the region to be accessed based on the region where the access function network element is located and at least two region information includes: determining the first region as the access region based on the region where the access function network element is located and information used to indicate the priority order among at least two region information.

[0027] In this way, access function network elements can determine the access area based on the priority order between at least two area information, which can reduce the complexity of access function network elements when selecting access areas.

[0028] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving information from a first network storage function element indicating a priority order among at least two areas.

[0029] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving at least two first status information from a first network warehousing function element, wherein the at least two first status information correspond one-to-one with at least two area information, and the first status information indicates the status of a data network name within the area indicated by the corresponding area information, the status including a fault state or a normal state. Specifically, determining that the first area indicated by the first area information is an access area based on the at least two area information includes: determining that the first area is an access area based on the at least two first status information and the at least two area information. The first status information corresponding to the first area information indicates that the data network name is in a normal state within the first area.

[0030] In this way, the access function network element can select the appropriate access area based on the first state information mentioned above.

[0031] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving at least one second status information from a first network warehousing function network element, wherein the at least one second status information corresponds one-to-one with at least one session function network element in the first area, and the second status information indicates the status of the corresponding session function network element, including an available status or an unavailable status; determining, based on the at least one second status information, a fourth session function network element as the selected access session function network element, wherein the fourth session function network element is located in the first area, the fourth session function network element supports the data network name, and the second status information corresponding to the fourth session function network element indicates that the status of the fourth session function network element is an available status.

[0032] It should be noted that the first network storage function element can send the second status information corresponding to each session function element that supports the data network name within each area information to the access function element, without any limitation.

[0033] In this way, the access function network element can select the appropriate session function network element based on the second state information mentioned above.

[0034] In some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving at least one third status information from a first network warehousing function network element, wherein the at least one third status information corresponds one-to-one with at least one session function network element in the first area, and the third status information indicates the status of the data network name under the corresponding session function network element, the status including a fault state or a normal state; determining a fifth session function network element as the selected access session function network element based on the at least one third status information, wherein the fifth session function network element is located in the first area, the fifth session function network element supports the data network name, and the third status information corresponding to the fifth session function network element indicates that the status of the data network name under the fifth session function network element is a normal state.

[0035] It should be noted that the first network storage function element can send the third status information corresponding to each session function element that supports the data network name within each area information to the access function element, without any limitation.

[0036] In this way, the access function network element can select the appropriate session function network element based on the aforementioned third state information.

[0037] In some implementations of the first aspect, the first service discovery information further includes information about the region where the access function network element is located. This information, along with the data network name, is used to determine the configuration file of the sixth session function network element. The configuration file of the sixth session function network element includes at least two region information entries. The sixth session function network element is located in the first region, and the sixth session function network element supports data network names. Receiving at least two region information entries from the first network repository function network element includes receiving the configuration file of the sixth session function network element from the first network repository function network element.

[0038] It should be noted that the first region mentioned above is the access region selected by the access function network element. The first region is determined based on information about the region where the access function network element is located.

[0039] This allows access function network elements to obtain configuration files of session function network elements that support the data network name within the access area.

[0040] Secondly, a communication method is provided, comprising: determining a configuration file of a session function network element, the configuration file of the session function network element including at least two area information; and sending registration request information to a network warehousing function network element corresponding to the session function network element, the registration request information including the configuration file of the session function network element.

[0041] The solution described in the second aspect can be executed by a device on the session function network element side. This device can be a session function network element itself, a module within the session function network element (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the session function network element's functions. For ease of description, the following description uses a session function network element as an example.

[0042] In the above scheme, the session function network element is configured with at least two types of region information in its configuration file. Each of these two types of region information indicates a region that includes one or more session function network elements that support data network names. When registering, the session function network element sends its configuration file to the corresponding network repository function network element. This allows access function network elements to avoid configuring one or more types of region information locally for data network names, reducing the daily operational configuration workload of access function network elements and enabling users to flexibly select access regions with lower complexity.

[0043] It should be noted that the configuration files for the aforementioned session function network elements can also be pre-configured in the network warehousing function network elements.

[0044] In some implementations of the second aspect, the configuration file of the session function network element further includes first status information, which is used to indicate the status of the network identified by the data network name in the first area. The status of the network identified by the data network name in the first area includes a fault status or a normal status. At least two area information includes first area information, which indicates the first area. The session function network element is located in the first area.

[0045] In this way, access function network elements can select the appropriate access area based on the first state information.

[0046] In some implementations of the second aspect, the configuration file of the session function network element also includes second status information, which is used to indicate the status of the session function network element, including an available status or an unavailable status.

[0047] In this way, access function network elements can select appropriate session function network elements based on the second state information.

[0048] In some implementations of the second aspect, the configuration file of the session function network element also includes third status information, which is used to indicate the status of the network identified by the data network name under the session function network element. The status of the network identified by the data network name under the session function network element includes a fault status or a normal status.

[0049] In this way, access function network elements can select appropriate session function network elements based on third state information.

[0050] In some implementations of the second aspect, the configuration file of the session function network element also includes information for indicating the priority order between at least two areas of information.

[0051] In this way, access function network elements can select the appropriate access area based on the information used to indicate the priority order among at least two area information, which can reduce the complexity of access function network elements when selecting access areas.

[0052] Thirdly, a signaling method is provided, comprising: receiving first service discovery information from an access function network element, the first service discovery information including a data network name; sending at least two area information to the access function network element, wherein each area information in the at least two area information indicates an area including one or more session function network elements, the session function network element being a network element supporting the data network name.

[0053] The solution described in the third aspect can be executed by a device on the first network warehousing function network element side. This device can be a network warehousing function network element, a module within that network warehousing function network element (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network warehousing function network element. For ease of description, the following description uses the first network warehousing function network element as an example.

[0054] In the above scheme, the first network storage function network element sends at least two area information that supports the data network name to the access function network element. This allows the access function network element to avoid configuring one or more area information for the data network name locally, which can reduce the daily operation configuration workload of the access function network element and support users to flexibly select the access area with lower complexity.

[0055] Optionally, the aforementioned at least two area information may not belong to the configuration file of the session function network element. That is, the first network warehousing function network element may send first information, which is independent of the configuration file of the session function network element, to the access function network element. The first information includes the aforementioned at least two area information. In this way, the signaling processing overhead of the access function network element can be reduced. For example, the access function network element does not need to traverse and search for the at least two area information corresponding to DNN1 in the configuration file of the session function network element.

[0056] Optionally, the above-mentioned at least two area information may belong to the configuration file of the session function network element, that is, the configuration file of the session function network element includes the above-mentioned at least two area information.

[0057] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: receiving second service discovery information from the access function network element, the second service discovery information including the data network name and first area information, wherein at least two areas include the first area information; sending a configuration file of a first session function network element to the access function network element, the configuration file of the first function network element including at least two areas, the first session function network element being located in a first area, the first session function network element supporting the data network name, and the first area information indicating the first area. Wherein, the first area is the access area of ​​the access function network element.

[0058] Through the above process, the first network storage function element can send the configuration file of the session function element that supports the data network name within the access area to the access function element.

[0059] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: sending information to the access function network element indicating a priority order among at least two pieces of area information. The priority order among the at least two pieces of area information is used by the access function network element to determine the access area.

[0060] In this way, access function network elements can determine the access area based on the priority order between the at least two area information, which can reduce the complexity of access function network elements when selecting the access area.

[0061] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: sending at least two first status messages to the access function network element, wherein the at least two first status messages correspond one-to-one with at least two area messages, and the first status messages indicate the status of the data network name within the area indicated by the corresponding area message, the status including a fault status or a normal status.

[0062] In this way, access function network elements can select the appropriate access area based on the first state information.

[0063] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: sending at least one second status information to an access function network element, wherein the at least one second status information corresponds one-to-one with at least one session function network element in a first area, the second status information indicating the status of the corresponding session function network element, the status of the session function network element including an available status or an unavailable status, at least two area information including first area information indicating a first area, the first area being the access area of ​​the access function network element, and the status of the session function network element being used by the access function network element to determine the session function network element to be accessed.

[0064] In this way, access function network elements can select appropriate session function network elements based on the second state information.

[0065] In some implementations of the third aspect, the method further includes: sending at least one third status information to an access function network element, wherein the at least one third status information corresponds one-to-one with at least one session function network element in a first area, the third status information indicating the status of a data network name under the corresponding session function network element, the status of the data network name under the corresponding session function network element including a fault status or a normal status, at least two area information including first area information indicating a first area, the first area being the access area of ​​the access function network element, the status of the data network name under the corresponding session function network element being used by the access function network element to determine the session function network element to be accessed.

[0066] In this way, access function network elements can select appropriate session function network elements based on third state information.

[0067] In some implementations of the third aspect, sending at least two area information to the access function network element includes: sending first service discovery information to the second network warehouse function network element; receiving at least two area information from the second network warehouse function network element, wherein the at least two area information are information obtained by the second network warehouse function network element from the third network warehouse function network element, the second network warehouse function network element manages the first network warehouse function network element and the third network warehouse function network element, and the at least two area information are information determined by the third network warehouse function network element; and sending at least two area information to the access function network element.

[0068] In this way, the first network storage function element can obtain at least two of the above-mentioned regional information from other network storage function elements.

[0069] In some implementations of the third aspect, sending at least two area information to the access function network element includes: receiving a configuration file of a first session function network element from a second network repository function network element, wherein the configuration file of the first session function network element includes at least two area information, the configuration file of the first session function network element is obtained by the second network repository function network element from a third network repository function network element, the configuration file of the first session function network element is pre-configured in the third network repository function network element, or the configuration file of the first session function network element carries the registration request information of the first session function network element, and the third network repository function network element is used to receive the registration request information of the first session function network element; and sending the configuration file of the first session function network element to the access function network element, wherein the first session function network element supports the data network name.

[0070] In this way, the first network storage function element can obtain the configuration file of the session function element, which includes information about at least two regions.

[0071] The above example uses a session function network element configuration file that includes at least two area information, but it is not limited to the scenario where the at least two area information is carried on the first information. Specifically, when the at least two area information is carried on the first information, the first network warehousing function network element can also obtain the first information based on the aforementioned information interaction. The first information is determined by the third network warehousing function network element.

[0072] Optionally, the above-mentioned sending of the configuration file of the first session function network element to the access function network element includes: receiving the configuration file of the first session function network element from the second network repository function network element, wherein the configuration file of the first session function network element is sent by the third network repository function network element to the second network repository function network element. The configuration file of the first session function network element is determined by the third network repository function network element.

[0073] It should be noted that the first session function network element can register with the third network warehousing function network element.

[0074] Optionally, the aforementioned sending of information indicating the priority order among at least two area information to the access function network element includes: receiving the information indicating the priority order among at least two area information from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the information indicating the priority order among at least two area information is sent by the third network warehousing function network element to the second network warehousing function network element. Wherein, the information indicating the priority order among at least two area information is determined by the third network warehousing function network element.

[0075] Thus, the first network storage function element can obtain the aforementioned information indicating the priority order between at least two area information elements from other network storage function elements.

[0076] Optionally, sending at least two first status messages to the access function network element includes: receiving the at least two first status messages from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the at least two first status messages are sent by the third network warehousing function network element to the second network warehousing function network element. The at least two first status messages are determined by the third network warehousing function network element.

[0077] Thus, the first network storage function element can obtain at least two of the aforementioned first state information from other network storage function elements.

[0078] Optionally, sending at least one second status information to the access function network element as described above includes: receiving the at least one second status information from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the at least one second status information is sent by the third network warehousing function network element to the second network warehousing function network element. The at least one second status information is determined by the third network warehousing function network element.

[0079] Thus, the first network storage function element can obtain at least one of the aforementioned second state information from other network storage function elements.

[0080] Optionally, sending at least one third status information to the access function network element as described above includes: receiving the at least one third status information from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the at least one third status information is sent by the third network warehousing function network element to the second network warehousing function network element. The at least one third status information is determined by the third network warehousing function network element.

[0081] Thus, the first network storage function element can obtain at least one of the aforementioned third state information from other network storage function elements.

[0082] In some implementations of the third aspect, sending at least two area information to the access function network element includes: sending first service discovery information to the second network warehouse function network element; receiving at least two area information from the second network warehouse function network element, wherein the at least two area information are information obtained by the second network warehouse function network element from the fifth network warehouse function network element through the fourth network warehouse function network element, the second network warehouse function network element manages the first network warehouse function network element, the fourth network warehouse function network element manages the fifth network warehouse function network element, and the at least two area information are information determined by the fifth network warehouse function network element; and sending at least two area information to the access function network element.

[0083] In this way, the first network storage function element can obtain at least two of the above-mentioned regional information from other network storage function elements.

[0084] In some implementations of the third aspect, sending at least two area information to the access function network element includes: receiving a configuration file of a first session function network element from a second network warehousing function network element, the configuration file of the first session function network element including at least two area information, the configuration file of the first session function network element being obtained by the second network warehousing function network element from a fifth network warehousing function network element through a fourth network warehousing function network element, the configuration file of the first session function network element being pre-configured in the fifth network warehousing function network element, or the configuration file of the first session function network element carrying registration request information of the first session function network element, the fifth network warehousing function network element being used to receive the registration request information of the first session function network element; and sending the configuration file of the first session function network element to the access function network element, the first session function network element supporting the data network name.

[0085] In this way, the first network storage function element can obtain the configuration file of the session function element, which includes information about at least two regions.

[0086] The above example uses a session function network element configuration file that includes at least two area information, but it is not limited to the scenario where the at least two area information is carried on the first information. Specifically, when the at least two area information is carried on the first information, the first network warehousing function network element can also obtain the first information based on the aforementioned information interaction. The first information is determined by the fifth network warehousing function network element.

[0087] Optionally, the above-mentioned sending of the configuration file of the first session function network element to the access function network element includes: receiving the configuration file of the first session function network element from the second network repository function network element, wherein the configuration file of the first session function network element is sent by the fifth network repository function network element to the second network repository function network element through the fourth network repository function network element. The configuration file of the first session function network element is determined by the fifth network repository function network element.

[0088] It should be noted that the first session function network element can register with the fifth network warehousing function network element.

[0089] Optionally, the aforementioned sending of information indicating the priority order among at least two area information units to the access function network element includes: receiving the information indicating the priority order among at least two area information units from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the information indicating the priority order among at least two area information units is sent by the fifth network warehousing function network element to the second network warehousing function network element through the fourth network warehousing function network element. Wherein, the information indicating the priority order among at least two area information units is determined by the fifth network warehousing function network element.

[0090] Thus, the first network storage function element can obtain the aforementioned information indicating the priority order between at least two area information elements from other network storage function elements.

[0091] Optionally, sending at least two first status messages to the access function network element includes: receiving the at least two first status messages from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the at least two first status messages are sent by the fifth network warehousing function network element to the second network warehousing function network element through the fourth network warehousing function network element. The at least two first status messages are determined by the fifth network warehousing function network element.

[0092] Thus, the first network storage function element can obtain at least two of the aforementioned first state information from other network storage function elements.

[0093] Optionally, sending at least one second status information to the access function network element as described above includes: receiving the at least one second status information from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the at least one second status information is sent by the fifth network warehousing function network element to the second network warehousing function network element through the fourth network warehousing function network element. The at least one second status information is determined by the fifth network warehousing function network element.

[0094] Thus, the first network storage function element can obtain at least one of the aforementioned second state information from other network storage function elements.

[0095] Optionally, sending at least one third status information to the access function network element as described above includes: receiving the at least one third status information from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the at least one third status information is sent by the fifth network warehousing function network element to the second network warehousing function network element through the fourth network warehousing function network element. The at least one third status information is determined by the fifth network warehousing function network element.

[0096] Thus, the first network storage function element can obtain at least one of the aforementioned third state information from other network storage function elements.

[0097] In some implementations of the third aspect, sending at least two area information to the access function network element includes: sending first service discovery information to the second network repository function network element; receiving at least two area information from the second network repository function network element, wherein the at least two area information are information determined by the second network repository function network element; and sending at least two area information to the access function network element.

[0098] In this way, the first network storage function element can obtain at least two of the above-mentioned regional information from other network storage function elements.

[0099] In some implementations of the third aspect, sending at least two area information to the access function network element includes: receiving a configuration file of a first session function network element from a second network repository function network element, wherein the configuration file of the first session function network element includes at least two area information, the configuration file of the first session function network element is pre-configured in the second network repository function network element, or the configuration file of the first session function network element carries registration request information of the first session function network element, and the second network repository function network element is used to receive the registration request information of the first session function network element; and sending the configuration file of the first session function network element to the access function network element, wherein the first session function network element supports the data network name.

[0100] In this way, the first network storage function element can obtain the configuration file of the session function element, which includes information about at least two regions.

[0101] The above example uses a session function network element configuration file that includes at least two area information, but it is not limited to the scenario where the at least two area information is carried on the first information. Specifically, when the at least two area information is carried on the first information, the first network warehousing function network element can also obtain the first information based on the aforementioned information interaction. The first information is determined by the second network warehousing function network element.

[0102] Optionally, the above-mentioned sending of the configuration file of the first session function network element to the access function network element includes: receiving the configuration file of the first session function network element from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the configuration file of the first session function network element is determined by the second network warehousing function network element.

[0103] It should be noted that the first session function network element can register with the second network warehousing function network element.

[0104] Optionally, sending the information indicating the priority order among at least two areas to the access function network element includes: receiving the information indicating the priority order among at least two areas from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the information indicating the priority order among at least two areas is determined by the second network warehousing function network element.

[0105] Optionally, sending at least two first status messages to the access function network element as described above includes: receiving the at least two first status messages from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the at least two first status messages are determined by the second network warehousing function network element.

[0106] Optionally, sending at least one second status information to the access function network element as described above includes: receiving the at least one second status information from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the at least one second status information is determined by the second network warehousing function network element.

[0107] Optionally, sending at least one third status information to the access function network element as described above includes: receiving the at least one third status information from the second network warehousing function network element, wherein the at least one third status information is determined by the second network warehousing function network element.

[0108] In some implementations of the third aspect, sending the first information to the access function network element includes: determining the first information based on the data network name, wherein the network storage function network element corresponding to each area information is the first network storage function network element; and sending the first information to the access function network element.

[0109] In some implementations of the third aspect, sending at least two area information to the access function network element includes: sending a configuration file of a first session function network element to the access function network element, wherein the first session function network element supports the data network name; the configuration file of the first session function network element is pre-configured in a first network repository function network element, or the configuration file of the first session function network element carries the registration request information of the first session function network element, wherein the first network repository function network element is used to receive the registration request information of the first session function network element.

[0110] The above example uses a session function network element configuration file that includes at least two area information, but it is not limited to the scenario where the at least two area information is carried on the first information. Specifically, when the at least two area information is carried on the first information, the first network warehousing function network element can also obtain the first information based on the aforementioned information interaction. The first information is determined by the first network warehousing function network element.

[0111] Fourthly, a communication method is provided, comprising: receiving first service discovery information from an access function network element, the first service discovery information including a data network name and information about the region where the access function network element is located; sending the data network name and information about the region where the access function network element is located to a second network repository function network element corresponding to a first region, based on the data network name and the information about the region where the access function network element is located; receiving a configuration file of a first session function network element from the second network repository function network element; and sending the configuration file of the first session function network element to the access function network element, the first session function network element being located in the first region. The first region is the region selected by the access function network element for access.

[0112] The solution described in the fourth aspect can be executed by a device on the first network warehousing function network element side. This device can be the first network warehousing function network element itself, a module within the first network warehousing function network element (such as a chip system), or a logical node, logical module, or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the first network warehousing function network element. For ease of description, the following description uses the first network warehousing function network element as an example.

[0113] In the above scheme, the first network repository function element can determine the access area based on the area where the access function element is located, and send the first service discovery information to the second network repository function element corresponding to the access area. It can also receive the configuration file of the first session function element from the second network repository function element and send the configuration file of the first session function element to the access function element. In this way, the number of times the access function element initiates the service discovery process can be reduced, thereby reducing the power consumption of the first network repository function element. For example, the first network repository function element can directly send the configuration file of the session function element that supports the data network name in the access area to the access function element.

[0114] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the configuration file of the first session function network element includes at least two area information, the at least two area information including first area information, the first area information indicating a first area, and the area indicated by each of the at least two area information includes one or more session function network elements that support the data network name.

[0115] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving first status information from a second network storage function element, the first status information indicating the status of the data network name in a first area, the status of the data network name in the first area including a fault status or a normal status; and sending the first status information to an access function element.

[0116] In this way, access function network elements can select the appropriate access area based on the first state information.

[0117] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving second status information from a second network warehousing function element, the second status information indicating the status of a first session function element, the status of the first session function element including an available status or an unavailable status; and sending the second status information to the access function element.

[0118] In this way, access function network elements can select appropriate session function network elements based on the second state information.

[0119] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving third status information from the second network warehousing function network element, the third status information indicating the status of the data network name under the first session function network element, the status of the data network name under the first session function network element including a fault status or a normal status; and sending the third status information to the access function network element.

[0120] In this way, access function network elements can select appropriate session function network elements based on third state information.

[0121] In some implementations of the fourth aspect, the method further includes: receiving registration request information from a session function network element, the registration request information including a configuration file of the session function network element, the configuration file of the session function network element including at least two area information, and the session function network element being a network element that supports the data network name.

[0122] It should be noted that the description of the communication architecture applicable to the scheme described in the fourth scheme can be found in the description of the communication architecture applicable to the scheme described in the third aspect, and will not be repeated here.

[0123] Fifthly, a communication device is provided, which may be an access function network element, or a device or module for performing access function network elements, etc.

[0124] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the first aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0125] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0126] Sixthly, a communication device is provided, which may be a session function network element, or a device or module for performing session function network element functions, etc.

[0127] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the second aspect, which may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0128] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0129] In a seventh aspect, a communication device is provided, which may be a first network storage function network element, or a device or module for performing the functions of the first network storage function network element, etc.

[0130] One possible implementation is that the communication device may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the third or fourth aspect, wherein the modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software.

[0131] For example, the communication device includes a transceiver unit and a processing unit.

[0132] Eighthly, a communication device is provided, including a processor configured to, by executing a computer program or instructions, or by logic circuitry, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible mode of the first aspect; or cause the communication device to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible mode of the second aspect; or cause the communication device to perform the method described in the third aspect and any possible mode of the third aspect; or cause the communication device to perform the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible mode of the fourth aspect.

[0133] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a memory for storing the computer program or instructions.

[0134] In one possible implementation, the communication device also includes a communication interface for inputting and / or outputting signals.

[0135] A ninth aspect provides a communication device including logic circuitry and an input / output interface for inputting and / or outputting signals. The input / output interface is configured to perform the method described in the first aspect and any possible mode of the first aspect; or, the logic circuitry is configured to perform the method described in the second aspect and any possible mode of the second aspect; or, the logic circuitry is configured to perform the method described in the third aspect and any possible mode of the third aspect; or, the logic circuitry is configured to perform the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible mode of the fourth aspect.

[0136] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program or instructions are stored, which, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect and any possible manner of the first aspect to be performed; or cause the method described in the second aspect and any possible manner of the second aspect to be performed; or cause the method described in the third aspect and any possible manner of the third aspect to be performed; or cause the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible manner of the fourth aspect to be performed.

[0137] Eleventhly, a computer program product is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the method described in the first aspect and any possible mode of the first aspect to be executed; or cause the method described in the second aspect and any possible mode of the second aspect to be executed; or cause the method described in the third aspect and any possible mode of the third aspect to be executed; or cause the method described in the fourth aspect and any possible mode of the fourth aspect to be executed.

[0138] In a twelfth aspect, a chip or chip system is provided, comprising: one or more processors configured to execute computer programs or instructions in the memory, such that the chip or chip system implements the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof; or, such that the chip or chip system implements the methods of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof; or, such that the chip or chip system implements the methods of the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof; or, such that the chip or chip system implements the methods of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0139] In a thirteenth aspect, a chip is provided, which is installed in a communication device. The chip includes a processor and a communication interface. The processor reads and executes instructions through the communication interface, causing the communication device to perform the methods of the first aspect and any possible implementation thereof; or, causing the communication device to perform the methods of the second aspect and any possible implementation thereof; or, causing the communication device to perform the methods of the third aspect and any possible implementation thereof; or, causing the communication device to perform the methods of the fourth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0140] In a fourteenth aspect, a communication system is provided, including an access function network element and a first network repository function network element. The access function network element is configured to: send first service discovery information to the first network repository function network element, the first service discovery information including a data network name; and determine, based on at least two area information from the first network repository function network element, a first area indicated by the first area information as an access area, the at least two area information including first area information, wherein the area indicated by each of the at least two area information includes one or more session function network elements, the session function network element being a network element supporting the data network name. The first network repository function network element is configured to: receive the first service discovery information; and send first information to the access function network element, the first information including at least two area information, the first information not belonging to the configuration file of the session function network element.

[0141] The aforementioned access function network element can also be used to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the first network storage function network element is used to execute the method in any possible implementation of the third aspect.

[0142] Optionally, the communication system also includes a session function network element, which is used to perform the methods in the second aspect and any possible implementation of the second aspect.

[0143] Optionally, the communication system may also include a second network warehousing function element.

[0144] Optionally, the communication system may also include a third network storage function element.

[0145] Optionally, the communication system may also include a fourth network warehousing function element.

[0146] Optionally, the communication system may also include a fifth network warehousing function element.

[0147] In a fifteenth aspect, a communication system is also provided, comprising: an access function network element and a first network repository function network element. The access function network element is configured to: send first service discovery information to the first network repository function network element, the first service discovery information including a data network name and information about the region where the access function network element is located; and receive a configuration file of a first session function network element from the first network repository function network element, the first session function network element being located in a first region. The first network repository function network element is configured to: receive the first service discovery information from the access function network element; send the data network name and information about the region where the access function network element is located to a second network repository function network element corresponding to the first region, based on the data network name and the information about the region where the access function network element is located; receive a configuration file of a first session function network element from the second network repository function element; and send the configuration file of the first session function network element to the access function network element. The first region is the region selected by the access function network element for access.

[0148] The aforementioned access function network element can also be used to execute the method in any possible implementation of the first aspect, and the first network storage function network element is used to execute the method in any possible implementation of the fourth aspect.

[0149] Optionally, the above-mentioned communication system may also include a second network warehousing function element.

[0150] For a further description of the communication system described in aspect fifteen, please refer to the description of the communication system described in aspect fourteen, which will not be repeated here.

[0151] For a description of the beneficial effects of any of the fifth to fifteenth aspects, please refer to the description of the beneficial effects of the first to fourth aspects, which will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0152] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an applicable communication system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0153] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the connection architecture between access function network elements and network warehousing function network elements.

[0154] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the communication system shown in Figure 1 applied to the 5G network architecture.

[0155] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0156] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0157] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0158] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application.

[0159] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0160] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0161] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained first.

[0162] 1. Unless otherwise stated, “multiple” means two or more.

[0163] 2. Unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terms and / or descriptions in different embodiments of this application are consistent and can be referenced in each other. The technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationships.

[0164] III. The various numerical designations used in this application are merely for descriptive convenience and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. The magnitude of the serial numbers used in this application does not imply a sequential order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic. For example, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and other various terminology (if present) in the specification, claims, and drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. Such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in a sequence other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0165] Furthermore, any embodiment or design described in this application as "exemplary" or "for example" should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner for ease of understanding.

[0166] IV. The terms “comprising” and “having” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are expressly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product or device.

[0167] V. In this application, "for indicating" can be understood as "enabling", and "enabling" includes direct enabling and indirect enabling. When describing information for enabling A, it may include whether the information directly enables A or indirectly enables A, but it does not mean that the information necessarily carries A.

[0168] The information that enables the information is called the information to be enabled. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to enable the information to be enabled, such as, but not limited to, directly enabling the information to be enabled, such as the information to be enabled itself or its index. It can also be indirectly enabled by enabling other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be enabled. It can also enable only a part of the information to be enabled, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, enabling specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing enabling overhead to some extent. Simultaneously, common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and enabled uniformly to reduce the enabling overhead caused by individually enabling the same information.

[0169] In addition, "instruction" can include direct instruction, indirect instruction, explicit instruction, and implicit instruction. When describing a certain instruction information to indicate A, it can be understood that the instruction information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0170] In this application, the information indicated by the instruction information is called the information to be instructed. In specific implementations, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a relationship between the other information and the information to be instructed. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to some extent. Furthermore, the information to be instructed can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information pieces, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information pieces can be the same or different.

[0171] VI. In this application, "pre-configuration" may include pre-defined terms, such as protocol definitions. These "pre-defined terms" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means of indicating relevant information in the device (e.g., including various network elements). This application does not limit the specific implementation method.

[0172] VII. The term "storage" or "preservation" in this application can refer to storage in one or more memory devices. These memory devices can be separately configured or integrated into an encoder, decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memory devices can be separately configured, while others can be integrated into a decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this is not limited.

[0173] 8. The "protocol" used in this application may refer to standard protocols in the field of communications, such as fourth-generation (4G) protocols. th Generation 4G network, fifth generation (5G) network th This does not limit the scope to generation (5G) network protocols, 5.5G network protocols, and related protocols in future communication networks.

[0174] 9. The arrows or boxes indicated by dashed lines in the schematic diagrams in the accompanying drawings of this application represent optional steps or optional modules.

[0175] 10. Unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. In this application, "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0176] XI. In this application, "send" and "receive" indicate the direction of signal transmission. For example, "send information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which may include direct transmission via the air interface or indirect transmission by other units or modules via the air interface. "Receive information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which may include direct reception from YY via the air interface or indirect reception from YY by other units or modules via the air interface. "Send" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receive" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can occur between devices, such as between an access function network element and a first network storage function network element, or within a network element, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules, or hardware modules within the network element via a bus, wiring, or interface.

[0177] The following sections describe the communication system, communication method, and communication device.

[0178] I. Communication System

[0179] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an applicable communication system according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system includes: an access function network element and a first network warehousing function network element. Optionally, the communication system may further include one or more session function network elements.

[0180] Access function network elements are network elements capable of performing functions such as registration, connection, and mobility management. For example, an access function network element can be an AMF (Access Provider Function) in a 5G network, or an entity with the same or similar functions as an AMF in future communication networks. First network repository function network elements are network elements capable of performing functions such as registration and network element discovery. For example, a first network repository function network element can be an NRF (Network Provider Function) in a 5G network, or an entity with the same or similar functions as an NRF in future communication networks. Session function network elements are network elements capable of performing functions such as tunnel maintenance, policy enforcement, quality of service (QoS) control, charging data collection, and roaming. For example, a session function network element can be an SMF (Signal Management Function) in a 5G network, or an entity with the same or similar functions as an SMF in future communication networks.

[0181] For a description of the connection architecture between the access function network element and the first network storage function network element, please refer to Figure 2.

[0182] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the connection architecture between the access function network element and the first network warehousing function network element. Figure 2 uses AMF as the access function network element, NRF as the first network warehousing function network element, and SMF as the session function network element as an example. As shown in Figure 2:

[0183] In Figure 2(a), AMF1 (Jiangsu) is connected to the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) (which can be the first network storage function element), the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) is connected to the primary NRF (which can be the second network storage function element), SMF2 (Shanghai) is connected to the secondary NRF (Shanghai), SMF2 (Shanghai) is connected to the user plane function (UPF)2, the secondary NRF (Shanghai) is connected to the primary NRF, SMF1 (Guangdong) is connected to the secondary NRF (Guangdong) (which can be the third network storage function element), SMF1 (Guangdong) is connected to UPF1, and the secondary NRF (Guangdong) is connected to the primary NRF.

[0184] In Figure 2(b), AMF1 (Jiangsu) is connected to the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) (which can be the first network storage function element), the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) is connected to the primary NRF (Eastern Region) (which can be the second network storage function element), SMF2 (Shanghai) is connected to the secondary NRF (Shanghai), SMF2 (Shanghai) is connected to UPF2, the secondary NRF (Shanghai) is connected to the primary NRF (Eastern Region), SMF1 (Guangdong) is connected to the secondary NRF (Guangdong) (which can be the fifth network storage function element), SMF1 (Guangdong) is connected to UPF1, the secondary NRF (Guangdong) is connected to the primary NRF (Southern Region) (which can be the fourth network storage function element), and the primary NRF (Eastern Region) is connected to the primary NRF (Southern Region).

[0185] In Figure 2(c), AMF1 (Jiangsu) is connected to the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) (which can be the first network storage function element), SMF2 (Shanghai) is connected to the secondary NRF (Shanghai), SMF2 (Shanghai) is connected to UPF2, SMF1 (Guangdong) is connected to the secondary NRF (Guangdong), SMF1 (Guangdong) is connected to UPF1, and the secondary NRF (Jiangsu), secondary NRF (Shanghai), and secondary NRF (Guangdong) (which can be the second network storage function element) are connected.

[0186] In Figure 2(d), AMF1 (Jiangsu), SMF2 (Shanghai) and SMF1 (Guangdong) are connected to the first-level NRF (which can be the first network storage function element), SMF2 (Shanghai) is connected to UPF2, and SMF1 (Guangdong) is connected to UPF1.

[0187] Based on the content described in Figure 2, an SMF can be registered with either a secondary NRF or a primary NRF; there is no limitation on this. A description of the SMF registration process with an NRF can be found in existing standards and will not be repeated here.

[0188] Unless otherwise specified, the access function network element in Figure 1 can be AMF1 (Jiangsu) in Figure 2, and the first network warehouse function network element in Figure 1 can be the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) in Figure 2(a), or the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) in Figure 2(b), or the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) in Figure 2(c), or the primary NRF in Figure 2(d). Furthermore, the second, third, fourth, and fifth network warehouse function network elements mentioned below can be found in Figure 2 and will not be elaborated upon further.

[0189] The access function network element and the first network storage function network element can exchange information as follows:

[0190] The access function network element sends first service discovery information (or other terms) to the first network repository function network element. The first service discovery information includes information indicating DNN1; for example, this information indicating DNN1 may be DNN1 itself, or it may be information related to other DNN1s, without limitation. Correspondingly, the first network repository function network element receives the first service discovery information and can determine DNN1 based on the information indicating DNN1 in the first service discovery information. The first network storage function element sends at least two area information entries to the access function network element. Correspondingly, the access function network element receives at least two area information entries.

[0191] The access function network element determines the first area indicated by the first area information as the access area (or the access function network element selects the target area for access) based on at least two area information, where the at least two area information include the first area information.

[0192] One possible example is that the aforementioned area information can be replaced with terms such as serving-scope (SSP) or preferred-locality, without limitation. Alternatively, the aforementioned area information can be understood as information about the registration area of ​​the session function network element, or even information about the area where the session function network element is located.

[0193] In summary, each of the at least two pieces of area information is associated with a session function network element. That is, the access function network element determines the area where the session function network element supporting DNN1 is located through each of the at least two pieces of area information mentioned above. Here, "supporting DNN1" can be understood as supporting the network identified by DNN1. For ease of description, the following description uses support for DNN1 as an example.

[0194] Each of the at least two pieces of area information mentioned above indicates an area that includes at least one session function network element supporting DNN1. See Table 1 for details. The content shown in Table 1 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0195] Table 1

[0196] As shown in Table 1:

[0197] Area information 1 indicates Shanghai, which includes Session Function Network Element 1 (registered in Shanghai) and Session Function Network Element 2 (registered in Shanghai). Both Session Function Network Element 1 and Session Function Network Element 2 support DNN1.

[0198] Region information 2 indicates Guangdong, which includes session function network element 3 (registered in Guangdong) and session function network element 4 (registered in Guangdong). Both session function network element 3 and session function network element 4 support DNN1.

[0199] Each of the at least two pieces of regional information mentioned above indicates a region where multiple session function network elements can be registered, and each of these multiple session function network elements can support one or more DNNs. For ease of description, the following example assumes that all session function network elements registered in the regions indicated by each of the at least two pieces of regional information support DNN1, but other scenarios are not limited.

[0200] Through the aforementioned information exchange, the access function network element can obtain at least two region information supporting DNN1 from the first network warehouse function network element. The access function network element then selects the region indicated by one of these two region information pieces as the access region. In this way, the access function network element does not need to configure one or more region information pieces locally for DNN1, which reduces the daily operational configuration workload of the access function network element and allows users to flexibly select the access region with lower complexity.

[0201] In addition, after the access function network element obtains at least two DNN1-supporting area information, the access function network element selects the area indicated by one area information as the access area and selects the area indicated by the other area information as the disaster recovery area. When the access area fails, the user can choose to access the disaster recovery area, which can improve the stability of the service.

[0202] One possible implementation is that the above-mentioned at least two area information can be carried in the configuration file of the session function network element, or the above-mentioned at least two area information can also be carried in the first information, which is information independent of the configuration file of the session function network element, or the first information does not belong to the configuration file of the session function network element.

[0203] Taking the configuration file of at least two of the aforementioned area information carried in the session function network element as an example, namely:

[0204] The first network storage function element sends the configuration file of the first session function element to the access function element. The configuration file of the first session function element includes at least two area information as described above. The first session function element is located in the second area and supports DNN1. The second area may be the same as or different from the first area.

[0205] It should be noted that when the first session function network element also supports DNN2, the configuration file of the first session function network element may also include multiple region information related to DNN2. Each region information indicates a region that includes one or more session function network elements that support DNN2. Therefore, this application embodiment only uses DNN1 as an example for description, but does not limit the scenario to other DNNs.

[0206] When the connection architecture between the first network storage function network element and the access function network element is as shown in Figure 2(a), the first network storage function network element can obtain the configuration file of the first session function network element from the second network storage function network element, and the second network storage function network element can obtain the configuration file of the first session function network element from the third network storage function network element.

[0207] For example, the first network warehousing function element sends first service discovery information to the second network warehousing function element, the second network warehousing function element sends first service discovery information to the third network warehousing function element, the third network warehousing function element can determine the configuration file of the first session function element according to DNN1 in the first service discovery information, and sends the configuration file of the first session function element to the second network warehousing function element, and the second network warehousing function element sends the configuration file of the first session function element to the first network warehousing function element.

[0208] When the connection architecture between the first network storage function network element and the access function network element is as shown in Figure 2(b), the first network storage function network element can obtain the configuration file of the first session function network element from the second network storage function network element, and the second network storage function network element can obtain the configuration file of the first session function network element from the third network storage function network element.

[0209] For example, the first network warehousing function element sends first service discovery information to the second network warehousing function element, the second network warehousing function element sends first service discovery information to the fourth network warehousing function element, the fourth network warehousing function element sends first service discovery information to the fifth network warehousing function element, the fifth network warehousing function element can determine the configuration file of the first session function element according to DNN1 in the first service discovery information, and sends the configuration file of the first session function element to the fourth network warehousing function element, the fourth network warehousing function element sends the configuration file of the first session function element to the second network warehousing function element, and the second network warehousing function element sends the configuration file of the first session function element to the first network warehousing function element.

[0210] When the connection architecture between the first network warehousing function network element and the access function network element is as shown in Figure 2(c), the first network warehousing function network element can obtain the configuration file of the first session function network element from the second network warehousing function network element.

[0211] For example, the first network warehousing function element sends first service discovery information to the second network warehousing function element. The second network warehousing function element can determine the configuration file of the first session function element based on DNN1 in the first service discovery information, and send the configuration file of the first session function element to the first network warehousing function element.

[0212] When the connection architecture between the first network warehousing function network element and the access function network element is the architecture shown in Figure 2(d), the first network warehousing function network element can determine the configuration file of the first session function network element according to DNN1 in the first service discovery information.

[0213] The aforementioned first session function network element can indicate one or more session function network elements.

[0214] By configuring at least two of the aforementioned area information in the configuration file of the first session function network element, when the area where the first session function network element is located is the access area, this allows the access function network element to directly initiate the access process without having to perform a service discovery process, which can effectively reduce the signaling interaction overhead of the access function network element.

[0215] It should be noted that the above description of the first network warehousing function element obtaining the configuration file of the first session function element from other network warehousing function elements can also be applied to scenarios where the first network warehousing function element obtains other information such as first information or at least two area information from other network warehousing function elements, which will not be elaborated on later.

[0216] One possible implementation is that the second area is the same as the first area, with access function network elements, and can also be used for:

[0217] Send a first request message to the first session function network element. The first request message is used to request access to the first session function network element.

[0218] Receive first response information from the first session function network element. The first response information is used to respond to the first request information.

[0219] For example, the first response information is used to indicate whether the access function network element is allowed to access the first session function network element. For instance, the first response information is used to indicate whether the access function network element is allowed to access the first session function network element, or the first response information is used to indicate whether the access function network element is not allowed to access the first session function network element.

[0220] Optionally, when the access function network element determines that the first area is different from the second area, the access function network element sends a first request message to the first session function network element.

[0221] Through the above process, access function network elements can be enabled to access the first session function network element.

[0222] One possible implementation is that the second area differs from the first area, and the access function network element can also be used for:

[0223] Send the second service discovery information to the first network warehouse function element. The second service discovery information includes DNN1 and the first region information.

[0224] The configuration file of the second session function network element is received from the first network storage function network element. The configuration file of the second session function network element includes at least two area information as described above. The second session function network element is located in the first area and supports DNN1.

[0225] The aforementioned second session function network element can indicate one or more session function network elements.

[0226] Optionally, when the access function network element determines that the first area is different from the second area, the access function network element sends the second service discovery information to the first network warehouse function network element.

[0227] Through the above process, access function network elements can obtain configuration files of session function network elements that support DNN1 within the access area.

[0228] One possible implementation is that the access function network element can also be used for:

[0229] Send a second request message to the second session function network element. The second request message is used to request access to the second session function network element.

[0230] Receive second response information from the second session function network element. The second response information is used to respond to the second request information.

[0231] For example, the second response information is used to indicate whether the access function network element is allowed to access the second session function network element. For instance, the second response information is used to indicate whether the access function network element is allowed to access the second session function network element, or the second response information is used to indicate whether the access function network element is not allowed to access the second session function network element.

[0232] Through the above process, the access function network element can access the second session function network element.

[0233] Taking the example of at least two areas of information being carried within the first information, namely:

[0234] The first network storage function element sends first information to the access function element, the first information including at least two area information mentioned above.

[0235] When at least two of the aforementioned area information are not carried in the configuration file of the session function network element, this can reduce the signaling processing overhead of the access function network element. For example, the access function network element does not need to traverse and search for at least two area information corresponding to DNN1 in the configuration file of the session function network element. In addition, this can also reduce the signaling overhead of the first network warehousing function network element.

[0236] In addition, the first network warehousing function element can obtain the first information through multiple architectures shown in Figure 2. For details, please refer to the previous description of how the first network warehousing function element obtains the configuration file of the first session function element; further details will not be repeated here.

[0237] One possible implementation is that the access function network element can also be used for:

[0238] Send third service discovery information to the first network storage function element. The third service discovery information includes DNN1 and first region information.

[0239] Receive the configuration file of the third session function network element from the first network storage function network element. The configuration file of the third session function network element includes at least two area information as described above. The third session function network element is located in the first area and supports DNN1.

[0240] It should be noted that the aforementioned third session function network element can indicate one or more session function network elements.

[0241] Through the above process, access function network elements can obtain configuration files of session function network elements that support DNN1 within the access area.

[0242] One possible implementation is that the access function network element can also be used for:

[0243] Send a third request message to the third session function network element. The third request message is used to request access to the third session function network element.

[0244] Receive third response information from the third session function network element. The third response information is used to respond to the third request information.

[0245] For example, the third response information is used to indicate whether access function network elements are allowed to access the third session function network element. For instance, the third response information is used to indicate whether access function network elements are allowed to access the third session function network element, or the third response information is used to indicate whether access function network elements are not allowed to access the third session function network element.

[0246] Through the above process, access function network elements can access third session function network elements.

[0247] One possible implementation is that the access function network element can determine the first area as the access area based on any of the following:

[0248] Method 1:

[0249] The access function network element determines the first region as the access region based on the region where the access function network element is located and the above-mentioned at least two region information.

[0250] For example, the access function network element can determine the access area based on the distance between the area indicated by each of the above at least two area information and the area where the access function network element is located.

[0251] For example, the above-mentioned at least two regional information indicate Shanghai and Guangdong respectively. When the region where the access function network element is located is Jiangsu, then Shanghai is the access region (closest). When the region where the access function network element is located is Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, then Guangdong is the access region (closest).

[0252] This allows access function network elements to access areas that support DNN1 nearby, thereby reducing signaling round-trip overhead.

[0253] One possible implementation is that there is a priority order between at least two of the aforementioned regional information.

[0254] For example, if the above-mentioned at least two regional information points to Shanghai and Guangdong respectively, and Shanghai is ranked before Guangdong, then Shanghai is the preferred access region, and Guangdong is the second preferred access region.

[0255] Optionally, the priority order among the at least two regional information items mentioned above can be related to the service quality of the respective indicated regions. For example, if the service quality of the Shanghai region is better than that of the Guangdong region, then Shanghai would be ranked before Guangdong.

[0256] Optionally, the priority order among the at least two areas mentioned above can be related to the area where the access function network element is located. See Table 2 for details. The content in Table 2 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0257] Table 2

[0258] As shown in Table 2:

[0259] When the access function network element is located in Jiangsu, Beijing, or Shandong, the priority order is: Shanghai, Guangdong;

[0260] When the access function network element is located in Guangdong, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, or Yunnan, the priority order is: Guangdong, Shanghai.

[0261] In this way, access function network elements can determine the access area based on the priority order between at least two area information, which can reduce the complexity of access function network elements when selecting access areas.

[0262] One possible implementation is that the access function network element determines the first area as the access area based on the area where the access function network element is located and the above-mentioned at least two area information, including:

[0263] The access function network element determines the first area as the access area based on the area where the access function network element is located and the information used to indicate the priority order among the above-mentioned at least two area information.

[0264] In this way, access function network elements can determine the appropriate access area based on their own location and the priority order among the above-mentioned at least two area information, which can reduce the complexity of access function network elements when selecting access areas.

[0265] One possible implementation is that the information indicating the priority order among the at least two areas is configured locally by the access function network element. Alternatively, the information indicating the priority order among the at least two areas is configured by the network repository function network element (not limited to the first network repository function network element or other network repository function network elements). Or, the information indicating the priority order among the at least two areas is configured by the session function network element.

[0266] When the information used to indicate the priority order among the at least two areas is configured locally by the access function network element, this can reduce the signaling interaction overhead for the access function network element to obtain the information used to indicate the priority order among the at least two areas.

[0267] When the aforementioned information indicating the priority order among the at least two regional information is configured in the network repository function element configuration, the first network repository function element (which can obtain the information indicating the priority order among the at least two regional information, and the acquisition method is not limited) can send the aforementioned information indicating the priority order among the at least two regional information to the access function element. The access function element can then select the access region based on the aforementioned information indicating the priority order among the at least two regional information. Specifically, the network repository function element locally configures the aforementioned priority order for each DNN, or it can configure the aforementioned priority order based on the registered regional information in the configuration files of multiple session function elements. For example, the configuration file of session function element 1 includes Shanghai, the configuration file of session function element 2 includes Guangdong, and both session function elements 1 and 2 support DNN1. The network repository function element configures the aforementioned priority order based on the region where the access function element is located.

[0268] When the information used to indicate the priority order among the at least two area information is configured in the session function network element configuration, the information used to indicate the priority order among the at least two area information can be configured in the configuration file of the session function network element. The first network warehousing function network element (which can obtain the information used to indicate the priority order among the at least two area information and is not limited by the acquisition method) can send the configuration file of the session function network element to the access function network element and send the information used to indicate the priority order among the at least two area information to the access function network element. The access function network element can select the access area according to the information used to indicate the priority order among the at least two area information.

[0269] It should be noted that when the priority order among at least two of the aforementioned area information is configured by the access function network element, the access function network element does not need to be configured according to DNN1. See Table 3 for details. The content shown in Table 3 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0270] Table 3

[0271] As shown in Table 3, when the access function network element is located in Jiangsu, its preferred access areas are, in order: Jiangsu, Shanghai, Anhui, Zhejiang, Guangdong, etc.

[0272] Method 2:

[0273] The access function network element determines a first area as the access area based on the quality of service associated with the area indicated by each of at least two area information pieces. The quality of service associated with the first area is greater than or equal to a threshold.

[0274] For example, if the above-mentioned at least two regional information indicate Guangdong and Shanghai respectively, and the service quality associated with Shanghai is better than that associated with Guangdong, then the access function network element can select Shanghai as the access region.

[0275] This allows access function network elements to select areas with good service quality as access areas.

[0276] A description of the service quality related to regional associations can be found in Table 4. The content in Table 4 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0277] Table 4

[0278] As shown in Table 4:

[0279] In the Shanghai area, the associated service quality score is 100.

[0280] In the Guangdong region, the associated service quality score is 80.

[0281] In this way, the access function network element can select the area with the best service quality as the target area for access.

[0282] It should be noted that the quality of service associated with the area where the session function network element is located can be determined by the access function network element itself, or it can be indicated by the first network storage function network element to the access function network element; there is no limitation on this.

[0283] Descriptions of the configuration files for the session function network elements can be found in Tables 5 and 6. The contents of Tables 5 and 6 are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended as final specifications.

[0284] Table 5

[0285] As shown in Table 5:

[0286] The first column indicates the registration area of ​​the session function network element, for example, Shanghai;

[0287] The second column indicates the DNN supported by the session function network element, for example, DNN1;

[0288] The third and fourth columns indicate the priority order among the regional sequences, which is determined based on the region where the access function network element is located.

[0289] For example, if the registered location of the access function network element is Jiangsu, its preferred access area is Shanghai, followed by Guangdong. If the registered location of the access function network element is Guangdong, its preferred access area is Guangdong, followed by Shanghai.

[0290] Table 6

[0291] As shown in Table 6:

[0292] The first column indicates the registration area of ​​the session function network element, for example, Shanghai;

[0293] The second column indicates the DNN supported by the session function network element, for example, DNN1;

[0294] The third column indicates the region where the session function network elements supporting the network identified by DNN1 are located, for example, Shanghai and Guangdong (no priority ordering).

[0295] It should be noted that the configuration files for the session function network elements may also include formats other than those in Tables 5 and 6, and there are no restrictions on this.

[0296] One possible implementation is that the first network storage function element can also be used for:

[0297] At least two first status messages are sent to the access function network element. The at least two first status messages correspond one-to-one with at least two area messages. The first status messages are used to indicate the status of DNN1 in the area indicated by the corresponding area message. The status includes fault status or normal status.

[0298] A description of the relationship between the first state information and the region information can be found in Table 7. The content shown in Table 7 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0299] Table 7

[0300] As shown in Table 7:

[0301] The first state information corresponding to the Shanghai region is set to 1, which can indicate that DNN1 is in a fault state in the Shanghai region.

[0302] The first state information corresponding to the Guangdong region is 0, which indicates that DNN1 is in a normal state within the Guangdong region.

[0303] In this way, the access function network element can select the access area based on the first status information corresponding to each area information, which can support the access function network element to select the area where the network is in a normal state.

[0304] The aforementioned first state information can be contained in the configuration file of the session function network element, or it can be independent of the configuration file of the session function network element; there is no limitation on this.

[0305] One possible implementation is that the access function network element determines the first area as the access area based on at least two areas of information, including:

[0306] The access function network element determines the first area as the target area for access based on at least two first status information and at least two area information. The status information of the session function network element in the first area indicates that the session function network element is in an available state.

[0307] For example, the access function network element receives two first status information messages. The first first status information message is associated with a first area information message, and the second first status information message is associated with a second area information message (the above-mentioned at least two area information messages include a total of two area information messages). Thus, the access function network element determines the first area based on the first status information message. For example, the first first status information message indicates that DNN1 is in a normal state within the area indicated by the first area information message, and the second area information message indicates that DNN1 is in a fault state within the area indicated by the second area information message.

[0308] Thus, the access function network element can select the area where DNN1 is in a normal state as the access area.

[0309] Optionally, the first state information corresponding to the region information other than the first region information in at least two regions can indicate that the state of DNN1 in the corresponding region is a fault state.

[0310] Optionally, when the first state information corresponding to the area information other than the first area information in at least two area information can indicate that the state of DNN1 in the corresponding area is normal, the access function network element can also determine the access area according to the aforementioned methods (such as priority order, quality of service, etc.).

[0311] The first network storage function element can obtain at least two first state information through multiple architectures shown in Figure 2. For details, please refer to the above description of the configuration file of the first network storage function element to obtain the first session function element, which will not be repeated here.

[0312] One possible implementation is that the first network storage function element can also be used for:

[0313] At least one second status information is sent to the access function network element, and the at least one second status information corresponds one-to-one with at least one of the session function network elements in the first area. The second status information is used to indicate the status of the corresponding session function network element. The status of the session function network element includes an available status or an unavailable status.

[0314] For example, the first network storage function network element sends the second status information corresponding to the first session function network element to the access function network element. The second status information corresponding to the first session function network element is used to indicate whether the first session function network element is in an available state.

[0315] Optionally, the first network storage function network element can also send second status information corresponding to the second session function network element to the access function network element. The second status information corresponding to the second session function network element is used to indicate whether the second session function network element is in an available state.

[0316] Whether the session function network element is in an available state includes, but is not limited to: the session function network element being in a fault state, or the UPF connected to the session function network element being in a fault state, etc.

[0317] The aforementioned second state information can be contained in the configuration file of the session function network element, or it can be independent of the configuration file of the session function network element; there is no limitation on this.

[0318] The first network storage function element can send the second status information corresponding to each session function element that supports the data network name within each area information to the access function element, without limitation.

[0319] The first network storage function element can obtain at least one second state information through multiple architectures shown in Figure 2. For details, please refer to the above description of the configuration file of the first network storage function element to obtain the first session function element, which will not be repeated here.

[0320] One possible implementation is that the access function network element can also be used for:

[0321] The access function network element determines the fourth session function network element as the selected access session function network element based on at least one second status information. The fourth session function network element is located in the first area, supports DNN1, and the second status information corresponding to the fourth session function network element indicates that the status of the fourth session function network element is available.

[0322] For example, the access function network element receives a second status information corresponding to the first session function network element. The second status information corresponding to the first session function network element indicates that the first session function network element is in an available state, and the access function network element can choose to access the first session function network element.

[0323] Optionally, the second status information corresponding to the session function network elements other than the first session function network element in the first area information indicates that the corresponding session function network element is in an unavailable state.

[0324] Optionally, the second status information corresponding to the session function network elements other than the first session function network element in the first area information indicates that the corresponding session function network element is in an available state, and the access function network element can select any session function network element to access.

[0325] One possible implementation is that the first network storage function element can also be used for:

[0326] At least one third status information is sent to the access function network element. The at least one third status information corresponds one-to-one with at least one session function network element in the first area. The third status information is used to indicate the status of DNN1 under the corresponding session function network element. The status of DNN1 under the corresponding session function network element includes fault status or normal status.

[0327] It should be noted that the first network storage function element can send the third status information corresponding to each session function element that supports the data network name within each area information to the access function element, without any limitation.

[0328] It should be noted that the first network storage function element can obtain at least one third state information through multiple architectures shown in Figure 2. For details, please refer to the above description of the configuration file of the first network storage function element to obtain the first session function element, which will not be repeated here.

[0329] One possible implementation is that the access function network element can also be used for:

[0330] The access function network element determines the fifth session function network element as the selected access session function network element based on at least one third state information. The fifth session function network element is located in the first area. The fifth session function network element supports DNN1. The second state information corresponding to the fifth session function network element indicates that the state of DNN1 under the fifth session function network element is normal.

[0331] For example, the access function network element receives a third status information corresponding to the fifth session function network element. The third status information corresponding to the fifth session function network element indicates that the state of DNN1 under the fifth session function network element is normal. The access function network element can choose to access the fifth session function network element.

[0332] Optionally, the third status information corresponding to the session function network elements other than the first session function network element in the first area information indicates that the state of DNN1 under the corresponding session function network element is a fault state.

[0333] Optionally, the third status information corresponding to the session function network elements other than the first session function network element in the first area information indicates that the state of DNN1 under the corresponding session function network element is normal, and the access function network element can choose any session function network element to access.

[0334] One possible implementation is that the first service discovery information also includes information about the region where the access function network element is located.

[0335] Specifically, the information about the region where the access function network element is located and DNN1 can be used to determine the configuration file of the sixth session function network element. The configuration file of the sixth session function network element includes at least the two region information mentioned above. The sixth session function network element is located in the first region and supports DNN1. Accordingly, the first network warehousing function network element sends the configuration file of the sixth session function network element to the access function network element.

[0336] This allows access function network elements to obtain configuration files of session function network elements that support DNN1 within the access area.

[0337] One possible implementation is that the first network storage function element can also be used for:

[0338] Receive registration request information from the session function network element, which includes the configuration file of the session function network element.

[0339] Optionally, the configuration file of the aforementioned session function network element can be pre-configured in the first network repository function network element. Alternatively, the configuration file of the aforementioned session function network element can also be pre-configured in other network repository function network elements.

[0340] In this way, the first network storage function element can obtain the configuration file of the session function element.

[0341] In this embodiment, the communication system shown in Figure 1 can be applied to the following systems or scenarios: Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) systems, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD) systems, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), 5G systems or future communication systems, inter-satellite communication, and satellite communication, etc., which are non-terrestrial network (NTN) systems. Among them, the satellite communication system includes satellite base stations and terminal equipment. The satellite base station provides communication services to the terminal equipment. The satellite base station can also communicate with ground base stations. The satellite can act as a base station or as a terminal equipment. The satellite can refer to non-terrestrial base stations or non-terrestrial equipment such as drones, hot air balloons, low-Earth orbit satellites, medium-Earth orbit satellites, and high-Earth orbit satellites.

[0342] The technical solution disclosed in the communication system shown in Figure 1 is applicable to both homogeneous and heterogeneous network scenarios, and is also unrestricted in terms of transmission points. It can be multi-point collaborative transmission between macro base stations, micro base stations, and macro base stations, and is applicable to both FDD and TDD systems. The technical solution disclosed in Figure 1 is applicable not only to low-frequency scenarios (sub 6 GHz) but also to high-frequency scenarios (above 6 GHz), terahertz, and optical communication. The technical solution disclosed in Figure 1 can also be applied to macro-micro scenarios composed of base stations of different forms in the communication network; for example, base stations can be satellites, airborne balloon stations, or drone stations. The technical solution disclosed in Figure 1 is also suitable for scenarios where both wide-coverage and small-coverage base stations exist simultaneously. The technical solution disclosed in Figure 1 can be applied to scenarios with high reliability service requirements, such as ports, industrial manufacturing, transportation, and coal mines.

[0343] The following description uses the communication system shown in Figure 1 as an example of its application in a 5G network architecture.

[0344] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the communication system shown in Figure 1 applied to a 5G network architecture. As shown in Figure 3(a), the 5G network architecture includes:

[0345] 1. AMF.

[0346] The Access Controller (AMF) primarily performs mobility management and access authentication / authorization functions. The AMF is also responsible for transmitting user policies between terminal devices and policy control function (PCF) network elements. The AMF can receive non-access stratum (NAS) signaling from terminal devices (including mobility management (MM) and session management (SM) signaling) and related signaling from access network devices (e.g., next-generation (NG) 2 interface signaling at the base station granularity that interacts with the AMF), completing user registration procedures, forwarding SM signaling, and managing mobility.

[0347] 2. SMF.

[0348] SMF is primarily used for session management, allocation and management of Internet Protocol (IP) addresses for terminal devices, selection of endpoints for manageable user plane functions, policy control and charging function interfaces, and downlink data notification. SMF can also be used to complete processes related to PDU session establishment, release, and update.

[0349] 3. Policy control function (PCF).

[0350] PCF can be responsible for user policy management, including both mobility-related policies and PDU session-related policies, such as QoS policies and billing policies.

[0351] 4. Unified Data Repository (UDR).

[0352] UDR mainly includes the following functions:

[0353] 1) Unified data management (UDM) function stores or retrieves subscription data;

[0354] 2) PCF storage strategy data or read strategy data;

[0355] 3) Store exposed data or read exposed data from it.

[0356] The UDR and the NF accessing it share the same PLMN, meaning that the Nudr interface is an internal interface of the PLMN within the same network.

[0357] 5. UDM.

[0358] UDM mainly includes the following functions: unified data management, support for authentication trust letter processing in 3GPP authentication and key negotiation mechanisms, user identity processing, access authorization, registration and mobility management, subscription management and SMS management, etc.

[0359] 6. Application function (AF).

[0360] AF includes the following functions: interacting with the 3GPP core network to provide services or services, including: interacting with NEF, policy architecture, etc.

[0361] 7. UPF.

[0362] UPF acts as the interface with the data network, performing functions such as user plane data forwarding, session / flow-based billing and statistics, and bandwidth limiting. This includes packet routing and forwarding, as well as QoS processing for user plane data.

[0363] 8. Access network (AN) equipment.

[0364] AN can manage wireless resources and provide access services for terminal devices.

[0365] 9. Data network (DN).

[0366] DN provides services from carriers, internet access, or third-party services, including servers. The server side implements video source encoding, rendering, etc.

[0367] In the above description, the network element can be a network component in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform). The aforementioned functional network element can be divided into one or more services; furthermore, services that exist independently of network functions may also exist. Instances of the aforementioned functional network element, instances of services included in the aforementioned functional network element, or service instances that exist independently of network functions can all be referred to as service instances.

[0368] As shown in Figure 3(a), the terminal device accesses the 5GS through the access network device. The terminal device communicates with the AMF through the NG1 interface (N1). The access network device communicates with the AMF through the NG2 interface (N2). The access network device communicates with the UPF through the NG3 interface (N3). The AMF communicates with the SMF through the NG11 interface (N11). The AMF communicates with the UDM through the NG8 interface (N8). The AMF communicates with the PCF through the NG15 interface (N15). The SMF communicates with the PCF through the NG7 interface (N7). The SMF communicates with the UPF through the NG4 interface (N4). The UPF accesses the DN through the NG6 interface (N6). The UDM communicates with the UDR through the NG35 interface (N35). The PCF communicates with the UDR through the NG36 interface (N36).

[0369] In Figure 3(a), the interfaces between the control plane network elements are point-to-point interfaces. In actual implementation, the interfaces between the control plane network elements can also be service-oriented interfaces as shown in Figure 3(b). In Figure 3(b), Npcf, Nudr, Nudm, Naf, Namf, and Nsmf are the service-oriented interfaces provided by PCF, UDR, UDM, AF, AMF, and SMF, respectively, used to call the corresponding service-oriented operations.

[0370] The names of the network elements shown in Figure 3(a) or Figure 3(b) are merely names and do not limit the function of the network element itself. In 5G networks and other future networks, the aforementioned network elements may also have other names, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit them.

[0371] The 5G network structure shown in Figure 3 is only an example. The 5G network structure shown in Figure 3 may also include other network elements not mentioned, such as authentication server function (AUSF), network element function (NEF), and NRF.

[0372] Furthermore, the term "network element" used in this document can also be referred to as a network function instance, NF, device, apparatus, or module, etc., and this application does not specifically limit its usage. Additionally, the above naming conventions are defined solely for the purpose of distinguishing different functions and should not constitute any limitation. This application does not preclude the possibility of using other naming conventions in 5G networks and other future networks. The interface names between the aforementioned network elements are merely examples; in specific implementations, the interface names may differ, and no specific limitations are imposed. Furthermore, the names of the messages (or signaling) transmitted between the aforementioned network elements are also merely examples and do not constitute any limitation on the function of the messages themselves.

[0373] For ease of description, the following text uses the AMF in Figure 3 as the access function network element, the NRF in Figure 3 as the first network storage function network element, and the SMF in Figure 3 as the session function network element to describe the interaction between the network elements in Figure 1.

[0374] The interaction between the access function network element and the first network warehouse function network element in Figure 1 is further described below with reference to Figures 4 to 7. The method shown in Figures 4 to 7 can be applied to the architecture shown in Figure 2, which will be described below.

[0375] 2. Communication method

[0376] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 4 can be applied to (a) in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 4, the access function network element is AMF1 (Jiangsu), the first network warehouse function network element is the secondary NRF (Jiangsu), the first session function network element is SMF1 (Guangdong), and the second session function network element is SMF2 (Shanghai). The method includes:

[0377] S401 and AMF1 (Jiangsu) send Service Discovery Message 1 (which can be the aforementioned first Service Discovery Message) to the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) (which can be the first network warehousing function network element). Correspondingly, the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) receives Service Discovery Message 1.

[0378] Service discovery information 1 includes DNN1. The secondary NRF determines whether the SMF within the Jiangsu region supports DNN1 based on DNN1. When the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) determines that no matching SMF exists, the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) forwards service discovery information 1 to the primary NRF.

[0379] S402, the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) sends service discovery information 1 to the primary NRF (second network warehousing function element). Correspondingly, the primary NRF receives service discovery information 1.

[0380] S403, the Level 1 NRF sends Service Discovery Message 1 to the Level 2 NRF (Guangdong) (the third network warehousing function element). Correspondingly, the Level 2 NRF (Guangdong) receives Service Discovery Message 1.

[0381] For example, a Level 1 NRF can determine the corresponding home location (including Guangdong and Shanghai, taking Guangdong as an example) based on DNN1, and forward Service Discovery Information 1 to the home location of DNN1. Taking forwarding Service Discovery Information 1 to the Level 2 NRF (Guangdong) as an example.

[0382] S404, the secondary NRF (Guangdong) sends the SMF1 configuration file to the primary NRF. Correspondingly, the primary NRF receives the SMF1 configuration file.

[0383] When the secondary NRF (Guangdong) receives Service Discovery Request 1, the secondary NRF (Guangdong) determines the matching SMF based on DNN1. For example, if the secondary NRF (Guangdong) determines that SMF1 supports DNN1, the secondary NRF (Guangdong) sends the configuration file of SMF1 to the primary NRF.

[0384] For a description of the SMF1 configuration file, please refer to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0385] One possible implementation is that the secondary NRF (Guangdong) can send information to the primary NRF indicating that the SMF1 configuration file includes at least two region information supporting DNN1. In this way, AMF1 can quickly obtain the information of at least two regions supporting DNN1 from the SMF1 configuration file, reducing the time AMF1 spends matching multiple DNNs in the SMF1 configuration file (SMF1's configuration file may register many DNNs; without this information, AMF1 (Jiangsu) would need to spend considerable time matching the information of at least two regions supporting DNN1 from multiple DNNs, potentially increasing user access latency).

[0386] S405. The Level 1 NRF sends the SMF1 configuration file to the Level 2 NRF (Jiangsu). Correspondingly, the Level 2 NRF (Jiangsu) receives the SMF1 configuration file.

[0387] S406, the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) sends the SMF1 configuration file to AMF1 (Jiangsu). Correspondingly, AMF1 (Jiangsu) receives the SMF1 configuration file.

[0388] When AMF1 determines that Guangdong is the access area, AMF1 sends information to SMF1 to request access to SMF1 (as mentioned in the first request information above), and SMF1 sends corresponding response information to AMF1 (as mentioned in the first response information above).

[0389] When AMF1 determines that Shanghai is the access area, AMF1 executes the second service discovery process.

[0390] Optionally, Service Discovery Information 1 also includes regional information indicating Jiangsu. The secondary NRF (Jiangsu) can tailor the information in the SMF1 configuration file. See Table 8 for details. The content in Table 8 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as a final limitation.

[0391] Table 8

[0392] This reduces the signaling overhead of the secondary NRF (Jiangsu).

[0393] When AMF1 determines Shanghai as the access area, AMF1 needs to obtain the configuration file of the SMF that supports DNN1 in the Shanghai area through a secondary service discovery process, as shown below.

[0394] Optionally, the above methods also include:

[0395] S407 and AMF1 (Jiangsu) send Service Discovery Message 2 to the secondary NRF (Jiangsu). Correspondingly, the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) receives Service Discovery Message 2.

[0396] Service discovery information 2 includes DNN1+ Shanghai region information.

[0397] S408, the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) sends service discovery information 2 to the primary NRF. Correspondingly, the primary NRF receives service discovery information 2.

[0398] S409. The Level 1 NRF sends Service Discovery Message 2 to the Level 2 NRF (Shanghai). Correspondingly, the Level 2 NRF (Shanghai) receives Service Discovery Message 2.

[0399] The Level 1 NRF can route based on the regional information in the service discovery information. For example, the Level 1 NRF might determine to forward Service Discovery Information 2 to the Level 2 NRF (Shanghai) based on the Shanghai regional information in Service Discovery Information 2. When there is a conflict between regional routing and DNN routing configurations, the Level 1 NRF can prioritize the regional route. This saves on configuring detailed DNN routes for the Level 1 NRF. For instance, the route corresponding to DNN1 can be configured by the DNN suffix (*.gd) pointing to Guangdong, the province where the suffix is ​​located. Only one configuration is needed; it's not necessary to configure a route for every DNN with the .gd suffix. When the regional route (Shanghai) points to the Level 2 NRF (Shanghai), the Level 1 NRF can choose the regional route.

[0400] Optionally, the Level 1 NRF can configure detailed routes for DNN1 (.gd) pointing to two regions (Guangdong and Shanghai) respectively, or configure DNN1 + region combined routes. This optimization can save on the routing configuration of the Level 1 NRF. Whenever a new private network DNN with an existing DNN suffix route is added, there is no need to configure new detailed routes for it in the NRF, simplifying the routing configuration and maintenance of the NRF.

[0401] The S410 and the secondary NRF (Shanghai) send the SMF2 configuration file to the primary NRF. Correspondingly, the primary NRF receives the SMF2 configuration file.

[0402] When the secondary NRF (Shanghai) receives service discovery information 2, it determines the matching SMF based on DNN1. For example, if the secondary NRF (Shanghai) determines that SMF2 supports DNN1, it sends the configuration file of SMF2 to the primary NRF.

[0403] S411. The Level 1 NRF sends the SMF2 configuration file to the Level 2 NRF (Jiangsu). Correspondingly, the Level 2 NRF (Jiangsu) receives the SMF2 configuration file.

[0404] S412, the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) sends the SMF2 configuration file to AMF1 (Jiangsu). Correspondingly, AMF1 (Jiangsu) receives the SMF2 configuration file.

[0405] For a description of the SMF2 configuration file, please refer to the previous description, which will not be repeated here.

[0406] When AMF1 (Jiangsu) subsequently receives access requests from DNN1, AMF1 (Jiangsu) determines the preferred region based on at least two of the aforementioned region information within the valid cache time of the SMF configuration file (including the configuration files of SMF1 and SMF2).

[0407] If AMF1 (Jiangsu) only obtains the configuration file of SMF1, AMF1 can also determine that the access area is Shanghai through at least two area information in the configuration file of SMF1.

[0408] When all SMFs supporting DNN1 in a certain region are unavailable, AMF1 (Jiangsu) selects to access the SMF in the alternative region.

[0409] Taking SMF1 (representing all SMFs supporting DNN1 within the Guangdong region) as an example, which is unavailable, AMF1 (Jiangsu) selects to access the Shanghai region according to the following scheme.

[0410] Option 1:

[0411] When the secondary NRF (Guangdong) performs its first service discovery, it finds that SMF1 meets the discovery conditions and is in an unavailable state. The service discovery result sent by the secondary NRF (Guangdong) to the primary NRF includes the configuration file of SMF1 and indicates that the status of SMF1 is unavailable. AMF1 (Jiangsu) obtains the configuration file of SMF1 and determines that the status of SMF1 is unavailable. AMF1 (Jiangsu) can determine that Shanghai is the access area through the above-mentioned at least two area information in the configuration file of SMF1.

[0412] Option 2:

[0413] When the secondary NRF (Guangdong) performs its first service discovery, it finds that SMF1 meets the discovery criteria but is in an unavailable state. The service discovery result sent by the secondary NRF (Guangdong) to the primary NRF does not include SMF1 and indicates that SMF1 is in an unavailable state, but it carries the aforementioned first information. Alternatively, the service discovery result sent by the secondary NRF (Guangdong) to the primary NRF includes the aforementioned first information, and the first information includes at least two area information that does not include the Guangdong area. In this case, AMF1 (Jiangsu) determines the Shanghai area as the access area.

[0414] The Guangdong region supports either a full UPF failure or a full N14 interface failure for DNN1. If SMF1 is unavailable, AMF1 (Jiangsu) can choose to connect to the Shanghai region according to the following options:

[0415] Option 3:

[0416] When SMF1 detects a full failure of the UPF supporting DNN1 or a full failure of the associated N14 interface, SMF1 adds information to its configuration file to indicate that SMF1 is in an unavailable state. When the secondary NRF (Guangdong) performs its first service discovery, the service discovery result sent by the secondary NRF (Guangdong) to the primary NRF includes the SMF1 configuration file. AMF1 (Jiangsu) obtains the SMF1 configuration file and determines that SMF1 is in an unavailable state. AMF1 (Jiangsu) can determine Shanghai as the access area based on the at least two area information points mentioned above in the SMF1 configuration file.

[0417] Using the above method, AMF1 (Jiangsu) can support users to flexibly select the access area with low complexity.

[0418] In the method shown in Figure 4, the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) can send first, second, or third status information to AMF1 (Jiangsu), thereby enabling AMF1 (Jiangsu) to select a suitable region or SMF. Furthermore, the first, second, and third status information can be determined by the secondary NRF (Guangdong) or the secondary NRF (Shanghai), and there is no limitation on this.

[0419] The scheme shown in Figure 4 is based on the application of Figure 2(a) as an example, but it can also be applied to Figure 2(b) and Figure 2(c). The details will not be repeated here, but please refer to the above description.

[0420] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 5 can be applied to (d) in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, the access function network element is AMF1 (Jiangsu), the first network warehouse function network element is a Level 1 NRF, the first session function network element is SM1 (Guangdong), and the second session function network element is SMF2 (Shanghai). The method includes:

[0421] S501 and AMF1 (Jiangsu) send Service Discovery Message 1 to the Level 1 NRF. Correspondingly, the Level 1 NRF receives Service Discovery Message 1.

[0422] Among them, the aforementioned service discovery information 1 includes DNN1.

[0423] S502, the first-level NRF sends the configuration files of SMF1 and SMF2 to AMF1 (Jiangsu). Correspondingly, AMF1 (Jiangsu) receives the configuration files of SMF1 and SMF2.

[0424] For example, SMF1 and SMF2 are located in different regions, but they can register with the same NRF, i.e., the first-level NRF. SMFs in different regions all support DNN1.

[0425] For a description of how AMF1 (Jiangsu) determines the access area, please refer to the description shown in Figure 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0426] In the method shown in Figure 5, the first-level NRF can send the configuration files of all SMFs supporting DNN1 to AMF1 (Jiangsu). Thus, AMF1 (Jiangsu) determines the access area locally based on at least two area information points from the obtained SMF configuration files.

[0427] In addition, when an access area fails, AMF1 (Jiangsu) can select an alternative area without having to go through the service discovery process to obtain the configuration file of the SMF that supports DNN1 in the alternative area.

[0428] In the method shown in Figure 5, the first-level NRF can send first status information, second status information or third status information to AMF1 (Jiangsu), thereby enabling AMF1 (Jiangsu) to select a suitable region or SMF.

[0429] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application. As shown in Figure 6, the access function network element is AMF1 (Jiangsu), the first network warehousing function network element is NRF, and the second session function network element is SMF2 (Shanghai). The method includes:

[0430] S601 and AMF1 (Jiangsu) send Service Discovery Message 1 to NRF. Correspondingly, NRF receives Service Discovery Message 1.

[0431] The aforementioned service discovery information 1 includes information about the regions where DNN1 and AMF1 are located, such as information about the Jiangsu region.

[0432] S602 and NRF send the configuration file of SMF2 to AMF1 (Jiangsu).

[0433] In Figure 2(a), the aforementioned NRF (a secondary NRF (Jiangsu)) sends Service Discovery Information 1 to the primary NRF. The primary NRF determines, based on the DNN1+Jiangsu region information in Service Discovery Information 1, to send Service Discovery Information 1 to the secondary NRF (Shanghai). The secondary NRF (Shanghai) sends the SMF2 configuration file to the primary NRF based on DNN1. The primary NRF sends the SMF2 configuration file to the aforementioned NRF. The aforementioned NRF sends the SMF2 configuration file to AMF1 (Jiangsu).

[0434] In Figure 2(b), the aforementioned NRF (a secondary NRF (Jiangsu)) sends Service Discovery Information 1 to the primary NRF (Eastern Region). The primary NRF (Eastern Region) sends Service Discovery Information 1 to the secondary NRF (Shanghai) based on the DNN1+Jiangsu region information in Service Discovery Information 1. The secondary NRF (Shanghai) sends the SMF2 configuration file to the primary NRF (Eastern Region). The primary NRF (Eastern Region) sends the SMF2 configuration file to the aforementioned NRF. The aforementioned NRF sends the SMF2 configuration file to AMF1 (Jiangsu).

[0435] In Figure 2(c), the aforementioned NRF (a secondary NRF (Jiangsu)) sends Service Discovery Information 1 to the secondary NRF (Shanghai), the secondary NRF (Shanghai) sends the SMF2 configuration file to the aforementioned NRF, and the aforementioned NRF sends the SMF2 configuration file to AMF1 (Jiangsu).

[0436] In Figure 2(d), the above-mentioned NRF (a first-level NRF) sends the SMF2 configuration file to AMF1 (Jiangsu) based on the DNN1+ Jiangsu region information.

[0437] Through the above process, AMF1 (Jiangsu) can obtain the configuration file of SMF that supports DNN1 within the access area through a single service discovery process.

[0438] In the method shown in Figure 6, the aforementioned NRF can send first status information, second status information, or third status information to AMF1 (Jiangsu), thereby enabling AMF1 (Jiangsu) to select a suitable region or SMF. Furthermore, the first status information, second status information, and third status information can be determined by the aforementioned NRF or by other NRFs; this is not limited.

[0439] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application. The method shown in Figure 7 can be applied to (a) in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 7, the access function network element is AMF1 (Jiangsu), the first network warehousing function network element is the secondary NRF (Jiangsu), and the second session function network element is SMF2 (Shanghai). The method includes:

[0440] S701 and AMF1 (Jiangsu) send Service Discovery Message 1 to the secondary NRF (Jiangsu). Correspondingly, the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) receives Service Discovery Message 1.

[0441] The service discovery information mentioned above includes DNN1 and Jiangsu region information.

[0442] S702, the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) sends service discovery information 1 to the primary NRF. Correspondingly, the primary NRF receives service discovery information 1.

[0443] S703, The Level 1 NRF sends Service Discovery Information 2 to the Level 2 NRF (Shanghai). Correspondingly, the Level 2 NRF (Shanghai) receives Service Discovery Information 2.

[0444] Specifically, service discovery information 2 can be the same as service discovery information 1, for example, service discovery information 2 includes DNN1 and Jiangsu region information. Service discovery information 2 can also be different from service discovery information 1, for example, service discovery information 2 includes DNN1 but does not include Jiangsu region information.

[0445] Specifically, the Level 1 NRF can determine the service discovery information 2 to be sent to the Level 2 NRF (Shanghai) based on the area routing. For a detailed description, please refer to the relevant description in Figure 4, which will not be repeated here.

[0446] The S704 and the secondary NRF (Shanghai) send the SMF2 configuration file to the primary NRF. Correspondingly, the primary NRF receives the SMF2 configuration file.

[0447] When the secondary NRF (Shanghai) receives Service Discovery Request 2, it determines the matching SMF based on DNN1. For example, if the secondary NRF (Shanghai) determines that SMF2 supports the network identified by DNN1, it sends the configuration file of SMF2 to the primary NRF.

[0448] S705: The first-level NRF sends the SMF2 configuration file to the second-level NRF (Jiangsu). Correspondingly, the second-level NRF (Jiangsu) receives the SMF2 configuration file.

[0449] S706 and the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) send the SMF2 configuration file to AMF1 (Jiangsu). Correspondingly, AMF1 (Jiangsu) receives the SMF2 configuration file.

[0450] Through the above process, AMF1 (Jiangsu) can obtain the configuration file of SMF that supports DNN1 within the access area through a single service discovery process.

[0451] The scheme shown in Figure 7 is based on the application of Figure 2(a) as an example, but it can also be applied to Figure 2(b) and Figure 2(c). The details will not be repeated here, but please refer to the above description.

[0452] In the method shown in Figure 7, the secondary NRF (Jiangsu) can send first, second, or third status information to AMF1 (Jiangsu), thereby enabling AMF1 (Jiangsu) to select a suitable region or SMF. Furthermore, the first, second, and third status information can be determined by the secondary NRF (Shanghai) or by other NRFs; there is no limitation on this.

[0453] It should be noted that the content shown in Figures 5 to 7 is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as a final limitation. When the access function network element and the first network warehouse function network element adopt different connection architectures, the first network warehouse function network element can obtain the aforementioned information through information exchange with other network warehouse function network elements, such as at least two area information, the configuration file of the first session function network element, first status information, second status information, third status information, or first information, etc. Alternatively, when other network warehouse function network elements have the aforementioned at least two area information, the configuration file of the first session function network element, first status information, second status information, third status information, or first information, the other network warehouse function network element can also forward the aforementioned information to the first network warehouse function network element, without limitation.

[0454] III. Communication Devices

[0455] Finally, the device embodiments of this application will be described.

[0456] To implement the functions in the method provided in this application, the access function network element, the first network storage function network element, and the session function network element may each include hardware structures and / or software modules, implementing the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules. Whether a particular function is implemented in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or a combination of hardware structures and software modules depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution.

[0457] Figure 8 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application. The communication device includes a processing circuit 810 and a transceiver circuit 820, which can be interconnected or coupled, for example, interconnected via a bus 830. The communication device can be an access function network element, a first network warehousing function network element, or a session function network element.

[0458] Optionally, the communication device may also include a memory 840. The memory 840 includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), which is used for related instructions and data.

[0459] The processing circuit 810 can be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or it can be one or more processors. The processor can be a central processing unit (CPU). If the processing circuit 810 is a CPU, the CPU can be a single-core CPU or a multi-core CPU. The processing circuit 810 can be a signal processor, a chip, or other integrated circuit capable of implementing the methods of this application, or a portion of the circuitry within the aforementioned processor, chip, or integrated circuit that performs processing functions. Additionally, the transceiver circuit 820 can be a transceiver, or an input / output interface. An input / output interface is used for inputting or outputting signals or data and can also be referred to as an input / output circuit.

[0460] When the communication device is an access function network element, for example, the processing circuit 810 is used to perform the following operations: send first service discovery information to the first network warehousing function network element; receive at least two area information from the first network warehousing function network element; determine the first area indicated by the first area information as an access area based on the at least two area information, etc.

[0461] When the communication device is a first network warehousing function element, for example, the processing circuit 810 is used to perform the following operations: receive first service discovery information from the access function element; send at least two area information to the access function element, etc.

[0462] When the communication device is a session function network element, for example, the processing circuit 810 is used to perform the following operations: determine the configuration file of the session function network element; send the registration request information of the session function network element to the network warehousing function network element, the registration request information including the configuration file of the session function network element, etc.

[0463] The above description is for illustrative purposes only.

[0464] When the communication device is an access function network element, a first network storage function network element, and a session function network element, it will be responsible for executing the methods or steps related to the access function network element, the first network storage function network element, and the session function network element in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0465] When the communication device is an access function network element, a first network storage function network element, or a session function network element, the transceiver circuit 820 can be a transceiver.

[0466] When the communication device is a chip used for access function network element, first network storage function network element and session function network element, the transceiver circuit 820 can be an input / output circuit.

[0467] The above description is merely exemplary. For details, please refer to the content shown in the above method embodiments.

[0468] The implementation of each operation in Figure 8 can also be described in the corresponding description of the method embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 7.

[0469] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram of another communication device according to an embodiment of this application. This communication device can be an access function network element, a first network warehousing function network element, and a session function network element, used to implement the methods involved in the above embodiments.

[0470] The communication device includes a transceiver unit 910 and a processing unit 920. The transceiver unit 910 and the processing unit 920 will be described exemplarily below.

[0471] The transceiver unit 910 may include a transmitting unit and a receiving unit. The transmitting unit is used to perform the transmitting action of the communication device, and the receiving unit is used to perform the receiving action of the communication device. For ease of description, the transmitting unit and the receiving unit are combined into one transceiver unit in this embodiment. This will be explained uniformly here and will not be repeated later.

[0472] When the communication device is an access function network element, exemplarily, the transceiver unit 910 is used to send first service discovery information to the first network warehousing function network element; and to receive at least two area information from the first network warehousing function network element. The processing unit 920 is used to determine, based on the at least two area information, that the first area indicated by the first area information is an access area, etc.

[0473] When the communication device is a first network storage function network element, for example, the transceiver unit 910 is used to receive first service discovery information from the access function network element; send at least two area information to the access function network element; and the processing unit 920 is used to determine the first information, etc.

[0474] When the communication device is a session function network element, for example, the transceiver unit 910 is used to send the configuration file of the session function network element to the first network warehousing function network element; the processing unit 920 is used to determine the configuration file of the session function network element, etc.

[0475] When the communication device is an access function network element, a first network storage function network element, and a session function network element, it will be responsible for executing one or more of the methods or steps related to the access function network element, the first network storage function network element, and the session function network element in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0476] Optionally, the communication device further includes a storage unit 930 for storing programs or code for executing the aforementioned methods.

[0477] The transceiver unit in Figure 9 can correspond to the transceiver circuit in Figure 8, and the processing unit in Figure 9 can correspond to the processing circuit in Figure 8.

[0478] The apparatus embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9 are used to implement the contents described in Figures 1 to 7. The specific execution steps and methods of the apparatus shown in Figures 8 and 9 can be found in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0479] This application also provides a chip, including a processor, for calling and executing instructions stored in a memory, causing a communication device on which the chip is installed to perform the methods described in the examples above. The memory may be integrated within the chip or located externally.

[0480] This application also provides another chip, including: an input interface, an output interface, and a processing circuit, wherein the input interface, the output interface, and the processor are connected through an internal connection path, and the processing circuit is used to execute code in memory. When the code is executed, the processing circuit is used to execute the methods in the above examples.

[0481] Optionally, the chip also includes a memory for storing computer programs or code. The input and output interfaces can be independent of each other, or they can be integrated into a single input / output interface.

[0482] The processing circuitry can be all or part of the processing circuitry in one or more processors, or one or more processors.

[0483] This application also provides a processor for coupling with a memory for performing the methods and functions of a network device or terminal device involved in any of the above embodiments.

[0484] In another embodiment of this application, a computer program product containing instructions is provided, which, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0485] This application also provides a computer program that, when run on a computer, enables the implementation of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0486] In another embodiment of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program that, when executed by a computer, implements the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0487] It should be understood that in the embodiments of this application, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0488] It should also be understood that the memory in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory. The volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of random access memory (RAM) are available, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous linked DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct rambus RAM (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory used in the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0489] The above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, by software, hardware, firmware, or any other combination thereof. When implemented using software, the above embodiments can be implemented, in whole or in part, as a computer program product. A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions or computer programs. When the computer instructions or computer programs are loaded or executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of this application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more sets of available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium. A semiconductor medium can be a solid-state drive.

[0490] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the order of the above-mentioned processes does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0491] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here. In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units is merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0492] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. If the above functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0493] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method applied to an access function network element, comprising: sending first service discovery information to a first network repository function network element, the first service discovery information comprising a data network name; receiving at least two area information from the first network repository function network element, each of the at least two area information indicating an area comprising one or more session function network elements, the session function network elements being network elements supporting the data network name; determining, according to the at least two area information, that a first area indicated by first area information is an access area, the at least two area information comprising the first area information.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The receiving at least two area information from the first network repository function network element comprises: receiving a profile of a first session function network element from the first network repository function network element, the profile of the first session function network element comprising the at least two area information, the first session function network element being located in a second area, the at least two area information comprising second area information indicating the second area, the first session function network element supporting the data network name.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The second area is the same as the first area, and the method further comprises: sending first request information to the first session function network element, the first request information requesting to access the first session function network element; receiving first response information from the first session function network element, the first response information responding to the first request information.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, The second area is different from the first area, and the method further comprises: sending second service discovery information to the first network repository function network element, the second service discovery information comprising the data network name and the first area information; receiving a profile of a second session function network element from the first network repository function network element, the profile of the second session function network element comprising the at least two area information, the second session function network element being located in the first area, the second session function network element supporting the data network name.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further comprises: sending second request information to the second session function network element, the second request information requesting to access the second session function network element; receiving second response information from the second session function network element, the second response information responding to the second request information.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, The receiving at least two area information from the first network repository function network element comprises: receiving first information from the first network repository function network element, the first information comprising the at least two area information, the first information not being a profile of the session function network element.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The method further comprises: sending third service discovery information to the first network repository function network element, the third service discovery information comprising the data network name and the first area information; receiving a profile of a third session function network element from the first network repository function network element, the profile of the third function network element comprising the at least two area information, the third session function network element being located in the first area, the third session function network element supporting the data network name.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The method further comprises: determining the first region as the access region according to the region where the access function network element is located and the at least two region information; or determining the first region as the access region according to the quality of service associated with the region indicated by each of the at least two region information.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The method further comprises: determining the first region as the access region according to the region where the access function network element is located and the information indicating the priority order between the at least two region information.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving the information indicating the priority order between the at least two region information from the first network repository function network element.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving at least two first state information from the first network repository function network element, the at least two first state information corresponding to the at least two region information one by one, the first state information indicating the state of the data network name in the region indicated by the corresponding region information, the state including a fault state or a normal state; The method further comprises: determining the first region as the access region according to the at least two first state information and the at least two region information, wherein the first state information corresponding to the first region information indicates that the state of the data network name in the first region is a normal state.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving at least one second state information from the first network repository function network element, the at least one second state information corresponding to at least one session function network element in the first region one by one, the second state information indicating the state of the corresponding session function network element, the state of the session function network element including an available state or an unavailable state; determining a fourth session function network element as the selected access session function network element according to the at least one second state information, the fourth session function network element being located in the first region, the fourth session function network element supporting the data network name, and the second state information corresponding to the fourth session function network element indicating that the state of the fourth session function network element is an available state.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving at least one third state information from the first network repository function network element, the at least one third state information corresponding to at least one session function network element in the first region one by one, the third state information indicating the state of the data network name under the corresponding session function network element, the state of the data network name under the corresponding session function network element including a fault state or a normal state; According to the at least one third state information, a fifth session function network element is determined as a selected access session function network element, the fifth session function network element is located in the first area, the fifth session function network element supports the data network name, and the third state information corresponding to the fifth session function network element indicates that the state of the data network name under the fifth session function network element is a normal state.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first service discovery information further includes information of an area where the access function network element is located, and the information of the area where the access function network element is located and the data network name are used to determine a configuration file of a sixth session function network element, the configuration file of the sixth session function network element includes the at least two area information, the sixth session function network element is located in the first area, and the sixth session function network element supports the data network name. The receiving the at least two area information from the first network repository function network element includes: The receiving the configuration file of the sixth session function network element from the first network repository function network element.

15. A method of communication, comprising: The method applied to a first network repository function network element includes: Receiving first service discovery information from an access function network element, the first service discovery information including a data network name; Sending at least two area information to the access function network element, each area information in the at least two area information indicating an area including one or more session function network elements, and the session function network element being a network element supporting the data network name.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The method further includes: Receiving second service discovery information from the access function network element, the second service discovery information including the data network name and first area information, and the at least two area information including the first area information; Sending a configuration file of a first session function network element to the access function network element, the configuration file of the first function network element including the at least two area information, the first session function network element being located in a first area, the first area being an access area of the access function network element, the first session function network element supporting the data network name, and the first area information indicating the first area.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The method further includes: Sending information indicating a priority order between the at least two area information to the access function network element, the priority order between the at least two area information being used by the access function network element to determine an access area.

18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein, The method further includes: Sending at least two first state information to the access function network element, the at least two first state information corresponding to the at least two area information one by one, the first state information indicating a state of the data network name in an area indicated by corresponding area information, and the state including a fault state or a normal state.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, The method further includes: sending at least one second state information to the access function network element, the at least one second state information corresponding to at least one of the session function network elements in the first area, the second state information indicating a state of the corresponding session function network element, the state of the session function network element including an available state or an unavailable state, the at least two area information including first area information indicating the first area, the first area being an access area of the access function network element, the state of the session function network element being used by the access function network element to determine a selected access session function network element.

20. The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein, The method further includes: sending at least one third state information to the access function network element, the at least one third state information corresponding to at least one of the session function network elements in the first area, the third state information indicating a state of the data network name under the corresponding session function network element, the state of the data network name under the corresponding session function network element including a failure state or a normal state, the at least two area information including first area information indicating the first area, the first area being an access area of the access function network element, the state of the data network name under the corresponding session function network element being used by the access function network element to determine a selected access session function network element.

21. The method of any one of claims 15-20, wherein, The sending of the at least two area information to the access function network element includes: sending the first service discovery information to a second network repository function network element; receiving the at least two area information from the second network repository function network element, the at least two area information being information obtained by the second network repository function network element from a third network repository function network element, the second network repository function network element managing the first network repository function network element and the third network repository function network element, the at least two area information being information determined by the third network repository function network element; sending the at least two area information to the access function network element.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein, The sending of the at least two area information to the access function network element includes: receiving a configuration file of a first session function network element from the second network repository function network element, the configuration file of the first session function network element including the at least two area information, the configuration file of the first session function network element being obtained by the second network repository function network element from the third network repository function network element, the configuration file of the first session function network element being preconfigured in the third network repository function network element, or the configuration file of the first session function network element being carried in registration request information of the first session function network element, the third network repository function network element being configured to receive the registration request information of the first session function network element; sending the configuration file of the first session function network element to the access function network element, the first session function network element supporting the data network name.

23. The method of any one of claims 15-20, wherein, The sending of the at least two area information to the access function network element includes: sending the first service discovery information to a second network repository function network element; receiving the at least two region information from the second network repository function network element, the at least two region information being information determined by the fifth network repository function network element and acquired by the second network repository function network element from the fifth network repository function network element through the fourth network repository function network element, the second network repository function network element managing the first network repository function network element, the fourth network repository function network element managing the fifth network repository function network element; sending the at least two region information to the access function network element.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The sending of the at least two region information to the access function network element comprises: receiving a configuration file of a first session function network element from the second network repository function network element, the configuration file of the first session function network element comprising the at least two region information, the configuration file of the first session function network element being acquired by the second network repository function network element from the fifth network repository function network element through the fourth network repository function network element, the configuration file of the first session function network element being preconfigured in the fifth network repository function network element, or the configuration file of the first session function network element being carried in a registration request information of the first session function network element, the fifth network repository function network element being configured to receive the registration request information of the first session function network element; sending the configuration file of the first session function network element to the access function network element, the first session function network element supporting the data network name.

25. The method of any one of claims 15-20, wherein, The sending of the first information to the access function network element comprises: sending the first service discovery information to a second network repository function network element; receiving the at least two region information from the second network repository function network element, the at least two region information being information determined by the second network repository function network element; sending the at least two region information to the access function network element.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, The sending of the at least two region information to the access function network element comprises: receiving a configuration file of a first session function network element from the second network repository function network element, the configuration file of the first session function network element comprising the at least two region information, the configuration file of the first session function network element being preconfigured in the second network repository function network element, or the configuration file of the first session function network element being carried in a registration request information of the first session function network element, the second network repository function network element being configured to receive the registration request information of the first session function network element; sending the configuration file of the first session function network element to the access function network element, the first session function network element supporting the data network name.

27. The method of any one of claims 15-20, wherein, The sending of the at least two region information to the access function network element comprises: determining the at least two region information according to the data network name, each region information corresponding to a network repository function network element being the first network repository function network element; sending the at least two region information to the access function network element.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein, The sending of the at least two region information to the access function network element comprises: sending, to the access function network element, a configuration file of the first session function network element, the first session function network element supporting the data network name; the configuration file of the first session function network element is preconfigured in the first network storage function network element, or the configuration file of the first session function network element is carried in registration request information of the first session function network element, and the first network storage function network element is configured to receive the registration request information of the first session function network element.

29. A method of communication, comprising: comprising: determining a configuration file of a session function network element, the configuration file of the session function network element comprising at least two area information; sending, to a network storage function network element corresponding to the session function network element, registration request information, the registration request information comprising the configuration file of the session function network element.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein, The configuration file of the session function network element further comprises first state information, the first state information being used to indicate a state of a network identified by a data network name in a first area, the state of the network identified by the data network name in the first area comprising a fault state or a normal state, the at least two area information comprising first area information, the first area information indicating the first area, and the session function network element being located in the first area.

31. The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein, The configuration file of the session function network element further comprises second state information, the second state information being used to indicate a state of the session function network element, the state of the session function network element comprising an available state or an unavailable state.

32. The method of any one of claims 29-31, wherein, The configuration file of the session function network element further comprises third state information, the third state information being used to indicate a state of a network identified by a data network name under the session function network element, the state of the network identified by the data network name under the session function network element comprising a fault state or a normal state.

33. The method of any one of claims 29-32, wherein, The configuration file of the session function network element further comprises information used to indicate a priority order between the at least two area information.

34. A method of communication, comprising: comprising: receiving first service discovery information from an access function network element, the first service discovery information comprising a data network name and information of an area where the access function network element is located; sending, to a second network storage function network element corresponding to a first area, the data network name and the information of the area where the access function network element is located according to the data network name and the information of the area where the access function network element is located; receiving a configuration file of a first session function network element from the second network storage function network element; sending, to the access function network element, the configuration file of the first session function network element, the first session function network element being located in the first area; and 35. The method of claim 34, wherein, The configuration file of the first session function network element comprises at least two area information, the at least two area information comprising first area information, the first area information indicating the first area, and each area information in the at least two area information indicating one or more session function network elements supporting the data network name.

36. The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving first status information from the second network repository function network element, the first status information indicating a status of the data network name in the first region, the status of the data network name in the first region comprising a failure status or a normal status; sending the first status information to the access function network element.

37. The method of any one of claims 34-36, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving second status information from the second network repository function network element, the second status information indicating a status of the first session function network element, the status of the first session function network element comprising an available status or an unavailable status; sending the second status information to the access function network element.

38. The method of any one of claims 34-37, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving third status information from the second network repository function network element, the third status information indicating a status of the data network name under the first session function network element, the status of the data network name under the first session function network element comprising a failure status or a normal status; sending the third status information to the access function network element.

39. The method of any one of claims 34-38, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving registration request information from the first session function network element, the registration request information comprising a profile of the first session function network element, the profile of the first session function network element comprising the at least two region information, the first session function network element being a network element supporting the data network name.

40. A communication system, characterized by Comprise: an access function network element and a first network repository function network element; The access function network element is configured to: send first service discovery information to the first network repository function network element, the first service discovery information comprising a data network name; determine, according to at least two region information from the first network repository function network element, that a first region indicated by first region information is an access region, the at least two region information comprising the first region information, each region information in the at least two region information indicating a region comprising one or more session function network elements, the session function network element being a network element supporting the data network name; The first network repository function network element is configured to: receive the first service discovery information; send the at least two region information to the access function network element.

41. The communication system of claim 40, wherein, The communication system further comprises a second network repository function network element; The second network repository function network element is configured to: receive the first service discovery information from the first network repository function network element; send the at least two region information to the first network repository function network element.

42. The communication system of claim 41, wherein, The communication system further comprises a third network repository function network element; The third network repository function network element is configured to: receive the first service discovery information from the second network repository function network element; determine the at least two region information according to the first service discovery information; send the at least two region information to the second network repository function network element.

43. The communication system of claim 41, wherein, The communication system further comprises a fourth network repository function network element and a fifth network repository function network element; The fourth network repository function network element is configured to: receive the first service discovery information from the second network repository function network element; sending the first service discovery information to the fifth network repository function network element; receiving the at least two area information from the fifth network repository function network element; the fifth network repository function network element is configured to: receive the first service discovery information from the fourth network repository function network element; determine the at least two area information according to the first service discovery information; send the at least two area information to the fourth network repository function network element.

44. A communications device, characterized by a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-14; or a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 15-28; or a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 29-33; or a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 34-39. a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon computer programs or instructions that, when executed at a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1-39 to be performed.

45. A computer-readable storage medium, comprising: comprising instructions that, when executed at a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1-39 to be performed.

46. A computer program product, characterised in that, a processor configured to cause the communication device to perform the method of any one of claims 1-39 by executing computer programs or instructions, or by a logic circuit.

47. A communications device, characterized by a logic circuit and an input / output interface configured to input and / or output signals, the logic circuit configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-39.

48. A communications device, characterized by comprising:

49. A chip, comprising: one or more processors configured to execute computer programs or instructions in a memory, causing the chip to implement the method of any one of claims 1-39. ​

Images