Session management method and communication apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a session management method and a communication apparatus, relating to the field of communications, and used for ensuring normal execution of a session switching process after an AMF is changed, improving session switching flexibility and management process integrity. The method comprises: receiving first information, the first information being used for indicating whether a first access and mobility management function network element supports DualSteer; obtaining a first authorization result on the basis of the first information, the first authorization result being used for indicating whether switching from a first session to a second session is allowed, the first session being a session between a first terminal and a network, the second session being a session between a second terminal and the network, a DualSteer device comprising the first terminal and the second terminal, and the first access and mobility management function network element being used to manage the second terminal.

Description

A session management method and a communication apparatus

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411366640.4, filed on September 27, 2024, entitled "A session management method and a communication 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, in particular to a session management method and a communication apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0003] With the rapid development of communication technology, devices supporting multiple subscriber identity modules (SIM) cards or including two terminal devices have emerged, such as DualSteer devices. DualSteer devices are devices that support user data switching across two 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) access networks. The devices can include two or more terminal devices. The following describes such devices using DualSteer devices as an example.

[0004] The terminal devices in the DualSteer devices connect to the same session management function (SMF) network element in the control plane, and user data can be switched between different terminal devices.

[0005] The DualSteer devices may change the access and mobility management function (AMF) due to factors such as location changes or network restrictions. Considering that the changed AMF may not have the related capabilities to support DualSteer, the DualSteer device cannot implement session-related functions (such as session switching). Therefore, after the AMF is changed, how to implement the session management process of the DualSteer device is a problem to be explored. SUMMARY

[0006] The session management method and the communication apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application enable the DualSteer device to implement the session management process (including the session switching process) after changing the accessed AMF.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the embodiments of the present application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0008] In a first aspect, a session management method is provided. The method can be applied to a first communication device, which can be a terminal device (e.g., a dual-directional device) or a network element. For example, the first communication device can be an access and mobility management function (AMF) or a session management function (SMF). The method can also be applied to a component in the first communication device, such as a chip or a processor in the dual-directional device, the AMF, or the SMF. The method can also be implemented by a logic node, a logic module, or software that can implement all or part of the first communication device. For convenience of description, the method is described below as being performed by the first communication device. The session management method includes:

[0009] The first communication device receives first information, which is used to indicate whether the first AMF supports dual-directional.

[0010] The first communication device obtains a first authorization result according to the first information, where the first authorization result is used to indicate whether the first terminal is allowed to switch from a first session to a second session. The first session is a session between the first terminal and a network, and the second session is a session between a second terminal and the network. The dual-directional device includes the first terminal and the second terminal, and the first AMF is used to manage the second terminal.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, the second terminal accesses the first AMF, and the first terminal accesses a second AMF. The first AMF is a replacement AMF for the second terminal (or the dual-directional device including the first terminal) under the influence of a change in location or a network factor.

[0012] In a session-related process of the dual-directional device, considering that the changed first AMF can not have the related capability to support dual-directional (or session switching), the method provided in the embodiment of the present application establishes a channel for the first communication device (e.g., the second AMF if the first communication device is an AMF) to learn whether the first AMF supports the dual-directional capability, thereby implementing the session management process (including the management process of session switching).

[0013] Further, the session management process is described below by taking the management process of session switching as an example. The first communication device judges whether the session switching process continues by receiving first information about whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports session switching, helping the first communication device or subsequent devices related to the process to timely adjust the session and related policies according to the characteristics of the first access and mobility management function network element; avoiding the situation that the service process of session switching cannot be normally performed due to the fact that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support session switching, and enabling the dual-steering device to implement the session management process (including the session switching process) after changing the access AMF.

[0014] In an optional implementation, the first information includes first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element or a second authorization result, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual steering, and the second authorization result includes a result that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual steering or a result that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual steering.

[0015] In the embodiments of the present application, whether the first capability information indicates that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual steering represents whether the first access and mobility management function network element has a related function for implementing dual steering or whether the first access and mobility management function network element has the capability for implementing dual steering. Therefore, by refining the content of the first information in different scenarios, the receiver can more accurately understand the capability or authorization state of the first access and mobility management function network element, which helps the receiver (such as the first communication device) to more accurately judge the feasibility of the session management process (for example, session switching), so as to make a more reasonable decision and improve the efficiency and accuracy of session management.

[0016] In an optional implementation, if the first information indicates that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual steering, the first authorization result includes allowing switching from the first session to the second session.

[0017] If the first information indicates that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual steering, the first authorization result includes not allowing switching from the first session to the second session.

[0018] The first communication device judges whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual steering, avoiding the situation that the service process of session switching cannot be normally performed due to the fact that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual steering.

[0019] In an optional implementation, the above method further includes:

[0020] sending the first authorization result to the dual-steering device.

[0021] In an alternative implementation, the first authorization result comprises disallowing switching from the first session to the second session, and the method further comprises:

[0022] updating the first session as a non-dual-oriented session.

[0023] It can be understood that the non-dual-oriented session is used to refer to a session other than the dual-oriented session, for example, a session without the dual-oriented identifier attached. In the present implementation, by updating the first session as the non-dual-oriented session, the normal proceeding of the session switching procedure is realized in the case that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support the dual-oriented capability.

[0024] In an alternative implementation, updating the first session as the non-dual-oriented session comprises:

[0025] sending second information, the second information being used to indicate updating the first session as the non-dual-oriented session.

[0026] In an alternative implementation, the first authorization result comprises allowing switching from the first session to the second session, and the method further comprises:

[0027] sending third information, the third information being used to indicate switching the first session to the second session.

[0028] In the embodiments of the present application, the feasibility of the session switching can be comprehensively judged according to the establishment situation of the first session and the network capability information. This comprehensive evaluation mechanism ensures the scientificity and accuracy of the decision, and avoids the decision mistakes caused by the insufficient or wrong information. Meanwhile, it also provides a reliable basis for the subsequent network resource allocation and session management, and is helpful to optimize the use efficiency of the network resources.

[0029] In an alternative implementation, obtaining the first authorization result according to the first information comprises:

[0030] obtaining the first authorization result according to the establishment situation of the first session and the first information.

[0031] The first communication device determines whether to perform the session switching in combination with the trigger point of itself and the first information. In the present implementation, the trigger point is the establishment situation of the first session, and it should be understood that the establishment situation of the first session comprises established and not established.

[0032] In a second aspect, a session management method is provided. The method can be applied to a unified data management (UDM) network element or an access and mobility management function network element. The method can also be applied to a component, such as a chip or a processor, in a UDM network element or an access and mobility management function network element. The method can also be implemented by a logic node, a logic module, or software that can implement all or part of a UDM network element or an access and mobility management function network element. The session management method includes:

[0033] obtaining first information, the first information being used to indicate whether a first access and mobility management function network element supports dual steering, the dual steering device including a second terminal, and the first access and mobility management function network element being used to manage the second terminal;

[0034] sending the first information.

[0035] In consideration of the fact that the first access and mobility management function network element may not have the relevant capability to support dual steering after the change, the relevant capability may specifically refer to the capability of the first access and mobility management function network element to participate in the session switching process in the dual steering device. The method provided in the embodiments of the present application establishes a channel for the UDM network element or the access and mobility management function network element (such as the second access and mobility management function network element described above) to understand the characteristics of the dual steering capability of the first access and mobility management function network element, thereby realizing the establishment of the session pipeline.

[0036] In an optional implementation, the obtaining of the first information includes:

[0037] receiving fourth information, the fourth information including second capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element or an identifier of the first access and mobility management function network element, the second capability information being used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual steering, and the identifier of the first access and mobility management function network element being used to determine first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element, the first capability information being used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual steering;

[0038] determining the first information according to the fourth information.

[0039] By receiving and processing the fourth information (such as the second capability information or the identifier of the first access and mobility management function network element), the UDM and other network elements can more comprehensively understand the network state, thereby more accurately generating the first information. This indirect acquisition method increases the diversity and reliability of the information, and helps to improve the accuracy and flexibility of network decision-making.

[0040] In an optional implementation, the registration request message includes fourth information, and the registration request message is used to request registration of the first access and mobility management function network element to the unified data management function network element.

[0041] The fourth information is embedded in the registration request message, so that the registration process of the network element is combined with the reporting process of the capability information. This integrated manner simplifies the network management process, reduces the additional signaling overhead, and improves the utilization efficiency of network resources.

[0042] In an optional implementation, the first information includes first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element or a second authorization result, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation, and the second authorization result includes a result that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation or a result that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual orientation.

[0043] In an optional implementation, the above method further includes:

[0044] According to the first capability information or the second capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element, the second authorization result is determined.

[0045] In the embodiment, the unified data management function network element is taken as one of the management nodes of the session switching, so that the unified data management function network element determines the second authorization result in combination with the characteristic of whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation.

[0046] In an optional implementation, the dual orientation device further includes a first terminal, and the above method further includes:

[0047] According to the first identifier, a second access and mobility management function network element managing the first terminal is determined, and the first identifier includes a user permanent identifier of the first terminal.

[0048] The execution subject of the second aspect enables the participants of the session related process to be clear, and thus the session management process related to the dual orientation device is realized.

[0049] In an optional implementation, the above method further includes:

[0050] According to the first identifier, a first session management function network element managing a first session is determined, the first identifier includes a user permanent identifier of the first terminal, and the first session is a session between the first terminal and the network.

[0051] In an optional implementation, the above method further includes:

[0052] receive fifth information, the fifth information being used for requesting an identifier of the first session management function network element, the fifth information comprising the first identifier and a second identifier, the second identifier comprising a session identifier of a first session, the first session management function network element being associated with the first session;

[0053] send sixth information, wherein the sixth information comprises the identifier of the first session management function network element.

[0054] In an alternative implementation, the first information is obtained, comprising:

[0055] receive the first information.

[0056] In a third aspect, a session management method is provided. The method can be applied to an access and mobility management function network element (which can be different from the access and mobility management function network element described above, for example, the access and mobility management function network element to which the method is applied can be a first access and mobility management function network element, which can be a network element managing a second terminal in a dual-oriented device). The method can also be applied to a component in the access and mobility management function network element, such as a chip or a processor, etc. The method can also be implemented by a logic node, a logic module or software that can implement all or part of the access and mobility management function network element. The session management method comprises:

[0057] send second capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element, the second capability information being used for indicating that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation;

[0058] receive third information, the third information being used for indicating initiation of switching the first session to a second session, the first session being a session between a first terminal and a network, the second session being a session between a second terminal and the network, the dual-oriented device comprising the first terminal and the second terminal, the first access and mobility management function network element being used for managing the second terminal.

[0059] By actively sending the second capability information, the first access and mobility management function network element can demonstrate its capability to other elements in the network, thereby facilitating the optimized configuration of network resources. At the same time, by receiving the third information and initiating the session switching accordingly, the network can more flexibly cope with changes in business demand, improving the response speed and adaptability of the network.

[0060] In an alternative implementation, the method further comprises:

[0061] send fifth information, the fifth information being used for requesting an identifier of the first session management function network element, the fifth information comprising the first identifier and a second identifier, the second identifier comprising a session identifier of a first session, the first session management function network element being associated with the first session;

[0062] receiving sixth information, wherein the sixth information comprises an identifier of the first session management function network element.

[0063] By requesting and receiving the identifier information of the session management function network element, the first access and mobility management function network element can more accurately locate and manage the relevant session resources. This identification management mechanism helps to realize the fine management and efficient utilization of session resources, and improves the overall performance and reliability of the network.

[0064] In an optional implementation, the method further comprises:

[0065] According to the identifier of the first session management function network element, sending seventh information to the first session management function network element, the seventh information being used to indicate to perform session switching, the seventh information comprising the first identifier, the second identifier, a third identifier and a fourth identifier, the third identifier comprising a user permanent identifier of the second terminal, and the fourth identifier comprising a session identifier of the second session.

[0066] In a fourth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided for implementing the methods described above. The communication apparatus can be the first communication apparatus in any of the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof, or a device including the first communication apparatus, or a device included in the first communication apparatus, such as a chip; or the communication apparatus can be the unified data management function network element in any of the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof, or a device including the unified data management function network element, or a device included in the unified data management function network element, such as a chip; or the communication apparatus can be the access and mobility management function network element in any of the above aspects or any possible implementation thereof, or a device including the access and mobility management function network element, or a device included in the access and mobility management function network element, such as a chip. The communication apparatus includes modules, units, or means corresponding to the above methods, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by executing corresponding software with hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0067] In some possible designs, the communication apparatus can include a processing module and a transceiver module. The transceiver module, which can also be referred to as a transceiver unit, is configured to implement the functions of transmitting and / or receiving in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation thereof. The transceiver module can be composed of a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver, or a communication interface. The processing module can be configured to implement the processing functions in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0068] In some possible designs, the transceiver module includes a transmitting module and a receiving module, which are respectively configured to implement the functions of transmitting and receiving in any of the above aspects and any possible implementation thereof.

[0069] In a fifth aspect, a communication apparatus is provided, which comprises at least one processor; the processor is configured to execute computer programs or instructions to enable the communication apparatus to perform the method in any of the aspects or implementation manners.

[0070] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further comprises the memory. Optionally, the memory is coupled with the processor, the memory can be integrated with the processor, or the memory can be independent of the processor. Optionally, the processor is configured to execute the computer programs or instructions stored in the memory.

[0071] In a possible implementation, the memory is independent of the communication apparatus.

[0072] In a possible implementation, the communication apparatus further comprises a communication interface, which is configured to communicate with modules outside the communication apparatus.

[0073] The communication apparatus can be the first communication apparatus in any of the aspects or implementation manners, or a device comprising the first communication apparatus, or a device included in the first communication apparatus, such as a chip; or the communication apparatus can be the unified data management function network element in any of the aspects or implementation manners, or a device comprising the unified data management function network element, or a device included in the unified data management function network element, such as a chip; or the communication apparatus can be the access and mobility management function network element in any of the aspects or implementation manners, or a device comprising the access and mobility management function network element, or a device included in the access and mobility management function network element, such as a chip.

[0074] In a sixth aspect, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which stores computer programs or instructions, when running on a communication apparatus, enables the communication apparatus to perform the method in any of the aspects or implementation manners.

[0075] In a seventh aspect, a computer program product is provided, which comprises instructions, when running on a communication apparatus, enables the communication apparatus to perform the method in any of the aspects or implementation manners.

[0076] In an eighth aspect, a communication apparatus (for example, the communication apparatus can be a chip or a chip system) is provided, which comprises a processor, configured to implement the functions involved in any of the aspects or implementation manners.

[0077] In some possible designs, the communication apparatus comprises a memory, which is configured to store necessary program instructions and data.

[0078] In some possible design, the apparatus is a chip system, which can be composed of a chip, or can include a chip and other discrete devices.

[0079] In a ninth aspect, a communication system is provided, which includes one or more of the terminal device (e.g., the dual-directional device), the unified data management (UDM) network element, the SMF, and the AMF in any one of the aspects or any one of the implementation manners thereof.

[0080] It can be understood that, when the communication apparatus in any one of the fourth aspect to the ninth aspect is a chip, the sending action / functionality can be understood as output, and the receiving action / functionality can be understood as input.

[0081] The technical effects brought by any one of the fourth aspect to the ninth aspect can refer to the technical effects brought by the different design manners of the first aspect, the second aspect, and the third aspect, which will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0082] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a 5GS according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a session handover according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a dual-directional device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a scenario of a session handover according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of another scenario of a session handover according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram of another scenario of a session handover according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] FIG. 4D is a schematic diagram of another scenario of a session handover according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an architecture of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a flow of a session handover method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0091] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a flow of another session handover method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0092] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a flow of another session handover method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0093] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of another session switching method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0094] FIG. 10 is a structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0095] FIG. 11 is a structural diagram of another communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0096] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as a wireless network (Wi-Fi) system, a vehicle to everything (V2X) communication system, a device-to-device (D2D) communication system, a vehicle networking communication system, a 4th generation (4G) mobile communication system such as a long term evolution (LTE) system, a worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication system such as a new radio (NR) system, and a future communication system such as a 5.5G, a 6th generation (6G) mobile communication system, etc.

[0097] To facilitate understanding of the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application, first, a brief introduction of the technical terms related to the present application is given. The brief introduction is as follows:

[0098] First, 5G system (5GS):

[0099] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a 5GS according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the 5GS includes an access network (AN) and a core network (CN), and can also include a terminal.

[0100] The terminal can be a terminal with transceiver function, or a chip or chip system that can be provided in the terminal. The terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station (MS), mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent or user device. The terminal in the embodiments of the present application can be a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a Pad, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant computer (PDA), a wireless modem, a handset, a laptop computer, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (VR) terminal, an augmented reality (AR) terminal, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in self driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical treatment, a wireless terminal in smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in smart city, a wireless terminal in smart home, a vehicle-mounted terminal, a road side unit (RSU) with terminal function, etc. The terminal in the present application can also be a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted module, a vehicle-mounted component, a vehicle-mounted chip or a vehicle-mounted unit built in a vehicle as one or more components or units.

[0101] The AN is used to implement access-related functions, can provide network access functions for authorized users, and can determine transmission links of different qualities to transmit user data according to the level of the user, the demand of the service, etc. The AN forwards control signals and user data between the terminal and the CN. The AN can include an access network device, which can also be referred to as a radio access network (RAN) device.

[0102] CN is mainly responsible for maintaining the subscription data of the mobile network, providing session management, mobility management, policy management, security authentication and other functions for the terminal. The CN mainly includes all or part of the following functions: user plane function (UPF), authentication server function (AUSF), access and mobility management function (AMF), session management function (SMF), network slice selection function (NSSF), network exposure function (NEF), network repository function (NRF), policy control function (PCF), unified data management (UDM), unified data repository (UDR), and application function (AF).

[0103] As shown in FIG. 1, the UE accesses the 5G network through the RAN device, the UE communicates with the AMF through the N1 interface (referred to as N1 for short), the RAN communicates with the AMF through the N2 interface (referred to as N2 for short), the RAN communicates with the UPF through the N3 interface (referred to as N3 for short), the SMF communicates with the UPF through the N4 interface (referred to as N4 for short), and the UPF accesses the data network (DN) through the N6 interface (referred to as N6 for short). In addition, the control plane functions such as AUSF, AMF, SMF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, PCF, UDM, UDR or AF shown in FIG. 1 interact through service interfaces. For example, the service interface provided by the AUSF to the outside is Nausf; the service interface provided by the AMF to the outside is Namf; the service interface provided by the SMF to the outside is Nsmf; the service interface provided by the NSSF to the outside is Nnssf; the service interface provided by the NEF to the outside is Nnef; the service interface provided by the NRF to the outside is Nnrf; the service interface provided by the PCF to the outside is Npcf; the service interface provided by the UDM to the outside is Nudm; the service interface provided by the UDR to the outside is Nudr; and the service interface provided by the AF to the outside is Naf.

[0104] The RAN device can be a device providing access for a terminal. For example, the RAN device can include an access network device of a next-generation mobile communication system, such as 6G, for example, a 6G base station, or in the next-generation mobile communication system, the network device can also have other naming ways, which are all covered within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application, and the present application does not make any limitation on this. Alternatively, the RAN device can also include a gNB in 5G, such as a new radio (NR) system, or one or a group (including multiple antenna panels) of antenna panels of a base station in 5G, or a network node constituting a gNB, a transmission and reception point (TRP or transmission point, TP) or a transmission measurement function (TMF), such as a building base band unit (BBU), or a centralized unit (CU) or a distributed unit (DU), an RSU with base station function, or a wired access gateway, or a core network of 5G. Alternatively, the RAN device can also include an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WiFi) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted devices, and the like.

[0105] The UPF is 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 a terminal through an 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 providing data transmission services for users. For example, an internet protocol (IP) multi-media service (IMS), the 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).

[0106] The AUSF is mainly used to perform security authentication of the terminal.

[0107] AMF is mainly responsible for signaling processing, such as access control, mobility management, attachment and detachment, gateway selection, and the like. When the AMF network element provides services for a session in a terminal device, it provides storage resources for the control plane of the session to store the session identifier, the SMF network element identifier associated with the session identifier, and the like. In the embodiments of the present application, at least two AMFs exist, which are referred to as AMF1 and AMF2 below. The AMF in the embodiments of the present application has some enhancements compared with the AMF in the prior art, and the enhancement results are listed as follows:

[0108] (1) AMF1 and AMF2 can know that SUPI1 and SUPI2 are authorized for DualSteer.

[0109] (2) AMF1 can select an SMF supporting DualSteer according to the indication information of the session establishment request of the UE (such as a DualSteer device).

[0110] (3) AMF2 can select the same SMF according to the peer SMF information.

[0111] The SMF is mainly responsible for user plane network element selection, user plane network element redirection, IP address allocation, establishment, modification and release of bearers, and QoS control.

[0112] The PCF is mainly used to provide a unified policy framework to control network behavior, provide policy rules to control layer network functions, and is responsible for obtaining user subscription information related to policy decision. The PCF can provide policies such as quality of service (QoS) policies and slice selection policies to AMF and SMF.

[0113] The NSSF is mainly used to select network slices for terminals.

[0114] The NEF is mainly used to support the exposure of capabilities and events.

[0115] The UDM is mainly responsible for managing the subscription data of the UE, including storing and managing the UE identifier and the access authorization of the UE.

[0116] The UDR is mainly used to store structured data, including subscription data and policy data, externally exposed structured data, and application-related data.

[0117] The AF is mainly used to support interaction with the CN to provide services, such as affecting data routing decisions, policy control functions, or providing third-party services to the network side.

[0118] It can be understood that the functions mentioned in the embodiments of the present application can also be expressed as function network elements or function entities, for example, the UPF can be expressed as a UPF network element, the AMF can be expressed as an AMF network element, the SMF can be expressed as an SMF network element, the PCF can be expressed as a PCF network element, and the like. By analogy, no limitation is made.

[0119] In addition, the functions and function network elements are mixed below, for example, PCF and PCF network element, both have the same meaning, and are uniformly described here. The following will not be repeated.

[0120] Second, session switching (DualSteer traffic switching):

[0121] Session switching refers to that the DualSteer Device can switch a session on one subscription data to another subscription data. As shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of session switching provided by an embodiment of the present application. The specific implementation is as follows: the DualSteer Device connects the same UPF through the same operator in the user plane, and connects the same SMF in the control plane. The first terminal and the second terminal in the DualSteer Device are allocated the same IP address. Therefore, the process of session switching does not affect the connection between the UPF and the Internet, thereby realizing the minimum service interruption.

[0122] The session switching in FIG. 2 can specifically refer to that the first session is switched to the second session. In FIG. 2, the first session is the solid curve part between the first terminal and RAN#1, UPF, and the second session is the dashed curve part between the second terminal and RAN#2, UPF.

[0123] It is considered that before the session switching is performed, the second session can not be established or is in an inactivated state. Therefore, the second session in FIG. 2 is connected through the dashed part.

[0124] Third, DualSteer Device:

[0125] The dual-oriented device can be understood as a device supporting user data switching across two 3GPP access networks, or as a device having multiple subscription data or user permanent identifiers (SUPIs) that can share the same operator's subscription configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, which is a structural schematic diagram of a dual-oriented device provided by an embodiment of the present application, the dual-oriented device can include two subscription information or SUPIs, and the two subscription data or SUPIs corresponding to the two subscription information have an association relationship, and the two subscription data or the two SUPIs can be associated with the same user. In addition, the dual-oriented device can be a UE having multiple subscriber identity modules (SIM) cards, or a device integrating multiple UEs, wherein each UE has a SIM card module and a communication module, and can establish a connection with the network.

[0126] It can be understood that the dual-oriented device can have two SIM cards, which can realize dual-card dual-communication, that is, the two SIM cards can simultaneously transmit and receive data. Alternatively, the dual-oriented device can include two independent UEs (for example, UE1 and UE2 in FIG. 3), and UE1 and UE2 can be simultaneously packaged in the same device (that is, the dual-oriented device), or UE1 and UE2 can be connected together through other means, or the dual-oriented device can logically include a management layer that can control UE1 and UE2, and embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific product form of the dual-oriented device.

[0127] In addition, the name of the dual-oriented device is only an example, and can also be other names, such as a dual-connection device, a dual-steering device, a multi-oriented device, etc., and embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations.

[0128] Fourth, AMF switching:

[0129] The dual-oriented device implements Switching session management based on enhanced AMF#1 and AMF#2. If the AMF#2 supporting DualSteer accessed by the second terminal changes due to factors such as movement or network limitation of the dual-oriented device, considering the randomness of the AMF, the newly accessed AMF#3 of the second terminal can support DualSteer or can not support DualSteer. The following mainly analyzes the case where AMF#3 does not support DualSteer.

[0130] Further, considering that the session established by the first terminal and the second terminal exists in two scenarios of only one side establishing a session and two sides respectively establishing a session, in the two scenarios, the terminal that occurs AMF switching is different, and the process of implementing session switching is different, which can be further divided into four scenarios, please refer to FIG. 4A-FIG. 4D, and the four scenarios will be described as follows:

[0131] Scenario 1: only the session on the first terminal side is established, and the AMF accessed by the second terminal changes.

[0132] In FIG. 4A, although the second terminal is switched from the AMF#2 supporting DualSteer (referred to as DS) to the AMF#3 not supporting DualSteer, the session of the first terminal is still managed by the AMF#1 supporting DualSteer. At this time, since the AMF#3 after switching does not support DualSteer, the AMF#3 cannot identify the related indication information after obtaining the session establishment request, and also cannot identify the DualSteer session information associated with the session. If the AMF#3 processes the request as an initial request, the SMF will be reselected, and the indication that the request is an initial request will be carried in the session establishment request sent to the SMF. After the SMF completes the session establishment, since it is an initial session establishment, and there is no session information on the other side, the SMF will not allocate the same IP address, resulting in that the IP address of the second terminal changes after switching, and the service is interrupted. Therefore, the first session (PDU Session ID#1) cannot be authorized to do DualSteer Switching session switching, and based on this result, the corresponding scheme of the embodiment of the application will make a more fine-grained judgment on scenario A.

[0133] Scenario 2: only the session on the second terminal side is established, and the AMF accessed by the second terminal changes.

[0134] In FIG. 4B, the second terminal is switched from the AMF#2 supporting DualSteer to the AMF#3 not supporting DualSteer, and the session of the second terminal is managed by the AMF#3 not supporting DualSteer. Although the AMF#3 after moving does not support DualSteer, since the second session (PDU Session ID#2 session) has been established, the AMF#3 can obtain the context (SMF ID) of the second terminal through the AMF#2, and since the AMF#1 supports DualSteer, the AMF#1 can obtain the same SMF ID as the AMF#3 through the UDM. Therefore, the second session (PDU Session ID#2 session) can be authorized to do DualSteer Switching session switching.

[0135] Scenario 3: The first terminal side and the second terminal side establish an associated session (where the user plane of the first terminal side is activated, and the user plane of the second terminal side is deactivated), and the AMF accessed by the second terminal changes.

[0136] In FIG. 4C, the second terminal switches from the AMF#2 supporting DualSteer to the AMF#3 not supporting DualSteer, and the activated side session (the first session) is managed by the AMF#1 supporting DualSteer. At this time, although the AMF#3 after moving does not support DualSteer, since the associated session is established on both sides (the PDU Session ID#2 session has been pre-established), the AMF#3 not supporting DualSteer can get the context (SMF ID) of the second terminal through the AMF#2. Therefore, the first session (PDU Session ID#1) can be authorized to do DualSteer Switching session switching.

[0137] Scenario 4: The first terminal side and the second terminal side establish an associated session (where the user plane of the second terminal side is activated, and the user plane of the first terminal side is deactivated), and the AMF accessed by the second terminal changes.

[0138] In FIG. 4D, the second terminal switches from the AMF#2 supporting DualSteer to the AMF#3 not supporting DualSteer, and the activated side session is managed by the AMF#3 not supporting DualSteer. Although the AMF#3 after moving does not support DualSteer, since the PDU Session ID#2 session has been established, the AMF#3 can get the context (SMF ID) of the second terminal through the AMF#2. Since the AMF#1 supports DualSteer and the associated session is established on both sides (the PDU Session ID#1 session has been pre-established). Therefore, the second session (PDU Session ID#2) can be authorized to do DualSteer Switching session switching.

[0139] It should be understood that the first terminal and the second terminal described above are only illustrative, and both can correspond to different terminal devices in a dual-directional device, or can correspond to different terminal devices separately arranged in a dual-directional device, which is not limited in the present application.

[0140] In summary, under the influence of factors such as location change or network limitation, the dual-directional device may change the access and mobility management function network element accessed. Considering that the changed AMF may not have the related capability to support dual-directional DualSteer, the dual-directional device cannot realize the session related function (such as session switching).

[0141] Further, according to the related description of the above four scenarios, in scenario 1 (only establish a session at the first terminal side, and the AMF accessed by the second terminal changes), if the newly accessed AMF does not support DualSteer, then in the session switching process, two sessions may not be able to access the same IP address, thereby causing problems such as service interruption.

[0142] To solve the above technical problems, embodiments of the present application propose the following technical solutions.

[0143] The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0144] 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 is referred to as to-be-indicated information, and there are many ways to indicate the to-be-indicated information in the specific implementation process, for example, but not limited to, the to-be-indicated information can be directly indicated, such as the to-be-indicated information itself or the 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 indication of a specific information can also be achieved by means of the arrangement order of each information agreed in advance (for example, a protocol), thereby reducing the indication overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, the common part of each information can be identified and indicated uniformly, so as to reduce the indication overhead caused by separately indicating the same information.

[0145] In addition, the specific indication method can also be various existing indication methods, for example, but not limited to, the above indication methods and various combinations thereof. The specific details of various indication methods can refer to the prior art, which will not be described herein. As described above, for example, when multiple information of the same type needs to be indicated, the indication methods of different information can not be the same. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to the specific needs, and the selected indication method is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In this way, the indication method involved in the embodiments of the present application should be understood as covering various methods that can enable the to-be-indicated party to know the to-be-indicated information.

[0146] It should be understood that the to-be-indicated information can be sent as a whole, or can be sent separately as multiple sub-information, and the sending period and / or sending occasion of the sub-information can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. The sending period and / or sending occasion of the sub-information can be predefined, for example, predefined according to a protocol, or configured by the sending end device by sending configuration information to the receiving end device.

[0147] In the present application, "sending information" can be understood as a device sending information to another device, or a logical module sending information to another logical module within the device. For example, "a network device sending information" can be understood as the network device sending information to another device (such as a terminal or another network device), or as a logical module 1 in the network device sending information to a logical module 2 in the network device.

[0148] In the present application, "receiving information" can be understood as a device receiving information from another device, or a logical module receiving information from another logical module within the device. For example, "a network device receiving information" can be understood as the network device receiving information from another device (such as a terminal or another network device), or as a logical module 1 in the network device receiving information from a logical module 2 in the network device.

[0149] In the present application, "sending information to (for example, a terminal)" or related illustrations in the drawings can be understood as the destination of the information being the terminal. This can include directly or indirectly sending information to the terminal. "Receiving information from (for example, a terminal)" or "receiving information sent by (for example, a terminal)" or related illustrations in the drawings can be understood as the source of the information being the terminal, which can include directly or indirectly receiving information from the terminal. The information may

[0150] "Predefined" or "preconfigured" can be implemented by pre-storing corresponding codes, tables, or other means for indicating related information in a device, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific implementation manner. Wherein, "storing" can mean storing in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separately arranged or integrated in the encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. The one or more memories can be partially separately arranged and partially integrated in the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0151] The "protocol" involved in the embodiments of the present application can refer to a protocol family in the communication field, a standard protocol similar to the frame structure of the protocol family, or a related protocol applied to a future communication system, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0152] In the embodiments of the present application, "when", "in the case of", "if" and the like all refer to the device making corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances, and are not limited to time, and do not require the device to have a judgment action when implemented, nor does it mean that there are other limitations.

[0153] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " represents that the objects before and after the " / " are in an "or" relationship, for example, A / B can represent A or B; "and / or" in the embodiments of the present application is only a description of the association relationship of the associated objects, and represents that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In addition, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more than two. "At least one of the following" or the like means any combination of the items, including any combination of single item or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can represent: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, or a-b-c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple. In addition, in order to clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, "first", "second", and the like are used to distinguish the same items or similar items with basically the same function and role. Those skilled in the art can understand that "first", "second", and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and "first", "second", and the like do not necessarily mean different. At the same time, in the embodiments of the present application, "exemplary" or "for example" is used to represent as an example, illustration or description. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present application should not be interpreted as more preferred or more advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Rather, "exemplary" or "for example" is used to present the relevant concept in a specific manner, and is convenient for understanding.

[0154] The network architecture and service scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application. Those skilled in the art can know that, as the network architecture evolves and new service scenarios appear, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0155] In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present application, first, a communication system is taken as an example to describe the communication system applicable to the embodiments of the present application in detail.

[0156] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 5, the communication system includes a dual-oriented device, one or more access and mobility management function network elements, a unified data management function network element, and a session management function network element.

[0157] The dual-oriented device can be a device including a plurality of terminal devices. For example, the dual-oriented device includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The terminal device can refer to a terminal itself or a SIM card in the terminal. For details of the dual-oriented device, refer to the description of the dual-oriented device in the preamble of the detailed description.

[0158] The one or more access and mobility management function network elements can be network elements (e.g., AMF in FIG. 1) for access control, mobility management, attachment and detachment, gateway selection, and the like of the plurality of terminal devices in the dual-oriented device. For example, the first terminal and the second terminal access different access and mobility management function network elements when the first terminal and the second terminal access the same network.

[0159] The unified data management function network element can be an access and mobility management function network element (e.g., UDM in FIG. 1) for storing subscription data and policy information corresponding to the plurality of terminal devices included in the dual-oriented device. It can be understood that, in the session switching process of the terminal device, the unified data management function network element can respond to a request for session switching of the terminal device applied by the access and mobility management function network element corresponding to the terminal device.

[0160] It can be understood that the subscription data can include service information subscribed by the terminal device, which can include information of one or more services, charging information, or slice information, and the like. For example, the service information of a service can include an application ID of the service, transmission requirements (e.g., which can include bandwidth requirements), a data network name (DNN), an IP address, and the like.

[0161] The charging mode can include a traffic charging mode agreed upon at the time of subscription. For example, the traffic charging mode of service A or service B is k / GB (gigabyte), and the traffic charging mode of service B or service B is m / GB.

[0162] The slice information can include a type of service corresponding to the terminal device. For example, the terminal device is agreed to be used for entertainment type services at the time of subscription. For another example, the terminal device is agreed to be used for work type services at the time of subscription.

[0163] The session management function network element is mainly responsible for user plane network element selection, user plane network element redirection, IP address allocation, establishment, modification, and release of bearers, and QoS control, such as SMF in FIG. 1.

[0164] It should be noted that the terminal device, the dual-directional device, and the core network device carrying the above-mentioned function network element in the embodiments of the present application can be one or more chips, or a system on chip (SOC) and the like. FIG. 5 is only an exemplary drawing, and the number of devices or equipment included in FIG. 5 is not limited. The names of various devices, equipment, or network elements in FIG. 5, and the names of various links are not limited, and in addition to the names shown in FIG. 5, various devices, equipment, network elements, or links can also be named by other names, which are not limited. In addition, the communication links between various devices, equipment, or network elements in FIG. 5 are not limited, and for example, the devices, equipment, or network elements in FIG. 5 can communicate with each other with reference to the communication links between the devices, equipment, or network elements shown in FIG. 1.

[0165] In addition, in addition to the devices or network elements shown in FIG. 5, the communication system can also include other devices or network elements, such as the RAN, the UPF, or the DN shown in FIG. 1, which are not limited.

[0166] It should be understood that as the network evolves, the communication system shown in FIG. 5 can also support or include other network functions, such as AI or perception related functions. In addition, the names of the network elements shown in FIG. 5 can also change in the future evolved network, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations.

[0167] The interaction process between the network elements / equipment in the above-mentioned communication system will be specifically introduced below by the method embodiments. The communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to the above-mentioned communication system and specifically applied to various scenarios mentioned in the above-mentioned communication system, which will be specifically introduced below.

[0168] The execution subject of the method is a first communication device and a second communication device. The first communication device can be a terminal device (a dual-directional device), an access and mobility management function network element (such as the above-mentioned AMF) or a session management function network element (such as the above-mentioned SMF), and correspondingly, the second communication device is a device that sends information (such as first information) to the first communication device. The second communication device can be an access and mobility management function network element, a unified data management function network element (such as the above-mentioned UDM).

[0169] In different implementation scenarios, the first communication device and the second communication device can be different.

[0170] For example, if the first communication device is an access and mobility management function network element, the second communication device can be a unified data management function network element; if the first communication device is a terminal device, the second communication device can be an access and mobility management function network element (it should be understood that the access and mobility management function network element can not be the same as the previous access and mobility management function network element F); if the first communication device is a session management function network element, the second communication device can be a unified data management function network element.

[0171] First, the key steps in the general scenario are described below. For details, please refer to FIG. 6, which is a flowchart of a session switching method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method shown in FIG. 6 can be applied to the system architecture shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 5. Of course, the method can also be applied to other architectures, which are not limited by the present application. The method shown in FIG. 6 can be applied to the scenario shown in FIG. 4A. Specifically, the method includes:

[0172] Step S601: The first communication device receives first information from the second communication device.

[0173] Correspondingly, the second communication device sends the first information to the first communication device.

[0174] The first information is used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation.

[0175] In an embodiment of the present application, the first access and mobility management function network element is a network element newly accessed by the second terminal, that is, the access and mobility management function network element newly accessed after the access and mobility management function network element accessed by the second terminal is switched due to factors such as movement of the dual orientation device or network limitation. Considering the randomness of the newly accessed access and mobility management function network element, the first access and mobility management function network element newly accessed by the second terminal can support dual orientation or can not support dual orientation.

[0176] However, it should be noted that the access and mobility management function network element accessed by the second terminal before the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation. As can be known from the above scenario 1 and the related content of FIG. 4A, if the first access and mobility management function network element is a network element that does not support dual orientation, the transmission of the first information solves the problem that the devices / network elements participating in the session-related process cannot perceive whether the first access and mobility management function network element newly accessed by the second terminal supports dual orientation.

[0177] Further, the dual orientation device includes the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0178] Optionally, the first access and mobility management function network element is configured to manage the second terminal. Correspondingly, the second access and mobility management function network element is configured to manage the first terminal.

[0179] It should be understood that the first terminal and the second terminal can also be other devices, such as multi-directional devices, and the "dual-directional device" is only used as an example. In addition, the first terminal and the second terminal have an association.

[0180] It should be understood that if the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual-direction, it means that the first access and mobility management function network element can participate in the session-related process of the dual-directional device, or that the first access and mobility management function network element can implement the session-related process of the dual-directional device. For example, the session-related process of the dual-directional device includes session switching, session offloading, and the like. The embodiment of the present application takes session switching as an example to replace the session-related process of the dual-directional device for description.

[0181] Specifically, if the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual-direction, it means that the first access and mobility management function network element can participate in implementing the first session switching to the second session. Conversely, it cannot.

[0182] Optionally, the first session is a session between the first terminal and the network, and the second session is a session between the second terminal and the network. It should be understood that the first session and the second session can refer to a process of communication between a user equipment (UE) and a data network (DN). After the PDU session is established, a data transmission channel between the UE and the DN is actually established. This process is similar to the PDP context of 2 / 3G and the bearer context of 4G, and can also be a data flow process between a terminal device and a base station or a network element in the network, which is referred to as a session between a terminal and a network.

[0183] It should be understood that the first session switching to the second session can specifically refer to switching a session on one subscription data to another subscription data, thereby realizing the minimum service interruption. In the embodiment of the present application, the first session / second session can be a PDU session. For example, the first session can be represented by PDU Session ID#1, and the second session can be represented by PDU Session ID#2.

[0184] The first session is a session associated with the first terminal, and the second session is a session associated with the second terminal. To solve the problem of the scenario corresponding to FIG. 4A, in the embodiment of the present application, the second session has not been established or the second session has not been pre-established. It should be noted that although the second session has not been established, the session switching process can still be normally performed. In a case where the first information includes support for switching the first session to the second session, a subsequent process can start establishment of the second session and implement switching of relevant data of the first session to the second session for continuous transmission.

[0185] In an optional implementation, the first information includes first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element or a second authorization result, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports DualSteer, and the second authorization result includes a result that the first access and mobility management function network element supports DualSteer or a result that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support DualSteer. Optionally, in a related process of session switching, the second authorization result can be authorization of session switching or rejection of session switching.

[0186] In an optional implementation, the first information includes first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element, which can be sent by the first access and mobility management function network element and used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports DualSteer. The second communication device or the unified data management function network element receives the first capability information and forwards the first capability information to the first communication device. It should be understood that in a scenario where the second communication device is not the unified data management function network element, the second communication device receives the first capability information forwarded by the unified data management function network element.

[0187] In view of the fact that in some scenarios, the first access and mobility management function network element does not send capability information, in order to reduce the consumption caused by network element load and signaling transmission, the second communication device or the unified data management function network element can judge whether the first access and mobility management function network element does not send capability information, that is, the second communication device or the unified data management function network element can obtain a result that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support DualSteer.

[0188] It should be understood that if the first capability information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports DualSteer, correspondingly, the first information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports DualSteer; if the first capability information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support DualSteer, correspondingly, the first information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support DualSteer.

[0189] It should also be understood that in the session switching procedure, if the second authorization result comprises a result that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation, the first information can also be used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports switching the first session to the second session; if the second authorization result comprises a result that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual orientation, correspondingly, the first information can also be used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support switching the first session to the second session.

[0190] Optionally, the second authorization result can be generated and sent by the unified data management function network element.

[0191] Step S602: The first communication device obtains the first authorization result according to the first information.

[0192] The first authorization result is used to indicate whether to allow switching from the first session to the second session.

[0193] In an optional implementation, if the first information indicates that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation, the first authorization result comprises allowing switching from the first session to the second session. It should be understood that herein, the first authorization result can be used to indicate that the first authorization result is allowing switching from the first session to the second session, or can be used to indicate that the first authorization result is carrying other information in addition to “allowing switching from the first session to the second session”.

[0194] In addition, “allowing switching from the first session to the second session” can also be understood as “allowing session switching” or “authorizing the subsequent device to continue session switching”, and the subject and description of the session switching are not limited in the present application.

[0195] In an optional implementation, if the first information indicates that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual orientation, the first authorization result comprises not allowing switching from the first session to the second session.

[0196] Similarly, the first authorization result can also be not allowing switching from the first session to the second session, which will not be described herein again.

[0197] In an optional implementation, if the first authorization result comprises not allowing switching from the first session to the second session, the first communication device updates the first session to a non-dual orientation session. Optionally, the first session / second session is a session with a dual orientation session mark, and correspondingly, the non-dual orientation session can be a session without a dual orientation session mark. Correspondingly, the updating procedure is a common session updating procedure in the prior art, which will not be described herein again.

[0198] It should be noted that in different implementation scenarios, the process of updating the first session to a non-dual-oriented session is different. For example, if the first communication device is an AMF (e.g., a second access and mobility management function network element), the session update process can be that the first communication device initiates a session update request to a session management function network element. If the first communication device is a terminal device (e.g., a dual-oriented device), the session update process can be that the terminal device initiates a session update request or directly cancels the session switching process of the first session.

[0199] Optionally, the first authorization result described above is specifically used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports or does not support the dual-oriented related process. Further, the first authorization result described above can include a result of the first access and mobility management function network element supporting the dual-oriented related process or a result of the first access and mobility management function network element not supporting the dual-oriented related process.

[0200] In the embodiments of the present application, the dual-oriented device enables the session management process after changing the access AMF.

[0201] In the session switching process, the first communication device enables the second access and mobility management function network element and the first terminal to allow the first session PDU Session ID#1 to normally switch when the new access access and mobility management function network element supports the DualSteer feature or the UDM authorizes the second terminal to do DualSteer Switching session switching. When the first access and mobility management function network element does not support the DualSteer feature or the UDM does not support the second terminal to do DualSteer Switching session switching, the first communication device can timely adjust its own policy and the established PDU Session ID#1.

[0202] Considering that the execution subject of the above method is the first communication device and the second communication device, the first communication device can be a terminal device (dual-oriented device), an access and mobility management function network element, or a session management function network element, and the second communication device can be an access and mobility management function network element or a unified data management function network element.

[0203] The following describes the case where the first communication device and the second communication device are different subjects.

[0204] Firstly, the embodiment of the first communication device being an access and mobility management function network element and the second communication device being a unified data management function network element is exemplarily described. Please refer to FIG. 7, which is a flow diagram of another session switching method provided by the embodiment of the present application, and the method can be applied to the system architecture shown in FIG. 5. In the method, the first terminal in the terminal device (dual-oriented device) accesses the second access and mobility management function network element, and the second terminal accesses the first access and mobility management function network element due to factors such as movement or network limitation, and the second communication device is a unified data management function network element. In the method flow corresponding to FIG. 7, steps S701 to S703 and steps S706 to S711 are optional steps, which are schematically shown by dashed lines in FIG. 7, and the subsequent embodiments are the same (schematically shown by dashed lines), and the present application will not repeat the description here. The specific flow of the method is as follows:

[0205] Step S701: The first access and mobility management function network element sends fourth information to the unified data management function network element.

[0206] Correspondingly, the unified data management function network element receives the fourth information sent by the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0207] The fourth information includes second capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element or an identifier of the first access and mobility management function network element, the second capability information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation, and the identifier of the first access and mobility management function network element is used for the unified data management function network element to determine first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element, and the first capability information is used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation.

[0208] It should be understood that the second capability information can be information sent by the first access and mobility management function network element to the unified data management function network element in the case that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation.

[0209] In the case that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual orientation, the first access and mobility management function network element does not send the second capability information. Correspondingly, the unified data management function network element can determine the first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element according to whether the first access and mobility management function network element sends the second capability information. In an optional implementation, the fourth information further includes capability information with a result of null.

[0210] Optionally, the identifier of the first access and mobility management function network element can be a network function identifier NF ID.

[0211] Optionally, the unified data management function network element is pre-configured with one or more pieces of capability information of the access and mobility management function network element (including the first capability information), and the unified data management function network element can determine the first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element from the one or more pieces of capability information of the access and mobility management function network element according to the identifier of the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0212] In the embodiment of the present application, before step S701, the first session PDU Session ID#1 of the first terminal has been established. The dual-directional device initiates a mobility registration request to the first access and mobility management function network element and reports its own dual-directional capability. Optionally, the dual-directional device sends a mobility registration request message to the first access and mobility management function network element, and the request message includes the capability information of the dual-directional device, which is used to indicate the dual-directional capability of the dual-directional device. Illustratively, the mobility registration request message can be sent by the second terminal in the dual-directional device.

[0213] Step S702: The unified data management function network element determines the first information according to the fourth information.

[0214] The first information is used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual-directionality. In addition, the implementation of the first information can refer to the related description in step S601 in FIG. 6, which will not be described here.

[0215] In an optional implementation, if the fourth information includes the second capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element, the first information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports switching the first session to the second session.

[0216] In an optional implementation, if the fourth information includes the identifier of the first access and mobility management function network element, the unified data management function network element determines the first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element from the pre-configured capability information according to the identifier. If the first capability information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual-directionality, the first information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual-directionality. Conversely, if the first capability information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual-directionality, the first information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual-directionality.

[0217] In order to save signaling overhead, in an optional implementation, the registration request message includes the fourth information, and the registration request message is used to request the registration of the first access and mobility management function network element to the unified data management function network element. By carrying the fourth information in the registration request message, the communication overhead is saved.

[0218] In an optional implementation, the first information comprises first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element or a second authorization result, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation, and the second authorization result comprises a result that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation or a result that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual orientation.

[0219] In view of the fact that the unified data management function network element may need to combine the session establishment, whether the information related to the triggering of the handover is received, and the like, the unified data management function network element enables the management of whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation. In an optional implementation, if the first information comprises the first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element, the unified data management function network element can determine the second authorization result according to the first capability information (or the second capability information) of the first access and mobility management function network element. Generally, in the session handover process, the first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation, and the second authorization result comprises an authorization to perform session handover; the first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual orientation, and the second authorization result comprises a rejection to perform session handover. The embodiments of the present application are described by taking the session handover process as an example, instead of the session related process of the dual orientation device, and therefore, the description of “session handover”, “switching the first session to the second session” and the like in the embodiments of the present application will change in different session related processes, for example, in the session splitting scenario, the second authorization result can comprise an authorization to perform session splitting or a rejection to perform session splitting. The present application does not limit this.

[0220] In an optional implementation, in the case where the first access and mobility management function network element does not send the second capability information or the identifier to the unified data management function network element, steps S701 and S702 are optional steps, and in steps S701 and S702, the “determining, by the unified data management function network element, the first information” can be replaced.

[0221] Step S703: The unified data management function network element determines, according to the first identifier, a second access and mobility management function network element that manages the first terminal.

[0222] The first identifier comprises a subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI) of the first terminal.

[0223] In an optional implementation, the unified data management function network element determines the first identity of the first terminal according to the subscription data of the second terminal.

[0224] Step S704: The unified data management function network element sends the first information to the second access and mobility management function network element.

[0225] Correspondingly, the first access and mobility management function network element receives the first information sent by the unified data management function network element.

[0226] Step S705: The second access and mobility management function network element obtains the first authorization result according to the first information.

[0227] The corresponding possible implementation of step S704 and step S705 can refer to the description of the related implementation in FIG. 6, which will not be repeated here.

[0228] Step S706: The second access and mobility management function network element sends the first authorization result to the dual-oriented device.

[0229] Correspondingly, the dual-oriented device receives the first authorization result sent by the second access and mobility management function network element.

[0230] The first authorization result is used to indicate whether to allow switching from the first session to the second session.

[0231] Optionally, if the first authorization result includes allowing switching from the first session to the second session, step S707 is performed.

[0232] Optionally, if the first authorization result includes not allowing switching from the first session to the second session, the second access and mobility management function network element updates the first session as a non-dual-oriented session. It should be understood that the specific process of the second access and mobility management function network element updating the first session as a non-dual-oriented session can be that the second access and mobility management function network element notifies the dual-oriented device to update the session, or notifies the session management function network element managing the first session to update the session.

[0233] Step S707: The dual-oriented device associates the session information.

[0234] The above-mentioned session information includes the related information of the first session and the related information of the second session. Exemplarily, associating the session information can specifically mean that the first terminal sends the related information of the first session and the context of the second terminal to the second terminal, and the second terminal also sends the above-mentioned content to the first terminal.

[0235] If the first authorization result includes that the switching from the first session to the second session is not allowed, the dual-orientation device determines not to perform the session switching, and the procedure is aborted, except that the second access and mobility management function network element updates the first session as a non-dual-oriented session.

[0236] Step S708: The dual-orientation device sends third information to the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0237] Correspondingly, the first access and mobility management function network element receives the third information from the dual-orientation device.

[0238] The third information is used to indicate the switching of the first session to the second session.

[0239] Step S709: The first access and mobility management function network element sends fifth information to the unified data management function network element.

[0240] Correspondingly, the unified data management function network element receives the fifth information from the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0241] The fifth information is used to request the identity of the first session management function network element, and the fifth information includes a first identity and a second identity, the second identity includes a session identity of the first session, and the first session management function network element is associated with the first session. It should be understood that the second identity is used to indicate the relevant identity of the first session, and here it is exemplarily indicated that the identity can be the session identity of the first session. Herein, the second identity is used to represent that the second identity includes other identities for indicating the first session in addition to the "session identity of the first session", and of course, it can also be used to represent that the second identity is the session identity of the first session.

[0242] Step S710: The unified data management function network element sends sixth information to the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0243] Correspondingly, the first access and mobility management function network element receives the sixth information from the unified data management function network element.

[0244] The sixth information includes the identity of the first session management function network element.

[0245] Step S711: The first access and mobility management function network element sends seventh information to the first session management function network element according to the identity of the first session management function network element.

[0246] Correspondingly, the first session management function network element receives the seventh information from the first access and mobility management function.

[0247] The seventh information is used to indicate the session switching.

[0248] Optionally, the seventh information comprises the first identifier, the second identifier, the third identifier and the fourth identifier, the third identifier comprises a user permanent identifier of the second terminal, and the fourth identifier comprises a session identifier of the second session.

[0249] It should be understood that the third identifier is used to indicate a relevant identifier of the second terminal, and it is exemplarily indicated herein that the identifier can be a user permanent identifier SUPI of the second terminal. The comprising herein is used to represent that the third identifier can be an identifier used to indicate the second terminal in addition to the SUPI of the second terminal, and of course, can be used to represent that the third identifier is the SUPI of the second terminal.

[0250] Optionally, the seventh information further comprises third information, and the third information is used to indicate switching the first session to the second session.

[0251] In an optional implementation, the first session management function network element can perform PDU session association and switching processing according to the seventh information.

[0252] Embodiments of the present application enhance the access and mobility management function network element, enable the access and mobility management function network element to report capability information to the unified data management function network element, enhance the access and mobility management function network element to process capability information of the access and mobility management function network element at the opposite end, and update the first session PDU Session ID#1 that has been established according to the capability information of the access and mobility management function network element at the opposite end or the authorization result (second authorization result / first authorization result) of the second terminal to perform session switching, and enhance the access and mobility management function network element to issue the capability information of the access and mobility management function network element at the opposite end and the authorization result of the second terminal to perform session switching to the dual-directional device.

[0253] The method provided in the embodiments of the present application can report the opposite end (the first access and mobility management function network element) to the source end AMF (the second access and mobility management function network element), so that the source end AMF and the source end UE (the first terminal) can know the opposite end. When the opposite end AMF supports the DualSteer feature or the UDM authorizes the opposite end UE #2 (the second terminal) to perform the DualSteer Switching session switching, the source end AMF and the source end UE allow the PDU Session ID #1 to normally switch; when the opposite end AMF does not support the DualSteer feature or the UDM does not support the opposite end UE #2 to perform the DualSteer Switching session switching, the source end AMF and the source end UE can timely adjust the self policy and the PDU Session ID #1 that has been established. After the AMF is changed, the management of the session process is realized. Further, the service interruption caused by the fact that the opposite end AMF does not support the DualSteer feature or the UDM does not support the opposite end UE #2 to perform the DualSteer Switching session is avoided.

[0254] Secondly, the embodiment of the first communication device being a dual-directional device and the second communication device being a second access and mobility management function network element is exemplarily described. Please refer to FIG. 8, which is a flowchart of another method of session switching provided in the embodiments of the present application, and the method can be applied to the system architecture shown in FIG. 5. In the method, the first terminal in the terminal device (dual-directional device) accesses the second access and mobility management function network element, and the second terminal accesses the first access and mobility management function network element due to factors such as movement or network limitation. The specific flow of the method is as follows:

[0255] In step S801, the first access and mobility management function network element sends fourth information to the unified data management function network element.

[0256] Correspondingly, the unified data management function network element receives the fourth information sent by the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0257] It should be noted that the related possible implementations of the fourth information involved in the embodiments can refer to the description of the related possible implementations in FIG. 7, which will not be described here again. In addition, the information, devices, network elements, equipment and the like with the same names in the method embodiments corresponding to FIG. 6 or FIG. 7 involved in the remaining steps in the embodiments can refer to the description of the related possible implementations in the method embodiments corresponding to FIG. 6 or FIG. 7.

[0258] In step S802, the unified data management function network element determines the first information according to the fourth information.

[0259] The first information is used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports the dual-directional.

[0260] Step S803: The unified data management function network element determines the second access and mobility management function network element managing the first terminal according to the first identifier.

[0261] Step S804: The unified data management function network element sends the first information to the second access and mobility management function network element.

[0262] Correspondingly, the second access and mobility management function network element receives the first information sent from the unified data management function network element.

[0263] Step S805: The second access and mobility management function network element sends the first information to the dual-oriented device.

[0264] Correspondingly, the dual-oriented device receives the first information sent from the second access and mobility management function network element.

[0265] Step S806: The dual-oriented device obtains the first authorization result according to the first information.

[0266] In an optional implementation, the dual-oriented device obtains the first authorization result according to the establishment of the first session and the first information. Exemplarily, the establishment of the first session includes that the first session has been established and that the first session has not been established.

[0267] In an optional implementation, the dual-oriented device further combines system conditions, whether there is a switching demand or whether a session switching process is triggered to determine the first authorization result. In the session switching process, generally, the first information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports the dual orientation, and the first authorization result includes allowing the session switching; the first information is used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support switching the first session to the second session, and the first authorization result includes rejecting the session switching, but if combined with other factors, such as the establishment of the first session, system conditions, or whether the session switching process is triggered, the first authorization result may not correspond to the first information, that is, it does not conform to the general case.

[0268] If the first authorization result includes allowing the session switching, the dual-oriented device associates the session information and proceeds to step S807. If the first authorization result includes rejecting the session switching, the dual-oriented device stops executing the session switching process.

[0269] Step S807: The dual-oriented device sends the third information to the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0270] Correspondingly, the first access and mobility management function network element receives the third information sent from the dual-oriented device.

[0271] Step S808: The first access and mobility management function network element sends fifth information to the unified data management function network element.

[0272] Correspondingly, the unified data management function network element receives the fifth information from the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0273] Step S809: The unified data management function network element sends sixth information to the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0274] Correspondingly, the first access and mobility management function network element receives the sixth information from the unified data management function network element.

[0275] Step S810: The first access and mobility management function network element sends seventh information to the first session management function network element according to the first session management function network element identifier.

[0276] Correspondingly, the first session management function network element receives the seventh information from the first access and mobility management function.

[0277] In an optional implementation, the first session management function network element can perform PDU session association and handover processing according to the seventh information.

[0278] The embodiments of the present application enhance the dual-directional device, which first enhances the dual-directional device to process the capability information of the two access and mobility management function network elements and the authorization result of the session handover of the second terminal, and to enhance the dual-directional device to determine whether to associate the session and initiate the session handover according to the session establishment condition and the capability of the two access and mobility management function network elements.

[0279] Secondly, the first communication device is the first session management function network element (in the embodiments of the present application, the first session management function network element can be specifically the SMF in FIG. 1), and the second communication device is the unified data management function network element (in the embodiments of the present application, the first session management function network element can be specifically the UDM in FIG. 1). Please refer to FIG. 9, which is a flowchart of another session handover method provided by the embodiments of the present application, and the method can be applied to the system architecture shown in FIG. 5. In the method, the first terminal in the terminal device (dual-directional device) accesses the second access and mobility management function network element, and the second terminal accesses the first access and mobility management function network element due to factors such as movement or network limitation; and the first session management function network element is a network element for managing the first session. The specific process of the method is as follows:

[0280] Step S901: The first access and mobility management function network element sends fourth information to the unified data management function network element.

[0281] Correspondingly, the unified data management function network element receives the fourth information sent by the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0282] It should be noted that the related possible implementation of the fourth information involved in this embodiment can refer to the description of the related possible implementation in FIG. 7, which will not be repeated here. In addition, the information, apparatus, network element, device, etc. with the same name involved in the remaining steps in this embodiment can refer to the description of the related possible implementation in the method embodiment corresponding to FIG. 6 or FIG. 7.

[0283] Step S902: The unified data management function network element determines the first information according to the fourth information.

[0284] Step S903: The unified data management function network element determines the first session management function network element managing the first session according to the first identifier.

[0285] The first identifier includes the user permanent identifier of the first terminal.

[0286] In an optional implementation, the unified data management function network element queries the first identifier and the first session (or the session identifier of the first session) according to the subscription data of the dual-oriented device (which can be specifically the second terminal in the dual-oriented device), and determines the first session management function network element managing the first session according to the query result.

[0287] Step S904: The unified data management function network element sends the first information to the first session management function network element.

[0288] Correspondingly, the first session management function network element receives the first information sent by the unified data management function network element.

[0289] Step S905: The first session management function network element obtains the first authorization result according to the first information.

[0290] If the first authorization result includes allowing the session switching, the dual-oriented device associates the session information, and proceeds to step S907.

[0291] Optionally, if the first authorization result comprises not allowing the session switching from the first session to the second session, the first session management function network element updates the first session as a non-dual-oriented session. Illustratively, when the first access and mobility management function network element does not support the dual-oriented DualSteer feature, the first session management function network element sends an indication to the second access and mobility management function network element to update the first session PDU Session ID#1 session as a non-dual-oriented session. Optionally, the first session management function network element sends second information to the second access and mobility management function network element, the second information being used to indicate that the first session is updated as a non-dual-oriented session. Further, the second terminal is notified by the second access and mobility management function network element that the dual-oriented terminal is not authorized to do the DualSteer Switching session switching, and the dual-oriented device does not perform the session switching.

[0292] Step S906: The first session management function network element sends the first authorization result to the second access and mobility management function network element.

[0293] Correspondingly, the second access and mobility management function network element receives the first authorization result from the first session management function network element.

[0294] Step S907: The second access and mobility management function network element sends the first authorization result to the dual-oriented device.

[0295] Correspondingly, the dual-oriented device receives the first authorization result from the second access and mobility management function network element.

[0296] If the first authorization result comprises allowing the session switching, the dual-oriented device associates the session information, and proceeds to step S908.

[0297] Step S908: The dual-oriented device sends third information to the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0298] Correspondingly, the first access and mobility management function network element receives the third information from the dual-oriented device.

[0299] Step S909: The first access and mobility management function network element sends fifth information to the unified data management function network element.

[0300] Correspondingly, the unified data management function network element receives the fifth information from the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0301] Step S910: The unified data management function network element sends sixth information to the first access and mobility management function network element.

[0302] Correspondingly, the first access and mobility management function network element receives the sixth information from the unified data management function network element.

[0303] Step S911: The first access and mobility management function network element sends the seventh information to the first session management function network element according to the first session management function network element identifier.

[0304] Correspondingly, the first session management function network element receives the seventh information from the first access and mobility management function.

[0305] The embodiments of the present application enhance the session management function network element, first, enhance the session management function network element to process the access and mobility management function network element capability information of both ends; enhance the session management function network element to judge whether to allow the second terminal to do session switching according to the access and mobility management function network element capability information of the opposite end or the authorization result of the second terminal to do session switching; enhance the session management function network element to issue the authorization result of the second terminal to do session switching to the access and mobility management function network element of the source end.

[0306] The above mainly introduces the scheme provided by the embodiments of the present application from the perspective of the interaction between various network elements. Correspondingly, the embodiments of the present application also provide a communication device, which is used to implement the above various methods. The communication device can be the first communication device or the second communication device in the above method embodiments, or a device equipment containing the first communication device or the second communication device, or a component in the device; the communication device can be a double-directional device in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the double-directional device, or a component that can be used for the double-directional device; or the communication device can be an access and mobility management function network element in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the access and mobility management function network element, or a component that can be used for the access and mobility management function network element. Or the communication device can be a unified data management function network element in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the unified data management function network element, or a component that can be used for the unified data management function network element. Or the communication device can be a session management function network element in the above method embodiments, or a device containing the session management function network element, or a component that can be used for the session management function network element.

[0307] It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the communication device contains the hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should easily realize that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in the present text, the present application can be realized in the form of hardware or the combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driven hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0308] The embodiments of the present application can divide the functional modules of the communication device according to the method embodiments, for example, each functional module can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated in one processing module. The integrated module can be realized in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. It should be noted that the division of the modules in the embodiments of the present application is illustrative, and is only a logical function division, and another division mode can be used in actual implementation.

[0309] Taking the communication device as the dual directional device, or the access and mobility management function network element, or the unified data management function network element, or the session management function network element in the method embodiments, FIG. 10 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 10, the communication device 1000 includes a processing module 1001 and a transceiver module 1002. The processing module 1001 is configured to perform the processing functions of the dual directional device, or the access and mobility management function network element, or the unified data management function network element in the method embodiments. The transceiver module 1002 is configured to perform the transceiving functions of the dual directional device, or the access and mobility management function network element, or the unified data management function network element in the method embodiments.

[0310] The related content of each step of the method embodiments can be referred to the function description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here.

[0311] Since the communication device 1000 provided by the embodiment can perform the communication method, the technical effects that can be obtained by the communication device 1000 can be referred to the method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0312] In a possible design, the transceiver module 1002 can include a receiving module and a sending module (not shown in FIG. 10). The transceiver module is configured to implement the sending function and the receiving function of the communication device 1000.

[0313] In a possible design, the communication device 1000 can further include a storage module (not shown in FIG. 10), which stores a program or instructions. When the processing module 1001 executes the program or instructions, the communication device 1000 can perform the functions of the dual directional device, or the access and mobility management function network element, or the unified data management function network element, or the session management function network element in any one of the methods shown in FIGS. 6-9.

[0314] It should be understood that the processing module 1001 involved in the communication device 1000 can be realized by a processor or a processor-related circuit component, and can be a processor or a processing unit; the transceiver module 1002 can be realized by a transceiver or a transceiver-related circuit component, and can be a transceiver or a transceiving unit.

[0315] Exemplarily, FIG. 11 is a structural schematic diagram of another communication apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application. The communication apparatus can be a dual-oriented device, or an access and mobility management function network element, or a unified data management function network element, or a chip (system) or other components or assemblies that can be arranged in the dual-oriented device, or the access and mobility management function network element, or the unified data management function network element. As shown in FIG. 11, the communication apparatus 1100 can include a processor 1101. In a possible design, the communication apparatus 1100 can further include a memory 1102 and / or a transceiver 1103. The processor 1101 is coupled with the memory 1102 and the transceiver 1103, for example, through a communication bus.

[0316] The components of the communication apparatus 1100 will be specifically introduced below in combination with FIG. 11:

[0317] The processor 1101 is the control center of the communication apparatus 1100, and can be one processor or a plurality of processing elements. For example, the processor 1101 is one or more central processing units (CPUs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the embodiments of the present application, for example, one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0318] In a possible design, the processor 1101 can perform various functions of the communication apparatus 1100 by running or executing software programs stored in the memory 1102, and calling data stored in the memory 1102.

[0319] In a specific implementation, as an example, the processor 1101 can include one or more CPUs, for example, CPU0 and CPU1 shown in FIG. 11.

[0320] In a specific implementation, as an example, the communication apparatus 1100 can also include a plurality of processors, for example, the processor 1101 and the processor 1104 shown in FIG. 11. Each of the processors can be a single-CPU or a multi-CPU. The processor herein can refer to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores for processing data (for example, computer program instructions).

[0321] The memory 1102 is configured to store a software program for implementing the solutions of the present application, and the processor 1101 is configured to control the execution of the software program. The specific implementation can refer to the method embodiments described above, and details are not described herein.

[0322] In a possible design, the memory 1102 can be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that can store information and instructions, and can also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, an optical disc storage (including a compact disc, a laser disc, an optical disc, a digital versatile disc, a Blu-ray disc, etc.), a magnetic disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer, but the present application is not limited thereto. The memory 1102 can be integrated with the processor 1101 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1101, and the embodiments of the present application do not make a specific limitation in this regard.

[0323] The transceiver 1103 is configured to communicate with other communication devices. For example, the communication device 1100 is a dual-directional device, and the transceiver 1103 can be configured to communicate with an access and mobility management function network element or an access management network element. For another example, the communication device 1100 is an access and mobility management function network element, and the transceiver 1103 can be configured to communicate with a dual-directional device.

[0324] In a possible design, the transceiver 1103 can include a receiver and a transmitter (not shown in FIG. 11). The receiver is configured to implement the receiving function, and the transmitter is configured to implement the transmitting function.

[0325] In a possible design, the transceiver 1103 can be an input / output interface or an interface circuit, configured to input and / or output a signal.

[0326] In a possible design, the transceiver 1103 can be integrated with the processor 1101 or exist independently and be coupled to the processor 1101, and the embodiments of the present application do not make a specific limitation in this regard.

[0327] It should be noted that the structure of the communication apparatus 1100 shown in FIG. 11 does not constitute a limitation on the communication apparatus, and an actual communication apparatus can include more or fewer components than those shown, or combine some components, or arrange different components.

[0328] In addition, the communication apparatus 1100 can perform the above-mentioned communication method, and the technical effects that can be obtained thereby can refer to the above-mentioned method embodiments, which will not be described here again.

[0329] In an alternative implementation, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program or instructions, which, when executed by a computer, implement the functions of the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0330] In an alternative implementation, the embodiments of the present application further provide a computer program product, which, when executed by a computer, implements the functions of the above-mentioned method embodiments.

[0331] In an alternative implementation, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication system, which includes the terminal device (such as a dual-directional device) of the above-mentioned method embodiments, a unified data management (UDM) network element, an SMF, and an AMF.

[0332] In an alternative implementation, the embodiments of the present application further provide a communication method, which includes the method of any of the above-mentioned method embodiments or any implementation thereof.

[0333] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions according to the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another computer readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode. The computer readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or include one or more data storage devices such as servers, data centers, etc. that can be integrated with the medium. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape), an optical medium or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid state drive (SSD)) and the like.

[0334] Those skilled in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be realized in electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether the functions are realized in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present application.

[0335] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working processes of the above-described system, device and unit can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0336] In several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic, for example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and actual implementation can have another division manner, for example, a plurality of units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the units shown or discussed can be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0337] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, i.e., may be located in one place, or may be distributed on multiple network units. Part or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the embodiment scheme.

[0338] In addition, the functional units in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit can be physically present separately, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0339] If the functions are realized in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the present application or the parts that essentially contribute to the prior art or the parts of the technical solutions can be embodied in the form of software products. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes a plurality of instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various program code storage media.

[0340] Although the present application is described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other changes of the disclosed embodiments by referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims during the implementation of the claimed present application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. Some measures are recorded in mutually different dependent claims, but this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0341] Although the present application has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be evident that many modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the application. Accordingly, it is intended to cover all modifications, alterations, combinations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the application. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present application without departing from the scope or spirit of the application. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover the modifications and variations of this application provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A session management method, characterized by, The method comprises: receiving first information, the first information being used to indicate whether a first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation; obtaining a first authorization result according to the first information, wherein the first authorization result is used to indicate whether switching from a first session to a second session is allowed, the first session being a session between a first terminal and a network, the second session being a session between a second terminal and the network, a dual orientation device comprising the first terminal and the second terminal, and the first access and mobility management function network element being used to manage the second terminal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first information comprises first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element or a second authorization result, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation, and the second authorization result comprises a result that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation or a result that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual orientation.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, if the first information indicates that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation, the first authorization result comprises allowing switching from the first session to the second session; if the first information indicates that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual orientation, the first authorization result comprises not allowing switching from the first session to the second session.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending the first authorization result to the dual orientation device.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The first authorization result comprises not allowing switching from the first session to the second session, and the method further comprises: updating the first session as a non-dual orientation session.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The updating the first session as a non-dual orientation session comprises: sending second information, the second information being used to indicate updating the first session as a non-dual orientation session.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first authorization result comprises allowing switching from the first session to the second session, and the method further comprises: sending third information, the third information being used to indicate switching the first session as the second session.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, 7, characterized in that, The obtaining a first authorization result according to the first information comprises: obtaining the first authorization result according to the establishment of the first session and the first information.

9. A session management method characterized by, The method comprises: obtaining first information, the first information being used to indicate whether a first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation, a dual orientation device comprising a second terminal, and the first access and mobility management function network element being used to manage the second terminal; sending the first information.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The obtaining first information comprises: receiving fourth information, the fourth information comprising second capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element or an identity of the first access and mobility management function network element, the second capability information being used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation, the identity of the first access and mobility management function network element being used to determine first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element, the first capability information being used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation; determining the first information according to the fourth information.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein, The registration request message comprises the fourth information, and the registration request message is used to request registration of the first access and mobility management function network element to the unified data management function network element.

12. The method according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, The first information comprises first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element or a second authorization result, wherein the first capability information is used to indicate whether the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation, and the second authorization result comprises a result that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation or a result that the first access and mobility management function network element does not support dual orientation.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10-12, characterized in that, The method further comprises: determining a second authorization result according to the first capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element or the second capability information.

14. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that, The dual orientation device further comprises a first terminal, and the method further comprises: determining a second access and mobility management function network element that manages the first terminal according to a first identity, the first identity comprising a user permanent identity of the first terminal.

15. The method according to any one of claims 9-13, characterized in that, The method further comprises: determining a first session management function network element that manages a first session according to a first identity, the first identity comprising a user permanent identity of the first terminal, and the first session being a session between the first terminal and the network.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9-15, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving fifth information, the fifth information being used to request an identity of a first session management function network element, the fifth information comprising a first identity and a second identity, the second identity comprising a session identity of a first session, and the first session management function network element being associated with the first session; sending sixth information, wherein the sixth information comprises an identity of the first session management function network element.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9-16, characterized in that, The obtaining of the first information comprises: receiving the first information.

18. A session management method, characterized by, The method comprises: sending second capability information of the first access and mobility management function network element, the second capability information being used to indicate that the first access and mobility management function network element supports dual orientation; receiving third information, the third information being used to indicate initiation of switching of a first session to a second session, the first session being a session between a first terminal and a network, the second session being a session between a second terminal and the network, a dual orientation device comprising the first terminal and the second terminal, and the first access and mobility management function network element being used to manage the second terminal.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The method further comprises: sending fifth information, the fifth information being used for requesting an identity of a first session management function network element, the fifth information comprising a first identity and a second identity, the second identity comprising a session identity of a first session, the first session management function network element being associated with the first session; receiving sixth information, wherein the sixth information comprises an identity of the first session management function network element.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The method further comprises: sending, to the first session management function network element, seventh information according to the identity of the first session management function network element, the seventh information being used for indicating to perform session handover, the seventh information comprising the first identity, the second identity, a third identity and a fourth identity, the third identity comprising a user permanent identity of a second terminal, the fourth identity comprising a session identity of a second session.

21. A communications device, characterized by comprising modules for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-20.

22. A communications device, characterized by comprising: a processor coupled to a memory; the processor is configured to execute a computer program stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-20.

23. A chip, characterized by comprising: a processor configured to invoke and run a computer program from the memory to cause the communication device installed with the chip to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-20.

24. A computer-readable storage medium, comprising: comprising: the computer readable storage medium has stored thereon a computer program which, when executed, causes the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-20.

25. A computer program product, characterised in that, the computer program product, when executed by a communication device, causes the communication device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-20.

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