Communication method and apparatus, device, system, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and apparatus, a device, a system, a storage medium, and a program product. The method is executed by a terminal, and comprises: acquiring first information, wherein the first information is related to a first PDU session, and the first PDU session is used for connecting the terminal to at least one first network element; and establishing the first PDU session on the basis of the first information. By means of the solution of the present disclosure, efficient and secure message transmission on a user plane between a terminal and at least one network function can be realized.

Description

Communication methods and apparatus, devices, systems, storage media and software products Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication, and more particularly to a communication method and apparatus, device, system, storage medium and program product. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of wireless communication technology, more and more network functions related to sensing and artificial intelligence (AI) will be deployed in communication networks. These network functions located on the control plane may have a large data throughput.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure relates to a communication method and apparatus, communication equipment, communication system, storage medium, and program product.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is executed by a terminal. The method includes: acquiring first information, wherein the first information is related to a first packet data unit (PDU) session, the first PDU session being used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element; and establishing the first PDU session based on the first information.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is executed by a first network element. The method includes: receiving a second message sent by a third network element; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by a terminal through a first PDU session, address information of the terminal, and identification information of the terminal; wherein the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is executed by a second network element. The method includes: receiving second information sent by a terminal, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the terminal supports a PDU session for connecting the terminal and at least one first network element; and sending first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to initiate the establishment of a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is executed by a third network element. The method includes: sending a second message to a first network element; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by a terminal through a first PDU session, address information of the terminal, and identification information of the terminal; wherein the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is executed by a fifth network element. The method includes: receiving third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; and sending first information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect a terminal and at least one first network element.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method is provided. The method is executed by a sixth network element. The method includes: receiving third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; sending at least one of the first information and the first indication information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session is used to connect a terminal and at least one first network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is allowed to establish the first PDU session.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The device is disposed in a terminal. The device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: acquire first information, wherein the first information is related to a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element; and establish the first PDU session based on the first information.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided. The apparatus is disposed in a first network element. The apparatus includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive a second message sent by a third network element; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by a terminal through a first PDU session, address information of the terminal, and identification information of the terminal; wherein the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0013] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided. The apparatus is disposed in a second network element. The apparatus includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive second information sent by a terminal, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the terminal supports a PDU session for connecting the terminal and at least one first network element; and send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to initiate the establishment of a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0014] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided. The apparatus is disposed in a third network element. The apparatus includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send a second message to a first network element; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by a terminal through a first PDU session, address information of the terminal, and identification information of the terminal; wherein the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0015] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The device is disposed in a fifth network element. The device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; and send first information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect a terminal and at least one first network element.

[0016] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication apparatus is provided. The apparatus is disposed in a sixth network element. The apparatus includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; and send at least one of the first information and the first indication information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session is used to connect a terminal and at least one first network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is allowed to establish the first PDU session.

[0017] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided. The communication device includes: one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0018] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided. The communication system includes at least one of the following: a terminal, a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fifth network element, and a sixth network element. The terminal is configured to perform the communication method as described in the first aspect. The first network element is configured to perform the communication method as described in the second aspect. The second network element is configured to perform the communication method as described in the third aspect. The third network element is configured to perform the communication method as described in the fourth aspect. The fifth network element is configured to perform the communication method as described in the fifth aspect. The sixth network element is configured to perform the communication method as described in the sixth aspect.

[0019] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium stores instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0020] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided. When executed by a communication device, the program product causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0021] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided. When run on a computer, the computer program causes the computer to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0022] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a chip or chip system is provided. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication method as described in any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0023] According to embodiments of this disclosure, efficient and secure message transmission between the terminal and at least one network function on the user plane can be achieved.

[0024] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of the invention.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3C is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3D is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4A is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4B is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4C is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 4D is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 4E is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4F is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4G is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 4H is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 4I is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0046] This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product.

[0047] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is executed by a terminal. The method includes: acquiring first information, wherein the first information is related to a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element; and establishing the first PDU session based on the first information.

[0048] In this embodiment, the terminal can obtain first information related to the first PDU session. The first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element. Then, based on the first information, the terminal can establish a first PDU session connecting the terminal and at least one first network element. In this way, the terminal can establish an integrated PDU session related to one or more first network elements, and realize communication with one or more first network elements on the user plane through this integrated PDU session. This improves the efficiency of message transmission between the terminal and one or more first network elements on the user plane and reduces the implementation complexity of the PDU session.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the operation of obtaining the first information may include: sending second information to a second network element, wherein the second information is used to instruct the terminal to support a PDU session for connecting the terminal and at least one first network element; and receiving the first information sent by the second network element, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to initiate the establishment of a first PDU session.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the operation of obtaining the first information may include: receiving the first information, wherein the first information is used to trigger the terminal to establish a first PDU session.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: a data network name (DNN); identification information of the public land mobile network (PLMN) where one or more of the first network elements are located; and identification information of the non-public network (NPN) where one or more of the first network elements are located.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first information may include at least one of DNN information, PLMN identification information, and NPN identification information. Thus, the first network element corresponding to the first PDU session established by the terminal based on the first information can be located in the network identified by the PLMN identification information or in the network identified by the NPN identification information.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and PLMN. The first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, and at least one or more of the first network elements are located in the PLMN indicated by the identification information.

[0054] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the PLMN may include at least one of the following: a home public land mobile network (HPLMN); and a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN).

[0055] In this embodiment, the PLMN type can include HPLMN and VPLMN, and the PLMN identification information can include VPLMN identification information and / or HPLMN identification information. Thus, the terminal can establish a first PDU session related to a first network element in the home network, or a first PDU session related to a first network element in the visited network, based on the first information. This enhances the practicality of the merged PDU sessions and expands the application scenarios.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of DNN and NPN, and the first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through DNN, wherein at least one or more first network elements are located in the NPN indicated by the identification information.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0058] In some embodiments, the security policy is a hop-by-hop security policy. The hop-by-hop security policy refers to establishing security policies between the terminal and the access network device, between the access network device and the UPF, and between the UPF and the network function. These security policies ensure the security of connections between the terminal and the access network device, between the access network device and the UPF, and between the UPF and the network function, thereby achieving the security of message transmission between the terminal and the network function.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the user plane function (UPF); and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first PDU session used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element can have a hop-by-hop security policy. This ensures that the connection from the terminal to the first network element supports integrity, confidentiality, and protection against replay attacks.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending a first message to a third network element through a first PDU session, wherein the first message includes the terminal's address information.

[0062] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is executed by a first network element. The method includes: receiving a second message sent by a third network element; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by a terminal through a first PDU session, address information of the terminal, and identification information of the terminal; wherein the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the third network element can send a second message to the first network element, which may carry the terminal's identification information. In this way, the first network element can obtain the terminal's true identifier, thereby ensuring the security of transmission between the terminal and the first network element and preventing communication with malicious terminals.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second message may only include the first message and / or the terminal's address information; wherein, the above method may further include: sending the terminal's address information to the fourth network element; and receiving the terminal's identification information sent by the fourth network element.

[0065] According to this embodiment, the first network element can obtain the terminal's identification information from the fourth network element based on the terminal's address information in the first message. In this way, the first network element can obtain the terminal's true identifier, thereby ensuring the security of transmission between the terminal and the first network element and preventing communication with malicious terminals.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used to trigger the terminal to establish a first PDU session.

[0067] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0068] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the UPF; and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0069] In a third aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is executed by a second network element. The method includes: receiving second information sent by a terminal, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the terminal supports a PDU session for connecting the terminal and at least one first network element; and sending first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to initiate the establishment of a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0070] In this embodiment, the second network element can provide the terminal with first information related to the first PDU session. The first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element. This allows the terminal to establish a first PDU session connecting the terminal and at least one first network element based on the first information. Thus, the terminal can establish a merged PDU session related to one or more first network elements and achieve communication with one or more first network elements on the user plane through this merged PDU session. This improves the efficiency of message transmission between the terminal and one or more first network elements on the user plane and reduces the implementation complexity of the PDU session.

[0071] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: DNN; identification information of the PLMN in which one or more of the first network elements are located; identification information of the NPN in which one or more of the first network elements are located.

[0072] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and PLMN. The first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, and at least one or more first network elements are located in the PLMN indicated by the identification information.

[0073] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the PLMN may include at least one of the following: HPLMN; VPLMN.

[0074] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of DNN and NPN, the first information being used to establish a first PDU session through DNN, and at least one or more first network elements being located in the NPN indicated by the identification information.

[0075] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0076] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the UPF; and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0077] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; and receiving the first information.

[0078] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include the terminal's identification information.

[0079] In a fourth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. This method is executed by a third network element. The method includes: sending a second message to a first network element; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by a terminal through a first PDU session, address information of the terminal, and identification information of the terminal; wherein the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0080] According to this embodiment, the third network element can send a second message to the first network element, which may carry the terminal's identification information. In this way, the first network element can obtain the terminal's true identifier, thereby ensuring the security of transmission between the terminal and the first network element and preventing communication with malicious terminals.

[0081] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second message may include the address information of the terminal, which is obtained from the first message.

[0082] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second message may include the terminal's identification information; wherein, the above method may further include: sending the terminal's address information to the fourth network element; and receiving the terminal's identification information sent by the fourth network element.

[0083] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the second message may include the terminal's identification information; wherein, the above method may further include: obtaining the terminal's identification information from the local machine based on the terminal's address information.

[0084] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: receiving a third message sent by a fourth network element, wherein the third message is used to indicate the address information and identification information of the terminal.

[0085] In this embodiment, the third network element can obtain the terminal's identification information from the fourth network element or locally, and send the identification information to the first network element in a second message. In this way, the first network element can obtain the terminal's true identification.

[0086] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the third message may include a PDU session establishment request message.

[0087] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0088] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the UPF; and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0089] In a fifth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is executed by a fifth network element. The method includes: receiving third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; and sending first information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect a terminal and at least one first network element.

[0090] In this embodiment, the fifth network element can send first information related to the first PDU session based on the third information. This first information can ultimately be provided to the terminal. The first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element. This allows the terminal to establish a first PDU session connecting the terminal and at least one first network element based on the first information. Thus, the terminal can establish a merged PDU session related to one or more first network elements and achieve communication with one or more first network elements on the user plane through this merged PDU session. This improves the efficiency of message transmission between the terminal and one or more first network elements on the user plane and reduces the implementation complexity of the PDU session.

[0091] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include the terminal's identification information.

[0092] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: DNN; identification information of the PLMN in which one or more of the first network elements are located; identification information of the NPN in which one or more of the first network elements are located.

[0093] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and PLMN, and the first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, wherein at least one or more first network elements are located in the PLMN indicated by the identification information.

[0094] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the PLMN may include at least one of the following: HPLMN; VPLMN.

[0095] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and NPN, and the first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, wherein at least one or more first network elements are located in the NPN indicated by the identification information.

[0096] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0097] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the UPF; and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0098] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be stored in the fifth network element.

[0099] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending third information; receiving first information.

[0100] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fifth aspect, in some embodiments, the above method may further include: sending first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used to trigger the terminal to establish a first PDU session.

[0101] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication method. The method is executed by a sixth network element. The method includes: receiving third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; sending at least one of the first information and first indication information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session is used to connect a terminal and at least one first network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is allowed to establish the first PDU session.

[0102] In this embodiment, the fifth network element can send first information related to the first PDU session based on the third information. This first information can ultimately be provided to the terminal. The first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element. This allows the terminal to establish a first PDU session connecting the terminal and at least one first network element based on the first information. Thus, the terminal can establish a merged PDU session related to one or more first network elements and achieve communication with one or more first network elements on the user plane through this merged PDU session. This improves the efficiency of message transmission between the terminal and one or more first network elements on the user plane and reduces the implementation complexity of the PDU session.

[0103] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include the terminal's identification information.

[0104] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: DNN; identification information of the PLMN in which one or more of the first network elements are located; identification information of the NPN in which one or more of the first network elements are located.

[0105] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and PLMN, and the first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, wherein at least one or more of the first network elements are located in the PLMN indicated by the identification information.

[0106] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the PLMN may include at least one of the following: HPLMN; VPLMN.

[0107] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and NPN, and the first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, wherein at least one or more first network elements are located in the NPN indicated by the identification information.

[0108] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0109] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the UPF; and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0110] In conjunction with some embodiments of the sixth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information and / or the first indication information may be included in the terminal's subscription information.

[0111] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The device is disposed in a terminal. The device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: acquire first information, wherein the first information is related to a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element; and establish the first PDU session based on the first information.

[0112] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be configured to: send second information to a second network element, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the terminal supports a PDU session for connecting the terminal and at least one first network element; and receive first information sent by the second network element, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to initiate the establishment of a first PDU session.

[0113] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module can be configured to: receive first information, wherein the first information is used to trigger the terminal to establish a first PDU session.

[0114] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: DNN; identification information of the PLMN in which one or more of the first network elements are located; identification information of the NPN in which one or more of the first network elements are located.

[0115] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and PLMN, and the first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, wherein at least one or more of the first network elements are located in the PLMN indicated by the identification information.

[0116] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the PLMN may include at least one of the following: HPLMN; VPLMN.

[0117] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and NPN, and the first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, wherein at least one or more first network elements are located in the NPN indicated by the identification information.

[0118] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0119] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the UPF; and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0120] In conjunction with some embodiments of the seventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send a first message to a third network element through a first PDU session, wherein the first message includes the terminal's address information.

[0121] In an eighth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The device is disposed in a first network element. The device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive a second message sent by a third network element; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by a terminal through a first PDU session, address information of the terminal, and identification information of the terminal; wherein the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0122] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the second message may only include the first message and / or the terminal's address information; wherein, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send the terminal's address information to the fourth network element; and receive the terminal's identification information sent by the fourth network element.

[0123] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used to trigger the terminal to establish a first PDU session.

[0124] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0125] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eighth aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the UPF; and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0126] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication apparatus. The apparatus is disposed in a second network element. The apparatus includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive second information sent by a terminal, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the terminal supports a PDU session for connecting the terminal and at least one first network element; and send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to initiate the establishment of a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0127] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: DNN; identification information of the PLMN in which one or more of the first network elements are located; identification information of the NPN in which one or more of the first network elements are located.

[0128] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and PLMN, and the first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, wherein at least one or more of the first network elements are located in the PLMN indicated by the identification information.

[0129] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the PLMN may include at least one of the following: HPLMN; VPLMN.

[0130] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and NPN, the first information being used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, and one or more of the first network elements being located in the NPN indicated by the identification information.

[0131] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0132] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the UPF; and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0133] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; and receive the first information.

[0134] In conjunction with some embodiments of the ninth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include the terminal's identification information.

[0135] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The device is disposed in a third network element. The device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: send a second message to a first network element; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by a terminal through a first PDU session, address information of the terminal, and identification information of the terminal; wherein the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

[0136] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the second message may include the address information of the terminal, which is obtained from the first message.

[0137] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the second message may include the terminal's identification information; wherein, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send the terminal's address information to the fourth network element; and receive the terminal's identification information sent by the fourth network element.

[0138] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the second message may include the identification information of the terminal; wherein, the above-mentioned apparatus may further include a processing module configured to: obtain the identification information of the terminal from the local device based on the address information of the terminal.

[0139] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: receive a third message sent by a fourth network element, wherein the third message is used to indicate the terminal's address information and the terminal's identification information.

[0140] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the third message may include a PDU session establishment request message.

[0141] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0142] In conjunction with some embodiments of the tenth aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the UPF; and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0143] In an eleventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The device is disposed in a fifth network element. The device includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; and send the first information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect a terminal and at least one first network element.

[0144] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include the terminal's identification information.

[0145] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: DNN; identification information of the PLMN in which one or more of the first network elements are located; identification information of the NPN in which one or more of the first network elements are located.

[0146] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and PLMN. The first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, and at least one or more first network elements are located in the PLMN indicated by the identification information.

[0147] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the PLMN may include at least one of the following: HPLMN; VPLMN.

[0148] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of DNN and NPN, and the first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through DNN, wherein at least one or more first network elements are located in the NPN indicated by the identification information.

[0149] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0150] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the UPF; and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0151] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the first information can be stored in the fifth network element.

[0152] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send third information; receive first information.

[0153] In conjunction with some embodiments of the eleventh aspect, in some embodiments, the transceiver module may also be configured to: send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used to trigger the terminal to establish a first PDU session.

[0154] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication apparatus. The apparatus is disposed in a sixth network element. The apparatus includes a transceiver module. The transceiver module is configured to: receive third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; and send at least one of the first information and the first indication information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session is used to connect a terminal and at least one first network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is allowed to establish the first PDU session.

[0155] In conjunction with some embodiments of the twelfth aspect, in some embodiments, the third information may include the terminal's identification information.

[0156] In conjunction with some embodiments of the twelfth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: DNN; identification information of the PLMN in which one or more of the first network elements are located; identification information of the NPN in which one or more of the first network elements are located.

[0157] In conjunction with some embodiments of the twelfth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and PLMN, and the first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, wherein at least one or more of the first network elements are located in the PLMN indicated by the identification information.

[0158] In conjunction with some embodiments of the twelfth aspect, in some embodiments, the PLMN may include at least one of the following: HPLMN; VPLMN.

[0159] In conjunction with some embodiments of the twelfth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and NPN, and the first information may be used to establish a first PDU session through the DNN, wherein at least one or more first network elements are located in the NPN indicated by the identification information.

[0160] In conjunction with some embodiments of the twelfth aspect, in some embodiments, the first PDU session may be configured with a security policy.

[0161] In conjunction with some embodiments of the twelfth aspect, in some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network device; a security policy between the access network device and the UPF; and a security policy between the UPF and the first network element.

[0162] In conjunction with some embodiments of the twelfth aspect, in some embodiments, the first information and / or the first instruction information may be included in the terminal's subscription information.

[0163] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device. The communication device includes: one or more processors; and a memory storing instructions. When executed by the communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any of the first to sixth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0164] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system. The communication system includes at least one of the following: a terminal, a first network element, a second network element, a third network element, a fifth network element, and a sixth network element. The terminal is configured to perform the communication method as described in any of the first aspect and its possible embodiments. The first network element is configured to perform the communication method as described in any of the second aspect and its possible embodiments. The second network element is configured to perform the communication method as described in any of the third aspect and its possible embodiments. The third network element is configured to perform the communication method as described in any of the fourth aspect and its possible embodiments. The fifth network element is configured to perform the communication method as described in any of the fifth aspect and its possible embodiments. The sixth network element is configured to perform the communication method as described in any of the sixth aspect and its possible embodiments.

[0165] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions. When executed on a communication device, the instructions cause the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any of the first to sixth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0166] In a sixteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product. When executed by a communication device, the program product causes the communication device to perform the communication method as described in any of the first to sixth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0167] In a seventeenth aspect, this disclosure provides a computer program. When the computer program is run on a computer, it causes the computer to perform the communication methods described in any of the first to sixth aspects and their possible implementations.

[0168] In an eighteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system. The chip or chip system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to perform the communication methods described in any of the first to sixth aspects and their possible embodiments.

[0169] It is understood that the aforementioned communication devices, communication equipment, communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, and chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0170] This disclosure provides a communication method and apparatus, a communication device, a communication system, a storage medium, and a program product. In some embodiments, terms such as communication method, information processing method, and information transmission method can be used interchangeably; terms such as communication device, communication device, network device, network function, and network entity can be used interchangeably; and terms such as communication system and information processing system can be used interchangeably.

[0171] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments.

[0172] In the embodiments disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified or in case of logical conflict, the terminology and / or descriptions of the various embodiments are consistent and can be referenced by each other. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0173] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0174] In the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as “a,” “one,” “a kind,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “the,” “this,” etc., can mean “one and only one,” or “one or more,” “at least one,” etc. For example, when articles such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are used in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular or a plural expression.

[0175] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0176] In some embodiments, terms such as “at least one (at least one, at least one item, at least one)” and “one or more” may be used interchangeably.

[0177] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0178] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execution of A regardless of B); in some embodiments, B (execution of B regardless of A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0179] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. As another example, if the object being described is "information", then "second information" and "first information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0180] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0181] In some embodiments, the terms “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “if…”, “if…”, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0182] In some embodiments, terms such as “greater than,” “more than,” “higher than,” and “exceeding” can be used interchangeably; terms such as “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably; terms such as “less than,” “less than,” and “lower than” can be used interchangeably; and terms such as “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below” can be used interchangeably.

[0183] In some embodiments, devices, etc., can be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to the names recorded in the embodiments. Terms such as “device”, “equipment”, “circuit”, “network element”, “node”, “function”, “unit”, “section”, “system”, “network”, “chip”, “chip system”, “entity”, and “subject” can be used interchangeably.

[0184] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0185] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0186] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0187] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0188] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0189] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0190] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0191] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0192] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 includes a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network 103.

[0193] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home.

[0194] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: evolved Node B (eNB), next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), next-generation Node B (gNB), node B (NB), home node B (HNB), home evolved node B (HeNB), radio backhaul device, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), base band unit (BBU), mobile switching center, base station in a 6G communication system, open RAN, cloud RAN, base station in other communication systems, and access node in a Wi-Fi system.

[0195] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) architectures. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0196] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. By adopting the CU-DU structure, the protocol layer of the access network device 102 can be separated. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, and the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU, which is centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0197] In some embodiments, the core network 103 may be a single device, including a first network element 1031, a second network element 1032, a third network element 1033, a fourth network element 1034, a fifth network element 1035, a sixth network element 1036, etc., or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the first network element 1031, the second network element 1032, the third network element 1033, the fourth network element 1034, the fifth network element 1035, the sixth network element 1036, etc. Network elements may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network (5GCN), and a Next Generation Core (NGC).

[0198] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be, for example, a target network function (NF). The target network function may be the network function with which the terminal 101 establishes a PDU session.

[0199] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be, for example, a network element with sensing capabilities.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be, for example, a network element with AI functionality.

[0201] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be implemented by an application server and used to provide application services, and its name is not limited thereto.

[0202] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be, for example, an access and mobility management function (AMF). In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may be responsible for mobility management, non-access stratum mobility management (NAS MM) signaling processing, NAS session management (SM) signaling routing, security anchors, and security context management, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0203] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be, for example, a user plane function (UPF).

[0204] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may be responsible for user plane (UP) data forwarding, session / flow-level billing statistics, bandwidth limiting, UP QoS processing, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0205] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be, for example, a session management function (SMF).

[0206] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be responsible for session management, execution of PCF-issued control policies, selection of UPF, allocation of UE's Internet Protocol (IP) address, etc., and the name is not limited to these.

[0207] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be, for example, a binding support function (BSF).

[0208] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may be responsible for UE information acquisition, session binding information creation, deletion and query, etc., and its name is not limited thereto.

[0209] In some embodiments, the BSF can be deployed within the SMF or independently of the SMF.

[0210] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may be, for example, a policy control function (PCF).

[0211] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can be used to support a unified policy framework and provide policy rules, the name of which is not limited thereto.

[0212] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may be, for example, a unified data management (UDM).

[0213] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may be, for example, a unified data repository (UDR).

[0214] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may be responsible for managing user subscription, authentication, identification, and other data, as well as storing user configuration file information, policies, structured data, and application data, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may be located inside or outside the core network, and this disclosure does not specifically limit this.

[0216] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions proposed in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0217] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or some of the main components in the communication system 100, but are not limited thereto. The main components shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system 100 may include all or some of the main components in FIG1, or may include other main components other than those in FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main component are arbitrary. Each main component may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main components is illustrative. The main components may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0218] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G new radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New radio access (NX), Future generation radio access (FX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0219] With the development of communication technology, communication networks will continuously support new services, such as sensing services and federated learning. The implementation of these services requires the communication network to support the transmission of large amounts of data between terminals and the network functions deploying these services. In some embodiments, the network functions deploying such services may reside on the control plane and need to collect a large amount of data to control these network functions. For example, the network functions may collect measurement data, location information, etc. Existing non-access stratum (NAS) signaling is insufficient for transmitting large amounts of data on the control plane and cannot meet the requirements for transmitting control data on the control plane for purposes such as mobility and session management, and security protection.

[0220] In some embodiments, the transmission of large amounts of data for the above services can be considered to be implemented on the user plane. However, during the implementation of these services, the terminal may be connected to one or more network functions simultaneously. The connections between the terminal and each network function may be similar in terms of quality of service (QoS) and security protection. However, current communication networks only support the terminal connecting to each network function individually through the user plane. This method of using a separate PDU session for each network function is obviously inefficient. In addition, the security of message transmission between the terminal and network functions on the user plane needs to be improved.

[0221] Therefore, how to achieve efficient and secure message transmission between terminals and network functions at the user plane is an urgent problem to be solved.

[0222] Figure 2A is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2A, the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S2101 to S2112.

[0223] In this embodiment, the first network element 1031 can be a network element with sensing and / or federated learning functions; the second network element 1032 can be an AMF; the third network element 1033 can be a UPF; the fourth network element 1034 can be an SMF and / or a BSF; the fifth network element 1035 can be a PCF; and the sixth network element 1036 can be a UDM and / or a UDR. It should be noted that the network elements involved in this embodiment can also be other network functions, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit them.

[0224] In step S2101, terminal 101 sends second information to second network element 1032.

[0225] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may send second information. In some embodiments, the second information may be sent by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0226] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can receive the second information. In some embodiments, the second information can be received by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0227] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate that terminal 101 supports a PDU session for connecting terminal 101 and at least one first network element 1031.

[0228] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may have the capability to support a PDU session for connecting terminal 101 and at least one first network element 1031. In this case, terminal 101 can achieve data communication with one or more first network elements 1031 through a PDU session. In other words, terminal 101 may have the capability to establish a PDU session supporting the connection of one or more first network elements 1031. In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate that terminal 101 has the capability to establish a PDU session for connecting terminal 101 and at least one first network element 1031.

[0229] In some embodiments, the name of the second information is not limited, and it may be, for example, capability information, capability indication information, capability reporting information, service support information, etc.

[0230] In some embodiments, a PDU session for connecting terminal 101 and at least one first network element 1031 may be referred to as an integrated PDU session, a converged PDU session, etc. In some embodiments, an integrated PDU session can be used to connect terminal 101 and at least one first network element 1031. In one example, an integrated PDU session can be used to connect terminal 101 and multiple first network elements 1031. In some embodiments, an integrated PDU session enables terminal 101 to connect to multiple first network elements 1031 located in the core network.

[0231] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to trigger the network side to provide information related to the establishment of a PDU session for connecting terminal 101 and at least one first network element 1031.

[0232] In some embodiments, the second information may be included in a UE policy container. In some embodiments, the second information may be carried in a registration request. In some embodiments, terminal 101 may send a registration request to access network device 102, and access network device 102 may send a registration request to second network element 1032. Both the registration request sent by terminal 101 to access network device 102 and the registration request sent by access network device 102 to second network element 1032 may carry the UE policy container. The UE policy container may contain the second information.

[0233] In step S2102, the second network element 1032 sends the third information to the fifth network element 1035.

[0234] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send third information. In some embodiments, the third information may be sent by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0235] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can receive third information. In some embodiments, the third information can be received by the fifth network element 1035, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0236] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send third information based on the second information.

[0237] In some embodiments, third information can be used to obtain first information.

[0238] In some embodiments, the third information may be used to request the fifth network element 1035 to provide the first information.

[0239] In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited, and it may be, for example, a request message.

[0240] In some embodiments, the third information may include identification information of terminal 101. This identification information can be used to identify terminal 101.

[0241] In some embodiments, the identification information of terminal 101 may include an identifier of terminal 101. In one example, the identifier of terminal 101 may include at least one of the following: subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), subscription concealed identifier (SUCI), international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), and generic public subscription identifier (GPSI).

[0242] In some embodiments, the third information may be carried in the Npcf_AMPolicyControl_Get request message. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send an Npcf_AMPolicyControl_Get request message to the fifth network element 1035, and this message may carry the third information. For example, the Npcf_AMPolicyControl_Get request message may carry the SUPI of terminal 101.

[0243] In step S2103, the fifth network element 1035 sends the third information to the sixth network element 1036.

[0244] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can send third information. In some embodiments, the third information can be sent by the fifth network element 1035, but is not limited to this; it can also be sent by other entities.

[0245] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can receive third information. In some embodiments, the third information can be received by the sixth network element 1036, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0246] In some embodiments, upon receiving third information from the second network element 1032, the fifth network element 1035 may determine whether to send the third information to the sixth network element 1036.

[0247] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may store the first information locally. In this case, the fifth network element 1035 may determine not to send the third information. In some embodiments, if the first information exists locally in the fifth network element 1035, the fifth network element 1035 may directly execute step S2105.

[0248] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may not have the first information locally. In this case, the fifth network element 1035 may determine to send the third information.

[0249] In step S2104, the sixth network element 1036 sends the first information to the fifth network element 1035.

[0250] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can send first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be sent by the sixth network element 1036, but is not limited to this, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0251] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can receive the first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be received by the fifth network element 1035, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0252] In some embodiments, upon receiving third information from the fifth network element 1035, the sixth network element 1036 may send first information.

[0253] In some embodiments, the first information may be related to a first PDU session.

[0254] In some embodiments, the first information can be used by terminal 101 to initiate the establishment of a first PDU session. In some embodiments, the first information enables terminal 101 to initiate the establishment of a first PDU session. In some embodiments, the first information can be used by terminal 101 to establish a first PDU session associated with one or more first network elements 1031.

[0255] In some embodiments, the first PDU session can be used to connect terminal 101 and one or more first network elements 1031. In some embodiments, the first PDU session can be a merged PDU session.

[0256] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: identification information of DNN, PLMN, and identification information of NPN.

[0257] In some embodiments, the DNN can be used to identify a data network. This data network can exchange PDUs with terminal 101 via PDU connectivity services. In some embodiments, the PDU connectivity services can be supported by a PDU session. For example, the PDU connectivity service corresponding to the data network identified by the DNN in the first information can be supported by a first PDU session.

[0258] In some embodiments, the first information may include DNN information. The DNN information may include information related to the DNN. For example, the DNN information may include the DNN itself.

[0259] In some embodiments, the identification information of the PLMN can be used to identify the PLMN. In some embodiments, the PLMN can be associated with the DNN.

[0260] In some embodiments, the identification information of a PLMN may include a PLMN identifier. For example, the identification information of a PLMN may include a PLMN ID (identifier).

[0261] In some embodiments, PLMN may include at least one of the following: HPLMN and VPLMN.

[0262] In some embodiments, in non-roaming scenarios, the PLMN may consist only of the HPLMN. In this case, the PLMN identification information in the first information may include the HPLMN identification information. In one example, the HPLMN identification information may be used to identify the home network.

[0263] It is understandable that in roaming scenarios, a PLMN may include both an HPLMN and a VPLMN, or it may only include a VPLMN. In this case, the PLMN identification information in the first piece of information may include both HPLMN and VPLMN identification information, or it may only include VPLMN identification information. In one example, the HPLMN identification information can be used to identify the home network, and the VPLMN identification information can be used to identify the visited network.

[0264] In some embodiments, the identification information of the NPN can be used to identify the NPN. In some embodiments, the NPN can be associated with the DNN.

[0265] In some embodiments, the identification information of an NPN may include an NPN identifier. For example, the identification information of an NPN may include an NPN ID.

[0266] In some embodiments, the first information may include identification information for the DNN and PLMN. The first information can be used to establish a first PDU session via the DNN. The first network element 1031 associated with the first PDU session may be located in the PLMN identified by the identification information. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to use the DNN to establish a first PDU session, and the established PDU session can connect the terminal 101 and the first network element 1031 located in the PLMN. In one example, in a non-roaming scenario, the first information can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to use the DNN to establish a first PDU session, and the established PDU session can connect the terminal 101 and the first network element 1031 located in the HPLMN.

[0267] In some embodiments, the first information may include identification information for the DNN and NPN. The first information can be used to establish a first PDU session via the DNN. The first network element 1031 associated with the first PDU session may be located in the NPN identified by the identification information. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to indicate that the terminal 101 needs to use the DNN to establish a first PDU session, and the established PDU session can connect the terminal 101 and the first network element 1031 located in the NPN.

[0268] In step S2105, the fifth network element 1035 sends the first information to the second network element 1032.

[0269] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can send first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be sent by the fifth network element 1035, but is not limited to this, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0270] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can receive the first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be received by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0271] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first information sent by the sixth network element 1036, the fifth network element 1035 may send the first information to the second network element 1032.

[0272] In some embodiments, if it is determined that the first information is stored locally, the fifth network element 1035 can obtain the first information from the local storage and send the first information to the second network element 1032. It is understood that in this case, steps S2103 and S2104 may not be executed.

[0273] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in the Npcf_AMPolicyControl_Get response message. In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may send an Npcf_AMPolicyControl_Get response message to the second network element 1032, and this message may carry the first information.

[0274] In step S2106, the second network element 1032 sends the first information to the terminal 101.

[0275] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can send the first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be sent by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0276] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be received by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0277] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in the registration acceptance. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send a registration acceptance to the terminal 101. The registration acceptance may include the first information.

[0278] It should be noted that steps S2101 to S2106 can be interactive steps in the registration process. In this case, the acquisition of the first information can be achieved during the registration process of terminal 101. Of course, steps S2101 to S2106 can also be interactive steps in other communication processes, and this embodiment of the present disclosure does not impose specific limitations.

[0279] In step S2107, the fifth network element 1035 sends the first information to the terminal 101.

[0280] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 can send first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be sent by the fifth network element 1035, but is not limited to this, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0281] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be received by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0282] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035 may send first information to the terminal 101, which may be used to trigger the terminal 101 to establish a first PDU session.

[0283] In some embodiments, the first information may be actively sent by the fifth network element 1035 to the terminal 101. In some embodiments, when it is necessary to establish a first PDU session, the fifth network element 1035 may send the first information to the terminal 101.

[0284] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: the identification information of the PLMN and the identification information of the NPN.

[0285] In some embodiments, the PLMN identification information in the first information can be used to indicate the PLMN where the first network element 1031 is located. In some embodiments, the first information may include PLMN identification information, in which case the first information can be used to indicate that the first network element 1031 establishing the first PDU session is located in the PLMN identified by the identification information. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to establish the first PDU session, and the first PDU session can connect to the first network element 1031 in the PLMN.

[0286] In some embodiments, the NPN identification information in the first information can be used to indicate the NPN where the first network element 1031 is located. In some embodiments, the first information may include NPN identification information, in which case the first information can be used to indicate that the first network element 1031 establishing the first PDU session is located in the NPN identified by the identification information. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to establish the first PDU session, and the first PDU session can connect to the first network element 1031 in the NPN.

[0287] In step S2108, terminal 101 executes the session establishment process.

[0288] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may perform a session establishment process based on the acquired first information to establish a first PDU session.

[0289] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may determine whether to establish a first PDU session based on the acquired first information.

[0290] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may determine whether to establish a first PDU session based on first information, local configuration and / or operator policies.

[0291] In some embodiments, terminal 101 can obtain first information through steps S2101 to S2106. In this case, terminal 101 can determine whether to establish a first PDU session based on upper-layer information and / or local configuration and / or operator policies and / or the first information. In one example, the upper-layer information may be indication information from the application layer, used to instruct terminal 101 to establish a first PDU session.

[0292] In some embodiments, terminal 101 can obtain first information through step S2107. In this case, the first information can be used to trigger terminal 101 to establish a first PDU session, and terminal 101 can determine to establish the first PDU session under the trigger of the first information.

[0293] In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2106 may be executed, and step S2107 may not be executed. In this case, whether terminal 101 establishes a first PDU session can be determined by considering the first information obtained in step S2106. In some embodiments, steps S2101 to S2106 may not be executed, and step S2107 may be executed. In this case, whether terminal 101 establishes a first PDU session can be determined by considering both the first information obtained in step S2106 and the first information obtained in step S2107. For example, as long as the first information is received in step S2107, terminal 101 may be triggered to establish a first PDU session.

[0294] In some embodiments, the establishment process of the first PDU session may include the interaction between the terminal 101 and the access network device 102 and the core network 103, as well as the interaction between various network elements in the core network 103.

[0295] In some embodiments, the first PDU session may be located among the terminal 101, the access network device 102, and the core network 103. In some embodiments, the first PDU session may be located among the terminal 101, the access network device 102, and the third network element 1033 in the core network 103.

[0296] It is understandable that the first PDU session can be used for the transmission of relevant data packets of the first network element 1031 between the user plane and the terminal 101, so the first PDU session can be considered to connect the terminal 101 and the first network element 1031.

[0297] In some embodiments, the first PDU session may have a hop-by-hop security policy.

[0298] It is understood that hop-by-hop refers to the sequential forwarding of data packets between the terminal 101 and the first network element 1031 at each node. In some embodiments, hop-by-hop may include multiple "hops". A hop may refer to the transmission of data packets from one node to another.

[0299] In some embodiments, the nodes involved in the transmission on the user plane between terminal 101 and first network element 1031 may include: terminal 101, access network device 102, third network element 1033, and first network element 1031. In one example, third network element 1033 may be a UPF. For example, terminal 101, access network device 102, third network element 1033, and first network element 1031 may be the first node, second node, third node, and fourth node on the transmission path, respectively.

[0300] In some embodiments, the transmission between any two adjacent nodes on the transmission path between terminal 101 and first network element 1031 can constitute a hop. For example, the transmission between terminal 101 and access network device 102 can constitute a hop. For example, the transmission between access network device 102 and third network element 1033 can constitute a hop. For example, the transmission between third network element 1033 and first network element 1031 can constitute a hop. In some embodiments, hop-by-hop can refer to the transmission between terminal 101 and access network device 102 as the first hop, the transmission between access network device 102 and third network element 1033 as the second hop, and the transmission between third network element 1033 and first network element 1031 as the third hop.

[0301] In some embodiments, a hop-by-hop security strategy may refer to the application of a separate security strategy at each hop.

[0302] In some embodiments, the hop-by-hop security policy for the first PDU session may include a security policy between every two adjacent nodes on the transmission path between terminal 101 and first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the security policy may include at least one of the following: a user plane security policy between terminal 101 and access network device 102, a security policy between access network device 102 and UPF, and a security policy between UPF and first network element 1031.

[0303] In some embodiments, the user plane security policy between terminal 101 and access network device 102 can be used to protect the connection between terminal 101 and access network device 102. In some embodiments, the user plane security policy between terminal 101 and access network device 102 can be used to implement user plane integrity protection. In one example, the user plane security policy between terminal 101 and access network device 102 is set to apply integrity protection for all traffic in the first PDU session.

[0304] In some embodiments, if the purpose of the PDU session is to connect terminal 101 and the first network element 1031, then the user plane security policy between terminal 101 and access network device 102 is set to require application integrity protection.

[0305] In some embodiments, if the purpose of the PDU session is to connect terminal 101 and the first network element 1031, then the user plane security policy between terminal 101 and access network device 102 is set to require application integrity protection and application confidentiality protection.

[0306] In some embodiments, the connection between the access network device 102 and the UPF can be achieved through the N3 interface. Security policies between the access network device 102 and the UPF can be used to protect the N3 interface.

[0307] In some embodiments, the connection between the UPF and the first network element 1031 can be implemented via the N6 interface. For example, the first network element 1031 can be connected to the UPF via the N6 interface. In some embodiments, the connection between the UPF and the first network element 1031 implemented based on the N6 interface needs to support requirements such as integrity, confidentiality, and replay protection. In some embodiments, a security policy between the UPF and the first network element 1031 can be used to protect the N6 interface. In some embodiments, the security policy for protecting the N6 interface between the UPF and the first network element 1031 can adopt the same security policy as the N4 interface. In some embodiments, the security policy for the N6 interface between the UPF and the first network element 1031 is set to support integrity protection and confidentiality protection.

[0308] In some embodiments, if the purpose of the PDU session is to connect terminal 101 and first network element 1031, then the security policy between UPF and first network element 1031 is set to support integrity protection.

[0309] In some embodiments, if the purpose of the PDU session is to connect terminal 101 and first network element 1031, then the security policy between UPF and first network element 1031 is set to support integrity protection and confidentiality protection.

[0310] In some embodiments, the security policy can ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and protection against replay attacks of the first PDU session between terminal 101 and first network element 1031.

[0311] In step S2109, terminal 101 sends a first message to third network element 1033.

[0312] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may send a first message. In some embodiments, the first message may be sent by terminal 101, but is not limited to this, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0313] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may receive the second information. In some embodiments, the second information may be received by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first message may be a user plane message. In one example, the first message may be sent on the user plane. In another example, the first message may be the first message sent by terminal 101 to the first network element 1031 through the first PDU session after the first PDU session is established.

[0315] In some embodiments, the first message may include address information of terminal 101. The address information of terminal 101 can be used to address terminal 101. In one example, the address information of terminal 101 may include the Internet Protocol (IP) address of terminal 101.

[0316] In some embodiments, the first message may also include business-related data and / or information.

[0317] In some embodiments, the first message may further include address information of the first network element 1031. The address information of the first network element 1031 can be used to address the first network element 1031. In one example, the address information of the first network element 1031 may include the IP address of the first network element 1031.

[0318] In step S2110, the third network element 1033 sends the fifth information to the fourth network element 1034.

[0319] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send the fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information may be sent by the third network element 1033, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0320] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may receive the fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information may be received by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0321] In some embodiments, upon receiving the first message, the third network element 1033 can obtain the address information of the terminal 101 from the first message and send the fifth message to the fourth network element 1034.

[0322] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be used to obtain the identification information of terminal 101.

[0323] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be used to request the fourth network element 1034 to provide the identification information of the terminal 101.

[0324] In some embodiments, the fifth information may indicate the address information of terminal 101. In some embodiments, the fifth information may include the address information of terminal 101. For example, the fifth information may include the IP address of terminal 101.

[0325] In some embodiments, after receiving the first message, the third network element 1033 can determine whether the identification information of the terminal 101 is stored locally. If the identification information of the terminal 101 is not stored locally, the third network element 1033 can send the fifth message.

[0326] In step S2111, the fourth network element 1034 sends the sixth information to the third network element 1033.

[0327] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send the sixth information. In some embodiments, the sixth information may be sent by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0328] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can receive the sixth information. In some embodiments, the sixth information can be received by the third network element 1033, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0329] In some embodiments, the sixth information may be used to indicate the identification information of terminal 101.

[0330] In some embodiments, the sixth information can be used to return the identification information of terminal 101 to the third network element 1033.

[0331] In some embodiments, upon receiving the fifth information, the fourth network element 1034 can obtain the identification information of the terminal 101 from the local machine based on the address information of the terminal 101, and send the sixth information.

[0332] In some embodiments, the identification information of terminal 101 may include the SUPI of terminal 101.

[0333] In step S2112, the third network element 1033 sends a second message to the first network element 1031.

[0334] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may send a second message. In some embodiments, the second message may be sent by the third network element 1033, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0335] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can receive the second message. In some embodiments, the second message can be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0336] In some embodiments, the second message may include at least one of the following: the first message, the address information of the terminal 101, and the identification information of the terminal 101.

[0337] In some embodiments, the address information of terminal 101 in the second message may be obtained by the third network element 1033 from the first message.

[0338] In some embodiments, the identification information of terminal 101 may be received by third network element 1033 from fourth network element 1034.

[0339] In some embodiments, the second message may include at least the first message and the identification information of the terminal 101.

[0340] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 may forward the first message to the first network element 1031, and at the same time send the identification information and / or address information of the terminal 101 to the first network element 1031.

[0341] It should be noted that, through steps S2109 to S2112, the first network element 1031 can obtain the identification information of the terminal 101 through the second message from the third network element 1033, thereby ensuring that the terminal 101, as the source of the first message, is the correct terminal. After obtaining the identification information of the terminal 101 based on the second message corresponding to the first message sent by the terminal 101 for the first time, the third network element 1033 may not include the identification information of the terminal 101 in subsequent messages sent through the user plane.

[0342] The communication method of this disclosure embodiment can be implemented through steps S2101 to S2112.

[0343] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2112. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2112 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and a combination of steps S2101 and S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and step S2102... The combination of steps S2105, S2103, S2104, S2106, S2108, S2107, S2108, S2101, S2106, S2108, S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but are not limited thereto.

[0344] In some embodiments, steps S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2107, S2108, S2109, S2110, S2111, and S2112 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2103, S2104, S2106, S2107, S2108, S2109, S2110, S2111, and S2112 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2107, S2108, S2109, S2110, S2111, and S2112 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2106, S2107, S2108, S2109, S2110, and S2111 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0345] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0346] Figure 2B is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2B, the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S2201 to S2210.

[0347] In this embodiment, the first network element 1031 can be a network element with sensing and / or federated learning functions; the second network element 1032 can be an AMF; the third network element 1033 can be a UPF; the fourth network element 1034 can be an SMF and / or a BSF; the fifth network element 1035 can be a PCF; and the sixth network element 1036 can be a UDM and / or a UDR. It should be noted that the network elements involved in this embodiment can also be other network functions, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit them.

[0348] In step S2201, terminal 101 sends second information to second network element 1032.

[0349] The optional implementation of step S2201 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0350] In step S2202, the second network element 1032 sends the third information to the sixth network element 1036.

[0351] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send third information. In some embodiments, the third information may be sent by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0352] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can receive third information. In some embodiments, the third information can be received by the sixth network element 1036, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0353] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send third information based on the second information.

[0354] In some embodiments, third information can be used to obtain first information.

[0355] In some embodiments, the third information can be used to request the sixth network element 1036 to provide the contract information of the terminal 101.

[0356] In some embodiments, the name of the third information is not limited, and it may be, for example, a request message.

[0357] In some embodiments, the third information may include identification information of terminal 101. This identification information can be used to identify terminal 101.

[0358] In some embodiments, the identification information of terminal 101 may include an identifier of terminal 101. In one example, the identifier of terminal 101 may include at least one of the following: SUPI, SUCI, IMSI, GPSI.

[0359] In some embodiments, the third information may be carried in the Nudr_DM_Query request message. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send a Nudr_DM_Query request message to the sixth network element 1036, and this message may carry the third information. For example, the Nudr_DM_Query request message may carry the SUPI of the terminal 101.

[0360] In step S2203, the sixth network element 1036 sends the first information to the second network element 1032.

[0361] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can send first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be sent by the sixth network element 1036, but is not limited to this, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0362] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can receive the first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be received by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0363] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may have the subscription information of the terminal 101.

[0364] In some embodiments, the contract information may include at least one of the following: first information and first instruction information.

[0365] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: identification information of DNN, PLMN, and identification information of NPN.

[0366] In some embodiments, the DNN can be used to identify a data network. This data network can exchange PDUs with terminal 101 via PDU connectivity services. In some embodiments, the PDU connectivity services can be supported by a PDU session. For example, the PDU connectivity service corresponding to the data network identified by the DNN in the first information can be supported by a first PDU session.

[0367] In some embodiments, the identification information of the PLMN can be used to identify the PLMN. In some embodiments, the PLMN can be associated with the DNN.

[0368] In some embodiments, the identification information of a PLMN may include an identifier for the PLMN. For example, the identification information of a PLMN may include a PLMN ID.

[0369] In some embodiments, PLMN may include at least one of the following: HPLMN and VPLMN.

[0370] In some embodiments, in non-roaming scenarios, the PLMN may only include the HPLMN. In this case, the PLMN identification information in the first information may include the HPLMN identification information. In one example, the HPLMN identification information may be used to identify the home network.

[0371] It is understandable that in roaming scenarios, a PLMN may include both an HPLMN and a VPLMN, or it may only include a VPLMN. In this case, the PLMN identification information in the first information may include both HPLMN and VPLMN identification information, or it may only include VPLMN identification information. In one example, the HPLMN identification information can be used to identify the home network, and the VPLMN identification information can be used to identify the visited network.

[0372] In some embodiments, the identification information of the NPN can be used to identify the NPN. In some embodiments, the NPN can be associated with the DNN.

[0373] In some embodiments, the identification information of an NPN may include an NPN identifier. For example, the identification information of an NPN may include an NPN ID.

[0374] In some embodiments, the first information may include identification information of the DNN and PLMN. The first information can be used to establish a first PDU session via the DNN. The first network element 1031 associated with the first PDU session may be located in the PLMN identified by the identification information. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to use the DNN to establish a first PDU session, and the established PDU session can connect the terminal 101 and the first network element 1031 located in the PLMN. In one example, in a non-roaming scenario, the first information can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to use the DNN to establish a first PDU session, and the established PDU session can connect the terminal 101 and the first network element 1031 located in the HPLMN. In one example, in a roaming scenario, the first information can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to use the DNN to establish a first PDU session, and the established PDU session can connect the terminal 101 and the first network element 1031 located in the VPLMN.

[0375] In some embodiments, the first information may include identification information for the DNN and NPN. The first information can be used to establish a first PDU session via the DNN. The first network element 1031 associated with the first PDU session may be located in the NPN identified by the identification information. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to indicate that the terminal 101 needs to use the DNN to establish a first PDU session, and the established PDU session can connect the terminal 101 and the first network element 1031 located in the NPN.

[0376] In some embodiments, the first information may be determined by the sixth network element 1036 based on the third information. In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may obtain the first information from the subscription information of the terminal 101 based on the identification information of the terminal 101 in the third information. For example, the sixth network element 1036 may obtain the identification information of the DNN and / or PLMN from the subscription information of the terminal 101 based on the SUPI of the terminal 101.

[0377] In some embodiments, the first indication information may be used to indicate whether the terminal 101 is allowed to establish a first PDU session.

[0378] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can determine whether to send the first information based on the first indication information. In one example, if the first indication information indicates that the terminal 101 is not allowed to establish a first PDU session, the sixth network element 1036 may not send the first information. In another example, if the first indication information indicates that the terminal 101 is allowed to establish a first PDU session, the sixth network element 1036 may send the first information.

[0379] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may send subscription information to the second network element 1032. This subscription information includes first information. In some embodiments, the subscription information may further include first indication information. In some embodiments, regardless of whether the first indication information indicates whether the terminal 101 is allowed to establish a first PDU session, the sixth network element 1036 may send both the first information and the first indication information to the second network element 1032.

[0380] In some embodiments, the first information and / or the first indication information may be carried in the Nudr_DM_Query response message. In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may send a Nudr_DM_Query response message to the second network element 1032, which may carry the first information and / or the first indication information.

[0381] In step S2204, the second network element 1032 sends the first information to the terminal 101.

[0382] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 can send the first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be sent by the second network element 1032, but is not limited thereto, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0383] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be received by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0384] In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may receive first indication information from the sixth network element 1036. In this case, the second network element 1032 can determine whether to send first information based on the first indication information. In one example, if the first indication information indicates that the terminal 101 is not allowed to establish a first PDU session, the second network element 1032 may not send the first information. In another example, if the first indication information indicates that the terminal 101 is allowed to establish a first PDU session, the second network element 1032 may send the first information.

[0385] In some embodiments, the first information may be carried in the registration acceptance. In some embodiments, the second network element 1032 may send a registration acceptance to the terminal 101. The registration acceptance may include the first information.

[0386] It should be noted that steps S2201 to S2204 can be interactive steps in the registration process. In this case, the acquisition of the first information can be achieved during the registration process of terminal 101. Of course, steps S2201 to S2204 can also be interactive steps in other communication processes, and this embodiment of the present disclosure does not impose specific limitations.

[0387] In step S2205, the sixth network element 1036 sends the first information to the terminal 101.

[0388] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 can send first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be sent by the sixth network element 1036, but is not limited to this, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0389] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be received by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0390] In some embodiments, the sixth network element 1036 may send first information to the terminal 101, which may be used to trigger the terminal 101 to establish a first PDU session.

[0391] In some embodiments, the first information may be actively sent by the sixth network element 1036 to the terminal 101. In some embodiments, when it is necessary to establish a first PDU session, the sixth network element 1036 may send the first information to the terminal 101.

[0392] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: the identification information of the PLMN and the identification information of the NPN.

[0393] In some embodiments, the PLMN identification information in the first information can be used to indicate the PLMN where the first network element 1031 is located. In some embodiments, the first information may include PLMN identification information, in which case the first information can be used to indicate that the first network element 1031 establishing the first PDU session is located in the PLMN identified by the identification information. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to establish the first PDU session, and the first PDU session can connect to the first network element 1031 in the PLMN.

[0394] In some embodiments, the NPN identification information in the first information can be used to indicate the NPN where the first network element 1031 is located. In some embodiments, the first information may include NPN identification information, in which case the first information can be used to indicate that the first network element 1031 establishing the first PDU session is located in the NPN identified by the identification information. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to establish the first PDU session, and the first PDU session can connect to the first network element 1031 in the NPN.

[0395] In step S2206, terminal 101 executes the session establishment process.

[0396] The optional implementation of step S2206 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0397] In step S2207, the fourth network element 1034 sends a third message to the third network element 1033.

[0398] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 can send a third message. In some embodiments, the third message can be sent by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited to this; it can also be sent by other entities.

[0399] In some embodiments, the third network element 1033 can receive a third message. In some embodiments, the third message can be received by the third network element 1033, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0400] In some embodiments, the third message may be used to provide the address information and identification information of the terminal 101.

[0401] In some embodiments, the third message may include fourth information.

[0402] In some embodiments, the fourth information may be used to indicate the association between the address information of terminal 101 and the identification information of terminal 101.

[0403] In some embodiments, the fourth information may include the address information of terminal 101 and the identification information of terminal 101.

[0404] In some embodiments, the third message may include a PDU session establishment request message. In one example, the third message may include an N4 session establishment request message during the PDU session establishment process.

[0405] In some embodiments, step S2207 may be performed simultaneously with step S2206. For example, step S2207 may be implemented through one or more steps in step S2206.

[0406] In some embodiments, the address information and identification information of terminal 101 in the third message can be stored locally by the third network element 1033.

[0407] In step S2208, terminal 101 sends a first message to third network element 1033.

[0408] The optional implementation of step S2208 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0409] In step S2209, the third network element 1033 obtains the address information of the terminal 101.

[0410] In some embodiments, upon receiving a first message, the third network element 1033 can obtain the address information of the terminal 101 from the first message. Then, the third network element 1033 can obtain the identification information of the terminal 101 locally based on the address information of the terminal 101.

[0411] In some embodiments, the identification information of terminal 101 may include the SUPI of terminal 101.

[0412] In step S2210, the third network element 1033 sends a second message to the first network element 1031.

[0413] The optional implementation of step S2210 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2112 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0414] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2201 to S2210. For example, step S2201 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2205 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2210 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2201 and S2204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2202 and S2203 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2204 and S2206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2205 and S2206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2201 and S2202 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2203 and S2204 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S2201, S2204 and S2206 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but not limited thereto.

[0415] In some embodiments, steps S2202, S2203, S2205, S2206, S2207, S2208, S2209, and S2210 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2201, S2204, S2205, S2206, S2207, S2208, S2209, and S2210 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2201, S2202, S2203, S2204, S2205, S2207, S2208, S2209, and S2210 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2201, S2202, S2203, S2204, S2205, S2206, S2207, S2208, and S2209 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0416] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0417] Figure 2C is an interactive schematic diagram of the communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication method involved in the embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100. As shown in Figure 2C, the communication method of the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S2301 to S2314.

[0418] In this embodiment, the first network element 1031 can be a network element with sensing and / or federated learning functions; the second network element 1032 can be an AMF; the third network element 1033 can be a UPF; the fourth network element 1034 can be an SMF and / or a BSF; the fifth network element 1035 can be a PCF; and the sixth network element 1036 can be a UDM and / or a UDR. It should be noted that the network elements involved in this embodiment can also be other network functions, and this application embodiment does not specifically limit them.

[0419] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may be in a roaming scenario. In this case, the fifth network element 1035 may include a fifth network element 1035a in the visited network and a fifth network element 1035b in the home network.

[0420] In step S2301, terminal 101 sends second information to second network element 1032.

[0421] The optional implementation of step S2301 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2101 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0422] In step S2302, the second network element 1032 sends the third information to the fifth network element 1035a.

[0423] The optional implementation of step S2302 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2102 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0424] In step S2303, the fifth network element 1035a sends third information to the fifth network element 1035b.

[0425] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035a can send third information. In some embodiments, the third information can be sent by the fifth network element 1035a, but is not limited to this, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0426] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035b can receive third information. In some embodiments, the third information can be received by the fifth network element 1035b, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0427] In some embodiments, in a roaming scenario, the fifth network element 1035a in the visited network can send third information to the fifth network element 1035b in the home network 1035b.

[0428] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035a may also send the identification information of the visited network's DNN and VPLMN to the fifth network element 1035b.

[0429] In step S2304, the fifth network element 1035b sends the third information to the sixth network element 1036.

[0430] The optional implementation of step S2304 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2103 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0431] In step S2305, the sixth network element 1036 sends the first information to the fifth network element 1035b.

[0432] The optional implementation of step S2305 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2104 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0433] In step S2306, the fifth network element 1035b sends the first information to the fifth network element 1035a.

[0434] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035b can send first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be sent by the fifth network element 1035b, but is not limited to this, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0435] In some embodiments, the fifth network element 1035a can receive the first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be received by the fifth network element 1035a, but is not limited thereto, and can also be received by other entities.

[0436] In some embodiments, the first information sent by the fifth network element 1035b to the fifth network element 1035a may include: identification information of the home network's DNN and associated PLMN, and identification information of the visited network's DNN and associated PLMN.

[0437] In step S2307, the fifth network element 1035a sends the first information to the second network element 1032.

[0438] The optional implementation of step S2307 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0439] In step S2308, the second network element 1032 sends the first information to the terminal 101.

[0440] The optional implementation of step S2308 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2106 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0441] It should be noted that steps S2301 to S2308 can be interactive steps in the registration process. In this case, the acquisition of the first information can be achieved during the registration process of terminal 101. Of course, steps S2301 to S2308 can also be interactive steps in other communication processes, and this embodiment of the present disclosure does not impose specific limitations.

[0442] In step S2309, the first network element 1031 sends the first information to the terminal 101.

[0443] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 can send first information. In some embodiments, the first information can be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited to this, and can also be sent by other entities.

[0444] In some embodiments, terminal 101 may receive first information. In some embodiments, the first information may be received by terminal 101, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0445] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send first information to the terminal 101, which may be used to trigger the terminal 101 to establish a first PDU session.

[0446] In some embodiments, the first information may be actively sent by the first network element 1031 to the terminal 101. In some embodiments, when it is necessary to establish a first PDU session, the first network element 1031 may send the first information to the terminal 101.

[0447] In some embodiments, the first information may include at least one of the following: the identification information of the PLMN and the identification information of the NPN.

[0448] In some embodiments, the PLMN identification information in the first information can be used to indicate the PLMN where the first network element 1031 is located. In some embodiments, the first information may include PLMN identification information, in which case the first information can be used to indicate that the first network element 1031 establishing the first PDU session is located in the PLMN identified by the identification information. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to establish the first PDU session, and the first PDU session can connect to the first network element 1031 in the PLMN.

[0449] In some embodiments, the NPN identification information in the first information can be used to indicate the NPN where the first network element 1031 is located. In some embodiments, the first information may include NPN identification information, in which case the first information can be used to indicate that the first network element 1031 establishing the first PDU session is located in the NPN identified by the identification information. In some embodiments, the first information can be used to instruct the terminal 101 to establish the first PDU session, and the first PDU session can connect to the first network element 1031 in the NPN.

[0450] In step S2310, terminal 101 executes the session establishment process.

[0451] The optional implementation of step S2310 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2108 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0452] In step S2311, terminal 101 sends a first message to third network element 1033.

[0453] The optional implementation of step S2311 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0454] In step S2312, the third network element 1033 sends a second message to the first network element 1031.

[0455] The optional implementation of step S2312 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2112 in Figure 2A, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2A, which will not be repeated here.

[0456] In some embodiments, the second message may include at least one of the following: the first message, the address information of terminal 101.

[0457] In step S2313, the first network element 1031 sends the fifth information to the fourth network element 1034.

[0458] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may send the fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information may be sent by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0459] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may receive the fifth information. In some embodiments, the fifth information may be received by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0460] In some embodiments, upon receiving the address information of terminal 101, the first network element 1031 may send fifth information to the fourth network element 1034.

[0461] In some embodiments, upon receiving the second message, the first network element 1031 can obtain the address information of the terminal 101 from the first message and send the fifth message to the fourth network element 1034.

[0462] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be used to obtain the identification information of terminal 101.

[0463] In some embodiments, the fifth information may be used to request the fourth network element 1034 to provide the identification information of the terminal 101.

[0464] In some embodiments, the fifth information may indicate the address information of terminal 101. In some embodiments, the fifth information may include the address information of terminal 101. For example, the fifth information may include the IP address of terminal 101.

[0465] In step S2314, the fourth network element 1034 sends the sixth information to the first network element 1031.

[0466] In some embodiments, the fourth network element 1034 may send the sixth information. In some embodiments, the sixth information may be sent by the fourth network element 1034, but is not limited thereto, and may also be sent by other entities.

[0467] In some embodiments, the first network element 1031 may receive the sixth information. In some embodiments, the sixth information may be received by the first network element 1031, but is not limited thereto, and may also be received by other entities.

[0468] In some embodiments, the sixth information may be used to indicate the identification information of terminal 101.

[0469] In some embodiments, the sixth information can be used to return the identification information of the terminal 101 to the first network element 1031.

[0470] In some embodiments, upon receiving the fifth information, the fourth network element 1034 can obtain the identification information of the terminal 101 from the local machine based on the address information of the terminal 101, and send the sixth information.

[0471] In some embodiments, the identification information of terminal 101 may include the SUPI of terminal 101.

[0472] The communication method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2301 to S2314. For example, step S2301 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2302 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2303 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2306 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2307 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2308 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2309 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2310 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, step S2312 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and a combination of steps S2301 and S2308 can be implemented as an independent embodiment. The combination of S2307 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2303 and S2306 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2304 and S2305 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2308 and S2310 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2309 and S2310 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2301, S2308 and S2310 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, the combination of steps S2301, S2302, S2303 and S2304 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the combination of steps S2305, S2306, S2307 and S2308 can be implemented as an independent embodiment, but is not limited thereto.

[0473] In some embodiments, steps S2302, S2303, S2304, S2305, S2306, S2307, S2309, S2310, S2311, S2312, S2313, and S2314 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2301, S2303, S2304, S2305, S2306, S2308, S2309, S2310, S2311, S2312, S2313, and S2314 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2301, S2302, S2304, S2305, S2307, S2308, S2309, S2310, S2311, S2312, S2313, and S2314 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2301, S2302, S2303, S2306, S2307, S2308, S2309, S2310, S2311, S2312, S2313, and S2314 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2301, S2302, S2303, S2304, S2305, S2306, S2307, S2308, S2310, S2311, S2312, S2313, and S2314 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2301, S2302, S2303, S2304, S2305, S2306, S2307, S2308, S2309, S2311, S2312, S2313, and S2314 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments. In some embodiments, steps S2301, S2302, S2303, S2304, S2305, S2306, S2307, S2308, S2309, S2310, S2311, S2313, and S2314 are optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0474] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0475] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "symbol", "codebook", "codeword", "codepoint", "bit", "data", "program", and "chip" can be used interchangeably.

[0476] In some embodiments, the terms “radio”, “wireless”, “radio access network (RAN)”, “access network (AN)”, and “RAN-based” can be used interchangeably.

[0477] In some embodiments, “get,” “obtain,” “get,” “receive,” “transmit,” “bidirectional transmission,” and “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably and can be interpreted as receiving from other entities, obtaining from protocols, obtaining from higher layers, obtaining through self-processing, or autonomous implementation, among other meanings.

[0478] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0479] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0480] In some embodiments, the determination or judgment can be made by a value represented by 1 bit (0 or 1), or by a true or false value (boolean), or by a comparison of numerical values ​​(e.g., a comparison with a predetermined value), but is not limited thereto.

[0481] In some embodiments, terms such as "service" and "business" can be used interchangeably.

[0482] Figure 3A is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 3A, the method includes steps S3101 and S3102.

[0483] In step S3101, terminal 101 sends second information to second network element 1032.

[0484] The optional implementations of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2101 in Figure 2A, step S2201 in Figure 2B, and step S2301 in Figure 2C, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0485] In step S3102, the second network element 1032 sends the first information to the terminal 101.

[0486] The optional implementations of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2106 in Figure 2A, step S2204 in Figure 2B, and step S2308 in Figure 2C, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0487] Figure 3B is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 3B, the method includes steps S3201 and S3202.

[0488] In step S3201, the seventh network element sends the third information to the eighth network element.

[0489] The optional implementations of step S3201 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S2102 and S2103 in Figure 2A, step S2202 in Figure 2B, steps S2302, S2303 and S2304 in Figure 2C, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0490] In step S3202, the eighth network element sends the first information to the seventh network element.

[0491] The optional implementations of step S3202 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S2104 and S2105 in Figure 2A, step S2203 in Figure 2B, steps S2305, S2306, and S2307 in Figure 2C, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0492] In some embodiments, the seventh network element can be the second network element 1032, and the eighth network element can be the fifth network element 1035. In some embodiments, the seventh network element can be the fifth network element 1035, and the eighth network element can be the sixth network element 1036.

[0493] In some embodiments, the seventh network element can be the second network element 1032, and the eighth network element can be the sixth network element 1036.

[0494] In some embodiments, the seventh network element may be the second network element 1032, and the eighth network element may be the fifth network element 1035a in the visited network. In some embodiments, the seventh network element may be the fifth network element 1035a in the visited network, and the eighth network element may be the fifth network element 1035b in the home network. In some embodiments, the seventh network element may be the fifth network element 1035b in the home network, and the eighth network element may be the sixth network element 1036.

[0495] Figure 3C is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 3C, the method includes step S3301.

[0496] In step S3301, the third network element 1033 can send a second message to the first network element 1031.

[0497] The optional implementation of step S3301 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2112 in Figure 2A, step S2210 in Figure 2B, and step S2312 in Figure 2C, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0498] Figure 3D is an interactive schematic diagram of a communication method provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This disclosure relates to a communication method. As shown in Figure 3D, the method includes steps S3401 and S3402.

[0499] In step S3401, terminal 101 acquires the first information.

[0500] The optional implementations of step S3401 can be found in the optional implementations of steps S2101, S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2106, S2107 in Figure 2A, steps S2201, S2202, S2203, S2204, S2205 in Figure 2B, steps S2301, S2302, S2303, S2304, S2305, S2306, S2307, S2308, S2309 in Figure 2C, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0501] In step S3402, terminal 101 establishes a first PDU session based on the first information.

[0502] The optional implementation of step S3401 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2109 in Figure 2A, step S2206 in Figure 2B, step S2310 in Figure 2C, and other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, which will not be repeated here.

[0503] In the following, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described by way of specific implementation.

[0504] The embodiments disclosed herein are intended to enable a UE to establish a combined and protected PDU session with multiple NFs in the core network.

[0505] In some embodiments, a secure interaction mechanism (i.e., security policy) between the user plane UE (i.e., terminal) and NF (i.e., first network element) is proposed.

[0506] In some embodiments, this mechanism provides hop-by-hop security for the connection between the UE and the NF, rather than end-to-end protection. In other words, the connection between the UE and the base station (i.e., access network equipment), the connection between the base station and the UPF (i.e., third-party network element), and the connection between the UPF and the NF are protected separately.

[0507] In some embodiments, this mechanism achieves security for message transmission between the UE and the NF by setting the security policy of the connection between the UE and the base station to require integrity protection, while also setting the security policy of the connection between the UPF and the NF to require integrity protection.

[0508] In some embodiments, the mechanism achieves secure message transmission between the UE and the NF by setting the security policy of the connection between the UE and the base station to require both integrity protection and confidentiality protection, and setting the security policy of the connection between the UPF and the NF to require both integrity protection and confidentiality protection.

[0509] Figure 4A is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4A illustrates the overall process of a secure interaction mechanism between a user plane-based UE and NF. As shown in Figure 4A, the communication method includes steps S4101 to S4104.

[0510] The merged NF-related PDU session is not defined. In some embodiments, the merged NF-related PDU session means a merged PDU session that enables the UE to establish connections with multiple network functions located in the core network.

[0511] In step S4101, the network sends information (i.e., first information) (e.g., DNN information, PLMN ID) to the UE via control for establishing a merged NF-related PDU session (i.e., the first PDU session).

[0512] In step S4102, the network sends a merged NF-related PDU session establishment indication (i.e., first information) to the UE. In some embodiments, this indication may include the PLMN ID.

[0513] In some embodiments, this indication can trigger the UE to establish an NF-related PDU session.

[0514] In some embodiments, the PLMN ID can indicate the location of the NF. Upon receiving the PLMN ID, the UE establishes an NF-related PDU session that reaches the NF within that PLMN.

[0515] In step S4103, the UE can determine whether to establish a merged NF-related PDU session based on local policies or instructions from higher layers (e.g., the application layer). The UE can also have the establishment of the PDU session triggered by the network.

[0516] In some embodiments, to achieve hop-by-hop security during the establishment of a PDU session, the following security policies can be set:

[0517] (1) To protect the connection between the UE and the base station, the following UP (user plane) security policy can be set. UP integrity protection needs to be implemented (i.e., integrity protection is applied to all traffic on the PDU session).

[0518] (2) The connection between the base station and the UPF can be achieved through the N3 reference point, and the N3 interface can be protected by existing mechanisms.

[0519] (3) To protect the connection between the UPF and NF, when the reference point between the UPF and NF is multiplexed using the N6 reference point, the transmission of NF-related PDUs on the N6 interface needs to ensure integrity, confidentiality, and protection against replay attacks. Therefore, the security mechanism of the N4 reference point can be used to protect the connection between the UPF and NF.

[0520] In some embodiments, the merged PDU session associated with the UE and NF established through step S4103 is integrity-encapsulated, confidentiality-protected, and has the capability to prevent replay attacks.

[0521] In step S4104, if the UE is the subject that transmits the first message through the user plane, in order to prevent a malicious UE from impersonating another UE, the NF can obtain the real UE ID through the received UE message.

[0522] In steps S4101 to S4104 of this embodiment, each step can be executed independently or in any combination. Multiple steps can be executed in any order as long as they do not contradict each other. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0523] Figure 4B is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4B illustrates the transmission of information related to establishing a merged NF-related PDU session (non-roaming scenario). As shown in Figure 4B, the communication method includes steps S4201 to S4206.

[0524] In some embodiments, NF1 (i.e., the second network element) can be AMF, NF2 (i.e., the fifth network element) can be PCF, and NF3 (i.e., the sixth network element) can be UDM and / or UDR.

[0525] In step S4201, the UE sends an indication to NF1 (e.g., AMF). This indication can be an existing UE policy container. This indication is used to trigger the network to provide information for establishing a merged NF-related PDU session.

[0526] In step S4202, NF1 requests NF2 (e.g., PCF) to provide information for establishing an NF-related PDU session. This request may include the UE's identifier.

[0527] In step S4203, if NF2 contains this information, NF2 can execute step S4205.

[0528] Otherwise, NF2 requests NF3 (e.g., UDM and / or UDR) to provide information for establishing an NF-related PDU session. This request may include the UE's identifier.

[0529] In step S4204, if NF3 (e.g., UDM and / or UDR) receives the request, NF3 sends information to NF2 for establishing a merged NF-related PDU session.

[0530] In step S4205, NF2 sends information to NF1 for establishing a merged NF-related PDU session.

[0531] In some embodiments, the information includes the home network's DNN information and the associated PLMN ID. This information instructs the UE to use the DNN to establish a PDU session, which can support the UE connecting to the NF in the home network.

[0532] In step S4206, NF1 sends information to the UE for establishing a merged NF-related PDU session.

[0533] In some embodiments, NF1 sends the information received from NF2 to the UE.

[0534] In steps S4201 to S4206 of this embodiment, each step can be executed independently or in any combination. Multiple steps can be executed in any order as long as they do not contradict each other. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0535] Figure 4C is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4C illustrates the transmission of information related to establishing a merged NF-related PDU session (roaming scenario). As shown in Figure 4C, the communication method includes steps S4301 to S4306.

[0536] In some embodiments, NF1 can be AMF, NF2 can be H-PCF (i.e., the fifth network element in the home network), NF3 can be UDM and / or UDR, and NF4 can be V-PCF (i.e., the fifth network element in the visited network).

[0537] Step S4301 is the same as step S4201 in Figure 4B.

[0538] Step S4302 includes steps S4302a and S4302b.

[0539] In step S4302a, N1 requests NF4 to provide information on the NF-related PDUs used to establish the merge. This request may include the UE's identifier.

[0540] In step S4302b, NF4 requests NF2 to provide information for establishing NF-related PDUs for merging. NF4 additionally sends information related to the visited network to NF2. This information includes the visited network's DNN information and the associated PLMN ID. This visited network information enables the UE to establish a connection with an NF in the visited network.

[0541] Step S4303 is the same as step S4203 in Figure 4B.

[0542] Step S4304 is the same as step S4204 in Figure 4B.

[0543] In step S4305 (including steps S4305a and S4305b), NF2 sends information for establishing merged NF-related PDUs to NF1 via NF4. This information includes the home network's DNN information and the associated PLMN ID. This information instructs the UE to establish a PDU session using the DNN, which can connect to NFs in the home network.

[0544] In some embodiments, this information may further include the DNN information of the visited network and the associated PLMN ID. Information related to the visited network can enable the UE to establish a connection with the NF in the visited network.

[0545] Step S4306 is the same as step S4206 in Figure 4B.

[0546] In some embodiments, UE ID identification can be performed for NF4 (e.g., target NF).

[0547] In some embodiments, when the UE sends the first message (i.e., the first message) through the user plane, NF4 only knows the UE's IP address and does not know the UE's real UE ID.

[0548] In steps S4301 to S4306 of this embodiment, each step can be executed independently or in any combination. Multiple steps can be executed in any order as long as they do not contradict each other. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0549] Figure 4D is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4D illustrates a scenario where NF5 (e.g., UPF) requests a UE ID from NF6 (e.g., SMF or BSF). As shown in Figure 4D, the communication method includes steps S4401 to S4404.

[0550] In step S4401, the UE sends a message through the user plane.

[0551] In step S4402, NF5 (e.g., UPF) (i.e., the third network element) obtains the UE's IP address from the UE message and sends the UE's IP address to NF6 (e.g., SMF or BSF) (i.e., the fourth network element) to obtain the UE ID. In some embodiments, the UE message on the user plane contains the UE's IP address (i.e., the source IP address) and the IP address of NF7 (i.e., the first network element) (i.e., the destination IP address).

[0552] In step S4403, NF6 uses the UE's IP address to identify the UE ID (e.g., SUPI). NF6 then sends the UE ID to NF5.

[0553] In step S4404, either step S4404a or step S4404b may be performed.

[0554] In step S4404a, NF5 forwards the UE message, along with the UE ID, to NF7.

[0555] In step S4404b, NF5 forwards the UE message, along with the UE's IP address and UE ID, to NF7. In some embodiments, UPF no longer needs to provide the UE ID to NF7 in subsequent messages.

[0556] In steps S4401 to S4404 of this embodiment, each step can be executed independently or in any combination. Multiple steps can be executed in any order as long as they do not contradict each other. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0557] Figure 4E is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4E illustrates a scenario in which an NF5 (e.g., a UPF) identifies a locally stored UE ID. As shown in Figure 4E, the communication method includes steps S4501 to S4504.

[0558] In step S4501, during the PDU session establishment process, NF6 (e.g., SMF) sends the UE ID and UE IP address to NF5 (e.g., UPF) via an N4 session establishment request message.

[0559] In step S4502, the UE sends a message to NF7 (e.g., the target NF) via the user.

[0560] In step S4503, the NF5 (e.g., UPF) obtains the UE's IP address from the UE message. The NF5 uses the UE's IP address to identify the UE ID locally.

[0561] In step S4504, either step S4504a or step S4504b may be performed.

[0562] In step S4504a, NF5 forwards the UE message, along with the UE ID, to NF7.

[0563] In step S4504b, NF5 forwards the UE message, along with the UE's IP address and UE ID, to NF7. In some embodiments, UPF no longer needs to provide the UE ID to NF7 in subsequent messages.

[0564] In steps S4501 to S4504 of this embodiment, each step can be executed independently or in any combination. Multiple steps can be executed in any order as long as they do not contradict each other. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0565] Figure 4F is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4F illustrates a UE ID identification mechanism based on a target NF. As shown in Figure 4F, the communication method includes steps S4601 and S4602.

[0566] In step S4601, after receiving the UE message from the user plane, NF7 (e.g., the target NF) obtains the UE's IP address from the UE message. NF7 then sends the UE's IP address to NF6 (e.g., SMF or BSF).

[0567] In step S4602, NF6 sends the UE ID to NF7.

[0568] In steps S4601 to S4602 of this embodiment, each step can be executed independently or in any combination. Multiple steps can be executed in any order as long as they do not contradict each other. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0569] Figure 4G is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4G illustrates the transmission of information related to establishing a merged NF-related PDU session (roaming and non-roaming scenarios). As shown in Figure 4G, the communication method includes steps S4701 and S4704.

[0570] In step S4701, during processes such as registration, the UE sends to NF1 the UE's support capability for merged NF-related PDU sessions.

[0571] In step S4702, NF1 requests NF3 to provide subscription information. This subscription information includes content related to the merged NF-related PDU sessions (e.g., home network DNN information and associated PLMN ID (i.e., HPLMN ID), and whether the UE is allowed or prohibited from establishing merged NF-related PDU sessions).

[0572] In step S4703, if the UE is allowed to establish a merged NF-related PDU session, NF1 sends information to the UE for establishing the merged NF-related PDU session.

[0573] When the UE is roaming, NF1 can also send information related to the visited network. This information may include the visited network's DNN information and PLMN ID (i.e., VPLMN ID). This information related to the visited network enables the UE to establish a connection with an NF in the visited network.

[0574] In step S4704, NF1 sends information to the UE for establishing a merged NF-related PDU session.

[0575] In steps S4701 to S4704 of this embodiment, each step can be executed independently or in any combination. Multiple steps can be executed in any order as long as they do not contradict each other. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0576] It should be noted that in these exemplary embodiments, one or more NFs connected to by the UE through the merged NF-related PDU session are all NF7 as shown in the figure.

[0577] Figure 4H is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4H, the communication method may include steps S4801 to S4814.

[0578] In step S4801, the UE sends the second information to the AMF.

[0579] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate UE capabilities or service support. The second information may indicate that the UE supports merged PDU sessions.

[0580] In step S4802, the AMF sends third information to the PCF.

[0581] In some embodiments, third information may be used to request information for establishing a merged PDU session.

[0582] In some embodiments, the third information may include the UE ID.

[0583] In step S4803, the PCF sends third information to the UDM and / or UDR.

[0584] In some embodiments, if the PCF does not store information locally for establishing a merged PDU session, the PCF may send third information to the UDM and / or UDR.

[0585] In some embodiments, if the PCF locally stores information for establishing a merged PDU session, the PCF may not send third-party information to the UDM and / or UDR.

[0586] In some embodiments, in non-roaming scenarios, the PCF can be the PCF in the home network.

[0587] In some embodiments, in a roaming scenario, the PCF may include a PCF in the home network (denoted as H-PCF) and a PCF in the visited network (denoted as V-PCF). The AMF may send third information to the V-PCF. The V-PCF may send third information to the H-PCF. The H-PCF may send third information to the UDM and / or UDR. In some embodiments, if the V-PCF locally stores information for establishing a merged PDU session, then the V-PCF may not send third information to the H-PCF. If the H-PCF locally stores information for establishing a merged PDU session, then the H-PCF may not send third information to the UDM and / or UDR.

[0588] In step S4804, UDM and / or UDR send the first information to PCF.

[0589] In some embodiments, the first information is used to establish a merged PDU session.

[0590] In step S4805, the PCF sends the first information to the AMF.

[0591] In some embodiments, in a roaming scenario, the first information sent by the UDM and / or UDR can reach the AMF sequentially via the H-PCF and V-PCF.

[0592] In step S4806, the AMF sends the first information to the UE.

[0593] In some embodiments, the first information obtained through steps S4801 to S4806 may include at least one of the following: DNN information, PLMN ID, and NPN ID.

[0594] In step S4807, the UE receives indication information.

[0595] In some embodiments, the indication information is used to instruct the UE to establish a merged PDU session. In some embodiments, the indication information may include first information. The first information is used to trigger the UE to establish a merged PDU session.

[0596] In some embodiments, the first information obtained through step S4807 may include the PLMN ID.

[0597] In step S4808, the UE interacts with the network side to establish a merged PDU session.

[0598] In step S4809, the UE sends a first message to the UPF.

[0599] In some embodiments, the first message can be transmitted on the user plane by merging PDU sessions.

[0600] In some embodiments, the first message may include the IP address of the UE.

[0601] In step S4810, the UPF sends the fifth message to the SMF.

[0602] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may be used to request a UE ID from the SMF (or BSF).

[0603] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may include the UE's IP address.

[0604] In step S4811, the SMF sends the sixth message to the UPF.

[0605] In some embodiments, the sixth piece of information may be used to indicate the UE ID.

[0606] In step S4812, the UPF sends a first message and / or UE ID to the target NF.

[0607] In some embodiments, in step S4812, the UPF may also send the UE's IP address to the target NF.

[0608] In some embodiments, the UPF may send a first message. In some embodiments, the UPF may send the first message and the UE ID. In some embodiments, the UPF may send the first message and the IP address. In some embodiments, the UPF may send the first message, the UE ID, and the IP address.

[0609] In some embodiments, the UPF may not perform steps S4810 and S4811, in which case the UPF does not obtain the UE ID. In some embodiments, if the UE ID is not sent to the target NF, the target NF may perform the following steps S4813 and S4814.

[0610] In step S4813, the target NF sends the fifth message to the SMF.

[0611] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may be used to request a UE ID from the SMF (or BSF).

[0612] In some embodiments, the fifth piece of information may include the UE's IP address.

[0613] In step S4814, the SMF sends the sixth message to the target NF.

[0614] In some embodiments, the sixth piece of information may be used to indicate the UE ID.

[0615] It should be noted that the specific details of each step in this embodiment can be found in the descriptions of the embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0616] In steps S4801 to S4814 of this embodiment, each step can be executed independently or in any combination. Multiple steps can be executed in any order as long as they do not contradict each other. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0617] Figure 4I is an interactive schematic diagram of an exemplary implementation of the communication method provided according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4I, the communication method may include steps S4901 to S4909.

[0618] In step S4901, the UE sends the second information to the AMF.

[0619] In some embodiments, the second information may be used to indicate UE capabilities or service support. The second information may indicate that the UE supports merged PDU sessions.

[0620] In step S4902, the AMF sends third information to the UDM and / or UDR.

[0621] In some embodiments, third information may be used to request information for establishing a merged PDU session.

[0622] In some embodiments, the third information may include the UE ID.

[0623] In step S4903, UDM and / or UDR send the first information to AMF.

[0624] In some embodiments, the first information is used to establish a merged PDU session.

[0625] In some embodiments, the UDM and / or UDR may also send a first indication message to the AMF. The first indication message is used to indicate whether the UE is allowed to establish a merged PDU session.

[0626] In step S4904, the AMF sends the first information to the UE.

[0627] In some embodiments, the first information obtained through steps S4901 to S4904 may include at least one of the following: DNN information, PLMN ID, and NPN ID.

[0628] In step S4905, the UE receives indication information.

[0629] In some embodiments, the indication information is used to instruct the UE to establish a merged PDU session. In some embodiments, the indication information may include first information. The first information is used to trigger the UE to establish a merged PDU session.

[0630] In some embodiments, the first information obtained through step S4905 may include the PLMN ID.

[0631] In step S4906, the UE interacts with the network side to establish a merged PDU session.

[0632] In some embodiments, during the establishment of a PDU session, the SMF may send fourth information to the UPF. This fourth information includes the UE ID and the UE's IP address. The obtained UE ID and UE's IP address can be stored locally by the UPF.

[0633] In step S4907, the UE sends a first message to the UPF.

[0634] In some embodiments, the first message can be transmitted on the user plane by merging PDU sessions.

[0635] In some embodiments, the first message may include the IP address of the UE.

[0636] In step S4908, the UPF obtains the UE ID from the local machine.

[0637] In some embodiments, the UPF can obtain the UE ID from the local machine based on the UE's IP address.

[0638] In step S4909, the UPF sends the first message and UE ID to the target NF.

[0639] In some embodiments, in step S4809, the UPF may also send the UE's IP address to the target NF.

[0640] In some embodiments, the UPF can send a first message and the UE ID. In some embodiments, the UPF can send a first message, the UE ID, and the IP address.

[0641] It should be noted that the specific details of each step in this embodiment can be found in the descriptions of the embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0642] In steps S4901 to S4909 of this embodiment, each step can be executed independently or in any combination. Multiple steps can be executed in any order as long as they do not contradict each other. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0643] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4A to 4I, the UE can be a terminal 101, the RAN can be an access network device 102, the target NF (or NF) can be a first network element 1031, the AMF can be a second network element 1032, the UPF can be a third network element 1033, the SMF and / or BSF can be a fourth network element 1034, the PCF can be a fifth network element 1035, and the UDM and / or UDR can be a sixth network element 1036.

[0644] In the embodiments disclosed herein, some or all of the steps and their optional implementations may be arbitrarily combined with some or all of the steps in other embodiments, or may be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementations in other embodiments.

[0645] This disclosure also provides communication apparatuses for implementing any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a terminal in any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by an access network device in any of the above methods. For example, this disclosure provides a communication apparatus including units or modules for implementing the steps performed by a network element in any of the above methods.

[0646] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a programmable logic device (PLD). Taking a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) as an example, it can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0647] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a central processing unit, microprocessor, graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a type of microprocessor), or digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a neural network processing unit (NPU), tensor processing unit (TPU), deep learning processing unit (DPU), etc.

[0648] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5, the communication device 500 may include at least one of the following: a transceiver module 501 and a processing module 502.

[0649] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a terminal 101. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 is configured to: acquire first information, wherein the first information is related to a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element; and establish a first PDU session based on the first information. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the terminal 101 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2101, S2106, S2107, S2108, S2109, S2201, S2204, S2205, S2206, S2208, S2301, S2308, S2309, S2310, S2311, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0650] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a first network element 1031. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 is configured to: receive a second message sent by a third network element; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by the terminal through a first PDU session, the terminal's address information, and the terminal's identification information; wherein the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the first network element 1031 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2112, S2210, S2309, S2312, S2313, S2314, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0651] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a second network element 1032. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 is configured to: receive second information sent by a terminal, wherein the second information is used to indicate that the terminal supports a PDU session for connecting the terminal and at least one first network element; and send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to initiate the establishment of a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect the terminal and the first network element. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the second network element 1032 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2105, S2106, S2201, S2202, S2203, S2204, S2301, S2302, S2307, S2308, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0652] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a third network element 1033. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 is configured to send a second message to a first network element; wherein the second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by the terminal through a first PDU session, the terminal's address information, and the terminal's identification information; wherein the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the third network element 1033 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2109, S2110, S2111, S2112, S2207, S2208, S2210, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here. Optionally, the processing module 502 may be configured to perform at least one of the other steps performed by the third network element 1033 in any of the above methods besides the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving (e.g., step S2209, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0653] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a fifth network element 1035. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 is configured to: receive third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; and send first information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session being used to connect a terminal and at least one first network element. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps (e.g., steps S2102, S2103, S2104, S2105, S2107, S2302, S2303, S2304, S2305, S2306, S2307, but not limited thereto) performed by the fifth network element 1035 in any of the above methods, which will not be elaborated here.

[0654] In some embodiments, the communication device 500 may be a sixth network element 1036. In some embodiments, the transceiver module 501 is configured to: receive third information, wherein the third information is used to acquire first information; and send at least one of the first information and the first indication information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is allowed to establish the first PDU session. Optionally, the transceiver module 501 may be configured to perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving performed by the sixth network element 1036 in any of the above methods (e.g., steps S2103, S2104, S2202, S2203, S2205, S2304, S2305, but not limited thereto), which will not be elaborated here.

[0655] In some embodiments, the communication device shown in FIG5 may also be implemented in a physical form, such as a communication device.

[0656] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module. The transmitting and receiving modules may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver.

[0657] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module. Optionally, the processing module may be interchangeable with a processor.

[0658] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a terminal (e.g., a user equipment), a network device (e.g., a core network device, an access network device), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0659] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 can be used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 can be used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0660] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceivers 6102 perform at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101 to S2112, S2201 to S2208, S2210, S2301 to S2314, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2209, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated together. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0661] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6103 may be located outside the communication device 6100. In optional embodiments, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuits 6104 are connected to the memories 6103 and can be used to receive data from the memories 6103 or other devices, and to send data to the memories 6103 or other devices. For example, the interface circuits 6104 can read data stored in the memories 6103 and send that data to the processor 6101.

[0662] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or a part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection of one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data and programs; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0663] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of the chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0664] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0665] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data stored in memory 6203 and send the data to processor 6201.

[0666] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101 to S2112, S2201 to S2208, S2210, S2301 to S2314, but not limited thereto). For example, the interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method means that the interface circuit 6202 performs data interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2209, but not limited thereto).

[0667] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0668] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device 6100, cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the methods described above. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0669] This disclosure also provides a program product that, when executed by a communication device 6100, causes the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product.

[0670] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

[0671] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0672] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method performed by a terminal, wherein, The method includes: Obtain first information, wherein the first information is related to a first packet data unit (PDU) session, and the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element; Based on the first information, establish the first PDU session.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The acquisition of the first information includes: Send a second message to a second network element, wherein the second message is used to instruct the terminal to support a PDU session for connecting the terminal and at least one first network element; The terminal receives the first information sent by the second network element, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to initiate the establishment of the first PDU session.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The acquisition of the first information includes: The first information is received, wherein the first information is used to trigger the terminal to establish the first PDU session.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: Data network name: DNN; The identification information of the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) where one or more of the at least one first network element are located; The identification information of the non-public network (NPN) where one or more of the first network elements are located.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The PLMN includes at least one of the following: Home public land mobile network (HPLMN); Visit the public land mobile network VPLMN.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first PDU session is configured with a security policy.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The security strategy includes at least one of the following: The user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network equipment; Security policies between access network devices and User Plane Function (UPF) devices; Security policy between UPF and the first network element.

8. A communication method performed by a first network element, wherein, The method includes: Receive the second message sent by the third network element; The second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by the terminal through a first packet data unit (PDU) session, the terminal's address information, and the terminal's identification information; The first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, The second message includes only the first message and / or the address information of the terminal; The method further includes: Send the terminal's address information to the fourth network element; Receive the terminal's identification information sent by the fourth network element.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein, The method further includes: Send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used to trigger the terminal to establish the first PDU session.

11. The method of any one of claims 8-10, wherein, The first PDU session is configured with a security policy.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, The security strategy includes at least one of the following: The user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network equipment; Security policies between access network devices and User Plane Function (UPF) devices; Security policy between UPF and the first network element.

13. A communication method performed by a second network element, wherein, The method includes: The receiving terminal sends a second message, wherein the second message is used to indicate that the terminal supports a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session for connecting the terminal and at least one first network element; Send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to initiate the establishment of a first PDU session, and the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: Data network name: DNN; The identification information of the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) where one or more of the at least one first network element are located; The identification information of the non-public network (NPN) where one or more of the first network elements are located.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, The PLMN includes at least one of the following: Home public land mobile network (HPLMN); Visit the public land mobile network VPLMN.

16. The method of any one of claims 13-15, wherein, The first PDU session is configured with a security policy.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, The security strategy includes at least one of the following: The user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network equipment; Security policies between access network devices and User Plane Function (UPF) devices; Security policy between UPF and the first network element.

18. The method of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein, The method further includes: Send a third message, wherein the third message is used to obtain the first message; Receive the first information.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein, The third information includes the terminal's identification information.

20. A communication method performed by a third network element, wherein, The method includes: Send the second message to the first network element; The second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by the terminal through the first PDU session, the terminal's address information, and the terminal's identification information; The first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein, The second message includes the address information of the terminal, which is obtained from the first message.

22. The method of claim 20 or 21, wherein, The second message includes the terminal's identification information; The method further includes: Send the terminal's address information to the fourth network element; Receive the terminal's identification information sent by the fourth network element.

23. The method of claim 21 or 22, wherein, The second message includes the terminal's identification information; The method further includes: Based on the address information of the terminal, obtain the identification information of the terminal from the local machine.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein, The method further includes: The third message sent by the fourth network element is received, wherein the third message is used to indicate the address information and the identification information of the terminal.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, The third message includes a PDU session establishment request message.

26. The method of any one of claims 20-25, wherein, The first PDU session is configured with a security policy.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein, The security strategy includes at least one of the following: The user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network equipment; Security policies between access network devices and User Plane Function (UPF) devices; Security policy between UPF and the first network element.

28. A communication method performed by a fifth network element, wherein, The method includes: Receive third information, wherein the third information is used to obtain the first information; Send the first information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, and the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein, The third information includes the terminal's identification information.

30. The method of claim 28 or 29, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: Data network name: DNN; The identification information of the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) where one or more of the at least one first network element are located; The identification information of the non-public network (NPN) where one or more of the first network elements are located.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein, The PLMN includes at least one of the following: Home public land mobile network (HPLMN); Visit the public land mobile network VPLMN.

32. The method of any one of claims 28-31, wherein, The first PDU session is configured with a security policy.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein, The security strategy includes at least one of the following: The user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network equipment; Security policies between access network devices and User Plane Function (UPF) devices; Security policy between UPF and the first network element.

34. The method of any one of claims 28-33, wherein, The first information is stored in the fifth network element.

35. The method of any one of claims 28-34, wherein, The method further includes: Send the third message; Receive the first information.

36. The method of any one of claims 28 or 35, wherein, The method further includes: Send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used to trigger the terminal to establish the first PDU session.

37. A method of communication performed by a sixth network element, wherein, The method includes: Receive third information, wherein the third information is used to obtain the first information; Send at least one of the first information and the first indication information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is allowed to establish the first PDU session.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein, The third information includes the terminal's identification information.

39. The method of claim 37 or 38, wherein, The first information includes at least one of the following: Data network name: DNN; The identification information of the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) where one or more of the at least one first network element are located; The identification information of the non-public network (NPN) where one or more of the first network elements are located.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein, The PLMN includes at least one of the following: Home public land mobile network (HPLMN); Visit the public land mobile network VPLMN.

41. The method of any one of claims 37-40, wherein, The first PDU session is configured with a security policy.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein, The security strategy includes at least one of the following: The user plane security policy between the terminal and the access network equipment; Security policies between access network devices and User Plane Function (UPF) devices; Security policy between UPF and the first network element.

43. The method of any one of claims 37-42, wherein, The first information and / or the first indication information are included in the contract information of the terminal.

44. A communication device, arranged at a terminal, wherein The device includes: The transceiver module is configured as follows: Obtain first information, wherein the first information is related to a first packet data unit (PDU) session, and the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element; Based on the first information, establish the first PDU session.

45. A communications device arranged at a first network element, wherein The device includes: The transceiver module is configured to receive the second message sent by the third network element; The second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by the terminal through a first PDU session, the terminal's address information, and the terminal's identification information; The first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

46. A communications device arranged at a second network element, wherein The device includes: The transceiver module is configured as follows: The receiving terminal sends a second message, wherein the second message is used to indicate that the terminal supports a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session for connecting the terminal and at least one first network element; Send first information to the terminal, wherein the first information is used by the terminal to initiate the establishment of a first PDU session, and the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

47. A communications device arranged at a third network element, wherein The device includes: The transceiver module is configured to send a second message to the first network element; The second message includes at least one of the following: a first message sent by the terminal through the first PDU session, the terminal's address information, and the terminal's identification information; The first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and the first network element.

48. A communications device configured to be located at a fifth network element, wherein, The device includes: The transceiver module is configured as follows: Receive third information, wherein the third information is used to obtain the first information; Send the first information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, and the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element.

49. A communications device configured to be located at a sixth network element, wherein, The device includes: The transceiver module is configured as follows: Receive third information, wherein the third information is used to obtain the first information; Send at least one of the first information and the first indication information, wherein the first information is used to establish a first PDU session, the first PDU session is used to connect the terminal and at least one first network element, and the first indication information is used to indicate whether the terminal is allowed to establish the first PDU session.

50. A communication device, comprising: One or more processors; A memory that stores instructions; When the instruction is executed by the communication device, it causes the communication device to implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 43.

51. A communication system comprising at least one of the following: A terminal for performing the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; The first network element is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 8 to 12; The second network element is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 13 to 19; The third network element is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 20 to 27; The fifth network element is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 28 to 36; The sixth network element is used to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 37 to 43.

52. A storage medium storing instructions, wherein, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device implements the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 43.

53. A computer program product, comprising instructions, wherein, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device implements the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 43.

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