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

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure are an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system and a storage medium. The information processing method is executed by a first network function, and comprises: acquiring first information; and triggering the establishment of a first connection on the basis of the first information, wherein the first connection is a connection between a second network function and a terminal.

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 inability of communication systems to support user plane or data plane network services initiated by NSF based on mobile termination.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a first network function, comprising: acquiring first information; triggering the establishment of a first connection based on the first information, wherein the first connection is a connection between a second network function and a terminal.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing method is proposed, executed by a third network function, comprising: sending first information to a first network function, wherein the first information is used by the first network function to determine that the establishment of a first connection is triggered; the first connection is a connection between a second network function and a terminal.

[0006] According to a third 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, and a terminal; the method includes: the first network function acquiring first information; the first network function triggering the establishment of a first connection based on the first information, wherein the first connection is a connection between the second network function and the terminal.

[0007] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a first network function is proposed, comprising: a first transceiver module configured to acquire first information; and a first processing module configured to trigger the establishment of a first connection based on the first information, wherein the first connection is a connection between a second network function and a terminal.

[0008] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a third network function is proposed, comprising: a second transceiver module configured to send first information to a first network function, wherein the first information is used by the first network function to determine that the establishment of a first connection is triggered; the first connection is a connection between the second network function and a terminal.

[0009] According to a sixth aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, a communication device is provided, which is used to perform an implementation of such a first aspect, a second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0010] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first 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, and the third network function is configured to perform a method as described in an optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0011] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided that stores instructions that, when executed on a communication device, cause the communication device to perform the method described in the first aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0012] According to a ninth 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 as in the first aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0013] The embodiments disclosed herein enable the communication system to support NSF-initiated user plane or data plane network services based on mobile termination. Attached Figure Description

[0014] 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.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3 is an interactive schematic diagram of an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating an information processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a third network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second network function according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram of the structure of a chip provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] This disclosure provides an information processing method, a communication device, a communication system, and a storage medium.

[0026] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure propose an information processing method executed by a first network function, comprising: acquiring first information; triggering the establishment of a first connection based on the first information, wherein the first connection is a connection between a second network function and a terminal.

[0027] In the above embodiments, network functions (such as the fourth network function) used for connection management in the core network can control the establishment of user plane or data plane connections, thereby enabling the core network to support user plane or data plane-based network services based on mobile termination. For example, information of these network services can be exchanged between the terminal and the core network through the first connection, which facilitates better support for the introduction of network services.

[0028] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, obtaining the first information includes at least one of the following: receiving first information sent by a third network function, wherein the first information is used for one of the following: requesting the establishment of a second connection and obtaining second information of a second network function; the second connection is a connection between the second network function and the first network function; obtaining stored first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate local information of the first network function; receiving first information sent by a fourth network function, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: changes to user subscription information and changes to user policy information.

[0029] In the above embodiments, the first information can be obtained in multiple ways, adapting to a wider range of application scenarios. Furthermore, if the first network function obtains the first information from a third network function (e.g., NSF), the communication system can support user plane or data plane network services initiated by the NSF based on mobile termination.

[0030] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, before triggering the establishment of the first connection, the process includes: determining, based on first information, that the first connection has not been established.

[0031] In the above embodiments, the establishment of the first connection can be triggered when it is determined that the first connection has not been established. Thus, if the first connection can be added to the session that has been established between the terminal and the core network, it will be convenient for the terminal to connect to the user plane or data plane of the core network.

[0032] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is sent by the third network function based on the third information; the third information is obtained by the third network function from the fourth network function, and the third information is related to the first connection.

[0033] In the above embodiments, a request can be initiated by a third network function to cause the first network function to trigger the establishment of a first connection; and the third network function can retrieve third information of a fourth network function used to manage terminal connection data to accurately determine whether the first connection has been established.

[0034] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first 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 third network function; and a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate the third network function.

[0035] In the above embodiments, the fourth information of the third network function (such as NSF information) can be carried in the first information, thereby facilitating the establishment of the second connection between the second network function and the third network function; and sending the fourth information in the first information used to trigger the establishment of the first connection can also save transmission resources.

[0036] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function is a first type of first network function, and the method further includes at least one of the following: determining a second type of first network function; sending first information to the second type of second network function.

[0037] In the above embodiments, if a first type of first network function is involved in the management of the first connection, the first information can be forwarded through the first type of first network function, thereby determining that the information related to the first connection can be successfully managed by the second type of first network function.

[0038] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: determining a second network function; determining second information of the second network function; wherein the second information includes at least one of the following: second address information of the second network function; a second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate the second network function.

[0039] In the above embodiments, when it is determined that there is no anchor point (AP) (i.e., the second network function), an anchor point and its information (i.e., the second information) can be selected, thereby facilitating the establishment of the first connection and / or the second connection.

[0040] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes one of the following: sending second information to a third network function, wherein the second information is used by the third network function to establish a second connection; sending fourth information to the second network function, wherein the fourth information is used by the second network function to establish a second connection; and establishing a second connection based on the second information and the fourth information.

[0041] The above embodiments provide multiple ways to establish a second connection, adapting to more application scenarios.

[0042] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending the second information to the third network function includes one of the following: sending the second information to the third network function after determining the second information; or sending the second information to the third network function after the first connection is established.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the second connection can be established by the third network function after the anchor point information is determined, or the second connection can be established by the third network function after the first connection is established, which is applicable to more application scenarios.

[0044] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending fourth information to the second network function includes one of the following: sending fourth information to the second network function after determining the second information; or sending fourth information to the second network function after the first connection is established.

[0045] In the above embodiments, the second connection can be established by the second network function after the anchor point information is determined, or the second connection can be established by the second network function after the first connection is established, which is applicable to more application scenarios.

[0046] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, establishing a second connection based on the second information and the fourth information includes one of the following: establishing a second connection based on the second information and the fourth information after determining the second information; establishing a second connection based on the second information and the fourth information after the first connection is established.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the second connection can be established by the first network function after the anchor point information is determined, or the second connection can be established by the first network function after the first connection is established, which is applicable to more application scenarios.

[0048] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method includes: sending fifth information to a terminal, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of the following: third address information of a second network function, the third address information being the same as or different from the second address information; a second identifier; a second indication, the second indication being used to indicate a protocol supported or used by the first connection.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the first network function can trigger the terminal to establish a first connection, and the protocol supported or used by the first connection can be negotiated to facilitate the interaction between the terminal and the core network.

[0050] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, sending fifth information to the terminal includes one of the following: sending a first session management message to the terminal, wherein the first session management message includes the fifth information; sending a first in-band message to the terminal through a user plane function, wherein the first in-band message includes the fifth information; or sending a first in-band message to a user plane function through a second network function, wherein the first in-band message is used by the user plane function to send to the terminal.

[0051] In the above embodiments, the fifth information can be sent to the terminal in multiple ways, thus adapting to more application scenarios. Furthermore, if the fifth information is transmitted using the first session management message, the session between the terminal and the core network can be reused, eliminating the need to re-establish the connection using additional resources and saving system resources. Alternatively, if the fifth information is transmitted using the first in-band message, it can be transmitted through user plane functions, also achieving successful transmission of the fifth information to the terminal.

[0052] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: receiving sixth information sent by a terminal, wherein the sixth information is used to indicate that a first connection has been established; sending seventh information to a fourth network function, the seventh information including at least one of the following: a first indication, a third identifier, a fourth identifier, and fifth information; the first indication is used to indicate that a first connection has been established; the third identifier is used to indicate a first type of first network function; the fourth identifier is used to indicate a second type of first network function; sending eighth information to a third network function, wherein the eighth information is used to indicate that a first connection has been established; sending eighth information to a second network function; and sending ninth information to the third network function, wherein the ninth information is used to indicate that a second connection has been established.

[0053] In the above embodiments, the first network function can receive the sixth information sent by the terminal, thereby knowing that the first connection has been established. Therefore, the first network function does not need to re-establish the first connection, thus saving system resources. The first network function sends the eighth information to the second network function, enabling the second network function to know that the first connection has been established, thus saving system resources. The first network function sends the eighth information to the third network function, enabling the third network function to also know that the first connection has been established, thereby facilitating the third network function to send downlink information for services to the terminal through the second network function.

[0054] Sending the seventh information to the fourth network function allows the information related to the first connection to be updated in the fourth network function, which is used to manage the information of the first connection, so that other network functions can retrieve the information of the first connection in the future.

[0055] Sending the ninth message to the third network function eliminates the need for the third network function to establish a second connection, thereby saving system resources.

[0056] In conjunction with some embodiments of the first aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of first network function and a second type of first network function; the first type of first network function is a network function for session management; the second type of first network function is a network function for connection management; the second network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and a network function having network service data processing function or network service data proxy function; the third network function includes one of the following: network service function; the fourth network function includes one of the following: unified data management function, unified data storage function, policy control function, and network exposure function.

[0057] Secondly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a third network function, comprising: sending first information to a first network function, wherein the first information is used by the first network function to determine that the establishment of a first connection is triggered; the first connection is a connection between a second network function and a terminal.

[0058] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first information is used for one of the following: requesting the establishment of a second connection and obtaining second information of a second network function; the second connection is a connection between the second network function and the first network function.

[0059] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, sending first information to a first network function includes: sending first information to a first network function when it is determined that a first connection has not been established.

[0060] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, before sending the first information to the first network function, the method further includes: sending tenth information to the fourth network function, wherein the tenth information is used to obtain third information; the third information is related to the first connection.

[0061] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first 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 third network function; a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate the third network function.

[0062] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of first network function and a second type of first network function; sending first information to the first network function includes one of the following: the second network function is managed by the first type of first network function and sends the first information to the first type of first network function; the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function and sends the first information to the second type of first network function.

[0063] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes one of the following: receiving second information sent by a first network function, the second information including at least one of the following: second address information of the second network function; a second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate the second network function; establishing a second connection based on the second information; receiving an eighth message sent by the first network function, wherein the eighth message is used to indicate that the first connection has been established; and receiving a ninth message sent by the first network function, wherein the ninth message is used to indicate that the second connection has been established.

[0064] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the second information is sent by the first network function after determining the second information; or, the second information is sent by the first network function after the first connection is established.

[0065] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: sending downlink information of a service to a second network function via a second connection, wherein the downlink information of the service is used by the second network function to send it to a terminal via a first connection; receiving uplink information of a service sent by the second network function via the second connection, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the second network function from the terminal via the first connection.

[0066] In conjunction with some embodiments of the second aspect, in some embodiments, the first network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of first network function and a second type of first network function; the first type of first network function is a network function for session management; the second type of first network function is a network function for connection management; the second network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and network function having network service data processing function or network service data proxy function; the third network function includes one of the following: network service function; the fourth network function includes one of the following: unified data management function, unified data storage function, policy control function, and network exposure function.

[0067] Thirdly, this disclosure provides an information processing method executed by a communication system, the communication system including a first network function, a second network function, and a terminal; the method includes: the first network function acquiring first information; the first network function triggering the establishment of a first connection based on the first information, wherein the first connection is a connection between the second network function and the terminal.

[0068] Fourthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a first network function, including: a first transceiver module configured to acquire first information; and a first processing module configured to trigger the establishment of a first connection based on the first information, wherein the first connection is a connection between a second network function and a terminal.

[0069] Fifthly, embodiments of this disclosure propose a third network function, including: a second transceiver module configured to send first information to a first network function, wherein the first information is used by the first network function to determine and trigger the establishment of a first connection; the first connection is a connection between the second network function and the terminal.

[0070] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication device for performing implementations such as the first aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0071] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a communication system, including: a first 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, and the third network function is configured to perform the method described in the optional implementation of the second aspect.

[0072] Eighthly, 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, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0073] In a ninth 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 as in the first aspect, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0074] In a tenth 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, the second aspect, or an optional implementation of the first and second aspects.

[0075] Eleventhly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a chip or chip system including processing circuitry configured to perform the methods described according to the first aspect, the second aspect, or alternative implementations of the first and second aspects above.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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".

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] In the embodiments of this disclosure, "multiple" refers to two or more.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] In some embodiments, “including A,” “containing A,” “for indicating A,” and “carrying A” can be interpreted as directly carrying A or indirectly indicating A.

[0087] In some embodiments, terms such as "time / frequency" and "time-frequency domain" refer to the time domain and / or frequency domain.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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”.

[0090] 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.

[0091] In some embodiments, "network" can be interpreted as devices included in a network (e.g., access network devices, core network devices, etc.).

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] In some embodiments, the acquisition of data, information, etc., may comply with the laws and regulations of the country where the location is situated.

[0097] In some embodiments, data, information, etc., may be obtained with the user's consent.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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).

[0106] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 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 first network function may establish a connection with at least one of the following: a third network function, a fourth network function, and a second network function. The connection relationship between the third network function, the fourth network function, the second network function, and the first 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 first network function 1031 is used for managing sessions, managing services, and / or managing connections, etc., and its name is not limited thereto.

[0108] In some embodiments, the first network function 1031 may include a combination of one or more network functions to implement service and / or connection management functions; for example, the first network function may include: a first type of first network function, or a second type of first network function, or a first type of first network function and a second type of first network function, etc. Optionally, the first type of first network function is used to manage sessions, etc., for example, the first type of first network function may be SMF, etc. Optionally, the second type of first network function is used to manage services and / or connections, for example, the second type of first network function may be CMF, etc.

[0109] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 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.

[0110] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 may include anchor points, etc.

[0111] In some embodiments, the second network function 1032 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.

[0112] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 may include one of the following: Network Service Functionalities (NSF), and network functions in the core network other than the fourth network function, the second network function, and the first network function.

[0113] In some embodiments, the third network function 1033 is used to provide network services, support the execution or operation of network services, and / or provide network service management, etc., and its name is not limited thereto.

[0114] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 may include one of the following: Unified Data Management (UDM), Unified Data Repository (UDR), Policy Control function (PCF), and Network Exposure Function (NEF).

[0115] In some embodiments, the fourth network function 1034 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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).

[0119] In some embodiments, an increasing number of application services that require data processing within the communication system are supported, such as on terminals, in the core network, and in some network functions of the access network, and support is not limited to supporting at least one of the following services:

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] 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).

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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).

[0128] With the emergence of more and more application services 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 previously relied on 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, there is no solution supporting user plane or data plane-based network services with NSF-initiated mobile termination; there are existing Packet Data Unit (PDU) sessions connecting to the data network where the NSF resides, but no connection between the UE and the anchor point.

[0129] In some embodiments, the UE can be a terminal, or the terminal can be a UE.

[0130] 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:

[0131] In this embodiment, the second 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 second 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 third network function) terminates at the second network function. For example, after receiving downlink information from the third network function, the second network function processes the downlink information and encapsulates and packages it according to the end-to-end transmission protocol between the terminal and the second network function before sending it to the terminal; thus, from the terminal's perspective, it is unaware of the address information of the third network function (i.e., the address information of the third network function in the core network is not exposed to the terminal). Similarly, uplink information transmission packets from the terminal also terminate at the second network function; for example, the second network function unpacks the end-to-end transmission packets between the terminal and the second network function; the second network function can then send the uplink information to the third network function based on the processing. The second network function and the third 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.

[0132] In this embodiment of the disclosure, retrieval can also be acquisition, which may include: querying for information that already exists. Acquisition may also include: generating information that does not exist or acquiring information that does not exist. For example, retrieving third information by a third network function may mean: the fifth information already exists, and the third network function queries to obtain the third information. For example, acquiring third information by a third network function may mean: the third information already exists, and the third network function queries to obtain the third information; or, the third information does not exist, and the third network function generates the third information or acquires the third information from other network functions.

[0133] Step S2101: The third network function sends the tenth information to the fourth network function.

[0134] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives the tenth information sent by the third network function.

[0135] In some embodiments, the tenth information is used to obtain the third information.

[0136] Optionally, the tenth information is used to obtain the third information stored by the fourth network function; or, the tenth information is used to obtain the third information, which is obtained by the fourth network function from other network functions (such as the second network function).

[0137] Optionally, the tenth information is used to retrieve the third information. For example, the tenth information is used to retrieve the third information to determine whether the third information includes the second information. For example, the tenth information is used to retrieve the third information to determine whether the first connection has been established or whether a second network function that can serve the requested service has been determined.

[0138] In some embodiments, the third information is related to the first connection.

[0139] Optionally, the third information is connection management information; for example, the third information may include multiple connection-related information. In this embodiment of the disclosure, if the third information does not include information related to the first connection, but includes a third identifier for a first type of first network function used to manage the first connection and / or a fourth identifier for a second type of first network function used to manage the first connection, the third information can also be considered related to the first connection. Here, the third identifier or the fourth identifier will participate in the establishment of the first connection to be established.

[0140] Optionally, the third information may include at least one of the following: a third instruction, a third identifier, a fourth identifier, a fourth instruction, and a fifth identifier. Here, the third information may indicate that the first connection has not been established, and / or the third information may indicate that the second network function and / or the second information of the second network function has not been determined; however, it may indicate that the first network function (including the first type of first network function and / or the second type of first network function) is involved in establishing the first connection.

[0141] Here, the third information indicating that the second network function and / or the second information of the second network function are undetermined can mean that the anchor point (i.e., the second network function) serving the terminal is not determined, but the anchor point can be associated with the first connection. This association between the anchor point and the first connection can include one of the following: Case 1, the anchor point is one end of the first connection network side of the terminal, for example, the first connection can be a terminal-anchor point connection; Case 2, the anchor point and the terminal's first connection can be connected, for example, in a terminal-first anchor point-second anchor point connection, the first connection is a terminal-first anchor point connection, and the second anchor point can be an NSF connection. Here, a connection can be established between the first anchor point and the second anchor point. Here, the anchor point connected to the NSF can be the same as (case 1) or different from the anchor point connected to the UE (e.g., case 2); when the anchor point connected to the NSF is different from the anchor point connected to the UE, the anchor point connected to the NSF (e.g., the second anchor point) and the anchor point connected to the UE (e.g., the source anchor point) can communicate and are associated.

[0142] For example, the third indication is used to indicate that the first connection has not been established.

[0143] For example, the third identifier is used to indicate a first type of first network function in the first network function.

[0144] For example, the fourth identifier is used to indicate a second type of first network function in the first network function.

[0145] For example, the fourth instruction is used to indicate at least one of the following: the first type of first network function corresponding to the third identifier participates in the establishment of the first connection, and the second type of first network function corresponding to the fourth identifier participates in the establishment of the first connection.

[0146] For example, the fifth identifier is used to indicate a specified data network. For instance, the specified data network can be a predetermined 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 resides, etc. In this embodiment of the disclosure, although the first connection is not established, the fifth identifier can implicitly indicate the establishment of a session for the terminal to access the specified data network of the core network, that is, a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session connection has been established between the terminal and a network function (e.g., an anchor point) in the core network.

[0147] Optionally, the third information does not include: the second information, the first instruction, and the recorded information.

[0148] For example, the first indication is used to indicate that the first connection has been established.

[0149] 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 third identifier and a fourth identifier corresponding to the first connection, first address information of a third network function corresponding to the first connection, and second address information of a second network function, etc.

[0150] In some embodiments, the second information includes at least one of the following: second address information of the second network function and a second identifier. Optionally, the second identifier is used to indicate the second network function.

[0151] In some embodiments, the first address information, the second address information, and the third and fourth address information described below can all be any information used to represent an address; for example, the first address information, the second address information, the third address information, and the fourth 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.

[0152] Optionally, the third network function may correspond to one or more first address information. The first address information is used to establish the second connection.

[0153] Optionally, the second network function may correspond to one or more second address information. The second address information is used to establish the first connection or the second connection.

[0154] In some embodiments, the names of the tenth information, the third information, and the second information are not limited. For example, the tenth information may be request information or retrieval information for anchor information; the third information may be UE connection management information or UE connection information; and the second information may be anchor information.

[0155] In some embodiments, the names of the second identifier, third identifier, fourth identifier, fifth identifier, and the first identifier and sixth identifier mentioned below are not limited. For example, the second identifier can be an anchor identifier (ID), etc.; the third identifier can be a CMF ID, etc.; the fourth identifier can be a CMF ID, etc.; the fifth identifier can be a data network name or identifier, etc.; the first identifier can be an NSF ID, etc.; and the sixth identifier can be a terminal identifier or UE ID, etc.

[0156] In some embodiments, the first indication, the third indication, the fourth indication, the first identifier, the second identifier, the third identifier, the fourth identifier, the fifth identifier, and the service identifier, the second indication, and the fifth indication mentioned below can all be strings or numbers of one or more bits.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first connection may include at least one of the following: a user plane connection between the terminal and the second network function, and a data plane connection between the terminal and the second network function.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second connection may include at least one of the following: a user plane connection between the second network function and the third network function, a data plane connection between the second network function and the third network function, and a control plane connection between the second network function and the third network function.

[0159] Optionally, both the first connection and the second connection can be a transmission channel; this transmission channel can refer to a connection-oriented transmission channel or a connectionless transmission channel. For example, either the first connection or the second connection can include a connection-oriented transmission channel or a connectionless transmission channel. For example, the 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.

[0160] 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.

[0161] In some alternative embodiments, the fourth network function sends third information to the third network function.

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

[0163] In some alternative embodiments, a third network function determines that the first connection has not been established.

[0164] Optionally, the third network function determines that the first connection has not been established based on third information. For example, the third network function determines that the first connection has not been established based on the fact that the second information is not included in the third information.

[0165] In some alternative embodiments, the second network function (such as an anchor point) that the third network function is determined to serve the UE is not determined.

[0166] Optionally, based on the third information, the third network function determines that the second network function serving the UE has not been determined, or information on the second network function serving the terminal has not been obtained, or the second network function serving the terminal has not been determined. For example, the third network function determines that the anchor point serving the terminal has not been determined because the third information does not include the second information.

[0167] In some embodiments, terms such as “send,” “transmit,” “report,” “distribute,” “transfer,” “bidirectional transmission,” “send and / or receive” can be used interchangeably.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] Step S2102: The first network function acquires the first information.

[0171] In some embodiments, the third network function sends first information to the first network.

[0172] In some embodiments, the first network function receives first information sent by the third network function.

[0173] Optionally, the first information is used for one of the following: requesting the establishment of a second connection and obtaining the second information.

[0174] Optionally, the first information triggers or initiates the establishment of the first connection. For example, the first information is used by a first network function to trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0175] Optionally, the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection in order to trigger the establishment of the first connection. Here, the first information is used to both request the establishment of a second connection and trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0176] Optionally, the first information is used to obtain the second information in order to trigger the establishment of the first connection. Here, the first information is used to request the second information and trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0177] Optionally, the first information is connection request establishment information.

[0178] Optionally, the first information is sent by the third network function based on the third information.

[0179] For example, the third network function determines that the first connection has not been established based on the third information and sends the first information to the first network function; at this time, the first information can be used to request the establishment of the second connection to trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0180] For example, the third network function determines that the first connection has not been established based on the third information, and sends the first information to the first network function; at this time, the first information can be used to request the establishment of the second connection. Optionally, the first information is sent when the third network function determines that the first connection has not been established.

[0181] For example, if the third network function determines that the first connection has not been established, it sends the first information to the first network function.

[0182] Optionally, the third network function sends first information to the first network function based on the fact that the second network function serving the terminal has not been determined; at this time, the first information can be used to request the establishment of a second connection to trigger the establishment of the first connection.

[0183] Optionally, the third network function obtains information from the first network function based on the third information and sends first information to the first network function; at this time, the first information can be used to request the establishment of a second connection to trigger the establishment of the first connection. The third network function does not need to determine whether the first connection has been established and / or whether the second network function serving the UE has been determined.

[0184] Optionally, the third network function may not determine (or be uncertain) whether the first connection has been established, and may send the first information to the first network function; or, the third network function may make a determination (or determination), but what it determines (or determines) is whether there is a second network function connected to the third network function, which can provide services to the terminal.

[0185] Optionally, the first information includes fourth information; the fourth information includes at least one of the following: first address information of the third network function and a first identifier; the first identifier is used to indicate the third network function. Here, the fourth information can be used to establish a second connection.

[0186] Optionally, the name of the fourth piece of information is not limited; it may be, for example, NSF information.

[0187] In some embodiments, the fourth network function sends first information to the first network function.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first network function receives first information sent by the fourth network function.

[0189] Optionally, the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: changes to user subscription information and changes to user policy information.

[0190] Optionally, the user subscription information may be related to the terminal's subscription; for example, the user subscription information may include at least one of the following: information about the terminal's support for accessing the specified data network, and information about the transmission channel between the terminal and the core network. A change in user subscription information may refer to a change in the terminal's status from not supporting access to the specified data network to supporting access to the specified data network.

[0191] Optionally, user policy information can refer to policies related to the terminal; for example, whether the terminal supports accessing a specified data network can also be configured through policies, and the user policy information may include policy information regarding whether the terminal supports accessing the specified data network. Changing user policy information can refer to changing a policy from one that does not support accessing the specified data network to one that does support accessing the specified data network.

[0192] In some embodiments, the first network function acquires the stored first information.

[0193] Optionally, the local information may include information related to the first connection; the local information may include at least one of the following: address information of both ends of the first connection (e.g., fourth address information of the terminal, third address information of the second network function, etc.), a second identifier indicating the second network function, and second information, etc.

[0194] Optionally, local information may include information such as network support allowing any terminal to access the network.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first network function is a first type of first network function. Here, the second network function is managed by the first type of first network function.

[0196] Optionally, the third network function sends the first information to the first type of first network function. For example, the second network function is managed by the first type of first network function, and the third network function sends the first information to the first type of first network function.

[0197] Optionally, the first type of first network function receives the first information sent by the third network function.

[0198] Optionally, the fourth network function sends the first information to the first type of first network function.

[0199] Optionally, the first type of first network function receives the first information sent by the fourth network function.

[0200] Optionally, the first type of first network function acquires the stored first information.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first network function is a second type of first network function. Here, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function.

[0202] Optionally, the third network function sends the first information to the second type of first network function. For example, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function, and the third network function sends the first information to the second type of first network function.

[0203] Optionally, the second type of first network function receives the first information sent by the third network function.

[0204] Optionally, the fourth network function sends the first information to the second type of first network function.

[0205] Optionally, the second type of first network function receives the first information sent by the fourth network function.

[0206] Optionally, the second type of first network function acquires the stored first information.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first network function is a first type of first network function; the first type of first network function determines a second type of first network function. Here, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function.

[0208] Optionally, the third network function sends first information to the first type of first network function, the first type of first network function determines the second type of first network function; the first type of first network function sends first information to the second type of first network function.

[0209] Optionally, the second type of first network function receives first information sent by the first type of first network function, the first information being obtained by the first type of first network function from the third network function.

[0210] Optionally, the third network function sends first information to the first type of first network function, the first type of first network function determines the second type of first network function; the first type of first network function sends first information to the second type of first network function.

[0211] Optionally, the second type of first network function receives first information sent by the first type of first network function, the first information being obtained by the first type of first network function from the fourth network function.

[0212] Optionally, the first type of first network function acquires the stored first information; the first type of first network function determines the second type of first network function, and the first type of first network function sends the first information to the second type of first network function.

[0213] In the embodiments of this disclosure, when the first network function is a first type of first network, the first type of first network function can interact with other network functions (such as a second network function, a fourth network function, etc.); when the first network function is a second type of first network function, the second type of first network function can interact with other network functions, or the second type of first network function can interact with other network functions through the first type of first network function.

[0214] Step S2103: The first network function determines that the first connection has not been established.

[0215] In some embodiments, the first network function determines that the first connection has not been established based on the first information.

[0216] Optionally, the first network function determines that the first connection has not been established based on at least one of the first information obtained from the third network function, the first information obtained from the fourth network function, and the storage of the first information.

[0217] Optionally, the first information is obtained from a third network function; if the first network function determines that the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection or to obtain second information, it determines that the first connection has not been established; or, if the first network function determines that the first information was sent when the third network function determined that the first connection had not been established, it determines that the first connection has not been established. Here, if the first network function receives the first information sent by the third network function, it determines that the first connection has not been established. Optionally, the first information is sent when the third network function determines that the first connection has not been established.

[0218] Optionally, the first information is obtained from a third network function; the first network function determines that the first connection has not been established based on whether the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection or to request the acquisition of second information. Here, if the first information requests the acquisition of second information, and the first network function does not have the second information (one possibility is that the first connection has not been established, and another possibility is that the first connection has been established but not stored), then the first network function determines that the first connection has not been established. If the first information is used to request the establishment of a second connection, and the first network function determines that it has not obtained the second information or determines that there is no second network function (i.e., an anchor point), then it can also determine that the first connection has not been established. Regardless of whether the first information is used to request the acquisition of second information or to request the establishment of a second connection, the first network function can also query whether there are first connection-related information of a serviced terminal to determine that the first connection has not been established. Here, if the first network function receives the first information sent by the third network function, it can also retrieve local information and / or the first information sent by the fourth network function to determine that the first connection has not been established. Optionally, the first information is sent by the third network function, and the third network function does not first determine whether the first connection has been established before sending it.

[0219] Optionally, the first information is obtained from the third network function; the first network function determines, based on the first information, that the terminal's service information needs to be interacted with; and determines, based on the relevant information of the terminal that needs the service, whether the terminal has a first connection.

[0220] Optionally, there can be one or more second network functions (i.e., anchor points). When there is only one second network function, it can establish a first connection with the terminal and a second connection with a third network function. Alternatively, when there are multiple second network functions, one of the second network functions (e.g., the first anchor point) establishes a first connection with the terminal, and another second network function (e.g., the second anchor point) establishes a second connection with the third network function. Multiple second network functions can also establish connections to ensure that the anchor point connected to the NSF (e.g., the second anchor point) and the anchor point connected to the UE (e.g., the source anchor point) are communicable and associated. Thus, the NSF can interact with the terminal through the second network function.

[0221] For example, if the first network function determines that the second information is not included based on the first information obtained from the third network function and based on local information, the first network function determines that the first connection has not been established.

[0222] For example, the first network function determines that the second information is not included based on local information, and determines based on changes in user subscription information obtained from the fourth network function: if the terminal changes from not supporting access to the specified data network to supporting access to the specified data network, then it is determined that the first connection has not been established.

[0223] For example, the first network function determines that the second information is not included based on local information, and determines, based on the policy information change obtained from the fourth network function, that if the terminal changes from a policy that does not support access to the specified data network to a policy that supports access to the specified data network, then the first connection is determined not to be established.

[0224] In step S2104, the first network function determines at least one of the following: the second network function, the second information of the second network function, and the fifth information of the second network function.

[0225] In some embodiments, the first network function determines at least one of the following based on the first information: a second network function and the second information.

[0226] Optionally, the first network function determines that the first connection has not been established based on the first information, determines a second network function for establishing the first connection, and / or determines second information (e.g., second address information) of the second network function for establishing the first connection.

[0227] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the second network function.

[0228] Optionally, the first network function determines the second network function based on at least one of the following: service area information, load information, location information, capacity information, energy information, transmission performance information, and local policy information.

[0229] For example, the service area information is the service area where the second network function is located. For instance, the service area information could be a list of cells or a list of areas. For example, the service area is the range that the second network function can connect to (the range of third network functions it can connect to, which could be an IP address range, etc.).

[0230] For example, the load information is the load of a second network function.

[0231] For example, location information is used to indicate the location of the terminal.

[0232] For example, the capability information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the services supported by the second network function, whether the second network function supports information forwarding as an anchor point, whether the second network function supports information forwarding of the service, and whether the second network function supports the protocol for information forwarding of the service. For example, the protocol for information forwarding of the service may be a predetermined protocol for forwarding data packets to the anchor point (e.g., the second network function), etc.

[0233] For example, energy information is used to indicate at least one of the following: the type of energy used by the second network function and the energy consumption of the second network function.

[0234] For example, energy types may include traditional energy or new energy, and may further include specific information about various energy types, such as the proportion of different energy types and the total amount of different energy types. For example, energy types may include at least one of the following: wind energy, electricity, hydropower, solar energy, coal, oil, natural gas, bioenergy, and nuclear energy.

[0235] For example, energy consumption can include energy consumption level or energy consumption per unit time.

[0236] For example, transmission performance information is used to indicate the transmission performance of services supported by the second network function; for instance, it may be the transmission performance of at least a portion of the transmission path. This transmission path may be the transmission path between the terminal and the second network function, and / or the transmission path between the second network function and the third network function. Transmission performance may refer to: transmission latency and / or packet loss rate of information transmitted in the service, etc.

[0237] For example, local policy information is used to indicate the local policy for the second network function. Local policy information is also used to indicate anchor point selection information.

[0238] Optionally, if the first network function determines that the terminal has moved from the first area to the second area, then the second network function serving the second area can be selected as the second network function for establishing the first connection.

[0239] Optionally, the first network function selects a second network function whose load is greater than or equal to a first predetermined load as the second network function used to establish the first connection. For example, the first predetermined load is 70%, 80%, or 90% of the maximum load of the second network function, etc.

[0240] Optionally, the first second network function uses petroleum energy, and the second second network function uses wind energy; the first network function is determined as the second second network function for establishing the first connection based on the principle of prioritizing the use of new energy sources.

[0241] Optionally, the first network function supports a second energy consumption level, and the second network function supports a first energy consumption level. The energy consumption of the second energy consumption level per unit time is higher than that of the first energy consumption level per unit time. The first network function determines the second network function as the second network function for establishing the first connection.

[0242] The above-described embodiments for determining the second network function are merely examples. The implementation of determining the second network function using the first network function in this disclosure is not limited to these methods. It is sufficient to select a second network function as an anchor point or to establish a first connection.

[0243] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the second information of the second network function.

[0244] Optionally, the first network function assigns second information to the second network function. For example, the first network function assigns a second identifier to the second network function, and / or the first network function assigns second address information to the second network function for establishing a second connection.

[0245] Optionally, the first network function obtains the second information from the second network function or other network functions.

[0246] In some embodiments, the first network function determines the fifth information of the second network function.

[0247] Optionally, the fifth information may include at least one of the following: third address information of the second network function, second identifier, and second indication.

[0248] For example, the third address information may be the same as the second address information, or the third address information may be different from the second address information. The third address information can be used to establish the first connection.

[0249] For example, the second indication is used to indicate the protocol supported or used by the first connection. The protocol supported or used by the first connection can be any transport protocol; for example, it can be Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Quick UDP Internet Connection (QUIC), or Multipath QUIC (MPQUIC), etc.

[0250] Optionally, the name of the fifth piece of information is not limited; it may be, for example, information about the anchor point.

[0251] Optionally, the first network function allocates the fifth information to the second network function.

[0252] Optionally, the first network function obtains the fifth information from the second network function or other network functions.

[0253] Step S2105: The first network function triggers the establishment of the first connection.

[0254] In some embodiments, if the first network function determines, based on first information, that the first connection has not been established, it triggers the establishment of the first connection.

[0255] In some embodiments, the terminal, the second network function, or the first network function establishes a first connection.

[0256] In some embodiments, a first network function triggers the terminal to establish a first connection.

[0257] In some embodiments, the first network function sends fifth information to the terminal, wherein the fifth information is used by the terminal to establish a first connection. Here, the first network function may send fifth information to the terminal to trigger the terminal to establish a first connection.

[0258] In some embodiments, the terminal receives fifth information sent by the first network function; and establishes a first connection based on the fifth information.

[0259] Optionally, the first network function sends a first session management message to the terminal, wherein the first session management message includes fifth information.

[0260] For example, the name of the first session management message is not limited, and it may be, for example, a PDU session modification command message or a PDU session modification message.

[0261] For example, the first network function sends a first session management message to the terminal through the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and the first session management message includes fifth information. For instance, the first network function sends a first session management message to the AMF; the AMF sends a first session management message to the terminal; the first session management message includes fifth information.

[0262] For example, the first network function may send a first session management message to the terminal through the access network device without going through the AMF. The first session management message includes the fifth information. For instance, the first network function sends a first session management message to the access network device; the access network device sends a first session management message to the terminal; the first session management message includes the fifth information.

[0263] Optionally, the first network function sends a first inband message to the terminal through the user plane function, wherein the first inband message includes the fifth information. For example, the fifth information can be sent through the user plane channel of the current PDU session via the inband message (e.g., the first inband message), and the specific protocol and message format of the inband message carrying the fifth information are not limited.

[0264] For example, the name of the message in the first band is not limited, and it may be, for example, a user plane message.

[0265] For example, the first network function sends a first in-band message to the user plane function; the user plane function sends the first in-band message to the terminal; the first in-band message includes fifth information.

[0266] For example, the terminal receives a first in-band message sent by the user plane function, the first in-band message being obtained by the user plane function from the first network function.

[0267] Optionally, the first network function sends a first in-band message to the user plane function through the second network function, wherein the first in-band message is used by the user plane function to send to the terminal.

[0268] For example, the first network function sends a first in-band message to the second network function; the second network function sends the first in-band message to the user plane function; the user plane function sends the first in-band message to the terminal; the first in-band message includes fifth information.

[0269] For example, the user plane function receives a first in-band message sent by the second network function, the first in-band message being obtained by the second network function from the first network function; the user plane function sends the first in-band message to the terminal; the first in-band message includes fifth information.

[0270] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function, if the first type of first network function is involved, the interaction between the second type of first network function and the terminal needs to be through the first type of first network function.

[0271] Optionally, the second network function is managed by the first type of first network function, and the first type of first network function sends the fifth information to the terminal.

[0272] Optionally, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function, and the second type of first network function sends the fifth information to the terminal.

[0273] Optionally, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function, the second type of first network function sends the fifth information to the first type of first network function, and the first type of first network function sends the fifth information to the terminal.

[0274] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the interaction between the first network function and the terminal can be through the access network device; for example, the first network function sends fifth information to the access network device, and the access network device sends fifth information to the terminal.

[0275] In some embodiments, a first network function triggers a second network function to establish a first connection.

[0276] In some embodiments, the first network function sends eleventh information of the terminal to the second network function, wherein the eleventh information is used by the second network function to establish a first connection. Alternatively, the first network function may send fifth information to the second network function to trigger the second network function to establish the first connection.

[0277] In some embodiments, the second network function receives the eleventh message sent by the first network function; and establishes the first connection based on the eleventh message.

[0278] Optionally, the eleventh information includes at least one of the following: the terminal's fourth address information, the sixth identifier, and the second indication.

[0279] Optionally, the name of the eleventh message is not limited; it may be, for example, terminal information.

[0280] In some embodiments, the first network function establishes a first connection based on the fifth and eleventh pieces of information. Here, the fifth piece of information may be allocated by the first network function or obtained from the second network function, etc.

[0281] In some alternative embodiments, the terminal sends a sixth message to the first network function, the sixth message indicating that the first connection has been established.

[0282] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function receives the sixth information sent by the terminal.

[0283] Optionally, the sixth information may include one of the following indications: a first indication, a sixth identifier, fourth address information, third address information, a second identifier, and a second indication, etc.

[0284] Optionally, the name of the sixth piece of information is not limited; it may be, for example, connection instruction information or connection establishment information.

[0285] Optionally, the terminal sends a second session management message to the first network function, wherein the second session management message includes sixth information.

[0286] For example, the name of the second session management message is not limited, and it may be, for example, a PDU session modification acknowledgment message.

[0287] Optionally, the terminal can send a second session management message to the first network function via the AMF, the second session management message including the sixth information. For example, the terminal sends a second session management message to the AMF; the AMF sends a second session management message to the first network function; the second session management message includes the sixth information.

[0288] Optionally, the terminal may send a second session management message to the first network function through the access network device instead of through the AMF. The second session management message includes the sixth information. For example, the terminal sends a second session management message to the access network device; the access network device sends a second session management message to the first network function; the second session management message includes the sixth information.

[0289] Optionally, the terminal sends a second in-band message to the first network function through the user plane function, wherein the second in-band message includes sixth information.

[0290] For example, the name of the second in-band message is not limited, and it may be, for example, a user plane message.

[0291] For example, the terminal sends a second in-band message to the user plane function; the user plane function sends a second in-band message to the first network function; the second in-band message includes sixth information.

[0292] For example, the first network function receives a second in-band message sent by the user plane function, the second in-band message being obtained by the user plane function from the terminal; the second in-band message includes sixth information.

[0293] Optionally, the terminal sends a second in-band message to the second network function through the user plane function. The second in-band message is used by the second network function to send to the first network function. The second in-band message includes sixth information.

[0294] For example, the terminal sends a second in-band message to the user plane function; the user plane function sends a second in-band message to the second network function; the second network function sends a second in-band message to the first network function; the second in-band message includes sixth information.

[0295] For example, the second network function receives a second in-band message sent by the user plane function, the second in-band message being obtained by the user plane function from the terminal; the second network function sends the second in-band message to the first network function; the second in-band message includes sixth information.

[0296] Optionally, the second network function is managed by the first type of first network function, and the terminal sends the sixth information to the first type of first network function.

[0297] Optionally, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function, and the terminal sends the sixth information to the second type of first network function.

[0298] Optionally, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function, the terminal sends the sixth information to the first type of first network function, and the first type of first network function sends the sixth information to the second type of first network function.

[0299] In some optional embodiments, the first network function sends an eighth message to the third network function. By sending the eighth message to the third network function, the third function can be informed that the first connection has been established, thereby facilitating the third network function to send downlink information of the service to the terminal through the second network function, etc.

[0300] In some alternative embodiments, the third network function receives the eighth information sent by the first network function.

[0301] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function sends an eighth message to the second network function.

[0302] In some alternative embodiments, the second network function receives the eighth message sent by the first network function.

[0303] Optionally, the eighth message is used to indicate that the first connection has been established.

[0304] Optionally, the eighth information may include one of the following indications: a first indication, a sixth identifier, a fourth address information, a third address information, a second identifier, and a second indication, etc.

[0305] Optionally, the name of the eighth message is not limited, and it may be, for example, connection instruction information or connection establishment information.

[0306] In this embodiment of the disclosure, when the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function, if the first type of first network function is involved, the interaction between the second type of first network function and the second network function needs to be through the first type of first network function, and / or the interaction between the second type of first network function and the third network function may not need to be through the first type of first network function.

[0307] Optionally, the second network function is managed by the first type of first network function, and the first type of first network function sends the eighth information to the second network function.

[0308] Optionally, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function, and the second type of first network function sends the eighth information to the second network function.

[0309] Optionally, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function, the second type of first network function sends the eighth information to the first type of first network function, and the first type of first network function sends the eighth information to the second network function.

[0310] Optionally, the second network function is managed by the first type of first network function, and the first type of first network function sends the eighth information to the third network function.

[0311] Optionally, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function, and the second type of first network function sends the eighth information to the third network function.

[0312] Step S2106: The first network function, the second network function, or the third network function establishes a second connection.

[0313] In some embodiments, the first network function establishes a second connection.

[0314] In some embodiments, the first network function establishes a second connection based on the second and fourth information.

[0315] Optionally, after determining the second information, the first network function establishes a second connection based on the second and fourth information. Here, the second connection can be established before the first connection is established, or simultaneously with the establishment of the first connection.

[0316] Optionally, after the first connection is established, the first network function establishes a second connection based on the second and fourth information. For example, the first network function may establish a second connection after receiving the sixth information sent by the terminal.

[0317] In some embodiments, the second network function establishes a second connection.

[0318] In some embodiments, the first network function sends fourth information to the second network function, wherein the fourth information is used by the second network function to establish a second connection.

[0319] In some embodiments, the second network function receives fourth information sent by the first network function; and establishes a second connection based on the fourth information.

[0320] Optionally, after determining the second information, the first network function sends a fourth information to the second network function. Optionally, the second network function receives the fourth information sent by the first network function, which is sent by the first network function after determining the second information.

[0321] Optionally, after the first network function completes the first connection establishment, it sends a fourth message to the second network function. Optionally, the second network function receives the fourth message sent by the first network function, which was sent by the first network function after the first connection was established.

[0322] In some embodiments, a third network function establishes a second connection.

[0323] In some embodiments, a first network function sends second information to a third network function, wherein the second information is used by the third network function to establish a second connection.

[0324] In some embodiments, the third network function receives second information sent by the first network function; and establishes a second connection based on the second information.

[0325] Optionally, after determining the second information, the first network function sends the second information to the third network function. Optionally, the third network function receives the second information sent by the first network function, which was sent by the first network function after determining the second information.

[0326] Optionally, after the first network function completes the first connection establishment, it sends second information to the third network function. Optionally, the third network function receives the second information sent by the first network function after the first connection was established.

[0327] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function sends the ninth information to the third network function.

[0328] In some alternative embodiments, the third network function receives the ninth message sent by the first network function.

[0329] In some alternative embodiments, the first network function sends the ninth message to the second network function.

[0330] In some alternative embodiments, the second network function receives the ninth message sent by the first network function.

[0331] Optionally, the ninth message is used to indicate that the second connection has been established.

[0332] Optionally, the ninth information may include one of the following indications: a first identifier, a second identifier, a fifth indication, first address information, and second address information, etc. For example, the fifth indication is used to indicate that the second connection has been established.

[0333] Optionally, the name of the ninth message is not limited, and it may be, for example, connection instruction information or connection establishment information.

[0334] Step S2107: The first network function sends the seventh information to the fourth network function.

[0335] In some embodiments, the fourth network function receives the seventh information sent by the first network function.

[0336] Optionally, the seventh information includes at least one of the following: a first instruction, a third identifier, a fourth identifier, and a fifth information.

[0337] Optionally, the seventh information is used to update the third information or to update the connection management information. This connection management information is related to the UE connection; the UE connection can be the first connection.

[0338] Optionally, the seventh information can be stored in the fourth network function. For example, the seventh information can be stored separately in the fourth network function. For example, the seventh information can exist in the UE context within the fourth network function.

[0339] Optionally, the name of the seventh information is not limited, and it may be, for example, UE connection information.

[0340] For example, the second network function is managed by the first type of first network function, and the seventh information may include at least one of the following: a first instruction, a third identifier, and a fifth information, etc.

[0341] For example, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function and does not involve the first type of first network function. The seventh information may include at least one of the following: first instruction, fourth identifier, and fifth information, etc.

[0342] For example, the second network function is managed by the second type of first network function and involves the first type of first network function, and the seventh information may include at least one of the following: a first instruction, a third identifier, a fourth identifier, and a fifth information.

[0343] In step S2108, the terminal, the second network function, and the third network function exchange service information.

[0344] Optionally, 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.

[0345] Optionally, the 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.

[0346] Optionally, the service can be a terminal service, or the service can include terminal services or services that are not terminal services. Here, services that are not 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.

[0347] 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.

[0348] 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.

[0349] In some embodiments, the third network function sends downlink information of the service to the second network function through the second connection; and / or, the second network function sends downlink information of the service to the terminal through the first connection. Optionally, the terminal receives downlink information of the service sent by the second network function through the first connection, wherein the downlink information of the service is obtained by the second network function from the third network function through the second connection.

[0350] In some embodiments, the terminal sends uplink information of a service to a second network function via a first connection; and / or, the second network function sends uplink information of a service to a third network function via a second connection. Optionally, the third network function receives the uplink information of a service sent by the second network function via the second connection, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the second network function from the terminal via the first connection.

[0351] Optionally, after receiving the downlink information in the first information, the second 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.

[0352] Optionally, after receiving the uplink information in the first information, the second 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.

[0353] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S2101 to S2108. For example, step S2101 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; steps S2101 and S2102 The combination can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102 and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101, S2102, and S2103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102, S2103, and S2104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102, S2103, S2104, and S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S2102 and The combination of steps S2103 and S2105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102 to S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 to S2106 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102 to S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 to S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; steps S2105, S2106, and S2107... The combination can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2105 and S2106 and steps S2107 and steps S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102 to S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2102 and S2103 and steps S2104 and steps S2105 and steps S2107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S2101 to S2108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0354] In some embodiments, steps S2105 and S2106 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0355] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2106 to S2108 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0356] In some embodiments, steps S2101, S2103, and S2105 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0357] 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.

[0358] 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:

[0359] Step S3101: The first network function acquires the first information.

[0360] 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.

[0361] In step S3102, the first network function triggers the establishment of the first connection based on the first information, wherein the first connection is the connection between the second network function and the terminal.

[0362] The optional implementation of step S3102 can be found in the optional implementation of step S2105 in Figure 2, as well as other related parts in the embodiments involved in Figure 2, which will not be repeated here.

[0363] In some embodiments, obtaining the first information includes at least one of the following: receiving first information sent by a third network function, wherein the first information is used for one of the following: requesting the establishment of a second connection and obtaining second information of the second network function; the second connection is a connection between the second network function and the first network function; obtaining stored first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate local information of the first network function; receiving first information sent by a fourth network function, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: changes to user subscription information and changes to user policy information.

[0364] In some embodiments, before the first network function triggers the establishment of the first connection, the method further includes: the first network function determining, based on first information, that the first connection has not been established.

[0365] In some embodiments, the first information is sent by the third network function based on the third information; the third information is obtained by the third network function from the fourth network function, and the third information is related to the first connection.

[0366] In some embodiments, the first 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 third network function; and a first identifier, the first identifier being used to indicate the third network function.

[0367] In some embodiments, the first network function is a first type of first network function, and the method further includes at least one of the following: the first type of first network function determines a second type of first network function; the first type of first network function sends first information to the second type of second network function.

[0368] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: a first network function determining a second network function; the first network function determining second information of the second network function; wherein the second information includes at least one of the following: second address information of the second network function; a second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate the second network function.

[0369] In some embodiments, the method further includes one of the following: a first network function sends second information to a third network function, wherein the second information is used by the third network function to establish a second connection; the first network function sends fourth information to a second network function, wherein the fourth information is used by the second network function to establish a second connection; and a second connection is established based on the second information and the fourth information.

[0370] In some embodiments, the first network function sends second information to the third network function, including one of the following: the first network function sends the second information to the third network function after determining the second information; or the first network function sends the second information to the third network function after the first connection is established.

[0371] In some embodiments, the first network function sends fourth information to the second network function, including one of the following: the first network function sends fourth information to the second network function after determining the second information; or the first network function sends fourth information to the second network function after the first connection is established.

[0372] In some embodiments, the first network function establishes a second connection based on the second information and the fourth information, including one of the following: after determining the second information, the first network function establishes a second connection based on the second information and the fourth information; or after the first connection is established, the first network function establishes a second connection based on the second information and the fourth information.

[0373] In some embodiments, the method includes: a first network function sending fifth information to a terminal, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of the following: third address information of a second network function, the third address information being the same as or different from the second address information; a second identifier; and a second indication for indicating a protocol supported or used by the first connection.

[0374] In some embodiments, the first network function sends fifth information to the terminal, including one of the following: the first network function sends a first session management message to the terminal, wherein the first session management message includes the fifth information; the first network function sends a first in-band message to the terminal through a user plane function, wherein the first in-band message includes the fifth information; the first network function sends a first in-band message to the user plane function through a second network function, wherein the first in-band message is used by the user plane function to send to the terminal.

[0375] In some embodiments, the method further includes at least one of the following: a first network function receiving a sixth message sent by a terminal, wherein the sixth message indicates that a first connection has been established; the first network function sending a seventh message to a fourth network function, the seventh message including at least one of the following: a first indication, a third identifier, a fourth identifier, and fifth message; the first indication indicating that a first connection has been established; the third identifier indicating a first type of first network function; the fourth identifier indicating a second type of first network function; sending an eighth message to a third network function, wherein the eighth message indicates that a first connection has been established; the first network function sending the eighth message to a second network function; and sending a ninth message to the third network function, wherein the ninth message indicates that a second connection has been established.

[0376] In some embodiments, if a third network function determines that a first connection has not been established, it sends a first message to the first network function.

[0377] In some embodiments, before the third network function sends the first information to the first network function, the method further includes: the third network function sending tenth information to the fourth network function, wherein the tenth information is used to obtain the third information; the third information is related to the first connection.

[0378] In some embodiments, the third network function receives second information sent by the first network function, the second information including at least one of the following: second address information of the second network function; a second identifier used to indicate the second network function; and the third network function establishes a second connection based on the second information.

[0379] In some embodiments, the third network function sends downlink information of a service to the second network function through the second connection, wherein the downlink information of the service is used by the second network function to send it to the terminal through the first connection; and / or, the third network function receives uplink information of a service sent by the second network function through the second connection, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the second network function from the terminal through the first connection.

[0380] 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.

[0381] This disclosure relates to an information processing method that can support network services based on user plane or data plane with network-triggered connection addition based on mobile termination. As part of a PDU session, a UE-network connection (i.e., the first connection in previous embodiments) is established between the UE and the anchor point.

[0382] 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:

[0383] The NSF obtains NF information, which is used to manage UE connections (SMF / CMF) based on user plane or data plane network services.

[0384] NSF triggers the establishment of UE connections for user plane or data plane network services to establish a connection between the UE and the anchor point;

[0385] SMF / CMF performs UE connection establishment for network services based on user plane or data plane, in order to establish a connection between the UE and the anchor point;

[0386] Information about UE connections used for user plane or data plane-based network services is updated in the UDM;

[0387] Establish the connection between NSF and the anchor point;

[0388] NSF interacts with the UE via the connection between NSF and the anchor point, and the connection between the anchor point and the UE.

[0389] In some embodiments, SMF / CMF refers to SMF or CMF or SMF and CMF. NF information can be the third information in the previous embodiments; UE connection can be the first connection in the previous embodiments.

[0390] 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:

[0391] 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 core network instance used to manage the connection between the UE and the anchor point, and the core network instance used to manage the connection between the anchor point and the NSF, may be the same or different. No connection is established between the UE and the anchor point, but a PDU session for the UE to access network functions within the core network is established.

[0392] 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.

[0393] Step S4101: The consumer sends a Network Service Request to the NSF.

[0394] 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.

[0395] In step S4102, the NSF obtains the association information of the user plane or data plane connection between the UE and the anchor point.

[0396] Optionally, the NSF obtains association information about UE connections (e.g., user plane or data plane connections between the UE and an anchor point) from an NF (such as a UDM / UDR / PCF or any NF used for UE data management) that stores UE connection management information. For example, if the UDM / UDR / PCF stores UE connection management information, the NSF uses the UDM / UDR / PCF to obtain UE connection information, such as by calling a service (e.g., Nudm_UECM_Get service), and finds that the UE connection between the UE and the anchor point has not been established or that an anchor point that can connect the NSF to provide services to the UE has not been determined, but a session for the UE to access the data network of an NF within the core network has been established. The NSF can also obtain UE connection information from an NF that stores UE connection management information through the NEF. UDM / UDR / PCF refers to UDM, UDR, or PCF.

[0397] In step S4103, the NSF sends a connection establishment request or a request for anchor point information that allows the NSF to provide services to the UE to the CMF / SMF.

[0398] Optionally, the NSF sends a connection establishment request (e.g., Ncmf_CNConnection_Create Request) to the CMF / SMF; this connection establishment request is used to request the establishment of a connection between the anchor point and the NSF, or the connection establishment request sends an anchor point information request to request information about the anchor point that can connect to the NSF to provide services to the UE. The corresponding request can trigger UE connection establishment. This request may include NSF information. The NSF information may include address information that can be used to establish a connection between the NSF and the anchor point, such as, 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 to establish the connection between the NSF and the anchor point for data transmission.

[0399] Optionally, if the UE connection establishment between the anchor point and the UE is performed by the SMF, the SMF performs further steps for UE connection establishment; or, if the UE connection between the anchor point and the UE is performed by the CMF, the SMF selects the CMF and requests the CMF to perform further steps for connection establishment.

[0400] 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.

[0401] Optionally, UE connection establishment can also be triggered by local CMF / SMF judgment, user subscription information change, or user policy information change.

[0402] Optionally, the UE connection establishment can be triggered and implemented through steps S4104 to S4111.

[0403] Step S4104, CMF / SMF selects anchor points.

[0404] Step S4105: CMF / SMF obtains the address information of the anchor point.

[0405] In step S4106, the CMF / SMF sends a connection establishment response to the NSF. Optionally, step S4106 may include step S4106a or step S4106b.

[0406] Optionally, the CMF / SMF sends a connection establishment response (e.g., Ncmf_CNConnection_Create Response) to the NSF, which includes anchor information. The anchor information includes the anchor's address information, which may include address information that can be used to establish a connection between the NSF and the anchor; for example, the anchor's address information includes, but is not limited to, one of the following: port address information, IP address information, or MAC address information. For example, the port address information can be a port number. The anchor information may also include the protocol type used to establish the connection between the NSF and the anchor for data transmission.

[0407] Step S4106 (e.g., step S4106a) can be executed after the anchor point information is retrieved in step S4105; or step S4106 (e.g., step S4106b) can be executed after step S4110 or step S4111 (e.g., after the UE connection is established).

[0408] Step S4107: Anchor point or CMF / SMF or NSF establishes a connection between NSF and anchor point.

[0409] Optionally, the connection between the NSF and the anchor can be one of the following: user plane connection, data plane connection, and control plane connection.

[0410] Optionally, if the connection establishment between the NSF and the anchor point is performed by the anchor point, it can be performed after obtaining the anchor point's information in step S4105; or, it can be performed after step S4110 or step S4111 (e.g., after establishing the UE connection). Here, the NSF's address information can be obtained in step S4103 and sent to the anchor point.

[0411] Optionally, if the connection establishment between the NSF and the anchor point is performed by the CMF / SMF, it can be performed after the CMF / SMF obtains the anchor point information after step S4105, or it can be performed after step S4110 or step S4111 (e.g., after the UE connection is established). Here, the NSF's address information can be obtained in step S4103.

[0412] Optionally, if the connection establishment between the NSF and the anchor point is performed by the NSF, it can be performed after obtaining the anchor point information in step 4106a, or it can be performed after step S4106b (e.g., after establishing the UE connection). Here, the NSF's address information can be obtained in step S4103.

[0413] 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.

[0414] 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.

[0415] In step S4108, the CMF / SMF sends connection information to the UE to identify the connection. Here, the connection information used to identify the connection is: connection information used to identify the UE connection.

[0416] Optionally, step S4108 may include at least one of the following: step S4108a, step S4108b, step S4108c, and step S4108d.

[0417] Optionally, via steps S4108a and S4108b, the CMF / SMF sends a PDU session modification command message to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and the AMF sends a PDU session modification command message to the UE; the PDU session modification command message includes connection information used to identify the connection. The CMF / SMF can send the PDU session modification command message to the UE directly through the access network equipment without going through the AMF.

[0418] Optionally, via step S4108c, the CMF / SMF sends a PDU session modification command message to the UE, the PDU session modification command message including connection information for identifying the connection.

[0419] Optionally, via step S4108d, the CMF / SMF sends an in-band message to the anchor point, and the anchor point sends the in-band message to the UE via the AMF (e.g., via anchor point—UPF—RAN node—UE); the in-band message includes connection information for identifying the connection. This in-band message can be constructed by the CMF / SMF or the anchor point. For example, the in-band message can be a message sent through the user plane channel of the current PDU session; the specific protocol carrying the in-band message and the format of the in-band message are not limited.

[0420] Optionally, the connection information used to identify the connection may include the anchor point information obtained in step S4105, and the anchor point information may also include the transmission protocol supported or used by the UE connection.

[0421] In step S4109, the UE, anchor point, or CMF / SMF establishes a connection between the UE and the anchor point. This connection can be a user plane connection or a data plane connection.

[0422] Optionally, the connection between the UE and the anchor point can be a transmission channel between the UE 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 UE 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.

[0423] For example, when the connection between the UE and the anchor point is a connectionless transmission path, connection establishment requires obtaining the address information of the peer and completing the configuration of both ends, without requiring explicit connection establishment operations; or when the connection between the UE and the anchor point is a connection-oriented transmission channel, connection establishment requires obtaining the address information of the peer 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.

[0424] In step S4110, the UE sends information to the CMF / SMF indicating that the UE connection has been established.

[0425] Optionally, step S4110 may include one of the following: step S4110a, step S4110b.

[0426] Optionally, via step S4110a, the UE sends a PDU session modification confirmation message to the AMF, and the AMF sends a PDU session modification confirmation message to the CMF / SMF; the PDU session modification confirmation message includes information indicating that the UE connection has been established.

[0427] Optionally, via step S4110b, the UE sends a PDU session modification confirmation message to the CMF / SMF; the PDU session modification confirmation message includes information indicating that the UE connection has been established.

[0428] Step S4111: CMF / SMF sends UE connection management information to UDM / UDR / PCF.

[0429] Optionally, the CMF / SMF sends the UE connection management information to the UDM / UDR / PCF for storage or stores it in the UE context. The UE connection management information includes at least one of the following: information indicating UE connection establishment, SMF ID, CMF ID, and anchor point information (e.g., anchor point address information). This UE connection management information may include an identifier indicating the DNN / S-NSSAI, which may indicate support for connections to the core network via the user plane or data plane.

[0430] Step S4112: Exchange UL / DL signaling and / or data of network services between the UE and the anchor point.

[0431] 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.

[0432] Step S4113: The anchor point processes the UL / DL signaling and / or data of network services.

[0433] 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.

[0434] Step S4114: Exchange UL / DL signaling and / or data of network services between the anchor point and the NSF.

[0435] 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.

[0436] 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 third network function in the previous embodiments; the anchor point can be the second network function in the previous embodiments; the UDM / UDR / PCF can be the fourth network function in the previous embodiments; the SMF / CMF can be the first network function in the previous embodiments; the UE connection or the connection between 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; and the UE connection management information can be the seventh information in the previous embodiments.

[0437] The information processing method involved in the embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one of steps S4101 to S4114. For example, step S4102 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4103 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4104 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4105 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4109 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; step S4110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4103 to S4105 and step S4107 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4103 to S4105 and steps S4107 to S4108 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4103 to S4105 and steps S4107 to S4110 can be implemented as an independent embodiment; the combination of steps S4101 to S4112 can be implemented as an independent embodiment.

[0438] In some embodiments, steps S4107 and S4109 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously; steps S4108 and S4109 may be performed in an alternate order or simultaneously.

[0439] In some embodiments, steps S4101 to S4102, S4106, and S4113 may be optional, and one or more of these steps may be omitted or substituted in different embodiments.

[0440] 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.

[0441] 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.

[0442] 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.

[0443] 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).

[0444] 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 acquire 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 S2102, S2107, and / or S2108, 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 trigger the establishment of a first connection. Optionally, the first processing module 5102 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., steps S2103, S2104, S2105, and / or S2106, 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.

[0445] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third network function 5200 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5B, the third 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 interact with the second network function to exchange service information. Optionally, the second transceiver module 5201 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., step S2108, but not limited thereto) performed by the third 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 S2106, but not limited thereto) performed by the third network function 5200 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0446] 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 at least one of a third transceiver module 5301 and a third processing module 5302. In some embodiments, the third transceiver module 5301 is used to interact with the third network function and / or a terminal for service information. Optionally, the third transceiver module 5301 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., step S2108, 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 third processing module 5302 is used to establish a second connection. Optionally, the third processing module 5302 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S2106, 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.

[0447] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal 5400 provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 5D, the terminal 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 to transmit service information with a second network function. Optionally, the fourth transceiver module 5401 is used to perform at least one of the sending and / or receiving steps (e.g., step S2108, but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal 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 first connection. Optionally, the fourth processing module 5402 is used to perform at least one of the processing steps (e.g., step S2105, but not limited thereto) performed by the terminal 5400 in any of the above methods, which will not be described in detail here.

[0448] 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.

[0449] 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.

[0450] In some embodiments, the processing module can be interchanged with the processor, and the transceiver module can be interchanged with the transceiver.

[0451] 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.

[0452] 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.

[0453] 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, S2107, and / or S2108, but not limited thereto), and the processor 6101 performs at least one of other steps (e.g., steps S2103, S2104, S2105, and / or S2105, 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.

[0454] 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.

[0455] 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.

[0456] 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.

[0457] Chip 6200 includes one or more processors 6201. Chip 6200 is used to perform any of the methods described above.

[0458] 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.

[0459] 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, S2107, and / or S2108, 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., steps S2103, S2104, S2105, and / or S2105, but not limited thereto).

[0460] 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.

[0461] 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.

[0462] 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.

[0463] 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: Obtain first information; The establishment of a first connection is triggered based on the first information, wherein the first connection is a connection between the second network function and the terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition of the first information includes at least one of the following: The system receives the first information sent by the third network function, wherein the first information is used for one of the following: requesting the establishment of a second connection and obtaining second information of the second network function; the second connection is a connection between the second network function and the first network function. Obtain the stored first information, wherein the first information is used to indicate local information of the first network function; Receive first information sent by the fourth network function, wherein the first information is used to indicate at least one of the following: changes to user subscription information and changes to user policy information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Before triggering the establishment of the first connection, the following are included: Based on the first information, it is determined that the first connection has not been established.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first information is sent by the third network function based on the third information; the third information is obtained by the third network function from the fourth network function, and the third information is related to the first connection.

5. The method according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that, The first information includes: fourth information of the third network function; wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: The first address information of the third network function; A first identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first network function is a first type of first network function, and the method further includes at least one of the following: Identify the second type of first network function; Send the first information to the second type of second network function.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: Determine the second network function; The second information for determining the second network function includes at least one of the following: second address information of the second network function; and a second identifier for indicating the second network function.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method also includes one of the following: Send second information to a third network function, wherein the second information is used by the third network function to establish a second connection; Send a fourth message to the second network function, wherein the fourth message is used by the second network function to establish the second connection; Based on the second information and the fourth information, the second connection is established.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Sending the second information to the third network function includes one of the following: After determining the second information, the second information is sent to the third network function; After the first connection is established, the second information is sent to the third network function.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sending of the fourth information to the second network function includes one of the following: After determining the second information, the fourth information is sent to the second network function; After the first connection is established, the fourth information is sent to the second network function.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The establishment of the second connection based on the second information and the fourth information includes one of the following: After determining the second information, the second connection is established based on the second information and the fourth information; After the first connection is established, the second connection is established based on the second information and the fourth information.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that, The method includes: Send a fifth message to the terminal, wherein the fifth message includes at least one of the following: The third address information of the second network function, wherein the third address information is the same as or different from the second address information; The second identifier; The second indication is used to indicate the protocol supported or used by the first connection.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sending of the fifth message to the terminal includes one of the following: Send a first session management message to the terminal, wherein the first session management message includes the fifth information; Send a first in-band message to the terminal through the user plane function, wherein the first in-band message includes the fifth information; The second network function sends a first in-band message to the user plane function, wherein the first in-band message is sent by the user plane function to the terminal.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: Receive the sixth information sent by the terminal, wherein the sixth information is used to indicate that the first connection has been established; Send a seventh message to the fourth network function, the seventh message including at least one of the following: a first indication, a third identifier, a fourth identifier, and a fifth message; the first indication is used to indicate that the first connection has been established; the third identifier is used to indicate a first type of first network function; the fourth identifier is used to indicate a second type of first network function; Send an eighth message to the third network function, wherein the eighth message is used to indicate that the first connection has been established; Send the eighth message to the second network function; A ninth message is sent to the third network function, wherein the ninth message indicates that the second connection has been established.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that, The first network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of first network function and a second type of first network function; the first type of first network function is a network function for session management; the second type of first network function is a network function for connection management; The second network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and network function with network service data processing function or network service data proxy function; The third network function includes one of the following: network service functions; The fourth network function includes one of the following: unified data management function, unified data storage function, policy control function, and network exposure function.

16. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by a third network function, including: Send first information to the first network function, wherein the first information is used by the first network function to determine that the establishment of a first connection is triggered; the first connection is a connection between the second network function and the terminal.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first information is used for one of the following: requesting the establishment of a second connection and obtaining second information of a second network function; the second connection is a connection between the second network function and the first network function.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, Sending the first information to the first network function includes: If it is determined that the first connection has not been established, the first information is sent to the first network function.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that, Before sending the first information to the first network function, the method further includes: Send a tenth message to the fourth network function, wherein the tenth message is used to obtain the third message; the third message is related to the first connection.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that, The first information includes: fourth information of the third network function; wherein the fourth information includes at least one of the following: The first address information of the third network function; A first identifier is used to indicate the third network function.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that, The first network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of first network function and a second type of first network function; sending the first information to the first network function includes one of the following: The second network function is managed by the first network function of the first type and sends the first information to the first network function of the first type; The second network function is managed by the second type of first network function and sends the first information to the second type of first network function.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that, The method also includes one of the following: Receive second information sent by the first network function, the second information including at least one of the following: second address information of the second network function; second identifier, the second identifier being used to indicate the second network function; establish a second connection based on the second information; Receive the eighth message sent by the first network function, wherein the eighth message is used to indicate that the first connection has been established; Receive a ninth message sent by the first network function, wherein the ninth message is used to indicate that the second connection has been established.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that, The second information is sent by the first network function after it has determined the second information; or, The second information is sent by the first network function after the first connection is established.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that, The method further includes at least one of the following: Through the second connection, downlink information of the service is sent to the second network function, wherein the downlink information of the service is used by the second network function to send to the terminal through the first connection; Through the second connection, the uplink information of the service sent by the second network function is received, wherein the uplink information of the service is obtained by the second network function from the terminal through the first connection.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 24, characterized in that, The first network function includes at least one of the following: a first type of first network function and a second type of first network function; the first type of first network function is a network function for session management; the second type of first network function is a network function for connection management; The second network function includes one of the following: user plane function, network service data processing function, network service data proxy, and network function with network service data processing function or network service data proxy function; The third network function includes one of the following: network service function; The fourth network function includes one of the following: unified data management function, unified data storage function, policy control function, and network exposure function.

26. An information processing method, characterized in that, Performed by a communication system, the communication system including a first network function, a second network function, and a terminal; the method includes: The first network function acquires the first information; The first network function triggers the establishment of a first connection based on the first information, wherein the first connection is the connection between the second network function and the terminal.

27. 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 15 or claims 16 to 25.

28. A communication system, characterized in that, include: The system comprises a first network function and a third network function; wherein the first network function is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, and the third network function is configured to implement the information processing method according to any one of claims 16 to 25.

29. A storage medium storing instructions, characterized in that, When the instruction is executed on the communication device, the communication device performs the information processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 15 or claims 16 to 25.

30. 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 15 or claims 16 to 25.

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