Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and provides a communication method and apparatus. After receiving a first message of a first terminal establishing a bidirectional session, a first network element acquires first information indicating a service data transmission mode of a first device, and sends the first information to the first terminal. On this basis, the first terminal may determine, on the basis of first information, how to execute service data transmission.

Description

Communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411048780.7, filed on July 31, 2024, and entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0004] With the development of communication technology, a future mobile communication device can include two user equipments (UEs) or two universal subscriber identity modules (USIMs). The mobile communication device can connect to two radio access network (RAN) devices through the two UEs (or the two USIMs) respectively, and transmit service data through the two RAN devices. The service data of the mobile communication device can be transmitted to one UE or transmitted through the two UEs simultaneously. The related art does not specify how to perform the transmission scheme of the service data. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and apparatus to specify how to perform the transmission of service data when the mobile communication device includes two UEs.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be performed by a first network element for session management of a first terminal, for example, a session management function (SMF). The first network element can be the first network element itself, or a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the first network element, or a logic module or software for implementing all or part of the function of the first network element. The present application does not specifically limit it here.

[0007] The method can be applied in a 5th generation (5G) communication system or a communication system above 5G, and can also be applied in a non-terrestrial communication system, which is not specifically limited by the present application. The following is performed:

[0008] receive a first message from a second network element, the first message being used to request to create a first session of a first terminal, the first session being used for dual direction; obtain first information according to the first message, the first information indicating a service data transmission mode of a first device, the first device including the first terminal and a second terminal; and send the first information to the first terminal.

[0009] It should be noted that the second network element is used for access management of the first terminal, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF). Wherein, the first session is used for dual direction, that is, the first session is a dual-directional session (the dual-directional session can also be referred to as an inter-UE associated session).

[0010] In the present application, after the first network element receives the first message of the first terminal for creating a dual-directional session, the first information indicating the service data transmission mode of the first device is obtained, and the first information is sent to the first terminal. Based on this, the first terminal or the first device can determine the action of subsequently creating an associated session of the first session based on the first information.

[0011] In an optional manner, the first message includes second information, the second information indicating a dual-directional capability of the first device.

[0012] It should be noted that the dual-directional capability of the first device generally includes the service data transmission capability of the first device (whether the first terminal and the second terminal can simultaneously transmit service data, whether the first terminal and the second terminal can simultaneously be in a connected state and transmit service data, etc.).

[0013] When the first message includes the second information indicating the dual-directional capability of the first device, the first information is provided for the first network element to provide reference information, so that the first network element can accurately determine or obtain the first information.

[0014] In an optional manner, the second information is one or more of the following:

[0015] Whether the first device supports a performance measurement function, whether the first device supports performing service granularity data transmission switching between the first terminal and the second terminal, or whether the first device supports the first terminal and the second terminal to simultaneously transmit service data.

[0016] It should be noted that when the first device supports the performance measurement function, the reliability of performance such as data splitting or data switching can be ensured when the first terminal and the second terminal simultaneously transmit data.

[0017] In an optional mode, when the first message comprises the second information, the first network element can determine the first information according to the second information; or, the first network element acquires the subscription information of the first terminal; and determines the first information according to the second information and the subscription information of the first terminal, the subscription information of the first terminal indicating whether the service data of the first device is authorized to be simultaneously transmitted between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0018] In the application, the first network element determines the first information with reference to the second information, which is more reliable.

[0019] In an optional mode, the first network element can further send a second message to a third network element (for example, a policy control function (PCF)) according to the first message, the second message comprising the identity of the first terminal, the second message being used to request to acquire the session policy of the first session; the third network element being used for the session policy management of the first session; and the first information being received from the third network element.

[0020] It should be noted that the session policy of the first session usually comprises the first information. By determining the first information through the third network element, the data processing logic of the first network element can be reduced.

[0021] In an optional mode, the second message further comprises the second information, the second information indicating the dual-directional capability of the first device.

[0022] In the application, the third network element determines the second information with reference to the first information, which is more reliable and accurate.

[0023] In an optional mode, the first information comprises a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode; wherein the first transmission mode indicates that the service data carried by the first session is switched between the first session and a second session of a second terminal according to a session granularity (or, the service data of the first device is switched between the first session and the second session according to the session granularity), or indicates that the service data of the first device is not allowed to be simultaneously transmitted in the first session and the second session, or indicates that the first session and the second session are not allowed to be simultaneously in an active state; the second transmission mode indicates that the service data carried by the first session is switched between the first session and the second session according to a service granularity (or, the service data of the first device is switched between the first session and the second session according to the service granularity), or indicates that the service data of the first device is allowed to be simultaneously transmitted in the first session and the second session, or indicates that the first session and the second session are allowed to be simultaneously in the active state; wherein the second session is associated with the first session.

[0024] In the present application, the first information specifically represents different transmission modes. Based on this, the first terminal or the first device can determine the subsequent action of creating a session associated with the first session based on the first information. For example, the first device can configure the correspondence between different transmission modes and different actions in advance, so that when subsequent switching of service data is required, the service data can be switched to the session associated with the first session in time for transmission, so as to ensure the continuity of service data transmission.

[0025] In an optional mode, when the first information includes the first transmission mode, the first information further includes: third information, the third information being used to indicate whether to pre-create a second session associated with the first session.

[0026] It should be noted that when the third information is included in the first information, the first device can determine whether to request the pre-creation of the second session of the second terminal in advance. In addition, the pre-creation of the second session of the second terminal facilitates the fast switching between sessions.

[0027] In an optional mode, the first transmission mode is determined according to one or more of the following information:

[0028] The first device does not support performance measurement function, the first device does not support performing service-granularity data transmission switching between the first terminal and the second terminal, or the first device does not support simultaneous transmission of service data by the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0029] The second transmission mode is determined according to one or more of the following information:

[0030] The first device supports performance measurement function, the first device supports performing service-granularity data transmission switching between the first terminal and the second terminal, or the first device supports simultaneous transmission of service data by the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0031] In the present application, the corresponding transmission mode is determined with reference to the dual-directional capability of the first device, which can ensure that the device capability can support the set transmission mode.

[0032] In an optional mode, when the first information includes the first transmission mode, the first network element further receives a third message from a fourth network element (AMF2), the third message including service data switching indication information, the third message being used to request the creation of a second session, the service data switching indication information being used to request the switching of service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission (or, the service data switching indication information being used to request the switching of service data of the first device from the first session to the second session for transmission), the second session being used for dual-directional transmission, the fourth network element being used for access management of the second terminal, the first network element being further used for session management of the second session; and the first network element switches the service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission according to the third message.

[0033] When it is determined that the second session is created and the service data of the first session needs to be switched to the second session for transmission, the first network element receives the service data switching indication information, and then, when it is determined that the second session is in an active state and the first session is in a deactivated state, the first network element switches the service data of the first session to the second session for transmission. In this way, the continuity of the service data transmission of the first session can be ensured.

[0034] In an optional manner, before the first network element receives the first message from the second network element, the first network element also receives a fourth message from a fourth network element, the fourth message being used for requesting creation of a second session of the second terminal, the second session being used for double orientation, the fourth network element being used for access management of the second terminal, and the first network element also being used for session management of the second session.

[0035] The first network element sends the first information to the first device only after the first session and the second session are both created, instead of sending the first information to the first device only after one of the sessions (the second session) is created, thereby reducing unnecessary sending of the first information. For example, if the first device only wants to create a session for one terminal (the second terminal), the device does not need to obtain the first information in advance, and the first information is sent to the device only after an associated session is also created for another terminal (the first terminal).

[0036] In an optional manner, the first information includes a first transmission mode, and when the second session is pre-created, the first network element also receives a fifth message from a fourth network element, the fifth message including fourth information and information of the first session (for example, indication information of the double-oriented session and session parameters of the first session, the indication information of the double-oriented session being used for indicating creation of the double-oriented session), the fourth information being used for indicating pre-creation of the second session, the second session being used for double orientation, the fourth network element being used for access management of the second terminal, the first network element also being used for session management of the second session, the first session and the second session being associated, and the second session not being activated (that is, a user plane of the second session is not activated).

[0037] In this way, the first network element can pre-create the second session and not activate the second session, and when it is determined that service data switching needs to be performed, the second session is activated to perform the service data switching. In this way, the second session does not need to be created only when it is determined that service data switching needs to be performed, and the efficiency of session switching can be improved and the switching delay can be reduced.

[0038] In an alternative, the first network element further receives service data switching indication information or indication information of activating a user plane of the second session from the fourth network element, the service data switching indication information being used to request switching of service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission (alternatively, the service data switching indication information being used to request switching of service data of the first device from the first session to the second session for transmission); and the first session is deactivated and the second session is activated (alternatively, service data carried by the first session is switched to the second session for transmission) according to the service data switching indication information or the indication information of activating the user plane of the second session.

[0039] It should be noted that, in the case that the first network element has created the second session in advance, the service data switching indication information or the indication information of activating the user plane of the second session is received again, the second session is activated and the first session is deactivated, which can ensure continuity of service data transmission of the first session.

[0040] In a second aspect, the present application provides a communication method applied to a first device, the first device comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal (or the second terminal) can be the terminal itself, a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the terminal, or a logic module or software for implementing all or part of functions of the first device. The present application does not specifically limit this. The following is performed:

[0041] a sixth message is sent to a second network element, the sixth message being used to request creation of a first session of the first terminal, the first session being used for dual orientation, and the second network element being used for access management of the first terminal; and first information is received from a first network element, the first information indicating a service data transmission mode of the first device, and the first network element being used for session management of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0042] In the present application, after the first device receives the first information from the first network element, the first device can explicitly determine an action of subsequently creating a session associated with the first session. The terminal creates the session under the control or indication of the network, so as to control the behavior of the terminal by the network.

[0043] In an alternative, the sixth message comprises second information, the second information indicating a dual orientation capability of the first device.

[0044] In an alternative, the second information is one or more of the following:

[0045] whether the first device supports a performance measurement function, whether the first device supports performing service granularity data transmission switching between the first terminal and the second terminal, or whether the first device supports simultaneous transmission of service data by the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0046] In an optional mode, the first information comprises a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode; wherein the first transmission mode indicates that the service data carried by the first session is switched between the first session and a second session of the second terminal in a session granularity (or, the service data of the first device is switched between the first session and the second session in a session granularity), or indicates that the service data of the first device is not allowed to be transmitted in the first session and the second session at the same time, or indicates that the first session and the second session are not allowed to be in an active state at the same time; the second transmission mode indicates that the service data carried by the first session is switched between the first session and the second session in a service granularity (or, the service data of the first device is switched between the first session and the second session in a service granularity), or indicates that the service data of the first device is allowed to be transmitted in the first session and the second session at the same time, or indicates that the first session and the second session are allowed to be in an active state at the same time; wherein the second session is associated with the first session.

[0047] In an optional mode, when the first information comprises the first transmission mode, the first information further comprises third information, the third information being used to indicate whether the second session is pre-created.

[0048] In an optional mode, the first transmission mode is related to one or more of the following information:

[0049] The first device does not support the performance measurement function, the first device does not support the switching of the data transmission in a service granularity between the first terminal and the second terminal, or the first device does not support the simultaneous transmission of the service data by the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0050] The second transmission mode is related to one or more of the following information:

[0051] The first device supports the performance measurement function, the first device supports the switching of the data transmission in a service granularity between the first terminal and the second terminal, or the first device supports the simultaneous transmission of the service data by the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0052] In an optional mode, when the first information comprises the first transmission mode, the second terminal further sends a seventh message to a fourth network element, the seventh message comprising service data switching indication information, the seventh message being used to request to create the second session, the service data switching indication information being used to request to switch the service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission (or, the service data switching indication information being used to request to switch the service data of the first device from the first session to the second session for transmission), the second session being used for double orientation, and the fourth network element being used for the access management of the second terminal.

[0053] In an optional mode, before the first terminal sends the sixth message to the second network element, the second terminal sends an eighth message to the fourth network element, the eighth message comprising an identity of the second terminal, the eighth message being used to request creation of a second session of the second terminal, the second session being used for double orientation, the fourth network element being used for access management of the second terminal.

[0054] In an optional mode, the first information comprises a first transmission mode and a fourth information used to indicate pre-creation of the second session.

[0055] In an optional mode, the second terminal further sends service data switching indication information or a service request message to the fourth network element, the service data switching indication information being used to request switching of service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission (the service data switching indication information can also be referred to as being used to request switching of service data of the first device from the first session to the second session for transmission), the service request message being used to request activation of the second session.

[0056] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a third network element, the third network element being used for session policy management of a first session of a first terminal, for example, a PCF. The third network element can be the first network element itself, or can be a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the third network element, or can be a logic module or software for implementing all or part of the functions of the third network element. The present application does not specifically limit this. The following is executed:

[0057] receiving a second message from the first network element, the second message being used to request acquisition of a session policy of a first session of a first terminal, the first session being used for double orientation, the third network element being used for first session policy management; determining first information according to the second message, the first information indicating a service data transmission mode of a first device, the first device comprising the first terminal and a second terminal; and sending the first information to the first network element.

[0058] In the present application, after the third network element receives the session policy request message of the first session of the first terminal, the third network element acquires the first information indicating the service data transmission mode of the first device, and sends the first information to the first network element, so that the first network element forwards the first information to the first terminal. Based on this, the first terminal can explicitly determine the action of subsequently creating a session associated with the first session based on the first information. The terminal device creates a session under the control or indication of the network, so as to control the behavior of the terminal by the network.

[0059] In an optional mode, the second message further comprises second information, the second information indicating a double orientation capability of the first device.

[0060] In an optional mode, the second information is one or more of the following:

[0061] whether the first device supports the performance measurement function, whether the first device supports performing the service granularity data transmission switching between the first terminal and the second terminal, or whether the first device supports the simultaneous transmission of the service data of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0062] In an optional mode, when the second message comprises the second information, the third network element can determine the first information according to the first information; or the third network element acquires the subscription information of the first terminal; and determines the first information according to the first information and the subscription information of the first terminal, the subscription information of the first terminal indicating whether the service data of the first device is authorized to be simultaneously transmitted between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0063] In an optional mode, the second message further comprises fifth information, the fifth information indicating that the first session is used for the double orientation, and the third network element can determine the first information according to the fifth information.

[0064] In a fourth aspect, the application is applied to the first device, the first device comprising: a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal (or the second terminal) can be the terminal itself, can be a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the terminal, or can be a logic module or software realizing all or part of the functions of the first device. The present application does not specifically limit here. The following is performed:

[0065] after the first session of the first terminal is created, a tenth message is sent to a fourth network element, the tenth message comprising information of the first session and sixth information, the tenth message being used for requesting to create a second session of the second terminal, the sixth information indicating the pre-creation of the second session or indicating the first transmission mode or indicating the double orientation capability of the first device, the second session being associated with the first session, the fourth network element being used for the access management of the second terminal; the first transmission mode indicating that the service data carried by the first session performs the switching between the first session and the second session of the second terminal according to the session granularity, or indicating that the simultaneous transmission of the service data of the first device in the first session and the second session is not allowed, or indicating that the first session and the second session are not allowed to be simultaneously in the active state; service data switching indication information or a service request message is sent to the fourth network element, the service data switching indication information being used for requesting to switch the service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission, the service request message being used for requesting to activate the second session.

[0066] In the application, after the first session of the first terminal of the first device is created, the second session of the second terminal is created in advance through the first session to carry the service data of the first session. When the first device determines that the service data of the first session needs to be switched to the transmission of the second session, the fourth network element is sent the service data switching indication information or the service request information. Then, the fourth network element forwards the service data switching indication information or the service request information to the first network element, so that the first network element activates the second session, deactivates the first session, and switches the service data of the first session to the transmission of the second session.

[0067] In an optional mode, the sixth information is determined according to at least one of the following conditions:

[0068] The first device does not support the performance measurement function, the first device does not support the execution of the service granularity data transmission switching between the first terminal and the second terminal, the first device does not support the simultaneous transmission of the service data of the first terminal and the second terminal, or the service data transmission strategy of the first device (for example, the strategy obtained by the registration of the first terminal or the second terminal) includes that the simultaneous transmission of the service data of the first terminal and the second terminal is not allowed, or the service data transmission strategy of the first device includes that the non-simultaneous transmission of the service data of the first terminal and the second terminal is allowed.

[0069] Based on this, it can be determined that the tenth message carries the sixth information in which case.

[0070] In an optional mode, before the second terminal sends the tenth message to the fourth network element, the first terminal also sends an eleventh message to the second network element, the eleventh message is used to request the creation of the first session, the first session is used for double orientation, and the second network element is used for the access management of the first terminal. The sixth information or the seventh information is received from the first network element, the first network element is used for the session management of the first session and the second session, and the seventh information indicates the pre-creation of the session associated with the first session.

[0071] Based on this, when the first session is created, the sixth information or the seventh information is received, and the tenth message sent by the second terminal to the fourth network element carries the sixth information.

[0072] In an optional mode, the first device also receives the eighth information from the first network element, the eighth information indicates the switching condition of the service data carried by the first session to the second session (or the switching condition of the service data of the first device between the first session and the second session), and the first network element is used for the session management of the first session and the second session. When the first device determines that the switching condition is met, the fourth network element is sent the service data switching indication information or the service request message.

[0073] Based on this, the first device can determine the sending time of the service data switching indication information or the service request message sent to the fourth network element.

[0074] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first network element, the first network element being used for session management of a first terminal, for example, an SMF. The first network element can be the first network element itself, or a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the first network element, or a logic module or software realizing all or part of the function of the first network element. The present application does not specifically limit it here. The following is executed:

[0075] receiving a twelfth message from a fourth network element, the twelfth message comprising information of a first session of a first terminal and sixth information, the twelfth message being used for requesting creation of a second session of a second terminal, the sixth information indicating pre-creation of the second session or indicating a first transmission mode or indicating a dual-directional capability of the first device, the fourth network element being used for access management of the second terminal, the first network element being used for management of the first session and the second session; associating the second session with the first session; and according to the sixth information, not activating the second session or not activating a user plane of the second session.

[0076] In the present application, after the first session of the first terminal of the first device is created, the second session of the second terminal is pre-created through the first session carrying service data of the first session. When the first device determines that the service data of the first session needs to be switched to transmission of the second session, the fourth network element is sent service data switching indication information or service request information. Then, the fourth network element forwards the service data switching indication information or the service request information to the first network element, so that the first network element activates the second session, deactivates the first session, and switches the service data of the first session to transmission of the second session.

[0077] In an optional manner, the first network element further obtains eighth information, the eighth information indicating a switching condition of the service data carried by the first session to the second session; and the eighth information is sent to the second terminal.

[0078] In an optional manner, before the first network element receives the twelfth message from the fourth network element, the first network element further receives a thirteenth message from a second network element, the thirteenth message being used for requesting creation of the first session, the first session being used for dual-directional, the second network element being used for access management of the first terminal; and the sixth information or seventh information is sent to the first device, the seventh information indicating pre-creation of a session associated with the first session, the first device comprising the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0079] In an optional manner, the first network element further determines the sixth information or the seventh information according to at least one of the following conditions:

[0080] a dual-directional capability of the first device, or a dual-directional capability of the first network element.

[0081] In an alternative mode, the first network element also receives service data switching indication information from the fourth network element or indication information for activating the user plane of the second session, the service data switching indication information being used for requesting to switch the service data of the first session to the second session for transmission (or in other words, the service data switching indication information being used for requesting to switch the service data of the first device from the first session to the second session for transmission); according to the service data switching indication information or the indication information for activating the user plane of the second session, the first session is deactivated and the second session is activated (or in other words, the service data of the first session is switched to the second session for transmission).

[0082] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus, which can be the first device (the first terminal and the second terminal), the first network element, the second network element, the third network element or the fourth network element. The communication apparatus has the functions of the above-mentioned first aspect to fifth aspect, for example, the communication apparatus includes modules or units or means corresponding to the steps involved in the above-mentioned first aspect to fifth aspect, and the functions or units or means can be implemented by software or hardware, or by executing corresponding software by hardware.

[0083] In a possible design, the communication apparatus includes a processing unit and a transceiver. The transceiver can be configured to transceive signals to implement communication between the communication apparatus and another apparatus, for example, the transceiver is configured to receive the first message. The processing unit can be configured to perform some internal operations of the communication apparatus. The transceiver can be referred to as an input / output unit, a communication unit, etc., and can be a transceiver. The processing unit can be a processor, a processing circuit, a logic circuit, etc.

[0084] In yet another possible design, the communication apparatus includes a processor, and can also include a transceiver. The transceiver is configured to transceive signals. The processor executes program instructions to complete the method in any possible design or implementation manner of the above-mentioned first aspect to fifth aspect. The communication apparatus can also include one or more memories. The memory is configured to be coupled with the processor. The memory can store necessary computer programs or instructions for implementing the functions involved in the above-mentioned first aspect to fifth aspect. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory. When the computer programs or instructions are executed, the communication apparatus implements the method in any possible design or implementation manner of the above-mentioned first aspect to fifth aspect.

[0085] In yet another possible design of the communication apparatus, the communication apparatus includes a processor, which can be configured to be coupled with a memory. The memory can store computer programs or instructions necessary for implementing the functions related to the first aspect to the fifth aspect. The processor can execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, which, when executed, cause the communication apparatus to implement the method in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect to the fifth aspect.

[0086] In yet another possible design of the communication apparatus, the communication apparatus includes a processor and an interface circuit, where the processor is configured to communicate with other apparatuses through the interface circuit and execute the method in any possible design or implementation of the first aspect to the fifth aspect.

[0087] It can be understood that, in the sixth aspect, the processor can be implemented by hardware or software. When implemented by hardware, the processor can be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or the like. When implemented by software, the processor can be a general-purpose processor that reads software codes stored in a memory to implement the functions. In addition, the processor can be one or more, and the memory can be one or more. The memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory and the processor can be separately arranged. In a specific implementation process, the memory and the processor can be integrated on the same chip, or can be separately arranged on different chips. The type of the memory and the arrangement manner of the memory and the processor are not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0088] In the seventh aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication system, which includes the first device (the first terminal and the second terminal), the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, and the fourth network element. The first device can be configured to execute the method in the second aspect or the fourth aspect, the first network element can be configured to execute the method in the first aspect or the fifth aspect, the third network element can be configured to execute the method in the third aspect, and the second network element or the third network element can be configured to execute the method in the first aspect to the fifth aspect. In addition, it should be noted that there can be multiple devices or network elements interacting to execute the processes in the aspects, and the corresponding processes can not be executed by a single device or network element, but can be executed by corresponding devices or network elements interacting with each other. Here, no further description is given. For example, in the first aspect, the first network element receives the first message from the second network element, and the execution premise is that the second network element sends the first message to the first network element. No further description is given here.

[0089] In the eighth aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a chip system, which includes a processor and can further include a memory, and is configured to implement the method in the first aspect to the fifth aspect. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include the chip and other discrete devices.

[0090] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores computer readable instructions, when the computer readable instructions are run on a computer, to make the computer execute the method in the first aspect to the fifth aspect.

[0091] In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product containing instructions, when the computer program product is run on a computer, to make the computer execute the method in the first aspect to the fifth aspect.

[0092] The technical effects achieved by the second aspect to the tenth aspect can refer to the technical effects achieved by the corresponding possible design schemes in the first aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0093] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a double-directional conversation scenario;

[0095] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method for switching service data according to a conversation granularity;

[0096] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of another method for switching service data according to a service granularity;

[0097] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0098] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0099] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0100] FIG. 8 shows a structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0101] FIG. 9 shows a structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0102] FIG. 10 shows a structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0103] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be described in further detail below with reference to the drawings. The specific operation methods in the method embodiments can also be applied to the apparatus embodiments or system embodiments. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise specified, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more. Therefore, the implementation of the apparatus and the method can be referred to each other, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0104] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a mobile communication network architecture, which includes a terminal, an access network device, an access and mobility management function, a session management function, a user plane function, a policy control function, a network slice selection function, a network slice specific authentication and authorization function, a network repository function, a network data analytics function, a unified data management function, a unified data storage function, an authentication service function, a network capability exposure function, a terminal wireless capability management function, a binding support function, an application function, and a data network (DN) connected to an operator network. The terminal can access a wireless network through an access node at a current location. The terminal can send and receive service data to and from a data network through the access network device and the user plane function.

[0105] A terminal can be a device that can receive access network device scheduling and indication information, provide voice and / or data connectivity for a user, or a hand-held device having a wireless connection function, or other processing device connected to a wireless modem. A terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via a radio access network (RAN). For example, a terminal device can be a portable, pocket, hand-held, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile apparatus. A terminal device can also be referred to as a subscriber unit, a subscriber station (SS), a mobile station (MS), a remote station, an access point (AP), a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user agent, a customer premises equipment (CPE), a terminal, a UE, a mobile terminal (MT), etc. A terminal device can also be a wearable device. A terminal device can also be a device in a next-generation communication system. For example, a terminal device in a 5G network or a terminal device in a future evolved PLMN network, a terminal device in an NR communication system, etc.At present, the terminal device can be: a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device (for example, a smart watch, a smart bracelet, a pedometer, etc.), a vehicle-mounted device (for example, a car, a bicycle, an electric vehicle, an airplane, a ship, a train, a high-speed rail, etc.), a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a smart home device (for example, a refrigerator, a television, an air conditioner, an electric meter, etc.), a smart robot, a workshop device, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, or a wireless terminal in a smart home, a flight device (for example, a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. The terminal can also be other devices with terminal functions, for example, the terminal device can also be a device that plays a terminal function in D2D communication.

[0106] The network device can be an AP in a wireless local area network (WLAN), a base transceiver station (BTS) in a global system for mobile communication (GSM) or code division multiple access (CDMA), a base station (nodeB, NB) in wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), an evolutional node B (eNB or eNodeB) in long term evolution (LTE), a relay station or an access point, or a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, and a network device in a 5G network, or a network device in a future evolved PLMN, or a gNodeB / gNB in an NR system, and the like. In some deployments, a gNB can include a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU implements part of the functions of the gNB, and the DU implements part of the functions of the gNB. Illustratively, the CU is responsible for processing non-real-time protocols and services. For example, implementing radio resource control (RRC), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) functions, functions of the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, and the like. The DU is responsible for processing the physical layer protocol and real-time services. For example, implementing functions of the radio link control (RLC) layer, the medium access control (MAC) layer, and the physical (PHY) layer, and the like. The gNB can also include an active antenna unit (AAU). The AAU implements part of the physical layer processing functions, radio frequency processing, and related functions of the active antenna. Since the information of the RRC layer will eventually become the information of the PHY layer, or be converted from the information of the PHY layer. Therefore, under this architecture, high-layer signaling (such as RRC layer signaling) can also be considered as being sent by the DU, or being sent by the DU and the AAU.It can be understood that the network device can be a device including one or more of a CU node, a DU node, and an AAU node. In addition, the CU can be a network device in a RAN, and the CU can be a network device in a core network (CN), and the present application does not limit this. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the network device provides services for a cell, and a terminal device communicates with the network device through transmission resources (for example, frequency domain resources, or spectrum resources) used by the cell. The cell can be a cell corresponding to the network device (for example, a base station). The cell can belong to a macro base station, or belong to a base station corresponding to a small cell. Exemplarily, the small cell can include a Metro cell, a Micro cell, a Pico cell, a Femto cell, and the like. Since the small cell has the characteristics of small coverage and low transmit power, the small cell can provide high-rate data transmission services. In addition, in other possible cases, the network device can be other apparatuses that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form of the network device. For example, in an open radio access network (ORAN) system, the CU can also be referred to as an O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as an O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, the CU-CP, the CU-UP, the DU, and the RU are taken as examples for description in the present application. Any one of the CU (or the CU-CP, the CU-UP), the DU, and the RU in the present application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0107] An access and mobility management function, mainly used for attachment, mobility management, tracking area update process, and the like of a terminal in a mobile network. In a 5G communication system, the access and mobility management function can be an AMF, and in a future communication system, the access and mobility management function can still be an AMF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0108] Session Management Function, mainly used for session management in mobile networks, such as session creation, modification, release. Specific functions such as assigning Internet Protocol addresses to terminals, selecting user plane functions that provide message forwarding functions, etc. In the 5G communication system, the session management function can be SMF, and in the future communication system, the session management function can still be SMF, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application. In this application, a multicast / broadcast session management network element is also involved, which can be a multicast / broadcast session management network element (MB-SMF), mainly used for session management in mobile networks, such as session creation, modification, release.

[0109] User Plane Function, mainly used for processing user messages, such as forwarding and charging, etc. In the 5G communication system, the user plane function can be a user plane function (UPF), and in the future communication system, the user plane function can still be UPF, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0110] Policy Control Function, including policy control function, charging policy control function, QoS control, etc. In the 5G communication system, the policy control function can be PCF, and in the future communication system, the policy control function can still be PCF, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0111] Network Slice Selection Function, mainly used for selecting appropriate network slices for terminal services. In the 5G communication system, the network slice selection function can be a network slice selection function (NSSF), and in the future communication system, the network slice selection function can still be NSSF, or it can also have other names, which are not limited in this application.

[0112] Network Slice-specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF) is mainly used for authentication and authorization for terminal access to specific network slices.

[0113] Network repository function, mainly used for providing registration and discovery of network functions or services provided by network functions. In the 5G communication system, the network repository function can be a network repository function (NRF), and in future communication systems, the network repository function can still be the NRF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0114] Network data analytics function, which can collect data from various network functions, such as policy control function, session management function, user plane function, access management function, and application function (through network capability exposure function), and perform analysis and prediction. In the 5G communication system, the network data analytics function can be a network data analytics function (NWDAF), and in future communication systems, the network data analytics function can still be the NWDAF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0115] Unified data management function, mainly used for managing subscription information of terminals. In the 5G communication system, the unified data management function can be a unified data management (UDM) function, and in future communication systems, the unified data management function can still be the UDM function, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0116] Unified data storage function, mainly used for storing structured data information, including subscription information, policy information, and network data or service data with standard format definition. In the 5G communication system, the unified data storage function can be a unified data repository (UDR) function, and in future communication systems, the unified data storage function can still be the UDR function, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0117] Authentication service function, mainly used for security authentication of terminals. In the 5G communication system, the authentication service function can be an authentication server function (AUSF), and in future communication systems, the authentication service function can still be the AUSF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0118] Network capability exposure function, which can expose part of the network functions to applications under control. In the 5G communication system, the network capability exposure function can be a NEF, and in future communication systems, the network capability exposure function can still be the NEF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0119] Terminal radio capability management function, used for storing and managing the radio capability of the terminal in the network. In the 5G communication system, the terminal radio capability management function can be a user equipment radio capability management function (UCMF), and in the future communication system, the terminal radio capability management function can still be the UCMF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0120] Binding support function, used for maintaining the correspondence between the internet protocol (IP) address and the service function of the interconnection between user networks. In the 5G communication system, the binding support function can be a binding support function (BSF), and in the future communication system, the binding support function can still be the BSF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0121] Application function, which can provide service data of various applications to the control plane function of the operator's communication network, or obtain data information and control information of the network from the control plane function of the communication network. In the 5G communication system, the application function can be an application function (AF), and in the future communication system, the application function can still be the AF, or can also have other names, which are not limited by the present application.

[0122] Data network, mainly used for providing data transmission services for terminals. The data network can be a private network such as a local area network, or a public data network (PDN) such as the Internet, or a proprietary network deployed by the operator, such as a configured IP multimedia core network subsystem (IMS) service.

[0123] It should be noted that the functions in the embodiments of the present application can also be referred to as network elements, network functions or functional entities, devices, etc., for example, the access and mobility management function can also be referred to as an access and mobility management network element, or an access and mobility management network function, or an access and mobility management functional entity, etc. The names of various functions are not limited in the present application, and those skilled in the art can replace the names of the above functions with other names to perform the same functions, which all belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0124] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, the following will first briefly describe the terms or processing flows involved in the embodiments of the present application.

[0125] 1) First device

[0126] The first device comprises at least two terminals, and / or at least two user identity modules (e.g. USIM cards). For example, the first device comprises terminal 1, terminal 2; or, the first device comprises USIM card 1, USIM card 2; or, the first device comprises terminal 1, terminal 2 and terminal 3; or, the first device comprises USIM card 1, USIM card 2 and USIM card 3, which are only exemplary and not specifically limited. Optionally, the first device comprises at least two protocol stacks (Stacks), terminal 1 is replaced by Stack 1, and terminal 2 is replaced by Stack 2.

[0127] In the embodiments of the present application, two terminals included in the first device are taken as an example for illustration, which can be two devices / apparatuses. Alternatively, two UEs included in the first device can be two USIMs, for example, the first UE can be a first USIM, and the second UE can be a second USIM. Alternatively, the first device is a terminal, which comprises two USIMs, the first UE corresponds to the first USIM, and the second UE corresponds to the second USIM. Correspondingly, in the embodiments of the present application, the first device can be replaced by a terminal, the UE is replaced by a USIM, the first UE is replaced by a first USIM, and the second UE is replaced by a second USIM. Alternatively, the first device is a dual-directional device, which comprises two USIMs, the first UE corresponds to the first USIM, and the second UE corresponds to the second USIM. Correspondingly, in the embodiments of the present application, the first device can be replaced by a dual-directional device, the UE is replaced by a USIM, the first UE is replaced by a first USIM, and the second UE is replaced by a second USIM.

[0128] 2) Dual-Steer

[0129] The first device comprises terminal 1 and terminal 2, and the first device can be dual-steered, i.e. the service data of the first device can be directed to be transmitted through terminal 1 or terminal 2, or switched from being transmitted through terminal 1 to being transmitted through terminal 2. Alternatively, terminal 1 and terminal 2 belong to the same user, and the service data of the user can be directed to be transmitted through terminal 1 or terminal 2, or switched from being transmitted through terminal 1 to being transmitted through terminal 2.

[0130] 3) Dual-Steer session (also referred to as UE-interworking associated session) (DualSteer Session or PDU Session for DualSteer)

[0131] The first device includes two UEs (UE1, UE2) or two USIM cards (USIM card 1, USIM card 2) as an example. FIG. 2 shows that the PDU session (PDU Session ID#1) of UE1 and the PDU session (PDU Session ID#2) of UE2 share the same IP address. PDU Session ID#1 and PDU Session ID#2 are bidirectional sessions and are associated. Among them, UE1 creates PDU Session ID#1 through RAN1, and UE2 creates PDU Session ID#2 through RAN2. Among them, RAN1 and RAN2 are 3GPP access types (3GPP Access Type). RAN1 and RAN2 can have the same (or different) radio access technology type (RAT Type). Among them, the RAT Type can be 5G NR, 5G NR (satellite), and 6G RAT. For example, RAN1 is 5G NR, and RAN2 is 6G RAT.

[0132] Before the service is switched between UE1 and UE2, the service data corresponding to the IP is transmitted through PDU Session ID#1 of UE1 (that is, the PDU layer is associated with the transmission channel of UE1 (UE1-RAN1-UPF)). After the service is switched between UE1 and UE2, the service data corresponding to the IP is transmitted through PDU Session ID#2 of UE2 (that is, the PDU layer is associated with the transmission channel of UE2 (UE2-RAN2-UPF)). Before and after the service is switched between UE1 and UE2, the connection (for example, socket connection) between the PDU layer and the application layer (App layer) does not change, that is, the IP address used by the application does not change, and does not affect the service continuity. Further, the activation of PDU Session ID#2 of UE2 can also trigger the deactivation or release of PDU Session ID#1 of UE1.

[0133] Bidirectional can indicate the attribute or use of the PDU session, for example, the type of the PDU session is bidirectional or the PDU session is used to provide bidirectional function. The service data carried by the PDU session can be directed to the first terminal or the second terminal. By creating a bidirectional PDU session, the latency of service switching between different UEs can be reduced, and the user's service experience can be improved.

[0134] It should be noted that in this application, deactivation can be understood as release or deactivate, and the places related to deactivation in the text will not be repeated.

[0135] The following describes switching of service data of a PDU session bearer of UE1 to a PDU session bearer of UE2 (i.e., service data switching at a session granularity) to ensure continuity of service transmission with reference to FIG. 3. The following describes a solution for association of inter-UE sessions in combination with data interaction of UE1, UE2, RAN1, RAN2, AMF1, AMF2, SMF, UPF, and UDM, as follows.

[0136] At step 300, the UDM stores information associated with UE1 and UE2 (i.e., stores association of SUPI#1 (an identifier of UE1) and SUPI#2 (an identifier of UE2)).

[0137] It should be understood that the association of the two UEs exists during the process of opening an account for the UE by the operator, and therefore the UDM stores the association of SUPI#1 and SUPI#2.

[0138] At step 301, UE1 sends a non-access stratum (NAS) message to AMF1 through RAN1.

[0139] The NAS message includes a PDU session identifier (PDU Session ID#1), a PDU session creation request (PDU Session establishment Request), a data network name (DNN), and single-network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI). The PDU Session establishment Request can also include the PDU Session ID#1. If the PDU session is for dual steering, the NAS message also includes dual steering indication information (e.g., PDU session for DualSteer) or a request type in the NAS message, which indicates that the purpose of the PDU session creation is dual steering, and AMF1 can select an SMF that supports dual steering according to the dual steering indication information or the request type information for subsequent processing.

[0140] At step 302, AMF1 sends a PDU Session_CreateSMContext Request (PDU session creation session management context request) to SMF.

[0141] The PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message includes SUPI#1, DNN, S-NSSAI, PDU Session ID#1 and PDU Session establishment Request. Optionally, the message also includes the dual connectivity indication information or the request type.

[0142] At step 303, the SMF sends SUPI#1, DNN, PDU Session ID#1 and SMF ID to the UDM.

[0143] Optionally, the SMF obtains the PDU session allows / supports dual connectivity from the UDM. Alternatively, the SMF obtains the PDU session allows / supports dual connectivity from the PCF.

[0144] At step 304, the SMF allocates N4 Session ID#1 for the session.

[0145] Exemplarily, the SMF sends N4 Session ID#1 and N4 Session Context to the UPF. The N4 Session Context includes packet detection rule (PDR) and forwarding action rule (FAR). For example, the FAR in the N4 Session Context indicates the UPF to send the traffic data with IP address#1 to RAN1 (the N4 Session Context includes the tunnel endpoint information of RAN1). In addition, the SMF or the UPF also allocates IP address#1 for the PDU Session.

[0146] At step 305A, the SMF stores the association information of N4 Session ID#1 and PDU Session ID#1, the association information of PDU Session ID#1 and IP address#1 of UE1, and the association information of SUPI#1, PDU Session ID#1, DNN and S-NSSAI.

[0147] At step 305B, the UDM stores the association information of SUPI#1, PDU Session ID#1, DNN and SMF ID.

[0148] At step 306, the SMF sends PDU Session establishment Accept (PDU Session ID#1) to UE1 through AMF1.

[0149] Among them, the PDU Session establishment Accept includes IP address #1.

[0150] Optionally, the PDU Session establishment Accept also includes that the PDU Session ID #1 allows / supports dual orientation. When the Traffic switch across UEs information is included in the step 301, the PDU Session establishment Accept can be a response message to the received Traffic switch across UEs information. The SMF determines whether the session allows / supports dual orientation (for example, the SMF determines whether the DNN corresponding to the session allows / supports dual orientation according to the local configuration of the DNN; for another example, the SMF obtains from the UDM or the PCF that the PDU session allows / supports dual orientation).

[0151] Before step 307, UE2 performs a registration procedure, and AMF2 is responsible for the access and mobility management of UE2 and the registration management of UE2. The AMF2 stores the SUPI #2 (the identifier of UE2).

[0152] Step 307, UE2 requests to switch the traffic of the PDU Session ID #1 of the binding UE to the PDU Session ID #2.

[0153] Exemplarily, UE2 sends a NAS message to AMF2, and the NAS message includes the PDU Session ID #2, the PDU Session ID #1 of the binding UE, the Traffic switching indication, and the PDU Session establishment Request.

[0154] Optionally, when UE1 receives from the SMF the condition that the PDU Session ID #1 allows / supports dual orientation, UE2 can only initiate step 307.

[0155] Optionally, the trigger condition of step 307 can be at least one of the following:

[0156] UE1 detects that the signal quality between UE1 and RAN1 becomes poor, or UE1 detects that the signal quality between UE1 and RAN1 has been lower than the handover trigger threshold (i.e. there is no RAN better than RAN1 around UE1, and no handover procedure occurs), or the QoS requirement of PDU Session ID #1 of UE1 is not met.

[0157] Step 308, AMF2 requests UDM for the SMF corresponding to PDU Session ID#1 of UE2 binding UE, and AMF2 requests UDM for SUPI#1 of UE2 binding UE.

[0158] Exemplarily, AMF2 sends SUPI#2 and PDU Session ID#1 of binding UE to UDM, and UDM sends SMF ID and SUPI#1 of UE2 to AMF2. UDM first acquires that the binding UE of UE2 is UE1, and then acquires the SMF ID responsible for PDU Session ID#1 of UE1.

[0159] Optionally, AMF2 first acquires SUPI#1 of UE2 binding UE from UDM (specifically, AMF2 sends SUPI#2 and binding UE indication to UDM, and UDM sends SUPI#1 of UE2 to AMF2), and then acquires the SMF corresponding to PDU Session ID#1 of UE1 from UDM (specifically, AMF2 sends SUPI#1 and PDU Session ID#1 to UDM, and UDM sends SMF ID to AMF2).

[0160] Optionally, step 308 further includes binding UE indication (SUCI#1), and AMF2 first requests UDM to convert the binding UE indication (SUCI#1) into SUPI#1 of UE1, and then acquires the SMF corresponding to PDU Session ID#1 of UE1 from UDM in step 308 (specifically, AMF2 sends SUPI#1 and PDU Session ID#1 to UDM, and UDM sends SMF ID to AMF2).

[0161] Step 309, AMF2 requests the SMF corresponding to SMF ID to switch the service of PDU Session ID#1 of UE1 to PDU Session ID#2 of UE2.

[0162] Exemplarily, AMF2 sends PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request to the SMF, and the PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message includes SUPI#2, PDU Session ID#2, Traffic switching indication, and PDU Session ID#1 of SUPI#1.

[0163] Step 310, the SMF binds the PDU Session ID#2 of the UE2 and the N4 Session ID#1, and binds the PDU Session ID#2 of the UE2 and the IP address#1.

[0164] Step 311, other procedures (N3 connection creation, air interface resource configuration) created by the PDU Session ID#2.

[0165] Exemplarily, the SMF sends the N4 Session ID#1 and the N4 Session Context to the UPF, the FAR in the N4 Session Context is used to create the N3 connection, and the FAR indicates that the UPF sends the downlink service data of the IP address#1 to the RAN2 (the tunnel endpoint information of the RAN2 is included in the N4 Session Context). The SMF sends the tunnel endpoint information of the UPF to the RAN2 through the AMF2, for creating the N3 connection, so that the RAN2 sends the uplink data of the PDU session to the UPF. The SMF sends the PDU Session establishment Accept (PDU Session ID#2) to the UE2 through the AMF2, and after the UE2 receives the PDU Session establishment Accept, the UE2 transmits the service data of the IP address#1 through the PDU Session ID#2 (that is, the UE2 sends the service data of the IP address#1 to the RAN2).

[0166] Step 312, after the PDU Session ID#2 is created, the SMF triggers the PDU Session ID#1 of the UE1 to deactivate (or release) the user plane transmission, but does not release the N4 Session (the N4 Session ID#1 is reserved).

[0167] Among them, the release of the N4 Session Context includes the N3 connection between the RAN1 and the UPF, and the RAN1 releases the air interface resource configuration between the UE1 and the PDU Session ID#1.

[0168] The following refers to FIG. 4 to explain that the service data of the PDU session bearer of the UE1 and the service data of the PDU session bearer of the UE2 can be transmitted at the same time, but different service data can be transmitted through different PDU sessions, and the PDU session needs to be switched (that is, the service data switching of the service granularity). The following explains the association scheme of the inter-UE session in combination with the data interaction of the UE1, the UE2, the RAN1, the RAN2, the AMF1, the AMF2, the SMF, and the UDM, as follows:

[0169] It should be noted that the UE1 performs the registration procedure, the AMF1 is responsible for the access and mobility management of the UE1, and the registration management of the UE1. The AMF1 stores the SUPI#1 (the identifier of the UE1). The UE1 obtains the URSP from the PCF, and the URSP includes the correspondence between a service data flow (SDF) and a PDU Session parameter (DNN or S-NSSAI), that is, each service data flow SDF needs to be transmitted through a PDU session corresponding to the PDU Session parameter.

[0170] Step 400, the UDM stores the information associated with the UE1 and the UE2 (that is, stores the association of the SUPI#1 (the identifier of the UE1) and the SUPI#2 (the identifier of the UE2)).

[0171] It should be understood that the association of the two UEs exists in the process of opening an account for the UE by the operator, and therefore the UDM stores the association of the SUPI#1 and the SUPI#2.

[0172] Step 401, after the service is initiated in the first device, the UE1 sends a NAS message to the AMF1 through the RAN1.

[0173] The NAS message includes the PDU Session ID#1, the PDU Session establishment Request, the DNN, and the S-NSSAI. The PDU Session establishment Request can also include the PDU Session ID#1. If the PDU session needs to be associated between different UEs or bidirectional, the NAS message also includes bidirectional indication information, and the AMF1 can select the SMF supporting the bidirectional PDU session association according to the bidirectional indication information, so as to facilitate subsequent processing.

[0174] Step 402, the AMF1 sends a PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request to the SMF.

[0175] The PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message includes the SUPI#1, the DNN, the S-NSSAI, the PDU Session ID#1, and the PDU Session establishment Request. Optionally, the message also includes bidirectional indication information.

[0176] Step 403A, the SMF sends the SUPI#1, the DNN, the PDU Session ID#1, and the SMF ID to the UDM.

[0177] Optionally, the SMF obtains the PDU session allows / supports dual direction from the UDM. Or, the SMF obtains the PDU session allows / supports dual direction from the PCF.

[0178] Step 403B, the SMF allocates N4 Session ID#1 for the session.

[0179] Specifically, the SMF sends N4 Session ID#1 and N4 Session Context to the UPF.

[0180] Wherein, the N4 Session Context includes PDR, FAR. For example, the FAR in the N4 Session Context indicates that the UPF sends the service data of the IP address#1 to the RAN1 (the N4 Session Context includes the tunnel endpoint information of the RAN1). In addition, the SMF or the UPF also allocates the IP address#1 for the PDU session.

[0181] Step 403C, the SMF creates the policy association of the session with the PCF.

[0182] Exemplarily, the SMF sends SUPI#1, PDU Session ID#1, DNN and S-NSSAI and the like information to the PCF, the PCF sends SM Policy Association ID#1 to the SMF, and the SMF stores the association between the SM Policy Association ID#1 and the PDU Session ID#1 of the UE1.

[0183] Step 404A, the SMF stores the information of the association between N4 Session ID#1 and the PDU Session ID#1 of the UE1, the information of the association between the PDU Session ID#1 of the UE1 and the IP address#1, and the information of the association between SUPI#1, PDU Session ID#1 and DNN and S-NSSAI.

[0184] Step 404B, the UDM stores the information of the association between SUPI#1, PDU Session ID#1, DNN and SMF ID.

[0185] Step 405, the SMF sends PDU Session establishment Accept (PDU Session ID#1) to the UE1 through the AMF1.

[0186] Wherein, the PDU Session establishment Accept includes the IP address#1.

[0187] Optionally, the PDU Session establishment Accept also includes that the PDU Session ID#1 allows / supports dual connectivity. When the PDU Session association across UEs information is included in step 401, the PDU Session establishment Accept can be a response message to the PDU Session association across UEs information. The SMF determines whether the PDU Session allows / supports dual connectivity (e.g., the SMF determines whether the DNN corresponding to the PDU Session allows / supports dual connectivity according to the local configuration of the DNN; e.g., the SMF obtains from the UDM or PCF that the PDU Session allows / supports dual connectivity).

[0188] Before step 406, UE2 performs the registration procedure, and AMF2 is responsible for the access and mobility management of UE2, and the registration management of UE2. AMF2 stores SUPI#2 (the identity of UE2).

[0189] Step 406, UE2 requests to create PDU Session ID#2 and bind to PDU Session ID#1 of UE1.

[0190] Exemplarily, UE2 sends a NAS message to AMF2, the NAS message includes PDU Session ID#2, PDU Session ID#1 of binding UE / binding indication, and PDU Session establishment Request. Optionally, the NAS message also includes DNN and S-NSSAI.

[0191] Optionally, step 406 can be initiated by UE2 only when UE1 receives from the SMF that the PDU Session ID#1 allows / supports dual connectivity.

[0192] Optionally, in step 406, if UE1 / UE2 share the same PDU Session ID#1, PDU Session ID#2 does not need to be carried, and PDU Session ID#2 is replaced by PDU Session ID#1 in the subsequent procedure.

[0193] Step 407, AMF2 requests from the UDM the SMF to which UE2 binds the PDU Session ID#1 of UE, and AMF2 requests from the UDM the SUPI#1 of UE2.

[0194] The step 308 can be referred to for understanding.

[0195] The step 408, the AMF2 requests the SMF corresponding to the SMF ID to bind the PDU Session ID#2 of the UE2 to the PDU Session ID#1 of the UE1.

[0196] Exemplarily, the AMF2 sends a PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request to the SMF, and the PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message includes the SUPI#2, the PDU Session ID#2, and the PDU Session ID#1 of the SUPI#1. Optionally, the PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request message further includes the DNN and the S-NSSAI.

[0197] The step 409, the SMF binds the association of the PDU Session ID#2 of the UE2 and the PDU Session ID#1 of the UE1.

[0198] The PDU Session ID#2 of the UE2 and the PDU Session ID#1 of the UE1 share the IP address#1 and the N4 Session ID#1.

[0199] The step 410, the SMF obtains the Multi-UE PDU Session control info from the PCF.

[0200] The Multi-UE PDU Session control info can be replaced by the DualSteer PDU Session control info.

[0201] Exemplarily, the SMF sends SM Policy Association ID#1 and SUPI#2, PDU Session ID#2, DNN and S-NSSAI, etc. to the PCF, the PCF knows that the PDU Session ID#2 of UE2 and the PDU Session ID#1 of UE1 are associated. The PCF generates Multi-UE PDU Session control info, including per SDF steer to UE1 / UE2. Optionally, the Multi-UE PDU Session control info also includes switch allowed or not per SDF.

[0202] In step 411, the SMF updates the FAR according to the Multi-UE PDU Session control info, and sends the updated FAR to the UPF.

[0203] For example, the FAR indicates that the SDF#1 downlink data is sent to RAN1, and the SDF#2 downlink data is sent to RAN2 (the tunnel endpoint information of RAN2 is included in the N4 Session Context).

[0204] In step 412, the SMF generates Traffic Steer Rule (SDF#1 steer to UE1 / SDF#2 steer to UE2, SDF#1 uplink data is sent through UE1 and SDF#2 uplink data is sent through UE2) according to the Multi-UE PDU Session control info.

[0205] Optionally, the SMF also generates Traffic Switch Rule (SDF#1 / 2 allowed to switch or not, whether the SDF#1 / 2 traffic data stream is allowed to switch between UEs).

[0206] In step 413, the SMF sends the Traffic Steer Rule to UE1 / UE2 respectively.

[0207] For example, the SMF sends the Traffic Steer Rule (SDF#1 steer to UE1, SDF#1 uplink data is sent through UE1) to UE1, and the SMF sends the Traffic Steer Rule (SDF#2 steer to UE2, SDF#2 uplink data is sent through UE2) to UE2.

[0208] Before step 412, other procedures (N3 connection creation, air interface resource configuration, etc.) of PDU Session ID#2 creation are performed. Specifically, the SMF sends N4 Session ID#1 and N4 Session Context including the tunnel endpoint information of RAN2 to the UPF. The SMF sends the tunnel endpoint information of the UPF to RAN2 through AMF2 to create N3 connection so that RAN2 sends uplink data of the PDU session to the UPF. The SMF sends PDU Session establishment Accept (PDU Session ID#2) to UE2 through AMF2.

[0209] After step 413, the first device transmits the traffic data of SDF#1 through the PDU session PDU Session ID#1 of UE1 (in uplink transmission, the PDU layer associates SDF#1 to PDU Session ID#1 of UE1) and transmits the traffic data of SDF#2 through the PDU session PDU Session ID#2 of UE2 (in uplink transmission, the PDU layer associates SDF#2 to PDU Session ID#2 of UE2) according to the received Traffic Steer Rule. The UPF transmits SDF#1 to RAN1 and transmits SDF#2 to RAN2 according to the received FAR in downlink transmission.

[0210] If UE2 does not trigger the PDU Session creation procedure and PDU session association, i.e., steps 406-413 are not performed, both SDF#1 and SDF#2 are transmitted through PDU Session ID#1. In uplink transmission, the PDU layer associates SDF#1 and SDF#2 to PDU Session ID#1 of UE1; in downlink transmission, the UPF transmits SDF#1 and SDF#2 to RAN1.

[0211] The procedure related to the above-mentioned FIG. 3 introduces the session granularity traffic data switching in the dual-directional application scenario (the two sessions cannot be activated at the same time and cannot transmit the traffic data of the first device at the same time), and the procedure related to the above-mentioned FIG. 4 introduces the traffic data granularity traffic data switching in the dual-directional application scenario (the two sessions can be activated at the same time and can transmit the traffic data of the first device at the same time). If the session granularity traffic data switching and the traffic data granularity traffic data switching exist at the same time, how to perform the dual-directional session creation and traffic data switching is not explained by the related art. Based on this, the present application provides a method for determining the transmission scheme of traffic data in a dual-directional application scenario.

[0212] The method can be illustrated by data interaction between the first terminal, the second terminal, the second network element, the fourth network element, the first network element, and the third network element. The first terminal and the second terminal can be terminals or SIM cards in the first device. The first terminal and the second terminal can also belong to different devices that can share an IP address, for example, a user A's mobile phone and a car are in the same space position (the mobile phone is in the car, or the distance between the mobile phone and the car is within a distance threshold), and the mobile phone and the car can share the same IP address, so the mobile phone can be understood as the first terminal and the car can be understood as the second terminal. Or, a user A's mobile phone and a tablet computer are in the same space position (the distance between the mobile phone and the tablet computer is within a distance threshold), and the mobile phone and the tablet computer can share the same IP address, so the mobile phone can be understood as the first terminal and the tablet computer can be understood as the second terminal. The present application does not specifically limit whether the first terminal and the second terminal are in the same device or in different devices. In specific applications, other terminals can also be involved, and the present application does not limit the number of terminals, and the same IP address can be shared between terminals. The present application takes the first terminal and the second terminal as an example for illustration.

[0213] The second network element is used for access management of the first terminal, for example, the second network element is AMF1. The fourth network element is used for access management of the second terminal, for example, the fourth network element is AMF2. In addition, the second network element can also be used for attachment, mobility management, tracking area update, etc. of the first terminal in the mobile network. The fourth network element can also be used for attachment, mobility management, tracking area update, etc. of the second terminal in the mobile network. The first network element is used for session management of the first terminal and session management of the second terminal, for example, the first network element is SMF. The third network element is used for session policy management of the first session of the first terminal, for example, the third network element is PCF. This is only an example and is not specifically limited.

[0214] The following describes two embodiments of the scheme of the present application. Embodiment one is that the first network element or the third network element determines the transmission mode of the service data of the first device and sends it to the first device, so that the first device determines how to perform service data transmission in the subsequent service data transmission process. Embodiment two is that the first device determines how to perform service data transmission based on its own capability information or service data transmission strategy of the first device.

[0215] Embodiment one,

[0216] Figures 5-6 take the first terminal (UE1) and the second terminal (UE2) in the first device, the first network element as SMF, the fourth network element as the access management network element AMF2 of the second terminal, the second network element as the access management network element AMF1 of the first terminal, and the third network element as PCF as an example for illustration.

[0217] Case 1, in the case of not creating the second session, the SMF obtains the transmission mode of the first service data in the first session creation process, and sends it to the first device

[0218] The following is performed with reference to FIG. 5:

[0219] Step 501, UE1 sends a sixth message to AMF1 through RAN1 (an access device providing access service for UE1), and the sixth message is used to request to create a first session of UE1, and the first session is used for dual steering.

[0220] Among them, the sixth message can be a new type of message, the sixth message is associated with dual steering, and based on the sixth message, it can be determined to perform dual steering. Or, the sixth message is a NAS message, by carrying the first session creation request message and the dual steering indication information (such as PDU session for DualSteer) in the NAS message, so that the network element of the core network determines to perform dual steering. Or, the NAS message includes the first session creation request message and the request type, and the request type indicates that the purpose of the PDU session creation is dual steering. Not specifically limited here.

[0221] Exemplarily, the first session is a dual steering session (or provides dual steering service for the first session), and then the AMF1 obtains the first session creation request message (such as PDU session creation request message) to determine to perform dual steering. Among them, the first session can be a PDU session.

[0222] Optionally, the sixth message includes second information indicating the dual steering capability of the first device. Among them, the dual steering capability of the first device usually includes the service data transmission capability of the first device (such as whether to support UE1 and UE2 to transmit different service data at the same time, whether to support UE1 and UE2 to be in connected state and transmit service data at the same time, etc.). When the sixth message includes second information indicating the dual steering capability of the first device, it provides reference information for the first network element to obtain the first information, so that the first network element accurately determines or obtains the first information.

[0223] Exemplarily, the second information can be one or more of the following: whether the first device supports performance measurement function, whether the first device supports performing service granularity data transmission switching between UE1 and UE2, or whether the first device supports UE1 and UE2 to transmit service data at the same time.

[0224] It should be noted that when the first device supports the performance measurement function, the reliability of data shunting or data switching and other performances can be guaranteed when the first terminal and the second terminal transmit data at the same time.

[0225] In addition, the sixth message further includes the PDU session identity 1 (i.e., the identity of the first session), the PDU Session establishment Request, the DNN, and the S-NSSAI. The PDU Session establishment Request can further include the PDU session identity 1. Details are not described herein, and can be understood with reference to related technologies.

[0226] At step 502, the AMF 1 sends a first message to the SMF, the first message being used for requesting creation of the first session of the UE 1 or for requesting creation of a context of the first session of the UE 1.

[0227] The first message can be a new type of message associated with the dual direction, based on which it can be determined that the dual direction is performed. Alternatively, the first message is the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request or the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request, the first message including the creation request message of the first session and the dual direction indication information, or the first message including the creation request message of the first session and the request type, the request type indicating that the purpose of the PDU session creation is the dual direction. Details are not limited herein.

[0228] It should be noted that the information included in the first message can be from the sixth message. For example, the sixth message includes the second information, and the first message also includes the second information. It should be further noted that, when the UE 1 and the UE 2 access the network for the first time, the network element of the core network can store the association of the UE 1 and the UE 2, and register the capability information (including the second information) of the UE 1 and the UE 2 to the network element of the core network, and the network element of the core network can store the capability information of the UE 1 and the UE 2. If the first message does not include the second information, the AMF 1 can obtain the second information from the registration information of the UE 1, so that even if the sixth message does not include the second information, the first message can include the second information.

[0229] At step 503, the SMF obtains the first information according to the first message, the first information indicating the service data transmission mode of the first device (or the transmission mode between the first session and the second session of the UE 2, the first session being associated with the second session, and the second session not being created before the step 503).

[0230] Optionally, the first information comprises a first transmission manner (e.g., session-level policy or session-level switching as described with reference to FIG. 3) or a second transmission manner (e.g., app-level policy or app-level switching as described with reference to FIG. 4); wherein the first transmission manner indicates that the service data carried by the first session is switched between the first session and a second session of the UE2 (or, the service data of the first device is switched between the first session and the second session) according to a session granularity, or indicates that the service data of the first device is not allowed to be transmitted in the first session and the second session simultaneously, or indicates that the first session and the second session are not allowed to be in an active state simultaneously. The second transmission manner indicates that the service data carried by the first session is switched between the first session and the second session (or, the service data of the first device is switched between the first session and the second session) according to a service granularity, or indicates that the service data of the first device is allowed to be transmitted in the first session and the second session simultaneously, or indicates that the first session and the second session are allowed to be in an active state simultaneously; wherein the second session is associated with the first session.

[0231] Exemplarily, the first transmission mode indicates that the first session is in an active state (e.g., the path corresponding to the first session is an active path) and the second session is in a deactivated state (e.g., the path corresponding to the second session is a standby path) when transmitting the service data of the first device. For example, the session or path used to transmit the service data of the first device can be represented by using a PLMN+RAT type combination, which can be represented in the following manner: Active=PLMN1 and RAT1, Standby=PLMN2 and RAT2, where PLMN1 is the network identifier accessed by UE1, RAT1 is the radio access type of the RAN accessed by UE1, PLMN2 is the network identifier accessed by UE2, and RAT2 is the radio access type of the RAN accessed by UE2. Active=PLMN1 and RAT1 indicates that the transmission path corresponding to PLMN1 and RAT1 is in an active state, and the first session is created on the transmission path corresponding to PLMN1 and RAT1. Standby=PLMN2 and RAT2 indicates that the transmission path corresponding to PLMN1 and RAT1 is in a deactivated state, and the second session is created on the transmission path corresponding to PLMN2 and RAT2. Alternatively, the path used to transmit the service data of the first device can be represented by using a PLMN, which can be represented in the following manner: Active=PLMN1, Standby=PLMN2. Alternatively, the path used to transmit the service data of the first device can be represented by using a RAT type, which can be represented in the following manner: Active=RAT1, Standby=RAT2. Alternatively, the session or path used to transmit the service data of the first device can be represented by using a PDU Session ID, which can be represented in the following manner: Active=PDU Session ID#1 (the identifier of the first session), Standby=PDU Session ID#2 (the identifier of the second session).

[0232] Exemplarily, the second transmission mode indicates that, when transmitting service data of an application (APP), the active path is the first session and the standby path is the second session. For example, a session or path for transmitting service data of an application 1 can be represented by using a PLMN+RAT type combination, which can be characterized by Active=PLMN1 and RAT1, Standby=PLMN2 and RAT2, where PLMN1 is an identifier of a network accessed by UE1, RAT1 is a radio access type of a RAN accessed by UE1, PLMN2 is an identifier of a network accessed by UE2, and RAT2 is a radio access type of a RAN accessed by UE2. Alternatively, a session or path for transmitting service data of an application 1 can be represented by using a PDU Session ID, which can be characterized by Active=PDU Session ID#1 (an identifier of the first session) and Standby=PDU Session ID#2 (an identifier of the second session). Details can be understood with reference to the related description in the first transmission mode, which will not be repeated here.

[0233] When the second information is included in the first message, the second information indicates that the first device does not support the performance measurement function, the first device does not support performing service-granular data transmission switching between UE1 and UE2, or the first device does not support simultaneous transmission of service data by UE1 and UE2, it can be determined that the service data transmission mode of the first device is the first transmission mode.

[0234] When the second information is included in the first message, the second information indicates that the first device supports the performance measurement function, the first device supports performing service-granular data transmission switching between UE1 and UE2, or the first device supports simultaneous transmission of service data by UE1 and UE2, it can be determined that the service data transmission mode of the first device is the second transmission mode.

[0235] Optionally, when the first information includes the first transmission mode, the first information further includes third information, the third information being used to indicate whether to pre-create the second session. Exemplarily, the third information can indicate to pre-create the second session by default (e.g., when the third information is included in the first information, the second session of UE2 needs to be pre-created), or the third information can indicate not to pre-create the second session by default. Details are not limited here. It should be noted that, when the third information is included in the first information, the first device can explicitly indicate whether to request to create the second session of UE2. Alternatively, the first information includes the third information but does not include the first transmission mode. It should be understood that the third information can implicitly indicate the first transmission mode, and therefore the first information does not need to separately include the first transmission mode.

[0236] In the step 503, and the second information is included in the first message, the first information can be acquired by the following way 1-way 3, the way 1 can refer to the step 503a, the way 2 can refer to the step 503b-step 503c, the way 3 can refer to the step 503d-step 503f, and in the specific application, one way can be selected.

[0237] The step 503a, the SMF determines the first information according to the second information.

[0238] The step 503b, the SMF acquires the subscription information of the UE1, and the subscription information of the UE1 indicates whether the service data of the first device is authorized to be simultaneously transmitted between the UE1 and the UE2, or the subscription information of the UE1 indicates whether the simultaneous transmission of the service data of the first device between the UE1 and the UE2 is allowed.

[0239] Exemplarily, the SMF can acquire the subscription information of the UE1 from the UDM, and how to acquire the subscription information of the UE1 is not expanded here, and can be understood by referring to the prior art.

[0240] The step 503c, the SMF determines the first information according to the second information and the subscription information of the UE1.

[0241] The step 503d, the SMF sends a second message to the PCF according to the first message, the second message includes the identity of the UE1 (for example, SUPI), and the second message is used to request to acquire the session policy of the first session.

[0242] The second message can be a policy request message.

[0243] The SMF sends the second message to the PCF according to the first message, which can be understood as that the SMF sends the second message to the PCF after receiving the first message.

[0244] The step 503e, the PCF acquires or generates the first information.

[0245] It should be noted that when performing the above step 503a or step 503e, the SMF (corresponding to step 503a) or the PCF (corresponding to step 503e) obtains the dual directional capability of the first device according to the second information. If the SMF or the PCF determines that the first device does not support the performance measurement function, the first device does not support the data transmission switching at the traffic granularity between UE1 and UE2, or the first device does not support the simultaneous transmission of traffic data by UE1 and UE2 according to the dual directional capability of the first device, it is determined that the traffic data transmission mode of the first device is the first transmission mode (also referred to as session-level policy or session-level switching) described above. If the SMF or the PCF determines that the first device supports the performance measurement function, the first device supports the data transmission switching at the traffic granularity between UE1 and UE2, or the first device supports the simultaneous transmission of traffic data by UE1 and UE2 according to the dual directional capability of the first device, it is determined that the traffic data transmission mode of the first device is the second transmission mode (also referred to as app-level policy or app-level switching) described above.

[0246] Optionally, when performing the step 503e, the PCF can acquire the subscription information of the UE1 from the UDM, how to acquire the subscription information of the UE1 is not unfolded herein, and can be understood with reference to the prior art. Based on this, when performing the step 503c or the step 503e, if the SMF or the PCF determines that the first device does not support the data transmission switching between the UE1 and the UE2 according to the dual orientation capability of the first device (the first device does not support the performance measurement function, the first device does not support the data transmission switching between the UE1 and the UE2 in the service granularity, or the first device does not support the simultaneous transmission of the service data of the UE1 and the UE2), and the subscription information of the UE1 indicates that the service data of the first device is not authorized to be simultaneously transmitted between the UE1 and the UE2, it is determined that the service data transmission mode of the first device is the first transmission mode (also referred to as the session-level policy or the session-level switching) described above. If the SMF or the PCF determines that the first device supports the data transmission switching between the UE1 and the UE2 according to the dual orientation capability of the first device (the first device supports the performance measurement function, the first device supports the data transmission switching between the UE1 and the UE2 in the service granularity, or the first device supports the simultaneous transmission of the service data of the UE1 and the UE2), and the subscription information of the UE1 indicates that the service data of the first device is authorized to be simultaneously transmitted between the UE1 and the UE2, it is determined that the service data transmission mode of the first device is the second transmission mode (also referred to as the app-level policy or the app-level switching) described above. If the SMF or the PCF determines that the first device supports the data transmission switching between the UE1 and the UE2 according to the dual orientation capability of the first device (the first device supports the performance measurement function, the first device supports the data transmission switching between the UE1 and the UE2 in the service granularity, or the first device supports the simultaneous transmission of the service data of the UE1 and the UE2), but the subscription information of the UE1 indicates that the service data of the first device is not authorized to be simultaneously transmitted between the UE1 and the UE2, it is determined that the service data transmission mode of the first device is the first transmission mode described above.

[0247] Optionally, in the case that the first information comprises the third information but does not comprise the first transmission mode, the SMF or the PCF determines the third information according to the second information and the subscription information of the UE1. Specifically, if the SMF or the PCF determines that the first device does not support performing data transmission switching of traffic granularity between the UE1 and the UE2 according to the dual-directional capability of the first device (the first device does not support the performance measurement function, the first device does not support performing data transmission switching of traffic granularity between the UE1 and the UE2, or the first device does not support simultaneous transmission of traffic data by the UE1 and the UE2), it is determined that the third information (a second session can be created in advance, but traffic data is not transmitted simultaneously) is determined. If the SMF or the PCF determines that the first device supports performing data transmission switching of traffic granularity between the UE1 and the UE2 according to the dual-directional capability of the first device (the first device supports the performance measurement function, the first device supports performing data transmission switching of traffic granularity between the UE1 and the UE2, or the first device supports simultaneous transmission of traffic data by the UE1 and the UE2), it is determined that the third information (the third information indicates that a second session is directly created instead of being created in advance, and the first session and the second session transmit traffic data simultaneously) is determined.

[0248] It should be further noted that, when performing the step 503d, the PCF receives the second message comprising the second information, and the PCF directly acquires or generates the first information by default. Details can be understood with reference to the foregoing description. In addition, the second message can further comprise fifth information, and the fifth information indicates that the first session is used for dual-direction. In this case, the PCF acquires or generates the first information only when the second message comprises the second information. Otherwise, in the case that the second message does not comprise the fifth information, even if the second message comprises the second information, the PCF will not acquire or generate the first information. When the second message comprises the fifth information, the timing of acquiring the first information can be determined, and blind acquisition of the first information can be avoided.

[0249] In step 503f, the PCF sends the first information to the SMF.

[0250] The first information can be carried in policy information.

[0251] In addition, it should be further noted that, if the second message does not comprise the second information, the SMF or the PCF can also acquire the first information only according to the subscription information of the UE1. If the subscription information of the UE1 indicates that the traffic data of the first device is not authorized to be transmitted simultaneously between the UE1 and the UE2, it is determined that the transmission mode of the traffic data of the first device is the first transmission mode. If the subscription information of the UE1 indicates that the traffic data of the first device is authorized to be transmitted simultaneously between the UE1 and the UE2, it is determined that the transmission mode of the traffic data of the first device is the second transmission mode. This is only an example and is not specifically limited.

[0252] In step 504, the SMF sends the first information to the UE1.

[0253] Exemplarily, the first information can be carried in a first session creation response message or a first session creation acceptance message.

[0254] Optionally, the SMF also sends an identity of the SMF to the AMF2, so that the AMF can request the SMF to create a second session for the UE2 for the dual orientation.

[0255] Step 505, the UE1 interacts with the UE2 the first information.

[0256] For example, the UE1 sends the first information to the UE2, or interacts the first information based on the implementation of the first device.

[0257] If the first information only includes the first transmission mode, and it is determined that the trigger condition is met, steps 506a, 507a and 508a are performed, wherein the trigger condition can be that the UE1 detects that the signal quality between the UE1 and the RAN1 becomes poor, or the UE1 detects that the signal quality between the UE1 and the RAN1 has been lower than a handover trigger threshold (i.e. there is no RAN better than the RAN1 signal quality around the UE1, and no handover procedure occurs), or the QoS requirement of the first session of the UE1 is not met, etc. If the first information includes both the first transmission mode and the third information (indicating pre-creation of the second session), steps 506b, 507b and 508b are performed, and when it is determined that the trigger condition is met, steps 506c, 507c and 508c are performed. If the first information only includes the second transmission mode, steps 506d, 507d and 508d are performed, and after determining the service granularity service data switching rule, the service data switching transmission is performed.

[0258] Optionally, in the case that the first information includes the third information and does not include the first transmission mode, if the first information includes the third information, steps 506b, 507b and 508b are performed, and when it is determined that the trigger condition is met, steps 506c, 507c and 508c are performed. It should be understood that the third information can implicitly indicate the first transmission mode, so the first transmission mode does not need to be included separately in the first information.

[0259] Step 506a, the UE2 sends a seventh message to the AMF2 through the RAN2 (an access device providing access service for the UE2), the seventh message includes service data switching indication information, and the seventh message is used to request to create a second session, and the service data switching indication information is used to request to switch the service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission (or referred to as, the service data switching indication information is used to request to switch the service data of the first device from the first session to the second session for transmission).

[0260] The seventh message further includes information of the first session (for example, indication information of the bidirectional session, session parameters of the first session, and indication information of the bidirectional session used to indicate that the bidirectional session is created) and an identifier of the bidirectional session. The information of the first session included in the seventh message facilitates the network element of the core network to determine that the first session is associated with the second session.

[0261] The seventh message can be a new type of message, and the seventh message is associated with the bidirectional session. Based on the seventh message, it can be determined that the bidirectional session is performed. Alternatively, the seventh message is a NAS message. The second session creation request message and the bidirectional indication information are carried in the NAS message, so that the network element of the core network determines that the bidirectional session is performed. Details are not limited herein.

[0262] In step 507a, the AMF 2 sends a third message to the SMF. The third message includes service data switching indication information, and the third message is used to request to create the second session or to request to create a context of the second session.

[0263] For example, the third message is Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request or Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request.

[0264] In step 508a, the SMF switches service data of the first session to the second session for transmission according to the third message or according to the service data switching indication information.

[0265] In step 506b, the UE 2 sends a ninth message to the AMF 2 through the RAN 2. The ninth message includes fourth information and information of the first session. The fourth information is used to indicate that the second session is pre-created.

[0266] The ninth message can be a new type of message, and the ninth message is associated with the bidirectional session. Based on the ninth message, it can be determined that the bidirectional session is performed. Alternatively, the ninth message is a NAS message. The second session creation request message and the bidirectional indication information are carried in the NAS message, so that the network element of the core network determines that the bidirectional session is performed. Alternatively, the second session creation request message and a request type are included in the NAS message. The request type indicates that the purpose of the PDU session creation is the bidirectional session. Details are not limited herein.

[0267] In step 507b, the AMF 2 sends a fifth message to the SMF. The fifth message includes the fourth information and the information of the first session. The fourth information is used to indicate that the second session is pre-created.

[0268] For example, the fifth message is an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request or an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request.

[0269] In step 508b, the SMF associates the first session and the second session, and does not activate the second session (i.e., does not activate the user plane of the second session).

[0270] Specifically, the SMF can determine not to activate the second session based on the fourth information, and can also determine not to activate the second session based on the first information stored in the context information of the first device when the first transmission mode is the first information. Here, no specific limitation is made.

[0271] In step 506c, UE2 sends service data switching indication information or a service request message to AMF2 through RAN2, the service data switching indication information is used to request switching of service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission (which can also be referred to as the service data switching indication information is used to request switching of service data of the first device from the first session to the second session for transmission), and the service request message is used to request activation of the second session.

[0272] The service request message includes a session identifier list that needs to be activated, and the session identifier list includes the second session identifier.

[0273] In step 507c, AMF2 sends the service data switching indication information or the indication information of the user plane of the second session to the SMF.

[0274] For example, after receiving the service request message in step 506c, AMF2 generates the indication information of the user plane of the second session according to the service request message.

[0275] In step 508c, the SMF deactivates the first session and activates the second session (i.e., the user plane of the second session) according to the service data switching indication information or the indication information of the user plane of the second session.

[0276] In step 506d, UE2 sends a second session creation request message to AMF2 through RAN2.

[0277] The second session creation request message can be a new type of message, which is associated with the dual orientation, and based on the second session creation request message, the dual orientation can be determined to be executed. Alternatively, the second session creation request message is a NAS message, and the second session creation request message and the dual orientation indication information are carried in the NAS message, so that the network element of the core network determines to execute the dual orientation. Alternatively, the NAS message includes the second session creation request message and a request type, and the request type indicates that the purpose of the PDU session creation is the dual orientation. Herein, no specific limitation is made.

[0278] In step 507d, the AMF 2 sends a second session creation request message to the SMF.

[0279] In step 508d, the SMF sends the service granularity service data switching rule to the UE 2, and performs the switching transmission of the service data.

[0280] It should be noted that if step 506a is executed, then steps 507a and 508a are executed; if step 506b is executed, then steps 507b and 508b are executed, and then steps 506c, 507c and 508c are executed; if step 506d is executed, then steps 507d and 508d are executed.

[0281] In the present application, after the first network element receives the first message of the first terminal creating the session of the dual orientation, the first information indicating the service data transmission mode of the first device is obtained, and the first information is sent to the first terminal. Based on this, the first terminal or the first device can determine the action of creating the session associated with the first session based on the first information.

[0282] Case 2, in the case where the second session has been created, the SMF obtains the transmission mode of the first service data through the first session and sends it to the first device

[0283] The following is performed with reference to FIG. 6:

[0284] In step 601, the UE 2 sends an eighth message to the AMF 2 through the RAN 2, the eighth message including an identity (e.g., SUPI 2) of the UE 2, and the eighth message is used to request to create a second session of the UE 2, and the second session is used for the dual orientation.

[0285] Wherein, the eighth message can be a new type of message, the eighth message is associated with the dual orientation, and the execution of the dual orientation can be determined based on the eighth message. Alternatively, the eighth message is a NAS message, and the creation request message of the second session and the dual orientation indication information are carried in the NAS message, so that the network element of the core network determines to execute the dual orientation. Alternatively, the NAS message includes the creation request message of the second session and a request type, and the request type indicates that the purpose of the PDU session creation is the dual orientation. Not specifically limited here.

[0286] The eighth message described above further includes the PDU session identifier 2 (i.e., the identifier of the second session), the PDU Session establishment Request, the DNN, and the S-NSSAI. The PDU Session establishment Request can further include the PDU session identifier 2. Not expanded here, can be understood by referring to the related technology.

[0287] Step 602, AMF2 sends a fourth message to SMF, and the fourth message is used to request to create the second session of UE2.

[0288] Wherein, the fourth message can be Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request or Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request. The fourth message can include the creation request message of the second session and the dual orientation indication information, or the fourth message includes the creation request message of the second session and a request type, and the request type indicates that the purpose of the PDU session creation is the dual orientation.

[0289] Step 603, the SMF allocates N4 Session ID#2 for the second session.

[0290] Exemplarily, the SMF sends N4 Session ID#2 and N4 Session Context to the UPF. Wherein, the N4 Session Context includes PDR, FAR. For example, the FAR in the N4 Session Context indicates that the UPF sends the service data of the IP address #1 to the RAN2 (the N4 Session Context includes the tunnel endpoint information of the RAN2). In addition, the SMF or the UPF also allocates the IP address #1 for the second session.

[0291] Steps 604-608 can be understood by referring to the above steps 501-505, which are not described here. In addition, it should be noted that in the scheme corresponding to FIG. 6, the first information does not include the third information, and the first information only includes the first transmission mode or the second transmission mode.

[0292] If the first information comprises the first transmission manner, when it is determined that the trigger condition is met (which can be understood by referring to the description of step 506a above and will not be described here), step 609a is performed. It should be noted that since the second session has been created, the current second session is in an active state.

[0293] In step 609a, the SMF deactivates the second session, creates a user plane of the first session, activates the first session, and transmits service data of the first session through the first session.

[0294] If the first information comprises the second transmission manner, after the service granularity service data switching rule is determined, the switching transmission of the service data is performed. Step 609b is performed. It should be noted that since the second session and the first session have both been created, the current second session and the first session are both in an active state.

[0295] In step 609b, the SMF sends the service granularity service data switching rule to the UE2, and performs the switching transmission of the service data.

[0296] In the above case 2, the first network element sends the first information to the first device only after the first session and the second session are both created, instead of sending the first information to the first device only after one of the sessions (the second session) is created, thereby reducing unnecessary sending of the first information. For example, if the first device only wants to create a session for one terminal (the second terminal), the device does not need to obtain the first information in advance, and the first information is sent to the device only after an associated session is also created for another terminal (the first terminal).

[0297] Embodiment two,

[0298] In FIG. 7, the first terminal (UE1) and the second terminal (UE2) are in the first device, the first network element is the SMF, the fourth network element is the access management network element AMF2 of the second terminal, and the second network element is the access management network element AMF1 of the first terminal.

[0299] The following is performed with reference to FIG. 7:

[0300] In step 701, the UE1 sends an eleventh message to the AMF1 through the RAN1, and the eleventh message is used to request to create a first session of the UE1, and the first session is used for double orientation.

[0301] The eleventh message can be a new type of message, and the eleventh message is associated with dual steering. Based on the eleventh message, it can be determined that dual steering is performed. Alternatively, the eleventh message is a NAS message, and the first session creation request message and the dual steering indication information (for example, PDU session for DualSteer) are carried in the NAS message, so that the network element of the core network determines to perform dual steering. Alternatively, the first session creation request message and the request type are included in the NAS message, and the request type indicates that the purpose of the PDU session creation is dual steering. Details are not limited herein.

[0302] The eleventh message described above further includes PDU session identifier 1 (that is, the identifier of the first session), PDU Session establishment Request, DNN and S-NSSAI. The PDU Session establishment Request can further include the PDU session identifier 1. Details are not expanded herein, and can be understood with reference to related technologies.

[0303] In step 702, the AMF 2 sends a thirteenth message to the SMF, and the thirteenth message is used to request to create the first session or to request to create the context of the first session.

[0304] The thirteenth message can be a new type of message, and the thirteenth message is associated with dual steering. Based on the thirteenth message, it can be determined that dual steering is performed. Alternatively, the thirteenth message is Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request or Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request, and the first session creation request message and the dual steering indication information are included in the message, or the first session creation request message and the request type are included in the message, and the request type indicates that the purpose of the PDU session creation is dual steering. Details are not limited herein.

[0305] In step 703, the SMF allocates N4 Session ID#1 for the first session.

[0306] Exemplarily, the SMF sends N4 Session ID#1 and N4 Session Context to the UPF. The N4 Session Context includes PDR and FAR. For example, the FAR in the N4 Session Context indicates that the UPF sends the service data of the IP address #1 to the RAN 1 (the tunnel endpoint information of the RAN 1 is included in the N4 Session Context). In addition, the SMF or the UPF further allocates the IP address #1 for the first session.

[0307] After the first session is created, step 704 is performed.

[0308] At step 704, UE2 sends a tenth message to AMF2 through RAN2, the tenth message including information of the first session and sixth information, the tenth message being used to request to create a second session of UE2, the sixth information indicating to pre-establish the second session or indicating the first transmission manner or indicating the dual directional capability of the first device, the second session being associated with the first session. The tenth message further includes a creation request message of the second session.

[0309] The second session being associated with the first session can be understood as that the second session and the first session are dual directional sessions. The sixth information can be a pre-establishment indication.

[0310] The sixth information is determined according to at least one of the following conditions:

[0311] The first device does not support performance measurement function, the first device does not support performing service granularity data transmission switching between UE1 and UE2, the first device does not support UE1 and UE2 to simultaneously transmit service data, or the service data transmission strategy of the first device (usually obtained when UE1 or UE2 registers, the strategy is usually included in UE policy) includes that UE1 and UE2 are not allowed to simultaneously transmit service data, or the service data transmission strategy of the first device includes that UE1 and UE2 are only allowed to non-simultaneously transmit service data.

[0312] Alternatively, when the first session is created, if UE1 receives the sixth information or seventh information from the SMF, the sixth information can also be included in the tenth message, wherein the seventh information indicates to pre-establish a session (i.e. a dual directional session) associated with the first session.

[0313] Optionally, the SMF determines the sixth information or the seventh information according to the dual directional capability of the first device (which can be understood with reference to the description in Embodiment 1) and / or the dual directional capability of the SMF (for example, whether the SMF supports dual directional, whether the SMF supports session association between UEs, whether the SMF supports dual directional sessions to be simultaneously in an active state). It should be understood that in the case that UE1 receives the seventh information from the SMF, the sixth information is included in the tenth message.

[0314] It should be noted that if the SMF determines that the first device does not support performing the data transmission switching of the service granularity between UE1 and UE2 according to the dual orientation capability of the first device (the first device does not support the performance measurement function, the first device does not support performing the data transmission switching of the service granularity between UE1 and UE2, or the first device does not support the simultaneous transmission of service data by UE1 and UE2), the SMF determines that the second session (that is, the sixth information is sent to UE1) or the session associated with the first session (that is, the seventh information is sent to UE1) can be pre-created. If the SMF determines that the first device supports performing the data transmission switching of the service granularity between UE1 and UE2 according to the dual orientation capability of the first device (the first device supports the performance measurement function, the first device supports performing the data transmission switching of the service granularity between UE1 and UE2, or the first device supports the simultaneous transmission of service data by UE1 and UE2), the SMF does not need to send the sixth information or the seventh information to UE1.

[0315] If the SMF determines that the SMF does not support performing the data transmission switching of the service granularity between UE1 and UE2 according to the dual orientation capability of the SMF (the SMF supports the dual orientation, supports the inter-UE session association, and does not support the simultaneous activation of the dual orientation sessions), the SMF determines that the second session (that is, the sixth information is sent to UE1) or the session associated with the first session (that is, the seventh information is sent to UE1) can be pre-created. If the SMF determines that the SMF supports performing the data transmission switching of the service granularity between UE1 and UE2 according to the dual orientation capability of the SMF (the SMF supports the dual orientation, supports the inter-UE session association, and supports the simultaneous activation of the dual orientation sessions), the SMF does not need to send the sixth information or the seventh information to UE1.

[0316] If the SMF determines that the first device does not support performing the data transmission switching of the service granularity between UE1 and UE2 according to the dual orientation capability of the first device (the first device does not support the performance measurement function, the first device does not support performing the data transmission switching of the service granularity between UE1 and UE2, or the first device does not support the simultaneous transmission of service data by UE1 and UE2), and determines that the SMF does not support performing the data transmission switching of the service granularity between UE1 and UE2 according to the dual orientation capability of the SMF (the SMF supports the dual orientation, supports the inter-UE session association, and does not support the simultaneous activation of the dual orientation sessions), the SMF determines that the second session (that is, the sixth information is sent to UE1) or the session associated with the first session (that is, the seventh information is sent to UE1) can be pre-created.

[0317] If the SMF determines that the SMF does not support the simultaneous activation of the first session and the second session according to the dual orientation capability of the SMF (the SMF supports the dual orientation, supports the inter-UE session association, and does not support the simultaneous activation of the dual orientation sessions), the SMF does not need to send the sixth information or the seventh information to UE1.

[0318] If the SMF determines that the first device supports performing data transmission switching between UE1 and UE2 in terms of traffic granularity according to the dual-directional capability of the first device (the first device supports performance measurement function, the first device supports performing data transmission switching between UE1 and UE2 in terms of traffic granularity, or the first device supports UE1 and UE2 transmitting traffic data simultaneously), and determines that the SMF supports performing data transmission switching between UE1 and UE2 in terms of traffic granularity according to the dual-directional capability of the SMF (the SMF supports dual-directional, supports inter-UE session association, and supports dual-directional sessions being simultaneously active), the SMF does not need to send the sixth information or the seventh information to UE1.

[0319] Optionally, the sixth information can be a first transmission mode. The first transmission mode indicates that the traffic data of the first session bearer is switched between the first session and a second session of UE2 in terms of session granularity (or, the traffic data of the first device is switched between the first session and the second session in terms of session granularity), or indicates that the traffic data of the first device is not simultaneously transmitted in the first session and the second session, or indicates that the first session and the second session are not simultaneously active.

[0320] Optionally, the sixth information can be a dual-directional capability of the first device, which indicates that the first device does not support performing data transmission switching between UE1 and UE2 in terms of traffic granularity, or the first device does not support UE1 and UE2 transmitting traffic data simultaneously. In step 705, AMF2 sends a twelfth message to the SMF, and the twelfth message includes information of the first session (which can be understood by referring to the description of one of the above embodiments, which will not be described here) and the sixth information.

[0321] The twelfth message is used to request creation of the second session or is used to request a context of the second session. The twelfth message further includes an identifier of the second session and a creation request message of the second session.

[0322] In step 706, the SMF associates the second session with the first session, and according to the sixth information, does not activate the second session or does not activate a user plane of the second session.

[0323] If the SMF receives the sixth information, the SMF does not activate the second session or does not activate the user plane of the second session. That is, in the case that the first session is in an active state, the second session or the user plane of the second session is not activated.

[0324] If the SMF does not receive the sixth information, the SMF creates a user plane of the second session or activates the second session. After the SMF obtains the traffic data transmission policy of the first device from the PCF, the SMF sends the traffic data transmission policy of the first device to UE2, which indicates that the traffic data of the first device is directed or switched between UE1 and UE2.

[0325] Optionally, the SMF stores the sixth information in a context of the second session.

[0326] Optionally, the SMF stores information that the second session is associated with the first session.

[0327] In a case where the sixth information is the first transmission manner, the SMF determines, according to the first transmission manner, that the first session and the second session cannot simultaneously transmit the service data of the first device, and further determines not to activate the second session.

[0328] In a case where the sixth information is the dual-directional capability of the first device, the SMF determines, according to the dual-directional capability of the first device, that the first session and the second session cannot simultaneously transmit the service data of the first device, or the first session and the second session cannot simultaneously be in an activated state, and further determines not to activate the second session.

[0329] In step 707, the UE 2 sends, to the AMF 2 through the RAN 2, service data switching indication information or a service request message, the service data switching indication information being used to request switching of the service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission, and the service request message being used to request activation of the second session (or activation of a user plane of the second session).

[0330] The UE 2 performs step 707 when it is determined that service data switching needs to be performed, for example, the UE 2 can determine whether to perform step 707 based on the dual-directional capability of the first device or a service data transmission strategy of the first device.

[0331] In an optional manner, after step 706, the SMF obtains eighth information from the local configuration information, and then sends the eighth information to the UE 2, the eighth information indicating a switching condition (for example, a signal quality threshold required to be met by the first device for service data transmission) of switching of the service data carried by the first session to the second session, and the UE 2 determines to perform step 707 only when the switching condition is met.

[0332] In step 708, the AMF 2 sends, to the SMF, service data switching indication information or indication information of activation of a user plane of the second session.

[0333] The service data switching indication information is used to request switching of the service data of the first device from the first session to the second session for transmission.

[0334] At step 709, the SMF deactivates the first session and activates the second session (or switches the service data of the first session to the second session for transmission) according to the service data switching indication information or the indication information of activating the user plane of the second session.

[0335] At step 707, the UE2 can send a service request message to the AMF2, the service request message including the identification of the second session, the AMF2 sending a PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request message to the SMF, the PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request message including the identification of the second session and the indication information of activating the user plane of the second session (UP activate). The SMF sends an N2 Resource Release Request to the RAN1 through the AMF1 to deactivate the user plane of the first session. The SMF sends the service data of the first session to the RAN2 by configuring the UPF, for example, the SMF sends a forwarding behavior rule and tunnel endpoint information of the RAN2 to the UPF, the forwarding behavior rule indicating that the downlink data of the first session is sent to the RAN2, i.e., the service data of the first session is switched to the second session for transmission.

[0336] In the case that the SMF receives the indication information of activating the user plane of the second session, the SMF deactivates the first session because the first session and the second session cannot transmit the service data of the first device at the same time, or the first session and the second session cannot be in the activated state at the same time.

[0337] Optionally, the SMF can first activate the second session and then deactivate the first session. Alternatively, the SMF can first deactivate the first session and then activate the second session.

[0338] In the present application, after the first session of the first terminal of the first device is created, the second session of the second terminal is created in advance by bearing the service data of the first session through the first session. When the first device determines that the service data of the first session needs to be switched to the transmission of the second session, the service data switching indication information or the service request information is sent to the fourth network element, and then the fourth network element forwards the service data switching indication information or the service request information to the first network element, so that the first network element activates the second session, deactivates the first session, and switches the service data of the first session to the second session for transmission.

[0339] The above describes the scheme provided by the embodiments of the present application mainly from the perspective of device interaction. It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, each device can include a hardware structure and / or a software module for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is implemented in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware 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 the present application.

[0340] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional units of the device according to the above method examples. For example, each functional unit can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional unit.

[0341] In the case of an integrated unit, FIG. 8 shows a possible exemplary block diagram of a communication apparatus involved in the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the communication apparatus 800 can include a processing unit 801 and a transceiver unit 802. The processing unit 801 is configured to control and manage the actions of the communication apparatus 800. The transceiver unit 802 is configured to support the communication of the communication apparatus 800 with other devices. Optionally, the transceiver unit 802 can include a receiving unit and / or a transmitting unit, which are configured to perform receiving and transmitting operations, respectively. Optionally, the communication apparatus 800 can further include a storage unit configured to store program codes and / or data of the communication apparatus 800. The transceiver unit can be referred to as an input / output unit, a communication unit, etc. The transceiver unit can be a transceiver. The processing unit can be a processor. When the communication apparatus is a module (e.g., a chip) in a communication device, the transceiver unit can be an input / output interface, an input / output circuit, or an input / output pin, etc., which can also be referred to as an interface, a communication interface, or an interface circuit, etc. The processing unit can be a processor, a processing circuit, or a logic circuit, etc. Exemplarily, the apparatus can be the first device (the first terminal and the second terminal), the first network element, the second network element, and the third network element described above.

[0342] In one embodiment, the communication apparatus 800 is the first network element. The transceiver unit 802 is configured to receive a first message from the second network element. The first message is configured to request to create a first session of the first terminal. The first session is configured to be double-directional. The processing unit 801 is configured to obtain first information according to the first message. The first information is configured to indicate a service data transmission mode of the first device. The first device includes the first terminal and the second terminal. The transceiver unit 802 is further configured to send the first information to the first terminal.

[0343] In another embodiment, the communication apparatus 800 is a first device, the first device comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, the transceiver 802 is configured to send a sixth message to a second network element, the sixth message is used to request to create a first session of the first terminal, the first session is used for dual orientation, the second network element is used for access management of the first terminal; receive first information from a first network element, the first information indicates a service data transmission mode of the first device, the first network element is used for session management of the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0344] In still another embodiment, the communication apparatus is a third network element, the transceiver 802 is configured to receive a second message from a first network element, the second message is used to request to obtain a session policy of a first session of a first terminal, the first session is used for dual orientation, the third network element is used for first session policy management; the processing unit 801 is configured to determine first information according to the second message, the first information indicates a service data transmission mode of a first device, the first device comprises a first terminal and a second terminal; send the first information to the first network element.

[0345] In still another embodiment, the communication apparatus 800 is a first device, the first device comprises a first terminal and a second terminal, after the first session of the first terminal is created, the transceiver 802 sends a tenth message to a fourth network element, the tenth message comprises information of the first session and sixth information, the tenth message is used to request to create a second session of the second terminal, the sixth information indicates pre-creation of the second session or indicates a first transmission mode or indicates a dual orientation capability of the first device, the second session is associated with the first session, the fourth network element is used for access management of the second terminal; the first transmission mode indicates that service data carried by the first session performs switching between the first session and the second session of the second terminal according to session granularity, or indicates that the service data of the first device is not allowed to be transmitted in the first session and the second session at the same time, or indicates that the first session and the second session are not allowed to be in an active state at the same time; the transceiver 802 is further configured to send service data switching indication information or a service request message to the fourth network element, the service data switching indication information is used to request to switch the service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission, the service request message is used to request to activate the second session.

[0346] In one embodiment, the communication apparatus 800 is a first network element, the transceiver 802 is configured to receive a twelfth message from a fourth network element, the twelfth message comprises information of a first session of a first terminal and sixth information, the twelfth message is used to request to create a second session of a second terminal, the sixth information indicates pre-creation of the second session or indicates a first transmission mode or indicates a dual orientation capability of a first device, the fourth network element is used for access management of the second terminal, the first network element is used for management of the first session and the second session; the processing unit 801 is configured to associate the second session with the first session; according to the sixth information, the second session is not activated.

[0347] More details of the processing unit 801 and the transceiving unit 802 can be referred to the above descriptions of the respective method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0348] As shown in FIG. 9, the application further provides a communication apparatus 900. The communication apparatus 900 can be a chip or a chip system. The communication apparatus can be located in any of the devices involved in the above method embodiments, such as the first network element, the third network element, the first device, etc., to perform the actions of the corresponding device.

[0349] Optionally, the chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0350] The communication apparatus 900 includes a processor 910.

[0351] The processor 910 is configured to execute the computer program stored in the memory 920 to realize the actions of the devices in any of the above method embodiments.

[0352] The communication apparatus 900 can further include a memory 920 configured to store the computer program.

[0353] Optionally, the memory 920 and the processor 910 are coupled. The coupling is an indirect coupling or communication connection between the devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, for information interaction between the devices, units or modules. Optionally, the memory 920 and the processor 910 are integrated together.

[0354] Optionally, the memory 920 and the processor 910 can be one or more, which are not limited.

[0355] Optionally, in actual application, the communication apparatus 900 can include a transceiver 930, or can not include the transceiver 930, which is shown in the figure with a dashed box. The communication apparatus 900 can interact with other devices through the transceiver 930. The transceiver 930 can be a circuit, a bus, a transceiver or any other device that can be used for information interaction.

[0356] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus 900 can be the first network element, the third network element, the first device, etc. in the above method embodiments.

[0357] The specific connection medium between the transceiver 930, the processor 910 and the memory 920 in the embodiments of the present application is not limited. In FIG. 9, the connection between the memory 920, the processor 910 and the transceiver 930 is through a bus, which is represented by a thick line in FIG. 9, and the connection mode between other components is only illustrative and is not limited. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus and the like. For convenience of representation, only one thick line is used in FIG. 9, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or only one type of bus. In the embodiments of the present application, the processor can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, and can implement or execute the methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as execution completed by a hardware processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0358] In the embodiments of the present application, the memory can be a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD), and can also be a volatile memory such as a random-access memory (RAM). The memory can also be any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and capable of being accessed by a computer, but is not limited to this. The memory in the embodiments of the present application can also be a circuit or any other device capable of implementing a storage function, used for storing computer programs, program instructions and / or data.

[0359] Based on the above embodiments, referring to FIG. 10, the embodiments of the present application further provide another communication apparatus 1000, which comprises an interface circuit 1010 and a logic circuit 1020. The interface circuit 1010 can be understood as an input and output interface, and can be used to perform the transceiving steps of each device in any of the above method embodiments. The logic circuit 1020 can be used to run codes or instructions to perform the methods performed by each device in any of the above embodiments, and details are not repeated.

[0360] Based on the above embodiments, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer readable storage medium storing instructions, which, when executed, cause the methods performed by each device in any of the above method embodiments to be implemented. The computer readable storage medium can include a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory, a random access memory, a magnetic disk or an optical disk and various storage program codes.

[0361] Based on the above embodiments, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication system, which comprises the first device (the first terminal and the second terminal), the first network element, the second network element, the third network element, the fourth network element, and the like mentioned in any of the method embodiments, and can be used to execute the method executed by each device in any of the method embodiments.

[0362] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present application can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present application can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0363] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the method, device (system), and computer program product according to the present application. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and the combination of the flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus produce the device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0364] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a manufactured product comprising instruction devices, which implement the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0365] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, so that a series of operation steps are executed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method is applied to a first network element, and comprises: receiving a first message from a second network element, the first message being used to request creation of a first session of a first terminal, the first session being used for dual orientation, the first network element being used for session management of the first terminal, and the second network element being used for access management of the first terminal; obtaining first information according to the first message, the first information being used to indicate a service data transmission mode of a first device, the first device comprising the first terminal and a second terminal; sending the first information to the first terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first message comprises second information, the second information being used to indicate a dual orientation capability of the first device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, The second information is one or more of the following: whether the first device supports a performance measurement function, whether the first device supports execution of service granularity data transmission switching between the first terminal and the second terminal, or whether the first device supports simultaneous transmission of service data of the first terminal and the second terminal.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The obtaining of the first information according to the first message comprises: determining the first information according to the second information; or obtaining subscription information of the first terminal; determining the first information according to the second information and the subscription information of the first terminal, the subscription information of the first terminal being used to indicate whether service data of the first device is authorized to be simultaneously transmitted between the first terminal and the second terminal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The obtaining of the first information according to the first message comprises: sending a second message to a third network element according to the first message, the second message comprising an identity of the first terminal, and the second message being used to request obtaining of a session policy of the first session; the third network element being used for session policy management of the first session; receiving the first information from the third network element.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The second message further comprises second information, the second information being used to indicate a dual orientation capability of the first device.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The first information comprises a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode; the first transmission mode being used to indicate that service data borne by the first session is switched between the first session and a second session of the second terminal according to session granularity, or being used to indicate that simultaneous transmission of service data of the first device in the first session and the second session is not allowed, or being used to indicate that simultaneous activation of the first session and the second session is not allowed; the second transmission mode being used to indicate that service data borne by the first session is switched between the first session and the second session according to service granularity, or being used to indicate that simultaneous transmission of service data of the first device in the first session and the second session is allowed, or being used to indicate that simultaneous activation of the first session and the second session is allowed; wherein the second session is associated with the first session.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, When the first information comprises the first transmission mode, the first information further comprises third information, the third information being used to indicate whether the second session is pre-created.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, When the first information comprises the first transmission mode, the method further comprises: receiving a third message from a fourth network element, the third message comprising service data switching indication information, the third message being used to request to create the second session, the service data switching indication information being used to request to switch service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission, the second session being used for dual orientation, the fourth network element being used for access management of the second terminal, the first network element being further used for session management of the second session; switching the service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission according to the third message.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7-9, characterized in that, when the first information comprises the first transmission mode, the method further comprises: receiving a fifth message from a fourth network element, the fifth message comprising fourth information and information of the first session, the fourth information being used to indicate to pre-create the second session, the second session being used for dual orientation, the fourth network element being used for access management of the second terminal, the first network element being further used for session management of the second session; associating the first session and the second session; not activating the second session.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving service data switching indication information or indication information of activating a user plane of the second session from the fourth network element, the service data switching indication information being used to request to switch service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission; deactivating the first session and activating the second session according to the service data switching indication information or the indication information of activating the user plane of the second session.

12. A communication method characterized by comprising: applied to a first device, the first device comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, the method comprising: sending a sixth message to a second network element, the sixth message being used to request to create a first session of the first terminal, the first session being used for dual orientation, the second network element being used for access management of the first terminal; receiving first information from a first network element, the first information indicating a service data transmission mode of the first device, the first network element being used for session management of the first terminal and the second terminal.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The sixth message comprises second information, the second information indicating a dual orientation capability of the first device.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The first information comprises a first transmission mode or a second transmission mode; The first transmission mode indicates that service data carried by the first session is switched between the first session and a second session of the second terminal in a session granularity, or indicates that service data of the first device is not allowed to be transmitted in the first session and the second session simultaneously; The second transmission mode indicates that service data carried by the first session is switched between the first session and the second session in a service granularity, or indicates that service data of the first device is allowed to be transmitted in the first session and the second session simultaneously; The second session is associated with the first session.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, When the first information comprises the first transmission mode, the first information further comprises third information, the third information being used to indicate whether to pre-create the second session.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that When the first information comprises the first transmission mode, the method further comprises: sending a seventh message to a fourth network element, the seventh message comprising service data switching indication information, the seventh message being used to request creation of the second session, the service data switching indication information being used to request switching of service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission, the second session being used for dual orientation, the fourth network element being used for access management of the second terminal.

17. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein, When the first information comprises the first transmission mode and pre-creation of the second session, the method further comprises: sending a ninth message to a fourth network element, the ninth message comprising fourth information and information of the first session, the fourth information being used to indicate pre-creation of the second session.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, The method further comprises: sending service data switching indication information or a service request message to the fourth network element, the service data switching indication information being used to request switching of service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission, the service request message being used to request activation of the second session.

19. A method of communication, comprising: Applied to a third network element, comprising: receiving a second message from a first network element, the second message being used to request acquisition of a session policy of a first session of a first terminal, the first session being used for dual orientation, the third network element being used for management of the first session policy; determining first information according to the second message, the first information indicating a service data transmission mode of the first device, the first device comprising the first terminal and a second terminal; sending the first information to the first network element.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The second message further comprises second information, the second information indicating a dual orientation capability of the first device.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The second message further comprises fifth information, the fifth information indicating that the first session is used for dual orientation.

22. A method of communication, comprising: Applied to a first device, the first device comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, the method comprising: after completion of creation of a first session of the first terminal, sending a tenth message to a fourth network element, the tenth message comprising information of the first session and sixth information, the tenth message being used to request creation of a second session of the second terminal, the sixth information indicating pre-creation of the second session or indicating a first transmission mode or indicating a dual orientation capability of the first device, the second session being associated with the first session, the fourth network element being used for access management of the second terminal, the first transmission mode indicating that service data carried by the first session is switched between the first session and a second session of the second terminal according to session granularity, or indicating that transmission of service data of the first device in the first session and the second session is not allowed at the same time, or indicating that the first session and the second session are not allowed to be in an activated state at the same time; sending service data switching indication information or a service request message to the fourth network element, the service data switching indication information being used to request switching of service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission, the service request message being used to request activation of the second session.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The sixth information is determined according to at least one of the following conditions: The first device does not support performance measurement function, the first device does not support performing service granularity data transmission switching between the first terminal and the second terminal, the first device does not support the first terminal and the second terminal transmitting service data simultaneously, or the service data transmission strategy of the first device includes not allowing the first terminal and the second terminal to transmit service data simultaneously, or the service data transmission strategy of the first device includes only allowing the first terminal and the second terminal to transmit service data non-simultaneously.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein, Before the step of sending the tenth message to the fourth network element, the method further comprises: sending an eleventh message to a second network element, the eleventh message being used for requesting to create the first session, the first session being used for dual orientation, the second network element being used for access management of the first terminal; receiving the sixth information or the seventh information from a first network element, the first network element being used for session management of the first session and the second session, the seventh information indicating pre-creation of a session associated with the first session.

25. A method of communication, comprising: The method applied to a first network element, the method comprises: receiving a twelfth message from a fourth network element, the twelfth message comprising information of a first session of a first terminal and sixth information, the twelfth message being used for requesting to create a second session of a second terminal, the sixth information indicating pre-creation of the second session or indicating a first transmission mode or indicating dual orientation capability of a first device, the fourth network element being used for access management of the second terminal, the first network element being used for management of the first session and the second session; associating the second session with the first session; according to the sixth information, not activating the second session or not activating a user plane of the second session.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, Before the step of receiving the twelfth message from the fourth network element, the method further comprises: receiving a thirteenth message from a second network element, the thirteenth message being used for requesting to create the first session, the first session being used for dual orientation, the second network element being used for access management of the first terminal; sending the sixth information or the seventh information to the first device, the seventh information indicating pre-creation of a session associated with the first session, the first device comprising the first terminal and the second terminal.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein, The method further comprises: determining the sixth information or the seventh information according to at least one of the following conditions: dual orientation capability of the first device or dual orientation capability of the first network element.

28. The method of any one of claims 25-27, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving service data switching indication information from the fourth network element or indication information of activating a user plane of the second session, the service data switching indication information being used for requesting to switch service data carried by the first session to the second session for transmission; according to the service data switching indication information or the indication information of activating the user plane of the second session, deactivating the first session and activating the second session.

29. A communications device, characterized by comprise: at least one processor and a memory; the memory is used for storing computer programs or data; the at least one processor is used for running part or all of the computer programs or data, so that the method of any one of claims 1-28 is executed.

30. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the method of any one of claims 1-28 to be performed.

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