Communication method and apparatus, network function, terminal, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The present application discloses a communication method and apparatus, a network function, a terminal, a storage medium, and a computer program product. The method comprises: a first network function selecting, on the basis of S-NSSAI and a DNN provided by a terminal, a second network function that supports an MoQ function; receiving first information sent by a third network function, wherein the first information comprises an FQDN; determining that the first information is related to MoQ, and obtaining first address information; and sending second information to the third network function, wherein the second information is used for instructing the third network function to send the first address information.

Description

Communication methods, devices, network functions, terminals, storage media, and computer program products

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411597840.0, filed in China on November 8, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, network function, terminal, storage medium, and computer program product. Background Technology

[0004] Related technologies provide a technical framework for using communication networks to provide services for Extended Reality (XR) services, and define a frame-level Quality of Service (QoS) control method based on Protocol Data Unit Sets (PDU Sets) to support the integrity transmission and QoS guarantee of a set of PDUs. However, the XR service stream transmission schemes in related technologies do not support the transmission of PDU Set information or cannot identify PDU Set information, thus affecting the implementation and optimization of QoS. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the related technical issues, embodiments of this application provide a communication method, apparatus, network function, terminal, storage medium, and computer program product.

[0006] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0007] This application provides a communication method applied to a first network function, the method comprising:

[0008] Based on the Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI) and Data Network Name (DNN) provided by the terminal, a second network function is selected that supports Media over QUIC (MoQ) based on Quick UDP Internet Connection.

[0009] Receive first information sent by a third network function, the first information including a fully qualified domain name (FQDN);

[0010] Determine that the first information is related to MoQ, and obtain the first address information;

[0011] Send a second message to the third network function, the second message being used to instruct the third network function to send the first address information.

[0012] In the above scheme, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0013] The address of the second network function;

[0014] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0015] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0016] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0017] In the above scheme, obtaining the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0018] Obtain the first address information from the local pre-configuration;

[0019] Instruct the second network function to provide the first address information;

[0020] The first address information is obtained through the Network Repository Function (NRF).

[0021] In the above scheme, the second information includes one or more of the following:

[0022] Domain Name System (DNS) message processing rules;

[0023] The first address information;

[0024] The forwarding action is set to directly respond to the first request, which is used to request MoQ-related services.

[0025] In the above scheme, determining that the first piece of information is related to the MoQ service includes:

[0026] The first piece of information is determined to be relevant to the MoQ business based on one or more of the following:

[0027] The S-NSSAI;

[0028] The DNN;

[0029] Local pre-configuration;

[0030] The terminal's subscription data.

[0031] This application also provides a communication method applied to a third network function, the method comprising:

[0032] The receiving terminal sends a first request, which is used to request MoQ-related services.

[0033] Send first information to the first network function, the first information including FQDN;

[0034] Receive second information sent by the first network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send first address information;

[0035] A first response is sent to the terminal, the first response carrying the first address information.

[0036] In the above scheme, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0037] The address of the second network function;

[0038] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0039] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0040] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0041] In the above scheme, after the receiving terminal sends the first request, the method further includes:

[0042] The FQDN associated with MoQ is obtained by resolving the mapping relationship between DNS and FQDN.

[0043] In the above scheme, the second information includes one or more of the following:

[0044] DNS message processing rules;

[0045] The first address information;

[0046] The forwarding action is set to directly respond to the first request.

[0047] This application also provides a communication method applied to a terminal, the method comprising:

[0048] Receive first address information;

[0049] Establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transport protocol.

[0050] In the above scheme, receiving the first address information includes:

[0051] Send a first request to the third network function, the first request being used to request MoQ-related services;

[0052] Receive a first response sent by the third network function, the first response carrying the first address information.

[0053] In the above scheme, receiving the first address information includes:

[0054] Receive the first address information sent by the MoQ application server.

[0055] This application embodiment also provides a communication method applied to a first network function, the method comprising:

[0056] Send a third message to the second network function; the third message instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information;

[0057] Send a fourth message to the second network function, the fourth message being used to instruct the second network function to perform Protocol Data Unit Set (PDU Set) information identification.

[0058] In the above scheme, the fourth information includes one or more of the following:

[0059] PDU Set information identification and labeling indication;

[0060] Protocol description information;

[0061] MoQ transmission protocol information.

[0062] This application embodiment also provides a communication method applied to a second network function, the method comprising:

[0063] Receive third information sent by the first network function; the third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information;

[0064] Receive the fourth information sent by the first network function, the fourth information being used to instruct the second network function to perform Protocol Data Unit Set (PDU Set) information identification;

[0065] Perform PDU Set information identification and / or identification.

[0066] The method in the above scheme further includes:

[0067] Based on the third information, fifth information is sent from the fourth network function to the fifth network function, wherein the fifth information represents the first address information of the second network function as a MoQ relay; and / or

[0068] Send the first address information to the first network function.

[0069] In the above scheme, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0070] The address of the second network function;

[0071] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0072] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0073] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0074] In the above scheme, the execution of PDU Set information identification includes:

[0075] Extract PDU Set information from MoQ metadata.

[0076] In the above scheme, the mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU Set information is obtained from local configuration or determined by the operator.

[0077] This application also provides a communication device, including:

[0078] The first selection unit is configured to select a second network function that supports MoQ based on the S-NSSAI and DNN provided by the terminal.

[0079] The first receiving unit is configured to receive first information sent by a third network function, the first information including FQDN;

[0080] The first acquisition unit is configured to determine that the first information is related to MoQ and obtain the first address information;

[0081] The first sending unit is configured to send second information to the third network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send the first address information.

[0082] This application also provides a communication device, including:

[0083] The second receiving unit is configured to receive a first request sent by the terminal, the first request being used to request MoQ-related services;

[0084] The second sending unit is configured to send first information to the first network function, the first information including FQDN;

[0085] The third receiving unit is configured to receive second information sent by the first network function, wherein the second information is used to instruct the third network function to send first address information.

[0086] The third sending unit is configured to send a first response to the terminal, wherein the first response carries the first address information.

[0087] This application also provides a communication device, including:

[0088] The fourth receiving unit is configured to receive the first address information;

[0089] Establish a unit and configure it to establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transport protocol.

[0090] This application also provides a communication device, including:

[0091] The fourth sending unit is configured to send third information to the second network function; the third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information;

[0092] The fifth sending unit is configured to send fourth information to the second network function, the fourth information being used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification.

[0093] This application also provides a communication device, including:

[0094] The fifth receiving unit is configured to receive third information sent by the first network function; the third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information;

[0095] The sixth receiving unit is configured to receive fourth information sent by the first network function, the fourth information being used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification;

[0096] The execution unit is configured to perform PDU Set information identification and / or identification.

[0097] This application embodiment also provides a first network function, including: a first processor and a first communication interface; wherein,

[0098] The first communication interface is configured to receive first information sent by a third network function, and configured to send second information to the third network function. The first information includes an FQDN, and the second information is used to instruct the third network function to send the first address information.

[0099] The first processor is configured to select a second network function that supports MoQ based on S-NSSAI and DNN provided by the terminal; and is configured to determine that the first information is related to MoQ and obtain the first address information.

[0100] This application embodiment also provides a first network function, including: a first processor and a first communication interface; wherein,

[0101] The first communication interface is configured to send third and fourth information to the second network function; wherein,

[0102] The third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information; the fourth information is used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification.

[0103] This application embodiment also provides a third network function, including: a second processor and a second communication interface; wherein,

[0104] The second communication interface is configured as follows:

[0105] The receiving terminal sends a first request, which is used to request MoQ-related services.

[0106] Send first information to the first network function, the first information including FQDN;

[0107] Receive second information sent by the first network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send first address information;

[0108] A first response is sent to the terminal, the first response carrying the first address information.

[0109] This application also provides a terminal, including: a third processor and a third communication interface; wherein,

[0110] The third communication interface is configured to receive the first address information;

[0111] The third processor is configured to establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transport protocol.

[0112] This application embodiment also provides a second network function, including: a fourth processor and a fourth communication interface; wherein,

[0113] The fourth communication interface is configured to receive third information and fourth information sent by the first network function; wherein, the third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information; the fourth information is used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification;

[0114] The fourth processor is configured to perform PDU Set information identification and / or identification.

[0115] This application also provides a first network function, including a first processor and a first memory configured to store a computer program capable of running on the first processor.

[0116] Wherein, when the first processor is configured to run the computer program, it executes the steps of any method of the first network function side.

[0117] This application also provides a third network function, including a second processor and a second memory configured to store computer programs capable of running on the second processor.

[0118] Wherein, the second processor is configured to execute the steps of any method of the third network function side when running the computer program.

[0119] This application also provides a terminal, including a third processor and a third memory configured to store computer programs capable of running on the third processor.

[0120] The third processor is configured to execute any step of a method on the terminal side when running the computer program.

[0121] This application also provides a second network function, including a fourth processor and a fourth memory configured to store computer programs capable of running on the fourth processor.

[0122] The fourth processor is configured to run the computer program or execute any step of the second network function side method.

[0123] This application embodiment also provides a storage medium storing a computer program thereon, wherein when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of any method of a first network function side, or the steps of any method of a third network function side, or the steps of any method of a terminal side, or the steps of any method of a second network function side.

[0124] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the above methods.

[0125] In the embodiments provided in this application, a first network function can send second information to a third network function supporting MoQ functionality to instruct the third network function supporting MoQ functionality to send first address information. The third network function supporting MoQ functionality sends the first address information to the terminal, enabling the terminal to establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transmission protocol based on the first address information. This allows the network side to send MoQ service flows to the terminal through the MoQ relay, and the PDU Set information is carried by the MoQ metadata of the MoQ service flow. The PDU Set information ensures the quality and integrity of data transmission of the MoQ service flow. The first network function can also send third and fourth information to a second network function, enabling the second network function to open the first address information and perform PDU Set information identification. This allows the terminal to establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transmission protocol based on the first address information, and enables the second network function to identify the PDU Set information carried by the MoQ metadata. This allows the RAN to perform optimized scheduling based on the PDU Set information, thereby improving air interface resource utilization efficiency and user capacity. Attached Figure Description

[0126] Figure 1 is an example diagram of the message structure of the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) related technology;

[0127] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the MoQ connection establishment process of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0128] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the PDU Set information identification process of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0129] Figure 4 is an example diagram of the mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU Set information in an embodiment of this application;

[0130] Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0131] Figure 6 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0132] Figure 7 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0133] Figure 8 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0134] Figure 9 is a schematic flowchart of another communication method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0135] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0136] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of another communication device structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0137] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of another communication device structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0138] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of another communication device structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0139] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of another communication device structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0140] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the first network functional structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0141] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the third network functional structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0142] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the terminal structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0143] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of the second network functional structure according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0144] Extended Reality (XR) services can include multimodal data such as audio, video, and haptic feedback. Related technologies provide a technical framework for using communication networks and related technologies to support interactive media, real-time media, and hybrid media transmission, particularly for XR services. For example, 5G networks are used to support XR services, and a frame-level Quality of Service (QoS) control method based on Protocol Data Unit Sets (PDU Sets) is defined. For XR service flows, end-to-end encryption technologies are widely used in the network to ensure security, and XR and multimedia service-related data should support encryption and integrity protection between the User Plane Function (UPF) and Access Stratum (AS).

[0145] The core network (CN) introduces PDU sets to support the integrity transmission and QoS guarantee of a group of PDUs, such as I-frames / P-frames. However, when the XR service stream transmitted between the UPF and AS is encrypted, the network cannot directly identify the PDU set information, so an encrypted stream identification mechanism needs to be designed.

[0146] Media over QUIC (MoQ) is a simple, low-latency media delivery solution suitable for XR interactive media, real-time media, and hybrid media delivery. MoQ establishes a protocol mechanism for publishing media, as well as identifying and receiving media. Specifically, MoQ is a media delivery protocol implemented using a Quick UDP Internet Connection (QUIC) based on User Datagram Protocol (UDP). MoQ specifies that media streams sent by clients can be relayed to terminals via relay nodes. Relay nodes can identify relevant information based on MoQ metadata to complete media stream transmission. MoQ metadata is unencrypted and visible to relay nodes.

[0147] The UPF acts as a relay node, identifying and marking PDU Set information in XR service flows based on metadata. The UPF then marks these PDU Sets in the GPRS Tunneling Protocol for the User Plane (GTP-U) header and sends it to the Radio Access Network (RAN) node. GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service. Based on the received PDU Set information, the RAN node can perform optimized scheduling at the PDU Set granularity, thereby improving air interface resource utilization efficiency and user capacity.

[0148] However, the MoQ-based mechanisms in related technologies are not yet perfect. The mechanism for how the UE establishes a QUIC connection to the relay is unclear, making it impossible to support MoQ-based connection establishment. Consequently, the network cannot complete MoQ-based metadata identification and marking. Furthermore, the related technologies lack a clear method for mapping MoQ metadata to PDU Set information.

[0149] In summary, while Media over QUIC (MoQ) can be used as a transmission solution for XR services, and the concept of PDU Sets is referenced to ensure the quality and integrity of data transmission, current MoQ-based encrypted stream identification and connection establishment have significant shortcomings: First, the connection establishment mechanism is unclear, failing to clearly describe how the User Equipment (UE) establishes a QUIC connection to a relay (such as a UPF); second, there is a lack of effective methods to map MoQ metadata to PDU Set information, making it difficult for the network to effectively identify and utilize PDU Set information when processing encrypted streams, thus affecting QoS implementation and optimization.

[0150] Based on this, in various embodiments of this application, the first network function can send second information to the third network function supporting MoQ functionality to instruct the third network function supporting MoQ functionality to send first address information; the third network function supporting MoQ functionality sends the first address information to the terminal, enabling the terminal to establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transmission protocol based on the first address information, thereby enabling the network side to send MoQ service flows to the terminal through the MoQ relay, and using the MoQ metadata of the MoQ service flow to carry PDU Set information, thereby ensuring the quality and integrity of data transmission of the MoQ service flow through the PDU Set information. The first network function can also send third and fourth information to the second network function, enabling the second network function to open the first address information and perform PDU Set information identification, thereby enabling the terminal to establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transmission protocol based on the first address information, and enabling the second network function to identify the PDU Set information carried by the MoQ metadata, thereby enabling the RAN to perform optimized scheduling based on the PDU Set information, thereby improving air interface resource utilization efficiency and user capacity.

[0151] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0152] This application provides a MoQ connection establishment method for a communication method, as shown in Figure 2, including the following steps:

[0153] Step 1: Configure the network to support MoQ-based encrypted stream identification and processing.

[0154] Here, when an Application Function (AF) requests MoQ support, the network is instructed to identify PDU Set information based on MoQ metadata and provide a MoQ Application Server (AS). The Policy Control Function (PCF) generates MoQ-related policies and sends them to the Session Management Function (SMF) to support the User Plane Function (UPF) in identifying and processing encrypted flows based on MoQ. The AF can be a third-party application or an operator's own service. If it is a third-party application, the AF needs to interact with other network functions through the Network Exposure Function (NEF).

[0155] When the Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF) is supported in the network, EASDF pre-configures the mapping relationship between DNS and FQDN.

[0156] Step 2: The terminal sends a first request to EASDF. The first request is used to request MoQ-related services.

[0157] Here, if EASDF is supported in the network, the terminal sends a first request to EASDF, for example, the terminal's application layer sends a first request to EASDF to request MoQ-related services or obtain the server address for MoQ service flows.

[0158] It should be noted that the terminal can be a UE (User Equipment) or an application client on the UE. The first request can be a DNS query request.

[0159] Receive a first response sent by the third network function, the first response carrying the first address information.

[0160] Step 3: EASDF receives the first request sent by the terminal, processes the first request, and resolves the FQDN related to MoQ based on the mapping relationship between DNS and FQDN.

[0161] Here, the first request can carry DNS, such as MoQ-related DNS. EASDF determines the FQDN corresponding to the DNS carried in the first request based on the mapping relationship between DNS and FQDN, and obtains the MoQ-related FQDN.

[0162] EASDF can forward the initial request and the MoQ-related FQDN to a DNS server for processing. It receives the response message from the DNS server and retrieves information contained within it, such as the Internet Protocol (IP) address of the Edge Application Server (EAS), i.e., the EAS IP address, and / or the IP address of the MoQ application server. The DNS server stores the mapping between network FQDNs and IP addresses. Based on this mapping, the DNS server can determine the server address corresponding to the MoQ-related FQDN, such as the EAS IP address and / or the MoQ application server IP address.

[0163] It should be noted that the server addresses related to MoQ include the EAS IP address and / or the IP address of the MoQ application server.

[0164] Step 4: EASDF sends the first message to SMF, and SMF receives the first message, which includes the FQDN.

[0165] Here, the first information includes the FQDN associated with the MoQ. The first information can be carried in a DNS message reporting. Optionally, upon receiving a DNS message reporting, the SMF can send a reply message to the EASDF indicating that the first information has been received.

[0166] Step 5: Based on the S-NSSAI and DNN provided by the terminal, the SMF selects a UPF that supports the MoQ function; determines that the first information is related to MoQ, and obtains the first address information.

[0167] Here, the first address information can be the address of the UPF that supports the MoQ function and acts as a MoQ relay, or it can be understood as the address information of the MoQ relay.

[0168] In one embodiment, determining that the first information is related to the MoQ service includes:

[0169] The first piece of information is determined to be relevant to the MoQ business based on one or more of the following:

[0170] The S-NSSAI mentioned above refers to the S-NSSAI provided by the terminal.

[0171] The DNN refers to the DNN provided by the terminal.

[0172] Local pre-configuration;

[0173] The terminal's subscription data.

[0174] Among them, the S-NSSAI indicator provided by the terminal is used for transmitting slices of MoQ service streams, and the DNN indicator provided by the terminal is used for transmitting the data network of MoQ service streams.

[0175] Local pre-configuration can provide the correspondence or mapping relationship between FQDN and MoQ services. Based on this, SMF can determine that the first information is related to the MoQ service flow and perform corresponding operations.

[0176] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0177] The address of the UPF, i.e., the UPF that supports MoQ functionality;

[0178] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0179] The address of the MoQ relay within the UPF;

[0180] Address of the MoQ relay associated with UPF.

[0181] The address of the MoQ trunk within the UPF can be understood as the anchor UPF or the local PDU session anchor (PSA) UPF.

[0182] In one embodiment, obtaining the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0183] Obtain the first address information from the local pre-configuration;

[0184] Instruct the UPF to provide the first address information;

[0185] The first address information is obtained through NRF.

[0186] Step 6: SMF sends a second message to EASDF, which instructs EASDF to send the first address information.

[0187] Here, SMF can initiate a DNS context update process based on the operator's local configuration, update the DNS message processing rules, and instruct EASDF to generate a first response based on the first address information and send it back to the terminal.

[0188] In one embodiment, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0189] DNS message processing rules;

[0190] First address information;

[0191] The forwarding action is set to directly respond to the first request, which is used to request MoQ-related services.

[0192] Among them, SMF can instruct EASDF to send first address information to the terminal through the first response.

[0193] Step 7: EASDF receives the second information and sends the first response to the terminal. The first response carries the first address information.

[0194] Step 8: The terminal receives the first response and, based on the first address information carried in the first response, establishes a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transmission protocol.

[0195] Here, the terminal establishes a connection with the MoQ relay at the application layer using the MoQ transport protocol based on the first address information. Specifically, the terminal can use the MoQ transport protocol to establish a connection with the MoQ relay in the UPF; this connection can be between an application client and the MoQ relay.

[0196] In this embodiment, the terminal can obtain the first address information (the address of the MoQ relay) based on the DNS query process of EASDF, and establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transmission protocol based on the first address information, supporting the establishment of a complete end-to-end MoQ connection. This enables the network side to send MoQ service flows to the terminal through the MoQ relay, and to carry PDU Set information through the MoQ metadata of the MoQ service flow.

[0197] The terminal obtains the address of the MoQ relay based on information from the network side, establishes a connection to the MoQ relay, and the MoQ relay implements PDU Set information identification based on MoQ. Based on this, this application embodiment provides a PDU Set information identification process for a communication method, as shown in Figure 3, including the following steps:

[0198] Step 1: The AF sends MoQ-related information to the Network Exposure Function (NEF).

[0199] Here, when the AF requests support for MoQ, it instructs the network to identify PDU Set information based on MoQ metadata and send MoQ-related information to the NEF. This MoQ-related information includes one or more of the following:

[0200] The mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU Set information;

[0201] The sixth piece of information is used to indicate that the network can identify PDU Set information based on MoQ metadata;

[0202] The addresses of application servers related to MoQ services;

[0203] The address of the MoQ application server;

[0204] The address of the MoQ edge application server;

[0205] Protocol description information;

[0206] MoQ transmission protocol information.

[0207] The PDU Set information includes one or more of the following:

[0208] Information about the last PDU in the PDU Set;

[0209] Information about the last PDU in the data burst;

[0210] The importance or degree of importance of the PDU Set;

[0211] The sequence number of the PDU Set;

[0212] The sequence number of the PDU within the PDU Set;

[0213] Size of PDU Set;

[0214] The number of PDUs in the PDU Set;

[0215] Size of the data burst;

[0216] Time to the next data burst.

[0217] Step 2: After NEF authorizes the AF request, it sends MoQ-related information to PCF.

[0218] Step 3: The PCF receives MoQ-related information, generates MoQ-related policies based on the MoQ-related information, and sends the MoQ-related policies to the SMF.

[0219] Here, MoQ-related policies can be Policy Control and Charging (PCC), and MoQ-related policies include one or more of the aforementioned MoQ-related information. In other words, MoQ-related policies include one or more of the following:

[0220] The mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU Set information;

[0221] The sixth piece of information is used to indicate that the network can identify PDU Set information based on MoQ metadata;

[0222] The addresses of application servers related to MoQ services;

[0223] The address of the MoQ application server;

[0224] The address of the MoQ edge application server;

[0225] Protocol description information;

[0226] MoQ transmission protocol information.

[0227] Step 4: The SMF receives the MoQ-related policies sent by the UPF and sends third information to the UPF.

[0228] The third information indicates that the UPF opens the first address information, and / or indicates that the UPF returns the first address information.

[0229] Here, the third piece of information can be carried in the Session Reporting Rule. UPF refers to the UPF acting as a MoQ relay; instructing the UPF to return the first address information can be understood as instructing the UPF to return the first address information to the SMF.

[0230] It should be noted that upon receiving MoQ-related policies, the SMF can generate N4 rules based on these policies. The N4 rules instruct the UPF, acting as a MoQ relay, to identify PDU set information. The N4 rules may include one or more of the following: the mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU set information, MoQ establishment instructions, the addresses of application servers related to MoQ services, the addresses of MoQ application servers, the addresses of MoQ edge application servers, protocol description information, MoQ transport protocol information, and a seventh piece of information. This seventh piece of information instructs the UPF to identify PDU set information based on MoQ metadata.

[0231] Step 5: The UPF receives the third information and, based on the third information, sends the fifth information to the AF via the NEF. The fifth information represents the first address information of the UPF as a MoQ relay.

[0232] Here, the UPF sends the first address information to the AF through the NEF. For example, the UPF exposes the first address information to the AF through the NEF via Nupf_EventExposure. After receiving the first address information, the AF sends the first address information to the MoQ application server, and the MoQ application server sends the first address information to the terminal. The terminal receives the first address information sent by the MoQ application server and establishes a connection with the MoQ relay based on the first address information.

[0233] Step 6: UPF sends the first address information to SMF.

[0234] Step 7: SMF sends a fourth message to UPF, which instructs UPF to perform PDU Set information identification.

[0235] The fourth piece of information includes one or more of the following:

[0236] PDU Set information identification and labeling indication;

[0237] Protocol description information;

[0238] MoQ transmission protocol information.

[0239] Step 8: The UPF receives the fourth message and performs PDU Set information identification and / or identification.

[0240] Here, the UPF initiates the MoQ relay function based on the fourth information, establishes a QUIC connection with the MoQ application server based on the address of the MoQ application server, and performs PDU Set information identification and marking.

[0241] The process of identifying PDU Set information includes extracting PDU Set information from MoQ metadata. For example, extracting PDU Set information from MoQ metadata based on the MoQ relay in the UPF.

[0242] The mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU Set information is obtained from local configuration or determined by the operator.

[0243] Here, based on the definition of the MoQ object header, the MoQ metadata is shown in the right box of Figure 4. A one-to-one mapping method can be used to directly map the complete PDU set information to any field of the MoQ metadata; for example, the PDU Set Importance (PSI) can be directly mapped to the Publisher Priority field. When the PSI has only 16 importance levels, only 4 bits are needed.

[0244] To fully map the space and support mapping for more parameters, the mapping method can be overloaded based on MoQ's PDU Set information. In other words, the relevant fields in the MoQ object header can be overloaded and mapped more flexibly, including split fields and their corresponding bits, supporting multi-granularity mapping of PDU Set information.

[0245] Taking the one-byte Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) as an example, the 8-bit field circled inside the ellipse on the left side of Figure 4 contains the following information regarding Extended Reality Multimedia (XRM):

[0246] E(1-bit): The last PDU in the PDU set;

[0247] D(1-bit): The last PDU in the data burst;

[0248] PSI (4-bit): PDU Set Importance (PSI).

[0249] Figure 4 shows a MoQ object containing an 8-bit Publisher Priority field, with other fields having customizable lengths (i). Taking the 8-bit Publisher Priority as an example, it can accommodate the same 8 bits as those in a one-byte RTP extended header, including PSI, E, D, and a 2-bit reserved space for future expansion. This flexible mapping method provides more flexible PDU Set information mapping and combination methods, and can utilize the custom length field in the MoQ Object header to overload and map different PDU Set information. Based on this information mapping method, and using the protocol information and mapping auxiliary information provided by the application, the network can identify encrypted streams based on the MoQ metadata.

[0250] In this embodiment, the network can support QoS transmission guarantees based on PDU Sets, enabling flexible network-service collaboration while protecting service information. Simultaneously, the overload mapping method using multiple PDU Set information combinations enhances the flexibility for further expansion of XR services and achieves efficient information mapping.

[0251] Based on the interaction flow of the communication method shown in the above embodiments, this application's embodiments are further described using the first network function SMF, the second network function, the third network function, and the terminal as the execution entities. The first network function is SMF or a network function that is equivalent to or replaces SMF; the second network function is UPF or a network function that is equivalent to or replaces UPF; and the third network function is EASDF or a network function that is equivalent to or replaces EASDF. It should be noted that the implementation principle of the communication method with a single execution entity can be understood in the same way as the relevant content of the above-described communication method interaction flow embodiments, and will not be repeated below.

[0252] This application provides a communication method applied to a first network function, which is an SMF (Software-Defined Network) or a network function that is equivalent to or can replace an SMF. As shown in Figure 5, the method includes:

[0253] Step 501: Based on the S-NSSAI and DNN provided by the terminal, select the second network function that supports MoQ.

[0254] Here, the second network function UPF may be equivalent to or replace the network function of UPF.

[0255] Step 502: Receive first information sent by the third network function, the first information including FQDN.

[0256] Here, the third network function is EASDF or a network function that is equivalent to or replaces EASDF.

[0257] Step 503: Determine that the first information is related to MoQ and obtain the first address information.

[0258] To flexibly or accurately identify MoQ services, in one embodiment, determining that the first piece of information is related to MoQ services includes:

[0259] The first piece of information is determined to be relevant to the MoQ business based on one or more of the following:

[0260] The S-NSSAI;

[0261] The DNN;

[0262] Local pre-configuration;

[0263] The terminal's subscription data.

[0264] To improve the flexibility of obtaining the first address information, in one embodiment, obtaining the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0265] Obtain the first address information from the local pre-configuration;

[0266] Instruct the second network function to provide the first address information;

[0267] The first address information is obtained through NRF.

[0268] To facilitate the establishment of a connection between the terminal and the MoQ relay, in one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0269] The address of the second network function;

[0270] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0271] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0272] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0273] Step 504: Send second information to the third network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send the first address information.

[0274] In one embodiment, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0275] DNS message processing rules;

[0276] The first address information;

[0277] The forwarding action is set to directly respond to the first request, which is used to request MoQ-related services.

[0278] Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication method applied to a third network function, wherein the third network function is EASDF or a network function that is equivalent to or can replace EASDF. As shown in FIG6, the method includes:

[0279] Step 601: Receive a first request sent by the terminal, the first request being used to request MoQ-related services.

[0280] To obtain the MoQ-related FQDN, in one embodiment, after the receiving terminal sends a first request, the method further includes:

[0281] The FQDN associated with MoQ is obtained by resolving the mapping relationship between DNS and FQDN.

[0282] Step 602: Send first information to the first network function, the first information including FQDN.

[0283] Step 603: Receive the second information sent by the first network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send the first address information.

[0284] In one embodiment, the second information includes at least one of the following:

[0285] DNS message processing rules;

[0286] The first address information;

[0287] The forwarding action is set to directly respond to the first request.

[0288] Step 604: Send a first response to the terminal, the first response carrying the first address information.

[0289] To facilitate the establishment of a connection between the terminal and the MoQ relay, in one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0290] The address of the second network function;

[0291] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0292] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0293] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0294] Correspondingly, this application also provides a communication method applied to a terminal. As shown in Figure 7, the method includes:

[0295] Step 701: Receive the first address information.

[0296] In scenarios where a third network function is supported in the network, the terminal can request first address information from the third network function. In one embodiment, receiving the first address information includes:

[0297] Send a first request to the third network function, the first request being used to request MoQ-related services;

[0298] Receive a first response sent by the third network function, the first response carrying the first address information.

[0299] In a scenario where the UPF provides first address information to the AF via the NEF, in one embodiment, receiving the first address information includes:

[0300] Receive the first address information sent by the MoQ application server.

[0301] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0302] The address of the second network function;

[0303] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0304] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0305] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0306] Step 702: Establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transport protocol.

[0307] Correspondingly, embodiments of this application provide a communication method applied to a first network function, wherein the first network function is an SMF or a network function that is equivalent to or can replace an SMF. As shown in FIG8, the method includes:

[0308] Step 801: Send the third message to the second network function.

[0309] The third information indicates that the second network function opens the first address information, and / or indicates that the second network function returns the first address information. Instructing the second network function to open the first address information can be understood as instructing the second network function to open the address information of the MoQ relay.

[0310] Step 802: Send a fourth message to the second network function, the fourth message being used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification.

[0311] To facilitate the identification of PDU Set information from MoQ metadata by MoQ relays, in one embodiment, the fourth information includes one or more of the following:

[0312] PDU Set information identification and labeling indication;

[0313] Protocol description information;

[0314] MoQ transmission protocol information.

[0315] Correspondingly, this application provides a communication method applied to a second network function, where the first network function is a UPF or a network function that is equivalent to or can replace a UPF. As shown in Figure 9, the method includes:

[0316] Step 901: Receive the third information sent by the first network function.

[0317] The third information indicates that the second network function opens the first address information, and / or indicates that the second network function returns the first address information.

[0318] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0319] The address of the second network function;

[0320] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0321] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0322] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0323] Step 902: Receive the fourth information sent by the first network function.

[0324] The fourth information is used to indicate the identification of the second network function execution protocol data unit set (PDU Set) information.

[0325] Step 903: Perform PDU Set information identification and / or identification.

[0326] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0327] Based on the third information, fifth information is sent from the fourth network function to the fifth network function, wherein the fifth information represents the first address information of the second network function as a MoQ relay; and / or

[0328] Send the first address information to the first network function.

[0329] Here, the fourth network function is NEF or a network function that is equivalent to or can replace NEF, and the fifth network function is AF.

[0330] In one embodiment, the process of performing PDU Set information identification includes:

[0331] Extract PDU Set information from MoQ metadata.

[0332] Here, extracting PDU Set information from MoQ metadata can be done by retrieving PDU Set information from MoQ metadata based on MoQ relay. Specifically, the PDU Set information from MoQ metadata can be retrieved based on the mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU Set information.

[0333] In one embodiment, the mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU Set information is obtained from local configuration or determined by the operator.

[0334] Here, the mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU Set information can be implemented based on local configuration or determined by the operator.

[0335] To implement the method of the first network function side in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device disposed on the first network function, as shown in FIG10, the device comprising:

[0336] The first selection unit 1001 is configured to select a second network function that supports MoQ based on the S-NSSAI and DNN provided by the terminal.

[0337] The first receiving unit 1002 is configured to receive first information sent by a third network function, the first information including FQDN;

[0338] The first acquisition unit 1003 is configured to determine that the first information is related to MoQ and obtain the first address information;

[0339] The first sending unit 1004 is configured to send second information to the third network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send the first address information.

[0340] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0341] The address of the second network function;

[0342] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0343] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0344] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0345] In one embodiment, the first acquisition unit 1003 is specifically configured as one or more of the following:

[0346] Obtain the first address information from the local pre-configuration;

[0347] Instruct the second network function to provide the first address information;

[0348] The first address information is obtained through NRF.

[0349] In one embodiment, the second information includes one or more of the following:

[0350] DNS message processing rules;

[0351] The first address information;

[0352] The forwarding action is set to directly respond to the first request, which is used to request MoQ-related services.

[0353] In one embodiment, the first acquisition unit 1003 is specifically configured to determine that the first information is related to the MoQ service based on one or more of the following:

[0354] The S-NSSAI;

[0355] The DNN;

[0356] Local pre-configuration;

[0357] The terminal's subscription data.

[0358] In practical applications, the first receiving unit 1002 and the first sending unit 1004 can be implemented by a processor in the communication device combined with a communication interface, and the first selection unit 1001 and the first acquisition unit 1003 can be implemented by a processor in the communication device.

[0359] To implement the method of the third network function side in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, which is disposed on the third network function, as shown in FIG11. The device includes:

[0360] The second receiving unit 1101 is configured to receive a first request sent by the terminal, the first request being used to request MoQ-related services.

[0361] The second sending unit 1102 is configured to send first information to the first network function, the first information including FQDN;

[0362] The third receiving unit 1103 is configured to receive second information sent by the first network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send first address information;

[0363] The third sending unit 1104 is configured to send a first response to the terminal, wherein the first response carries the first address information.

[0364] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0365] The address of the second network function;

[0366] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0367] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0368] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0369] In one embodiment, after the receiving terminal sends the first request, the device further includes:

[0370] The resolution unit is configured to resolve the MoQ-related FQDN based on the mapping relationship between DNS and FQDN.

[0371] In one embodiment, the second information includes one or more of the following:

[0372] DNS message processing rules;

[0373] The first address information;

[0374] The forwarding action is set to directly respond to the first request.

[0375] In practical applications, the second receiving unit 1101, the second sending unit 1102, the third receiving unit 1103, and the third sending unit 1104 can be implemented by a processor in the communication device combined with a communication interface, and the parsing unit can be implemented by a processor in the communication device.

[0376] To implement the terminal-side method of this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides a communication device disposed on the terminal, as shown in FIG12, the device including:

[0377] The fourth receiving unit 1201 is configured to receive the first address information;

[0378] Establish unit 1202, configured to establish a connection with MoQ relay using the MoQ transmission protocol.

[0379] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0380] The sixth sending unit is configured to send a first request to the third network function, wherein the first request is used to request MoQ-related services;

[0381] The fourth receiving unit 1201 is specifically configured to receive a first response sent by the third network function, the first response carrying the first address information.

[0382] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0383] The address of the second network function;

[0384] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0385] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0386] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0387] In one embodiment, the fourth receiving unit 1201 is specifically configured to receive first address information sent by the MoQ application server.

[0388] In practical applications, the fourth receiving unit 1201 and the sixth sending unit can be implemented by a processor in the communication device combined with a communication interface, and the establishment unit 1202 can be implemented by a processor in the communication device.

[0389] To implement the method of the first network function side in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, which is disposed on the first network function, as shown in FIG13. The device includes:

[0390] The fourth sending unit 1301 is configured to send third information to the second network function; the third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information;

[0391] The fifth sending unit 1302 is configured to send fourth information to the second network function, the fourth information being used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification.

[0392] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0393] The address of the second network function;

[0394] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0395] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0396] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0397] In one embodiment, the fourth information includes one or more of the following:

[0398] PDU Set information identification and labeling indication;

[0399] Protocol description information;

[0400] MoQ transmission protocol information.

[0401] In practical applications, the fourth transmitting unit 1301 and the fifth transmitting unit 1302 can be implemented by a processor in the communication device combined with a communication interface.

[0402] To implement the method of the second network function side in the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, which is disposed on the second network function, as shown in FIG14. The device includes:

[0403] The fifth receiving unit 1401 is configured to receive third information sent by the first network function; the third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information;

[0404] The sixth receiving unit 1402 is configured to receive fourth information sent by the first network function, the fourth information being used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification;

[0405] Execution unit 1403 is configured to perform PDU Set information identification and / or identification.

[0406] In one embodiment, the device further includes:

[0407] The seventh transmitting unit is configured to transmit fifth information to the fifth network function via the fourth network function based on the third information, wherein the fifth information represents the first address information of the second network function as a MoQ relay; and / or

[0408] Configured to send the first address information to the first network function.

[0409] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0410] The address of the second network function;

[0411] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0412] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0413] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0414] In one embodiment, the execution unit 1403 is specifically configured to extract PDU Set information from the MoQ metadata.

[0415] In one embodiment, the mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU Set information is obtained from local configuration or determined by the operator.

[0416] In practical applications, the fifth receiving unit 1401, the sixth receiving unit 1402 and the seventh sending unit can be implemented by a processor in the communication device combined with a communication interface, and the execution unit 1403 can be implemented by a processor in the communication device.

[0417] It should be noted that the communication device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above program modules. In practical applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the communication device and communication method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0418] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method of the first network function side of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a first network function, which may be an AMF. As shown in FIG15, the first network function 1500 includes:

[0419] The first communication interface 1501 is capable of exchanging information with other network nodes;

[0420] The first processor 1502 is connected to the first communication interface 1501 to enable information interaction with other network nodes. When configured to run a computer program, it executes the methods provided by one or more technical solutions of the first network function side described above. The computer program is stored in the first memory 1503.

[0421] Specifically, the first network function supports two different scenarios.

[0422] In the first scenario, the first processor 1502 is configured to select a second network function that supports MoQ based on the S-NSSAI and DNN provided by the terminal; and is configured to determine that the first information is related to MoQ and obtain the first address information.

[0423] The first communication interface 1501 is configured to receive first information sent by a third network function, the first information including FQDN; and is configured to send second information to the third network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send the first address information.

[0424] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0425] The address of the second network function;

[0426] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0427] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0428] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0429] In one embodiment, the first processor 1502 is specifically configured as one or more of the following:

[0430] Obtain the first address information from the local pre-configuration;

[0431] Instruct the second network function to provide the first address information;

[0432] The first address information is obtained through NRF.

[0433] In one embodiment, the second information includes one or more of the following:

[0434] DNS message processing rules;

[0435] The first address information;

[0436] The forwarding action is set to directly respond to the first request, which is used to request MoQ-related services.

[0437] In one embodiment, the first processor 1502 is specifically configured to determine that the first information is related to the MoQ service based on one or more of the following:

[0438] The S-NSSAI;

[0439] The DNN;

[0440] Local pre-configuration;

[0441] The terminal's subscription data.

[0442] In the second scenario, the first communication interface 1501 is configured to send third information to the second network function; the third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information; and is configured to send fourth information to the second network function, the fourth information being used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification.

[0443] In one embodiment, the fourth information includes one or more of the following:

[0444] PDU Set information identification and labeling indication;

[0445] Protocol description information;

[0446] MoQ transmission protocol information.

[0447] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0448] The address of the second network function;

[0449] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0450] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0451] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0452] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the first processor 1502 and the first communication interface 1501 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0453] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the first network function 1500 are coupled together via bus system 1504. It can be understood that bus system 1504 is configured to enable communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, bus system 1504 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, all buses are labeled as bus system 1504 in Figure 15.

[0454] The first memory 1503 in this embodiment is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the first network function 1500. Examples of such data include any computer program configured to operate on the first network function 1500.

[0455] The methods disclosed in the above embodiments of this application can be applied to the first processor 1502, or implemented by the first processor 1502. The first processor 1502 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the first processor 1502. The first processor 1502 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The first processor 1502 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the first memory 1503. The first processor 1502 reads the information in the first memory 1503 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in combination with its hardware.

[0456] In an exemplary embodiment, the first network function 1500 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0457] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method of the third network function side of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a third network function, which may be EASDF. As shown in FIG16, the third network function 1600 includes:

[0458] The second communication interface 1601 is capable of exchanging information with other network nodes;

[0459] The second processor 1602 is connected to the second communication interface 1601 to enable information interaction with other network nodes. When configured to run a computer program, it executes the methods provided by one or more of the aforementioned third network function side technical solutions. The computer program is stored in the second memory 1603.

[0460] Specifically, the second communication interface 1601 is configured as follows:

[0461] The receiving terminal sends a first request, which is used to request MoQ-related services.

[0462] Send first information to the first network function, the first information including FQDN;

[0463] Receive second information sent by the first network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send first address information;

[0464] A first response is sent to the terminal, the first response carrying the first address information.

[0465] In one embodiment, the second processor 1602 is configured to resolve the MoQ-related FQDN based on the mapping relationship between DNS and FQDN.

[0466] In one embodiment, the second information includes one or more of the following:

[0467] DNS message processing rules;

[0468] The first address information;

[0469] The forwarding action is set to directly respond to the first request.

[0470] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0471] The address of the second network function;

[0472] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0473] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0474] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0475] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the second processor 1602 and the second communication interface 1601 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0476] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the third network function 1600 are coupled together via bus system 1604. It can be understood that bus system 1604 is configured to enable communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, bus system 1604 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, all buses are labeled as bus system 1604 in Figure 16.

[0477] The second memory 1603 in this embodiment is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the third network function 1600. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the third network function 1600.

[0478] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the second processor 1602, or implemented by the second processor 1602. The second processor 1602 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the second processor 1602. The second processor 1602 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The second processor 1602 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the second memory 1603. The second processor 1602 reads the information in the second memory 1603 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in conjunction with its hardware.

[0479] In an exemplary embodiment, the third network function 1600 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0480] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the terminal-side method of this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides a terminal. As shown in FIG17, the terminal 1700 includes:

[0481] The third communication interface 1701 is capable of exchanging information with other network nodes;

[0482] The third processor 1702 is connected to the third communication interface 1701 to enable information interaction with other network nodes and to execute the methods provided by one or more of the aforementioned terminal-side technical solutions when running a computer program. The computer program is stored in the third memory 1703.

[0483] Specifically, the third communication interface 1701 is configured to receive first address information;

[0484] The third processor 1702 is configured to establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transmission protocol.

[0485] In one embodiment, the third communication interface 1701 is further configured to send a first request to a third network function, the first request being used to request MoQ-related services; and to receive a first response sent by the third network function, the first response carrying the first address information.

[0486] In one embodiment, the third communication interface 1701 is specifically configured to receive first address information sent by the MoQ application server.

[0487] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0488] The address of the second network function;

[0489] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0490] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0491] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0492] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the third processor 1702 and the third communication interface 1701 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0493] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in terminal 1700 are coupled together through bus system 1704. It can be understood that bus system 1704 is configured to enable communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, bus system 1704 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, all buses are labeled as bus system 1704 in Figure 17.

[0494] The third memory 1703 in this embodiment is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the terminal 1700. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the terminal 1700.

[0495] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to, or implemented by, the third processor 1702. The third processor 1702 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry of the hardware or by instructions in the software form of the third processor 1702. The third processor 1702 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The third processor 1702 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware decoding processor, or execution by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, specifically a third memory 1703. The third processor 1702 reads information from the third memory 1703 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the aforementioned method.

[0496] In an exemplary embodiment, terminal 1700 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components, configured to perform the aforementioned method.

[0497] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method of the second network function side of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a second network function, which can be a UPF. As shown in FIG18, the second network function 1800 includes:

[0498] The fourth communication interface 1801 is capable of exchanging information with other network nodes;

[0499] The fourth processor 1802 is connected to the fourth communication interface 1801 to enable information interaction with other network nodes. When running a computer program, it executes the methods provided by one or more of the aforementioned second network function side technical solutions. The computer program is stored in the fourth memory 1803.

[0500] Specifically, the fourth communication interface 1801 is configured to receive third information sent by the first network function, and is also configured to receive fourth information sent by the first network function; wherein, the third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information; the fourth information is used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification;

[0501] The fourth processor 1802 is configured to perform PDU Set information identification and / or identification.

[0502] In one embodiment, the fourth communication interface 1801 is further configured to send fifth information to a fifth network function via a fourth network function based on third information, wherein the fifth information represents the first address information of the second network function as a MoQ relay; and / or

[0503] Configured to send the first address information to the first network function.

[0504] In one embodiment, the first address information includes one or more of the following:

[0505] The address of the second network function;

[0506] The address of the MoQ relay;

[0507] The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function;

[0508] Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

[0509] In one embodiment, the fourth processor 1802 is specifically configured to extract PDU Set information from the MoQ metadata.

[0510] In one embodiment, the mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU Set information is obtained from local configuration or determined by the operator.

[0511] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the fourth processor 1802 and the fourth communication interface 1801 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0512] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the second network function 1800 are coupled together via bus system 1804. It can be understood that bus system 1804 is configured to enable communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, bus system 1804 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, all buses are labeled as bus system 1804 in Figure 18.

[0513] The fourth memory 1803 in this embodiment is configured to store various types of data to support the operation of the second network function 1800. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the second network function 1800.

[0514] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to, or implemented by, the fourth processor 1802. The fourth processor 1802 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry of the hardware or by instructions in the software form of the fourth processor 1802. The fourth processor 1802 may be a general-purpose processor, a DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The fourth processor 1802 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware decoding processor, or execution by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, specifically a fourth memory 1803. The fourth processor 1802 reads information from the fourth memory 1803 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the aforementioned method.

[0515] In an exemplary embodiment, the second network function 1800 may be implemented by one or more ASICs, DSPs, PLDs, CPLDs, FPGAs, general-purpose processors, controllers, MCUs, microprocessors, or other electronic components, configured to perform the aforementioned method.

[0516] It is understood that the memories (first memory 1503, second memory 1603, third memory 1703, and fourth memory 1803) in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); magnetic surface memory can be disk storage or magnetic tape storage. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache.By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM). The memories described in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0517] In an exemplary embodiment, this application also provides a storage medium, namely a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium, such as a first memory 1503 storing a computer program, which can be executed by a first processor 1502 of a first network function 1500 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned first network function side method. Another example is a second memory 1603 storing a computer program, which can be executed by a second processor 1602 of a third network function 1600 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned third network function side method. Yet another example is a third memory 1703 storing a computer program, which can be executed by a third processor 1702 of a terminal 1700 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned terminal side method. Yet another example is a fourth memory 1803 storing a computer program, which can be executed by a fourth processor 1802 of a second network function 1800 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned second network function side method. The computer-readable storage medium can be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or CD-ROM.

[0518] Exemplary embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product, including a computer program that can be executed by a first processor 1502 of a first network function 1500 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned first network function side method. The computer program can be executed by a second processor 1602 of a third network function 1600 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned third network function side method. The computer program can be executed by a third processor 1702 of a terminal 1700 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned terminal side method. The computer program can be executed by a fourth processor 1802 of a second network function 1800 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned second network function side method.

[0519] It should be noted that terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. "Multiple" can refer to two or more items, and "multiple" can refer to two or more items. The term "and / or" in this document merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Furthermore, the term "one or more" in this document refers to any combination of at least two of the multiple elements. For example, including one or more of A, B, and C can represent including any one or at least two or more elements selected from the set consisting of A, B, and C.

[0520] Furthermore, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0521] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A communication method applied to a first network function, the method comprising: Based on the single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI and data network name DNN provided by the terminal, a second network function supporting the media transmission MoQ function based on the Fast User Datagram Protocol (QUIC) network connection is selected. Receive first information sent by a third network function, the first information including a fully qualified domain name (FQDN); Determine that the first information is related to MoQ, and obtain the first address information; Send a second message to the third network function, the second message being used to instruct the third network function to send the first address information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first address information includes one or more of the following: The address of the second network function; The address of the MoQ relay; The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function; Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The acquisition of the first address information includes one or more of the following: Obtain the first address information from the local pre-configuration; Instruct the second network function to provide the first address information; The first address information is obtained through the Network Registration Function (NRF).

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The second information includes one or more of the following: Domain Name System (DNS) message processing rules; The first address information; The forwarding action is set to directly respond to the first request, which is used to request MoQ-related services.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The determination that the first piece of information is related to the MoQ service includes: The first piece of information is determined to be relevant to the MoQ business based on one or more of the following: The S-NSSAI; The DNN; Local pre-configuration; The terminal's subscription data.

6. A communication method applied to a third network function, the method comprising: The receiving terminal sends a first request, which is used to request MoQ-related services. Send first information to the first network function, the first information including FQDN; Receive second information sent by the first network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send first address information; A first response is sent to the terminal, the first response carrying the first address information.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The first address information includes one or more of the following: The address of the second network function; The address of the MoQ relay; The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function; Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein, After the receiving terminal sends the first request, the method further includes: The FQDN associated with MoQ is obtained by resolving the mapping relationship between DNS and FQDN.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The second information includes one or more of the following: DNS message processing rules; The first address information; The forwarding action is set to directly respond to the first request.

10. A communication method applied to a terminal, the method comprising: Receive first address information; Establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transport protocol.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The receiving of the first address information includes: Send a first request to the third network function, the first request being used to request MoQ-related services; Receive a first response sent by the third network function, the first response carrying the first address information.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The receiving of the first address information includes: Receive the first address information sent by the MoQ application server.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The first address information includes one or more of the following: The address of the second network function; The address of the MoQ relay; The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function; Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

14. A communication method applied to a first network function, the method comprising: Send a third message to the second network function; The third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information; Send a fourth message to the second network function, the fourth message being used to instruct the second network function to perform Protocol Data Unit Set (PDU Set) information identification.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The first address information includes one or more of the following: The address of the second network function; The address of the MoQ relay; The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function; The address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein, The fourth piece of information includes one or more of the following: PDU Set information identification and labeling indication; Protocol description information; MoQ transmission protocol information.

17. A communication method applied to a second network function, the method comprising: Receive third information sent by the first network function; The third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information; Receive the fourth information sent by the first network function, the fourth information being used to instruct the second network function to perform Protocol Data Unit Set (PDU Set) information identification; Perform PDU Set information identification and / or identification.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the third information, fifth information is sent from the fourth network function to the fifth network function, wherein the fifth information represents the first address information of the second network function as a MoQ relay; and / or Send the first address information to the first network function.

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein, The first address information includes one or more of the following: The address of the second network function; The address of the MoQ relay; The address of the MoQ relay within the second network function; Address of the MoQ relay associated with the second network function.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein, The execution of PDU Set information identification includes: Extract PDU Set information from MoQ metadata.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The mapping relationship between MoQ metadata and PDU Set information is obtained from local configuration or determined by the operator's implementation.

22. A communication device, comprising: The first selection unit is configured to select a second network function that supports MoQ based on the S-NSSAI and DNN provided by the terminal. The first receiving unit is configured to receive first information sent by a third network function, the first information including FQDN; The first acquisition unit is configured to determine that the first information is related to MoQ and obtain the first address information; The first sending unit is configured to send second information to the third network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send the first address information.

23. A communication device, comprising: The second receiving unit is configured to receive a first request sent by the terminal, the first request being used to request MoQ-related services; The second sending unit is configured to send first information to the first network function, the first information including FQDN; The third receiving unit is configured to receive second information sent by the first network function, wherein the second information is used to instruct the third network function to send first address information. The third sending unit is configured to send a first response to the terminal, wherein the first response carries the first address information.

24. A communication device, comprising: The fourth receiving unit is configured to receive the first address information; Establish a unit and configure it to establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transport protocol.

25. A communication device, comprising: The fourth sending unit is configured to send third information to the second network function; The third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information; The fifth sending unit is configured to send fourth information to the second network function, the fourth information being used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification.

26. A communication device, comprising: The fifth receiving unit is configured to receive the third information sent by the first network function; The third information indicates that the second network function opens the first address information, and / or indicates that the second network function returns the first address information; The sixth receiving unit is configured to receive fourth information sent by the first network function, the fourth information being used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification; The execution unit is configured to perform PDU Set information identification and / or identification.

27. A first network function, comprising: A first processor and a first communication interface; wherein... The first communication interface is configured to receive first information sent by a third network function, and configured to send second information to the third network function. The first information includes an FQDN, and the second information is used to instruct the third network function to send the first address information. The first processor is configured to select a second network function that supports MoQ based on S-NSSAI and DNN provided by the terminal; and is configured to determine that the first information is related to MoQ and obtain the first address information.

28. A first network function, comprising: A first processor and a first communication interface; wherein... The first communication interface is configured to send third and fourth information to the second network function; wherein, The third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information; the fourth information is used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification.

29. A third network function, comprising: A second processor and a second communication interface; wherein... The second communication interface is configured as follows: The receiving terminal sends a first request, which is used to request MoQ-related services. Send first information to the first network function, the first information including FQDN; Receive second information sent by the first network function, the second information being used to instruct the third network function to send first address information; A first response is sent to the terminal, the first response carrying the first address information.

30. A terminal, comprising: A third processor and a third communication interface; wherein... The third communication interface is configured to receive the first address information; The third processor is configured to establish a connection with the MoQ relay using the MoQ transport protocol.

31. A second network function, comprising: The fourth processor and the fourth communication interface; wherein, The fourth communication interface is configured to receive third information and fourth information sent by the first network function; wherein, the third information instructs the second network function to open the first address information, and / or instructs the second network function to return the first address information; the fourth information is used to instruct the second network function to perform PDU Set information identification; The fourth processor is configured to perform PDU Set information identification and / or identification.

32. A first network function, comprising a first processor and a first memory configured to store a computer program capable of running on the first processor. in, When the first processor is configured to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

33. A third network function, comprising a second processor and a second memory configured to store a computer program capable of running on the second processor. in, When the second processor is configured to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

34. A terminal, comprising a third processor and a third memory configured to store a computer program capable of running on the third processor. in, When the third processor is configured to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method described in any one of claims 10 to 13.

35. A second network function, including a fourth processor and a fourth memory configured to store a computer program capable of running on the fourth processor. in, When the fourth processor is configured to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method described in any one of claims 17 to 21.

36. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, or the steps of the method according to any one of claims 17 to 21.

37. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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