Communication method and apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and apparatus, applied to the technical field of communications. The method comprises: an access network device receiving first information from an access and mobility management function network element, the first information comprising a first GUAMI and a first GUAMI type, and the first information being used for indicating that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; and on the basis of the first information, identifying that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable. By means of the present application, the access network device can accurately identify that the unavailable GUAMI indicated by a core network is the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type, so that the understanding of the GUAMI by the core network is consistent with the understanding of the GUAMI by the access network device, thereby improving user experience.

Description

Communication method and apparatus

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411263132.3, filed on September 9, 2024, and entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and this application claims priority to the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411348969.8, filed on September 25, 2024, and entitled "A Communication Method and Apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0004] A globally unique access and mobility management function identifier (GUAMI) is composed of a mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), an access and mobility management function (AMF) region identifier, an AMF set identifier, and an AMF pointer, and is used to identify at least one AMF network element. In the prior art, the core network can carry the GUAMI through an AMF status indication (AMF STATUS INDICATION) message to notify the access network device that the GUAMI is unavailable.

[0005] However, with the evolution of the communication system, the problem of inconsistency between the core network and the access network device in understanding the GUAMI has occurred, thereby affecting the user experience. SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and apparatus, which are used to keep the understanding of the GUAMI consistent between the core network and the access network device, and are beneficial to improve the user experience.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to an access network device, for example, can be executed by the access network device, or can be executed by an apparatus in the access network device. Illustratively, the apparatus in the access network device can refer to a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the access network device, or can also refer to a logical module or software, etc. capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0008] The method can comprise: receiving, by the access network device, first information from an access and mobility management function network element, the first information comprising a first GUAMI and a first GUAMI type, the first information indicating that the first GUAMI of the first GUAMI type is unavailable; and identifying, according to the first information, that the first GUAMI of the first GUAMI type is unavailable.

[0009] In the present application, the first information not only carries the first GUAMI but also carries the first GUAMI type, so that the access network device can accurately identify the first GUAMI of the first GUAMI type as the GUAMI indicated by the core network as unavailable according to the first information, so that the understanding of the GUAMI by the core network and the access network device remains consistent, which is conducive to improving user experience.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the first information is an access and mobility management function status indication message, or the first information is carried in an access and mobility management function status indication message. For example, the access and mobility association function status indication message can be an AMF STATUS INDICATION message, without limitation.

[0011] Through the above implementation, the first information can be multiplexed with the AMF STATUS INDICATION message, or can be carried by the AMF STATUS INDICATION message, and the transmission mode is various, which can be suitable for different communication scenarios.

[0012] In a possible implementation, the access network device can further perform access and mobility management function network element reselection according to the first GUAMI of the first GUAMI type.

[0013] Through the above implementation, the access network device can reselect the access and mobility management function network element based on the accurately identified unavailable GUAMI, which can avoid the problem that the user service is affected due to the reselection of the access and mobility management function network element by the access network device based on the unavailable GUAMI which is inconsistent with the understanding of the core network.

[0014] In a possible implementation, the first GUAMI type is mapped, or the first GUAMI type is native.

[0015] In a possible implementation, the first GUAMI type is mapped, and the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is determined based on a globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI) of an evolved packet system (EPS); or the first GUAMI type is native, and the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is determined based on a GUTI of a 5th generation (5G) communication system.

[0016] In a second aspect, a communication method is provided. The method can be applied to an access and mobility management function network element, for example, can be performed by the access and mobility management function network element, or can be performed by an apparatus in the access and mobility management function network element. Exemplarily, the apparatus in the access and mobility management function network element can refer to a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the access and mobility management function network element, or can also refer to a logic module or software, etc. capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the access and mobility management function network element.

[0017] The method can include: generating, by the access and mobility management function network element, first information including a first GUAMI and a first GUAMI type, the first information being used to indicate that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; and sending, by the access and mobility management function network element, the first information to an access network device.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the first information is an access and mobility management function state indication message, or the first information is carried in an access and mobility management function state indication message.

[0019] In a possible implementation, the first GUAMI type is mapped, or the first GUAMI type is native.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the first GUAMI type is mapped, and the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is determined based on a GUTI of an EPS; or the first GUAMI type is native, and the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is determined based on a GUTI of a 5G communication system.

[0021] In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to an access network device, for example, can be executed by the access network device, or can be executed by an apparatus in the access network device. Illustratively, the apparatus in the access network device can refer to a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the access network device, or can also refer to a logical module or software, etc. capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0022] The method can comprise: receiving, by the access network device, third information from an access and mobility management function network element, the third information comprising a second globally unique access and mobility management function identifier (GUAMI), the third information indicating that the second GUAMI is unavailable; and identifying, according to the third information, that the second GUAMI of a second GUAMI type is unavailable.

[0023] In the present application, the third information carries the second GUAMI, and does not need to carry the type of the second GUAMI. By default or predefinition, the type of the second GUAMI carried by the third information is the second GUAMI type. In this way, the access network device can accurately identify, according to the third information, that the GUAMI indicated by the core network as unavailable is the second GUAMI of the second GUAMI type, so that the understanding of the GUAMI by the core network and the access network device remains consistent, which is conducive to improving the user experience.

[0024] In a possible implementation, the third information is an access and mobility management function status indication message, or the third information is carried in an access and mobility management function status indication message.

[0025] Through the above implementation, the third information can be multiplexed with the AMF STATUS INDICATION message, or can be carried by the AMF STATUS INDICATION message. No change is needed to the AMF STATUS INDICATION message, which is easy to implement, and the transmission mode is various, which can be suitable for different communication scenarios.

[0026] In a possible implementation, the access network device can further perform access and mobility management function network element reselection. For example, the access network device can perform access and mobility management function network element reselection according to the second GUAMI of the second GUAMI type.

[0027] In a possible implementation, the second GUAMI type is local, or the second GUAMI type is mapped.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the second GUAMI type is local, and the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is determined based on a GUTI of a 5th generation communication system; or the second GUAMI type is mapped, and the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is determined based on a GUTI of an evolved packet system.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to an access and mobility management function network element, for example, can be executed by the access and mobility management function network element, or can be executed by an apparatus in the access and mobility management function network element. Illustratively, the apparatus in the access and mobility management function network element can refer to a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the access and mobility management function network element, or can also refer to a logical module or software, etc. capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the access and mobility management function network element.

[0030] The method can include: generating, by the access and mobility management function network element, third information, the third information including a second globally unique access and mobility management function identifier (GUAMI), and the third information being used to indicate that the second GUAMI is unavailable; and sending, by the access and mobility management function network element, the third information to an access network device.

[0031] In a possible implementation, the third information is an access and mobility management function state indication message, or the third information is carried in an access and mobility management function state indication message.

[0032] In a possible implementation, the second GUAMI type is local, or the second GUAMI type is mapped.

[0033] In a possible implementation, the second GUAMI type is local, and the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is determined based on a GUTI of a 5th generation communication system; or the second GUAMI type is mapped, and the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is determined based on a GUTI of an evolved packet system.

[0034] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to an access network device, for example, can be executed by the access network device, or can be executed by an apparatus in the access network device. Illustratively, the apparatus in the access network device can refer to a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the access network device, or can also refer to a logical module or software, etc. capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the access network device.

[0035] The method can include: the access network device receiving a third GUAMI type and fourth information from an access and mobility management function network element, the fourth information being used to indicate that the third GUAMI is unavailable, and the third GUAMI type being used to indicate the type of the third GUAMI; if the third GUAMI type contains local, identifying that the local third GUAMI is unavailable according to the fourth information; or, if the third GUAMI type contains mapped, identifying that the mapped third GUAMI is unavailable according to the fourth information.

[0036] In the present application, the access network device receives a third GUAMI type and fourth information, the fourth information carrying a third GUAMI, without carrying the type of the third GUAMI, the type of the third GUAMI being indicated by the third GUAMI, so that the access network device can accurately identify whether the third GUAMI indicated by the core network as unavailable is a local third GUAMI or a mapped third GUAMI according to the third GUAMI type and the fourth information, so that the understanding of the GUAMI by the core network and the access network device is consistent, and the user experience is improved.

[0037] In a possible implementation, the fourth information includes the third GUAMI; and the fourth information is an access and mobility management function status indication message, or the fourth information is carried in an access and mobility management function status indication message.

[0038] Through the above implementation, the fourth information can be multiplexed in the AMF STATUS INDICATION message, or can be carried by the AMF STATUS INDICATION message, without changing the AMF STATUS INDICATION message, easy to implement, and the transmission mode is various, which can be applied to different communication scenarios.

[0039] In a possible implementation, the third GUAMI type is carried in a setup response message from the access and mobility management function network element; and / or, the third GUAMI type is carried in an access and mobility management function configuration update message of the access and mobility management function network element.

[0040] Through the above implementation, the GUAMI type carried in the setup response message of the access and mobility management function network element can be multiplexed, and / or the GUAMI type carried in the access and mobility management function configuration update message of the access and mobility management function network element can be multiplexed, without carrying the type of the unavailable GUAMI through other messages, easy to implement.

[0041] In a possible implementation, the access network device can further perform access and mobility management function network element reselection. For example, the access network device can perform access and mobility management function network element reselection according to the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the third GUAMI in the local is determined based on a GUTI of a fifth generation communication system.

[0043] In a possible implementation, the third GUAMI in the mapping is determined based on a GUTI of an evolved packet system.

[0044] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method, which is applicable to an access and mobility management function network element, for example, can be performed by an access and mobility management function network element, or can be performed by a device in an access and mobility management function network element. Illustratively, the device in the access and mobility management function network element can refer to a component (for example, a processor, a chip, or a chip system, etc.) in the access and mobility management function network element, or can also refer to a logical module or software, etc. capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the access and mobility management function network element.

[0045] The method can include: the access and mobility management function network element sending a third GUAMI type to an access network device, the third GUAMI type being used to indicate the type of a third GUAMI; generating fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate that the third GUAMI is unavailable; and sending the fourth information to the access network device.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the fourth information includes the third GUAMI; and the fourth information is an access and mobility management function state indication message, or the fourth information is carried in an access and mobility management function state indication message.

[0047] In a possible implementation, the third GUAMI type is carried in a setup response message from the access and mobility management function network element; and / or, the third GUAMI type is carried in an access and mobility management function configuration update message of the access and mobility management function network element.

[0048] In a possible implementation, the third GUAMI in the local is determined based on a GUTI of a fifth generation communication system.

[0049] In a possible implementation, the third GUAMI in the mapping is determined based on a GUTI of an evolved packet system.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication apparatus, which can be used to execute the method in the first aspect, the third aspect, the fifth aspect, or any possible implementation thereof. The communication apparatus can be an access network device, or can be a device in an access network device. The communication apparatus can include a module, a unit, or a means corresponding to the module, the unit, or the means for performing the method in the first aspect, the third aspect, the fifth aspect, or any possible implementation thereof. The module, the unit, or the means can be implemented in hardware, or by software with the hardware, or any combination of them. The hardware or the software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0051] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a baseband apparatus and a radio frequency apparatus.

[0052] In another possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a processing module (also referred to as a processing unit) and a transceiver module (also referred to as a transceiver unit). The transceiver module can implement the sending function and the receiving function. When the transceiver module implements the sending function, it can be referred to as a sending module (also referred to as a sending unit). When the transceiver module implements the receiving function, it can be referred to as a receiving module (also referred to as a receiving unit). The sending module and the receiving module can be the same functional module, which is referred to as a transceiver module, and can implement the sending function and the receiving function. Alternatively, the sending module and the receiving module can be different functional modules, and the transceiver module refers to the functional modules in general.

[0053] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a communication apparatus, which can be used to execute the method in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, the sixth aspect, or any possible implementation thereof. The communication apparatus can be an access and mobility management function network element, or can be a device in an access and mobility management function network element. The communication apparatus can include a module, a unit, or a means corresponding to the module, the unit, or the means for performing the method in the second aspect, the fourth aspect, the sixth aspect, or any possible implementation thereof. The module, the unit, or the means can be implemented in hardware, or by software with the hardware, or any combination of them. The hardware or the software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0054] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus can include a baseband apparatus and a radio frequency apparatus.

[0055] In another possible implementation, the communication device can include a processing module (also referred to as a processing unit) and a transceiver module (also referred to as a transceiver unit). The transceiver module can implement the sending function and the receiving function. When the transceiver module implements the sending function, it can be referred to as a sending module (also referred to as a sending unit). When the transceiver module implements the receiving function, it can be referred to as a receiving module (also referred to as a receiving unit). The sending module and the receiving module can be the same functional module, which is referred to as a transceiver module and can implement the sending function and the receiving function. Alternatively, the sending module and the receiving module can be different functional modules, and the transceiver module refers to these functional modules in general.

[0056] In a ninth aspect, the present application provides a communication system, which can include the communication device provided in the seventh aspect and / or the communication device provided in the eighth aspect.

[0057] In a tenth aspect, the present application further provides a communication device. The communication device can include one or more processors. Optionally, the communication device can further include a memory. The memory is configured to store one or more computer programs or instructions. The one or more processors are configured to execute the one or more computer programs or instructions stored in the memory, so that the communication device performs the method in any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0058] In an eleventh aspect, the present application further provides a communication device, which includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive a signal from another communication device outside the communication device and transmit the signal to the processor or send a signal from the processor to another communication device outside the communication device. The processor is configured to implement the method in any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof by means of a logic circuit or by executing computer programs or instructions. Exemplarily, the communication device can be the access network device in the first aspect, the third aspect or the fifth aspect, or a device included in the access network device; or the communication device can be the access and mobility management function network element in the second aspect, the fourth aspect or the sixth aspect, or a device included in the access and mobility management function network element.

[0059] In some possible designs, when the device is a chip system, the device can be composed of a chip or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0060] In a twelfth aspect, the present application further provides a chip system, which includes at least one chip and a memory. The at least one chip is configured to read and execute a program stored in the memory, so as to implement the method in any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof.

[0061] In a thirteenth aspect, the present application also provides a computer readable storage medium for storing a computer program or instructions, which when executed by a computer, cause the method in any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0062] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program or instructions, which when executed by a computer, cause the method in any one of the first aspect to the sixth aspect and any possible implementation thereof to be implemented.

[0063] The technical effects achieved by the second aspect, the fourth aspect, the sixth aspect to the fourteenth aspect and any possible implementation thereof can be referred to the technical effects achieved by any one of the first aspect, the third aspect or the fifth aspect and any possible implementation thereof, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064] FIG. 1 is a network architecture of a communication system based on a service-oriented architecture;

[0065] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a first communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a second communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a third communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a fourth communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of another communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] FIG. 8 is a structural diagram of still another communication apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0073] The network architecture and service scenarios described in the present application are for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can know that, with the evolution of network architecture and the appearance of new service scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0074] Firstly, in the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" can refer to two or more than two. In view of this, "multiple" can also be understood as "at least two" in the embodiments of the present application. "At least one" can be understood as one or more, for example, one, two or more. For example, "including at least one" means including one, two or more, for example, including at least one of A, B and C, which can include A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B and C. "And / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, and specifically can exist in three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent three cases of A existing alone, A and B existing together, and B existing alone. In addition, the character " / ", if not specially stated, generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after it.

[0075] Secondly, the terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application can be used interchangeably, and "according to" and "based on" can be used interchangeably.

[0076] The ordinal numbers "first", "second" and the like mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are generally used to distinguish different objects, and are not used to limit the order, time sequence, priority or importance of multiple objects. For example, the first information and the second information involved in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish different information, and do not limit the order, time sequence, priority or importance of the two information.

[0077] Thirdly, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product or device including a series of steps or units does not have to be limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but can include other steps or units not clearly listed or inherent to the process, method, product or device.

[0078] Fourthly, in the present application, "predefined" can include predefinition, for example, protocol definition. Wherein, "predefinition" can be realized by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables or other ways that can be used to indicate related information in devices (for example, including various network elements), and the present application does not limit the specific implementation manner thereof.

[0079] Five, the "storage" or "save" involved in the present application can refer to saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separately arranged or integrated in the encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. The one or more memories can also be partially separately arranged and partially integrated in the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, which is not limited.

[0080] Six, the arrows or blocks shown by dashed lines in the schematic diagrams in the drawing part of the present application specification represent optional steps or optional modules.

[0081] Seven, in the present application, "indication" can include direct indication, indirect indication, display indication, and implicit indication. When describing that certain indication information is used to indicate A, it can be understood that the indication information carries A, directly indicates A, or indirectly indicates A.

[0082] In the present application, the information indicated by the indication information is referred to as the to-be-indicated information. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information, for example but not limited to, the to-be-indicated information can be directly indicated, such as the to-be-indicated information itself or an index of the to-be-indicated information. The to-be-indicated information can also be indirectly indicated by indicating other information, where the other information and the to-be-indicated information have an association relationship. The to-be-indicated information can also be indicated only in part, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance. For example, the indication of a specific information can also be achieved by means of the pre-agreed (for example, the protocol stipulates) arrangement order of each information, thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. In addition, the to-be-indicated information can be sent as a whole, or can be sent separately in multiple sub-information, and the sending period and / or sending time of these sub-information can be the same or different.

[0083] Eight, in the present application, "sending" and "receiving" represent the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to XX" can be understood as that the destination of the information is XX, which can include direct sending through the air interface, or indirect sending through the air interface by other units or modules. "Receiving information from YY" can be understood as that the source of the information is YY, which can include direct receiving from YY through the air interface, or indirect receiving from YY through the air interface from other units or modules. "Sending" can also be understood as the "output" of the chip interface, and "receiving" can also be understood as the "input" of the chip interface. In other words, sending and receiving can be carried out between devices, for example, between the access network device and the access and mobility management function network element, or can be carried out within the device, for example, between components, modules, chips, software modules or hardware modules within the device through buses, wires or interfaces.

[0084] Nine, in the embodiments of the present application, the words such as "exemplarily", "such as", "for example" are used to represent examples, illustrations or explanations. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "example" in the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, the word "example" is used to present the concept in a specific way. In the embodiments of the present application, "of", "corresponding" and "corresponding" are sometimes used interchangeably, and it should be pointed out that their meanings are consistent when their differences are not emphasized. In the embodiments of the present application, "identifier" can also be replaced by "identity" sometimes, and it should be pointed out that their meanings are consistent when their differences are not emphasized.

[0085] Ten, the embodiments of the present application will be presented around a system including a plurality of devices, components, modules, etc. It should be understood that the system can include other devices, components, modules, etc. not mentioned, or can only include part of the devices, components, or modules mentioned in the embodiments. Alternatively, "component" and "part" in the present application can be replaced with each other.

[0086] The following first introduces a communication system to which the embodiments of the present application are applicable.

[0087] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, an integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) system, a universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) system, a wireless local area network (WLAN) system, a short-range wireless communication system (such as a sidelink system, a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, a Bluetooth system, and the like), a wired network, a vehicle to everything (V2X) communication system, a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a vehicle networking communication system, an evolved packet system (EPS), an LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, an LTE time division duplex (TDD) system, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system (such as a new radio (NR) system), a future communication system, or other similar communication systems, and the like, without limitation.

[0088] FIG. 1 provides a network architecture of a communication system based on a service-oriented architecture, which can include a user equipment (UE) and an operator network part. The network architecture can also include a data network (DN) and / or an application function (AF) network element. The operator network can also be referred to as a general network, a public network, a public data network, or a public land mobile network (PLMN), and the like, without limitation.

[0089] The UE is a device with wireless transceiving function, which can be deployed on land, including indoor or outdoor, handheld or vehicle-mounted; can also be deployed on water (such as ships, etc.); can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, and satellites, etc.).

[0090] Exemplarily, the UE can also be referred to as a terminal device, a terminal apparatus, a terminal, a user terminal, a user apparatus, a user unit, a user station, an access terminal, an access station, a UE station, a remote station, a wireless communication device, a mobile station (MS), or a mobile terminal (MT), etc. For example, the terminal device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a palm computer, a mobile internet device (MID), a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch, a smart bracelet, a pedometer, smart glasses, etc.), a vehicle-mounted device (e.g., a car, a bicycle, an electric vehicle, an airplane, a ship, a train, a high-speed rail, etc.), a satellite terminal, a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a smart point of sale (POS) machine, a customer-premises equipment (CPE), a light UE, a reduced capability UE (REDCAP UE), a wireless terminal in industrial control, a smart home device (e.g., a refrigerator, a television, an air conditioner, an electricity meter, etc.), a wireless terminal in machine to machine (M2M) or machine-type communication (MTC), a wireless terminal in internet of things (IoT), a smart robot, a mechanical arm, a plant equipment, a wireless terminal in unmanned driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, or a wireless terminal in smart home, a flight device (e.g., a smart robot, a hot air balloon, a drone, an airplane), etc. The terminal device can also be a vehicle apparatus, e.g., a whole vehicle apparatus, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted chip, an on board unit (OBU), or a telematics box (T-BOX), etc. The terminal device can also be other devices with terminal functions. For example, the terminal device can also be a device in device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0091] The operator network can include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following network elements: an authentication service function network element, an access and mobility management function network element, a policy control function network element, a unified data management network element, a session management function network element, a user plane function network element, and an access network (AN), and the like. Among the above operator network, except for the access network part, the part can be referred to as the core network (CN) part. In a possible implementation method, the operator network can also include an AF. In other words, the AF can or can not belong to the core network, which is not limited.

[0092] The terminal device can establish a connection with the operator network through an interface (such as N1) provided by the operator network, and use data and / or voice services provided by the operator network. The terminal device can also access a DN through the operator network, use operator services deployed on the DN, and / or third-party services. Among them, the third party can be a service party other than the operator network and the terminal device, and can provide data and / or voice services to the terminal device. The specific form of the third party can be determined according to the actual application scenario, which is not limited here.

[0093] The core network elements can be divided into control plane network elements and user plane network elements. The control plane network element is, for example, an access and mobility management function network element, a unified data management network element, a session management function network element, a policy control function network element, or an authentication service function network element, and the like. The user plane network element is, for example, a user plane function network element. Some network elements in the core network are introduced below.

[0094] The authentication service function network element is responsible for providing UE identity authentication services. For example, the authentication service function network element can authenticate the identity of the UE and provide one or more keys, and the like. In the 5G communication system, the authentication service function network element can be an authentication server function (AUSF) network element. In future communication systems, the authentication service function network element can also have other names, which are not limited.

[0095] The unified data management network element is responsible for generating authentication credentials, user identity processing (such as storing and managing user permanent identities, etc.), subscription data management, and the like. In the 5G communication system, the unified data management network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element. In future communication systems, the unified data management network element can also have other names, which are not limited.

[0096] An access and mobility management function network element is responsible for access control and mobility management of terminal equipment accessing an operator network, for example, mobile state management, allocation of a user temporary identity, authentication and authorization, and the like. In a 5G communication system, the access and mobility management function network element can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In future communication systems, the access and mobility management function network element can also have other names, which are not limited.

[0097] A session management function network element is mainly responsible for session management in a mobile network, for example, session establishment, modification, or release, and the like. The session management function network element can also allocate an internet protocol (IP) address for a user, select a user plane function network element providing message forwarding functions, and the like. In a 5G communication system, the session management function network element can be a session management function (SMF) network element. In future communication systems, the session management function network element can also have other names, which are not limited.

[0098] A policy control function network element mainly provides policy rules and is responsible for obtaining user subscription information related to policy decision. In a 4th generation (4G) communication system, the policy control function network element can be a policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network element. In a 5G communication system, the policy control function network element can be a policy control function (PCF) network element. In future communication systems, the policy control function network element can also have other names, which are not limited. The PCF connected to the AMF and the SMF corresponds to an AM PCF (PCF for access and mobility control) and an SM PCF (PCF for session management), which can not be the same PCF entity in actual deployment scenarios.

[0099] A user plane function network element is responsible for receiving and forwarding user data. For example, user data can be received from a DN and transmitted to a terminal device through an access network device; the user plane function network element can also receive user data from a terminal device through an access network device and forward it to a DN. In a 5G communication system, the user plane function network element can be a user plane function (UPF) network element. In future communication systems, the user plane function network element can also have other names, which are not limited.

[0100] The access network includes an access network device. Illustratively, the access network device is a network-side device with wireless transceiving function, for example, an apparatus in a radio access network (RAN) that provides wireless communication function for a terminal device, referred to as a RAN device, a RAN node. As an example, the RAN can be an access network in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP), for example, a 4G network, a 5th generation (5G) network (for example, a new radio (NR) network), or a future-oriented network. As another example, the RAN can also be an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN), a cloud radio access network (CRAN), or a communication network of two or more of the above networks.

[0101] Optionally, the RAN device can be a base station, an evolved NodeB (eNodeB), a transmission reception point (TRP), a next generation NodeB (gNB) in a 5G mobile communication system, a next generation (NG) RAN node (NG-RAN node), a base station in a future mobile communication system, an access node in a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) system, a wireless relay node, or a wireless backhaul node, etc. Optionally, the base station can be a ground base station, or can also be a non-ground base station, for example, a satellite, or a temporarily deployed unmanned aerial base station, etc.

[0102] Optionally, the RAN device can also be a module or unit that completes part of the functions of the base station, for example, can be a central unit (CU), can also be a distributed unit (DU), can also be a radio unit (RU), etc. Illustratively, the CU can complete the functions of the radio resource control protocol and the packet data convergence layer protocol (PDCP) of the base station, and can also complete the function of the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP). Illustratively, the DU can complete the functions of the radio link control layer and the medium access control (MAC) layer of the base station, and can also complete part of the functions of the physical layer or all the functions of the physical layer. For specific descriptions of the above protocol layers, refer to the relevant technical specifications of the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP). The CU and the DU can be separately arranged, or can also be included in the same network element, for example, in a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, for example, included in a remote radio unit (RRU), an active antenna processing unit (AAU), or a remote radio head (RRH). Optionally, the CU can include a CU-control plane (CP) and / or a CU-user plane (UP).

[0103] In different systems, the CU (or CU-CP and CU-UP), DU or RU can also have different names, but those skilled in the art can understand their meanings. For example, in the ORAN system, the CU can also be referred to as an open CU (O-CU), the DU can also be referred to as an open DU (O-DU), the CU-CP can also be referred to as an open CU-CP (O-CU-CP), the CU-UP can also be referred to as an open CU-UP (O-CU-UP), and the RU can also be referred to as an open RU (O-RU). For the convenience of description, the CU, CU-CP, CU-UP, DU and RU are taken as examples for description in this application. Any one of the CU (or CU-CP, CU-UP), DU and RU in this application can be implemented by a software module, a hardware module, or a combination of a software module and a hardware module.

[0104] It should be noted that in a communication system employing different radio access technologies, the device with base station function can be different. For example, in a 5G communication system, the device can be referred to as gNB or 5G NodeB; in an LTE system, the device can be referred to as evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB); in a 3G communication system, referred to as NodeB (Node B), etc.

[0105] The DN, which is a network outside the mobile communication system, can provide services for users. For example, the DN can be a packet data network (PDN), such as the Internet, an Internet Protocol Multimedia Service (IMS) network, a data network dedicated to some application, an Ethernet, an Internet Protocol (IP) local network, etc. The DN can deploy multiple services to provide data and / or voice services for terminal devices. There can be multiple application servers (ASs) in the DN, and each AS can provide at least one service.

[0106] The AF mainly transmits the requirements of the application side to the network side, such as quality of service (QoS) requirements or user state event subscription, etc. The AF can be a third-party functional entity, or an application service deployed by an operator, such as an IMS voice call service.

[0107] As above, Fig. 1 mainly introduces the network elements that the embodiments of the present application can involve. The communication system shown in Fig. 1 can also involve other network elements, for example, the core network can further include one or more of the following: a unified data repository (UDR) network element, a network slice selection function (NSSF) network element, or a network exposure function (NEF) network element, etc., which are not shown in Fig. 1. For the convenience of description, the device name mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can omit the "network element". For example, the AUSF network element and the AUSF represent the same meaning. For another example, the UDM network element and the UDM represent the same meaning. For another example, the AF network element and the AF represent the same meaning.

[0108] Nausf, Namf, Npcf, Nsmf, Nudm, Naf, N1, N2, N3, N4, and N6 in FIG. 1 are interface sequence numbers. The meanings of these interface sequence numbers can be referred to the meanings defined in the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) standard protocol, which are not limited here.

[0109] It can be understood that the network elements or functions shown in FIG. 1 can be network elements in a hardware device, or software functions running on a dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). In a possible implementation, the network elements or functions described above can be implemented by one device, or implemented by multiple devices together, or implemented by a functional module in one device, which is not limited specifically.

[0110] In addition, the name of each network element in the communication system is not limited by the embodiments of the present application. For example, in different communication systems, each network element can have other names; for example, when multiple network elements are integrated in the same physical device, the physical device can also have other names.

[0111] In the future network, the functions of the core network and the access network can be split and recombined, for example, the mobility management function of the AMF is split and combined into the access network, the functions of the AMF and the SMF are combined, and the like. The embodiments of the present application take the architecture of FIG. 1 as an example for description.

[0112] In the present application, the globally unique access and mobility management function identifier (GUAMI) is composed of a mobile country code (MCC), a mobile network code (MNC), an AMF region identifier, an AMF set identifier, and an AMF pointer, which is used to identify at least one AMF network element. Optionally, the GUAMI can also be referred to as a globally unique access and mobility management function identifier.

[0113] Generally, the core network can carry the GUAMI through an AMF status indication (AMF STATUS INDICATION) message to notify the access network device that the GUAMI is unavailable. However, with the continuous development of the communication system, there are two different types of GUAMIs, including local and mapped. The inventors have found in the research process that different types of GUAMIs can be the same, which can cause the core network and the access network device to have inconsistent understanding of the GUAMI, thereby affecting the user experience.

[0114] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and device for keeping the core network and the access network device consistent in understanding the GUAMI, which is beneficial to improve the user experience. The method and device of the present application are based on the same technical concept, and the implementation of the device and the method can be mutually referred to, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0115] The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The method can be applied to the communication system shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited thereto. The embodiments of the present application take the interaction between the access network device and the AMF network element as an example for illustration. Illustratively, without special explanation, the "access network device" in the present application can be the access network device itself, or can be a component (such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system, etc.) in the access network device, or can be a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the access network device. Similarly, without special explanation, the "AMF network element" in the present application can be the AMF network element itself, or can be a component (such as a processor, circuit, chip, or chip system, etc.) in the AMF network element, or can be a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the functions of the AMF network element.

[0116] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the access network device or the AMF network element can perform part or all of the steps in the embodiments of the present application, and these steps or operations are only examples, and the embodiments of the present application can also perform other operations or various modifications of the operations. In addition, each step can be executed in a different order according to the embodiments of the present application, and it is possible that not all the operations in the embodiments of the present application are executed.

[0117] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a first communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, the method can include the following contents.

[0118] S201: The AMF network element generates first information.

[0119] The first information includes a first GUAMI and a first GUAMI type. The first GUAMI is used to identify at least one AMF network element.

[0120] The at least one AMF network element can include an AMF network element that generates the first information.

[0121] Specifically, the first information can be used to indicate that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; or the first information can be used to indicate that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; or the first information can be used to indicate (or indicate) that the first GUAMI is unavailable.

[0122] The type of the first GUAMI is the first GUAMI type. The first GUAMI type belongs to the type of GUAMI, that is, the type of GUAMI includes the first GUAMI type. In the embodiments of the present application, the type of GUAMI can include mapped and native. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of GUAMI. For example, in future communication systems, the type of GUAMI can also include other types in addition to mapped and native. For ease of understanding, the embodiments of the present application are illustrated by taking the type of GUAMI including mapped and native. Accordingly, the first GUAMI type can be mapped, or the first GUAMI type can also be native.

[0123] The first GUAMI type is mapped, which can be understood as: the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be determined based on a globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI) of the first communication system; or the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be derived from the GUTI of the first communication system.

[0124] The first GUAMI type is native, which can be understood as: the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be determined based on a GUTI of the second communication system; or the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be derived from the GUTI of the second communication system.

[0125] Optionally, the GUTI is also called a globally unique temporary identifier.

[0126] It should be noted that the second communication system and the first communication system can be different communication systems. Specifically, the first communication system can be EPS, and the second communication system can be a 5G communication system, which is not limited.

[0127] In one example, in the case that the first communication system is an EPS, assuming that the first GUAMI type is mapped, the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be determined based on an EPS-based GUTI. For example, the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be derived from an EPS-based GUTI. For another example, the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be derived based on an EPS-based GUTI.

[0128] In another example, in the case that the second communication system is a 5G communication system, assuming that the first GUAMI type is local, the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be determined based on a 5G communication system-based GUTI. For example, the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be derived from a 5G communication system-based GUTI. For another example, the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be derived based on a 5G communication system-based GUTI.

[0129] In one implementation, the first information can include a first field and a second field, the first field can be used to indicate the first GUAMI, and the second field can be used to indicate the type of the first GUAMI. In the embodiments of the present application, the type of the first GUAMI is the first GUAMI type, and accordingly, the second field can be used to indicate the first GUAMI type. Optionally, the first field can be replaced by a first information element (IE), and the second field can be replaced by a second IE. Optionally, the first field can also be referred to as a GUAMI field, and the second field can also be referred to as a GUAMI type field. Optionally, the first IE can also be referred to as a GUAMI IE, and the second IE can also be referred to as a GUAMI type IE.

[0130] In one example, the value of the second field can include a first value and a second value. The first value can be used to indicate that the type of the first GUAMI is mapped, i.e., the first GUAMI type is mapped. The second value can be used to indicate that the type of the first GUAMI is local, i.e., the first GUAMI type is local. Illustratively, the second field occupies 1 bit, the first value can be 1, and the second value can be 0; or, the second field occupies 1 bit, the first value can be 0, and the second value can be 1. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the number of bits occupied by the second field. For example, the second field can also occupy 2 bits, the first value can be 01, and the second value can be 10.

[0131] S202: The AMF network element sends the first information to the access network device.

[0132] Accordingly, the access network device receives the first information from the AMF network element.

[0133] In one example, the first information can be an AMF status indication message. For example, the AMF network element can send an AMF status indication message to the access network device, the AMF status indication message including the first GUAMI and the first GUAMI type; accordingly, the access network device receives the AMF status indication message from the AMF network element.

[0134] In another example, the first information can also be carried in the AMF status indication message, or the first information can also be carried by the AMF status indication message. For example, the AMF network element can send an AMF status indication message to the access network device, the AMF status indication message including the first information, the first information including the first GUAMI and the first GUAMI type; accordingly, the access network device receives the AMF status indication message from the AMF network element.

[0135] Optionally, the AMF status indication message can be an AMF STATUS INDICATION message, without limitation.

[0136] It can be understood that the AMF network element can generate the first information and send the first information to the access network device; or the AMF network element can also determine that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable, and send the first information to the access network device. That is, S201 is an optional step, represented by a dashed line in FIG. 2.

[0137] S203: The access network device identifies that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable according to the first information.

[0138] The access network device can identify that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable according to the first information; or the access network device can determine that the unavailable GUAMI is the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type according to the first information. For example, the access network device can identify (or determine) that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable according to the first GUAMI and the first GUAMI type; or the access network device can identify (or determine) that the first GUAMI is unavailable according to the first GUAMI and the first GUAMI type, and the type of the first GUAMI is the first GUAMI type. For example, the access network device can identify (or determine) that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable by parsing the first field and the second field.

[0139] In the first communication method, the first information carries not only the first GUAMI but also a first GUAMI type, so that the access network device can accurately identify, according to the first information, that the unavailable GUAMI indicated by the core network is a first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type, so that the core network and the access network device keep consistent understanding of the GUAMI, and user experience is improved.

[0140] Optionally, the first communication method can further include: performing, by the access network device, AMF network element reselection according to the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type, which is not shown in FIG. 2.

[0141] The implementation process of the access network device performing AMF network element reselection will be described below in conjunction with FIG. 3.

[0142] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a second communication method provided by an embodiment of the application. In the embodiment of the application, the access network device is denoted as an NG-RAN node, and the AMF network element sending the first information to the NG-RAN node is denoted as an AMF network element 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the method can include the following contents.

[0143] S301: The AMF network element 1 generates first information.

[0144] The first information includes a first GUAMI and a first GUAMI type. The first GUAMI is used to identify at least one AMF network element. The at least one AMF network element includes the AMF network element 1. The first information can be used to indicate that a first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; or the first information can be used to indicate that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; or the first information can be used to indicate (or indicate) that the first GUAMI is unavailable, and the type of the first GUAMI is the first GUAMI type.

[0145] S302: The AMF network element 1 sends the first information to the NG-RAN node. Correspondingly, the NG-RAN node receives the first information from the AMF network element 1.

[0146] Optionally, the first information can be an AMF status indication message, or the first information can be carried in the AMF status indication message.

[0147] S303: The NG-RAN node identifies, according to the first information, that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable.

[0148] The implementation process of S301 to S303 can be referred to the description of S201 to S203, and will not be described here.

[0149] S304: The NG-RAN node performs AMF network element reselection according to the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type.

[0150] Exemplarily, the NG-RAN node can not reselect the AMF network element according to the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type. It can be understood that the implementation process of reselecting the AMF network element is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. For example, the implementation process of reselecting the AMF network element by the NG-RAN node can refer to the prior art, which is not limited.

[0151] The NG-RAN node performs AMF network element reselection. If the NG-RAN node can reselect the AMF network element, the reselected AMF network element can be recorded as AMF network element 2, then the content of S305 is executed; if the NG-RAN node cannot reselect the AMF network element, then the content of S306 and S307 is executed. That is, S305 and S306 and S307 are parallel steps, which are represented by a dashed box in FIG. 3.

[0152] S305: The AMF network element 2 acquires the user data of the terminal device 1.

[0153] Optionally, the AMF network element 2 can be a backup AMF (backup AMF) network element associated with the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type, or the AMF network element 2 can not be a backup AMF (backup AMF) network element associated with the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI, which is not limited.

[0154] The NG-RAN node reselects the AMF network element 2, and can migrate the user data of at least one terminal device associated with the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type to the AMF network element 2; accordingly, the AMF network element 2 acquires the user data of at least one terminal device associated with the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type. Then, the messages of the at least one terminal device associated with the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be transmitted to the AMF network element 2 through the NG-RAN node. The migration process of the user data of the at least one terminal device is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The at least one terminal device includes the terminal device 1, and accordingly, the AMF network element 2 can acquire the user data of the terminal device 1. In FIG. 3, the acquisition of the user data of the terminal device 1 by the AMF network element 2 is exemplified.

[0155] S306: The NG-RAN node sends second information to the terminal device 1. Accordingly, the terminal device 1 receives the second information from the NG-RAN node.

[0156] The second information is used to indicate releasing the connection with the AMF network element 1. For example, the NG-RAN node does not reselect to the AMF network element, and the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type can be notified to release the connection with the AMF network element 1. The at least one terminal device includes the terminal device 1. In FIG. 3, the NG-RAN node sends the second information to the terminal device 1 as an example.

[0157] S307: The terminal device 1 releases the connection with the AMF network element 1 according to the second information.

[0158] In the second communication method, the access network device can reselect the AMF network element based on the accurately identified unavailable GUAMI, and the problem that the user service is affected due to the access network device reselecting the AMF network element based on the unavailable GUAMI inconsistent with the core network can be avoided.

[0159] In the first communication method and the second communication method, the first information includes the first GUAMI and the first GUAMI type. In another possible implementation, the first information can also not include the first GUAMI type, that is, the first GUAMI type is optional. Optionally, if the first information includes the first GUAMI type, the access network device can accurately identify the unavailable GUAMI, and perform AMF network element reselection based on the identified unavailable GUAMI. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the judgment condition of whether the AMF network element carries the first GUAMI type in the first information.

[0160] For example, the first information is the AMF STATUS INDICATION message, and the AMF STATUS INDICATION message can include a GUAMI IE and a GUAMI type IE, as shown in Table 1. The GUAMI IE is mandatory. The GUAMI type IE is optional, can be mapped or local, has a threshold, and the assigned threshold is rejection. It can be understood that each data in Table 1 is taken as an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the AMF STATUS INDICATION message can also be at least one of the following: a message type, an unavailable GUAMI list, an unavailable GUAMI item, a timer approach for GUAMI removal, or a backup AMF name.

[0161] Table 1

[0162] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a third communication method according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 4, the method can include the following steps.

[0163] S401: An AMF network element generates third information.

[0164] The third information includes a second GUAMI. The second GUAMI is used to identify at least one AMF network element.

[0165] The at least one AMF network element can include the AMF network element that generates the third information.

[0166] Specifically, the third information can be used to indicate that the second GUAMI is unavailable; or the third information can be used to indicate that the second GUAMI is unavailable. In an embodiment, the third information can include a third field, and the third field can be used to indicate the second GUAMI. Alternatively, the third field can be replaced by a third IE. Alternatively, the third field can also be referred to as a GUAMI field. Alternatively, the third IE can also be referred to as a GUAMI IE.

[0167] S402: The AMF network element sends the third information to an access network device.

[0168] Correspondingly, the access network device receives the third information from the AMF network element.

[0169] In one example, the third information can be an AMF status indication message. For example, the AMF network element can send an AMF status indication message to the access network device, and the AMF status indication message includes the second GUAMI; correspondingly, the access network device receives the AMF status indication message from the AMF network element.

[0170] In another example, the third information can also be carried in the AMF status indication message, or the third information can also be carried by the AMF status indication message. For example, the AMF network element can send an AMF status indication message to the access network device, and the AMF status indication message includes the third information, and the third information includes the second GUAMI; correspondingly, the access network device receives the AMF status indication message from the AMF network element.

[0171] Alternatively, the AMF status indication message can be an AMF STATUS INDICATION message, which is not limited.

[0172] It can be understood that the AMF network element can generate the third information and send the third information to the access network device; or the AMF network element can also determine that the second GUAMI is unavailable and send the third information to the access network device. That is, S401 is an optional step, which is represented by a dashed line in FIG. 4.

[0173] S403: The access network device identifies that the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is unavailable according to the third information.

[0174] The access network device can identify (identify) that the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is unavailable according to the third information, or the access network device can determine that the unavailable GUAMI is the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type according to the third information. For example, the type of the GUAMI that is predefined or default unavailable is the second GUAMI type, and the access network device parses the third information to identify (or determine) that the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is unavailable, or the access network device parses the third information to identify (or determine) that the second GUAMI is unavailable, and the type of the second GUAMI is the second GUAMI type. For example, the access network device parses the third field to identify (or determine) that the second GUAMI is unavailable, and the type of the second GUAMI is the second GUAMI type.

[0175] The second GUAMI type can be predefined, or can be default, or can be preconfigured, without limitation. For example, the type of the GUAMI that is predefined or default unavailable is the second GUAMI type. For example, in S401, if the type of the second GUAMI that is unavailable is the second GUAMI type, the AMF can generate the third information including the second GUAMI and not including the type of the second GUAMI, and send the third information to the access network device; the access network device receives the third information, and parses the third information to identify that the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is unavailable.

[0176] The second GUAMI type belongs to the type of the GUAMI, that is, the type of the GUAMI includes the second GUAMI type. In the embodiments of the present application, the type of the GUAMI can include mapped and native. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the type of the GUAMI. For example, in future communication systems, the type of the GUAMI can also include other types in addition to mapped and native. For ease of understanding, the embodiments of the present application are illustrated taking the type of the GUAMI including mapped and native as an example. Accordingly, the second GUAMI type can be mapped, or the second GUAMI type can be native.

[0177] The second GUAMI type is mapped, which can be understood as: the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type can be determined based on the GUTI of the first communication system, or the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type can be derived from the GUTI of the first communication system.

[0178] In an embodiment, the second GUAMI type is local, which means that the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type can be determined based on a GUTI of the second communication system, or the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type can be derived from the GUTI of the second communication system.

[0179] It should be noted that the second communication system and the first communication system can be different communication systems. Specifically, the first communication system can be an EPS, and the second communication system can be a 5G communication system, without limitation.

[0180] In an example, in the case that the first communication system is an EPS, assuming that the second GUAMI type is mapped, the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type can be determined based on a GUTI of the EPS. For example, the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type can be derived from the GUTI of the EPS. For another example, the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type can be derived based on the GUTI of the EPS.

[0181] In another example, in the case that the second communication system is a 5G communication system, assuming that the second GUAMI type is local, the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type can be determined based on a GUTI of the 5G communication system. For example, the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type can be derived from the GUTI of the 5G communication system. For another example, the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type can be derived based on the GUTI of the 5G communication system.

[0182] Optionally, the third communication method described above can further include that the access network device performs AMF network element reselection, which is not shown in FIG. 4. For example, the access network device performs AMF network element reselection according to the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type, and the implementation process thereof is described with reference to the description of the second communication method described above, which will not be described here.

[0183] In the third communication method described above, the third information carries the second GUAMI, and the type of the second GUAMI carried by the third information is the second GUAMI type by default or predefinition. In this way, the access network device can accurately identify the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type as the GUAMI that is not available as indicated by the core network according to the third information, so that the understanding of the GUAMI by the core network and the access network device is consistent, which is conducive to improving user experience.

[0184] The first communication method and the third communication method described above can be used alone or in combination.

[0185] In an implementation, if the unavailable GUAMI (e.g., GUAMI#1) is of the second GUAMI type, the AMF network element can generate an AMF STATUS INDICATION message including the GUAMI#1, i.e., the third communication method described above is adopted; accordingly, the access network device identifies, according to the AMF STATUS INDICATION message, that the GUAMI#1 is unavailable and the GUAMI#1 is of the second GUAMI type. If the unavailable GUAMI (e.g., GUAMI#1) is not of the second GUAMI type, the AMF network element can generate an AMF STATUS INDICATION message including the GUAMI#1 and the type of the GUAMI#1 (e.g., GUAMI type#1), i.e., the first communication method described above is adopted; accordingly, the access network device identifies, according to the AMF STATUS INDICATION message, that the GUAMI of the GUAMI type#1 is unavailable.

[0186] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a fourth communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 5, the method can include the following contents.

[0187] S501: The AMF network element sends a third GUAMI type to the access network device.

[0188] Accordingly, the access network device receives the third GUAMI type from the AMF network element.

[0189] The third GUAMI type can be used to indicate the type of the third GUAMI. For example, the third GUAMI type can be used to indicate at least one type of the third GUAMI. For example, the third GUAMI type includes at least one GUAMI type corresponding to the third GUAMI.

[0190] Optionally, the AMF network element can also send the access network device a third GUAMI. For example, the AMF network element can send the access network device fifth information including the third GUAMI and the third GUAMI type; accordingly, the access network device receives the fifth information from the AMF network element.

[0191] The third GUAMI type can include native, or mapped, or both native and mapped. It can be understood that embodiments of the present application do not limit the third GUAMI type. For example, the third GUAMI type in future communication systems can also include other types in addition to mapped and native. For ease of understanding, embodiments of the present application are illustrated by taking the third GUAMI type including mapped and / or native as an example.

[0192] In an implementation, the third GUAMI type can be carried in a setup response message from the AMF network element, or in other words, the third GUAMI type can be carried in the setup response message from the AMF network element. For example, the AMF network element can send a setup response message to the access network device, the setup response message including the third GUAMI type; accordingly, the access network device receives the setup response message from the AMF network element. Optionally, the fifth information can be the setup response message, or the fifth information can also be carried in the setup response message, which is not limited.

[0193] Optionally, the setup response message can be an NG Setup Response message, which is not limited.

[0194] In another implementation, the third GUAMI type can be carried in an AMF configuration update message from the AMF network element, or in other words, the third GUAMI type can be carried in the AMF configuration update message from the AMF network element. For example, the AMF network element can send an AMF configuration update message to the access network device, the AMF configuration update message including the third GUAMI type; accordingly, the access network device receives the AMF configuration update message from the AMF network element. Optionally, the fifth information can be the AMF configuration update message, or the fifth information can also be carried in the AMF configuration update message, which is not limited.

[0195] Optionally, the AMF configuration update message can be an AMF Configuration Update message, which is not limited.

[0196] In another implementation, the third GUAMI type is carried in both the setup response message and the AMF configuration update message of the AMF network element, and the implementation process is described in the foregoing two examples, which will not be repeated. Optionally, the third GUAMI is also carried in the setup response message and the AMF configuration update message of the AMF network element.

[0197] It can be understood that the third GUAMI type can also be carried in other messages from the AMF network element in addition to the setup response message and the AMF configuration update message, which is not limited.

[0198] S502: The AMF network element generates fourth information.

[0199] The fourth information includes the third GUAMI. The third GUAMI is used to identify at least one AMF network element.

[0200] The at least one AMF network element can include the AMF network element that generates the fourth information.

[0201] Specifically, the fourth information can be used to indicate that the third GUAMI is unavailable; or the fourth information can be used to indicate that the third GUAMI is unavailable.

[0202] In an implementation, the fourth information can include a fourth field, and the fourth field can be used to indicate the third GUAMI. Alternatively, the fourth field can be replaced by a fourth IE. Alternatively, the fourth field can also be referred to as a GUAMI field. Alternatively, the fourth IE can also be referred to as a GUAMI IE.

[0203] S503: The AMF network element sends the fourth information to the access network device.

[0204] Correspondingly, the access network device receives the fourth information from the AMF network element.

[0205] In one example, the fourth information can be an AMF status indication message. For example, the AMF network element can send an AMF status indication message to the access network device, and the AMF status indication message includes the third GUAMI; correspondingly, the access network device receives the AMF status indication message from the AMF network element.

[0206] In another example, the fourth information can also be carried in an AMF status indication message, or the fourth information can also be carried by an AMF status indication message. For example, the AMF network element can send an AMF status indication message to the access network device, and the AMF status indication message includes the fourth information, and the fourth information includes the third GUAMI; correspondingly, the access network device receives the AMF status indication message from the AMF network element.

[0207] Alternatively, the AMF status indication message can be an AMF STATUS INDICATION message, which is not limited. In this embodiment, the type of the GUAMI that is not available carried by the AMF STATUS INDICATION message belongs to the type of the GUAMI carried by the NG Setup Response message and / or the AMF Configuration Update message, and there is no need to change the AMF STATUS INDICATION message, which is easy to implement.

[0208] It can be understood that the AMF network element can generate the fourth information and send the fourth information to the access network device; or the AMF network element can also determine that the third GUAMI is unavailable, and send the fourth information to the access network device. That is, S502 is an optional step, which is represented by a dashed line in FIG. 5.

[0209] S504: If the third GUAMI type contains local, the access network device identifies that the local third GUAMI is unavailable according to the fourth information. Or, if the third GUAMI type contains mapped, the access network device identifies that the mapped third GUAMI is unavailable according to the fourth information.

[0210] The access network device identifies (or determines) that the local or mapped third GUAMI is unavailable according to the third GUAMI type and the fourth information. For example, the access network device can identify (or determine) that the local or mapped third GUAMI is unavailable according to the fifth information and the fourth information.

[0211] In one example, the default or predefined local GUAMI is unavailable, and the third GUAMI type contains local, then the access network device can identify that the local third GUAMI is unavailable according to the fourth information. For example, the type of the unavailable GUAMI carried by the default or predefined AMF STATUS INDICATION message is local, if the type of the unavailable third GUAMI is local, and the NG Setup Response message (and / or the AMF Configuration Update message) contains that the type of the third GUAMI is local, then the AMF network element can send the AMF STATUS INDICATION message including the third GUAMI to the access network device; the access network device identifies that the local third GUAMI is unavailable according to that the NG Setup Response message (and / or the AMF Configuration Update message) contains that the type of the third GUAMI is local and the fourth information.

[0212] In another example, the default or predefined GUAMI type is unavailable, and the third GUAMI type includes the mapped, then the access network device can identify that the mapped third GUAMI is unavailable according to the fourth information. For example, the default or predefined AMF STATUS INDICATION message carries the unavailable GUAMI type as mapped, if the unavailable third GUAMI type is mapped, and the NG Setup Response message (and / or the AMF Configuration Update message) includes the third GUAMI type as mapped, then the AMF network element can send the AMF STATUS INDICATION message including the third GUAMI to the access network device; the access network device identifies that the local third GUAMI is unavailable according to the NG Setup Response message (and / or the AMF Configuration Update message) includes the third GUAMI type as mapped and the fourth information.

[0213] In one example, the third GUAMI is noted as GUAMI#1, the NG Setup Response message from the AMF network element carries {native, GUAMI#1} and {mapped, GUAMI#1}, and the AMF STATUS INDICATION message from the AMF network element carries GUAMI#1. Assuming that the default or predefined AMF STATUS INDICATION message carries the unavailable GUAMI type as native, then the access network device can identify (or determine) that the native GUAMI#1 is unavailable, or identify that the GUAMI type of the unavailable GUAMI#1 is native according to the NG Setup Response message and the AMF STATUS INDICATION message. Or assuming that the default or predefined AMF STATUS INDICATION message carries the unavailable GUAMI type as mapped, then the access network device can identify (or determine) that the mapped GUAMI#1 is unavailable, or identify that the GUAMI type of the unavailable GUAMI#1 is mapped according to the NG Setup Response message and the AMF STATUS INDICATION message.

[0214] As another example, the third GUAMI is GUAMI#1, the AMF Configuration Update message from the AMF network element carries {native, GUAMI#1} and {mapped, GUAMI#1}, and the AMF STATUS INDICATION message from the AMF network element carries GUAMI#1. Assuming that the type of the unavailable GUAMI carried in the default or predefined AMF STATUS INDICATION message is native, then the access network device can identify (or determine) that the native GUAMI#1 is unavailable, or that the GUAMI type of the unavailable GUAMI#1 is native, according to the AMF Configuration Update message and the AMF STATUS INDICATION message. Or assuming that the type of the unavailable GUAMI carried in the default or predefined AMF STATUS INDICATION message is mapped, then the access network device can identify (or determine) that the mapped GUAMI#1 is unavailable, or that the GUAMI type of the unavailable GUAMI#1 is mapped, according to the AMF Configuration Update message and the AMF STATUS INDICATION message.

[0215] In some embodiments, the mapped third GUAMI can be determined based on the GUTI of the first communication system. In some embodiments, the mapped third GUAMI can be derived from the GUTI of the first communication system.

[0216] In some embodiments, the local third GUAMI can be determined based on the GUTI of the second communication system. In some embodiments, the local third GUAMI can be derived from the GUTI of the second communication system.

[0217] It is noted that the second communication system and the first communication system can be different communication systems. Specifically, the first communication system can be EPS, and the second communication system can be the 5G communication system, without limitation.

[0218] In one example, in the case that the first communication system is EPS, the mapped third GUAMI can be determined based on the GUTI of the EPS. For example, the mapped third GUAMI can be derived from the GUTI of the EPS. As another example, the mapped third GUAMI can be derived based on the GUTI of the EPS.

[0219] In another example, in the case of the second communication system being a 5G communication system, the local third GUAMI can be determined based on a GUTI of the 5G communication system. For example, the local third GUAMI can be derived from the GUTI of the 5G communication system. For another example, the local third GUAMI can be derived based on the GUTI of the 5G communication system.

[0220] Optionally, the fourth communication method described above can further include that the access network device performs AMF network element reselection, which is not shown in FIG. 5. For example, the access network device performs AMF network element reselection according to the local or mapped third GUAMI, and the implementation process thereof can be referred to the description of the second communication method described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0221] In the fourth communication method described above, the access network device receives the third GUAMI type and the fourth information carrying the third GUAMI, without carrying the type of the third GUAMI, and the type of the third GUAMI is indicated by the third GUAMI, so that the access network device can accurately identify whether the third GUAMI that is not available indicated by the core network is the local third GUAMI or the mapped third GUAMI according to the third GUAMI type and the fourth information, so that the understanding of the GUAMI by the core network and the access network device is consistent, which is beneficial to improve user experience.

[0222] It can be understood that the first communication method and the fourth communication method described above can be used alone or in combination, and the implementation thereof can be referred to the description of the combination of the first communication method and the third communication method, which will not be repeated here.

[0223] In the embodiments provided in the present application, the methods provided by the embodiments of the present application are introduced from the perspective of interaction of multiple communication devices (for example, access network devices and AMF network elements). The steps performed by the communication devices (for example, access network devices or AMF network elements) can be implemented by different functional entities constituting the communication devices. The communication devices (for example, access network devices or AMF network elements) can include hardware structures and / or software modules to implement the above functions in the form of hardware structures, software modules, or hardware structures plus software modules. Whether a certain function is implemented in the form of hardware structure, software module, or hardware structure plus software module depends on the specific application of the technical solution and the design constraint conditions.

[0224] The communication devices used to implement the above methods in the embodiments of the present application will be introduced below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the content in the foregoing can be used in the subsequent embodiments, and the repeated content will not be repeated here.

[0225] FIG. 6 shows a structural schematic diagram of a communication apparatus 600 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The communication apparatus 600 can implement the functions or steps implemented by the access network device or the AMF network element in the above various method embodiments.

[0226] For example, when the communication apparatus 600 is used to implement the functions or steps implemented by the access network device in the above various method embodiments, the communication apparatus 600 can be the access network device or a component (for example, a DU and / or an RU, etc.) in the access network device, etc.

[0227] For example, when the communication apparatus 600 is used to implement the functions or steps implemented by the AMF network element in the above various method embodiments, the communication apparatus 600 can be the AMF network element or a component in the AMF network element, etc.

[0228] In an implementation, the communication apparatus 600 can include a processing module 601 and a transceiver module 602, or include the processing module 601 and not include the transceiver module 602, or include the transceiver module 602 and not include the processing module 601. Wherein:

[0229] The processing module 601 can be used to support the communication apparatus 600 to perform the processing actions in the above method embodiments. The processing module 601 can be implemented by one or more processors. For example, the processor can be a central processing unit (CPU), and can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSP), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), microcontroller units (MCU), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor.

[0230] In the present application, the processing module 601 can also be referred to as a processing unit, etc., without limitation.

[0231] The transceiver module 602 is configured to input and / or output information. The input information can be replaced by received information, and the output information can be replaced by transmitted information. When outputting the information, the transceiver module 602 can output the information to other devices outside the communication apparatus 600, or output the information to other units in the communication apparatus 600. In some manners, the transceiver module 602 can be implemented by at least one of a physical interface, a communication module, a communication interface, and an input / output interface. In other manners, the transceiver module 602 can be implemented by an interface circuit, for example, a mobile communication module. The mobile communication module can include one or more of at least one antenna, at least one filter, a switch, a power amplifier, a low noise amplifier (LNA), and the like.

[0232] Optionally, the transceiver module 602 can include a transmitting module and a receiving module. The transmitting module is configured to perform the transmitting operations in the above method embodiments. The receiving module is configured to perform the receiving operations in the above method embodiments. It should be noted that the communication apparatus 600 can include the transmitting module, but not the receiving module. Alternatively, the communication apparatus 600 can include the receiving module, but not the transmitting module. Whether the communication apparatus 600 includes the transmitting module and the receiving module can depend on whether the communication apparatus 600 performs the transmitting operation and the receiving operation in the above scheme.

[0233] In this application, the transceiver module 602 can also be referred to as a communication interface, a communication module, a transceiver unit, an interface module, an interface unit, a communication unit, etc., without limitation.

[0234] It should be noted that the communication apparatus 600 can include the processing module 601, but not the transceiver module 602. Alternatively, the communication apparatus 600 can include the transceiver module 602, but not the processing module 601. Whether the communication apparatus 600 includes the processing module 601 and the transceiver module 602 can depend on whether the communication apparatus 600 performs the processing operation and the transceiving operation in the above scheme.

[0235] Optionally, the communication apparatus 600 can further include a storage module, which is not shown in FIG. 6. The storage module can be configured to store instructions and / or data. The processing module 601 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module, so that the communication apparatus 600 implements the above method embodiments.

[0236] Optionally, the communication apparatus 600 can be a chip system, the transceiver module 602 can be an input / output interface of a chip (for example, a baseband chip), and the processing module 601 can be a processor of the chip system.

[0237] In a possible design, the processing module 601 can be implemented by one or more processors when the communication apparatus 600 is a communication device or a communication module in a communication device. For example, the processor can include a Modem chip (also referred to as a baseband chip), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC) chip or a system in package (SIP) chip that includes a Modem core. The transceiver module 602 can be implemented by a transceiver circuit. Optionally, the communication device can be a network device.

[0238] In a possible design, the processing module 601 can be implemented by circuitry including one or more processors or processor cores in a chip that is responsible for communication functions in a communication device, such as a Modem chip or a SoC chip or a SIP chip that includes a Modem core. The transceiver module 602 can be implemented by an interface circuit or a data transceiver circuit on the chip. Optionally, the communication device can be a network device.

[0239] In a first implementation, the communication apparatus 600 can implement a function of an access network device, and perform the following: receiving, by the transceiver module 602, first information from an access and mobility management function network element, the first information including a first GUAMI and a first GUAMI type, and the first information indicating that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; and identifying, by the processing module 601, that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable according to the first information.

[0240] In a possible implementation, the first information is an access and mobility management function status indication message, or the first information is carried in an access and mobility management function status indication message.

[0241] In a possible implementation, the processing module 601 is further configured to perform access and mobility management function network element reselection according to the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type.

[0242] In a possible implementation, the first GUAMI type is mapped, or the first GUAMI type is local.

[0243] In a possible implementation, the first GUAMI type is mapped, and the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is determined based on a globally unique temporary identity (GUTI) of an evolved packet system (EPS).

[0244] In the second implementation, the communication apparatus 600 can implement a function of an AMF network element, and perform the following: the processing module 601 is configured to generate first information, the first information including a first globally unique access and mobility management function identifier (GUAMI) and a first GUAMI type, and the first information indicating that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; and the transceiver 602 is configured to send the first information to an access network device.

[0245] In a possible implementation, the first information is an access and mobility management function status indication message, or the first information is carried in an access and mobility management function status indication message.

[0246] In a possible implementation, the first GUAMI type is mapped, or the first GUAMI type is local.

[0247] In a possible implementation, the first GUAMI type is mapped, and the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is determined based on a globally unique temporary identity (GUTI) of an evolved packet system (EPS).

[0248] In the third implementation, the communication apparatus 600 can implement a function of an access network device, and perform the following: the transceiver 602 is configured to receive third information from an access and mobility management function network element, the third information including a second globally unique access and mobility management function identifier (GUAMI), and the third information indicating that the second GUAMI is unavailable; and the processing module 601 is configured to identify, according to the third information, that the second GUAMI corresponding to a second GUAMI type is unavailable.

[0249] In a possible implementation, the third information is an access and mobility management function status indication message, or the third information is carried in an access and mobility management function status indication message.

[0250] In a possible implementation, the processing module 601 is further configured to perform access and mobility management function network element reselection.

[0251] In a possible implementation, the second GUAMI type is local, or the second GUAMI type is mapped.

[0252] In a possible implementation, the second GUAMI type is local, and the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is determined based on a 5th generation communication system GUTI; or the second GUAMI type is mapped, and the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is determined based on an evolved packet system GUTI.

[0253] In the fourth implementation, the communication apparatus 600 can implement the function of an AMF network element, and perform the following: the processing module 601 is configured to generate third information, the third information including a second global unique access and mobility management function identifier GUAMI, and the third information being used to indicate that the second GUAMI is unavailable; and the transceiver module 602 is configured to send the third information to an access network device.

[0254] In a possible implementation, the third information is an access and mobility management function state indication message, or the third information is carried in an access and mobility management function state indication message.

[0255] In a possible implementation, the second GUAMI type is local, or the second GUAMI type is mapped.

[0256] In a possible implementation, the second GUAMI type is local, and the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is determined based on a 5th generation communication system GUTI; or the second GUAMI type is mapped, and the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is determined based on an evolved packet system GUTI.

[0257] In a fifth implementation manner, the communication apparatus 600 can implement a function of an access network device, and perform the following: the transceiver 602 is configured to receive a third GUAMI type and fourth information from an access and mobility management function network element, the fourth information is used to indicate that the third GUAMI is unavailable, and the third GUAMI type is used to indicate a type of the third GUAMI; and the processor 601 is configured to: if the third GUAMI type contains a local one, identify, according to the fourth information, that the local third GUAMI is unavailable; or if the third GUAMI type contains a mapped one, identify, according to the fourth information, that the mapped third GUAMI is unavailable.

[0258] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth information includes the third GUAMI; the fourth information is an access and mobility management function status indication message, or the fourth information is carried in the access and mobility management function status indication message.

[0259] In a possible implementation manner, the third GUAMI type is carried in a setup response message from the access and mobility management function network element; and / or, the third GUAMI type is carried in an access and mobility management function configuration update message of the access and mobility management function network element.

[0260] In a possible implementation manner, the processor 601 is further configured to perform access and mobility management function network element reselection.

[0261] In a possible implementation manner, the local third GUAMI is determined based on a GUTI of a fifth generation communication system.

[0262] In a possible implementation manner, the mapped third GUAMI is determined based on a GUTI of an evolved packet system.

[0263] In a sixth implementation manner, the communication apparatus 600 can implement a function of an AMF network element, and perform the following: the transceiver 602 is configured to send, to an access network device, a third GUAMI type used to indicate a type of a third GUAMI; the processor 601 is configured to generate fourth information used to indicate that the third GUAMI is unavailable; and the transceiver 602 is further configured to send, to the access network device, the fourth information.

[0264] In a possible implementation manner, the fourth information includes the third GUAMI; the fourth information is an access and mobility management function status indication message, or the fourth information is carried in the access and mobility management function status indication message.

[0265] In a possible implementation, the third GUAMI type is carried in a setup response message from the access and mobility management function network element; and / or, the third GUAMI type is carried in an access and mobility management function configuration update message of the access and mobility management function network element.

[0266] In a possible implementation, the third GUAMI of the local is determined based on a GUTI of a fifth generation communication system.

[0267] In a possible implementation, the third GUAMI of the mapping is determined based on a GUTI of an evolved packet system.

[0268] Detailed descriptions of the processing module 601 and the transceiver module 602 can be directly obtained with reference to the foregoing descriptions, and thus are not described herein.

[0269] FIG. 7 shows a structural schematic diagram of another communication apparatus 700 provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication apparatus 700 can include a processor 720, which is configured to implement or support implementation of the functions of the access network device or the AMF network element in the foregoing method embodiments. For details, refer to the foregoing descriptions in the method embodiments, which are not described herein. For example, the processor 720 is configured to read and execute program instructions through the communication interface 710, so that the communication apparatus 700 implements corresponding methods. The processor 720 can include one or more processors, which are not limited.

[0270] It should be noted that the foregoing functional modules can be implemented by hardware, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software, which are not limited. When the communication apparatus 700 only includes the processor 720, the communication apparatus 700 can be a chip or a chip system.

[0271] For example, the communication apparatus 700 can be a chip system. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices, which are not limited.

[0272] For another example, when the communication apparatus 700 is a chip, the communication interface 710 can be an input and output interface of the chip, where the input corresponds to a receiving operation, and the output corresponds to a sending operation.

[0273] Optionally, the communication apparatus 700 further includes a memory 730 for storing program instructions and / or data. The memory 730 is coupled to the processor 720. The coupling can be understood as an indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, for information interaction between apparatuses, units or modules. The processor 720 can operate in cooperation with the memory 730. The processor 720 and the memory 730 can be integrated together, or can be separately arranged.

[0274] Further, the processor 720 is configured to execute the program instructions stored in the memory 730, so that the communication apparatus 700 implements a corresponding method.

[0275] One or more of the memories in the memory 730 can be included in the processor. The memory 730 can also exist independently, for example, an off-chip memory, connected to the processor 720 through a communication bus (represented by a thick line 740 in FIG. 7). The memory 730 and the processor 720 can also be integrated together.

[0276] Optionally, the communication apparatus 700 further includes a communication interface 710 (represented by a dashed line in FIG. 7) for communicating with other devices through a transmission medium, so that the devices in the communication apparatus 700 can communicate with other devices.

[0277] Exemplarily, when the communication apparatus 700 is an access network device, the other device can be an AMF network element, etc. The processor 720 can use the communication interface 710 to transceive data. For example, the processor 720 can be configured to control the communication interface 710 to receive and / or send signals.

[0278] The communication interface 710 can be a transceiver. In hardware implementation, the transceiver can be used to implement the functions of the transceiving module 602 described above, and the transceiver is integrated in the communication apparatus 700 to form the communication interface 710.

[0279] Optionally, the transceiver can include a transmitter and / or a receiver to implement the sending and receiving operations in the method embodiments; other operations than sending and receiving can be implemented by the processor 720.

[0280] It should be noted that the communication interface 710 can have both sending and receiving functions, and can implement signal receiving and sending; or it can have only sending function and no receiving function, and is used to implement signal sending; or it can have only receiving function and no sending function, and is used to implement signal receiving.

[0281] It should be noted that the specific connection medium between the communication interface 710, the processor 720 and the memory 730 in the embodiments of the present application is not limited. In FIG. 7, the memory 730, the processor 720 and the communication interface 710 are connected through a communication bus 740, and the connection mode between other components is only illustrative and is not limited. The communication bus 740 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus and the like. For the convenience of representation, only one thick line is used in FIG. 7, but it does not mean that there is only one communication bus or one type of communication bus.

[0282] In the embodiments of the present application, the processor 720 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. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application can be completed by hardware in the processor or by a combination of hardware and software in the processor.

[0283] In the embodiments of the present application, the memory 730 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 for carrying or storing program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and capable of being accessed by a computer; or a circuit or any other device capable of realizing a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0284] In the first possible implementation, the communication apparatus 700 can be an access network device or a device in an access network device, configured to implement the related method corresponding to the access network device in the above various embodiments, and the specific functions can refer to the description in the above various embodiments.

[0285] For example, the related method corresponding to the access network device in the above various embodiments includes: receiving first information from an access and mobility management function network element, the first information including a first GUAMI and a first GUAMI type, and the first information indicating that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; and identifying, according to the first information, that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable.

[0286] In the second possible implementation, the communication apparatus 700 can be an AMF network element or a device in an AMF network element, configured to implement the related method corresponding to the access network device in the above various embodiments, and the specific functions can refer to the description in the above various embodiments.

[0287] Exemplarily, the method corresponding to the AMF network element in each of the above embodiments comprises: generating first information, the first information comprising a first globally unique access and mobility management function identifier GUAMI and a first GUAMI type, the first information being used to indicate that the first GUAMI of the first GUAMI type is unavailable; and sending the first information to an access network device.

[0288] In a third possible implementation, the communication apparatus 700 can be an access network device or an apparatus in an access network device, configured to implement the method corresponding to the access network device in each of the above embodiments, and specific functions can be referred to the descriptions in each of the above embodiments.

[0289] Exemplarily, the method corresponding to the access network device in each of the above embodiments comprises: receiving third information from an access and mobility management function network element, the third information comprising a second globally unique access and mobility management function identifier GUAMI, the third information being used to indicate that the second GUAMI is unavailable; and identifying, according to the third information, that the second GUAMI of the second GUAMI type is unavailable.

[0290] In a fourth possible implementation, the communication apparatus 700 can be an AMF network element or an apparatus in an AMF network element, configured to implement the method corresponding to the access network device in each of the above embodiments, and specific functions can be referred to the descriptions in each of the above embodiments.

[0291] Exemplarily, the method corresponding to the AMF network element in each of the above embodiments comprises: generating third information, the third information comprising a second globally unique access and mobility management function identifier GUAMI, the third information being used to indicate that the second GUAMI is unavailable; and sending the third information to an access network device.

[0292] In a fifth possible implementation, the communication apparatus 700 can be an access network device or an apparatus in an access network device, configured to implement the method corresponding to the access network device in each of the above embodiments, and specific functions can be referred to the descriptions in each of the above embodiments.

[0293] Exemplarily, the method corresponding to the access network device in each of the above embodiments comprises: receiving a third GUAMI type and fourth information from an access and mobility management function network element, the fourth information being used to indicate that a third GUAMI is unavailable, and the third GUAMI type being used to indicate a type of the third GUAMI; if the third GUAMI type contains local, identifying that the local third GUAMI is unavailable according to the fourth information; or, if the third GUAMI type contains mapped, identifying that the mapped third GUAMI is unavailable according to the fourth information.

[0294] In a sixth possible implementation, the communication apparatus 700 can be an AMF network element or an apparatus in an AMF network element, configured to implement the method corresponding to the access network device in each of the above embodiments, and specific functions can be referred to the descriptions in each of the above embodiments.

[0295] Exemplarily, the method corresponding to the AMF network element in each of the above embodiments comprises: sending a third GUAMI type to an access network device, the third GUAMI type being used to indicate a type of a third GUAMI; generating fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate that the third GUAMI is unavailable, and the third GUAMI type being used to indicate the type of the third GUAMI; and sending the fourth information to the access network device.

[0296] For specific implementation process, please refer to the descriptions in each of the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0297] FIG. 8 exemplarily shows another communication apparatus 800 provided by the embodiments of the present application, comprising: an input / output interface 810 and a logic circuit 820; the input / output interface 810 is configured to receive code instructions and transmit the code instructions to the logic circuit 820; the logic circuit 820 is configured to run the code instructions to execute the method performed by the access network device or the AMF network element in any of the above embodiments.

[0298] In a first implementation, the communication apparatus 800 can be applied to an access network device to execute the method performed by the access network device, for example, the method performed by the access network device in the above method embodiments. For example, the communication apparatus 800 can receive first information from an access and mobility management function network element, the first information comprising a first GUAMI and a first GUAMI type, the first information being used to indicate that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; and identify that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable according to the first information.

[0299] In the second implementation, the communication apparatus 800 can be applied to an AMF network element, and perform the method performed by the AMF network element as described above, for example, the method performed by the AMF network element in the foregoing method embodiments. For example, the communication apparatus 800 can generate first information, the first information including a first globally unique access and mobility management function identifier GUAMI and a first GUAMI type, the first information being used to indicate that the first GUAMI of the first GUAMI type is unavailable; and send the first information to an access network device.

[0300] In the third implementation, the communication apparatus 800 can be applied to an access network device, and perform the method performed by the access network device as described above, for example, the method performed by the access network device in the foregoing method embodiments. For example, the communication apparatus 800 can receive third information from an access and mobility management function network element, the third information including a second globally unique access and mobility management function identifier GUAMI, the third information being used to indicate that the second GUAMI is unavailable; and according to the third information, identify that the second GUAMI of a second GUAMI type is unavailable.

[0301] In the fourth implementation, the communication apparatus 800 can be applied to an AMF network element, and perform the method performed by the AMF network element as described above, for example, the method performed by the AMF network element in the foregoing method embodiments. For example, the communication apparatus 800 can generate third information, the third information including a second globally unique access and mobility management function identifier GUAMI, the third information being used to indicate that the second GUAMI is unavailable; and send the third information to an access network device.

[0302] In the fifth implementation, the communication apparatus 800 can be applied to an access network device, and perform the method performed by the access network device as described above, for example, the method performed by the access network device in the foregoing method embodiments. For example, the communication apparatus 800 can receive a third GUAMI type and fourth information from an access and mobility management function network element, the fourth information being used to indicate that a third GUAMI is unavailable, the third GUAMI type being used to indicate a type of the third GUAMI; if the third GUAMI type includes local, according to the fourth information, identify that the third GUAMI of the local is unavailable; or if the third GUAMI type includes mapping, according to the fourth information, identify that the third GUAMI of the mapping is unavailable.

[0303] In a sixth implementation manner, the communication apparatus 800 can be applied to an AMF network element, and perform the method performed by the AMF network element described above, for example, the method performed by the AMF network element in the foregoing method embodiments. For example, the communication apparatus 800 can send, to an access network device, a third GUAMI type, the third GUAMI type being used to indicate a type of a third GUAMI; generate fourth information, the fourth information being used to indicate that the third GUAMI is unavailable; and send, to the access network device, the fourth information.

[0304] For details of implementation, refer to the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0305] The embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which can include one or more of the following: an access network device or an AMF network element. The access network device or the AMF network element can refer to the description in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0306] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer programs or instructions, which, when executed, cause the method or steps performed by the access network device or the AMF network element in the foregoing embodiments to be implemented.

[0307] The embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product including a computer program, which, when executed on a computer, causes the method or steps performed by the access network device or the AMF network element in the foregoing embodiments to be implemented.

[0308] The embodiments of the present application provide a chip system including a processor for implementing the functions of the access network device or the AMF network element in the foregoing method (for example, performing corresponding methods or steps). The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0309] Optionally, the chip system further includes a memory for storing program instructions, so that the foregoing processor reads and executes to implement corresponding methods.

[0310] It should be understood that, in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial number of the foregoing processes does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of the processes should be determined according to their functions and inherent logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

[0311] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0312] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0313] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the above-described device embodiments are only schematic, for example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0314] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separated, and the components shown as units can or can not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place, or can be distributed on a plurality of network units. Part or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment.

[0315] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically independently, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0316] If the functions are implemented in the form of software function units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the part of the technical solutions of the present application that essentially contributes or the part of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0317] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed by the embodiments of the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving first information from an access and mobility management function network element, the first information comprising a first globally unique access and mobility management function identifier GUAMI and a first GUAMI type, the first information being used to indicate that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; according to the first information, identifying that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information is an access and mobility management function status indication message, or the first information is carried in an access and mobility management function status indication message.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further comprises: performing access and mobility management function network element reselection according to the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first GUAMI type is mapped, or the first GUAMI type is local.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first GUAMI type is mapped, and the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is determined based on a globally unique temporary identifier GUTI of an evolved packet system; or The first GUAMI type is local, and the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is determined based on a GUTI of a fifth generation communication system.

6. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: generating first information, the first information comprising a first globally unique access and mobility management function identifier GUAMI and a first GUAMI type, the first information being used to indicate that the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is unavailable; sending the first information to an access network device.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The first information is an access and mobility management function status indication message, or the first information is carried in an access and mobility management function status indication message.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The first GUAMI type is mapped, or the first GUAMI type is local.

9. The method of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The first GUAMI type is mapped, and the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is determined based on a globally unique temporary identifier GUTI of an evolved packet system; or The first GUAMI type is local, and the first GUAMI corresponding to the first GUAMI type is determined based on a GUTI of a fifth generation communication system.

10. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: receiving third information from an access and mobility management function network element, the third information comprising a second globally unique access and mobility management function identifier GUAMI, the third information being used to indicate that the second GUAMI is unavailable; according to the third information, identifying that the second GUAMI corresponding to a second GUAMI type is unavailable.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The third information is an access and mobility management function status indication message, or the third information is carried in an access and mobility management function status indication message.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method further comprises: performing access and mobility management function network element reselection.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The second GUAMI type is local, or the second GUAMI type is mapped.

14. The method of any one of claims 10-13, wherein, the second GUAMI type is local, and the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is determined based on a 5th generation system (5GS) GUTI; or the second GUAMI type is mapped, and the second GUAMI corresponding to the second GUAMI type is determined based on an evolved packet system (EPS) GUTI.

15. A method of communication, comprising: The method comprises: receiving, from an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, a third GUAMI type and fourth information, the fourth information indicating that a third GUAMI is unavailable, and the third GUAMI type indicating a type of the third GUAMI; if the third GUAMI type includes local, identifying, according to the fourth information, that the local third GUAMI is unavailable; or if the third GUAMI type includes mapped, identifying, according to the fourth information, that the mapped third GUAMI is unavailable.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The fourth information includes the third GUAMI, and the fourth information is an access and mobility management function (AMF) status indication message or is carried in the AMF status indication message.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The third GUAMI type is carried in an establishment response message from the AMF network element, and / or the third GUAMI type is carried in an AMF configuration update message from the AMF network element.

18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein, The method further comprises: performing AMF reselection.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, The local third GUAMI is determined based on a 5th generation system (5GS) GUTI.

20. The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein, The mapped third GUAMI is determined based on an evolved packet system (EPS) GUTI.

21. A communications device, characterized by A module for performing the method of any one of claims 1-20.

22. A communications device, characterized by At least one processor configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-20.

23. A communication system, characterized by An access network device and / or an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. The access network device is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1-5, 10-20, and the AMF network element is configured to perform the method of any one of claims 6-9.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, A computer program or instructions stored in a computer readable medium, when executed, cause the method of any one of claims 1-20 to be implemented.

25. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product comprises a computer program, when executed on a computer, causes the method of any one of claims 1-20 to be implemented.

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