Communication method and related apparatus

Abstract

A communication method and a related apparatus. In the method, a first message sent by a first communication apparatus comprises a first device identifier and a parameter of a first session, wherein the parameter of the first session is obtained by means of matching on the basis of a first group identifier, and there is an association relationship between the first group identifier and the first device identifier. In this way, after the first communication apparatus sends the first message on the basis of the device identifier and the group identifier that have the association relationship, a receiver of the first message can obtain, by means of the first message, the parameter that matches the first device identifier carried in the first message, thereby avoiding or reducing the situation where a session cannot be successfully established or modified due to an unsuitable or inappropriate parameter carried in the message, thus ensuring that the session is successfully established, so as to ensure successful transmission of device data.

Description

Communication method and related apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority from the Chinese Patent Application No. 202411393308.7 filed on September 30, 2024, and entitled "A communication method and related apparatus", the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular, to a communication method and related apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] In a communication network, after a device accesses the network, the device can establish one or more sessions with the network and perform data transmission through the session. In this process, the network device needs to authorize the device based on the identity information (e.g., device identifier) of the device, and establish a session for data transmission for the authorized device.

[0004] Currently, in order to support more extensive communication scenarios, a device (referred to as device A) can access the network through another device (referred to as device B). After device A and device B are connected, device B allocates a device identifier for device A to enable the network side to provide differentiated service guarantees for different device A. For example, device B can determine session parameters based on the group identifier of the communication connection between the two devices, and device B can send a session establishment or modification request message carrying the device identifier of device A and the session parameters to the network device. The network device allocates resources for device A based on the message to establish a session to implement data transmission of device A. However, if the session parameters are not suitable, the request for session establishment or modification may be rejected by the network device, and thus the data of device A cannot be transmitted. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application provides a communication method and related apparatus for ensuring successful transmission of device data.

[0006] The first aspect of the present application provides a communication method, which is performed by a first communication device. The first communication device can be a communication apparatus (e.g., a second device, which can be a terminal device or a 5G residential gateway (5G-RG) device, etc.), or the first communication device can be a component (e.g., a circuit or a chip responsible for communication functions (e.g., a Modem chip (also referred to as a baseband chip), a system on chip (SoC) chip, such as an SoC chip including a modem core, or a system in package (SIP) chip, etc.) in the communication apparatus, or the first communication device can also be a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the functions of the communication apparatus.

[0007] In the method, the first communication device determines a first device identifier, which indicates a first device; the first communication device determines a first group identifier, which is associated with the first device identifier; the first communication device matches a parameter of a first session according to the first group identifier; and the first communication device sends a first message, which is used to request establishment or modification of the first session, wherein the first message includes the first device identifier and the parameter of the first session, and the first session is used to transmit data of the first device.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, the first message sent by the first communication device includes the first device identifier and the parameter of the first session, wherein the parameter of the first session is obtained by matching the first group identifier, and the first group identifier is associated with the first device identifier. In this way, after the first communication device sends the first message based on the device identifier and the group identifier that are associated with each other, the receiver of the first message can obtain the parameter matched with the first device identifier carried by the first message, which can avoid or reduce the situation that the session cannot be successfully established or modified (e.g., the session request authorization fails) due to inappropriate or inappropriate parameters carried by the message, and thus ensures the successful establishment / modification of the session to ensure the successful transmission of the device data.

[0009] Optionally, the first device is a non-3GPP device.

[0010] It should be understood that, in this application, one device identity can indicate a certain device (e.g. the first device identity indicates the first device, or the second device identity indicates the first device hereinafter), which can be the first communication apparatus or the identity assigned / indicated by the second device where the first communication apparatus is located, and the network device can store or manage one or more device identities corresponding to the second device through the subscription information. For example, in the above scheme, the first communication apparatus can determine / assign / indicate the first device identity for the first device.

[0011] It should be understood that, in this application, one group identity can be the identity of the connection between one device and a group of devices, and each group identity can be used to indicate the port (e.g. physical port or virtual port or other forms of port) of the one device. For example, the port can refer to a single physical Ethernet port and / or a single WLAN SSID and / or a single VLAN. For example, the group identity can be the connectivity group id, or other names defined by future networks. For example, the above first group identity is used to indicate the connection (or the port corresponding to the connection) between the first communication apparatus (or the second device where the first communication apparatus is located) and a group of devices, which at least includes the first device.

[0012] Optionally, the first group identity is used to indicate the device group where the first device is located, including: the first group identity is used to indicate a group of devices connected to the second device (the second device is the first communication apparatus, or the second device includes the first communication apparatus) through the same port, and the group of devices includes the first device. Wherein, the port includes but is not limited to physical port, or virtual port, or other forms of port.

[0013] Optionally, one group identity can match / determine / select the parameters matched by the group identity through certain strategies. For example, the group identity is the connectivity group id, and the strategy can be the user equipment route selection policy (URSP), or other strategies defined by future networks. For example, in the above scheme, the first communication apparatus can match / determine / select the parameters of the first session corresponding to the first group identity based on the URSP.

[0014] It should be noted that the parameter involved in the present application can be referred to as a session parameter, for example, a session parameter of a protocol data unit (PDU) session. The parameter can include one or more of a data network name (DNN), a slice identifier (for example, single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), or other identifier), or other session-related parameters.

[0015] It should be understood that the parameter corresponding to one device identifier can be understood as the parameter (or legal parameter, subscription parameter, session data, device data, authentication parameter, etc.) associated with the one device identifier in the subscription information of the first communication apparatus or the second device where the first communication apparatus is stored or managed by the network device. Alternatively, the parameter corresponding to one device identifier can be replaced by the parameter associated with, matched to, or mapped to one device identifier.

[0016] Similarly, the parameter matched to one group identifier can be understood as the parameter (or legal parameter, subscription parameter, authentication parameter, etc.) associated with the one group identifier in the subscription information of the first communication apparatus or the second device where the first communication apparatus is stored or managed by the network device; or the parameter matched to the group identifier by the first communication apparatus or the second device where the first communication apparatus is through certain strategies such as URSP. Alternatively, the parameter matched to one group identifier can be replaced by the parameter associated with, corresponding to, or mapped to one group identifier.

[0017] Alternatively, the first group identifier has an association relationship with the first device identifier, indicating that the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier includes the parameter matched to the first group identifier. In other words, the parameter associated with the one group identifier in the subscription information of the second device stored or managed by the network device is included in the parameter associated with the one device identifier, or the parameter associated with the one group identifier is a subset of the parameter associated with the one device identifier.

[0018] Alternatively, the first communication apparatus matches the parameter of the first session according to the first group identifier can be replaced by the first communication apparatus determining, obtaining, or selecting the parameter of the first session according to the first group identifier.

[0019] It should be noted that the first session is used to transmit data of the first device, and the first session can be a session between the first communication apparatus (or a second device where the first communication apparatus is located) and the network device, such as a packet data unit (PDU) session or other session defined in the future network.

[0020] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: receiving, by the first communication apparatus, first information, the first information being used to determine the first device identity and / or the first group identity.

[0021] Based on the above scheme, the first communication apparatus can determine the first device identity and / or the first group identity based on the received first information, so that the first communication apparatus can implement the sending of the first message based on the first information sent by the other device (for example, the second communication apparatus), ensure that the parameters in the session establishment / modification request message are appropriate, and further ensure that the session is successfully established / modified, so as to ensure the successful transmission of device data.

[0022] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first communication apparatus determines the first device identity, including: the first communication apparatus allocates the first device identity to the first device; and the first communication apparatus determines the first group identity, including: the first communication apparatus determines the first group identity based on the first device identity and the first information.

[0023] Based on the above scheme, the first communication apparatus can determine the first group identity associated with the first device identity based on the first information or the above association relationship indicated by the first information after allocating the first device identity to the first device, that is, the first communication apparatus can allocate the first device identity to the connected first device first, and then determine the first group identity for the first device based on the above association relationship, so as to avoid the situation that the session cannot be successfully established / modified due to the first message carrying inappropriate parameters associated with the first device identity, and also to use the device identity between the first communication apparatus and the first device as much as possible, so as to reduce or avoid the time delay and power consumption caused by the switching process of the group identity.

[0024] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first communication apparatus determines the first group identity, including: the first communication apparatus allocates the first group identity to the first device; and the first communication apparatus determines the first device identity, including: the first communication apparatus determines the first device identity based on the first group identity and the first information.

[0025] Based on the above scheme, the first communication device can determine the first device identifier associated with the first group identifier based on the first information after allocating the first group identifier to the first device, that is, the first communication device can first allocate the first group identifier to the connected first device and then determine the first device identifier for the first device based on the association, so as to avoid the situation that the first message cannot be successfully established / modified due to the inappropriate / inappropriate parameters of the first device identifier, and to use the group identifier between the first communication device and the first device as much as possible to reduce or avoid the time delay and power consumption caused by the switching process of the group identifier.

[0026] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the method further includes: the first communication device sending a second message, the second message being used to request establishment or modification of a second session, the second session being used to transmit data of the first device, the second message including a second device identifier and parameters of the second session, the second device identifier indicating the first device; and the first communication device receiving the first information, including: the first communication device receiving a third message, the third message being used to indicate rejection of the establishment or modification of the second session; and the third message including the first information.

[0027] Based on the above scheme, after the first communication device sends the second message including the second device identifier and the parameters of the second session, it is possible that the parameters corresponding to the second device identifier carried in the second message do not include the parameters of the second session. In this case, the receiver of the second message can send the third message including the first information to the first communication device, so that the first communication device can determine that the session request corresponding to the second message is not successfully established / modified or not authorized based on the third message, and can subsequently resend other session request messages (such as the first message) based on the third message to ensure that the session is successfully established / modified, so as to ensure normal transmission of the data of the first device.

[0028] Optionally, the third message is further used to indicate that the parameters corresponding to the second device identifier do not include the parameters of the second session. For example, the third message indicates (or shows indication of) that the parameters corresponding to the second device identifier do not include the parameters of the second session through one or more bits of information. For another example, the third message indicates (or implicitly indicates) that the parameters corresponding to the second device identifier do not include the parameters of the second session by carrying specific information, and the specific information can indicate at least one device identifier and / or at least one group identifier appearing later.

[0029] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the first information includes at least one of the following:

[0030] at least one device identifier associated with a certain parameter (for example, a parameter included in the second message), the at least one device identifier including the first device identifier;

[0031] at least one group identity associated with the parameter (e.g. the parameter contained in the second message), the at least one group identity comprising the first group identity;

[0032] at least one device identity associated with the first connection group identity, the at least one device identity comprising the first device identity;

[0033] at least one group identity associated with the first device identity, the at least one group identity comprising the first group identity; or

[0034] indication information indicating the above-mentioned association relationship (e.g. the indication information indicates the association relationship by means of a table, a formula or other means).

[0035] According to the above-mentioned scheme, the first information can comprise the at least one item of information, so that the first communication device can determine at least one of the first device identity and the first group identity based on the first information.

[0036] As an example, the second device identity is different from the first device identity, and the parameter of the first session is the same as the parameter of the second session. As an example, the third message comprises at least one device identity corresponding to the parameter of the second session, and the at least one device identity comprises the first device identity.

[0037] According to the above-mentioned scheme, the first information sent by the fourth network element can comprise at least one device identity corresponding to the parameter of the second session, and thereafter, the second device can determine whether the at least one device identity contains the second device identity in the second message. Wherein, in the case that the second device determines that the at least one device identity does not contain the second device identity, the second device can select one of the at least one device identity as the above-mentioned first device identity. In this way, after receiving the first information, the second device can resend the session establishment request / session modification request message (e.g. the first message carrying the first device identity) based on the at least one device identity, so that the device identity carried by the resending session establishment request / session modification request message corresponds to the parameter carried thereby, which can avoid the failure of session establishment / modification caused by the session establishment request / session modification request message carrying the parameter which is not suitable / inappropriate for the first device identity.

[0038] As another example, the second device identity is the same as the first device identity, and the parameter of the first session is different from the parameter of the second session. As an example, the third message comprises at least one group identity matching the parameter corresponding to the first device identity, and the at least one group identity comprises the first group identity.

[0039] Based on the above scheme, the first information sent by the fourth network element can include at least one group identifier associated with the first device identifier, and thereafter, the second device can determine whether the parameters matched by the at least one group identifier contain the parameters of the second session in the second message. Wherein, in the case that the second device determines that the parameters matched by the at least one group identifier do not contain the parameters of the second session in the second message, the second device can select one of the at least one group identifier as the above-mentioned first group identifier, and determine the parameters of the first session in the parameters matched by the first group identifier. In this way, after receiving the first information, the second device can resend the session establishment request / session modification request message (for example, the above-mentioned first message carrying the parameters of the first session) based on the at least one group identifier, so that the device identifier carried by the resending session establishment request / session modification request message corresponds to the carried parameters, which can avoid the failure of session establishment / modification caused by carrying inappropriate / inappropriate parameters of the first device identifier in the session request message.

[0040] The second aspect of the present application provides a communication method, which is executed by a second communication device. The second communication device can be a communication device (such as a network device), or the second communication device can be a part of the communication device (for example, a circuit or a chip responsible for communication function (such as a Modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core, etc.), or the second communication device can also be a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the communication device function.

[0041] In the method, the second communication device determines first information, the first information being used for determination of a first device identifier and / or a first group identifier, the first device identifier being used for indicating a first device, and the first group identifier being associated with the first device identifier; and the second communication device sends the first information.

[0042] Based on the above scheme, after the second communication device sends the first information, the receiver (for example, the first communication device) of the first information can determine that the first group identifier is associated with the first device identifier based on the received first information, and the receiver of the first information can send the first message (i.e., the session request / modification message) based on the association. In this way, after the receiver of the first information sends the first message based on the first information, the receiver of the first message can obtain the parameters matched by the first device identifier carried by the first message through the first message, which can avoid or reduce the situation that the session cannot be successfully established / modified due to the inappropriate or inappropriate parameters carried by the message, so as to ensure the normal transmission of the first device data.

[0043] Optionally, the first group identifier is associated with the first device identifier, indicating that the parameters corresponding to the first device identifier include parameters matched with the first group identifier. In other words, in the subscription information of the first communication device or the second device where the first communication device is located stored in the network device, the parameters associated with the one group identifier are included in the parameters associated with the one device identifier, or the parameters associated with the one group identifier are a subset of the parameters associated with the one device identifier.

[0044] It should be noted that the first information can be used for determination of one or more device identifiers and / or one or more group identifiers, the one or more device identifiers are associated with the one or more group identifiers, the one or more device identifiers include the first device identifier, and the one or more group identifiers include the first group identifier.

[0045] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: the second communication device sending the first device identifier and / or the parameters corresponding to the first device identifier; and the second communication device determining the first information, including: the second communication device receiving the first group identifier and determining the first information based on the first group identifier; or the second communication device receiving the first information.

[0046] Based on the above scheme, the second communication device can send the first device identifier and / or the parameters corresponding to the first device identifier, so that the receiver of the first device identifier and / or the parameters corresponding to the first device identifier can provide the group identifier associated with the first device identifier or the first information to the second communication device. Correspondingly, the second communication device can determine the first information based on the received information to obtain the association between the one or more device identifiers and the one or more group identifiers.

[0047] Optionally, the second communication device can be a network device or a part of components in the network device. In the above scheme, the network device can be an application function such as an application function (application function, AF) network element, a policy control function such as a policy control function (policy control function, PCF) network element, a session management function such as an SMF (session management function, SMF) network element, or other network elements defined in the future network.

[0048] In addition, when the second communication device is an application function such as an AF network element, the second communication device can provide the first information to the second device through an application layer message. This way can avoid changes to the hardware of the second device, and by modifying the configuration of the second device through the application layer such as software, it has stronger realizability.

[0049] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the second communication apparatus sending the first device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier comprises: the second communication apparatus sending a fourth message, the fourth message comprising the first device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier; and the fourth message is used to request a group identifier satisfying a condition, the condition comprising: the first device identifier and the first group identifier having an association relationship. For example, the first device identifier and the first group identifier having the association relationship can comprise: the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier comprising a parameter matched by the group identifier.

[0050] Based on the above scheme, the second communication apparatus can send the first device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier through the fourth message, and the fourth message can be used to request the first network element for a group identifier satisfying a condition, so that the first network element can provide the group identifier associated with the first device identifier to the second communication apparatus based on the request of the fourth message.

[0051] Optionally, the fourth message being used to request the first network element for a group identifier satisfying a condition can be replaced by the fourth message being used to query / acquire / indicate the first network element for a group identifier satisfying a condition.

[0052] Optionally, the first network element can be a unified data management (UDM) network element, a unified data repository (UDR) network element, or another network element defined in a future network.

[0053] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the method further comprises: the second communication apparatus receiving a second message, the second message being used to request establishment or modification of a second session, the second session being used to transmit data of the first device, the second message comprising a second device identifier and a parameter of the second session; and the second communication apparatus sending the first information, comprising: in a case where the parameter corresponding to the second device identifier does not comprise the parameter of the second session, the second communication apparatus sending a third message, the third message comprising the first information, the third message indicating rejection of the establishment or modification of the second session.

[0054] Based on the above scheme, the second communication apparatus can receive a second message including the second device identifier and the parameter of the second session, and in a case that the parameter corresponding to the second device identifier does not include the parameter of the second session, the second communication apparatus sends a third message including first information to the first device, so that a receiver (e.g., the first communication apparatus) of the third message can determine that the second message corresponds to a failed or un-passed authorization session establishment / modification request based on the third message, and subsequently the receiver can send other session request messages (e.g., the first message) based on the first information included in the third message to ensure successful session establishment / modification to ensure normal data transmission of the first device.

[0055] Optionally, the second communication apparatus can be a network device or a part of components in the network device, and in the above scheme, the network device can be a session management function such as a session management function (SMF) network element or other network elements defined in the future network.

[0056] Optionally, the first information sent by the second communication apparatus includes at least one of the following: at least one device identifier associated with a certain parameter (e.g., a parameter included in the second message), the at least one device identifier including the first device identifier; at least one group identifier associated with a certain parameter (e.g., a parameter included in the second message), the at least one group identifier including the first group identifier; at least one device identifier associated with the first group identifier, the at least one device identifier including the first device identifier; or at least one group identifier associated with the first device identifier, the at least one group identifier including the first group identifier; or indication information (e.g., the indication information indicates the association relationship by a table, a formula, or other manners) indicating the above association relationship.

[0057] In a possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the second device identifier is different from the first device identifier, and the parameter of the first session is the same as the parameter of the second session. For example, the first information includes at least one device identifier corresponding to the parameter of the second session, and the at least one device identifier includes the first device identifier.

[0058] In the case that the second device identity is different from the first device identity and the parameters of the first session are the same as the parameters of the second session, the first information sent by the second communication apparatus can comprise at least one device identity corresponding to the parameters of the second session. In this way, after receiving the first information, the first communication apparatus can reinitiate a session establishment / modification request message (for example, the first message described above) based on the at least one device identity, so that the device identity carried by the reinitiated session establishment / modification request message corresponds to the parameters carried thereby, and the session request message carrying the parameters unsuitable / inappropriate for the first device identity can be avoided to cause the session to fail to be successfully established / modified, thereby ensuring normal transmission of the first device data.

[0059] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the second device identity is the same as the first device identity, and the parameters of the first session are different from the parameters of the second session. For example, the first information comprises at least one group identity corresponding to the parameters matching the first device identity, and the at least one group identity comprises the first group identity.

[0060] In the case that the second device identity is the same as the first device identity and the parameters of the first session are different from the parameters of the second session, the first information sent by the second communication apparatus can comprise at least one group identity corresponding to the parameters matching the first device identity. In this way, after receiving the first information, the first communication apparatus can initiate other session request messages (for example, the first message described above) based on the at least one group identity, so that the device identity carried by the other session establishment / modification request message corresponds to the parameters carried thereby, and the session establishment / modification request message carrying the parameters unsuitable / inappropriate for the first device identity can be avoided to cause the session to fail to be successfully established / modified, thereby ensuring normal transmission of the first device data.

[0061] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the second communication apparatus determines that the parameters corresponding to the second device identity do not comprise the parameters of the second session in the case that any of the following conditions is met, including: one or more of the parameters of the second session are not present in the parameters corresponding to the second device identity; or the second device identity is not present in the device identities associated with the parameters of the second session.

[0062] Based on the above scheme, the second communication apparatus can determine that the parameters of the second session are different from the parameters corresponding to the second device identity based on any of the above, to improve the flexibility of implementation of the scheme.

[0063] In a possible implementation of the second aspect, the method further includes: receiving, by the second communication device, the first device identity corresponding parameter, the first device identity corresponding parameter being used to determine the association relationship. For example, the second communication device determines the first information by: determining, by the second communication device, the first information based on the first device identity corresponding parameter and second information, the second information indicating an association relationship between a group identity corresponding to the second device and a device identity corresponding parameter of a device connected to the second device.

[0064] According to the above scheme, the second information indicates an association relationship between a group identity corresponding to the second device and a device identity corresponding parameter of a device connected to the second device (for example, the second information can be subscription information or authentication information corresponding to the second device, etc.). Therefore, the second communication device can receive the first device identity corresponding parameter, and determine the first information based on the first device identity corresponding parameter and the second information.

[0065] Optionally, the second communication device can be a network device or a part of a component in the network device. In the above scheme, the network device can be a unified data repository function (UDR network element), a unified data management function (UDM network element), or other network elements defined in future networks.

[0066] The third aspect of the present application provides a communication method, which is executed by a third communication device. The third communication device can be a communication device (for example, a network device), or the third communication device can be a part of a component in the communication device (for example, a circuit or a chip responsible for communication function (for example, a Modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core, etc.), or the third communication device can also be a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the communication device function.

[0067] In the method, the third communication device receives a fourth message, the fourth message including a first device identity and / or a first device identity corresponding parameter; wherein the fourth message is used to request a group identity satisfying a condition, the condition including: the first device identity and the group identity have an association relationship; and the third communication device sends a first group identity, the first group identity satisfying the condition.

[0068] Based on the above scheme, after receiving the fourth message including the first device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier, the third communication device can provide the group identifier satisfying the condition (i.e., the group identifier associated with the first device identifier) based on the fourth message, so that the receiver of the group identifier associated with the first device identifier can determine the first information based on the group identifier associated with the first device identifier. Subsequently, the receiver can provide the first information to the second device, so that the second device can send the session request message based on the association relationship determined by the first information, thereby avoiding or reducing the failure of session establishment / modification due to inappropriate or inappropriate parameters carried in the message, so as to ensure normal transmission of the first device data.

[0069] Optionally, the third communication device can be a network device or a part of the component in the network device. The network device can be the first network element described above, which can be a unified data repository function such as a UDR network element, a unified data management function such as a UDM network element, or other network elements defined in the future network.

[0070] The fourth aspect of the present application provides a communication method, which is executed by a fourth communication device. The fourth communication device can be a communication device (such as a network device), or the fourth communication device can be a part of the component in the communication device (for example, a circuit or a chip responsible for the communication function (such as a Modem chip, also known as a baseband chip, or a SoC chip or a SIP chip containing a modem core, etc.), or the third communication device can also be a logic module or software capable of realizing all or part of the communication device function.

[0071] In the method, the fourth communication device receives a fifth message for requesting establishment or modification of a third session for transmitting data of a first device, the fifth message including a third device identifier for indicating the first device; the fourth communication device determines a first parameter of the third session based on the third device identifier; and the fourth communication device sends a sixth message for requesting establishment or modification of the third session, the sixth message including the third device identifier and the first parameter.

[0072] Based on the above scheme, after receiving the sixth message including the third device identifier, the fourth communication device can determine the first parameter of the third session based on the third device identifier, and send a fifth message including the third device identifier and the first parameter corresponding to the third device identifier to the second network element, so that the second network element can subsequently establish or modify the second session based on the fifth message. In other words, the fourth communication device can provide the first parameter corresponding to the third device identifier through the fifth message, so that the receiver of the fifth message can obtain the parameter matching the third device identifier carried by the fifth message through the fifth message, and can avoid or reduce the failure of session establishment / modification due to inappropriate or inappropriate parameters carried by the message, to ensure normal transmission of first device data.

[0073] Optionally, the fourth communication device can be a network device or a part of component in the network device, and the network device can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element or other network element defined in the future network.

[0074] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the fifth message includes a second parameter of the third session; and the fourth communication device determines the first parameter based on the third device identifier, including: in a case where the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier includes the second parameter, the fourth communication device determines the first parameter as the second parameter.

[0075] Based on the above scheme, the fifth message can include the second parameter of the third session, and the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier includes the second parameter, that is, the fifth message can contain the parameter matching the third device identifier, so that the second communication device does not need to modify the parameter carried by the fifth message. For example, the fourth communication device can copy the second parameter contained in the fifth message to obtain the first parameter contained in the sixth message.

[0076] In a possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the fifth message includes a parameter of the third session; and the fourth communication device determines the first parameter based on the third device identifier, including: in a case where the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier does not include the second parameter, the fourth communication device determines the first parameter as part or all of the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier. For example, the sixth message can be a message obtained by replacing the second parameter in the fifth message with the first parameter; or the sixth message includes a message obtained by replacing the second parameter in the fifth message with the first parameter; or the sixth network element can generate the sixth message according to the first parameter and one or more information (such as the third device identifier) other than the second parameter in the fifth message.

[0077] Based on the above scheme, in the case that the third device identification corresponding parameter does not include the second parameter contained in the fifth message, the fourth communication device can replace the parameter contained in the fifth message with part or all of the parameter corresponding to the second device identification (i.e. the first parameter), so that the receiver of the sixth message can obtain the parameter matching the third device identification carried by the sixth message, and the situation that the session request authorization fails due to the inappropriate or inappropriate parameter carried by the message can be avoided or reduced, thereby ensuring the successful establishment of the session and ensuring the successful transmission of the device data.

[0078] Optionally, the fifth message can not contain the parameter of the second session to save overhead. In this case, the fourth communication device can determine the first parameter based on the second device identification carried by the fifth message, and send the sixth message containing the first parameter, so that the receiver of the sixth message can provide the establishment or modification of the session for the first device based on the first parameter carried by the sixth message.

[0079] The fifth aspect of the present application provides a communication device, which comprises a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the processing unit is configured to determine a first device identification, the first device identification indicating a first device; the processing unit is further configured to determine a first group identification, the first group identification having an association relationship with the first device identification; the processing unit is further configured to match a parameter of a first session according to the first group identification; and the transceiver unit is configured to send a first message, the first message being used to request the establishment or modification of the first session; wherein the first message comprises the first device identification and the parameter of the first session, and the first session is used to transmit data of the first device.

[0080] In the fifth aspect of the present application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps performed in the various possible implementation manners of the first aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects, which can be referred to the first aspect for details and will not be described here.

[0081] The sixth aspect of the present application provides a communication device, which comprises a transceiver unit and a processing unit; the processing unit is configured to determine first information, the first information being used to determine a first device identification and / or a first group identification, the first device identification being used to indicate a first device, and the first group identification having an association relationship with the first device identification; and the transceiver unit is configured to send the first information.

[0082] In the sixth aspect of the present application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be used to perform the steps performed in the various possible implementation manners of the second aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects, which can be referred to the second aspect for details and will not be described here.

[0083] The seventh aspect of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a transceiver and a processing unit; the transceiver is configured to receive a fourth message, the fourth message comprising a first device identifier and / or a parameter corresponding to the first device identifier; wherein the fourth message is used to request a group identifier satisfying a condition, the condition comprising that the first device identifier has an association relationship with the group identifier; the processing unit is configured to determine a first group identifier; the transceiver is further configured to send the first group identifier, the first group identifier satisfying the condition.

[0084] In the seventh aspect of the present application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be configured to perform the steps performed in the various possible implementation manners of the third aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects, which can be referred to the third aspect for details and will not be described here.

[0085] The eighth aspect of the present application provides a communication device, comprising a transceiver and a processing unit; the transceiver is configured to receive a fifth message, the fifth message being used to request establishment or modification of a third session, the third session being used to transmit data of a first device, the second message comprising a third device identifier, the third device identifier being used to indicate the first device; the processing unit is configured to determine a first parameter of the third session based on the third device identifier; the transceiver is further configured to send a sixth message, the sixth message being used to request establishment or modification of the third session, the fifth message comprising the third device identifier and the first parameter.

[0086] In the eighth aspect of the present application, the constituent modules of the communication device can also be configured to perform the steps performed in the various possible implementation manners of the fourth aspect and achieve the corresponding technical effects, which can be referred to the fourth aspect for details and will not be described here.

[0087] The ninth aspect of the present application provides a communication device, comprising at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to execute computer programs or instructions to enable the device to implement the method of any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect and any one of the possible implementation manners thereof.

[0088] Optionally, the at least one memory is coupled with the memory, and the memory is configured to store the computer programs or instructions.

[0089] Optionally, the communication device comprises the memory.

[0090] The tenth aspect of the present application provides a communication device, comprising at least one logic circuit and an input / output interface; the logic circuit is configured to execute the method as described in any one of the possible implementation manners of any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0091] The eleventh aspect of the present application provides a communication system.

[0092] In a possible implementation form of the eleventh aspect, the communication system comprises the first communication apparatus and the second communication apparatus. Optionally, the communication system further comprises the third communication apparatus.

[0093] In another possible implementation form of the eleventh aspect, the communication system comprises the second communication apparatus and the third communication apparatus. Optionally, the communication system further comprises the first communication apparatus.

[0094] The twelfth aspect of the present application provides a computer readable storage medium for storing one or more computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method of any possible implementation form of any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0095] The thirteenth aspect of the present application provides a computer program product (or computer program), which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to perform the method of any possible implementation form of any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect.

[0096] The fourteenth aspect of the present application provides a chip or chip system comprising at least one processor, configured to support a communication apparatus to perform the method of any possible implementation form of any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect. For example, the chip can be a baseband chip, a modem chip, a system on chip (SoC) chip comprising a modem core, a system in package (SIP) chip, or a communication module, etc.

[0097] In a possible design, the chip or chip system can further comprise a memory, configured to store necessary program instructions and data of the communication apparatus. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can comprise a chip and other discrete devices. Optionally, the chip system further comprises an interface circuit, configured to provide program instructions and / or data for the at least one processor.

[0098] The technical effects brought by the fifth aspect to the fourteenth aspect can be referred to the technical effects brought by the first aspect to the fourth aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0099] FIGS. 1a-1c are some schematic diagrams of the communication system provided by the present application;

[0100] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a session request process provided by the present application;

[0101] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0102] FIGS. 4a to 4d are schematic diagrams of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0103] FIGS. 5 to 8 are schematic diagrams of a communication method provided by the present application;

[0104] FIGS. 9 to 11 are schematic diagrams of a communication apparatus provided by the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0105] For example, FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of a network architecture of a communication network provided by an embodiment of the present application. The communication system can include a terminal device, a (radio) access network ((R)AN), a core network, and a data network (DN). The parts of the communication system are explained below.

[0106] (1) Terminal device (or terminal, user terminal, user equipment (UE), etc.): can be a wireless terminal device capable of communicating with a network device, which can be a device providing voice and / or data to a user, or a handheld device with wireless connection function, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem.

[0107] The terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks or the Internet via an access network (AN). The terminal device can be a mobile terminal device, such as a mobile phone (or called "cellular" phone, mobile phone), a computer, or a data card, for example, which can be a portable, pocket, hand-held, computer- built-in, or vehicle-mounted mobile device. For example, the terminal device can be a personal communication service (PCS) phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a Pad, a computer with wireless transceiver function, and the like. The terminal device can also be called a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station (MS), a remote station, an access point (AP), a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user agent, a customer premises equipment (CPE), a mobile terminal (MT), and the like. The terminal device can be a wearable device, and the terminal device can also be a terminal device in a 5th generation (5G) communication system or a terminal device in a future evolved network, and the like.

[0108] In addition, the terminal device involved in the present application can be widely applied to various scenarios, for example, device to device (D2D), vehicle to everything (V2X), machine-type communication (MTC), internet of things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, automatic driving, remote medical treatment, smart power grid, smart furniture, smart office, smart wear, smart transportation, smart city, etc. The terminal device can be a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a wearable device, a vehicle, a drone, a helicopter, an airplane, a ship, a robot, a mechanical arm, a smart home device, etc. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form of the terminal device.

[0109] (2) (Wireless) access network: including at least one access network device, which can also be referred to as a network device, for example, the network device can be a radio access network (RAN) node (or device) for accessing the terminal device to the wireless network, which can be referred to as a wireless access network device, and can also be generally referred to as a base station. At present, some examples of RAN devices are: new generation base station (generation Node B, gNodeB, gNB), transmission reception point (transmission reception point, TRP), evolved Node B (evolved Node B, eNB), radio network controller (radio network controller, RNC), Node B (Node B, NB), base station controller (base station controller, BSC), base transceiver station (base transceiver station, BTS), home base station (for example, home evolved Node B, or home Node B, HNB), baseband unit (baseband unit, BBU), or wireless fidelity (wireless fidelity, WiFi) access point (access point, AP), etc. In addition, in one network structure, the network device can include a centralized unit (centralized unit, CU) node and / or a distributed unit (distributed unit, DU) node.

[0110] Optionally, the RAN node can also be a macro base station, a micro base station or an indoor station, a relay node or a donor node, or a radio controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario. The RAN node can also be a server, a wearable device, a vehicle or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. For example, the access network device in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology can be a road side unit (RSU).

[0111] In another possible scenario, a terminal device is assisted by multiple RAN nodes to implement wireless access, and different RAN nodes respectively implement part of the functions of a base station. For example, the RAN node can be a CU, a DU, a CU-control plane (CP), a CU-user plane (UP), or a radio unit (RU), etc. The CU and the DU can be separately arranged, or can also be included in the same network element, such as a baseband unit (BBU). The RU can be included in a radio frequency device or a radio frequency unit, such as a radio frequency remote unit (RRU), an active antenna processing unit (AAU), a radio head (RH), or a remote radio head (RRH).

[0112] 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 an open RAN (O-RAN or ORAN) system, the CU can also be referred to as an O-CU (open CU), the DU can also be referred to as an O-DU, the CU-CP can also be referred to as an O-CU-CP, the CU-UP can also be referred to as an O-CU-UP, and the RU can also be referred to as an O-RU. For the convenience of description, the CU, 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.

[0113] The communication between the access network device and the terminal device follows a certain protocol layer structure. The protocol layer can include a control plane protocol layer and a user plane protocol layer. The control plane protocol layer can include at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) layer, a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio link control (RLC) layer, a media access control (MAC) layer, or a physical (PHY) layer, etc. The user plane protocol layer can include at least one of a service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer, a PDCP layer, an RLC layer, a MAC layer, or a physical layer, etc.

[0114] For the correspondence relationship between the network elements in the ORAN system and the protocol layer functions that can be implemented by the network elements, refer to Table 1 below.

[0115] Table 1

[0116] (3) Core network: The core network includes at least one core network device, which can also be referred to as a core network network element. The core network network element can be used to complete functions such as registration, connection, and session management.

[0117] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 1a, the control plane of the core network can include one or more functional network elements such as a network slice selection function (NSSF), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), a policy control function (PCF), a unified data management (UDM), an application function (AF), an edge application server discovery function (EASDF), a network slice specific authentication and authorization function (NSSAAF), an authentication server function (AUSF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), a service communication proxy (SCP), a network slice admission control function (NSACF), and the like. The user plane of the core network can include a user plane function (UPF) and the like.

[0118] Optionally, the core network device can further include other devices defined in the future network, and FIG. 1a only gives an example.

[0119] Optionally, in FIG. 1a, the terminal device can be connected to one or more devices, and the one or more devices can access the network through the terminal device.

[0120] Optionally, in addition to the network architecture shown in FIG. 1a, the scheme of the present application can also be applied to other network architectures, which will be introduced below in conjunction with FIG. 1b.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 1b, the device connected with the (R)AN can be a 5G residential gateway (5G-RG) device. Among them, the 5G-RG device can be a kind of network device, which acts as a bridge between the home or enterprise internal network and the external network (such as the network of the Internet service provider). The main role of the 5G-RG is to convert 5G wireless signals into wired or wireless local area network signals, so that the devices in the home or enterprise can access the 5G network through it. For example, the first communication device described later can be a 5G-RG device or a chip in a 5G-RG device.

[0122] Optionally, in FIG. 1b, the 5G-RG device can be connected to one or more devices, and the one or more devices can access the network through the 5G-RG device.

[0123] In FIG. 1b, the 5G-RG is a residential gateway (RG) capable of connecting to the 5th generation core network (5GC), which plays the role of UE with respect to the 5GC. It supports a security unit and exchanges N1 signaling with the 5GC. The 5G-RG can be a 5G-BRG (enterprise-level residential gateway) or a 5G-CRG (personal-level residential gateway).

[0124] The 5G-RG can be directly or indirectly connected to the core network. The core network part can include an access management network element (AMF network element), a session management network element (SMF network element), a user plane network element, and can also include a UDM network element, a PCF network element, etc. Further, the system can also include an NSSF network element, an AUSF network element, etc.

[0125] FIG. 1b also shows the interfaces between the network elements, such as the N1 interface between the 5G-RG and the AMF, etc., which will not be listed one by one here.

[0126] In addition, the system can also include a wireline access gateway function (W-AGF), which is a network function in the wireline 5G access network (W-5GAN) and is used to provide the 5G-RG with a connection to the 5GC.

[0127] It can be understood that the network elements or functions shown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b 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 can be implemented by one device, or implemented by multiple devices together, or implemented as a functional module in a device, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations. In addition, in the following, in order to facilitate description, the "network element" can be omitted. For example, the SMF network element in the embodiments of the present application has the same meaning as the SMF, and only the network element is omitted for the convenience of description, and the rest is similar. In addition, it should be noted that the embodiments of the present application also do not limit the names of the network elements in the communication system. For example, in different communication systems, the network elements 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.

[0128] For example, the functions / entities / devices / network elements related to FIG. 1a and FIG. 1b will be introduced below through some examples.

[0129] The wireline access gateway function (W-AGF) enables wired networks such as Ethernet, WiFi, etc. to access the 5G core network. The W-AGF supports N2 and N3 interfaces for control plane (CP) and user plane (UP) functions, respectively. Key functions of the W-AGF include data traffic relay, NAS signaling processing, QoS processing, data encryption, and user authentication, etc.

[0130] The data network (DN) is a digital transmission network used for transmitting data communication services. According to its coverage and function, it can be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), etc.

[0131] The authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) server is responsible for authentication, authorization, and charging. The DN-AAA server can belong to the DN or the 5GC.

[0132] AMF: Access and mobility management function, performs registration, connection, reachability and mobility management, provides a session management message transmission channel for the UE and the SMF, and provides authentication and authorization functions when the user accesses. It is the access point of the terminal and the control plane of the wireless core network.

[0133] SMF: Session Management Function, responsible for processing user's services such as session establishment, modification and release, and interaction with user plane function. Specific functions such as assigning internet protocol (IP) address for users, selecting UPF providing packet forwarding function, etc.

[0134] UDM: Unified Data Management, performing subscription management, access authorization, authentication information generation, etc. for users.

[0135] UPF: User Plane Function, mainly responsible for user data processing (forwarding, receiving, charging, etc.). For example, the UPF can receive user data from a data network (DN) and forward the user data to the terminal through the access network device. The UPF can also receive user data from the terminal through the access network device and forward the user data to the DN. The DN refers to an operator network that provides data transmission services for users. For example, internet protocol (IP) multi-media service (IMS), internet, etc. The DN can be an operator external network or an operator controlled network, used to provide service services to terminals. In a protocol data unit (PDU) session, the UPF directly connected to the DN through N6 is also called a protocol data unit session anchor (PSA).

[0136] It should be understood that the above functions can be deployed in network elements, devices, entities, network functions (NFs), etc., without limitation. Similarly, the core network elements (such as session management network elements, user plane network elements, etc.) involved in the present application can be replaced by core network entities, core network devices, core network NFs, etc.

[0137] It should be noted that the above function entities are only names, and the names themselves do not constitute limitations on the entities. For example, the session management function entity can also be replaced by "session management function" or other names. Moreover, the session management function entity can also correspond to an entity that includes functions other than the session management function. The user plane function entity can also be replaced by "user plane function" or other names, and the user plane function entity can also correspond to an entity that includes functions other than the user plane function. A unified description is made here, and the following will not be repeated.

[0138] It can be understood that the above functions can be network elements in a hardware device, software functions running on a dedicated hardware, or a combination of hardware and software, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0139] Optionally, the data network is used to provide operator services, Internet access services, or third-party services, and the like.

[0140] It can be understood that the network device can also be other devices that provide wireless communication functions for terminal devices. Embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific technology and specific device form of the network device.

[0141] In the present application, the device for implementing the function of the network device can be a network device, or a device capable of supporting the network device to implement the function, such as a processor, a chip, or a chip system, and can also be a logic module or a software implementation that can implement all or part of the function of the network device.

[0142] (4) The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application can be used interchangeably. "Multiple" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association between the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent the following three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions means any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" includes A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers "first", "second", and the like mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish multiple objects, and are not used to limit the order, time sequence, priority, or importance of the multiple objects.

[0143] (5) In the embodiments of the present application, "sending" and "receiving" represent the direction of signal transmission. For example, "sending information to XX" can be understood as the destination of the information being XX, which can include direct sending, or indirect sending between other units or modules. "Receiving information from YY" can be understood as the source of the information being YY, which can include direct reception from YY, or indirect reception from YY through 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.

[0144] In other words, the sending and receiving can be between devices, such as in a wired or wireless manner between a network device and a terminal device, or can be within a device, such as between components, modules, chips, software modules or hardware modules within a device through a bus, wire or interface.

[0145] It can be understood that the information can be processed as necessary between the source and the destination of the information sending, such as encoding, modulation, etc., but the destination can understand the effective information from the source. Similar expressions in this application can be similarly understood, and will not be repeated.

[0146] (6) In the embodiments of the present application, "indication" can include direct indication and indirect indication, and can also include explicit indication and implicit indication. The information indicated by a certain information (indication information as described below) is referred to as to-be-indicated information. In the 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 by a part of the to-be-indicated information, and the other part of the to-be-indicated information is known or agreed in advance, for example, the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (for example, protocol predefined) can be used to indicate a specific information, thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. The present application does not limit the specific manner of indication. It can be understood that for the sender of the indication information, the indication information can be used to indicate the to-be-indicated information, and for the receiver of the indication information, the indication information can be used to determine the to-be-indicated information.

[0147] (7) Device identifier. Taking the terminal device as an example of UE, the current mobile network provides services based on the subscription data of the UE, which ensures that the operator can effectively control the access of users to the network. From the business scenario, for voice calls and short message service (SMS) and other services, a user only has one device (such as a mobile phone) and a set of subscription data is enough. But with the development of the times, for the to comsumer (toC) scenario, a person may have different types of devices (such as personal phones, tablets, laptops, etc.), which may be connected to the UE through one or more connection technologies (including non-3GPP connections such as Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.), and then access the network through the UE. For the to business (toB) scenario, in a certain enterprise park, there may be multiple devices such as multiple computers that access the network through a unified 5G residential gateway (5G-RG). In other words, the connection between the network and a UE / 5G-RG will be used by multiple devices with different network setting needs. Therefore, the subscription for establishing a connection, that is, the subscription granularity of the UE itself, is refined, which helps the core network to adjust the network settings and provide services according to the needs of different devices connected to the UE.

[0148] (8) Authenticable non-3GPP (AUN3) device and non-authenticable non-3GPP (NAUN3) device.

[0149] In the current network architecture, the network can provide differentiated services for AUN3 devices and NAUN3 devices accessing the network through 5G-RG. If it is necessary to provide differentiated quality of service (QoS) guarantees for AUN3 devices accessing the network through 5G-RG, the AUN3 device accesses the network based on the subscription information of the AUN3 device itself. Generally, the AUN3 device can subscribe to paid network services through a subscriber identification module (SIM) card. When the UE requests a certain service from the network, the core network first identifies the identifier corresponding to the SIM card (such as a generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), a subscriber user permanent identifier (SUPI), or a mobile subscriber integrated services digital network number (MSISDN), etc., and the SUPI is used as an example in the following), and then provides the AUN3 device with corresponding paid network services based on the subscription data of the SUPI of the AUN3 device. Exemplarily, the network side can provide differentiated QoS guarantees for different AUN3 devices, that is, an AUN3 device connected to a UE through technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth, etc. can obtain different levels of network services after accessing the network.

[0150] In addition, the network can also provide differentiated services for NAUN3 devices accessing the network through 5G-RG. Generally, in an NR network, a NAUN3 device cannot be authenticated by a 5G core (5GC), but can be locally verified by a UE using, for example, a pre-shared key, and after verification, the NAUN3 device is provided with differentiated services (such as differentiated services provided through different QoS and / or different network slices). As shown in the example of FIG. 1c, the NAUN3 device accesses the network through 5G-RG, and the 5G-RG establishes multiple PDU sessions for multiple groups of NAUN3 devices, including PDU Session A, PDU Session B, and PDU Session C in FIG. 1c.

[0151] Optionally, in FIG. 1c, the 5G-RG device can establish a connection with the core network through a wired access gateway function (W-AGF), a next-generation wireless access network (NG-RAN), or other devices.

[0152] Optionally, in FIG. 1c, the 5G-RG device can also be connected to an auto configuration server (ACS), which allows service providers and users to remotely configure the device.

[0153] For example, the NAUN3 device can be connected to the 5G-RG device through one or more connectivity methods. The connectivity methods can include WiFi connectivity, such as the connections identified by service set identifiers (SSIDs) 1 and 2 in FIG. 1c, and Ethernet connectivity, such as the connection represented by RG-45 in the figure.

[0154] In addition, the 5G-RG device can define one or more connectivity group IDs. Each connectivity group ID can correspond to a physical port, a virtual port, or other forms of ports on the 5G-RG device, for example, which can refer to one or more of individual physical Ethernet ports, individual WLAN SSIDs, or individual VLANs. Devices connected to a certain logical port are considered part of the same connectivity group ID. For example, in the case of WiFi connectivity corresponding to SSIDs, one or more devices connected to the 5G-RG device through the same SSID are considered to be devices corresponding to the same connectivity group ID, or different SSIDs correspond to different connectivity group IDs, or the value of the connectivity group ID is the same as the value of the SSID.

[0155] For the 5G-RG device, each connectivity group ID can be mapped to a separate PDU session through URSP. For example, in FIG. 1c, data from one or more devices connected to the 5G-RG device through SSID 1 can be transmitted through PDU Session A, data from one or more devices connected to the 5G-RG device through SSID 2 can be transmitted through PDU Session B, and data from one or more devices connected to the 5G-RG device through RG-45 can be transmitted through PDU Session C.

[0156] Optionally, the core network can provide the 5G-RG device with URSP to indicate how to map the connectivity group ID to the session parameters (e.g., DNN, S-NSSAI, etc.) of the PDU session used to carry the traffic of the corresponding device.

[0157] (9) URSP. URSP refers to a UE's routing policy, e.g., URSP can be issued by a PCF to a UE, or generated based on a UE's local predefinition, for enabling the UE to select a matching network resource (e.g., a resource of a PDU session) for a service / application. That is, a UE can determine, based on a URSP, whether a certain application / service can be associated with an already established PDU session, or, a UE can determine, based on a URSP, whether a non-3GPP access can be used, or, a UE can determine, based on a URSP, whether a new PDU session needs to be established.

[0158] Currently, a URSP includes at least one of the following:

[0159] ① Rule priority, which specifies the priority of the rule in the policy.

[0160] ② Traffic descriptor (TD), which includes at least one of the following: application descriptor, internet procotol (IP) identifier, domain identifier, non-IP identifier, DNN, connection capability, PIN ID, connection group identifier, etc.

[0161] For example, a connection group identifier is used to match a connection group ID of a specific connection group configured in a 5G-RG. For example, for traffic from a NAUN3 device connected to a 5G-RG device, the 5G-RG device can match the connection group identifier in the URSP with the connection group identifier of the NAUN3 device based on implementation.

[0162] ③ Routing descriptor list, which determines the order of application routing descriptors.

[0163] ④ Routing component, which includes at least one of the following: session and service continuity mode (SSC) mode, network slice selection, DNN selection, access type preference, etc.

[0164] ⑤ Routing rule application condition, which includes a time window and / or a location criterion.

[0165] For example, the workflow of a UE using a URSP is as follows:

[0166] 1. A PCF issues a URSP to a UE.

[0167] 2. UE matches a PDU session for a certain application or service, UE selects a URSP rule or a combination of URSP rules according to the priority, for example, UE selects or matches to a corresponding routing component according to the transmission descriptor. If the URSP rule is valid, UE checks whether there is a PDU session with the routing component. If not, UE requests the network to suggest a PDU session, if yes, UE selects the PDU session to transmit data.

[0168] 3. In the process of establishing a network connection, the network matches the actual network resources according to the specific "network parameters" (such as DNN, SSC mode, etc.) carried by the routing component in the URSP.

[0169] (10) PDU session. As shown in the example of FIG. 1c, PDU session refers to the association between UE and data network providing PDU connection service, including the connection of terminal device to user plane network element. The network supports the establishment, modification, or deletion of PDU session, etc.

[0170] For example, in FIG. 2, taking the establishment of PDU session as an example, the establishment process of PDU session can include the following steps.

[0171] Step 1. UE sends a session establishment request message to AMF. The session establishment request message can carry session identification (such as PDU Session ID), request type, requested DNN, slice information (such as S-NSSAI) and device identification (the device identification indicates the device connected by UE, and the network device can determine that the session requested by the message is established for the device corresponding to the device identification based on the device identification carried by the message).

[0172] Optionally, the request type includes any one of the following:

[0173] 1) Initial request: used for establishing a new PDU session.

[0174] 2) Existing PDU session: used for switching between 3GPP access and non-3GPP access for an established PDU session.

[0175] 3) Emergency request: PDU session established for emergency service.

[0176] Step 2. AMF determines SMF based on the session establishment request message.

[0177] In step 2, AMF can determine the appropriate SMF based on the auxiliary slice information and / or DNN.

[0178] Taking the initial request as an example, the AMF checks whether the session identifier in the session establishment request message is used by other PDU sessions of the UE.

[0179] Optionally, if the network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI is not carried in the session establishment request message, the AMF determines the slice information of the serving public land mobile network (Serving PLMN) of the requested PDU session from the allowed slice assistance information (Allowed NSSAI) of the UE. If there is only one slice information in the allowed slice table identifier, the slice information is used. If there are multiple slice information in the allowed network slice assistance information, the slice information is selected according to the UE subscription or based on the operator policy.

[0180] Optionally, when the NAS message contains the slice information of the serving PLMN but does not contain the DNN, if the default DNN exists in the subscription information of the UE, the AMF takes the DNN corresponding to the slice information in the subscription as the DNN of the requested PDU session; otherwise, the serving AMF selects a locally configured DNN for the S-NSSAI of the serving PLMN.

[0181] Optionally, if the request type is initial request, the AMF can also store the relationship between the slice S-NSSAI, the DNN, the session identifier, the SMF network element identifier, and the access type of the PDU session.

[0182] Step 3. The AMF sends a session establishment request message to the SMF to request to establish the association of the AMF and the SMF corresponding to the PDU session, and the session establishment request message can include the DNN, the slice information, and the device identifier carried in the session establishment request message received in step 1.

[0183] Step 4. The SMF queries the subscription data from the UDM, and the SMF checks whether the UE can request to establish the PDU session based on the subscription data in the UDM, that is, the SMF authorizes the PDU session.

[0184] Step 5. The SMF sends a response of the session establishment request to the AMF.

[0185] If the SMF accepts the session establishment request of the AMF, the SMF creates a session management (SM) context for the session, and includes the SM context identifier in the request response message returned to the AMF.

[0186] If the SMF does not accept the session establishment request of the AMF, the request response sent to the AMF includes the rejection reason.

[0187] Step 6. Secondary authentication. This step is optional, if the session request type is Existing PDU Session or Emergency Request, this step is skipped. SMF determines whether secondary authentication is needed according to SM policy related to data network (DN).

[0188] Step 7a. SMF selects PCF. For example, if dynamic policy and charging control (PCC) rules are used for this PDU session, SMF needs to select a proper PCF.

[0189] Step 7b. SMF negotiates with PCF to determine SM policy based on device id.

[0190] For example, SM policy can be determined by the following steps:

[0191] SMF determines to initiate SM policy association procedure, and sends SM policy association request message (e.g. SM policy control creation message Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create message) to PCF, which contains SUPI and device id.

[0192] If PCF does not have relevant subscription information corresponding to the device id, it queries UDR, for example, by sending a data query request message (e.g. Nudr_DM_Query message) to UDR, which includes data key (used to indicate the identity of the query data such as SUPI, GPSI, device id, etc.) and data set (used to indicate what data is queried, such as subscription data, policy data, etc.). Thereafter, UDR retrieves the corresponding data according to the data key and data set and informs the PCF.

[0193] PCF establishes SM policy association. PCF sends a response message of policy information to SMF. For example, the response message can be named SM policy control creation response (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create Response), which includes the policy information of the PDU session (i.e. the above-mentioned SM policy).

[0194] Step 8. SMF performs UPF selection.

[0195] Steps 9-11. The SMF sends a message to the UE through the AMF and the RAN, which includes relevant information of the PDU session, such as the PDU session identity, control plane tunnel information (information of the N3 tunnel), and the like.

[0196] In a communication network, after a device accesses the network, the device can establish one or more sessions (such as the PDU session in FIG. 1c and FIG. 2) with the network and perform data transmission through the session. In this process, the network device can authorize the device based on the identity information (such as the device identity) of the device, that is, check whether the device can request to establish the PDU session, and establish the session for data transmission for the device that passes the authorization.

[0197] Currently, in order to support a wider range of communication scenarios, a device (referred to as device A) can access the network through another device (referred to as device B). After the device A and the device B are connected, the device B allocates a device identity for the device A to enable the network side to provide differentiated service guarantee for different device A. For example, the device B can determine the session parameter based on the group identity of the communication connection between the two devices, and the device B can send a session establishment or modification request message carrying the device identity of the device A and the session parameter to the network device, so that the network device allocates resources of the session for the device A based on the message to realize data transmission of the device A.

[0198] However, the session parameter carried in the session request message sent by the device is determined based on the group identity, and if the session parameter is inappropriate or inappropriate, it will be possible that the session request cannot be successfully established or modified, and then the business data cannot be transmitted.

[0199] For example, in the scenario shown in FIG. 1c, the 5G-RG device can serve as the device B to establish a connection with the core network for one or more external devices (i.e., one or more device A) to realize data transmission of the one or more external devices. After a certain external device is connected to the 5G-RG device through a connection group identity corresponding to a port (such as SSID / RG-45, etc.), the 5G-RG device can match the session parameter (such as DNN / S-NSSAI, etc.) for the group identity based on the URSP rule, and the 5G-RG device can also allocate a device identity for the external device. Thereafter, the 5G-RG device can send a session request message to the network device to indicate session establishment or modification. The message can carry the device identity allocated by the 5G-RG device and the session parameter. Similarly, in the scenario shown in FIG. 1a, the terminal device (such as UE) can serve as the device B, and the terminal device can also establish a connection with the device A through the above-mentioned manner. In this case, the session request message sent by the terminal device can carry the device identity allocated by the terminal device and the session parameter.

[0200] In this process, if the network side determines that the session parameter corresponding to the device identifier in the subscription information is not contained in the message carrying the session parameter, the network side will consider that the session parameter is inappropriate or inappropriate, which may lead to the failure of the session request to be successfully established or modified, and further lead to the failure of the session establishment and the failure of the transmission of the service data.

[0201] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a communication method and related devices, which will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0202] Please refer to FIG. 3, which is an implementation schematic diagram of the communication method provided by the present application, and the method comprises the following steps.

[0203] It should be noted that in the following, at least two of the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device, the fourth communication device and the fifth communication device in the subsequent drawings are taken as an example to illustrate the execution subject of the interaction, but the present application does not limit the execution subject of the interaction. For example, any communication device can be a communication device, or a chip, a baseband chip, a modem chip, a system on chip (SoC) chip containing a modem core, a system in package (SIP) chip, a communication module, a chip system, a processor, a logic module or software, etc.

[0204] S301. The first communication device determines a first device identifier, which indicates a first device.

[0205] The first device refers to a device connected with the first communication device and accessed to the network through the first communication device. For example, the first device is connected with the first communication device (or the first device is connected with the second device where the first communication device is located) through WiFi, Bluetooth or other technologies.

[0206] Optionally, the first communication device or the second device where the first communication device is located can be a UE or a 5G-RG device, for example, it can be the terminal device in FIG. 1a or the 5G-RG device in FIG. 1b or FIG. 1c, etc. Optionally, the first device can be a non-3GPP device, for example, the first device can be the device connected with the terminal device in FIG. 1a, or the device connected with the 5G-RG device in FIG. 1b or FIG. 1c.

[0207] In this application, one device identity can indicate a certain device (e.g. the first device identity indicates the first device, or the second device identity indicates the first device hereinafter), which can be the first communication device or the identity allocated / indicated by the second device where the first communication device is located, and the network device can store or manage one or more device identities corresponding to the second device through the subscription information. For example, in the above scheme, the first communication device can determine / allocate / indicate the first device identity for the first device.

[0208] For example, the device identity can be unique in the world, or unique in the public land mobile network (PLMN), or unique in the UE / 5G-RG subscription, which is not limited here. Optionally, in the future network, the device identity can also be other names, such as N3GPP device identity, user identity architecture (UIA) device identity, etc., which is not limited here.

[0209] S302. The first communication device determines a first group identity, which has an association relationship with the first device identity.

[0210] In this application, one group identity can be the identity of the connection between one device and a group of devices, and each group identity can be used to indicate the port (e.g. physical port or virtual port or other form of port) of the one device. For example, the port can refer to a single physical Ethernet port and / or a single WLAN SSID and / or a single VLAN. For example, the group identity can be a connectivity group id, or other names defined by the future network. For example, the above first group identity is used to indicate the connection (or the port corresponding to the connection) between the first communication device (or the second device where the first communication device is located) and a group of devices, which at least includes the first device.

[0211] Optionally, the first group identity is used to indicate the device group where the first device is located, including: the first group identity is used to indicate a group of devices connected to the second device through the same port, and the group of devices includes the first device. Wherein, the port includes but is not limited to physical port, or virtual port, or other form of port.

[0212] S303. The first communication device matches the parameters of the first session according to the first group identity.

[0213] Optionally, the first communication device matches the parameters of the first session according to the first group identity can be replaced by: the first communication device determines, obtains, or selects the parameters of the first session according to the first group identity.

[0214] Optionally, the first communication device can match / determine / select the parameter matched with the group identifier by some policy. Taking the group identifier as a connection group identifier as an example, the policy can be a user equipment route selection policy (URSP) or other policy defined by a future network. For example, in the above scheme, the first communication device can match / determine / select the parameter of the first session based on the URSP and the first group identifier.

[0215] It should be noted that the parameter involved in the present application can be referred to as a session parameter. The parameter can include one or more of a data network name (DNN), a slice identifier (such as single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), or other identifier), or other session-related parameters.

[0216] It should be understood that the parameter corresponding to one device identifier can be understood as the parameter (or legal parameter, subscription parameter, session data, device data, authentication parameter, etc.) associated with the one device identifier in the subscription information of the second device stored or managed by the network device (such as UDM or UDR, etc.). Optionally, the parameter corresponding to one device identifier can be replaced by: the parameter associated with, matched with, or mapped to one device identifier.

[0217] Similarly, the parameter matched with one group identifier can be understood as the parameter (or legal parameter, subscription parameter, authentication parameter, etc.) associated with the one group identifier in the subscription information of the second device; or the parameter matched with the group identifier by the first communication device or the second device where the first communication device is located through some policy such as URSP. Optionally, the parameter matched with one group identifier can be replaced by: the parameter associated with, corresponding to, or mapped to one group identifier.

[0218] Optionally, the first group identifier has an association relationship with the first device identifier, indicating that the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier includes the parameter matched with the first group identifier. In other words, the parameter associated with the one group identifier is contained in the parameter associated with the one device identifier, or the parameter associated with the one group identifier is a subset of the parameter associated with the one device identifier.

[0219] S304. The first communication device sends a first message, the first message being used for requesting establishment or modification of the first session; wherein the first message comprises the first device identifier and parameters of the first session, the first session being used for transmitting data of the first device.

[0220] It should be noted that in step S304, the receiver of the first message (i.e. the "fifth communication device" in FIG. 3) can be a core network device, and the core network device can implement one or more core network element functions, such as one or more of the access management function AMF, the session management function SMF, or other network element functions involved in the PDU session establishment process in FIG. 2.

[0221] It should be noted that the first session used for transmitting data of the first device can be a session between the first communication device (or a second device in which the first communication device is located) and a network device, such as a PDU session or other session defined in future networks.

[0222] Based on the scheme shown in FIG. 3, the first message sent by the first communication device in step S304 comprises the first device identifier and the parameters of the first session, wherein the parameters of the first session are obtained by the first communication device matching the first group identifier in step S303, and the first group identifier has an association relationship with the first device identifier. In this way, after the first communication device sends the first message based on the device identifier and the group identifier having an association relationship, the receiver of the first message can obtain the parameters matched with the first device identifier carried by the first message, and can avoid or reduce the situation that the session cannot be successfully established or modified (e.g. the request authorization fails) due to inappropriate or inappropriate parameters carried by the message, and thus ensures the successful establishment of the session to ensure the successful transmission of device data.

[0223] For example, the receiver of the first message is a session management network element (such as an SMF network element), and the session management network element can determine the parameters matched with the first device identifier through a UDR / UDM or other network element. After step S304 described above, the session management network element establishes or modifies the session based on the request of the first message to realize the data transmission of the first device, in the case that the parameters matched with the first device identifier carried by the first message contain the parameters carried by the first message.

[0224] In a possible implementation, the method shown in FIG. 3 can further comprise:

[0225] S300. The second communication device sends first information, the first information being used for indicating that the first device identifier and the first group identifier have the association relationship, and correspondingly, the first communication device receives the first information.

[0226] Thus, the first communication device can determine the first device identity and the first group identity have a correlation based on the first information received in step S300, so that the first communication device can send the first message based on the correlation specified by other device (e.g. the second communication device) to improve the success rate of the session request of the first message.

[0227] For example, the first information comprises at least one of: at least one device identity associated with a parameter (e.g. a parameter included in the second message later), the at least one device identity comprises the first device identity; at least one group identity associated with a parameter (e.g. a parameter included in the second message later), the at least one group identity comprises the first group identity; at least one device identity associated with the first group identity, the at least one device identity comprises the first device identity; at least one group identity associated with the first device identity, the at least one group identity comprises the first group identity; or, indication information (e.g. the indication information indicates the correlation by table, formula or other ways) indicating the above correlation. Thus, the first information can comprise at least one of the above information, so that the first communication device can determine at least one of the first device identity and the first group identity based on the first information.

[0228] It should be noted that the execution order of step S301 and step S302 can be implemented in various ways.

[0229] As an example (denoted as example A), the first communication device can execute step S301 first and then execute step S302.

[0230] For example, in example A, the process of determining the first device identity by the first communication device in step S301 comprises: the first communication device allocates the first device identity to the first device. Thereafter, in step S302, the process of determining the first group identity by the first communication device comprises: the first communication device determines the first group identity according to the first device identity and the first information (or the correlation between the first group identity and the first device identity obtained by the first communication device based on the first information).

[0231] Thus, in example A, the first communication device can determine the first group identity having a correlation with the first device identity based on the above first information or correlation after allocating the first device identity to the first device, so as to avoid the situation that the session cannot be successfully established or modified due to the first message carrying inappropriate / unsuitable parameters for the first device identity.

[0232] As another example (denoted as example B), the first communication device can execute step S302 first and then execute step S301.

[0233] For example, in example B, the process that the first communication device determines the first set of identities in step S302 includes: the first communication device allocates the first set of identities for the first device; and thereafter, in step S301, the process that the first communication device determines the first device identity includes: the first communication device determines the first device identity according to the first set of identities and the first information (or the first communication device determines the first device identity according to the first set of identities and the association relationship).

[0234] Therefore, in example B, the first communication device can determine the first device identity that has the association relationship with the first set of identities based on the first information or the association relationship indicated by the first information after allocating the first set of identities for the first device, i.e., the first communication device can first allocate the first set of identities for the connected first device and then determine the first device identity for the first device based on the association relationship, so as to avoid the situation that the session cannot be successfully established or modified due to the first message carrying inappropriate parameters for the first device identity, and also to use the group identity between the first communication device and the first device as much as possible to reduce or avoid the time delay and power consumption caused by the switching process of the group identity.

[0235] As another example (denoted as example C), the first communication device can simultaneously perform step S301 and step S302, i.e., the first communication device can determine the first device identity and the first set of identities through one determination process.

[0236] For example, in example C, taking the information received by the first communication device in step S300 as the first information as an example. The first information can be used for determining one or more device identities and one or more sets of identities, the one or more device identities have the association relationship with the one or more sets of identities, the one or more device identities include the first device identity, and the one or more sets of identities include the first set of identities.

[0237] Therefore, in example C, the first communication device can determine one of the one or more association relationships indicated by the first information (e.g., determine the index or identity of the one of the one or more association relationships, etc.), and determine the device identity and the set of identities indicated by the one of the one or more association relationships as the first device identity and the first set of identities, so as to quickly determine the first device identity and the first set of identities.

[0238] From the above process, it can be known that the second communication device can determine the first information (i.e., the information used for indicating that the first device identity and the first set of identities have the association relationship) before step S300. The second communication device can determine and / or send the first information in various ways, which will be described below in combination with some examples shown in FIGS. 4a to 4c.

[0239] Referring to FIG. 4a, another schematic diagram of the communication method provided by the present application is shown, which gives an implementation example of the second communication device determining and sending the first information. The method includes the following steps. In the example shown in FIG. 4a, the first communication device is taken as the second device, and the second communication device is taken as the third network element. The second device can be a UE or a 5G-RG device, and the third network element can be an application function network element (such as an AF network element), a policy control function network element (such as a PCF network element), a session management function network element (such as an SMF network element), or other network elements defined in future networks. Optionally, the first network element can be a unified data management network element (such as a UDM network element), a unified data repository (such as a UDR), or other network elements defined in future networks.

[0240] A1. The third network element sends the first device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the first device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier.

[0241] It should be noted that the messages / information exchanged between the third network element and the first network element can be forwarded / processed by one or more network elements or devices. For example, the one or more network elements or devices can include a network exposure function network element (such as a NEF network element) and the like.

[0242] In a possible implementation, the process in which the third network element sends the first device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier can include: the third network element sends a fourth message, the fourth message including the first device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier; and the fourth message is used to request a group identifier satisfying a condition, the condition including that the first device identifier and the first group identifier have an association relationship. For example, the first device identifier and the first group identifier having an association relationship can include that the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier includes a parameter matched by the group identifier. For example, the third network element can send the first device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier through the fourth message, and the fourth message can be used to request the first network element for a group identifier satisfying a condition, so that the first network element can provide the group identifier associated with the first device identifier to the third network element based on the request of the fourth message.

[0243] Optionally, the fourth message used to request the first network element for a group identifier satisfying a condition can be replaced by the fourth message used to query / acquire / indicate the first network element for a group identifier satisfying a condition.

[0244] A2. The first network element sends the group identifier associated with the first device identifier, and correspondingly, the third network element receives the group identifier associated with the first device identifier.

[0245] In a possible implementation, the first network element provides the group identity associated with the first device identity to the third network element based on the request in the fourth message.

[0246] A3. The third network element determines the first information based on the group identity associated with the first device identity.

[0247] Optionally, in step A2, the first network element can send the first information to the third network element, so that the third network element receives the first information in step A2 without performing step A3.

[0248] A4. The third network element sends the first information, and the second device receives the first information. The first information is used to determine the first device identity and / or the first group identity, and the specific implementation can refer to the foregoing description.

[0249] It should be noted that the messages / information (e.g., the first information, etc.) exchanged between the second device and the third network element can be forwarded through one or more network elements or devices. For example, the one or more network elements or devices can include an access network device, an access management network element (such as an AMF network element), etc.

[0250] In a possible implementation, the third network element sends the first information to the second device through an application layer.

[0251] Based on the scheme shown in FIG. 4a, the third network element can send the first device identity and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identity in step A1, so that the receiver of the first device identity and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identity can provide the group identity associated with the first device identity to the third network element in step A1. Accordingly, in step A3, the third network element can determine the first information based on the group identity associated with the first device identity and the first device identity, and send the first information to the second device in step A4. The first information is used to indicate the association between one or more device identities and one or more group identities.

[0252] In addition, in the case where the second communication device is an application function such as an AF network element, the second communication device can provide the first information to the second device through an application layer message. This way can avoid changing the hardware of the second device, and the configuration of the second device can be updated through an application layer such as software, which has stronger realizability.

[0253] Please refer to FIG. 4b, which is another schematic diagram of the communication method provided by the present application, and the method gives an implementation example of the second communication device sending the first information. The method includes the following steps. In the example shown in FIG. 4b, the first communication device is taken as the second device, and the second communication device is taken as the fourth network element. The second device can be a UE or a 5G-RG device, and the fourth network element can be a session management function network element (such as an SMF network element) or other network element defined in the future network.

[0254] It should be noted that the messages / information (such as the first information, the second message, etc.) exchanged between the second device and the fourth network element can be forwarded through one or more network elements or devices. For example, the one or more network elements or devices can include an access network device, an access management network element (such as an AMF network element), etc.

[0255] B1. The second device sends a second message, and correspondingly, the fourth network element receives the second message. The second message includes the second device identifier and the parameter of the second session.

[0256] For example, the second message can be a session establishment request / session modification request message.

[0257] B2. The fourth network element sends the first information, and correspondingly, the second device receives the first information. The first information is used to determine the first device identifier and / or the first group identifier, and the specific implementation can be referred to the foregoing description.

[0258] For example, in step B2, in the case that the parameter corresponding to the second device identifier is different from the parameter of the second session, the fourth network element sends a third message to the first device, the third message includes the first information, and the third message indicates to reject the establishment or modification of the second session.

[0259] Optionally, the fourth network element determines that the parameter corresponding to the second device identifier does not include the parameter of the second session. The fourth network element determines that the parameter corresponding to the second device identifier does not include the parameter of the second session in the case that any of the following conditions is met, including: the parameter of the second session does not exist in the parameter corresponding to the second device identifier; or, the second device identifier does not exist in the device identifier associated with the parameter of the second session. Thus, the fourth network element can determine that the parameter of the second session is different from the parameter corresponding to the second device identifier based on any of the above conditions, so as to improve the flexibility of the implementation of the scheme.

[0260] Optionally, before sending the first information, the fourth network element can determine the first information through the processes of steps A1 to A3 shown in FIG. 4a.

[0261] It should be noted that the first information sent by the fourth network element can be implemented in various ways, which will be described below in conjunction with some examples. It is assumed that the second device sends (or re-sends) the first message in S304 based on the first information after receiving the third message, wherein the second device can determine the first device identifier and the first group identifier based on the first information contained in the third message, and carry the first device identifier and the first group identifier in the first message.

[0262] In Example One, the first information sent by the fourth network element can include at least one device identifier corresponding to the parameters of the second session, and thereafter, the second device can select one of the at least one device identifier as the first device identifier. In this way, after receiving the first information, the second device can re-send the session establishment request / session modification request message (for example, the first message carrying the first device identifier) based on the at least one device identifier, so that the device identifier carried by the re-sent session establishment request / session modification request message corresponds to the carried parameters, which can avoid the session establishment request / session modification request message carrying inappropriate / inappropriate parameters for the first device identifier, causing the session establishment / modification to fail.

[0263] In Example One, the first information sent by the fourth network element can include at least one device identifier corresponding to the parameters of the second session, and thereafter, the second device can select one of the at least one device identifier as the first device identifier. In this way, after receiving the first information, the second device can re-send the session establishment request / session modification request message (for example, the first message carrying the first device identifier) based on the at least one device identifier, so that the device identifier carried by the re-sent session establishment request / session modification request message corresponds to the carried parameters, which can avoid the session establishment request / session modification request message carrying inappropriate / inappropriate parameters for the first device identifier, causing the session establishment / modification to fail.

[0264] In Example Two, the first information includes at least one group identifier matching the parameters corresponding to the first device identifier, and the at least one group identifier includes the first group identifier. Wherein the second device identifier contained in the second message is the same as the first device identifier, and the parameters of the second session contained in the second message are different from the parameters of the first session.

[0265] In Example Two, the first information sent by the fourth network element can include at least one group identifier associated with the first device identifier, and thereafter, the second device can select one of the at least one group identifier as the first group identifier, and determine the parameters of the first session in the parameters matching the first group identifier. In this way, after receiving the first information, the second device can re-send the session establishment request / session modification request message (for example, the first message carrying the parameters of the first session) based on the at least one group identifier, so that the device identifier carried by the re-sent session establishment request / session modification request message corresponds to the carried parameters, which can avoid the session request message carrying inappropriate / inappropriate parameters for the first device identifier, causing the session establishment / modification to fail.

[0266] Based on the scheme shown in FIG. 4b, the fourth network element can receive a second message including the second device identifier and the parameters of the second session in step B1, and in the case that the parameters corresponding to the second device identifier do not include the parameters of the second session, the fourth network element sends a third message including first information to the first device in step B2, so that the second device can determine the reason why the session establishment or modification request message corresponding to the second message is rejected based on the first information included in the third message, for example, the session establishment or modification fails due to unsuccessful authorization, and subsequently the receiver can send other session establishment request or modification messages (for example, the first message described above) based on the first information included in the third message to ensure successful establishment or modification of the session.

[0267] Referring to FIG. 4c, another schematic diagram of the communication method provided by the present application is shown, which gives an implementation example of the second communication device determining and sending the first information, and the method includes the following steps. In the example shown in FIG. 4c, the first communication device is taken as an example of the second device, the second communication device is taken as an example of the first network element, and the third communication device is taken as an example of the fifth network element. Wherein, the second device can be a UE or a 5G-RG device, and the first network element can be a unified data management function network element (such as a UDM network element), a unified database (such as a UDR), or other network elements defined in future networks. Optionally, the fifth network element can be a network capability exposure function network element such as a NEF network element or an application function network element (such as an AF network element).

[0268] C1. The fifth network element sends the first device identifier and the parameters corresponding to the first device identifier, and correspondingly, the first network element receives the first device identifier and the parameters corresponding to the first device identifier, and the parameters corresponding to the first device identifier are used to determine the first information.

[0269] For example, the fifth network element can determine the first information through the implementation process of step C2. For example, the parameters corresponding to the first device identifier can include DNN and / or S-NSSAI, etc.

[0270] C2. The first network element determines the first information based on the first device identifier, the parameters corresponding to the first device identifier, and the second information. Wherein, the second information indicates the first information between the group identifier corresponding to the first device and the parameters corresponding to the first device.

[0271] C3. The first network element sends the first information, and correspondingly, the second device receives the first information.

[0272] It should be noted that the messages / information (for example, the first information, the second message, etc.) exchanged between the second device and the first network element can be forwarded through one or more network elements or devices. For example, the one or more network elements or devices can include access network devices, access management network elements (such as AMF network elements), etc.

[0273] Based on the scheme shown in FIG. 4c, the second information indicates an association relationship between the group identifier corresponding to the second device and the parameter corresponding to the device identifier of the device connected by the second device (for example, the second information can be subscription information, session management data, etc. corresponding to the second device). To this end, the first network element can determine the above-mentioned first information based on the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier and the second information after receiving the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier.

[0274] Optionally, the first network element can be a network device or a part of the components in the network device. In the scheme shown in FIG. 4c, the network device can be a unified database such as UDR, a unified data management network element (such as UDM network element) or other network elements defined in future networks.

[0275] In the schemes shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4a to FIG. 4c, the second device can determine that there is an association relationship between the first device identifier and the first group identifier. Correspondingly, the second device sends the session establishment request / session modification request message (for example, the first message) based on the association relationship can avoid or reduce the situation that the session cannot be successfully established or modified due to the inappropriate or inappropriate parameters carried in the message, and further ensure the successful establishment / modification of the session to ensure the successful transmission of device data. In other words, in the foregoing scheme, the second device needs to determine the association relationship. In addition, the application can also realize the improvement of the success rate of the session request through other ways, which will be introduced below in combination with the process shown in FIG. 4d.

[0276] Please refer to FIG. 4d, which is another schematic diagram of the communication method provided by the application, which includes the following steps. In the example shown in FIG. 4c, the first communication device is taken as the second device, and the fourth communication device is taken as the sixth network element. Among them, the second device can be a UE or a 5G-RG device, and the sixth network element can be an access management function network element (such as an AMF network element) or other network elements defined in future networks. Optionally, the subsequent second network element can be a session management function network element (such as an SMF network element) or other network elements defined in future networks.

[0277] D1. The second device sends a fifth message, and correspondingly, the sixth network element receives the fifth message. Among them, the fifth message is used to request to establish or modify a third session, and the fifth message includes a third device identifier, which is used to indicate a first device, and the third session is used to transmit data of the first device.

[0278] D2. The sixth network element determines a first parameter of the third session based on the third device identifier.

[0279] It should be noted that in step D2, the sixth network element can determine the first parameter in a variety of ways, which will be described below in combination with some implementation examples.

[0280] In a possible implementation, the fifth message received by the sixth network element at step D1 includes the second parameter of the third session, and correspondingly, the process of determining the first parameter based on the third device identifier at step D2 includes: in a case where the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier includes the second parameter, the sixth network element determines the first parameter as the second parameter. In other words, the fifth message can include the second parameter of the third session and the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier includes the second parameter, i.e., the fifth message can contain the parameter matching the third device identifier, so that the sixth network element does not need to modify the parameter carried by the fifth message. For example, the sixth network element can copy the second parameter contained in the fifth message to obtain the first parameter contained in the sixth message.

[0281] For example, in a case where the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier includes the second parameter, the sixth network element sends (or forwards) the fifth message to the second network element, i.e., in this case, the fifth message and the sixth message are the same, or the parameter carried by the fifth message is the same as the parameter carried by the sixth message, or the sixth network element sends the fifth message as part of the sixth message to the second network element.

[0282] In a possible implementation, the fifth message received by the sixth network element at step D1 includes the second parameter of the third session, and correspondingly, the process of determining the first parameter based on the third device identifier at step D2 includes: in a case where the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier does not include the second parameter, the sixth network element determines the first parameter as part of or all of the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier. For example, the sixth message is a message in which the second parameter in the fifth message is replaced by the first parameter, or the sixth message includes a message in which the second parameter in the fifth message is replaced by the first parameter, or the sixth network element can generate the sixth message according to the first parameter and one or more information (such as the third device identifier) other than the second parameter in the fifth message. In other words, in a case where the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier does not include the second parameter contained in the fifth message, the sixth network element can replace the parameter contained in the fifth message with part or all of the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier (i.e., the first parameter), so that the receiver of the sixth message can obtain the parameter matching the third device identifier carried by the sixth message, and can avoid or reduce the situation that the session cannot be successfully established or modified due to inappropriate or inappropriate parameters carried by the message, and further ensure the successful establishment of the session to ensure the successful transmission of device data.

[0283] Optionally, the fifth message received by the sixth network element in step D1 can not contain the parameter of the third session, so as to save overhead. In this case, the sixth network element can determine the first parameter based on the third device identifier carried by the fifth message, and enable the receiver of the sixth message to provide the establishment or modification of the session for the first device based on the first parameter carried by the sixth message by sending the sixth message containing the first parameter.

[0284] D3. The sixth network element sends a sixth message, and the second network element receives the sixth message. The sixth message contains the third device identifier and the first parameter.

[0285] Based on the scheme shown in FIG. 4d, after the sixth network element receives the fifth message containing the third device identifier in step D1, the sixth network element can determine the first parameter corresponding to the third device identifier based on the third device identifier in step D2, and send a sixth message containing the first parameter to the second network element in step D3, so that the second network element can subsequently establish or modify the third session based on the sixth message. In other words, the sixth network element can provide the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier through the sixth message, so that the receiver of the sixth message can obtain the parameter matching the third device identifier carried by the sixth message through the sixth message, and avoid or reduce the situation that the session cannot be successfully established or modified due to inappropriate or inappropriate parameters carried by the message, thereby ensuring the successful establishment / modification of the session to ensure the successful transmission of device data.

[0286] In order to facilitate understanding of the scheme of the present application, the scheme of the present application will be described exemplarily in combination with more drawings. In the examples shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 below, the first communication device (or the second device where the first communication device is located) described above is taken as a UE, and the device connected by the UE is taken as an N3GPP device, i.e., the examples described below are taken to illustrate the scenario that the N3GPP device accesses the network through the UE subscription.

[0287] Please refer to FIG. 5, another schematic diagram of the communication method provided by the present application is shown, which includes the following steps.

[0288] It should be noted that in the example shown in FIG. 5, the UDM can send (or open, provide) the group identifier to the AF based on the device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the device identifier carried by the message sent by the AF, so that the AF can determine the first information based on the group identifier and send the first information to the UE. The AF and the UDM can interact through various ways, which are not limited by the present application, and two examples of way one and way two are given below.

[0289] Way one, updating the related information of the group identifier in the UDM triggers the UDM to send the group identifier to the AF.

[0290] Step 1. The AF sends a first message to the UDM. For example, the AF can provide the QoS information of the N3GPP device requesting differentiated QoS service to the UDM through the first message.

[0291] It should be understood that the process of the AF sending the first message in step 1 is an example implementation of step A1 of the previous FIG. 4a, i.e., the AF can be the third network element in FIG. 4a.

[0292] It should be noted that the AF sending the first message to the UDM can be forwarded by one or more network elements. For example, the first message sent by the AF to the NEF can be a service parameter create / update request (e.g., the message name can be Nnef_ServiceParameter_Create / Update Request) message, which carries the following parameters:

[0293] ① UE identifier such as GPSI.

[0294] ② Device identifier.

[0295] ③ QoS information of the N3GPP device such as at least one of DNN, S-NSSAI, and QoS parameter.

[0296] Optionally, the QoS parameter can include one or more of 5G QoS identifier (5QI), allocation and retention priority (ARP), guaranteed bit rate (GBR), and maximum bit rate (MBR).

[0297] Optionally, the AF can send the first message to the UDM through the NEF and the UDR. For example, the NEF receives the first message, and after authorization is successful, the NEF sends a message carrying the QoS information to the UDM through the UDR.

[0298] For example, the NEF queries the UDM to get the SUPI corresponding to the GPSI. After the NEF determines that the authorization is successful, the NEF sends the UE identity such as SUPI, the device identity and the QoS information of the non-3GPP device to the UDR via a create / update data request, e.g., the message name can be Nudr_DM_Create / Update message; thereafter, the UDR can send a data notification message to the UDM, which can be used to update the subscription data of the UE in the UDM, e.g., the message name can be Nudr_DM_Notify message, to update the device identity and the QoS information of the non-3GPP device in the UDM. For example, the message sent by the UDR to the UDM includes all or part of the information such as DNN, S-NSSAI, etc. in the UE identity, the device identity and the QoS information of the N3GPP device.

[0299] Optionally, if the AF is a core network trusted AF, the AF can directly interact with the UDR without going through the NEF.

[0300] Step 2. The UDM determines the group identity. For example, the UDM determines the group identity associated with the device identity or the QoS information of the N3GPP device based on the device identity or the QoS information of the N3GPP device contained in the received first message.

[0301] It should be understood that the process of determining the group identity by the UDM in step 2 is an example implementation of step C2 in the foregoing FIG. 4c, i.e., the UDM can be the first network element in FIG. 4c.

[0302] Step 3. The UDM sends a second message to the AF, which is used to provide the group identity to the AF, e.g., the second message includes the group identity.

[0303] For example, the UDM can return the group identity of the DNN, S-NSSAI corresponding to the device identity to the AF based on the update of the device identity, wherein the UDM can send a message to the AF via the NEF to open the group identity to the AF.

[0304] For example, the UDM sends an event exposure notification message to the NEF, e.g., the message name can be Nudm_EventExposure_Notify message, which includes at least the group identity. Optionally, the message also includes one or more of the DNN, S-NSSAI, device identity; in addition, the NEF can send a service parameter creation / update request to the AF, e.g., the message name can be Nnef_ServiceParameter_Create / Update Response message, which includes the group identity.

[0305] It should be understood that the process of receiving the message by the AF in step 3 is an example implementation of step A2 in the foregoing FIG. 4a, i.e., the AF can be the third network element in FIG. 4a.

[0306] Way two, AF requests opening to UDM.

[0307] Step 1. AF sends a third message to UDM, the third message including device identity and / or parameters corresponding to the device identity.

[0308] For example, the AF can send the third message to the UDM through the NEF.

[0309] For example, the AF sends a request message to the NEF, the message including UE identity, indication information indicating requested information, and indication information index indicating characteristics of the requested information, i.e., information required to meet the requirements (such as DNN, S-NSSAI, and device identity). The message sent by the AF to the NEF can be a service parameter query request to request a certain network parameter, for example, the message name can be Nnef_ServiceParameter_Get request message. After the NEF authorizes the message (the NEF checks whether the requester is allowed to perform the requested service operation by checking the identifier of the requester (i.e., the AF identifier carried in the request message)), the NEF sends a message to the UDM, the message including UE identity such as GPSI and requested information (such as group identity, DNN, S-NSSAI, and device identity). For example, the message sent by the NEF to the UDM can be a service parameter query request, for example, the message name can be Nudm_ParameterProvision_Get request message.

[0310] Optionally, if the AF is a core network trusted AF, it can directly interact with the UDR without going through the NEF.

[0311] It should be understood that the process of sending a message by the AF in step 1 is an example of step A1 of the foregoing FIG. 4a, i.e., the AF can be the third network element in FIG. 4a.

[0312] In addition, after the UDM receives the third message containing the device identity and / or parameters corresponding to the device identity in step 1, the UDM can query the group identity corresponding to the device identity and / or parameters corresponding to the device identity from the UDR.

[0313] For example, the UDM sends a data query request message to the UDR, for example, the message name can be Nudr_DM_Query request message, the message including device identity and / or parameters corresponding to the device identity, the UDR returns the group identity corresponding to the device identity and / or parameters corresponding to the device identity to the UDM, and then the UDR sends a Nudr_DM_Query response message to the UDM, the message including at least the group identity.

[0314] Step 2. UDM sends a fourth message to AF, which includes the group identifier.

[0315] For example, the UDM can send a fourth message containing a group identifier to the AF via the NEF. For instance, the UDM sends a Nudm_ParameterProvision_Get response message to the NEF, which includes the group identifier, and the NEF sends an Nnef_ServiceParameter_Get response message to the AF, which also includes the group identifier.

[0316] It should be understood that the process of AF receiving messages in step 2 is an implementation example of step A2 in Figure 4a above, that is, AF can be the third network element in Figure 4a.

[0317] Method 3: AF requests access from UDR.

[0318] Step 1. AF sends a fifth message to UDR, which includes the device identifier and / or parameters corresponding to the device identifier.

[0319] For example, the AF can send this third message to the UDR via the NEF.

[0320] For example, the AF sends a request message to the NEF, which includes a device identifier and / or parameters corresponding to the device identifier, indicating the group identifier corresponding to the device identifier and / or the parameters corresponding to the device identifier. The message sent by the AF to the NEF can be an Nnef_ServiceParameter_Get request message. After the NEF authorizes this message (the NEF checks whether to allow the requester to perform the requested service operation by checking the requester's identifier (i.e., the AF identifier carried in the request message), it sends a message to the UDR requesting specific data, which includes the UE identifier such as GPSI and the requested information (such as the device identifier and / or the group identifier corresponding to the parameters of the device identifier). The message sent by the NEF to the UDR can be a Nudr_DM_Query request message.

[0321] Optionally, if the AF is a trusted AF of the core network, it can interact directly with the UDR without going through the NEF.

[0322] It should be understood that the process of AF sending a message in step 1 is an implementation example of step A1 in Figure 4a above, that is, AF can be the third network element in Figure 4a.

[0323] Step 2. The UDR sends a sixth message to the AF, which includes the group identifier.

[0324] For example, the UDM sends a message carrying the group identity to the AF via the NEF. For example, the UDR sends a Nudr_DM_Query_Get response message to the NEF, the message includes the group identity, the NEF sends a Nnef_ServiceParameter_Get response message to the AF, the message includes the group identity.

[0325] It should be understood that the process of the AF receiving the message in step 2 is an example implementation of step A2 of the preceding FIG. 4a, i.e., the AF can be the third network element in FIG. 4a.

[0326] In step 4, the AF can determine the first information by any of the above-described manner 1 to manner 3, wherein the first information can include at least one of:

[0327] at least one device identity associated with a certain parameter;

[0328] at least one group identity associated with a certain parameter, the at least one group identity includes the first group identity;

[0329] at least one device identity associated with a certain connection group identity;

[0330] at least one group identity associated with a certain device identity; or

[0331] indication information indicating an association relationship between one or more connection group identities and one or more device identities (e.g., the indication information indicates the association relationship by a table, a formula, or other manners).

[0332] Wherein the implementation process of the first information can refer to the preceding description.

[0333] In step 5, the AF can send a seventh message to the UE, the seventh message includes the first information.

[0334] For example, the AF sends the first information to the UE by an application layer message (i.e., the seventh message can be an application layer message), and the UE saves the first information.

[0335] It should be understood that the process of the AF sending the first information in step 5 is an example implementation of step A4 of the preceding FIG. 4a, i.e., the AF can be the third network element in FIG. 4a.

[0336] In step 6, after the one or more devices and the UE establish a connection, the UE determines the device identity and / or the group identity of the one or more devices based on the first information.

[0337] It should be noted that the one or more devices described above can be non-3GPP devices, and the UE can establish a connection with any of the devices in various manners, such as through Bluetooth technology or Wi-Fi technology, and the embodiments are not limited in this regard.

[0338] The embodiments are not limited to the implementation of the UE, and for example, the UE can learn all device identifiers that can be allocated to the N3GPP device based on the group identifier (such as a WLAN SSID or an RG port number) accessed by the N3GPP device and the association relationship, and then select a device identifier for the N3GPP device according to the QoS requirement of the N3GPP device.

[0339] Based on the scheme shown in FIG. 5, the AF can send the first information to the UE through the application layer, so as to avoid the problem that the session cannot be established due to the inappropriate or unsuitable session parameters of the request message sent by the UE. The scheme avoids modification of the terminal hardware, and has stronger realizability by modifying the UE configuration through the application layer, such as software.

[0340] Referring to FIG. 6, another schematic diagram of the communication method provided by the embodiments is shown, and the method includes the following steps.

[0341] Step 1a. The UE sends a session establishment / modification request message. The message requests to establish / modify a PDU session for a certain device, and the UE sends a session establishment / modification request message to the AMF, and the message includes a device identifier and parameters (such as a DNN and an S-NSSAI) of the PDU session.

[0342] For example, the message can be a PDU Session Establishment Request message or a PDU Session Modification Request message.

[0343] It should be understood that the process in which the UE sends the session establishment request message in step 1a is an example of step B1 in FIG. 4b or step D1 in FIG. 4d.

[0344] Method one: The AMF modifies the DNN and the S-NSSAI of the session through DNN, S-NSSAI replacement.

[0345] Step 1b. The AMF performs parameter replacement.

[0346] For example, if the AMF checks and finds that the parameters corresponding to the device identifier in the subscription information are inconsistent with the parameters in the session request message, the AMF initiates parameter replacement, for example, the AMF replaces the parameters in the session request message with the parameters corresponding to the device identifier.

[0347] Or, if the AMF checks and finds that the necessary parameters (e.g. DNN, S-NSSAI, etc.) are missing in the session establishment / modification request message, the AMF sends the device identity and the parameters corresponding to the device identity to the SMF to complete the PDU session establishment / modification procedure according to the UE-related information (e.g. UE context) stored by the AMF or by querying the UDM.

[0348] It should be understood that the process of parameter replacement performed by the AMF in step 1b is an example implementation of step D2 of the previous figure 4d, i.e. the AF can be the sixth network element in figure 4d.

[0349] Step 2. Continue the PDU session establishment procedure (as shown in the previous figure 2) or continue the PDU session modification procedure.

[0350] Method two, the SMF checks the inconsistency of DNN, S-NSSAI and rejects the session establishment and issues the first information.

[0351] Step 1b. The AMF determines the SMF.

[0352] Step 2. The AMF sends a session establishment request message to the SMF, which includes the device identity and the parameters of the session. The message can be used to request the establishment of the SM context of the session.

[0353] Steps 3a-3b. The SMF sends a subscription data request / query message to the UDM, and the UDM sends a subscription data response message to the SMF.

[0354] For example, the SMF requests the session management subscription data of the UE from the UDM to determine whether the UE can request the establishment of the PDU session. In one possible implementation, the SMF sends a session data request message to the UDM, e.g. the message name can be Nudm_SDM_Get Request message, and the message includes the UE identity such as SUPI and Session Management Subscription data indicating which data are requested by the UDM. If the request message includes the device identity, the session management data corresponding to the device identity (including the parameters corresponding to the device identity such as DNN, S-NSSAI, etc.) is returned; if the request message includes the parameters of the session (e.g. DNN, S-NSSAI), the session management subscription data corresponding to the parameters in the stored UE subscription information (including the connection group identity matching the parameters of the session) is returned.

[0355] Step 4. The SMF determines the inconsistency of the parameters.

[0356] For example, after obtaining the subscription data of the device identifier by step 3b, the SMF checks whether the parameters of the device identifier in the subscription data are inconsistent with the parameters in the session request message, and accordingly determines to reject the session establishment.

[0357] In a possible implementation, if the SMF obtains the parameters corresponding to the device identifier in step 3b, the SMF checks whether the parameters (such as DNN and S-NSSAI) subscribed by the device identifier are consistent with the parameters carried in the session establishment request message, and finds that they are inconsistent.

[0358] In another possible implementation, if the SMF obtains the session management subscription data corresponding to the parameters in step 3b, the SMF checks whether the device identifier in the session establishment request message is in the session management subscription data, and if not, determines that they are inconsistent.

[0359] Steps 5-7. The SMF sends a rejection message to the UE through the AMF / RAN.

[0360] For example, after determining to reject the session establishment in step 4, the SMF sends a session establishment rejection message to the UE through the AMF-RAN in steps 5-7, and the rejection message can include first information, and the implementation process of the first information can refer to the foregoing description. For example, the message includes a reason for rejecting the session establishment.

[0361] It should be understood that the session establishment rejection message sent by the SMF in step 5 is an example of step B2 in FIG. 4b, that is, the SMF can be the fourth network element in FIG. 4b.

[0362] The message includes a reason for rejecting the session establishment. In a possible implementation, an estabRejectionCause field in the message identifies the reason for rejecting the session establishment, and a specific value of the field is used to indicate that the DNN / S-NSSAI carried in the request message is inconsistent with the DNN / S-NSSAI in the subscription corresponding to the device identifier. For example, the field is “REL_DUE_TO_DNN_NOT_SUPPORTED” or “REL_DUE_TO_DNN_DENIED” or “REL_DUE_TO_SNSSAI_DENIED”, at this time, the meaning of the field needs to be expanded; or a new string such as “REL_DUE_TO_DEVICE_DNN_NOT_SUPPORTED” and the like, which is not limited in the present application.

[0363] The message includes first information. In one possible implementation, if the UE allocates a device identifier #1 to a device connected to group identifier #1, the device identifier #1, DNN #1, and S-NSSAI-A are included in the session establishment request, and the subscription information in the UDM includes:

[0364] Device identifier #1: DNN #2, S-NSSAI-B (i.e., the parameters corresponding to the device identifier #1 are DNN #2 and S-NSSAI-B);

[0365] Device identifier #2: DNN #1, S-NSSAI-A (i.e., the parameters corresponding to the device identifier #2 are DNN #1 and S-NSSAI-A);

[0366] DNN #1, S-NSSAI-A: group identifier #1 (i.e., the parameters DNN #1 and S-NSSAI-A match the group identifier #1);

[0367] DNN #2, S-NSSAI-B: group identifier #1 (i.e., the parameters DNN #2 and S-NSSAI-B match the group identifier #2).

[0368] To this end, the SMF can send one or more device identifiers corresponding to the DNN and S-NSSAI, i.e., DNN #1 and S-NSSAI-A, to the UE when rejecting the session establishment, or send the group identifier corresponding to the DNN and S-NSSAI, i.e., DNN #2 and S-NSSAI-B, to the UE, or send the group identifier and the device identifier corresponding to the DNN and S-NSSAI to the UE.

[0369] Step 8. The UE determines the device identifier and / or the group identifier based on the first information carried in the rejection message, so as to implement the sending of the next session establishment request message. In other words, the UE associates the device identifier(s) and the group identifier associated with the same parameters based on the message issued by the core network. Optionally, the UE can re-allocate the device identifier and / or the group identifier to the device in step 1a.

[0370] Based on the scheme shown in FIG. 6, the core network updates the first information (e.g., the UE can determine the correct association relationship based on the first information) to the UE when it is found that the session is rejected due to the inconsistency between the requested parameters and the parameters corresponding to the device identifier in the subscription, so as to implement the successful establishment of the session by modifying the configuration of the UE or replacing the DNN and S-NSSAI in the session request.

[0371] Referring to FIG. 7, another schematic diagram of the communication method provided by the present application is shown, which includes the following steps.

[0372] Step 1. The AF sends a first message to the UDR.

[0373] For example, the AF provides the QoS information of the N3GPP device requiring differentiated QoS to the UDR via the NEF. The AF sends a request message to the NEF, which includes the UE identity such as GPSI, one or more device identities, N3GPP QoS information (such as DNN, S-NSSAI), etc. The details are described in step 1 of Mode 1 shown in FIG. 5. In addition, after the NEF authorizes the request, the NEF stores / updates the subscription information of the UE based on the obtained QoS information to the UDR.

[0374] Step 2. The UDR stores / updates the subscription information of the UE.

[0375] Step 3. The core network obtains the first information, and the network element generating the first information can be the UDR or the PCF, as described in Mode 1 and Mode 2 below.

[0376] Mode 1, the network element generating the first information is the PCF. That is, the third network element in the previous FIG. 4a can be the PCF network element.

[0377] Step 3a. The UDR sends a second message to the PCF. For example, the UDR notifies the PCF of the QoS information update of the non-3GPP device via the second message, and the message includes the device identity. Optionally, the second message includes the session parameters (such as DNN, S-NSSAI) in the N3GPP QoS info and / or the device identity.

[0378] Step 3b. The PCF sends a third message to the UDR. For example, after the PCF receives the QoS information update message of the N3GPP device from the UDR, the PCF sends a query message to the UDR to query the group identity, and the message includes the session parameters and / or the device identity. Optionally, the PCF can request the group identity corresponding to the device identity from the UDR based on the second message in step 3a.

[0379] Optionally, if the second message received by the PCF in step 3a includes the session parameters, the session parameters are carried in the query message, and if the second message received by the PCF in step 3a includes the device identity but does not include the session parameters, the device identity is carried in the query message, and the UDR obtains the group identity corresponding to the device identity and / or the session parameters and returns it to the PCF. For example, the UDR can find the corresponding session parameters by taking the device identity as an index, and then find the group identity by taking the session parameters as an index.

[0380] Step 3c. The PCF determines the first information. In one implementation, the PCF determines that there is an association between the group identity and the device identity supporting the same session parameters based on the result of the query from the UDR, and determines the first information based on these information. The implementation of the first information can refer to the foregoing description, for example, the first information can include the association between one or more device identities and one or more group identities.

[0381] Option two, the network element generating the first information is the UDR. That is, the first network element in the foregoing FIG. 4c can be the UDR network element.

[0382] Step 3a. The UDR determines the first information. For example, the UDR generates the first information based on the information stored / updated in step 2. In one possible implementation, the UDR determines that there is an association between the group identity and the device identity supporting the same session parameters according to the session parameters in the received QoS information of the N3GPP device and the group identity and the session parameters in the UE subscription, for example, the first information can indicate the association between one or more device identities and one or more group identities.

[0383] Step 3b. The UDR sends a fourth message to the PCF, and the fourth message includes the first information. For example, the message can be a Nudr_DM_Notify message.

[0384] Step 4. The PCF sends a fifth message to the AMF, and the fifth message can include the first information. In one implementation, the fifth message can be a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message, and the first information included in the message can indicate the association between one or more device identities and one or more group identities.

[0385] Step 5. The AMF sends a sixth message to the UE. In one possible implementation, the AMF distributes the UE policy to the UE through the sixth message, and the first information is included in the policy; the UE can feed back a response message of the sixth message to the AMF.

[0386] Step 6. After the AMF receives the response message of the sixth message in step 5, the AMF can send a seventh message to the PCF, and the seventh message forwards the UE policy update response to the PCF. For example, the forwarded result of the UE policy update is success or failure. Thereafter, after the device and the UE establish a connection, the UE allocates the device identity and / or the connection group identity for the device based on the first information.

[0387] Based on the scheme shown in FIG. 7, the association between the group identity and the device identity (s) is issued to the UE through the update process of the UE policy, avoiding the problem that the session cannot be established due to the inconsistency of the DNN and the slice of the two. The scheme reuses the traditional process, ensuring the consistency of the group identity and the device identity subscription.

[0388] Referring to FIG. 8, another schematic diagram of the communication method provided by the present application is shown, which includes the following steps.

[0389] Steps 1 and 2 refer to steps 1 and 2 in FIG. 7.

[0390] Step 3a. The UDR sends a second message to the UDM. For example, the second message is used to update the information of the N3GPP device requiring differentiated QoS. The second message can be a notification message (such as Nudr_DM_Notify message), which includes the device identity and / or the session parameter (for example, the parameter can include DNN, S-NSSAI).

[0391] Step 3b. The UDM determines the first information based on the second message. In one possible implementation, the UDM determines, according to the received session parameter and the group identity corresponding to the session parameter in the UE subscription, that the group identity and the device identity supporting the same session parameter exist an association, for example, the first information can indicate the association between one or more device identities and one or more group identities.

[0392] It should be understood that the process of determining the first information by the UDM in step 3b is an example of step C2 in FIG. 4c, that is, the UDM can be the first network element in FIG. 4c.

[0393] The UDM stores the first information. For example, the group identity and the device identity can exist in the same subscription data, such as the subscription data corresponding to the same DNN, S-NSSAI in the UE session management subscription data.

[0394] Step 3c. The UDM sends a third message to the AMF.

[0395] For example, the third message can be a session data notification message to notify the data / subscription information update (such as the message name can be Nudm_SDM_Notification message), which includes the first information.

[0396] It should be understood that the process of sending the third message by the UDM in step 3c is an example of step C3 in FIG. 4c, that is, the UDM can be the first network element in FIG. 4c.

[0397] Step 4. The AMF sends a fourth message to the UE. The fourth message can be used to update the configuration of the UE, and the first information is included in the message. For example, the fourth message can be a UE Configuration Update Command message.

[0398] Through the process of step 4, the subsequent UE can determine that the group identity and the device identity supporting the same session parameter exist an association relationship based on the received first information, and implement the sending of the next session establishment request message.

[0399] Step 5. The UE sends a fifth message to the AMF. The fifth message can be a response message of the updated configuration, and the result of the updated configuration is included in the message. For example, the result includes success or failure.

[0400] Based on the scheme shown in FIG. 8, the association relationship between the group identity and the device identity (s) is delivered to the UE through the update process of the UE configuration, avoiding the problem that the session cannot be established due to the inconsistency of the DNN and the slice of the two. The scheme reuses the traditional process, and ensures the consistency of the group identity and the device identity subscription.

[0401] Referring to FIG. 9, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication apparatus 900, which can implement the functions of the first communication apparatus (or the second communication apparatus, the third communication apparatus, or the fourth communication apparatus) in the above-mentioned method embodiments, and thus can also implement the beneficial effects possessed by the above-mentioned method embodiments. In the embodiments of the present application, the communication apparatus 900 can be the first communication apparatus (or the second communication apparatus, the third communication apparatus, or the fourth communication apparatus), or an integrated circuit or element etc. inside the first communication apparatus (or the second communication apparatus, the third communication apparatus, or the fourth communication apparatus), such as a chip, a baseband chip, a modem chip, an SoC chip (such as an SoC chip containing a modem core), a SIP chip, a communication module, a chip system, a processor, etc.

[0402] In a possible implementation, when the apparatus 900 is configured to perform the method performed by the first communication apparatus in any of the preceding embodiments, the apparatus 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver unit 902; the processing unit 901 is configured to determine a first device identity, the first device identity indicating a first device; the processing unit 901 is further configured to determine a first group identity, the first group identity having an association relationship with the first device identity; the processing unit 901 is further configured to match a first session parameter according to the first group identity; and the transceiver unit 902 is configured to send a first message, the first message being used to request the establishment or modification of the first session; wherein the first message includes the first device identity and the first session parameter, and the first session is used to transmit data of the first device.

[0403] In a possible implementation, when the apparatus 900 is configured to perform the method performed by the second communication apparatus in any of the preceding embodiments, the apparatus 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver 902; the processing unit 901 is configured to determine first information, the first information being used to determine a first device identifier and / or a first group identifier, the first device identifier being used to indicate a first device, and the first group identifier being associated with the first device identifier; and the transceiver 902 is configured to send the first information.

[0404] In a possible implementation, when the apparatus 900 is configured to perform the method performed by the third communication apparatus in any of the preceding embodiments, the apparatus 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver 902; the transceiver 902 is configured to receive a fourth message, the fourth message including a first device identifier and / or a parameter corresponding to the first device identifier; the fourth message is used to request a group identifier satisfying a condition, the condition including that the first device identifier is associated with the group identifier; the processing unit 901 is configured to determine a first group identifier; and the transceiver 902 is further configured to send the first group identifier, the first group identifier satisfying the condition.

[0405] In a possible implementation, when the apparatus 900 is configured to perform the method performed by the third communication apparatus in any of the preceding embodiments, the apparatus 900 includes a processing unit 901 and a transceiver 902; the transceiver 902 is configured to receive a fifth message, the fifth message being used to request establishment or modification of a third session, the third session being used to transmit data of a first device, the fifth message including a third device identifier, the third device identifier being used to indicate the first device; the processing unit 901 is configured to determine a first parameter of the third session based on the third device identifier; and the transceiver 902 is further configured to send a sixth message, the sixth message being used to request establishment or modification of the third session, the sixth message including the third device identifier and the first parameter.

[0406] It should be noted that the information execution process and the like of the units of the communication apparatus 900 are described in the method embodiments of the preceding embodiments of the present application, which will not be described here.

[0407] Referring to FIG. 10, another schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus 1000 is provided, which includes a logic circuit 1001 and an input / output interface 1002. The communication apparatus 1000 can be a chip or an integrated circuit.

[0408] The transceiving unit 902 shown in FIG. 9 can be a communication interface, which can be an input and output interface 1002 in FIG. 10, and the input and output interface 1002 can include an input interface and an output interface. Alternatively, the communication interface can be a transceiving circuit, which can include an input interface circuit and an output interface circuit.

[0409] Optionally, the logic circuit 1001 is configured to determine a first device identifier, the first device identifier being used to indicate a first device; the logic circuit 1001 is further configured to determine a first group identifier, the first group identifier being associated with the first device identifier; the logic circuit 1001 is further configured to match a parameter of a first session according to the first group identifier; and the input and output interface 1002 is configured to send a first message, the first message being used to request establishment or modification of the first session; wherein the first message includes the first device identifier and the parameter of the first session, and the first session is used to transmit data of the first device.

[0410] Optionally, the logic circuit 1001 is configured to determine first information, the first information being used to determine a first device identifier and / or a first group identifier, the first device identifier being used to indicate a first device, and the first group identifier being associated with the first device identifier; and the input and output interface 1002 is configured to send the first information.

[0411] Optionally, the input and output interface 1002 is configured to receive a fourth message, the fourth message including a first device identifier and / or a parameter corresponding to the first device identifier; wherein the fourth message is used to request a group identifier satisfying a condition, the condition including that the first device identifier is associated with the group identifier; the logic circuit 1001 is configured to determine a first group identifier; and the input and output interface 1002 is further configured to send the first group identifier, the first group identifier satisfying the condition.

[0412] Optionally, the input and output interface 1002 is configured to receive a fifth message, the fifth message being used to request establishment or modification of a third session, the third session being used to transmit data of a first device, and the fifth message including a third device identifier, the third device identifier being used to indicate the first device; the logic circuit 1001 is configured to determine a first parameter of the third session based on the third device identifier; and the input and output interface 1002 is further configured to send a sixth message, the sixth message being used to request establishment or modification of the third session, and the sixth message including the third device identifier and the first parameter.

[0413] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 901 shown in FIG. 9 can be a logic circuit 1001 in FIG. 10.

[0414] Optionally, the logic circuit 1001 can be a processing apparatus, and functions of the processing apparatus can be partially or entirely implemented by software.

[0415] Optionally, the processing apparatus can include a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is configured to store a computer program, and the processor is configured to read and execute the computer program stored in the memory to perform the corresponding processing and / or steps in any of the method embodiments.

[0416] Optionally, the processing apparatus can only include the processor. The memory for storing the computer program is located outside the processing apparatus, and the processor is connected with the memory through a circuit / wire to read and execute the computer program stored in the memory. The memory and the processor can be integrated together or can be physically independent of each other.

[0417] Optionally, the processing apparatus can be one or more chips or one or more integrated circuits. For example, the processing apparatus can be one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), system on chips (SoC), central processing units (CPU), network processors (NP), digital signal processors (DSP), micro controller units (MCU), programmable logic devices (PLD) or other integrated chips, or any combination of the above chips or processors, etc.

[0418] Please refer to FIG. 11, which is a structural diagram of a communication apparatus involved in the above embodiments provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication apparatus can be the first communication apparatus, the second communication apparatus, the third communication apparatus or the fourth communication apparatus in the above method embodiments, or can be a chip or a system on chip in the first communication apparatus, the second communication apparatus, the third communication apparatus or the fourth communication apparatus. The structure of the communication apparatus can refer to the structure shown in FIG. 11.

[0419] The communication apparatus includes at least one processor 1111. Further, the communication apparatus can also include at least one memory 1112.

[0420] The memory is mainly used for storing software programs and data. The memory 1112 can exist independently and be connected to the processor 1111.

[0421] Optionally, the memory 1112 can be integrated with the processor 1111, for example, integrated in a chip. The memory 1112 is used to store program codes for implementing the schemes of the embodiments of the present application.

[0422] The processor 1111 is used to read the program codes in the memory 1112 to implement the related functions of the first communication device, the second communication device or the third communication device in the above method embodiments.

[0423] FIG. 11 only shows one memory and one processor. In actual first communication device, second communication device or third communication device, there can be multiple processors and multiple memories. The memory can also be referred to as a storage medium or a storage device, etc. The memory can be a storage element on the same chip as the processor, i.e., an on-chip storage element, or an independent storage element, and the embodiments of the present application do not make any limitation in this regard.

[0424] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer readable storage medium for storing one or more computer execution instructions, when the computer execution instructions are executed by a processor, the processor executes the method described in the possible implementation manners of the first communication device, the second communication device or the third communication device as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0425] The embodiments of the present application also provide a computer program product (or computer program), when the computer program product is executed by the processor, the processor executes the method of the possible implementation manners of the first communication device, the second communication device or the third communication device.

[0426] The embodiments of the present application also provide a chip system, which includes at least one processor for supporting the communication device to implement the functions involved in the possible implementation manners of the communication device. Optionally, the chip system also includes an interface circuit, which provides program instructions and / or data for the at least one processor. In a possible design, the chip system can also include a memory, which is used to save the necessary program instructions and data of the communication device. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices, and the communication device can be the first communication device, the second communication device, the third communication device or the fourth communication device in the foregoing method embodiments.

[0427] The embodiments of the present application also provide a communication system.

[0428] In a possible implementation, the communication system comprises the first communication device and the second communication device. Optionally, the communication system further comprises the third communication device.

[0429] In another possible implementation, the communication system comprises the second communication device and the third communication device. Optionally, the communication system further comprises the first communication device.

[0430] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other manners. For example, the described device embodiments are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. There can be another division manner for the actual implementation, for example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings or direct couplings or communication connections between the units can be indirect couplings or communication connections through some interfaces, devices or units, and can be electrical, mechanical or in other forms.

[0431] The units described as separate components can or can not be physically separate, and the components displayed as units can or can not be physical units, i.e., can be located in one place, or can be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purposes of the embodiments.

[0432] In addition, each functional unit in the embodiments of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software function unit. If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of software function unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the present application essentially or the part contributing to the application, or all or a part of the application can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, and includes several 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 embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), magnetic disk or optical disk, and various other media that can store program codes.

Claims

1. A communication method characterized by comprising: The method comprises: determining a first device identifier, the first device identifier being indicative of a first device; determining a first group identifier, the first group identifier being associated with the first device identifier; matching parameters of a first session according to the first group identifier; sending a first message, the first message being used for requesting establishment or modification of the first session, wherein the first message comprises the first device identifier and the parameters of the first session, and the first session is used for transmitting data of the first device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first group identifier is associated with the first device identifier, which means that the parameters corresponding to the first device identifier comprise the parameters matched by the first group identifier.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving first information, the first information being used for determining the first device identifier and / or the first group identifier.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The determination of the first device identifier comprises: allocating the first device identifier to the first device. The determination of the first group identifier comprises: determining the first group identifier according to the first device identifier and the first information.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein, The determination of the first group identifier comprises: allocating the first group identifier to the first device. The determination of the first device identifier comprises: determining the first device identifier according to the first group identifier and the first information.

6. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a second message, the second message being used for requesting establishment or modification of a second session, the second session being used for transmitting data of the first device, the second message comprising a second device identifier and parameters of the second session, the second device identifier being indicative of the first device; The receiving of the first information comprises: receiving a third message, the third message being used for indicating rejection of the establishment or modification of the second session, the third message comprising the first information.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein: the second device identifier is different from the first device identifier, and the parameters of the first session are the same as the parameters of the second session; or the second device identifier is the same as the first device identifier, and the parameters of the first session are different from the parameters of the second session.

8. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, The first information comprises at least one of: at least one device identifier associated with the first group identifier, the at least one device identifier comprising the first device identifier; at least one group identifier associated with the first device identifier, the at least one group identifier comprising the first group identifier; or indication information used for indicating the association.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The parameters comprise a data network name and / or a slice identifier.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The method is applied to a second device or a chip in the second device.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The first group identifier is used for indicating a device group to which the first device belongs, or the first group identifier is used for indicating a port of the second device, the port being a port connected by the second device and a device group to which the first device belongs.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The first group identifier is used for indicating a device group to which the first device belongs, which comprises that the first group identifier is used for indicating one or more devices connected to the second device through a same port, the one or more devices comprising the first device.

13. A method of communication, comprising: The method comprises: obtaining first information, the first information being used for determining a first device identifier and / or a first group identifier, the first device identifier being used for indicating a first device, the first group identifier being associated with the first device identifier; sending the first information.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The first group identifier is associated with the first device identifier, which means that a parameter corresponding to the first device identifier includes a parameter matched with the first group identifier.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The obtaining of the first information comprises: sending the first device identifier and / or a parameter corresponding to the first device identifier; receiving the first group identifier and determining the first information based on the first group identifier, or receiving the first information.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The sending of the first device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier comprises: sending a fourth message, the fourth message including the first device identifier and / or the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier; wherein the fourth message is used for requesting a group identifier.

17. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a second message, the second message being used for requesting establishment or modification of a second session, the second session being used for transmitting data of the first device, the second message including a second device identifier and a parameter of the second session; The sending of the first information comprises: in a case where a parameter corresponding to the second device identifier does not include the parameter of the second session, sending a third message, the third message including the first information, the third message indicating rejection of the establishment or modification of the second session.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: at least one device identifier associated with the first group identifier, the at least one device identifier including the first device identifier; or at least one group identifier associated with the first device identifier, the at least one group identifier including the first group identifier; indication information indicating the association relationship.

19. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein, The obtaining of the first information comprises: receiving a parameter corresponding to the first device identifier, and determining the first information based on the parameter corresponding to the first device identifier.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that, The parameter includes a data network name and / or a slice identifier.

21. A method of communication, comprising: It comprises: receiving a fourth message, the fourth message including a first device identifier and / or a parameter corresponding to the first device identifier; wherein the fourth message is used for requesting a group identifier; in response to the fourth message, sending a first group identifier, the first group identifier being associated with the first device identifier.

22. A method of communication, comprising: It comprises: receiving a fifth message, the fifth message being used for requesting establishment or modification of a third session, the third session being used for transmitting data of a first device, the fifth message including a third device identifier, the third device identifier being used for indicating the first device; determining a first parameter of the third session based on the third device identifier; sending a sixth message, the sixth message being used for requesting the establishment or modification of the third session, the sixth message including the third device identifier and the first parameter.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, The fifth message includes a second parameter of the third session; The determination of the first parameter based on the third device identifier comprises: in a case where a parameter corresponding to the third device identifier includes the second parameter, determining the first parameter as the second parameter.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein, The fifth message comprises a first parameter of the third session; The first parameter is determined based on the third device identifier, comprising: In a case that the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier does not comprise the second parameter, the first parameter is determined as part or all of the parameter corresponding to the third device identifier.

25. A communications device, characterized by A module for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 24.

26. A communications device, characterized by At least one processor for executing computer programs or instructions to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 24.

27. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores computer programs or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 24.

28. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer readable storage medium stores computer programs or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 24.

29. A communication system, characterized by The computer readable storage medium stores computer programs or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 24. At least one of the following: A communication device for performing the method of any one of claims 13 to 20; A communication device for performing the method of claim 21; or A communication device for performing the method of any one of claims 22 to 24.

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