Information processing methods, communication device, communication system, and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are information processing methods, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. An information processing method is executed by a first network function and comprises: sending first information to a second network function, the first information being used for acquiring second information, the second information being related to a first connection, and the first connection being a connection between a terminal and a third network function; and sending third information to a fourth network function on the basis of the second information, the third information being used for requesting establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

Description

Information processing methods, communication equipment, communication systems and storage media Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an information processing method, communication device, communication system and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of communication technology, there is a growing demand for services that require data processing within communication systems. These services are supported at various levels, including terminals, core network equipment, and access network equipment. As more and more services requiring data processing are introduced into communication systems, it is necessary to consider the management of user-plane or data-plane services to better support their adoption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments disclosed herein aim to address the issue that network functions in the core network cannot support mobile-terminated network services based on the user plane or data plane.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a first network function, comprising: sending first information to a second network function, the first information being used to acquire second information; wherein the second information is related to a first connection, the first connection being a connection between a terminal and a third network function; and based on the second information, sending third information to a fourth network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a fourth network function, comprising: receiving third information sent by a first network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the first network function and the third network function; wherein the third information is sent by the first network function based on second information; the second information is obtained by the first network function sending first information to the second network function, and the second information is related to a first connection; the first connection is a connection between a terminal and the third network function.

[0006] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a second network function, comprising: receiving first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information is used to acquire second information in the second network function; the second information is related to a first connection, and the second information is used by the first network function to send third information to a fourth network function; the first connection is a connection between a terminal and a third network function; and the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a third network function, comprising: receiving fourth information sent by a fourth network function, the fourth information being obtained by the fourth network function from a first network function, the fourth information being used to instruct the first network function; the fourth information being sent by the third network function after receiving third information sent by the first network function, the third information being used to request the establishment of a second connection between the first network function and the third network function; and establishing the second connection based on the fourth information.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a communication system, the communication system including a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function. The method includes: the first network function sending first information to the second network function, the first information being used to acquire second information; wherein the second information is related to a first connection, the first connection being a connection between a terminal and the third network function; and the first network function sending third information to the fourth network function based on the second information, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a first network function is provided, comprising: a first transceiver module configured to send first information to a second network function, the first information being used to acquire second information; wherein the second information is related to a first connection, the first connection being a connection between a terminal and a third network function; and based on the second information, sending third information to a fourth network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a fourth network function is proposed, comprising: a second transceiver module configured to receive third information sent by a first network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the first network function and the third network function; wherein the third information is sent by the first network function based on second information; the second information is obtained by the first network function sending first information to the second network function, and the second information is related to the first connection; the first connection is a connection between a terminal and the third network function.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a second network function is provided, comprising: a third transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information is used to acquire second information in the second network function; the second information is related to a first connection, and the second information is used by the first network function to send third information to a fourth network function; the first connection is a connection between a terminal and the third network function; and the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0012] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a third network function is provided, comprising: a fourth transceiver module configured to receive fourth information sent by the fourth network function, the fourth information being obtained by the fourth network function from a first network function and used to instruct the first network function; the fourth information being sent by the third network function after receiving third information sent by the first network function, the third information being used to request the establishment of a second connection between the first network function and the third network function; and establishing the second connection based on the fourth information.

[0013] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a communication device is provided, which is used to perform an optional implementation of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and the fourth aspect.

[0014] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first network function, a fourth network function, a second network function, and a third network function; wherein the first network function is configured to perform a method as described in an optional implementation of the first aspect, the fourth network function is configured to perform a method as described in an optional implementation of the second aspect, the second network function is configured to perform a method as described in an optional implementation of the third aspect, and the fourth network function is configured to perform a method as described in an optional implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0015] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions which, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0016] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a program product is provided, including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein the program and instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the method described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0017] The embodiments disclosed herein enable network functions in the core network to support mobile-terminated network services based on the user plane or data plane. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings required for the description of the embodiments are introduced below. The following drawings are only some embodiments of this disclosure and do not impose specific limitations on the protection scope of this disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fourth network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0030] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose an information processing method executed by a first network function, comprising: sending first information to a second network function, the first information being used to acquire second information; wherein the second information is related to a first connection, the first connection being a connection between a terminal and a third network function; and based on the second information, sending third information to a fourth network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0031] In the above embodiments, second information related to the first connection can be obtained through the first network function to determine whether the first connection has been established. This allows the first network function to request the establishment of a second connection between the first network function and the third network function (i.e., the anchor point) from the fourth network function. This enables network functions in the core network (such as the fourth network function) to control the establishment of the connection between the first and third network functions, thereby allowing the core network to support mobile-terminated network services based on the user plane or data plane. For example, it allows information about these network services to be exchanged between the terminal and the first network function based on the first and second connections; and it facilitates the introduction of more services.

[0032] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the third information includes: fourth information of the first network function; wherein the fourth information is used for the third network function or the fourth network function to establish a second connection; the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function; a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate the first network function.

[0033] In the above embodiments, sending the fourth information along with the third information to the fourth network function facilitates the fourth network function initiating or triggering the third network function to establish a second connection, which is beneficial for the interaction of service information; on the other hand, it can save transmission resource overhead, etc.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate a first type of fourth network function in the fourth network function; a third identifier, wherein the third identifier is used to indicate a second type of fourth network function in the fourth network function; a connection indication, wherein the connection indication is used to indicate that a first connection has been established; fifth information, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of a third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate a third network function; record information, wherein the record information is used to indicate information related to the first connection; and a fifth identifier, wherein the fifth identifier is used to indicate a specified data network.

[0035] In the above embodiments, the second information carries the various information mentioned above, so that the first connection can be indicated explicitly or implicitly in a variety of ways, thereby adapting to more application scenarios.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending third information to a fourth network function includes one of the following: sending third information to a first type of fourth network function; wherein the third network function is managed by the first type of fourth network function; or, the third network function is managed by a second type of fourth network function, and the first type of fourth network function requests the second type of fourth network function to establish a second connection; sending third information to a second type of fourth network function, wherein the third network function is managed by the second type of fourth network function.

[0037] In the above embodiments, third information requesting the establishment of a second connection can be sent to various types of fourth network functions, enabling various types of fourth network functions to control whether or not a second connection is established, thus adapting to more application scenarios.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before sending the third information to the second type of fourth network function, one of the following is further included: determining the second type of fourth network function based on the second information; obtaining the second type of fourth network function from the first type of fourth network function.

[0039] In the above embodiments, the second type of fourth network function can be determined through the second information or the first type of fourth network function, thereby providing multiple ways to obtain the second type of fourth network function and adapting to more application scenarios. Furthermore, the appropriate second type of fourth network function can be determined to control whether the second connection is established.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, obtaining a second type of fourth network function from a first type of fourth network function includes: sending sixth information to the first type of fourth network function, wherein the sixth information is used to obtain seventh information; receiving the seventh information sent by the first type of fourth network function, wherein the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a third identifier and third address information of the second type of fourth network function; and determining the second type of fourth network function based on the seventh information.

[0041] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving eighth information sent by a fourth network function; wherein the eighth information is used to indicate that a second connection has been established.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a connection identifier, wherein the connection identifier indicates a second connection; and fifth information, wherein the fifth information is used to indicate a third network function.

[0043] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: sending downlink information of a service to a third network function via a second connection, wherein the downlink information of the service is used by the third network function to send it to a terminal via a first connection; receiving uplink information of a service sent by the third network function via the second connection, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the third network function from the terminal via the first connection.

[0044] In the above embodiments, the service information between the terminal and the third network function can be forwarded through the second connection and the first connection, which eliminates the need to expose the address of the first network function to the terminal, thereby improving transmission security. Furthermore, the first information of the services exchanged between the terminal and the first network function in the core network via the third network function can support services with lower complexity and better scalability.

[0045] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes one of the following: a network service function; the second network function includes one of the following: a unified data management function, a unified data storage function, a policy control function, and a network exposure function; the third network function includes one of the following: a user plane function, a network service data processing function, a network service data proxy, and any network function having a network service data processing function or a network service data proxy function; the fourth network function includes one of the following: a first type of fourth network function and a second type of fourth network function; the first type of fourth network function is a network function for session management; the second type of fourth network function is a network function for connection management.

[0046] Secondly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a fourth network function, comprising: receiving third information sent by a first network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the first network function and the third network function; wherein the third information is sent by the first network function based on second information; the second information is obtained by the first network function sending first information to the second network function, and the second information is related to the first connection; the first connection is a connection between a terminal and the third network function.

[0047] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the third information includes: fourth information of the third network function; wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function; a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate the first network function.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the fourth network function is a first type of fourth network function, and the method further includes: receiving sixth information sent by the first network function, wherein the sixth information is used to obtain seventh information; sending the seventh information to the first network function, wherein the seventh information is used by the first network function to determine a second type of fourth network function; the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a third identifier and third address information of the second type of fourth network function; the third identifier is used to indicate the second type of fourth network function.

[0049] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending third information to a second type of fourth network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection; and obtaining eighth information sent by the second type of fourth network function, wherein the eighth information is used to indicate that the second connection has been established.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes one of the following: establishing a second connection based on fourth information; sending fourth information to a third network function, the fourth information being used by the third network function to establish the second connection.

[0051] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes: sending an eighth message to a first network function, wherein the eighth message is used to indicate that a second connection has been established.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a connection identifier, wherein the connection identifier indicates a second connection; and fifth information, wherein the fifth information is used to indicate a third network function.

[0053] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes one of the following: a network service function; the second network function includes one of the following: a unified data management function, a unified data storage function, a policy control function, and a network exposure function; the third network function includes one of the following: a user plane function, a network service data processing function, a network service data proxy, and any network function having a network service data processing function or a network service data proxy function; the fourth network function includes one of the following: a first type of fourth network function and a second type of fourth network function; the first type of fourth network function is a network function for session management; the second type of fourth network function is a network function for connection management.

[0054] Thirdly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a second network function, comprising: receiving first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information is used to obtain second information in the second network function; the second information is related to a first connection, and the second information is used by the first network function to send third information to a fourth network function; the first connection is a connection between a terminal and a third network function; and the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0055] In conjunction with some embodiments of the third aspect, in some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate a first type of fourth network function in the fourth network function; a third identifier, wherein the third identifier is used to indicate a second type of fourth network function in the fourth network function; a connection indication, wherein the connection indication is used to indicate that a first connection has been established; fifth information, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of the third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function; record information, wherein the record information is used to indicate information related to the first connection; and a fifth identifier, wherein the fifth identifier is used to indicate a specified data network.

[0056] Fourthly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a third network function, comprising: receiving fourth information sent by a fourth network function, wherein the fourth information is obtained by the fourth network function from a first network function and is used to instruct the first network function; the fourth information is sent by the third network function after receiving third information sent by the first network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the first network function and the third network function; and establishing the second connection based on the fourth information.

[0057] In conjunction with some embodiments of the fourth aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: receiving uplink information of a service sent by a terminal through a first connection; wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and a third network function; sending uplink information of a service to a first network function through a second connection; receiving downlink information of a service sent by the first network function through the second connection; and sending downlink information of a service to the terminal through the first connection.

[0058] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose an information processing method executed by a communication system, the communication system including a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function. The method includes: the first network function sending first information to the second network function, the first information being used to acquire second information; wherein the second information is related to a first connection, the first connection being a connection between a terminal and the third network function; the first network function sending third information to the fourth network function based on the second information, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0059] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a first network function, including: a first transceiver module configured to send first information to a second network function, the first information being used to acquire second information; wherein the second information is related to a first connection, the first connection being a connection between a terminal and a third network function; and based on the second information, sending third information to a fourth network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0060] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose a fourth network function, including: a second transceiver module configured to receive third information sent by a first network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the first network function and the third network function; wherein the third information is sent by the first network function based on second information; the second information is obtained by the first network function sending first information to the second network function, and the second information is related to the first connection; the first connection is a connection between a terminal and the third network function.

[0061] Eighthly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a second network function, including: a third transceiver module configured to receive first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information is used to acquire second information in the second network function; the second information is related to a first connection, and the second information is used by the first network function to send third information to a fourth network function; the first connection is a connection between a terminal and the third network function; the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0062] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a third network function, comprising: a fourth transceiver module configured to receive fourth information sent by the fourth network function, the fourth information being obtained by the fourth network function from a first network function and used to instruct the first network function; the fourth information being sent by the third network function after receiving the third information sent by the first network function, the third information being used to request the establishment of a second connection between the first network function and the third network function; and establishing a second connection based on the fourth information.

[0063] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, the fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect, and the fourth aspect.

[0064] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system including: a first network function, a fourth network function, a second network function, and a third network function; wherein the first network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the first aspect, the fourth network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect, the second network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the third aspect, and the fourth network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the fifth aspect.

[0065] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0066] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a program product including at least one of a program and instructions, wherein the program and instructions, when executed by a communication device, implement the method described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0067] In a fourteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform the information processing method as described in the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, fourth aspect, or optional implementations of the first aspect, second aspect, third aspect, and fourth aspect.

[0068] In a fifteenth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system including processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the first, second, third, and fourth aspects, or alternative implementations of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.

[0069] It is understood that the aforementioned devices (e.g., terminals, first network functions, second network functions, third network functions, fourth network functions, etc.), communication systems, storage media, program products, computer programs, chips, or chip systems are all used to execute the methods provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the beneficial effects that can be achieved can be referred to the beneficial effects in the corresponding methods, and will not be repeated here.

[0070] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium. In some embodiments, the terms "information processing method" and "information processing apparatus" are interchangeable, as are "information processing system" and "communication system".

[0071] This disclosure is not exhaustive, but merely illustrative of some embodiments, and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this disclosure. Unless otherwise specified, each step in a particular embodiment can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the steps can be arbitrarily combined. For example, a solution after removing some steps in a particular embodiment can also be implemented as an independent embodiment, and the order of the steps in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily interchanged. Furthermore, the optional implementation methods in a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined; moreover, the embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, for example, some or all steps of different embodiments can be arbitrarily combined, and a particular embodiment can be arbitrarily combined with the optional implementation methods of other embodiments. In all embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between the embodiments are consistent and can be mutually utilized. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships.

[0072] The terminology used in the embodiments of this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0073] In this embodiment of the disclosure, unless otherwise stated, elements expressed in the singular form, such as "a," "an," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "the," "this," etc., can mean "one and only one," or "one or more," "at least one," etc. For example, when using articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc. in translation, the noun following the article can be understood as either a singular expression or a plural expression.

[0074] In the embodiments disclosed herein, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0075] In some embodiments, the terms “at least one of A or B, at least one of A and B”, “one or more”, “a plurality of”, “multiple”, etc., may be used interchangeably.

[0076] In some embodiments, the notation "at least one of A and B", "A and / or B", "A in one case, B in another", "in response to one case A, in response to another case B", etc., may include the following technical solutions depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether there is a branch B); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether there is a branch A); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed); in some embodiments, both A and B are executed. The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, C, etc.

[0077] In some embodiments, the notation "A or B" may include the following technical solutions, depending on the situation: in some embodiments, A (execute A regardless of whether a branch B exists); in some embodiments, B (execute B regardless of whether a branch A exists); in some embodiments, execution is selected from A and B (A and B are selectively executed). The same applies when there are more branches such as A, B, and C.

[0078] The prefixes "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this disclosure are merely for distinguishing different descriptive objects and do not impose restrictions on the position, order, priority, quantity, or content of the descriptive objects. The description of the descriptive objects is found in the claims or the context of the embodiments, and the use of prefixes should not constitute unnecessary restrictions. For example, if the descriptive object is a "field," the ordinal numbers preceding "field" in "first field" and "second field" do not restrict the position or order of the "fields." "First" and "second" do not restrict whether the "fields" they modify are in the same message, nor do they restrict the order of "first field" and "second field." Similarly, if the descriptive object is a "level," the ordinal numbers preceding "level" in "first level" and "second level" do not restrict the priority between "levels." Furthermore, the number of descriptive objects is not limited by ordinal numbers and can be one or more. For example, in "first device," the number of "devices" can be one or more. Furthermore, the objects modified by different prefixes can be the same or different. For example, if the object being described is "device", then "first device" and "second device" can be the same device or different devices, and their types can be the same or different. Similarly, if the object being described is "information", then "first information" and "second information" can be the same information or different information, and their content can be the same or different.

[0079] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0080] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0081] In some embodiments, terms such as “in response to…”, “in response to determining…”, “in the case of…”, “when…”, “when…”, “if…”, etc. can be used interchangeably. These descriptions all refer to the device making a corresponding action under certain objective circumstances. They do not necessarily limit the time, nor do they require the device to make a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there must be other limitations.

[0082] In some embodiments, the terms “greater than,” “greater than or equal to,” “not less than,” “more than,” “more than or equal to,” “not less than,” “higher than,” “higher than or equal to,” “not lower than,” and “above” can be used interchangeably, as can the terms “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not greater than,” “less than,” “less than or equal to,” “not more than,” “lower than,” “lower than or equal to,” “not higher than,” and “below”.

[0083] In some embodiments, devices, etc., may be interpreted as physical or virtual, and their names are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Terms such as “device,” “equipment,” “circuit,” “network element,” “network function,” “network device,” “function,” “node,” “unit,” “section,” “system,” “network,” “chip,” “chip system,” “entity,” and “subject” are interchangeable.

[0084] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0085] In some embodiments, the terms "access network device (AN device)," "radio access network device (RAN device)," "base station (BS)," "radio base station," "fixed station," "node," "access point," "transmission point (TP)," "reception point (RP)," "transmission / reception point (TRP)," "panel," "antenna panel," "antenna array," "cell," "macro cell," "small cell," "femto cell," "pico cell," "sector," "cell group," "serving cell," "carrier," "component carrier," and "bandwidth part (BWP)" can be used interchangeably.

[0086] In some embodiments, the terms "terminal", "terminal device", "user equipment (UE)", "user terminal", "mobile station (MS)", "mobile terminal (MT)", "subscriber station", "mobile unit", "subscriber unit", "wireless unit", "remote unit", "mobile device", "wireless device", "wireless communication device", "remote device", "mobile subscriber station", "access terminal", "mobile terminal", "wireless terminal", "remote terminal", "handset", "user agent", "mobile client", and "client" can be used interchangeably.

[0087] In some embodiments, access network devices, core network devices, or network devices can be replaced by terminals. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to structures where communication between access network devices, core network devices, or network devices and terminals is replaced by communication between multiple terminals (e.g., device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), etc.). In this case, the structure can also be configured such that the terminal has all or part of the functions of the access network device. Furthermore, terms such as "uplink" and "downlink" can be replaced with terms corresponding to communication between terminals (e.g., "sidelink"). For example, uplink channel, downlink channel, etc., can be replaced with sidelink channel, and uplink link, downlink, etc., can be replaced with sidelink link.

[0088] In some embodiments, the terminal may be replaced by an access network device, a core network device, or a network device. In this case, the access network device, core network device, or network device may also be configured to have all or some of the functions of the terminal.

[0089] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0090] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0091] Furthermore, each element, each row, or each column in the table of this disclosure can be implemented as an independent embodiment, and any combination of any element, any row, or any column can also be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0092] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, the communication system 100 may include: a terminal 101, an access network device 102, and a core network device 103.

[0093] In some embodiments, terminal 101 includes, for example, at least one of the following: mobile phone, wearable device, Internet of Things device, car with communication function, smart car, tablet computer, computer with wireless transceiver function, virtual reality (VR) terminal device, augmented reality (AR) terminal device, wireless terminal device in industrial control, wireless terminal device in self-driving, wireless terminal device in remote medical surgery, wireless terminal device in smart grid, wireless terminal device in transportation safety, wireless terminal device in smart city, and wireless terminal device in smart home, but is not limited thereto.

[0094] In some embodiments, the access network device 102 may be a node or device that connects a terminal to a wireless network. The access network device may include at least one of the following in a 5G communication system: an evolved Node B (eNB), a next-generation eNB (ng-eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNB), a node B (NB), a home node B (HNB), a home evolved node B (HeNB), a wireless backhaul device, a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a base band unit (BBU), a mobile switching center, a base station in a 6G communication system, an open RAN, a cloud RAN, a base station in other communication systems, and an access node in a Wi-Fi system, but is not limited thereto.

[0095] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to the Open RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between or within access network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be transformed into internal interfaces of Open RAN. The processes and information interactions between these internal interfaces can be implemented by software or programs.

[0096] In some embodiments, the technical solutions of this disclosure can be applied to a service-based RAN architecture. In this case, the interfaces between access network devices or between access network devices and core network devices involved in the embodiments of this disclosure can be service-based interfaces. The processes and information interactions between these interfaces can be implemented by software or programs that call one or more corresponding services.

[0097] In some embodiments, the access network device may be composed of a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The CU may also be called a control unit. The CU-DU structure can separate the protocol layer of the access network device. Some of the protocol layer functions are centrally controlled by the CU, while the remaining part or all of the protocol layer functions are distributed in the DU and centrally controlled by the CU. However, this is not the only possibility.

[0098] In some embodiments, the core network device 103 may be a single device including a first network function 1031, a second network function 1032, a third network function 1033, or a fourth network function 1034, or it may be multiple devices or a group of devices, each including all or part of the aforementioned first network function 1031, second network function 1032, third network function 1033, and fourth network function 1034. Network functions may be virtual or physical. The core network may include, for example, at least one of the following: Evolved Packet Core (EPC), 5G Core Network (5GCN), Next Generation Core (NGC), and 6G Core Network (6GCN).

[0099] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may include one of the following: Network Service Functionalities (NSF), and network functions in the core network other than the second, third, and fourth network functions.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 is used to provide network services, support the execution or operation of network services, and / or provide network service management, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0101] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may include one of the following: Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Policy Control function (PCF), and Network Exposure Function (NEF), etc.

[0102] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 is used for storing and / or managing network data, for policy control, and / or for network function opening, etc., and the name is not limited thereto.

[0103] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may include one of the following: User Plane Function (UPF), Network Service Data Processing Function (NSDPF), Network Service Data Proxying (NSDP), and any function that has a network service data processing function or a network service data proxying function.

[0104] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may include anchor points, etc.

[0105] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 is used in the core network for user plane data processing, network service data processing, and / or network service data proxy, etc., and its name is not limited thereto.

[0106] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may include one of the following: a Session Management Function (SMF), a Service Management Function (SMF), a Connection Management Function (CMF), and a Service and Connection Management Function, etc. Optionally, the fourth network function may establish a connection with at least one of the following: a first network function, a second network function, and a third network function. The connection relationship between the first network function, the second network function, the third network function, and the fourth network function is not limited to that shown in FIG1, and these network functions may be interconnected with each other without conflict.

[0107] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 is used for managing sessions, managing services, and / or managing connections, etc., and its name is not limited thereto.

[0108] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may include a combination of one or more network functions to implement service and / or connection management functions; for example, the fourth network function may include: a first type of fourth network function, or a second type of fourth network function, or a first type of fourth network function and a second type of fourth network function, etc. Optionally, the first type of fourth network function is used to manage sessions, etc., for example, the first type of fourth network function may be SMF, etc. Optionally, the second type of fourth network function is used to manage services and / or connections, for example, the second type of fourth network function may be CMF, etc.

[0109] It is understood that the communication system described in this disclosure is for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of this disclosure, and does not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this disclosure. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of system architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0110] The following embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the communication system 100 shown in FIG1, or to some of the main bodies, but are not limited thereto. The main bodies shown in FIG1 are illustrative. The communication system may include all or some of the main bodies in FIG1, or may include other main bodies outside of FIG1. ​​The number and form of each main body are arbitrary. Each main body may be physical or virtual. The connection relationship between the main bodies is illustrative. The main bodies may not be connected or may be connected. The connection can be in any way, it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, it can be a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0111] The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied to Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Beyond (LTE-B), SUPER 3G, IMT-Advanced, 4th generation mobile communication system (4G), 5th generation mobile communication system (5G), 5G New Radio (NR), Future Radio Access (FRA), New-Radio Access Technology (RAT), New Radio (NR), New Radio Access (NX), Future generation Radio Access (FX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), CDMA2000, Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth (a registered trademark), Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) networks, Device-to-Device (D2D) systems, Machine-to-Machine (M2M) systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) systems, systems utilizing other communication methods, and next-generation systems built upon them, etc. Furthermore, multiple systems can be combined (e.g., a combination of LTE or LTE-A with 5G).

[0112] In some embodiments, the communication system supports an increasing number of application services that require data processing; for example, some network functions of the terminal, core network, and access network may support, but are not limited to, at least one of the following services:

[0113] Sensing services. Sensing is the use of radio frequency signals to acquire information about the environment and / or the characteristics of objects in the environment (e.g., shape, size, orientation, speed, position, distance, or relative motion between objects).

[0114] Integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) services. ISAC involves the simultaneous use of radio frequency (RF) signals for sensing and communication. This integration of sensing and communication can improve spectrum efficiency, reduce latency, and / or enhance the reliability of various applications. ISAC is particularly suitable for at least one of the following: mobile operators, UE vendors, automotive vendors, and users, as it can significantly enhance the overall user experience, improve network efficiency, and / or generate new business opportunities.

[0115] Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) services. The convergence of communication networks and AI technologies is leveraging AI / ML to achieve intelligence in the core network and air interface through closed-loop processes such as data collection, ML model training, analysis and inference, and consumer data analysis.

[0116] Ranging / Sidelink Positioning service. Ranging refers to determining at least one of the following via the PC5 interface: the distance between two or more UEs, the orientation of one UE (i.e., the target UE) relative to another UE (i.e., the reference UE), and / or relative positioning. Sidelink positioning uses PC5 to locate the UE.

[0117] For example, the reference UE is a UE that determines a reference plane and reference orientation in ranging and / or lateral walkway-based positioning. The target UE is a UE whose distance, orientation, and / or position are measured compared to the reference plane, reference orientation, and / or position of the reference UE in ranging and / or lateral walkway-based positioning.

[0118] For example, ranging / sidewalking link positioning may include the following steps: measuring the absolute position between two UEs, or between one UE and multiple UEs, or between one or more positioned UEs; calculating the result (e.g., at the location server UE, or at the LMF, or at both); and making the ranging / sidewalking link positioning result available to the UE or the server (or a third-party application server).

[0119] Enhanced Location Service (eLCS) / Location Services. UE positioning can be supported by RAT-related positioning methods, which rely on, for example, RAT measurements obtained by the target UE and / or measurements of RAT signals transmitted by the target UE obtained by the access network. UE positioning can also be supported by RAT-independent positioning methods, which may rely on non-RAT measurements and / or other information obtained by the UE.

[0120] For example, the entire procedure of eLCS / location includes: measuring the absolute position between the UE and the base station; calculating the result (e.g., on the UE or in the LMF); and making it available to the UE or a third-party server (or a third-party application server).

[0121] With the emergence of more and more applications requiring data processing within telecommunications systems, solutions supporting user plane or data plane-based network services are needed to provide lower complexity and better scalability for executing new services. This would allow for the transfer of terminal and network interaction processing, which is currently limited to the control plane, to the user plane or data plane, and / or any application service supporting data processing within the telecommunications system. The interaction of service signaling between the terminal and network, and / or the interaction of user data or payload data, would be implemented through the user plane or data plane. Data packets from the UE terminate at the anchor point, which packages the data sent from the core network to the UE. The anchor point's address information is sent to the UE; the UE does not see the NSF's address information. The anchor point processes and sends the data exchanged between the UE and the NSF. Currently, no solution supports mobile-terminated user plane or data plane-based network services.

[0122] In some embodiments, the UE can be a terminal, or the terminal can be a UE.

[0123] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 2, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method used in a communication system 100, the method comprising:

[0124] In this embodiment, the third network function serves as the anchor point for the terminal to connect to the network via the user plane or data plane. The connection between the terminal and the third network function is an end-to-end user plane or data plane connection, meaning the connection terminates at both ends of the connection. Downlink information exchange between the terminal and core network equipment (e.g., the first network function) terminates at the third network function. For example, after receiving downlink information from the first network function, the third network function processes the downlink information and encapsulates and packages it according to the end-to-end transmission protocol between the terminal and the third network function before sending it to the terminal; thus, from the terminal's perspective, it is unaware of the address information of the first network function (i.e., the address information of the first network function in the core network is not exposed to the terminal). Similarly, uplink information transmission packets from the terminal also terminate at the third network function; for example, the third network function unpacks the end-to-end transmission packets between the terminal and the third network function; the third network function can then send the uplink information back to the first network function based on the processing. The third network function and the first network function can exchange information (e.g., uplink and downlink information of services) via the user plane, data plane, or control plane. The data plane can be an enhancement of the user plane or a part of the network independent of the control plane and user plane. In this embodiment, the user plane or data plane can process user data for a specified service (e.g., a specified network service), or it can process specific signaling and / or control information. A terminal connecting to the network via the user plane or data plane can individually or simultaneously support one or more services.

[0125] In this embodiment of the disclosure, retrieval can also be retrieval, which may include: querying for information that already exists. Retrieval may also include: generating information that does not exist or retrieving information that does not exist. For example, the first network function retrieving fifth information may mean: the fifth information already exists, and the first network function queries to obtain the fifth information. For example, the first network function obtaining fifth information may mean: the fifth information already exists, and the first network function queries to obtain the fifth information; or, the fifth information does not exist, and the first network function generates fifth information or obtains fifth information from other network functions.

[0126] Step S2101: The first network function sends the first information to the second network function.

[0127] In some embodiments, the second network function receives the first information sent by the first network function.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first information is used to obtain the second information.

[0129] Optionally, the first information is used to obtain the second information stored in the second network function; or, the first information is used to obtain the second information, which is obtained by the second network function from other network functions (such as the third network function or the fourth network function).

[0130] Optionally, the first information is used to retrieve the second information. For example, the first information is used to retrieve the second information to determine whether the second information includes the fifth information. For example, the first information is used to retrieve the second information to determine whether a first connection has been established or whether a third network function that can serve the requested service has been determined.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second information is related to the first connection. For example, the second information is either first connection information or UE connection information. The first connection information is information related to the first connection; the UE connection information is information related to the UE connection. The UE connection is the first connection; the UE connection is the connection between the terminal and a third network function (e.g., an anchor point).

[0132] Optionally, the second information is used to determine the fifth information of the third network function. For example, if the second information includes the fifth information, the fifth information can be determined directly based on the fifth information included in the second information. For example, if the second information does not include the fifth information, other network functions are searched based on the second information to obtain the fifth information, etc.

[0133] Optionally, the second information may include at least one of the following: connection indication, second identifier, third identifier, fifth information, record information, and fifth identifier.

[0134] For example, a connection indicator is used to indicate that a first connection has been established. Here, the connection identifier can be a display indicator.

[0135] For example, the second identifier is used to indicate the first type of fourth network function in the fourth network function.

[0136] For example, the third identifier is used to indicate the second type of fourth network function in the fourth network function.

[0137] For example, the recorded information is used to indicate information related to the first connection. For instance, the recorded information may record information related to the first connection, such as including, but not limited to, at least one of the following: an identifier indicating the first connection, a second identifier corresponding to the first connection, second address information of a third network function corresponding to the first connection, and fourth address information of the terminal.

[0138] For example, the fifth identifier is used to indicate a specified data network. For instance, the specified data network can be a pre-defined data network or a dedicated data network. For example, the specified data network can be a Data Network Name (DNN) or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI); the fifth identifier can be used to indicate the data network corresponding to the specified DNN or S-NSSAI. For example, the specified data network can be a dedicated data network that the first connection can connect to, or the data network where the third network function is located, etc.

[0139] For example, at least one of the second identifier, the third identifier, the recorded information, and the fifth identifier can be used to implicitly indicate that the first connection has been established or that the fifth information of the third network function has been determined.

[0140] Optionally, the second information may further include at least one of the following: a sixth identifier indicating the terminal and a service identifier indicating the service. For example, the service identifier may be a service identifier for a specific type of service or for one or more service identifiers. Of course, in some embodiments, the second information does not include a service identifier, thus adapting the second information to scenarios involving all services.

[0141] For example, the service can be any service in the previous embodiments, or the service can be at least one of the following, including but not limited to: sensing service, positioning service, ranging / SL positioning service, AI service, ML service, AI / ML service, ISAC service, and environmental IoT service, etc.

[0142] For example, a service can be at least one of the following: any service that can interact through the user plane or the data plane, any service that is transferred from control plane processing to user plane processing, and any service that is transferred from control plane processing to data plane processing.

[0143] For example, the service can be a terminal service, or the service can include terminal services or non-terminal services. Here, non-terminal services can refer to: services that are suitable for all terminals, services that are suitable for the telecommunications architecture, or services that are suitable for the communication system.

[0144] In some embodiments, the fifth information is information about the third network function.

[0145] Optionally, the fifth information may include at least one of the following: second address information of the third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function. For example, the first network function may obtain both the second address information and the fourth identifier simultaneously; or, the first network function may obtain the fourth identifier first, and then obtain the second address information. Here, the second address information is used to establish a second connection.

[0146] Optionally, the second address information, the fourth address information, and the first address information and third address information mentioned below can all be any information used to represent an address; for example, the first address information, the second address information, and the third address information can include, but are not limited to, one of the following: port address information, Internet Protocol (IP) address information, Media Access Control (MAC) address information, and Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN). For example, the port address information can be a port number. For example, the IP address information can include one of the following: Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) address information and Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) address information.

[0147] Optionally, the third network function may correspond to one or more second address information, or the fourth identifier may correspond to one or more second address information.

[0148] Optionally, the terminal may correspond to one or more fourth address information.

[0149] In some embodiments, the names of the first information, the second information, and the fifth information are not limited. For example, the first information may be request information for anchor point information, the second information may be first connection information or UE connection information, and the fifth information may be anchor point information.

[0150] In some embodiments, the names of the second identifier, third identifier, fourth identifier, fifth identifier, sixth identifier, and the first identifier mentioned below are not limited. For example, the second identifier can be a CMF identifier (ID), etc.; the third identifier can be a CMF ID, etc.; the fourth identifier can be an NSF ID, etc.; the fifth identifier can be a data network name or identifier, etc.; and the sixth identifier can be a UE ID, etc.

[0151] In some embodiments, the connection indicator, the first identifier, the second identifier, the third identifier, the fourth identifier, the fifth identifier, the sixth identifier, and the service identifier can all be strings or numbers of one or more bits.

[0152] In some embodiments, the first connection may include one of the following: a user plane connection between the terminal and a third network function, and a data plane connection between the terminal and the third network function.

[0153] Optionally, both the first connection and the second connection described below can be transmission channels; these transmission channels can refer to connection-oriented transmission channels or connectionless transmission channels. For example, either the first connection or the second connection can include a connection-oriented transmission channel or a connectionless transmission channel. For example, a transmission channel can be replaced by a transmission path; a connection-oriented transmission channel can refer to a connection-connected transmission channel; a connectionless transmission channel can refer to a non-connection-oriented transmission channel. The connection establishment process differs for different connection-oriented transmission protocols.

[0154] For example, when the first or second connection is a connectionless transmission channel, its connection establishment requires obtaining the peer's address information and completing the configuration at both ends, without requiring explicit connection establishment operations. When the first or second connection is a connection-oriented transmission channel, its connection establishment requires obtaining the peer's address information and performing connection establishment operations. This address information is address information that can be used by the transport layer; if it is not transport layer address information, it can be mapped to transport layer address information.

[0155] In some alternative embodiments, the second network function sends second information to the first network function.

[0156] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function receives second information sent by the second network function.

[0157] In some alternative embodiments, the second network function sends a ninth message to the first network function. This ninth message indicates at least one of the following: whether a first connection has been established, and whether a fifth message exists. The ninth message is returned based on the first message. Optionally, the ninth message can be one or more bits of indication information; this indication information indicates at least one of the following: whether the first connection has been established or not, and whether a third message exists or not.

[0158] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function receives the ninth message sent by the second network function.

[0159] In some embodiments, the names of information, etc., are not limited to the names described in the embodiments. Terms such as "information", "message", "signal", "signaling", "report", "configuration", "indication", "instruction", "command", "channel", "parameter", "domain", "field", "symbol", "bit", and "data" can be used interchangeably.

[0160] In some embodiments, terms such as "certain", "preset", "specified", "default", "set", "indicated", "a certain", "any", and "first" can be used interchangeably. "Certain A", "preset A", "specified A", "default A", "set A", "indicated A", "a certain A", "any A", and "first A" can be interpreted as A pre-defined in a protocol or the like, or as A obtained through setting, configuration, or instruction, or as specific A, specified A, a certain A, any A, or first A, but are not limited thereto.

[0161] In step S2102, the first network function sends third information to the fourth network function.

[0162] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives third information sent by the first network function.

[0163] In some embodiments, the first network function sends third information to the fourth network function based on the second information.

[0164] Optionally, the first network function sends the third information to the fourth network function based on the fifth information included in the second information.

[0165] Optionally, the first network function determines that the first connection has been established based on the second information and sends the third information to the fourth network function.

[0166] Optionally, the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0167] Optionally, the third information includes the fourth information of the first network function.

[0168] Optionally, the third piece of information can be a connection establishment request message.

[0169] Optionally, the third information may be information about calling the connection establishment service. For example, if a first network function requests the establishment of a first connection by calling a connection establishment service (e.g., Ncmf_CNConnection_Create service), then the third information may be information about calling that connection establishment service.

[0170] Optionally, the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function, and a first identifier. For example, the first identifier indicates the first network function. The fourth information may also include the protocol type used for data transmission over the second connection.

[0171] Optionally, the fourth information is used by the third or fourth network function to establish a second connection.

[0172] Optionally, the names of the third and fourth information are not limited. For example, the third information may be connection establishment request information, etc.; the fourth information may be NSF information, etc.

[0173] In some embodiments, a first network function sends third information to a first type of fourth network function, wherein the third network function is managed by the first type of fourth network function, or the third network function is managed by a second type of fourth network function, and the first type of fourth network function requests the second type of fourth network function to establish a second connection.

[0174] Optionally, the third network function is managed by the first type of fourth network function, and the second information includes a second identifier; the first network function sends the third information to the first type of fourth network function indicated by the second identifier. Here, the second information may also include at least one of the following: connection indication, record information, fifth information, and a fifth identifier.

[0175] Optionally, the third network function is managed by the second type of fourth network function, and the second information includes a second identifier; the first network function sends the third information to the first type of fourth network function indicated by the second identifier; the first type of fourth network function sends the third information to the second type of fourth network function. Here, the second information may also include at least one of the following: a third identifier, a connection indication, record information, fifth information, and a fifth identifier.

[0176] In some embodiments, a first network function sends third information to a second type of fourth network function, wherein the third network function is managed by the second type of fourth network function. Here, the management of the third network function by the second type of fourth network function may or may not involve the first type of fourth network function.

[0177] Optionally, the third network function is managed by the second type of fourth network function, and the second information includes a second identifier; the first network function obtains the second type of fourth network function from the first type of fourth network function corresponding to the second identifier; the first network function sends the third information to the second type of fourth network function. Here, the management of the third network function by the second type of fourth network function may involve the first type of fourth network function; the second information may also include at least one of the following: a third identifier, a connection indication, record information, fifth information, and a fifth identifier.

[0178] Optionally, the third network function is managed by the second type of fourth network function, and the second information includes a second identifier and a third identifier; the first network function sends the third information to the second type of fourth network function corresponding to the third identifier. Here, the management of the third network function by the second type of fourth network function does not involve the first type of fourth network function; the second information also includes at least one of the following: connection indication, record information, fifth information, and fifth identifier.

[0179] In some alternative embodiments, before the first network function sends the third information to the second type of fourth network function, the method further includes: determining the second type of fourth network function.

[0180] In some embodiments, the first network function determines a second type of fourth network function based on the second information.

[0181] For example, the second information includes a third identifier, and the third network function is managed by a second type of fourth network function; the first network function determines the second type of fourth network function based on the third identifier included in the second information.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first network function obtains the second type of fourth network function from the first type of fourth network function.

[0183] Optionally, the first network function sends sixth information to the first type of fourth network function, wherein the sixth information is used to request seventh information; the first network function receives the seventh information sent by the first type of fourth network function, wherein the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a third identifier and third address information of the second type of fourth network function; the first network function determines the second type of fourth network function based on the seventh information.

[0184] Optionally, the first type of fourth network function receives the sixth information sent by the first network function, wherein the sixth information is used to request the seventh information; the first type of fourth network function sends the seventh information to the first type of fourth network function, wherein the seventh information is used by the first network function to determine the second type of fourth network function; the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a third identifier and third address information of the second type of fourth network function; the first network function determines the second type of fourth network function based on the seventh information.

[0185] For example, the second information includes a second identifier, and the third network function is managed by the second type of fourth network function; the first network function sends the sixth information to the first type of fourth network function, the sixth information may carry the second identifier, and the sixth information is used to obtain the seventh information; the first network function obtains the seventh information sent by the first type of fourth network function; the first network function determines the second type of fourth network function based on the third identifier in the seventh information, or determines the second type of fourth network function based on the third address information in the seventh information.

[0186] Optionally, the second type of fourth network function may correspond to one or more third address information; or, the third identifier may correspond to one or more third address information.

[0187] Optionally, regardless of whether the third network function is managed by a first-type fourth network function or a second-type fourth network function, the second address information of the third network function can be determined by the fourth network function or obtained by the fourth network function from the third network function, etc. Here, the second address information can be used to establish a second connection.

[0188] In some embodiments, the names of the sixth and seventh information are not limited; for example, the sixth information may be a request for CMF information, etc.; the seventh information may be CMF information, etc.

[0189] In some embodiments, the connection management of the first connection uses a first connection management mechanism, which is a PDU session reuse mechanism. Here, when the connection management of the first connection is the first management mechanism, a first type of fourth network function needs to participate in the management of the first connection or a third network function.

[0190] In some embodiments, the connection management of the first connection uses a second connection management mechanism, which is a connection management mechanism for the terminal accessing the network through the user plane or data plane. Here, the connection management of the first connection is the second management mechanism, which may not require the first type of fourth network function to participate in the management of the first connection or the third network function; or it may require the first type of fourth network function to participate in the management of the first connection or the third network function, in which case the first type of fourth network function is a network function used for connection.

[0191] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0192] Step S2103: The first network function, the third network function, or the fourth network function establishes a second connection.

[0193] Optionally, the second connection is one of the following: a user plane connection between the third network function and the first network function, a data plane connection between the third network function and the first network function, and a control plane connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0194] In some embodiments, the first network function establishes a second connection.

[0195] Optionally, the first network function establishes a second connection based on the second information. For example, the first network function obtains the second information and determines that the second information includes fifth information; the first network function establishes a second connection based on the fifth information.

[0196] In some embodiments, a third network function establishes a second connection.

[0197] Optionally, the third network function obtains fourth information from the first network function through a fourth network function; based on the fourth information, a second connection is established. For example, the first network function sends third information to the fourth network function, the third information including the fourth information; the fourth network function sends the fourth information to the third network function; after receiving the fourth information, the third network function establishes the second connection based on the fourth information. Of course, in other embodiments, the fourth network function may also obtain the fourth information from other network functions (e.g., the second network function); the third network function may also obtain the fourth information from other network functions (e.g., the second network function).

[0198] In some embodiments, the fourth network function establishes a second connection.

[0199] Optionally, the first network sends third information to the fourth network function, the third information including the fourth information; the fourth network function establishes a second connection based on the fourth information. Here, the fourth network function may establish a second network function based on both the fourth and fifth information.

[0200] Step S2104: The fourth network function sends the eighth information to the first network function.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first network function receives the eighth information sent by the fourth network function.

[0202] Optionally, the eighth message is used to indicate that the second connection has been established.

[0203] Optionally, the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a connection identifier and the fifth information. For example, the connection identifier indicates a second connection. For example, the fifth information is used to indicate a third network function.

[0204] Optionally, the eighth message can be a connection establishment response message.

[0205] Optionally, the eighth information may be information obtained by calling the connection establishment service. For example, if the first network function requests the establishment of a second connection by calling the connection establishment service (Ncmf_CNConnection_Create service), then the third information may be information about calling the connection establishment service; the eighth information may be information obtained by the fourth network function by executing the connection establishment service.

[0206] Optionally, the name of the eighth message is not limited, and it may be, for example, connection establishment response message or connection establishment indication message.

[0207] In some embodiments, the fourth network function of the first type sends an eighth message to the first network function.

[0208] In some embodiments, the first network function receives the eighth information sent by the first type of fourth network function.

[0209] For example, the first type of fourth network function receives the third information sent by the first network function; the first type of fourth network function establishes a second connection based on the fourth information included in the third information; the first type of fourth network function sends the eighth information to the first network function.

[0210] For example, the first type of fourth network function receives the third information sent by the first network function; the first type of fourth network function sends the third information to the second type of fourth network function; the second type of fourth network function establishes a second connection based on the fourth information included in the third information; the second type of fourth network function sends the eighth information to the first type of fourth network function; the first type of fourth network function sends the eighth information to the first network function.

[0211] In some embodiments, the second type of fourth network function sends an eighth message to the first network function.

[0212] In some embodiments, the first network function receives the eighth information sent by the second type of fourth network function.

[0213] For example, the second type of fourth network function receives the third information sent by the first network function; the second type of fourth network function establishes a second connection based on the fourth information included in the third information; the second type of fourth network function sends the eighth information to the first network function.

[0214] In some embodiments, if the first network function obtains the eighth information, the first network function does not need to establish a second connection.

[0215] In step S2105, the terminal, the first network function, and the third network function exchange service information.

[0216] Optionally, the information of the service may include at least one of the following: upstream information of the service and downstream information of the service.

[0217] Optionally, the uplink information of the service may include at least one of the following: uplink signaling of the service and uplink data of the service; the downlink information of the service may include at least one of the following: downlink signaling of the service and downlink data of the service.

[0218] In some embodiments, a first network function sends downlink service information to a third network function via a second connection; the third network function sends the downlink service information to a terminal via the first connection. Optionally, the terminal receives the downlink service information sent by the third network function via the first connection, wherein the downlink service information is obtained by the third network function from the first network function via the second connection.

[0219] In some embodiments, the terminal sends uplink information of a service to a third network function via a first connection; the third network function sends the uplink information of the service to the first network function via a second connection. Optionally, the first network function receives the uplink information of the service sent by the third network function via the second connection, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the third network function from the terminal via the first connection.

[0220] Optionally, after receiving the downlink information in the first information, the first network function further processes the downlink information in the first information (e.g., packetization) and sends the processed downlink information in the first information to the terminal.

[0221] Optionally, after receiving the uplink information in the first information, the first network function further processes the uplink information in the first information (e.g., desealing and resealing), and sends the processed uplink information in the first information to the third network function.

[0222] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2105. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101 and S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2102 and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101, S2102, and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101, S2102, S2103, and S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S2101 to S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0223] In some embodiments, steps S2103 and S2104 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0224] In some embodiments, steps S2103, S2104 and S2105 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0225] In some embodiments, steps S2104 and S2105 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0226] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0227] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an information processing method for a communication system 100, the method including one of the following steps:

[0228] In step S3101, the first network function sends first information to the second network function, the first information being used to obtain second information. Optionally, the second information is related to a first connection, which is a connection between the terminal and the third network function.

[0229] The optional implementations of step S3101 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2101 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0230] In step S3102, the first network function sends third information to the fourth network function based on the second information, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

[0231] The optional implementations of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementations of step S2102 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0232] In some embodiments, the third information includes: fourth information of the first network function; wherein the fourth information is used by the third network function or the fourth network function to establish a second connection; the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the first network function; a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate the first network function.

[0233] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: a second identifier, wherein the second identifier is used to indicate a first type of fourth network function in the fourth network function; a third identifier, wherein the third identifier is used to indicate a second type of fourth network function in the fourth network function; a connection indication, wherein the connection indication is used to indicate that a first connection has been established; fifth information, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of the following: second address information of a third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate a third network function; record information, wherein the record information is used to indicate information related to the first connection; and a fifth identifier, wherein the fifth identifier is used to indicate a specified data network.

[0234] In some embodiments, the first network function sends third information to the fourth network function, including: the first network function sending third information to a first type of fourth network function; wherein the third network function is managed by the first type of fourth network function; or, the third network function is managed by a second type of fourth network function, and the first type of fourth network function requests the second type of fourth network function to establish a second connection.

[0235] In some embodiments, sending third information from a first network function to a fourth network function includes: the first network function sending third information to a second type of fourth network function, wherein the third network function is managed by the second type of fourth network function.

[0236] In some embodiments, before the first network function sends the third information to the second type of fourth network function, it further includes one of the following: the first network function determines the second type of fourth network function based on the second information; the first network function obtains the second type of fourth network function from the first type of fourth network function.

[0237] In some embodiments, the first network function obtains the second type of fourth network function from the first type of fourth network function, including: the first network function sending sixth information to the first type of fourth network function, wherein the sixth information is used to obtain seventh information; receiving the seventh information sent by the first type of fourth network function, wherein the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a third identifier and third address information of the second type of fourth network function; and determining the second type of fourth network function based on the seventh information.

[0238] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a first network function receiving an eighth message sent by a fourth network function; wherein the eighth message is used to indicate that a second connection has been established.

[0239] In some embodiments, the eighth information includes at least one of the following: a connection identifier, wherein the connection identifier indicates a second connection; and fifth information, wherein the fifth information is used to indicate a third network function.

[0240] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: a first network function sends downlink information of a service to a third network function via a second connection, wherein the downlink information of the service is used by the third network function to send it to a terminal via the first connection; a second network function receives uplink information of a service sent by the third network function via the second connection, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the third network function from the terminal via the first connection.

[0241] In some embodiments, the method further includes: a first type of fourth network function sending third information to a second type of fourth network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection; and obtaining an eighth message sent by the second type of fourth network function, wherein the eighth message is used to indicate that the second connection has been established.

[0242] In some embodiments, the method further includes one of the following: a fourth network function establishes a second connection based on fourth information; the fourth network function sends fourth information to a third network function, the fourth information being used by the third network function to establish the second connection.

[0243] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0244] This disclosure relates to an information processing method that can support network services based on the UE user plane or data plane, controlled by a control function. A connection has been established between the UE and the anchor point.

[0245] The method for transmitting network services based on the UE user plane or data plane by the NSF according to the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of the following:

[0246] The NSF obtains NF information, which is used to manage UE connections (SMF / CMF) based on user plane or data plane network services.

[0247] NSF sends NSF information to SMF / CMF;

[0248] SMF / CMF sends NSF information to the anchor point;

[0249] SMF / CMF / Anchor point initiates the establishment of a connection between NSF and the anchor point.

[0250] In some embodiments, SMF / CMF refers to either SMF or CMF; SMF / CMF / anchor point refers to either SMF or CMF or an anchor point. NF information can be the second information in the previous embodiments; NSF information can be the fourth information in the previous embodiments.

[0251] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4, the present disclosure relates to an information processing method, which includes:

[0252] In this embodiment of the disclosure, it is assumed that network services based on the user plane or data plane are supported. A CMF (Network Function for Connection Management) or SMF (Network Function for Session Management) is a core network instance used for at least one of the following: managing the connection between the UE and the anchor point, and managing the connection between the anchor point and the NSF (Network Function for Providing Network Service Functions). Signaling and / or data packets from the UE are terminated at the anchor point, and the anchor point packages the data sent from the core network to the UE. The NF in the core network used to manage the connection between the UE and the anchor point, and the NF in the core network used to manage the connection between the anchor point and the NSF, may be the same or different. The establishment of the connection between the NSF and the anchor point is initiated by the NSF.

[0253] The address information of the NSF is not visible to the UE; instead, the anchor point transmits the signaling and / or data exchanged between the UE and the NSF. There can be one or more NSFs to support one or more network services. Each NSF can support one or more network services. The anchor point can be an independent NSDPF or UPF, or it can be a network service data proxy used for exchanging signaling and / or data between the UE and any NSF.

[0254] In step S4101, the user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point has been established.

[0255] Optionally, a user plane or data plane connection has been established between the UE and the anchor point. Information for UE connection management is stored in the UDM / UDR / PCF or in the UE context of any NF used for UE data management; this information may include at least one of the following: an indication that a UE connection has been established, SMF ID, CMF ID, and anchor point information. The anchor point information may include at least one of the following: the anchor point ID and the anchor point address information. The anchor point address information may include address information that can be used to establish a connection between the NSF and the anchor point, including but not limited to one of the following: port address information, IP address information, and MAC address information. For example, the port address information may be a port number. It may also include the protocol type used to establish a connection between the NSF and the anchor point for data transmission. UDM / UDR / PCF refers to UDM, UDR, or PCF.

[0256] In step S4102, the consumer sends a Network Service Request to the NSF.

[0257] Optionally, the consumer can be a data service task consumer; for example, the consumer may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: application server, UE, access network equipment (e.g., RAN node), and core network equipment (e.g., NF). The consumer triggers network services on the NSF to invoke specific network services or any network service.

[0258] In step S4103, the NSF obtains user plane or data plane connection information between the UE and the anchor point.

[0259] Optionally, the NSF obtains UE connections (e.g., user plane or data plane connections between the UE and the anchor point) from an NF (such as a UDM / UDR / PCF or any NF used for UE data management) that stores information for UE connection management. For example, if the UDM / UDR / PCF stores information for UE connection management, the NSF uses the UDM / UDR / PCF to obtain the UE connection, such as by calling a service (e.g., Nudm_UECM_Get service) and discovering that the UE connection to the core network has been established. The NSF can also obtain UE connection information from an NF that stores information for UE connection management through the NEF.

[0260] If the PDU session mechanism is applied to connection management, it may include one of the following scenarios:

[0261] Case 1: The anchor point is managed by the SMF, and the UDM / UDR / PCF stores: the SMF ID, or an indication of UE connection establishment and the SMF ID; the NSF performs step S4104 between the obtained SMF and the NSF to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor point and the NSF.

[0262] Scenario 2: The anchor point is managed by the CMF, and the UDM / UDR / PCF stores: the SMF ID, or an indication of UE connection establishment and the SMF ID; the NSF performs step S4104 between the obtained SMF and the NSF, and interacts with the CMF to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor point and the NSF. For example, the NSF obtains the CMF information from the SMF, and then the NSF interacts with the obtained CMF to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor point and the NSF. For example, the NSF interacts with the SMF to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor point and the NSF, and then the SMF interacts with the CMF to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor point and the NSF.

[0263] Case 3: The anchor point is managed by the SMF, and the UDM / UDR / PCF stores: the SMF ID and anchor point information, or an indication of UE connection establishment and the SMF ID and anchor point information; the NSF executes step S4104 between the obtained SMF and NSF to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor point and the NSF.

[0264] Case 4: The anchor point is managed by the CMF, and the UDM / UDR / PCF stores: SMF ID and CMF ID and anchor point information, or an indication of UE connection establishment and SMF ID and CMF ID and anchor point information; the NSF executes step S4104 between the obtained CMF and the NSF to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor point and the NSF.

[0265] If the connection management mechanism for network services accessed by the UE via the user plane or data plane is applied to connection management, the anchor point can be managed by CMF or SMF, and may include one of the following:

[0266] Case 5: If at least one of the following is stored in the UDM / UDR / PCF: an indication of UE connection establishment, SMF ID, and anchor point information, the NSF executes step S4104 between the obtained SMF and the NSF to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor point and the NSF. Here, the UDM / UDR / PCF may also store record information recording UE connections.

[0267] Case 6: If at least one of the following is stored in the UDM / UDR / PCF: an indication of UE connection establishment, CMF ID, SMF ID, and anchor point information, the NSF executes step S4104 between the acquired CMF and the NSF to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor point and the NSF. Here, the UDM / UDR / PCF may also store record information recording UE connections.

[0268] In all the above cases, the indication indicating UE connection establishment can be implicitly indicated by the dedicated DNNS / S-NSSAI or explicitly indicated via indication information. The UDM / UDR / PCF storing at least one of the CMF ID, SMF ID, anchor point information, and UE connection information can implicitly indicate that the UE connection has been established; when at least one of the CMF ID, SMF ID, anchor point information, and UE connection information is available, the indication indicating UE connection establishment can be omitted.

[0269] In step S4104, the NSF sends a connection establishment request to the SMF / CMF.

[0270] Optionally, the NSF sends a connection establishment request to the SMF / CMF to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor and the NSF. The connection establishment request may also include NSF information used to establish the connection between the NSF and the anchor. This NSF information may include address information that can be used to establish the connection, including but not limited to one of the following: port address information, IP address information, and Media Access Control (MAC) address information. For example, the port address information may be a port number. The NSF information may also include the protocol type used for data transmission between the NSF and the anchor. The connection establishment request may also include anchor information. Once the SMF / CMF establishes the connection between the anchor and the NSF, the SMF / CMF notifies the NSF that the connection has been established.

[0271] Optionally, for a Service B-based Interface (SBI) architecture, the connection establishment request can be implemented by calling a connection establishment service (e.g., Ncmf_CNConnection_Create service). For example, by calling and executing the connection establishment service, a connection between the anchor and NSF can be established.

[0272] Optionally, if the connection between the anchor point and the NSF is established by the anchor point, then step S4105 is executed.

[0273] Step S4105: SMF / CMF sends NSF information to the anchor point.

[0274] Step S4106: Establish a connection between the SMF / CMF or anchor point or NSF and the anchor point.

[0275] Alternatively, the connection between the NSF and the anchor can be one of the following: user connection, data plane connection, or control plane connection.

[0276] Optionally, the NSF or SMF / CMF establishes a second connection based on the address information obtained from the NSF, or the NSF establishes a second connection based on the address information of the anchor point.

[0277] Optionally, the connection between the NSF and the anchor point can be a transmission channel between the NSF and the anchor point; this transmission channel can refer to a connection-oriented transmission channel or a connectionless transmission path. For example, the connection between the NSF and the anchor point can include a connection-oriented transmission channel or a connectionless transmission channel. For example, a transmission channel can be replaced by a transmission path.

[0278] For example, when the connection between the NSF and the anchor is a connectionless transport path, connection establishment is only required after obtaining the peer's address information and completing the configuration at both ends; no explicit connection establishment operation is needed. Alternatively, when the connection between the NSF and the anchor is a connection-oriented transport channel, connection establishment is required after obtaining the peer's address information. This address information must be usable by the transport layer; if it is not transport layer address information, it can be mapped to transport layer address information.

[0279] In step S4107, the SMF / CMF sends a connection establishment response to the NSF.

[0280] Optionally, the SMF / CMF sends a connection establishment response to the NSF, indicating that a connection has been established between the anchor point and the NSF. The connection establishment response includes an identifier and anchor point information; the identifier indicates the connection between the anchor point and the NSF.

[0281] Step S4108: Exchange UL / DL signaling and / or data of network services between the UE and the anchor point.

[0282] Optionally, the anchor point sends at least one of the following to the UE: DL signaling and DL data of the network service; the UE sends at least one of the following to the anchor point: UL signaling and UL data of the network service.

[0283] Step S4109: The anchor point processes UL / DL signaling and / or data for network services.

[0284] Optionally, for UL signaling and / or data, it is sent to the NSF supporting network services and / or the UE, and the DL signaling and / or data from the NSF supporting network services and / or the UE is repackaged and sent to the UE.

[0285] Step S4110: Exchange UL / DL signaling and / or data of network services between the anchor point and the NSF.

[0286] Optionally, the anchor sends at least one of the following to the NSF: UL signaling and UL data of the network service; the NSF sends at least one of the following to the anchor: DL signaling and DL data of the network service.

[0287] In some embodiments, the network service can be the service in the previous embodiments; the UE can be the terminal in the previous embodiments; the NSF can be the first network function in the previous embodiments; the anchor point can be the third network function in the previous embodiments; the UDM / UDR / PCF can be the second network function in the previous embodiments; the SMF / CMF can be the fourth network function in the previous embodiments; the connection between the UE or the terminal and the anchor point can be the first connection in the previous embodiments; the connection between the NSF and the anchor point can be the second connection in the previous embodiments.

[0288] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4110. For example, step S4103 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S4104 to S4105 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S4104, S4105, and S4106 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S4104, S4105, S4106, and S4107 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; a combination of steps S4104, S4105, S4106, S4107, and S4108 may be implemented as an independent embodiment; and a combination of steps S4101 to S4110 may be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0289] In some embodiments, steps S4101 to S4102 and steps S4106 to S4110 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0290] In some embodiments, the steps and their optional implementations in other embodiments described before or after this embodiment, as well as other related parts in the specification, can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0291] This disclosure also proposes an apparatus (also referred to as a communication device, etc.) for implementing any of the above methods. For example, an apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by the terminal in any of the above methods. Furthermore, another apparatus is proposed that includes units or modules for implementing the steps performed by network devices (e.g., access network devices, core network functional nodes, core network devices (e.g., first network function, second network function, third network function, fourth network function, terminal, etc.) in any of the above methods.

[0292] It should be understood that the division of units or modules in the above device is only a logical functional division. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into a single physical entity, or they can be physically separated. Furthermore, the units or modules in the device can be implemented by a processor calling software: for example, the device includes a processor connected to a memory containing instructions. The processor calls the instructions stored in the memory to implement any of the above methods or to implement the functions of the units or modules in the above device. The processor can be, for example, a general-purpose processor, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) or a microprocessor, and the memory can be internal or external to the device. Alternatively, the units or modules in the device can be implemented in the form of hardware circuits. The functionality of some or all of the units or modules can be achieved through the design of these hardware circuits, which can be understood as one or more processors. For example, in one implementation, the hardware circuit is an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and the functionality of some or all of the units or modules is achieved through the design of the logical relationships between the components within the circuit. In another implementation, the hardware circuit can be implemented using a Programmable Logic Device (PLD), such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), which can include a large number of logic gates. The connection relationships between the logic gates are configured through configuration files, thereby achieving the functionality of some or all of the units or modules. All units or modules of the above device can be implemented entirely through processor-called software, entirely through hardware circuits, or partially through processor-called software with the remaining parts implemented through hardware circuits.

[0293] In this embodiment, the processor is a circuit with signal processing capabilities. In one implementation, the processor can be a circuit with instruction read and execute capabilities, such as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a graphics processing unit (GPU) (which can be understood as a microprocessor), or a digital signal processor (DSP). In another implementation, the processor can implement certain functions through the logical relationships of hardware circuits. The logical relationships of the aforementioned hardware circuits are fixed or reconfigurable. For example, the processor is a hardware circuit implemented using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a programmable logic device (PLD), such as an FPGA. In a reconfigurable hardware circuit, the process of the processor loading a configuration document and configuring the hardware circuit can be understood as the process of the processor loading instructions to implement the functions of some or all of the above units or modules. Furthermore, it can also be a hardware circuit designed for artificial intelligence, which can be understood as an ASIC, such as a Neural Network Processing Unit (NPU), a Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), or a Deep Learning Processing Unit (DPU).

[0294] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first network function 5100 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5A, the first network function 5100 includes at least one of a first transceiver module 5101 and a first processing module 5102. In some embodiments, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to send first information. Optionally, the first transceiver module 5101 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2104 and / or S2105, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the first network function 5100 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the first processing module 5102 is used to establish a second connection. Optionally, the first processing module 5102 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S2103, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the first network function 5100 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0295] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth network function 5200 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the fourth network function 5200 includes at least one of a second transceiver module 5201 and a second processing module 5202. In some embodiments, the second transceiver module 5201 is used to receive first information. Optionally, the second transceiver module 5201 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., step S2102, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the fourth network function 5200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the second processing module 5202 is used to establish a second connection. Optionally, the second processing module 5202 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S2103, etc., but not limited thereto) performed by the fourth network function 5200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0296] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second network function 5300 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5C, the second network function 5300 includes a third transceiver module 5301. In some embodiments, the third transceiver module 5301 is used to acquire third information. Optionally, the third transceiver module 5301 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., step S2105, but not limited thereto) performed by the second network function 5300 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the second network function 5300 may further include a third processing module.

[0297] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third network function 5400 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5D, the third network function 5400 includes at least one of a fourth transceiver module 5401 and a fourth processing module 5402. In some embodiments, the fourth transceiver module 5301 is used for transmitting service information. Optionally, the fourth transceiver module 5401 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., step S2105, but not limited thereto) performed by the third network function 5400 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here. In some embodiments, the fourth processing module 5402 is used to establish a second connection. Optionally, the fourth processing module 5402 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S2103, but not limited thereto) performed by the third network function 5400 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0298] In some embodiments, the transceiver module may include a transmitting module and / or a receiving module, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the transceiver module may be interchangeable with a transceiver. For example, the first transceiver module described above includes a first transmitting module and / or a first receiving module. For example, the second transceiver module described above includes a second transmitting module and / or a second receiving module.

[0299] In some embodiments, the processing module may be a single module or may include multiple sub-modules. Optionally, the multiple sub-modules may each perform all or part of the steps required by the processing module.

[0300] In some embodiments, the processing module can be replaced by the processor, and the transceiver module can be replaced by the transceiver.

[0301] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of the communication device 6100 proposed in an embodiment of this disclosure. The communication device 6100 can be a network device (e.g., an access network device (e.g., a base station), a core network device (e.g., a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, a fourth network function, etc.), a terminal (e.g., a user equipment), a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the network device in implementing any of the above methods, or a chip, chip system, or processor that supports the terminal in implementing any of the above methods. The communication device 6100 can be used to implement the methods described in the above method embodiments; for details, please refer to the descriptions in the above method embodiments.

[0302] As shown in Figure 6A, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 includes one or more processors 6101. The processor 6101 may be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit. The baseband processor may be used to process communication protocols and communication data, and the central processing unit may be used to control communication devices (e.g., base stations, baseband chips, terminal devices, terminal device chips, DUs or CUs, etc.), execute programs, and process program data. Optionally, the communication device 6100 is used to execute any of the above methods. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions to cause the communication device 6100 to execute any of the above methods.

[0303] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more transceivers 6102. When the communication device 6100 includes one or more transceivers 6102, the transceiver 6102 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above method (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2103, and / or S2104, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2102, but not limited thereto). In optional embodiments, the transceiver may include a receiver and / or a transmitter, which may be separate or integrated. Optionally, the terms transceiver, transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, interface circuit, interface, etc., can be used interchangeably; the terms transmitter, transmitting unit, transmitter, transmitting circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably; and the terms receiver, receiving unit, receiver, receiving circuit, etc., can be used interchangeably.

[0304] In some embodiments, the communication device 6100 further includes one or more memories 6103 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, one or more processors 6101 are used to invoke instructions stored in the memory 6103 to cause the communication device 6100 to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, all or part of the memory 6103 may also be located outside the communication device 6100. In an optional embodiment, the communication device 6100 may include one or more interface circuits 6104. Optionally, the interface circuit 6104 is connected to the memory 6102 and can be used to receive data and / or instructions from the memory 6102 or other devices, and can be used to send data and / or instructions to the memory 6102 or other devices. For example, the interface circuit 6104 can read data and / or instructions stored in the memory 6102 and send the data and / or instructions to the processor 6101.

[0305] The communication device 6100 described in the above embodiments may be a network device or a terminal, but the scope of the communication device 6100 described in this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the structure of the communication device 6100 may not be limited by FIG. 6A. The communication device may be a standalone device or may be part of a larger device. For example, the communication device may be: (1) a standalone integrated circuit IC, or chip, or chip system or subsystem; (2) a collection having one or more ICs, optionally, the IC collection may also include storage components for storing data, programs and / or instructions; (3) an ASIC, such as a modem; (4) a module that can be embedded in other devices; (5) a receiver, terminal device, smart terminal device, cellular phone, wireless device, handheld device, mobile unit, vehicle device, network device, cloud device, artificial intelligence device, etc.; (6) others, etc.

[0306] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of chip 6200 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For cases where the communication device 6100 can be a chip or a chip system, please refer to the schematic diagram of chip 6200 shown in Figure 6B, but it is not limited thereto.

[0307] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0308] In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more interface circuits 6202. Optionally, terms such as interface circuit, interface, and transceiver pin can be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, chip 6200 further includes one or more memories 6203 for storing data and / or instructions. Optionally, all or part of the memories 6203 may be located outside of chip 6200. Optionally, interface circuit 6202 is connected to memory 6203, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to receive data and / or instructions from memory 6203 or other devices, and interface circuit 6202 can be used to send data and / or instructions to memory 6203 or other devices. For example, interface circuit 6202 can read data and / or instructions stored in memory 6203 and send the data and / or instructions to processor 6201.

[0309] In some embodiments, the interface circuit 6202 performs at least one of the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method (e.g., steps S2101, S2102, S2103, and / or S2104, but not limited thereto). The interface circuit 6202 performing the communication steps such as sending and / or receiving in the above-described method refers, for example, to the interface circuit 6202 performing data and / or instruction interaction between the processor 6201, the chip 6200, the memory 6203, or the transceiver device. In some embodiments, the processor 6201 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., step S2104, but not limited thereto).

[0310] The modules and / or devices described in the various embodiments, such as virtual devices, physical devices, and chips, can be combined or separated arbitrarily as needed. Optionally, some or all steps can also be performed collaboratively by multiple modules and / or devices, which is not limited here.

[0311] This disclosure also proposes a storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the storage medium is an electronic storage medium. Optionally, the storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a storage medium readable by other devices. Optionally, the storage medium may be a non-transitory storage medium, but not limited thereto; it may also be a temporary storage medium.

[0312] This disclosure also proposes a program product, including a program and / or instructions, which, when executed by a communication device, cause the communication device to perform any of the above methods. Optionally, the program product is a computer program product. Optionally, the program product is stored on the storage medium.

[0313] This disclosure also proposes a computer program that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to perform any of the above methods.

Claims

1. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by the first network function, including: Send first information to the second network function, the first information being used to obtain second information; wherein, the second information is related to the first connection, the first connection being the connection between the terminal and the third network function; Based on the second information, a third information is sent to the fourth network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third information includes: fourth information of the first network function; wherein the fourth information is used by the third network function or the fourth network function to establish the second connection; the fourth information includes at least one of the following: First address information of the first network function; A first identifier is used to indicate the first network function.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: The second identifier is used to indicate the first type of fourth network function in the fourth network function; The third identifier is used to indicate the second type of fourth network function in the fourth network function; A connection indication, wherein the connection indication is used to indicate that the first connection has been established; The fifth information includes at least one of the following: the second address information of the third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function. Record information, wherein the record information is used to indicate information related to the first connection; The fifth identifier, wherein the fifth identifier is used to indicate the specified data network.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Sending third information to the fourth network function includes one of the following: Send third information to the first type of fourth network function; wherein the third network function is managed by the first type of fourth network function; or, the third network function is managed by the second type of fourth network function, and the first type of fourth network function requests the second type of fourth network function to establish the second connection; The third information is sent to the second type of fourth network function, wherein the third network function is managed by the second type of fourth network function.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before sending the third information to the second type of fourth network function, one of the following is also included: Based on the second information, the second type of fourth network function is determined; Obtain the second type of fourth network function from the first type of fourth network function.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the second type of fourth network function from the first type of fourth network function includes: Send a sixth message to the first type of fourth network function, wherein the sixth message is used to obtain a seventh message; The seventh information sent by the first type of fourth network function is received, wherein the seventh information includes at least one of the following: the third identifier and the third address information of the second type of fourth network function; Based on the seventh piece of information, the second type of fourth network function is determined.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the eighth message sent by the fourth network function; wherein the eighth message is used to indicate that the second connection has been established.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The eighth piece of information includes at least one of the following: A connection identifier, wherein the connection identifier indicates the second connection; The fifth piece of information, wherein the fifth piece of information is used to indicate the third network function.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: Downlink information of a service is sent to the third network function through the second connection, wherein the downlink information of the service is sent by the third network function to the terminal through the first connection; Through the second connection, the uplink information of the service sent by the third network function is received, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the third network function from the terminal through the first connection.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The first network function includes one of the following: network service function; The second network function includes one of the following: unified data management function, unified data storage function, policy control function, and network exposure function; The third network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and any network function that has network service data processing function or network service data proxy function. The fourth network function includes one of the following: a first type of fourth network function and a second type of fourth network function; the first type of fourth network function is a network function for session management; the second type of fourth network function is a network function for connection management.

11. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by the fourth network function, including: Receive third information sent by the first network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the first network function and the third network function; Wherein, the third information is sent by the first network function based on the second information; the second information is obtained by the first network function sending the first information to the second network function, and the second information is related to the first connection; the first connection is the connection between the terminal and the third network function.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The third information includes: fourth information about the third network function; wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: First address information of the first network function; A first identifier is used to indicate the first network function.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The fourth network function is a first type of fourth network function, and the method further includes: Receive the sixth information sent by the first network function, wherein the sixth information is used to obtain the seventh information; The seventh information is sent to the first network function, wherein the seventh information is used by the first network function to determine the second type of fourth network function; the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a third identifier and third address information of the second type of fourth network function; the third identifier is used to indicate the second type of fourth network function.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a third message to the second type of fourth network function, wherein the third message is used to request the establishment of the second connection; Obtain the eighth message sent by the second type of fourth network function, wherein the eighth message is used to indicate that the second connection has been established.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method also includes one of the following: Based on the fourth information, the second connection is established; The fourth information is sent to the third network function, and the fourth information is used by the third network function to establish the second connection.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send an eighth message to the first network function, wherein the eighth message is used to indicate that the second connection has been established.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The eighth piece of information includes at least one of the following: A connection identifier, wherein the connection identifier indicates the second connection; The fifth piece of information, wherein the fifth piece of information is used to indicate the third network function.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that, The first network function includes one of the following: network service function; The second network function includes one of the following: unified data management function, unified data storage function, policy control function, and network exposure function; The third network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and any network function that has network service data processing function or network service data proxy function. The fourth network function includes one of the following: a first type of fourth network function and a second type of fourth network function; the first type of fourth network function is a network function for session management; the second type of fourth network function is a network function for connection management.

19. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by the second network function, including: Receive first information sent by a first network function, wherein the first information is used to obtain second information from the second network function; The second information is related to the first connection, and the second information is used by the first network function to send the third information to the fourth network function; the first connection is the connection between the terminal and the third network function; The third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second information includes at least one of the following: The second identifier is used to indicate the first type of fourth network function in the fourth network function; The third identifier is used to indicate the second type of fourth network function in the fourth network function; A connection indication, wherein the connection indication is used to indicate that the first connection has been established; The fifth information includes at least one of the following: the second address information of the third network function and a fourth identifier; the fourth identifier is used to indicate the third network function. Record information, wherein the record information is used to indicate information related to the first connection; The fifth identifier, wherein the fifth identifier is used to indicate the specified data network.

21. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by a third network function, including: The system receives a fourth message sent by a fourth network function, which is obtained by the fourth network function from the first network function and is used to instruct the first network function; the fourth message is sent by the third network function after receiving the third message sent by the first network function, and the third message is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the first network function and the third network function. Based on the fourth information, the second connection is established.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: The system receives uplink information about services sent by a terminal via a first connection; wherein the first connection is a connection between the terminal and the third network function. The uplink information of the service is sent to the first network function through the second connection; Through the second connection, downlink information of the first network function transmission service is received; The downlink information of the service is sent to the terminal through the first connection.

23. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by a communication system, the communication system including a first network function, a second network function, a third network function, and a fourth network function, the method includes: The first network function sends first information to the second network function, the first information being used to obtain second information; wherein, the second information is related to the first connection, the first connection being the connection between the terminal and the third network function; Based on the second information, the first network function sends third information to the fourth network function, wherein the third information is used to request the establishment of a second connection between the third network function and the first network function.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is used to perform the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or claims 11 to 18, or claims 19 to 20, or claims 21 to 22.

25. A communication system, characterized in that, include: The network comprises a first network function, a fourth network function, a second network function, and a third network function; wherein the first network function is configured to implement the information processing method of any one of claims 1 to 10, the fourth network function is configured to implement the information processing method of any one of claims 11 to 18, the second network function is configured to implement the information processing method of any one of claims 19 to 20, and the third network function is configured to implement the information processing method of any one of claims 21 to 22.

26. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instructions are executed on a communication device, the communication device performs the information processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, or claims 11 to 18, or claims 19 to 20, or claims 21 to 22.

27. A computer program product, comprising at least one of a program and instructions, characterized in that, When at least one of the programs or instructions is executed by a communication device, it implements the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, or claims 11 to 18, or claims 19 to 20, or claims 21 to 22.

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