WO2019196811A1

WO2019196811A1 - Communication method and related apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2019196811A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/081839
Authority: WO
Inventors: 周汉; 李汉成
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2018-04-09
Filing date: 2019-04-09
Publication date: 2019-10-17
Also published as: CN110365727B; CN110365727A

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method and a communication apparatus. The communication method comprises: a tunnel endpoint network element receives a first message from a session management function network element, the first message comprising an identifier of a first terminal, a first group identifier, and first address information of a first user plane function network element, and being used for requesting the creation of a packet data unit session for the first terminal; on the basis of the first message, the tunnel endpoint network element generates first terminal context, and in the first terminal context records the group identifier of the first terminal as a first group identifier and records the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal as first address information. The communication method and communication apparatus provided in the present application facilitate more convenient management of address information of a UPF network element on an AN.

Description

通信方法和相关装置Communication method and related device

本申请要求于2018年4月9日提交中国国家知识产权局、申请号为201810313185.X、发明名称为“通信方法和相关装置”的中国专利申请的优先权，其全部内容通过引用结合在本申请中。This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201 810 313 185.X, entitled "Communication Methods and Related Devices", filed on April 9, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In the application.

技术领域Technical field

本申请涉及通信领域，并且更具体地，涉及通信方法和相关装置。The present application relates to the field of communications and, more particularly, to a communication method and related apparatus.

背景技术Background technique

通信***中，在终端(user equipment，UE)访问数据网络(data)的分组数据单元(packet data unit，PDU)会话建立流程中，会话管理功能(session management function，SMF)网元会为终端分配互联网协议(internet protocol，IP)地址和用户面功能(user plane function，UPF)网元的N3接口IP地址，其中，SMF网元为该终端分配的IP地址需要归属于该UPF网元对外发布的路由地址池。In a communication system, in a packet data unit (PDU) session establishment process in which a user equipment (UE) accesses a data network, a session management function (SMF) network element is allocated to the terminal. The Internet Protocol (IP) address and the user plane function (UPF) network element's N3 interface IP address, where the IP address assigned by the SMF network element to the terminal needs to be attributed to the UPF network element. Routing address pool.

当SMF网元获知该UPF网元发生故障或者过载之后，SMF网元会选择能够替代该UPF网元的新UPF网元，并在新UPF网元上重建故障或者过载的UPF网元上UE的PDU会话。After the SMF network element learns that the UPF network element is faulty or overloaded, the SMF network element selects a new UPF network element that can replace the UPF network element, and reconstructs the faulty or overloaded UPF network element on the new UPF network element. PDU session.

在PDU会话的重建过程中，SMF分别需要向新的UPF网元和UE的接入网(access network，AN)发送PDU会话创建请求消息和PDU会话更新消息。新的UPF网元会根据该会话创建请求消息创建UE的PDU会话，AN会根据PDU会话更新消息更新UE上下文中的N3接口IP地址。During the re-establishment of the PDU session, the SMF needs to send a PDU session creation request message and a PDU session update message to the new UPF network element and the access network (AN) of the UE, respectively. The new UPF network element creates a PDU session of the UE according to the session creation request message, and the AN updates the N3 interface IP address in the UE context according to the PDU session update message.

其中，SMF网元需要为故障或过载的UPF网元上的每个PDU会话都向AN发送一次PDU会话更新消息，以更新UE上下文中记录的UPF网元的N3接口IP地址。这会导致信令开销较大。The SMF network element needs to send a PDU session update message to the AN for each PDU session on the faulty or overloaded UPF network element to update the N3 interface IP address of the UPF network element recorded in the UE context. This leads to a large signaling overhead.

发明内容Summary of the invention

本申请提供一种通信方法和通信装置，有助于更方便的管理用户面功能网元的地址信息。The present application provides a communication method and a communication device, which facilitates more convenient management of address information of a user plane function network element.

第一方面，本申请提供了一种通信方法。该通信方法包括：隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第一消息，第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；隧道端点网元根据第一消息生成第一终端的上下文，并在第一终端的上下文中记录第一终端的群组标识为第一群组标识，以及记录第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息为第一地址信息。In a first aspect, the present application provides a method of communication. The communication method includes: the tunnel endpoint network element receives the first message from the session management function network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first address information of the first user plane function network element, And configured to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal; the tunnel endpoint network element generates a context of the first terminal according to the first message, and records, in the context of the first terminal, the group identifier of the first terminal as the first group identifier. And recording the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal as the first address information.

该通信方法中，隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第一消息，第一消息中不仅包括用户面功能网元的地址信息，还包括第一终端的群组标识信息，有助于后续过程中更方便地对第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息进行管理。In the communication method, the tunnel endpoint network element receives the first message from the session management function network element, where the first message includes not only the address information of the user plane function network element but also the group identifier information of the first terminal, which is helpful for subsequent In the process, the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal is more conveniently managed.

结合第一方面，在第一种可能的实现方式中，该通信方法还包括：隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息，第二消息中包括第一群组标识和第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为第二地址信息；隧道端点网元根据第二消息中的第一群组标识确定第一终端，并将第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息中的第一地址信息修改为第二地址信息。With reference to the first aspect, in a first possible implementation, the communications method further includes: the tunnel endpoint network element receiving the second message from the session management function network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and the second user The second address information of the surface function network element is used to request to modify the address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier to the second address information; The network element determines the first terminal according to the first group identifier in the second message, and modifies the first address information in the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal to the second address information.

该实现方式中，隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息，并根据第二消息批量更新第一群组标识对应的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息，从而可以提高对终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息的管理便捷性。In this implementation manner, the tunnel endpoint network element receives the second message from the session management function network element, and batch updates the address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals corresponding to the first group identifier according to the second message, thereby The management convenience of the address information of the user plane function network element of the terminal can be improved.

结合第一种可能的实现方式，在第二种可能的实现方式中，第二消息为分组数据单元会话修改请求消息。In conjunction with the first possible implementation, in a second possible implementation, the second message is a packet data unit session modification request message.

结合第一方面或上述任意一种可能的实现方式，在第三种可能的实现方式中，第一消息为分组数据单元会话创建请求消息。With reference to the first aspect or any one of the foregoing possible implementation manners, in a third possible implementation manner, the first message is a packet data unit session creation request message.

第二方面，本申请提出了一种通信方法。该通信方法包括：隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息，第二消息中包括第一群组标识和第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为第二地址信息；In a second aspect, the present application proposes a communication method. The communication method includes: the tunnel endpoint network element receives the second message from the session management function network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and the second address information of the second user plane function network element, where the request is to be the first The address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the group identifier is modified to the second address information;

隧道端点网元根据第二消息，将第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息记录为第二地址信息。The tunnel endpoint network element records the address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier as the second address information according to the second message.

该通信方法中，隧道端点网元从会话管理网元接收第二消息，并根据第二消息将一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为第二地址信息，从而可以提高对终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息的管理便捷性。In the communication method, the tunnel endpoint network element receives the second message from the session management network element, and modifies the address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals to the second address information according to the second message, thereby improving the pair. The user plane function of the terminal is convenient for managing the address information of the network element.

结合第二方面，在第一种可能的实现方式中，第二消息为分组数据单元修改请求消息。In conjunction with the second aspect, in a first possible implementation, the second message is a packet data unit modification request message.

结合第二方面或第一种可能的实现方式，在第二种可能的实现方式中，第一群组中的一个或多个终端包括第一终端。With reference to the second aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a second possible implementation manner, one or more terminals in the first group include the first terminal.

其中，隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息之前，该通信方法还包括：The communication method further includes: before the tunnel endpoint network element receives the second message from the session management function network element, the communication method further includes:

隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第一消息，第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；The tunnel endpoint network element receives the first message from the session management function network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first address information of the first user plane function network element, where the request is for the first a terminal creates a packet data unit session;

隧道端点网元根据第一消息生成第一终端的上下文，并在第一终端的上下文中记录第一终端的群组标识为第一群组标识，以及记录第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息为第一地址信息。The tunnel endpoint network element generates a context of the first terminal according to the first message, and records, in the context of the first terminal, the group identifier of the first terminal as the first group identifier, and records the user plane function network element of the first terminal. The address information is the first address information.

隧道端点网元根据第二消息，将第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息记录为第二地址信息，包括:The tunnel end network element records, according to the second message, the address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier as the second address information, including:

隧道端点网元根据第二消息，将第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息中的第一地址信息修改为第二地址信息。The tunnel endpoint network element modifies the first address information in the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal to the second address information according to the second message.

该实现方式中，隧道端点网元先从会话管理功能网元接收第一终端的第一群组标识，从而有助于隧道端点网元根据第二消息，将第一群组标识对应的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息更新为第二地址信息。In this implementation manner, the tunnel endpoint network element first receives the first group identifier of the first terminal from the session management function network element, thereby facilitating the tunnel endpoint network element to associate the first group identifier with the second message according to the second message. The address information of the user plane function network element of the plurality of terminals is updated to the second address information.

结合第二种可能的实现方式，在第三种可能的实现方式中，第一消息为分组数据单元会话创建请求消息。In conjunction with the second possible implementation, in a third possible implementation, the first message is a packet data unit session creation request message.

第三方面，本申请提供了一种通信方法。该通信方法包括：会话管理功能网元确定需要为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一用户面功能网元；会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一群组标识；会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第一消息，第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。In a third aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The communication method includes: the session management function network element determines that a packet data unit session needs to be created for the first terminal; the session management function network element learns the first user plane function network element of the first terminal; and the session management function network element learns the first terminal a first group identifier; the session management function network element sends a first message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first address information of the first user plane function network element For requesting to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal.

该通信方法中，会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第一消息，第一消息中不仅包括用户面功能网元的地址信息，还包括第一终端的群组标识信息，有助于后续过程中更方便地对第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息进行管理。In the communication method, the session management function network element sends a first message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the first message includes not only the address information of the user plane function network element but also the group identifier information of the first terminal, which is helpful for subsequent In the process, the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal is more conveniently managed.

结合第三方面，在第一种可能的实现方式中，第一消息为分组数据单元会话创建请求消息。In conjunction with the third aspect, in a first possible implementation, the first message is a packet data unit session creation request message.

结合第三方面或第一种可能的实现方式，在第二种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一群组标识，包括：With reference to the third aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a second possible implementation manner, the session management function network element learns the first group identifier of the first terminal, including:

会话管理功能网元获取第一终端的地址信息；The session management function network element obtains address information of the first terminal.

会话管理功能网元根据第一终端的地址信息，确定第一终端的地址属于第一地址段；The session management function network element determines, according to the address information of the first terminal, that the address of the first terminal belongs to the first address segment;

会话管理功能网元根据第一地址段确定第一群组标识。The session management function network element determines the first group identity according to the first address segment.

结合第三方面或第一种可能的实现方式，在第三种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一群组标识，包括：With reference to the third aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a third possible implementation manner, the session management function network element learns the first group identifier of the first terminal, including:

会话管理功能网元从第一用户面功能网元接收第一指示信息，第一指示信息用于指示第一终端的群组标识为第一群组标识；The session management function network element receives the first indication information from the first user plane function network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the group identifier of the first terminal is the first group identifier;

会话管理功能网元根据第一指示信息确定第一群组标识。The session management function network element determines the first group identifier according to the first indication information.

结合第三方面或第一种至第三种中任意一种可能的实现方式，在第四种可能的实现方式中，该通信方法还包括：With reference to the third aspect, or any one of the first to the third possible implementation manners, in a fourth possible implementation manner, the communication method further includes:

会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元；The session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element;

会话管理功能网元获知第一群组标识，其中，第一群组标识与第一地址段对应；The session management function network element learns the first group identifier, where the first group identifier corresponds to the first address segment;

会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第二消息，第二消息中包括第一群组标识和第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为第二地址信息。The session management function network element sends a second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and the second address information of the second user plane function network element, and is configured to request that the first group identifier is corresponding. The address information of the user plane function network element of one or more terminals in the first group is modified to the second address information.

该实现方式中，会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第二消息，使得隧道端点网元可以根据第二消息批量更新第一群组标识对应的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息，从而可以提高对终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息的管理便捷性。In this implementation, the session management function network element sends a second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, so that the tunnel endpoint network element can batch update the user plane function network element of one or more terminals corresponding to the first group identifier according to the second message. The address information can improve the management convenience of the address information of the user plane function network element of the terminal.

结合第四种可能的实现方式，在第五种可能的实现方式中，第二消息为分组数据单元会话修改请求消息。In conjunction with the fourth possible implementation, in a fifth possible implementation, the second message is a packet data unit session modification request message.

结合第四种或第五种可能的实现方式，在第六种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一群组标识，包括：会话管理功能网元根据第一地址段确定与第一地址段对应的第一群组标识。With reference to the fourth or fifth possible implementation manner, in a sixth possible implementation manner, the session management function network element learns the first group identifier, including: the session management function network element is determined according to the first address segment The first group identifier corresponding to an address segment.

结合第四种或第五种可能的实现方式，在第七种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一群组标识，包括：会话管理功能网元将第一终端的上下文中记录的群组标识确定为第一群组标识。With reference to the fourth or the fifth possible implementation manner, in a seventh possible implementation manner, the session management function network element learns the first group identifier, including: the session management function network element records the context of the first terminal The group identity is determined to be the first group identity.

结合第四种至第七种中任意一种可能的实现方式，在第八种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元，包括：With the possible implementation of any one of the fourth to the seventh, in the eighth possible implementation, the session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user. Surface function network elements, including:

会话管理功能网元根据第一地址段当前关联的用户面功能网元的负载信息，确定第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元。The session management function network element determines that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element according to the load information of the user plane function network element currently associated with the first address segment.

结合第四种至第七种中任意一种可能的实现方式，在第九种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元，包括：With the possible implementation of any one of the fourth to the seventh, in the ninth possible implementation, the session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user. Surface function network elements, including:

会话管理功能网元从第一网元接收第二指示信息，第二指示信息用于指示第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要改为第二用户面功能网元；The session management function network element receives the second indication information from the first network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be changed to the second user plane function network element;

会话管理功能网元根据第二指示信息确定第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要改为第二用户面功能网元。The session management function network element determines, according to the second indication information, that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be changed to the second user plane function network element.

其中，第一网元可以网络功能存储网元或操作管理和维护***网元。The first network element may be a network function storage network element or an operation management and maintenance system network element.

结合第四种至第九种中任意一种可能的实现方式，在第十种可能的实现方式中，第一地址段对应多个群组标识，这多个群组标识包括第一群组标识。With reference to the possible implementation manners of any one of the fourth to the ninth, in the tenth possible implementation manner, the first address segment corresponds to multiple group identifiers, and the multiple group identifiers include the first group identifier .

第四方面，本申请提供了一种通信方法。该通信方法包括：In a fourth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The communication method includes:

该通信方法中，会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第二消息，使得隧道端点网元可以根据第二消息将一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为第二地址信息，从而可以提高对终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息的管理便捷性。In the communication method, the session management function network element sends a second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, so that the tunnel endpoint network element can modify the address information of the user plane function network element of one or more terminals to the second address according to the second message. The information can improve the convenience of managing the address information of the user plane function network element of the terminal.

结合第四方面，在第一种可能的实现方式中，第二消息为分组数据单元修改请求消息。In conjunction with the fourth aspect, in a first possible implementation, the second message is a packet data unit modification request message.

结合第四方面或第一种可能的实现方式，在第二种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一群组标识，包括：With reference to the fourth aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a second possible implementation manner, the session management function network element learns the first group identifier, including:

会话管理功能网元根据第一地址段确定与第一地址段对应的所述第一群组标识。The session management function network element determines the first group identifier corresponding to the first address segment according to the first address segment.

结合第四方面或第一种可能的实现方式，在第三种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一群组标识，包括：With reference to the fourth aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a third possible implementation, the session management function network element learns the first group identifier, including:

会话管理功能网元将第一终端的上下文中记录的群组标识确定为第一群组标识。The session management function network element determines the group identity recorded in the context of the first terminal as the first group identity.

结合第四方面或第一种至第三种中任意一种可能的实现方式，在第四种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元，包括：With reference to the fourth aspect, or any one of the first to the third possible implementation manners, in the fourth possible implementation manner, the session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified. The second user plane function network element includes:

结合第四方面或第一种至第三种中任意一种可能的实现方式，在第五种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元，包括：With reference to the fourth aspect, or any one of the first to the third possible implementation manners, in the fifth possible implementation manner, the session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified. The second user plane function network element includes:

结合第四方面或上述任意一种可能的实现方式，在第六种可能的实现方式中，第一群组中的一个或多个终端包括第一终端。With reference to the fourth aspect, or any one of the foregoing possible implementation manners, in a sixth possible implementation manner, the one or more terminals in the first group include the first terminal.

其中，会话管理功能网元向所述隧道端点网元发送第二消息之前，该通信方法还包括：The communication method further includes: before the session management function network element sends the second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, the communication method further includes:

会话管理功能网元确定需要为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；The session management function network element determines that a packet data unit session needs to be created for the first terminal;

会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一用户面功能网元；The session management function network element learns the first user plane function network element of the first terminal;

会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的所述第一群组标识；The session management function network element learns the first group identifier of the first terminal;

会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第一消息，第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。The session management function network element sends a first message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first address information of the first user plane function network element, where the request is for the first A terminal creates a packet data unit session.

该实现方式中，会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元先发送第一终端的第一群组标识，从而有助于隧道端点网元根据第二消息，将第一群组标识对应的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息更新为第二地址信息。In this implementation manner, the session management function network element first sends the first group identifier of the first terminal to the tunnel endpoint network element, thereby facilitating the tunnel endpoint network element to associate one or the first group identifier according to the second message. The address information of the user plane function network element of the plurality of terminals is updated to the second address information.

结合第六种可能的实现方式，在第七种可能的实现方式中，第一消息为分组数据单元会话创建请求消息。In conjunction with the sixth possible implementation, in a seventh possible implementation, the first message is a packet data unit session creation request message.

结合第六种或第七种可能的实现方式，在第八种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一群组标识，包括：With reference to the sixth or the seventh possible implementation manner, in the eighth possible implementation manner, the session management function network element learns the first group identifier of the first terminal, including:

结合第六种或第七种可能的实现方式，在第九种可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一群组标识，包括：With reference to the sixth or the seventh possible implementation manner, in the ninth possible implementation manner, the session management function network element learns the first group identifier of the first terminal, including:

结合第四方面或上述任意一种可能的实现方式，在第十种可能的实现方式中，第一地址段对应多个群组标识，这多个群组标识包括第一群组标识。With reference to the fourth aspect, or any one of the foregoing possible implementation manners, in a tenth possible implementation manner, the first address segment corresponds to multiple group identifiers, and the multiple group identifiers include the first group identifier.

第五方面，本申请提供了一种通信方法。该通信方法包括：用户面功能网元确定第一终端的地址信息；用户面功能网元根据第一终端的地址信息，确定第一终端的第一群组标识，第一终端的地址所属的第一地址段与第一群组标识之间具有对应关系；用户面功能网元向会话管理功能网元发送第一群组标识。In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The communication method includes: the user plane function network element determines address information of the first terminal; the user plane function network element determines, according to the address information of the first terminal, the first group identifier of the first terminal, where the address of the first terminal belongs The address segment has a corresponding relationship with the first group identifier; the user plane function network element sends the first group identifier to the session management function network element.

该通信方法中，用户面功能网元为第一终端分配群组标识，有助于后续流程中根据第一终端的第一群组标识方便管理第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息。In the communication method, the user plane function network element allocates a group identifier to the first terminal, which facilitates the management of the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal according to the first group identifier of the first terminal in the subsequent process.

结合第五方面，在一种可能的实现方式中，第一地址段对应多个群组标识，这多个群组标识包括第一群组标识。With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first address segment corresponds to multiple group identifiers, and the multiple group identifiers include the first group identifier.

第六方面，本申请提供了一种通信方法。该通信方法包括：第一网元确定第一地址段内的终端由第二用户面功能网元服务；第一网元向会话管理功能网元发送第二指示信息，第二指示信息用于指示第一地址段内的终端由第二用户面功能网元服务。In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The communication method includes: the first network element determines that the terminal in the first address segment is served by the second user plane function network element; the first network element sends the second indication information to the session management function network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate The terminal in the first address segment is served by the second user plane function network element.

结合第六方面，在一种可能的实现方式中，第一网元确定第一地址段内的终端由第二用户面功能网元服务，包括：第一网元根据第二用户面功能网元的负载信息，确定第一地址段内的终端由第二用户面功能网元服务。With reference to the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first network element determines that the terminal in the first address segment is served by the second user plane function network element, and includes: the first network element is configured according to the second user plane function network element. The load information determines that the terminal in the first address segment is served by the second user plane function network element.

结合第六方面或第一种可能的实现方式，在二种可能的实现方式中，第一网元是网络功能存储网元或操作管理和维护***网元。With reference to the sixth aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in two possible implementation manners, the first network element is a network function storage network element or an operation management and maintenance system network element.

第七方面，本申请提供了一种通信方法。该通信方法包括：In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a communication method. The communication method includes:

第一网元接收会话管理功能网元发送的第三消息；Receiving, by the first network element, a third message sent by the session management function network element;

第一网元获知用户面功能网元上线；The first network element learns that the user plane function network element is online;

第一网元为用户面功能网元分配TEID段，并向会话管理功能网元发送第四消息，第四消息中包括TEID段。The first network element allocates a TEID segment to the user plane function network element, and sends a fourth message to the session management function network element, where the fourth message includes a TEID segment.

结合第七方面，在第一种可能的实现方式中，第一网元为用户面功能网元分配TEID段，包括：With reference to the seventh aspect, in a first possible implementation, the first network element allocates a TEID segment to the user plane function network element, including:

第一网元为订阅用户面功能网元状态的会话管理功能网元分配对应的TEID段。The first network element allocates a corresponding TEID segment to the session management function network element that subscribes to the user plane function network element state.

结合第七方面或第一种可能的实现方式，在第二种可能的实现方式中，第三消息是用户面功能网元状态订阅消息，第四消息是用户面功能网元状态通知消息。With reference to the seventh aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in the second possible implementation manner, the third message is a user plane function network element status subscription message, and the fourth message is a user plane function network element status notification message.

结合第七方面或第一种或第二种可能的实现方式，在三种可能的实现方式中，第一网元是网络功能存储网元或操作管理和维护***网元。With reference to the seventh aspect or the first or the second possible implementation manner, in the three possible implementation manners, the first network element is a network function storage network element or an operation management and maintenance system network element.

第八方面，本申请提供了一种通信装置。该通信装置包括用于执行第一方面至第七方面中任意一个方面中的通信方法的模块。该通信装置包括的模块可以通过软件和/或硬件方式实现。In an eighth aspect, the application provides a communication device. The communication device comprises means for performing the communication method of any of the first to seventh aspects. The modules included in the communication device can be implemented in software and/or hardware.

第九方面，本申请提供了一种隧道端点网元。该隧道端点网元包括处理器和接收器。处理器用于执行程序。当处理器执行代码时，处理器和接收器实现第一方面或第二方面中的通信方法。In a ninth aspect, the application provides a tunnel endpoint network element. The tunnel endpoint network element includes a processor and a receiver. The processor is used to execute the program. The processor and the receiver implement the communication method of the first aspect or the second aspect when the processor executes the code.

可选地，该隧道端点网元还可以包括发送器。发送器用于发送信息。Optionally, the tunnel endpoint network element may further include a transmitter. The sender is used to send information.

可选地，该隧道端点网元还可以包括存储器。存储器用于存储程序和数据。Optionally, the tunnel endpoint network element may further include a memory. Memory is used to store programs and data.

第十方面，本申请提供了一种会话管理功能网元。该会话管理功能网元包括处理器和收发器。处理器用于执行程序。当处理器执行代码时，处理器和收发器实现第三方面或第四方面中的通信方法。In a tenth aspect, the application provides a session management function network element. The session management function network element includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is used to execute the program. The processor and the transceiver implement the communication method of the third aspect or the fourth aspect when the processor executes the code.

可选地，该会话管理功能网元还可以包括存储器。存储器用于存储程序和数据。Optionally, the session management function network element may further include a memory. Memory is used to store programs and data.

第十一方面，本申请提供了一种用户面功能网元。该用户面功能网元包括处理器和收发器。处理器用于执行程序。当处理器执行代码时，处理器和收发器实现第五方面中的通信方法。In an eleventh aspect, the application provides a user plane function network element. The user plane function network element includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is used to execute the program. When the processor executes the code, the processor and the transceiver implement the communication method in the fifth aspect.

可选地，该用户面功能网元还可以包括存储器。存储器用于存储程序和数据。Optionally, the user plane function network element may further include a memory. Memory is used to store programs and data.

第十二方面，本申请提供了一种通信网元。该通信网元包括处理器和收发器。处理器用于执行程序。当处理器执行代码时，处理器和收发器实现第六方面或第七方面中的通信方法。In a twelfth aspect, the application provides a communication network element. The communication network element includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is used to execute the program. The processor and the transceiver implement the communication method in the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect when the processor executes the code.

可选地，该通信网元还可以包括存储器。存储器用于存储程序和数据。Optionally, the communication network element may further comprise a memory. Memory is used to store programs and data.

第十三方面，本申请提供了一种计算机可读存储介质。该计算机可读存储介质中存储用于通信装置或隧道端点网元执行的程序代码。该程序代码包括用于执行第一方面或第二方面中的通信方法的指令。In a thirteenth aspect, the application provides a computer readable storage medium. Program code for communication device or tunnel endpoint network element execution is stored in the computer readable storage medium. The program code includes instructions for performing the communication method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

第十四方面，本申请提供了一种计算机可读存储介质。该计算机可读存储介质中存储用于通信装置或会话管理功能网元执行的程序代码。该程序代码包括用于执行第三方面或第四方面中的通信方法的指令。In a fourteenth aspect, the application provides a computer readable storage medium. Program code for execution of a communication device or session management function network element is stored in the computer readable storage medium. The program code includes instructions for performing the communication method of the third aspect or the fourth aspect.

第十五方面，本申请提供了一种计算机可读存储介质。该计算机可读存储介质中存储用于通信装置或用户面功能网元执行的程序代码。该程序代码包括用于执行第五方面中的通信方法的指令。In a fifteenth aspect, the application provides a computer readable storage medium. Program code for communication device or user plane function network element execution is stored in the computer readable storage medium. The program code includes instructions for performing the communication method in the fifth aspect.

第十六方面，本申请提供了一种计算机可读存储介质。该计算机可读存储介质中存储用于通信装置或通信网元执行的程序代码。该程序代码包括用于执行第六方面或第七方面中的通信方法的指令。In a sixteenth aspect, the application provides a computer readable storage medium. Program code for communication device or communication network element execution is stored in the computer readable storage medium. The program code includes instructions for performing the communication method of the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect.

第十七方面，本申请提供了一种包含指令的计算机程序产品。当该计算机程序产品在通信装置或隧道端点网元上运行时，使得通信装置或隧道端点网元执行第一方面或第二方面中的通信方法。In a seventeenth aspect, the application provides a computer program product comprising instructions. When the computer program product is run on a communication device or tunnel endpoint network element, the communication device or tunnel endpoint network element is caused to perform the communication method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

第十八方面，本申请提供了一种包含指令的计算机程序产品。当该计算机程序产品在通信装置或会话管理功能网元上运行时，使得通信装置或会话管理功能网元执行第三方面或第四方面中的通信方法。In a eighteenth aspect, the application provides a computer program product comprising instructions. The communication device or session management function network element causes the communication device or the session management function network element to perform the communication method of the third aspect or the fourth aspect when the computer program product is run on the communication device or the session management function network element.

第十九方面，本申请提供了一种包含指令的计算机程序产品。当该计算机程序产品在通信装置或用户面功能网元上运行时，使得通信装置或用户面功能网元执行第五方面中的通信方法。In a nineteenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product comprising instructions. When the computer program product runs on the communication device or the user plane function network element, the communication device or the user plane function network element is caused to perform the communication method in the fifth aspect.

第二十方面，本申请提供了一种包含指令的计算机程序产品。当该计算机程序产品在通信装置或通信网元上运行时，使得通信装置或通信网元执行第六方面或第七方面中的通信方法。In a twentieth aspect, the application provides a computer program product comprising instructions. When the computer program product is run on a communication device or communication network element, the communication device or communication network element is caused to perform the communication method of the sixth aspect or the seventh aspect.

第二十一方面，本申请提供了一种***芯片，该***芯片包括输入输出接口、至少一个处理器、至少一个存储器和总线，该至少一个存储器用于存储指令，该至少一个处理器用于调用该至少一个存储器的指令，以进行第一方面至第七方面中任意一个方面中的通信方法的操作。In a twenty-first aspect, the present application provides a system chip, the system chip includes an input and output interface, at least one processor, at least one memory, and a bus, the at least one memory is configured to store an instruction, and the at least one processor is configured to invoke The at least one memory instruction to perform the operation of the communication method in any one of the first to seventh aspects.

第二十二方面，本申请提供了一种通信***，该通信***包括以下至少一项：第九方面中的隧道端点网元、第十方面中的会话管理功能网元、第十一方面中的用户面功能网元和第十二方面中的通信网元。According to a twenty-second aspect, the present application provides a communication system, where the communication system includes at least one of the following: a tunnel endpoint network element in the ninth aspect, a session management function network element in the tenth aspect, and an eleventh aspect User plane function network element and communication network element in the twelfth aspect.

在一个可能的设计中，该通信***还可以包括本申请实施例提供的方案中与上述网元进行交互的其他设备，例如终端设备。In a possible design, the communication system may further include other devices, such as terminal devices, that interact with the network element in the solution provided by the embodiment of the present application.

附图说明DRAWINGS

图1是可以应用本申请实施例的通信方法的通信***的示意性架构图；1 is a schematic architectural diagram of a communication system to which a communication method of an embodiment of the present application can be applied;

图2是本申请一个实施例的通信方法的示意性流程图；2 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application;

图3是本申请另一个实施例的通信方法的示意性流程图；3 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application;

图4是本申请另一个实施例的通信方法的示意性流程图；4 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application;

图5是本申请另一个实施例的通信方法的示意性流程图；FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application; FIG.

图6是本申请另一个实施例的通信方法的示意性流程图；6 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application;

图7是本申请另一个实施例的通信方法的示意性流程图；FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application; FIG.

图8是本申请另一个实施例的通信方法的示意性流程图；8 is a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to another embodiment of the present application;

图9是本申请一个实施例的通信装置的示意性结构图；FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application; FIG.

图10是本申请另一个实施例的通信装置的示意性结构图。FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application.

具体实施方式detailed description

下面将结合附图，对本申请中的技术方案进行描述。The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

图1为可以应用本申请实施例的通信方法的一种通信***的示意性架构图。图1所示的通信***中可以包括终端设备110、接入网设备120、接入和移动性管理功能网元130、会话管理功能网元140、用户面功能网元151、用户面功能网元152、数据网络160。FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system to which a communication method of an embodiment of the present application can be applied. The communication system shown in FIG. 1 may include a terminal device 110, an access network device 120, an access and mobility management function network element 130, a session management function network element 140, a user plane function network element 151, and a user plane function network element. 152. Data network 160.

可选地，图1所示的通信***中还可以包括网络功能存储功能网元170，以及操作管理和维护***网元180。Optionally, the communication system shown in FIG. 1 may further include a network function storage function network element 170, and an operation management and maintenance system network element 180.

接入和移动性管理功能网元130、会话管理功能网元140、用户面功能网元151和用户面功能网元152所组成的网络可以称为核心网。其中，会话管理功能网元140可以管理多个用户面功能网元，例如用户面功能网元151和用户面功能网元152。The network formed by the access and mobility management function network element 130, the session management function network element 140, the user plane function network element 151, and the user plane function network element 152 may be referred to as a core network. The session management function network element 140 can manage a plurality of user plane function network elements, such as a user plane function network element 151 and a user plane function network element 152.

终端设备可以经AN设备与一个或多个核心网进行通信。终端设备可称为接入终端、终端、用户单元、用户站、移动站、移动台、远方站、远程终端、移动设备、用户终端、无线网络设备、用户代理或用户装置。终端可以是蜂窝电话、无绳电话、会话启动协议(session initiation protocol，SIP)电话、无线本地环路(wireless localloop，WLL)站、个人数字处理(personal digital assistant，PDA)、具有无线通信功能的手持设备、计算设备或连接到无线调制解调器的其它设备、车载设备、可穿戴设备或物联网、车辆网、智慧城市或智慧家庭中的终端设备以及未来网络中的任意形态的终端设备等。终端设备可以部署在陆地上，包括室内或室外、手持或车载；也可以部署在水面上(如轮船等)；还可以部署在空中(例如飞机、气球和卫星上等)。The terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks via the AN device. A terminal device may be referred to as an access terminal, a terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a wireless network device, a user agent, or a user device. The terminal can be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld with wireless communication capabilities. A device, a computing device, or other device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device or an Internet of Things, a vehicle network, a terminal device in a smart city or smart home, and any form of terminal device in a future network. Terminal equipment can be deployed on land, indoors or outdoors, hand-held or on-board; it can also be deployed on the water (such as ships); it can also be deployed in the air (such as airplanes, balloons, satellites, etc.).

接入网(access network，AN)设备可以是无线接入网(radio access network，RAN)设备。RAN设备的一种示例是基站(base station，BS)。The access network (AN) device may be a radio access network (RAN) device. An example of a RAN device is a base station (BS).

基站，也可称为基站设备，是一种将终端设备接入到无线网络的设备，包括但不限于：传输接收点(transmission reception point，TRP)、5G节点B(gNB)、演进型节点B(evolved node B，eNB)、无线网络控制器(radio network controller，RNC)、节点B(node B，NB)、基站控制器(base station controller，BSC)、基站收发台(base transceiver station,BTS)、家庭基站(例如，home evolved nodeB，或home node B，HNB)、基带单元(base band unit，BBU)，或Wifi接入点(access point，AP)，或小基站设备(pico)等。A base station, also referred to as a base station device, is a device that accesses a terminal device to a wireless network, including but not limited to: a transmission reception point (TRP), a 5G Node B (gNB), and an evolved Node B. (evolved node B, eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (node B, NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS) , a home base station (for example, home evolved node B, or home node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), or a Wifi access point (AP), or a small base station device (pico).

应理解，本文对基站的具体类型不作限定。采用不同无线接入技术的***中，具备基站功能的设备的名称可能会有所不同。为方便描述，本申请所有实施例中，上述为终端提供无线通信功能的装置统称为基站。It should be understood that the specific types of base stations are not limited herein. In systems with different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may vary. For convenience of description, in all embodiments of the present application, the foregoing devices for providing wireless communication functions to terminals are collectively referred to as base stations.

用户面功能网元具有终端设备的报文转发、封装和统计等功能。在5G中，用户面功能网元可以是UPF网元。在未来通信***中，例如，在6G中，用户面功能网元仍可以是UPF网元，或可以有其它的名称，本申请不做限定。The user plane function network element has the functions of packet forwarding, encapsulation, and statistics of the terminal device. In 5G, the user plane function network element may be a UPF network element. In the future communication system, for example, in the 6G, the user plane function network element may still be a UPF network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

接入和移动性管理功能网元负责终端设备的接入和移动性管理。例如，负责终端设备位置更新、终端设备注册网络或终端设备切换等。在5G中，接入和移动性管理功能网元可以是AMF(access and mobility management function)网元。在未来通信***中，例如，在6G中，接入和移动性管理功能网元仍可以是AMF网元，或可以有其它的名称，本申请不做限定。The access and mobility management function network element is responsible for access and mobility management of the terminal device. For example, it is responsible for terminal device location update, terminal device registration network, or terminal device switching. In the 5G, the access and mobility management function network element may be an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element. In the future communication system, for example, in the 6G, the access and mobility management function network element may still be an AMF network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

会话管理功能网元负责用户面功能网元的选择、重选，互联网协议(internet protocol，IP)地址的分配等，还可以负责会话的建立、修改和释放等。在5G中，会话管理功能网元可以是SMF网元。在未来通信***中，例如，在6G中，会话管理功能网元仍可以是SMF网元，或可以有其它的名称，本申请不做限定。The session management function network element is responsible for the selection, reselection of the user plane function network element, the allocation of the internet protocol (IP) address, etc., and can also be responsible for the establishment, modification and release of the session. In 5G, the session management function network element may be an SMF network element. In the future communication system, for example, in the 6G, the session management function network element may still be an SMF network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

网络功能存储功能网元负责控制面功能网元与用户面功能网元的注册，服务发现等功能。在5G中，网络功能存储功能网元可以是NRF(network function repository function)网元。在未来通信***中，例如，在6G中，网络功能存储功能网元仍可以是NRF网元，或可以有其它的名称，本申请不做限定。The network function storage function network element is responsible for controlling the registration of the surface function network element and the user plane function network element, and the service discovery function. In the 5G, the network function storage function network element may be a NRF (network function repository function) network element. In the future communication system, for example, in the 6G, the network function storage function network element may still be an NRF network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

操作管理和维护***网元负责各网元的操作，管理和维护功能。在5G中，操作管理和维护***网元可以是OAM(operations administration and maintenance)网元。在未来通信***中，例如，在6G中，操作管理和维护***网元仍可以是OAM网元，或可以有其它的名称，本申请不做限定。The operation management and maintenance system NE is responsible for the operation, management, and maintenance functions of each NE. In 5G, the operation management and maintenance system network element may be an OAM (operations administration and maintenance) network element. In the future communication system, for example, in the 6G, the operation management and maintenance system network element may still be an OAM network element, or may have other names, which is not limited in this application.

数据网络是指为终端设备提供数据传输服务的运营商网络。例如，数据网络可以是提供IP多媒体业务(IP multi-media，IMS)、互联网业务等业务的网络。在5G中，数据网络可以是DN(data network)。在未来通信***中，例如，在6G中，数据网络仍可以称为DN，或可以有其它的名称，本申请不做限定。A data network refers to a carrier network that provides data transmission services for terminal devices. For example, the data network may be a network that provides services such as IP multi-media (IMS), Internet services, and the like. In 5G, the data network can be a DN (data network). In a future communication system, for example, in 6G, the data network may still be referred to as a DN, or may have other names, which are not limited in this application.

可以理解的是，上述功能既可以是硬件设备中的网络元件，也可以是在专用硬件上运行软件功能，或者是平台(例如，云平台)上实例化的虚拟化功能。It can be understood that the above functions can be either a network component in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualization function instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform).

应理解，本申请实施例并不限于图1所示的***架构中。例如，可以应用本申请实施例的通信方法的通信***中可以包括更多或更少的网元或设备。图1中的设备或网元可以是硬件，也可以是从功能上划分的软件或者以上二者的结合。图1中的设备或网元之间可以通过其他设备或网元通信。或者，图1中的设备可以有其他的名称。It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the system architecture shown in FIG. 1. For example, a communication system to which the communication method of the embodiment of the present application can be applied may include more or fewer network elements or devices. The device or network element in FIG. 1 may be hardware, or may be functionally divided software or a combination of the two. The devices or network elements in Figure 1 can communicate with other devices or network elements. Alternatively, the device in Figure 1 can have other names.

在图1所示的通信***中，终端设备110的PDU会话建立过程中，会话管理功能网元140可以向接入网设备120发送用户面功能网元151的N3接口IP地址，以便于接入网设备120根据该N3接口IP地址向用户面功能网元151发送终端设备10的业务数据。In the communication system shown in FIG. 1, during the PDU session establishment process of the terminal device 110, the session management function network element 140 can send the N3 interface IP address of the user plane function network element 151 to the access network device 120 to facilitate access. The network device 120 transmits the service data of the terminal device 10 to the user plane function network element 151 according to the N3 interface IP address.

当会话管理功能网元获知用户面功能网元151故障或者过载时，会话管理功能网元140 可以选择用户面功能网元152来替代用户面功能网元151。并且，会话管理功能网元140会针对用户面功能网元151上的每个PDU会话，通过接入和移动性管理功能网元130，向接入网设备120发送一次用户面功能网元152的N3接口IP地址。When the session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element 151 is faulty or overloaded, the session management function network element 140 may select the user plane function network element 152 to replace the user plane function network element 151. In addition, the session management function network element 140 transmits the user plane function network element 152 to the access network device 120 through the access and mobility management function network element 130 for each PDU session on the user plane function network element 151. IP address of the N3 interface.

这种更新用户面功能网元的N3接口IP地址的方法会降低会话管理功能网元140对接入网设备120上的用户面功能网元的地址信息的管理便捷性。The method of updating the N3 interface IP address of the user plane function network element reduces the convenience of the session management function network element 140 for managing the address information of the user plane function network element on the access network device 120.

针对该问题，本申请提出了一种通信方法，有助于更方便地管理接入网设备上的用户面功能网元的地址信息。To solve this problem, the present application proposes a communication method, which helps to more conveniently manage the address information of the user plane function network element on the access network device.

基于图1的***结构，本申请一个实施例的通信方法的示意性流程图如图2所示。图2所示的通信方法包括S201、S202、S203、S204和S205。Based on the system structure of FIG. 1, a schematic flowchart of a communication method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. 2. The communication method shown in FIG. 2 includes S201, S202, S203, S204, and S205.

S201，会话管理功能网元确定需要为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。S201. The session management function network element determines that a packet data unit session needs to be created for the first terminal.

其中，会话管理功能网元可以是图1中的会话管理功能网元140。第一终端可以是图1中的终端设备110。The session management function network element may be the session management function network element 140 in FIG. The first terminal may be the terminal device 110 in FIG.

例如，第一终端向会话管理功能网元发送PDU会话建立请求消息时，会话管理功能网元可以确定需要为第一终端创建PDU会话。For example, when the first terminal sends a PDU session establishment request message to the session management function network element, the session management function network element may determine that a PDU session needs to be created for the first terminal.

S202，会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一用户面功能网元。S202. The session management function network element learns the first user plane function network element of the first terminal.

其中，第一用户面功能网元可以是图1中的用户面功能网元151或用户面功能网元152。The first user plane function network element may be the user plane function network element 151 or the user plane function network element 152 in FIG. 1 .

会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一用户面功能网元，可以理解为：会话管理功能网元获知当前可以为第一终端服务用户界面功能网元为第一用户面功能网元。该步骤可以参考现有技术中会话管理功能网元选择用户面功能网元的实现方式，此处不再赘述。The session management function network element learns the first user plane function network element of the first terminal, which can be understood as: the session management function network element learns that the first terminal service user interface function network element can be the first user plane function network element. In this step, reference may be made to the implementation manner of the user interface function network element of the session management function network element in the prior art, and details are not described herein again.

S203，会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一群组标识。S203. The session management function network element learns the first group identifier of the first terminal.

第一群组标识为至少一个终端的群组标识。该至少一个终端中包括第一终端。至少一个终端也可以称为一个或多个终端。The first group identifier is a group identifier of at least one terminal. The first terminal is included in the at least one terminal. At least one terminal may also be referred to as one or more terminals.

会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一群组标识，可以理解为：会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的群组标识为第一群组标识。The session management function network element learns the first group identifier of the first terminal, which can be understood as: the session management function network element learns that the group identifier of the first terminal is the first group identifier.

在一些可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一群组标识可以包括：会话管理功能网元自己为第一终端分配第一群组标识。In some possible implementation manners, the session management function network element learns that the first group identifier of the first terminal may include: the session management function network element itself allocates the first group identifier to the first terminal.

例如，会话管理功能网元获取第一终端的地址信息；会话管理功能网元根据第一终端的地址信息，确定第一终端的地址属于第一地址段；会话管理功能网元根据第一地址段确定第一群组标识，第一地址段与第一群组标识之间具有对应关系。该实现方式随后将结合图4进行介绍。For example, the session management function network element obtains the address information of the first terminal; the session management function network element determines, according to the address information of the first terminal, that the address of the first terminal belongs to the first address segment; the session management function network element is based on the first address segment. The first group identifier is determined, and the first address segment has a corresponding relationship with the first group identifier. This implementation will be described later in connection with FIG.

其中，第一终端的地址可以是会话管理功能网元为第一终端分配的，也可以是其他网元为第一终端分配后，发送给SMF网元的。The address of the first terminal may be allocated by the network element of the session management function to the first terminal, or may be sent to the SMF network element after the other network element is allocated to the first terminal.

在另一些可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一终端的第一群组标识可以包括：用户面功能网元(例如第一用户面功能网元)为第一终端分配第一群组标识，并向会话管理功能网元发送第一指示信息，第一指示信息用于指示第一终端的群组标识为第一群组标识；会话管理功能网元从用户面功能网元接收第一指示信息，并根据第一指示信息确定第一终端的第一群组标识。该实现方式随后将结合图5进行介绍。In other possible implementation manners, the session management function network element learns that the first group identifier of the first terminal may include: the user plane function network element (for example, the first user plane function network element) allocates the first group to the first terminal. The group identifier is sent to the session management function network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the group identifier of the first terminal is the first group identifier, and the session management function network element is received from the user plane function network element. An indication information is determined, and the first group identifier of the first terminal is determined according to the first indication information. This implementation will be described later in connection with FIG.

S204，会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第一消息，第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。相应地，隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第一消息。S204, the session management function network element sends a first message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first address information of the first user plane function network element, for requesting Create a packet data unit session for the first terminal. Correspondingly, the tunnel endpoint network element receives the first message from the session management function network element.

隧道端点(tunnel endpoint，TE)网元可以是图1中的接入网设备120，或者可以是图1中的用户面功能网元151或用户面功能网元152。The tunnel endpoint (TE) network element may be the access network device 120 in FIG. 1, or may be the user plane function network element 151 or the user plane function network element 152 in FIG.

终端的标识用于标识终端，具体的形式不限。例如，终端的标识的形式可以是N2连接标识，IMSI，终端的外部标识，终端内部标识，终端的永久标识，或者终端的临时标识等等。可以理解的是，在不同的网元设备可能对终端的标识的形式进行转化，但不同形式的终端的标识都可以用于标识终端。也就是说，不管形式上如何转化，只要能够将该终端与其他终端区分开的标识，都可以称为该终端的标识。The identifier of the terminal is used to identify the terminal, and the specific form is not limited. For example, the identifier of the terminal may be in the form of an N2 connection identifier, an IMSI, an external identifier of the terminal, an internal identifier of the terminal, a permanent identifier of the terminal, or a temporary identifier of the terminal, and the like. It can be understood that different network element devices may convert the form of the identifier of the terminal, but the identifiers of different forms of the terminal may be used to identify the terminal. That is to say, regardless of the form conversion, an identifier that can distinguish the terminal from other terminals can be referred to as an identifier of the terminal.

第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息可以是第一用户面功能网元的N3接口IP地址信息。The first address information of the first user plane function network element may be the N3 interface IP address information of the first user plane function network element.

第一消息可以是PDU会话创建请求消息(PDU session establish request message)。The first message may be a PDU session establish request message.

S205，隧道端点网元根据第一消息生成第一终端的上下文，并在第一终端的上下文中记录第一终端的群组标识为第一群组标识，以及记录第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息为第一地址信息。S205. The tunnel endpoint network element generates a context of the first terminal according to the first message, and records, in the context of the first terminal, the group identifier of the first terminal as the first group identifier, and records the user plane function network of the first terminal. The address information of the element is the first address information.

第一终端的上下文可以是第一终端的会话上下文。The context of the first terminal may be the session context of the first terminal.

本申请实施例中，会话管理功能网元通过第一消息向隧道端点网元通知当前可以为第一终端服务的第一用户面功能网元的地址信息，使得隧道端点网元可以根据该地址信息为第一终端传输业务数据。此外，会话管理功能网元通过第一消息通知隧道端点网元为第一终端分配的第一群组标识，有助于会话管理功能网元在后续的流程中，根据第一终端的第一群组标识来管理为第一终端服务的用户面功能网元的地址信息。In the embodiment of the present application, the session management function network element notifies the tunnel endpoint network element of the address information of the first user plane function network element that can be served by the first terminal by using the first message, so that the tunnel endpoint network element can be based on the address information. Transmit business data for the first terminal. In addition, the session management function network element notifies the tunnel end network element to the first group identifier allocated by the first terminal by using the first message, which is helpful to the session management function network element in the subsequent process, according to the first group of the first terminal The group identifier manages the address information of the user plane function network element serving the first terminal.

本申请另一个实施例的通信方法的示意性流程图如图3所示。图3所示的通信方法包括S301、S302、S303和S304。A schematic flowchart of a communication method of another embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. 3. The communication method shown in FIG. 3 includes S301, S302, S303, and S304.

S301，会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元。S301. The session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element.

例如，会话管理功能网元140获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要从用户面功能网元151修改为或更新为用户面功能网元152。For example, the session management function network element 140 learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified or updated from the user plane function network element 151 to the user plane function network element 152.

在一些可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元，可以包括：会话管理功能网元从第一网元接收第二指示信息，第二指示信息用于指示第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要改为第二用户面功能网元；会话管理功能网元根据第二指示信息确定第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要改为第二用户面功能网元。该实现方式随后将结合图6或图7进行介绍。In some possible implementation manners, the session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element, and the method includes: the session management function network element receives from the first network element. The second indication information is used to indicate that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be changed to the second user plane function network element; the session management function network element determines the first address segment association according to the second indication information. The user plane function network element needs to be changed to the second user plane function network element. This implementation will be described later in connection with FIG. 6 or FIG.

其中，第一网元可以是图1中的网络功能存储功能网元170，例如NRF网元；或者可以是操作管理和维护***网元180。例如OAM网元。The first network element may be the network function storage function network element 170 in FIG. 1 , such as an NRF network element, or may be an operation management and maintenance system network element 180 . For example, an OAM network element.

在另一些可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元，可以包括：会话管理功能网元根据第一地址段当前关联的用户面功能网元的负载信息，确定第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元。该实现方式可以参考图6，此处不再赘述。In other possible implementation manners, the session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element, and may include: the session management function network element according to the first address segment. The load information of the currently associated user plane function network element determines that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element. For the implementation, refer to FIG. 6 , and details are not described herein again.

S302，会话管理功能网元获知第一群组标识，其中，第一群组标识与第一地址段对应。S302. The session management function network element learns the first group identifier, where the first group identifier corresponds to the first address segment.

在一些可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一群组标识，可以包括：会话管理功能网元根据第一地址段确定与第一地址段对应的第一群组标识。In some possible implementation manners, the session management function network element learns the first group identifier, and the method includes: the session management function network element determines, according to the first address segment, the first group identifier corresponding to the first address segment.

也就是说，会话管理功能网元在S301中获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元后，可以根据第一群组标识与第一地址段之间的对应关系，确定与第一地址段对应的第一群组标识。That is, after the STP learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element, the session management function network element may be configured according to the first group identifier and the first address segment. Corresponding relationship, determining a first group identifier corresponding to the first address segment.

在另一些可能的实现方式中，会话管理功能网元获知第一群组标识，可以包括：会话管理功能网元将第一终端的上下文中记录的群组标识确定为第一群组标识。In other possible implementation manners, the session management function network element learns the first group identifier, and the method includes: the session management function network element determines the group identifier recorded in the context of the first terminal as the first group identifier.

例如，会话管理功能网元在S301中获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元后，可以向第二用户面功能网元发送PDU会话创建请求消息，该PDU会话创建请求消息用于请求第二用户面功能网元创建第一地址段内的第一终端的PDU会话。第二用户面功能网元根据该PDU会话创建请求消息为第一终端创建PDU会话后，向会话管理功能网元返回PDU会话创建响应消息。会话管理功能网元根据该PDU会话创建响应消息查询第一终端的会话上下文，并将第一终端的会话上下文中记录的群组标识确定为第一群组标识。该实现方式随后将结合图6或图7进行介绍。For example, the session management function network element may be configured to send a PDU session creation request message to the second user plane function network element after the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element. The PDU session creation request message is used to request the second user plane function network element to create a PDU session of the first terminal in the first address segment. After the PDU session creation request message is used to create a PDU session for the first terminal, the second user plane function network element returns a PDU session creation response message to the session management function network element. The session management function network element queries the session context of the first terminal according to the PDU session creation response message, and determines the group identity recorded in the session context of the first terminal as the first group identity. This implementation will be described later in connection with FIG. 6 or FIG.

应理解的是，第一地址段对应的群组标识可以是一个，也可以是多个。第一地址段对应的群组标识为一个时，该群组标识即为第一群组标识；第一地址段对应的群组标识为多个时，该多个群组标识中包括第一群组标识。It should be understood that the group identifier corresponding to the first address segment may be one or multiple. When the group identifier corresponding to the first address segment is one, the group identifier is the first group identifier; when the group identifier corresponding to the first address segment is multiple, the plurality of group identifiers include the first group Group ID.

S303，会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第二消息，第二消息中包括第一群组标识和第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为第二地址信息。相应地，隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息。S303, the session management function network element sends a second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and the second address information of the second user plane function network element, configured to request the first group identifier The address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the corresponding first group is modified to the second address information. Correspondingly, the tunnel endpoint network element receives the second message from the session management function network element.

隧道端点网元可以是图1中的接入网设备120，或者可以是图1中的用户面功能网元151或用户面功能网元152。The tunnel endpoint network element may be the access network device 120 in FIG. 1, or may be the user plane function network element 151 or the user plane function network element 152 in FIG.

第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息可以是第二用户面功能网元的N3接口IP地址信息。The second address information of the second user plane function network element may be the N3 interface IP address information of the second user plane function network element.

群组标识为第一群组标识的一个终端或多个终端的集合可以称为第一群组。A set of one or more terminals identified by the group identity as the first group may be referred to as a first group.

第二消息可以是PDU会话修改请求消息(PDU session modification request message)。The second message may be a PDU session modification request message.

S304，隧道端点网元根据第二消息，将第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息记录为第二地址信息。S304. The tunnel endpoint network element records the address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier as the second address information according to the second message.

或者可以说，隧道端点网元根据第二消息，将第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的上下文中记录的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改或更新为第二地址信息。Or it can be said that the tunnel endpoint network element modifies or updates the address information of the user plane function network element recorded in the context of one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier according to the second message. Two address information.

本申请实施例中，会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第二消息，就可以更新第一群组标识对应的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息，即有助于提高会话管理功能网元管理用户面功能网元的地址信息的便捷性。In this embodiment, the session management function network element sends the second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, and the address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals corresponding to the first group identifier may be updated, which is helpful. Improve the convenience of the session management function network element to manage the address information of the user plane function network element.

此外，第一群组标识对应多个终端时，会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第二消息，可以更新多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息，有助于节省信令开销。In addition, when the first group identifier corresponds to multiple terminals, the session management function network element sends a second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, and the address information of the user plane function network element of the multiple terminals can be updated, which helps save signaling overhead. .

本申请一个实施例的通信方法中，可以先执行图2所示的通信方法，然后再执行图3所示的通信方法。或者说，可以先执行图2所示的通信方法，向隧道端点网元通知为第一终端分配的群组标识为第一群组标识，然后再执行图3所示的通信方法，向隧道端口网元通知第一群组标识对应的第一群组内的一个或多个终端(包括第一终端)的用户面功能网元的地址信息需要修改为第二用户面功能网元的地址信息。这使得会话管理功能网元可以通过一个第二消息就能够对第一群组标识对应的所有终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息进行管理。此外，还可以节省信令开销。In the communication method of one embodiment of the present application, the communication method shown in FIG. 2 may be performed first, and then the communication method shown in FIG. 3 may be executed. Alternatively, the communication method shown in FIG. 2 may be performed first, and the tunnel endpoint network element is notified of the group identifier assigned to the first terminal as the first group identifier, and then the communication method shown in FIG. 3 is performed to the tunnel port. The address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals (including the first terminal) in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier needs to be modified to be the address information of the second user plane function network element. The session management function network element can manage the address information of the user plane function network element of all the terminals corresponding to the first group identifier by using a second message. In addition, signaling overhead can be saved.

下面以会话管理功能网元为SMF网元，隧道端点网元为AN设备，第一用户面功能网元为UPF网元，第一终端为UE为例，结合图4，介绍会话管理功能网元自己为第一终端分配第一群组标识时的一种通信方法。The session management function network element is the SMF network element, the tunnel endpoint network element is the AN device, the first user plane function network element is the UPF network element, and the first terminal is the UE as an example. Referring to FIG. 4, the session management function network element is introduced. A communication method when the first group identity is assigned to the first terminal.

S401，UE向SMF网元发送PDU会话创建请求消息，该PDU会话创建请求消息用于创建用户的PDU会话，该PDU会话创建请求消息中携带第一终端的DNN信息。S401. The UE sends a PDU session creation request message to the SMF network element, where the PDU session creation request message is used to create a PDU session of the user, where the PDU session creation request message carries the DNN information of the first terminal.

S402，SMF网元向UPF网元发送N4会话建立请求消息(N4 session establish request message)，该N4会话建立请求消息用于UPF网元创建PDU会话。S402. The SMF network element sends an N4 session establishment request message to the UPF network element, where the N4 session establishment request message is used by the UPF network element to create a PDU session.

S403，UPF网元向SMF网元返回N4会话建立响应消息(N4 session establish response message)，该N4会话建立响应消息用于UPF网元响应PDU会话的创建结果。S403. The UPF network element returns an N4 session establishment response message to the SMF network element, where the N4 session establishment response message is used to generate a result of the UPF network element responding to the PDU session.

S404，SMF网元根据UE的PDU会话的地址信息，为终端的PDU会话分配群组标识。其中，UE的PDU会话的地址信息可以简称为UE的地址信息，UE的PDU会话的群组标识可以简称为UE的群组标识。S404. The SMF network element allocates a group identifier to the PDU session of the terminal according to the address information of the PDU session of the UE. The address information of the PDU session of the UE may be simply referred to as the address information of the UE, and the group identifier of the PDU session of the UE may be simply referred to as the group identity of the UE.

UE的地址可以是SMF网元分配的，也可以是其他网元分配后发送给SMF网元的。例如，SMF网元可以根据S401中获取的DNN信息为UE分配地址。例如，NRF网元或UPF网元根据UE的DNN信息为UE分配地址后，发送给SMF网元。The address of the UE may be allocated by the SMF network element, or may be sent to the SMF network element after the other network element is allocated. For example, the SMF network element may allocate an address to the UE according to the DNN information acquired in S401. For example, the NRF network element or the UPF network element allocates an address to the UE according to the DNN information of the UE, and then sends the address to the SMF network element.

SMF网元根据UE的PDU会话的地址信息，为UE的PDU会话分配群组标识的一种示例性实现方式可以包括：SMF网元根据UE的地址信息确定UE的地址所属的地址段，确定的地址段即为第一地址段；SMF网元查询是否存在与第一地址段对应的群组标识；如果已经存在，则SMF网元选择这个与第一地址段对应的群组标识作为UE的群组标识，这个与第一地址段对应的群组标识即为第一群组标识；如果不存在，则SMF网元分配一个新的群组标识给第一地址段，并将该群组标识作为UE的群组标识，该群组标识即为第一群组标识。An exemplary implementation manner of the SMF network element assigning a group identifier to the PDU session of the UE according to the address information of the PDU session of the UE may include: determining, by the SMF network element, the address segment to which the address of the UE belongs according to the address information of the UE, and determining The address segment is the first address segment; the SMF network element queries whether there is a group identifier corresponding to the first address segment; if it already exists, the SMF network element selects the group identifier corresponding to the first address segment as the group of the UE The group identifier, the group identifier corresponding to the first address segment is the first group identifier; if not, the SMF network element allocates a new group identifier to the first address segment, and uses the group identifier as The group identifier of the UE, where the group identifier is the first group identifier.

其中，SMF网元可以为同一个地址段内的终端的PDU会话分配一个或多个群组标识。The SMF network element may allocate one or more group identifiers for the PDU session of the terminal in the same address segment.

S405，SMF网元向AN设备发送N2PDU会话创建请求消息，该消息中携带第一群组标识和UPF网元的地址信息，S405. The SMF network element sends an N2 PDU session creation request message to the AN device, where the message carries the address information of the first group identifier and the UPF network element.

例如，该消息中携带第一群组标识和UPF网元的N3接口IP地址信息。For example, the message carries the N3 interface IP address information of the first group identifier and the UPF network element.

S406，AN设备接收到N2PDU会话创建请求消息后，创建UE的会话上下文(简称上下文)，并将第一群组标识和UPF网元的地址信息存储在UE的上下文中。S406. After receiving the N2PDU session creation request message, the AN device creates a session context (referred to as a context) of the UE, and stores the address information of the first group identifier and the UPF network element in the context of the UE.

UE的群组标识由UPF网元分配时，一种可能的实现方法可以包括：UPF网元根据UE的地址信息和UE所在的SMF网元的信息，为UE分配群组标识。When the group identifier of the UE is allocated by the UPF network element, a possible implementation method may include: the UPF network element allocates the group identifier to the UE according to the address information of the UE and the information of the SMF network element where the UE is located.

例如，UPF网元获知UE的地址信息和UE所在的SMF网元的信息；根据UE的地址信息确定UE的地址所属的地址段，即第一地址段；查询是否存在与第一地址段和该SMF网元均对应的群组标识；若存在，则选择该群组标识为UE的群组标识，即第一群组标识；若不存在，则UPF网元为第一地址段的终端分配群组标识，即第一群组标识，并将第一群组标识作为UE的群组标识。For example, the UPF network element learns the address information of the UE and the information of the SMF network element where the UE is located; determines the address segment to which the address of the UE belongs, that is, the first address segment according to the address information of the UE; whether the query exists with the first address segment and the The SMF network element corresponds to the group identifier; if it exists, the group identifier is selected as the group identifier of the UE, that is, the first group identifier; if not, the UPF network element is the terminal allocation group of the first address segment. The group identifier, that is, the first group identifier, and the first group identifier is used as the group identifier of the UE.

S407，AN设备将NAS PDU会话创建确认消息(PDU session establish ACK message)转发给UE，向UE确认PDU会话的创建结果。S407. The AN device forwards the PDU session establish ACK message to the UE, and confirms the creation result of the PDU session to the UE.

S408，AN向SMF网元返回N2PDU会话创建请求响应消息(PDU session establish request ACK message)，向SMF网元反馈PDU会话的创建结果。S408. The AN returns an N2 PDU session establishment request ACK message to the SMF network element, and returns a result of the PDU session creation to the SMF network element.

其中，UE的地址可以是UPF网元UE分配的，也可以是SMF网元为UE分配的。The address of the UE may be allocated by the UPF network element UE, or may be allocated by the SMF network element for the UE.

UPF网元为UE分配第一群组标识后，可以通知SMF网元：UE的群组标识为第一群组标识。After the first group identifier is allocated to the UE, the UPF network element may notify the SMF network element that the group identifier of the UE is the first group identifier.

下面以会话管理功能网元为SMF网元，隧道端点网元为AN设备，第一用户面功能网元为UPF网元，第一终端为UE为例，结合图5，介绍第一用户面功能网元为第一终端分配第一群组标识时的一种通信方法。The session management function network element is the SMF network element, the tunnel endpoint network element is the AN device, the first user plane function network element is the UPF network element, and the first terminal is the UE as an example, and the first user plane function is introduced in conjunction with FIG. A communication method when a network element allocates a first group identity to a first terminal.

S501，UE向SMF网元发送PDU会话建立请求消息，该消息中携带DNN信息。S501. The UE sends a PDU session establishment request message to the SMF network element, where the message carries the DNN information.

S502，SMF网元向UPF网元发送N4会话建立请求消息。S502. The SMF network element sends an N4 session establishment request message to the UPF network element.

S503，UPF网元根据UE的PDU会话的地址信息和UE所在的SMF网元的信息(例如，SMF网元的地址信息)，为UE的PDU会话分配群组标识。其中，UE的PDU会话的地址信息可以简称为UE的地址信息，UE的PDU会话的群组标识可以简称为UE的群组标识。S503. The UPF network element allocates a group identifier for the PDU session of the UE according to the address information of the PDU session of the UE and the information of the SMF network element where the UE is located (for example, the address information of the SMF network element). The address information of the PDU session of the UE may be simply referred to as the address information of the UE, and the group identifier of the PDU session of the UE may be simply referred to as the group identity of the UE.

其中，UE的PDU会话的地址信息可以是UPF网元为UE分配的，也可以是其他网元(例如SMF网元)分配后发送给UPF网元的。The address information of the PDU session of the UE may be allocated by the UPF network element to the UE, or may be sent by other network elements (for example, SMF network elements) to the UPF network element.

UPF网元为UE分配群组标识，可以包括：UPF网元根据UE的地址信息确定UE的地址所在的地址段(即第一地址段)，并查询是否存在与第一地址段以及UE所在的SMF网元对应的群组标识；如果已经存在，则该UPF网元选择该群组标识(即第一群组标识)作为UE的群组标识；如果不存在，则该UPF网元为UE分配新的群组标识(即第一群组标识)。The allocation of the group identifier to the UE by the UPF network element may include: determining, by the UPF network element, the address segment where the address of the UE is located according to the address information of the UE, that is, the first address segment, and querying whether the first address segment and the UE are located. The group identifier corresponding to the SMF network element; if it already exists, the UPF network element selects the group identifier (ie, the first group identifier) as the group identifier of the UE; if not, the UPF network element allocates the UE The new group ID (ie the first group ID).

其中，UPF网元可以为处于同一SMF并在同一地址段内的终端分配一个或多个群组标识。The UPF network element may allocate one or more group identifiers to terminals in the same SMF and in the same address segment.

S504，UPF网元向SMF网元发送N4会话建立响应消息，该消息中携带第一指示信息，第一指示信息指示UPF网元为UE分配的第一群组标识。S504: The UPF network element sends an N4 session setup response message to the SMF network element, where the message carries the first indication information, where the first indication information indicates that the UPF network element is the first group identifier allocated by the UE.

也就是说，SMF网元从UPF网元获取UE的第一群组标识。That is, the SMF network element obtains the first group identity of the UE from the UPF network element.

S505，SMF网元向AN设备发送N2PDU会话创建请求消息，该消息中携带第一群组标识和UPF的N3接口IP地址(即第一UPF网元的第一地址信息)。S505. The SMF network element sends an N2 PDU session creation request message to the AN device, where the message carries the N3 interface IP address of the first group identifier and the UPF (that is, the first address information of the first UPF network element).

S506，AN设备收到N2PDU会话创建消息后，创建UE的会话上下文，并将第一群组标识和UPF网元的N3接口IP地址存储在UE的会话上下文中。S506: After receiving the N2 PDU session creation message, the AN device creates a session context of the UE, and stores the first group identifier and the N3 interface IP address of the UPF network element in the session context of the UE.

S507，AN设备向UE发送NAS消息PDU会话创建确认消息。S507. The AN device sends a NAS message PDU session creation confirmation message to the UE.

S508，AN向SMF返回PDU会话请求确认消息。S508. The AN returns a PDU session request confirmation message to the SMF.

下面以第一网元为NRF网元，第二用户面功能网元为UPF网元，隧道端点网元为AN设备，会话管理功能网元为SMF网元，第二指示信息为UPF状态通知消息，第二消息为PDU会话修改请求消息为例，结合图5，介绍由第一网元确定第一终端的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元时的通信方法。The first network element is the NRF network element, the second user plane function network element is the UPF network element, the tunnel endpoint network element is the AN device, the session management function network element is the SMF network element, and the second indication information is the UPF status notification message. The second message is a PDU session modification request message as an example. Referring to FIG. 5, the communication method when the first network element determines that the user plane function network element of the first terminal needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element is described.

S601，SMF网元向NRF网元发送UPF状态订阅(UPF status subscribed)消息，以订阅UPF网元的状态，该UPF状态订阅消息中包含DNN信息。S601: The SMF network element sends a UPF status subscribed message to the NRF network element to subscribe to the state of the UPF network element, where the UPF status subscription message includes DNN information.

其中，UPF网元的状态可以包括UPF网元的负荷状态等。UPF状态订阅消息中包含DNN 信息是指订阅支持该DNN信息的UPF网元的状态。The state of the UPF network element may include a load status of the UPF network element. The inclusion of DNN information in the UPF status subscription message refers to the status of the UPF network element that subscribes to the DNN information.

S602，NRF网元根据UPF状态订阅消息，检测到相应的UPF网元的状态发生改变之后，向SMF网元发送UPF状态通知(UPF status notify)消息，该消息中可以包括UPF网元(即第二UPF网元)能够服务的终端的地址段(即第一地址段)与第二UPF网元的标识(如UPF ID)之间的关联关系，以通知支持该DNN的UPF网元变为第二UPF网元。S602. The NRF network element sends a UPF status notify message to the SMF network element according to the UPF status subscription message, and after detecting that the status of the corresponding UPF network element is changed, the message may include a UPF network element (ie, The relationship between the address segment of the terminal (ie, the first address segment) and the identifier of the second UPF network element (such as the UPF ID) of the second UPF network element is notified to notify the UPF network element supporting the DNN to become the first Two UPF network elements.

S603，SMF网元从S602中获知与第一地址段关联的UPF网元改变为第二UPF网元之后，SMF网元可以决策将第一地址段的终端的PDU会话迁移到第二UPF网元。S603, after the SMF network element learns that the UPF network element associated with the first address segment is changed to the second UPF network element, the SMF network element may decide to migrate the PDU session of the terminal in the first address segment to the second UPF network element. .

S604，SMF网元向UPF发送PDU会话创建请求消息，将第一地址段内的终端的PDU会话在该UPF上重建。S604. The SMF network element sends a PDU session creation request message to the UPF, and the PDU session of the terminal in the first address segment is reconstructed on the UPF.

S605，UPF网元向SMF网元返回PDU会话创建响应消息。S605. The UPF network element returns a PDU session creation response message to the SMF network element.

S606，SMF网元向AN设备发送PDU会话修改消息。该PDU会话修改消息中携带6UPF网元的N3接口IP地址(即第二地址信息)和UE的第一群组标识。S606. The SMF network element sends a PDU session modification message to the AN device. The PDU session modification message carries the N3 interface IP address (ie, the second address information) of the 6UPF network element and the first group identifier of the UE.

S607，AN设备收到PDU会话修改请求消息之后，获知第一群组标识和UPF的N3接口地址，并根据该消息中的第一群组标识批量更新包含第一群组标识的一个或多个终端的上下文中的N3接口IP地址。S607. After receiving the PDU session modification request message, the AN device learns the N3 interface address of the first group identifier and the UPF, and batch-updates one or more of the first group identifiers according to the first group identifier in the message. The IP address of the N3 interface in the context of the terminal.

可选的，SMF网元将第一地址段内的终端的PDU会话迁移完成之后，可以向NRF网元返回用户迁移完成通知消息。如果是由于UPF网元过载导致的迁移，则NRF网元在获得用户迁移完成通知消息之后，可以通知UPF将UE的地址段的路由使能。即，将第二UPF上第一地址段路由的优先级设置为高优先级。Optionally, after the SMF network element migrates the PDU session of the terminal in the first address segment, the SMF network element may return a user migration completion notification message to the NRF network element. If the migration is caused by the overload of the UPF network element, the NRF network element may notify the UPF to enable the routing of the address segment of the UE after obtaining the user migration completion notification message. That is, the priority of the first address segment route on the second UPF is set to a high priority.

应理解，配置第一地址段的路由优先级的步骤也可以由SMF网元完成。It should be understood that the step of configuring the route priority of the first address segment may also be completed by the SMF network element.

应理解，图6所示的通信方法中，S601和S602为可选步骤。例如，在简单组网场景下，可由SMF自行确定将第一地址段的终端的PDU会话迁移到第二UPF网元。It should be understood that in the communication method shown in FIG. 6, S601 and S602 are optional steps. For example, in a simple networking scenario, the SMF may determine that the PDU session of the terminal of the first address segment is migrated to the second UPF network element.

应理解，如果是由于源UPF网元故障引发的迁移，则SMF向NRF网元发送的用户迁移完成通知可以省略。由NRF或SMF获得源UPF故障事件之后，将源UPF上的UE地址段在目标UPF上执行路由使能。It should be understood that if the migration is caused by the failure of the source UPF network element, the user migration completion notification sent by the SMF to the NRF network element may be omitted. After the source UPF fault event is obtained by the NRF or the SMF, the UE address segment on the source UPF is route-enabled on the target UPF.

下面以第一网元为OAM网元，第一用户面功能网元为第一UPF网元，第二用户面功能网元为第二UPF网元，会话管理功能网元为SMF网元，第二指示信息为UPF状态通知消息为例，结合图6，介绍由第一网元确定第一终端的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元时的通信方法。The first network element is an OAM network element, the first user plane function network element is a first UPF network element, the second user plane function network element is a second UPF network element, and the session management function network element is an SMF network element, The second indication information is an UPF status notification message as an example. Referring to FIG. 6, a communication method when the first network element determines that the user plane function network element of the first terminal needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element is described.

S701，第一UPF网元按照地址段粒度向OAM网元上报第一UPF网元服务的第一地址段的负载信息。S701. The first UPF network element reports the load information of the first address segment of the first UPF network element service to the OAM network element according to the address segment granularity.

第一UPF网元可以称为为第一地址段内的终端服务的源UPF网元。The first UPF network element may be referred to as a source UPF network element serving the terminal in the first address segment.

S702，OAM网元如果检测到第一UPF过载或者故障，则决定将第一UPF上的第一地址段内的终端的PDU会话迁移到第二UPF网元上。S702: The OAM network element determines to migrate the PDU session of the terminal in the first address segment on the first UPF to the second UPF network element if the first UPF is overloaded or faulty.

其中，OAM网元可以根据第二UPF网元的负载信息选择第二UPF。The OAM network element may select the second UPF according to the load information of the second UPF network element.

OAM确定第二UPF网元后，向第二UPF网元配置第一地址段信息。After the OAM determines the second UPF network element, the first address segment information is configured to the second UPF network element.

S703，第二UPF向NRF网元发起注册更新消息。在该注册更新消息中携带第一地址段和第二UPF网元的标识的关联关系。S703. The second UPF initiates a registration update message to the NRF network element. The registration update message carries an association relationship between the identifier of the first address segment and the second UPF network element.

S704，NRF网元向SMF网元发送UPF状态通知消息，该消息中携带第一地址段与第二UPF网元的标识的关联关系。S704: The NRF network element sends an UPF status notification message to the SMF network element, where the message carries the association between the first address segment and the identifier of the second UPF network element.

可选的，该消息中还可以携带第一UPF网元的标识。Optionally, the identifier of the first UPF network element may also be carried in the message.

S705，SMF网元执行地址段迁移过程。例如，图6中所示的S603至S607。S705: The SMF network element performs an address segment migration process. For example, S603 to S607 shown in Fig. 6.

S706，SMF网元通知NRF网元，第一地址段内的终端的PDU会话迁移完成。S706: The SMF network element notifies the NRF network element that the PDU session migration of the terminal in the first address segment is completed.

S707，当NRF网元从SMF网元获知PDU会话迁移完成后，NRF网元可以向第二UPF网元发送第一地址段路由使能，即将第一地址段路由的优先级设置为高优先级。S707. After the NRF network element learns that the PDU session is migrated from the SMF network element, the NRF network element may send the first address segment route enablement to the second UPF network element, that is, the priority of the first address segment route is set to a high priority. .

S708，在S707完成后，NRF网元向第一UPF网元发送第一地址段去使能消息，即将第一地址段路由的优先级配置为低优先级。S708. After the S707 is complete, the NRF network element sends a first address segment de-enable message to the first UPF network element, that is, the priority of the first address segment route is configured as a low priority.

应理解，如果是第一UPF故障导致的迁移，则S706可以不执行。S707和S608可以在S703之后就执行。It should be understood that if it is a migration caused by the first UPF failure, S706 may not be performed. S707 and S608 can be executed after S703.

如图7所示的通信方法，通过OAM网元按照UPF网元的实时负荷决定地址段的迁移，在SMF网元与UPF网元之间采用数量比为N:M的组网方式的情况下，由SMF网元自己决策地址段的迁移相比，有助于避免不同SMF网元的策略不一致所产生的决策冲突。In the communication method shown in FIG. 7, the OAM network element determines the migration of the address segment according to the real-time load of the UPF network element, and when the number of the NMF is used between the SMF network element and the UPF network element. Compared with the migration of the SMF network element's own decision address segment, it helps to avoid the decision conflict caused by the policy inconsistency of different SMF network elements.

本申请的实施例中，由第一网元确定第一终端的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元时，若第一网元为网络功能存储功能网元，则网络功能存储功能网元还可以向会话管理功能网元分配用户面功能网元的隧道端点标识(tunnel endpoint identity，TEID)段(range)。会话管理功能网元获得用户面功能网元的TEID段后，为终端分配TEID时可以将该TEID段包含于完整的TEID中，从而保证不同的SMF网元分配的TEID值在同一个用户面功能网元上不会产生冲突。In the embodiment of the present application, when the first network element determines that the user plane function network element of the first terminal needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element, if the first network element is a network function storage function network element, the network function The storage function network element may also allocate a tunnel endpoint identity (TEID) segment of the user plane function network element to the session management function network element. The session management function network element obtains the TEID segment of the user plane function network element. When the TEID is allocated to the terminal, the TEID segment can be included in the complete TEID to ensure that the TEID values assigned by different SMF network elements are in the same user plane function. There is no conflict on the NE.

下面以第一网元为NRF网元，会话管理功能网元为SMF网元，用户面功能网元为UPF网元为例，结合图8，介绍网络功能存储功能网元向会话管理功能网元分配用户面功能网元的TEID段时的通信方法。The following takes the first network element as the NRF network element, the session management function network element as the SMF network element, and the user plane function network element as the UPF network element as an example. Referring to FIG. 8, the network function storage function network element is introduced to the session management function network element. The communication method when the TEID segment of the user plane function network element is allocated.

S801，OAM网元***触发UPF实例上线。UPF实例即为UPF网元。S801. The OAM network element system triggers the UPF instance to go online. The UPF instance is a UPF network element.

S802，UPF实例上线后，UPF实例向NRF网元发起注册。注册消息中包含DNN和UPF的ID。S802. After the UPF instance is online, the UPF instance initiates registration with the NRF network element. The registration message contains the IDs of the DNN and UPF.

S803，SMF网元向NRF网元发送UPF状态订阅消息，该消息中携带DNN。S803. The SMF network element sends an UPF status subscription message to the NRF network element, where the message carries the DNN.

该步骤页可以发生于S801和S802步骤之前。This step page can occur before the steps S801 and S802.

S804，NRF网元分配该UPF实例的TEID段。NRF网元可以根据订阅该UPF实例状态的SMF实例个数分配该TEID段。S804. The NRF network element allocates a TEID segment of the UPF instance. The NRF network element may allocate the TEID segment according to the number of SMF instances that subscribe to the UPF instance state.

例如，如果存在两个SMF实例订阅了该UPF实例状态，则NRF为该UPF分配两个TEID段。S805，NRF网元将分配的TEID段发送给订阅该UPF实例状态的SMF网元。For example, if two SMF instances subscribe to the UPF instance state, the NRF allocates two TEID segments for the UPF. S805. The NRF network element sends the allocated TEID segment to the SMF network element that subscribes to the UPF instance state.

SMF网元获得UPF实例的TEID段后，SMF网元为UE分配TEID时，将TEID段包含于完整的TEID中，从而保证不同的SMF网元分配的TEID值在同一个UPF网元上不会产生冲突。从而可以在后续UPF网元迁移过程中，有助于保证在不同UPF网元上的TEID值不会相同，以避免产生冲突。After the SMF network element obtains the TEID segment of the UPF instance, when the SMF network element allocates the TEID to the UE, the TEID segment is included in the complete TEID, so that the TEID values allocated by different SMF network elements are not on the same UPF network element. There is a conflict. Therefore, in the subsequent UPF network element migration process, the TEID values on different UPF network elements are not guaranteed to be the same, so as to avoid conflicts.

图9是本申请一个实施例的通信装置的示意性结构图。应理解，图9示出的通信装置900仅是示例，FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the communication device 900 illustrated in FIG. 9 is merely an example.

通信装置900可以包括接收模块910和处理模块920。The communication device 900 can include a receiving module 910 and a processing module 920.

通信装置900可以用于执行图2至图8中任意一个所示的通信方法中由隧道端点网元或AN设备执行的步骤。此时，通信装置900的示例为隧道端点网元或AN设备。The communication device 900 can be used to perform the steps performed by the tunnel endpoint network element or AN device in the communication method shown in any of Figures 2-8. At this time, an example of the communication device 900 is a tunnel endpoint network element or an AN device.

例如，接收模块910，用于从会话管理功能网元接收第一消息，第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。For example, the receiving module 910 is configured to receive the first message from the session management function network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first address information of the first user plane function network element, A request is made to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal.

处理模块920，用于根据第一消息生成第一终端的上下文，并在第一终端的上下文中记录第一终端的群组标识为第一群组标识，以及记录第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息为第一地址信息。The processing module 920 is configured to generate a context of the first terminal according to the first message, and record, in the context of the first terminal, the group identifier of the first terminal as the first group identifier, and record the user plane function network of the first terminal. The address information of the element is the first address information.

可选地，接收模块910还用于从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息，第二消息中包括所述第一群组标识和第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为第二地址信息。Optionally, the receiving module 910 is further configured to receive a second message from the session management function network element, where the second message includes second address information of the first group identifier and the second user plane function network element, for requesting Modifying address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier to the second address information.

处理模块920还用于根据第二消息中的第一群组标识确定第一终端，并将第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息中的第一地址信息修改为第二地址信息。The processing module 920 is further configured to determine the first terminal according to the first group identifier in the second message, and modify the first address information in the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal to the second address information.

例如，接收模块910，用于从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息，所述第二消息中包括第一群组标识和第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息。For example, the receiving module 910 is configured to receive a second message from the session management function network element, where the second message includes second address information of the first group identifier and the second user plane function network element, for requesting the The address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier is modified to the second address information.

处理模块920，用于根据所述第二消息，将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息记录为所述第二地址信息。The processing module 920 is configured to record, according to the second message, address information of a user plane function network element of one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier as the second address. information.

可选地，第一群组中的一个或多个终端包括第一终端。Optionally, one or more terminals in the first group comprise a first terminal.

相应地，接收模块910还用于：从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息之前，从会话管理功能网元接收第一消息，第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。Correspondingly, the receiving module 910 is further configured to: before receiving the second message from the session management function network element, receive the first message from the session management function network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and The first address information of the first user plane function network element is used to request to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal.

处理模块920还用于根据第一消息生成第一终端的上下文，并在第一终端的上下文中记录第一终端的群组标识为第一群组标识，以及记录第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息为第一地址信息。The processing module 920 is further configured to generate a context of the first terminal according to the first message, and record, in a context of the first terminal, a group identifier of the first terminal as a first group identifier, and record a user plane function network of the first terminal. The address information of the element is the first address information.

处理模块920具体用于根据第二消息，将第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息中的第一地址信息修改为第二地址信息。The processing module 920 is specifically configured to modify the first address information in the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal to the second address information according to the second message.

通信装置900中，接收模块910的一种示例为接收器，处理模块920的一种示例为处理器。In the communication device 900, one example of the receiving module 910 is a receiver, and one example of the processing module 920 is a processor.

接收模块910为接收器时，通信装置900还可以包括发送器。该接收器和发送器可以集成在一起，称为收发器，该发送器用于发送信息。When the receiving module 910 is a receiver, the communication device 900 may further include a transmitter. The receiver and transmitter can be integrated together, called a transceiver, which is used to transmit information.

接收模块910为接收器，处理模块920为处理器时，可选地，通信装置900中还可以包括存储器，该存储器用于存储程序代码。该存储器可以与处理器集成在一起。When the receiving module 910 is a receiver and the processing module 920 is a processor, optionally, the communication device 900 may further include a memory for storing the program code. This memory can be integrated with the processor.

图10是本申请一个实施例的通信装置的示意性结构图。应理解，图10示出的通信装置1000仅是示例，FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the communication device 1000 illustrated in FIG. 10 is merely an example.

通信装置1000可以包括处理模块1010和发送模块1020。可选地，通信装置1000还可以包括接收模块1030。The communication device 1000 can include a processing module 1010 and a transmitting module 1020. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a receiving module 1030.

通信装置1000可以用于执行图2至图8中任意一个所示的通信方法中由会话管理功能网元或SMF网元执行的步骤。通信装置1000的示例为会话管理功能网元或SMF网元。The communication device 1000 can be used to perform the steps performed by the session management function network element or the SMF network element in the communication method shown in any of FIGS. 2 to 8. An example of communication device 1000 is a session management function network element or an SMF network element.

例如，处理模块1010用于：For example, the processing module 1010 is configured to:

确定需要为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；Determining that a packet data unit session needs to be created for the first terminal;

获知所述第一终端的第一用户面功能网元；Obtaining a first user plane function network element of the first terminal;

获知所述第一终端的第一群组标识。Obtaining a first group identifier of the first terminal.

发送模块1020，用于向隧道端点网元发送第一消息，所述第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和所述第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为所述第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。The sending module 1020 is configured to send a first message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the first message includes an identifier of the first terminal, a first group identifier, and first address information of the first user plane function network element, Used to request to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal.

可选地，处理模块1010还用于：Optionally, the processing module 1010 is further configured to:

获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元；The user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified to be the second user plane function network element;

获知所述第一群组标识，其中，所述第一群组标识与所述第一地址段对应。Obtaining the first group identifier, where the first group identifier corresponds to the first address segment.

发送模块1020还用于向隧道端点网元发送第二消息，第二消息中包括第一群组标识和第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为第二地址信息。The sending module 1020 is further configured to send the second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and the second address information of the second user plane function network element, and is configured to request to correspond to the first group identifier. The address information of the user plane function network element of one or more terminals in the first group is modified to the second address information.

或者，例如，处理模块1010用于：获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元；获知第一群组标识，其中，第一群组标识与第一地址段对应。Or, for example, the processing module 1010 is configured to: learn that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into a second user plane function network element; and learn the first group identifier, where the first group identifier and the first group identifier The address segment corresponds.

发送模块1020用于向隧道端点网元发送第二消息，所述第二消息中包括所述第一群组标识和所述第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息。The sending module 1020 is configured to send a second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and the second address information of the second user plane function network element, for requesting the The address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier is modified to the second address information.

可选地，所述第一群组中的一个或多个终端包括第一终端；Optionally, one or more terminals in the first group include a first terminal;

其中，在向隧道端点网元发送第二消息之前，处理模块1010还用于：The processing module 1010 is further configured to: before sending the second message to the tunnel endpoint network element:

获知第一终端的第一用户面功能网元；Obtaining a first user plane function network element of the first terminal;

获知第一终端的所述第一群组标识；Obtaining the first group identifier of the first terminal;

发送模块1020还用于向隧道端点网元发送第一消息，第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。The sending module 1020 is further configured to send the first message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first address information of the first user plane function network element, where the request is The first terminal creates a packet data unit session.

可选地，处理模块1010具体用于：Optionally, the processing module 1010 is specifically configured to:

获取第一终端的地址信息；Obtaining address information of the first terminal;

根据第一终端的地址信息，确定第一终端的地址属于第一地址段；Determining, according to the address information of the first terminal, that the address of the first terminal belongs to the first address segment;

根据第一地址段确定第一群组标识。Determining the first group identity according to the first address segment.

可选地，接收模块1030还用于从第一用户面功能网元接收第一指示信息，第一指示信息用于指示第一终端的群组标识为第一群组标识。Optionally, the receiving module 1030 is further configured to receive the first indication information from the first user plane function network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the group identifier of the first terminal is the first group identifier.

处理模块1010具体用于根据所述第一指示信息确定所述第一群组标识。The processing module 1010 is specifically configured to determine the first group identifier according to the first indication information.

可选地，处理模块1010具体用于根据第一地址段确定与第一地址段对应的第一群组标识。Optionally, the processing module 1010 is specifically configured to determine, according to the first address segment, a first group identifier corresponding to the first address segment.

可选地，处理模块1010具体用于：将第一终端的上下文中记录的群组标识确定为第一群组标识。Optionally, the processing module 1010 is specifically configured to: determine the group identifier recorded in the context of the first terminal as the first group identifier.

可选地，处理模块1010具体用于：根据第一地址段当前关联的用户面功能网元的负载信息，确定第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元。Optionally, the processing module 1010 is specifically configured to: determine, according to the load information of the user plane function network element that is currently associated with the first address segment, that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element. .

可选地，接收模块1030还用于：从第一网元接收第二指示信息，第二指示信息用于指示第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要改为第二用户面功能网元；Optionally, the receiving module 1030 is further configured to: receive the second indication information from the first network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be changed to the second user plane function network element. ;

处理模块具体1010用于根据第二指示信息确定第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要改为第二用户面功能网元。The processing module specific 1010 is configured to determine, according to the second indication information, that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be changed to the second user plane function network element.

通信装置1000中，发送模块1020的一种示例为发送器，处理模块1010的一种示例为处理器，接收模块1030的一种示例为接收器。In the communication device 1000, one example of the transmitting module 1020 is a transmitter, one example of the processing module 1010 is a processor, and one example of the receiving module 1030 is a receiver.

接收器和发送器可以集成在一起，称为收发器。The receiver and transmitter can be integrated together, called a transceiver.

发送模块1020为发送器，接收模块1030为接收器，处理模块1010为处理器时，可选地，通信装置1000中还可以包括存储器，该存储器用于存储程序代码。该存储器可以与处理器集成在一起。The sending module 1020 is a transmitter, the receiving module 1030 is a receiver, and the processing module 1010 is a processor. Optionally, the communication device 1000 may further include a memory for storing the program code. This memory can be integrated with the processor.

本领域普通技术人员可以意识到，结合本文中所公开的实施例描述的各示例的单元及算法步骤，能够以电子硬件、或者计算机软件和电子硬件的结合来实现。这些功能究竟以硬件还是软件方式来执行，取决于技术方案的特定应用和设计约束条件。专业技术人员可以对每个特定的应用来使用不同方法来实现所描述的功能，但是这种实现不应认为超出本申请的范围。Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements and algorithm steps of the various examples described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the solution. A person skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each particular application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the present application.

所属领域的技术人员可以清楚地了解到，为描述的方便和简洁，上述描述的***、装置和单元的具体工作过程，可以参考前述方法实施例中的对应过程，在此不再赘述。A person skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working process of the system, the device and the unit described above can refer to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiment, and details are not described herein again.

在本申请所提供的几个实施例中，应该理解到，所揭露的***、装置和方法，可以通过其它的方式实现。例如，以上所描述的装置实施例仅仅是示意性的，例如，所述单元的划分，仅仅为一种逻辑功能划分，实际实现时可以有另外的划分方式，例如多个单元或组件可以结合或者可以集成到另一个***，或一些特征可以忽略，或不执行。另一点，所显示或讨论的相互之间的耦合或直接耦合或通信连接可以是通过一些接口，装置或单元的间接耦合或通信连接，可以是电性，机械或其它的形式。In the several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be implemented in other manners. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the unit is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be another division manner, for example, multiple units or components may be combined or Can be integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and may be in an electrical, mechanical or other form.

所述作为分离部件说明的单元可以是或者也可以不是物理上分开的，作为单元显示的部件可以是或者也可以不是物理单元，即可以位于一个地方，或者也可以分布到多个网络单元上。可以根据实际的需要选择其中的部分或者全部单元来实现本实施例方案的目的。The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, may be located in one place, or may be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of the embodiment.

另外，在本申请各个实施例中的各功能单元可以集成在一个处理单元中，也可以是各个单元单独物理存在，也可以两个或两个以上单元集成在一个单元中。In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

所述功能如果以软件功能单元的形式实现并作为独立的产品销售或使用时，可以存储在一个计算机可读取存储介质中。基于这样的理解，本申请的技术方案本质上或者说对现有技术做出贡献的部分或者该技术方案的部分可以以软件产品的形式体现出来，该计算机软件产品存储在一个存储介质中，包括若干指令用以使得一台计算机设备(可以是个人计算机，服务器，或者网络设备等)执行本申请各个实施例所述方法的全部或部分步骤。而前述的存储介质包括：U盘、移动硬盘、只读存储器(read-only memory，ROM)、随机存取存储器(random access memory，RAM)、磁碟或者光盘等各种可以存储程序代码的介质。The functions may be stored in a computer readable storage medium if implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as a standalone product. Based on such understanding, the technical solution of the present application, which is essential or contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, may be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium, including The instructions are used to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and the like, which can store program code. .

以上所述，仅为本申请的具体实施方式，但本申请的保护范围并不局限于此，任何熟悉本技术领域的技术人员在本申请揭露的技术范围内，可轻易想到变化或替换，都应涵盖在本申请的保护范围之内。因此，本申请的保护范围应以所述权利要求的保护范围为准。The foregoing is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application. It should be covered by the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

一种通信方法，其特征在于，包括：A communication method, comprising:

隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第一消息，所述第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为所述第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；The tunnel endpoint network element receives the first message from the session management function network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first address information of the first user plane function network element, for requesting Creating a packet data unit session for the first terminal;

所述隧道端点网元根据所述第一消息生成所述第一终端的上下文，并在所述第一终端的上下文中记录所述第一终端的群组标识为所述第一群组标识，以及记录所述第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息为所述第一地址信息。The tunnel endpoint network element generates a context of the first terminal according to the first message, and records, in a context of the first terminal, a group identifier of the first terminal as the first group identifier, And recording the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal as the first address information.
根据权利要求1所述的通信方法，其特征在于，所述通信方法还包括：The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the communication method further comprises:

所述隧道端点网元从所述会话管理功能网元接收第二消息，所述第二消息中包括所述第一群组标识和第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息；The tunnel endpoint network element receives a second message from the session management function network element, where the second message includes second address information of the first group identifier and the second user plane function network element, for requesting Modifying address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier to the second address information;

所述隧道端点网元根据所述第二消息中的所述第一群组标识确定所述第一终端，并将所述第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息中的所述第一地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息。Determining, by the tunnel endpoint network element, the first terminal according to the first group identifier in the second message, and the first one of the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal The address information is modified to the second address information.
一种通信方法，其特征在于，包括：A communication method, comprising:

隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息，所述第二消息中包括第一群组标识和第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息；The tunnel endpoint network element receives the second message from the session management function network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and the second address information of the second user plane function network element, configured to request the first group The address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the group identifier is modified into the second address information;

所述隧道端点网元根据所述第二消息，将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息记录为所述第二地址信息。The tunnel endpoint network element records, according to the second message, address information of a user plane function network element of one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier as the second address. information.
根据权利要求3所述的通信方法，其特征在于，所述第一群组中的一个或多个终端包括第一终端；The communication method according to claim 3, wherein the one or more terminals in the first group comprise a first terminal;

其中，所述隧道端点网元从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息之前，所述通信方法还包括：The communication method further includes: before the tunnel endpoint network element receives the second message from the session management function network element, the communication method further includes:

所述隧道端点网元从所述会话管理功能网元接收第一消息，所述第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、所述第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为所述第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；The tunnel endpoint network element receives the first message from the session management function network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first user plane function network element. Address information, configured to request to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal;

所述隧道端点网元根据所述第一消息生成所述第一终端的上下文，并在第一终端的上下文中记录所述第一终端的群组标识为所述第一群组标识，以及记录所述第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息为所述第一地址信息；Generating, by the tunnel endpoint network element, the context of the first terminal according to the first message, and recording, in the context of the first terminal, the group identifier of the first terminal as the first group identifier, and recording The address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal is the first address information;

所述隧道端点网元根据所述第二消息，将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息记录为所述第二地址信息，包括:The tunnel endpoint network element records, according to the second message, address information of a user plane function network element of one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier as the second address. Information, including:

所述隧道端点网元根据所述第二消息，将所述第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息中的所述第一地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息。The tunnel endpoint network element modifies the first address information in the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal to the second address information according to the second message.
一种通信方法，其特征在于，包括：A communication method, comprising:

会话管理功能网元确定需要为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；The session management function network element determines that a packet data unit session needs to be created for the first terminal;

所述会话管理功能网元获知所述第一终端的第一用户面功能网元；The session management function network element learns the first user plane function network element of the first terminal;

所述会话管理功能网元获知所述第一终端的第一群组标识；The session management function network element learns the first group identifier of the first terminal;

所述会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第一消息，所述第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和所述第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为所述第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。The session management function network element sends a first message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first address information of the first user plane function network element. And for requesting to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal.
根据权利要求5所述的通信方法，其特征在于，所述通信方法还包括：The communication method according to claim 5, wherein the communication method further comprises:

所述会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元；The session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element;

所述会话管理功能网元获知所述第一群组标识，其中，所述第一群组标识与所述第一地址段对应；The session management function network element learns the first group identifier, where the first group identifier corresponds to the first address segment;

所述会话管理功能网元向所述隧道端点网元发送第二消息，所述第二消息中包括所述第一群组标识和所述第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息。The session management function network element sends a second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and the second address information of the second user plane function network element, And modifying the address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier to the second address information.
一种通信方法，其特征在于，包括：A communication method, comprising:

会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元；The session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element;

所述会话管理功能网元获知第一群组标识，其中，所述第一群组标识与所述第一地址段对应；The session management function network element learns the first group identifier, where the first group identifier corresponds to the first address segment;

所述会话管理功能网元向隧道端点网元发送第二消息，所述第二消息中包括所述第一群组标识和所述第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息。The session management function network element sends a second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and the second address information of the second user plane function network element, for requesting And modifying address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier to the second address information.
根据权利要求7所述的通信方法，其特征在于，所述第一群组中的一个或多个终端包括第一终端；The communication method according to claim 7, wherein one or more terminals in the first group comprise a first terminal;

其中，所述会话管理功能网元向所述隧道端点网元发送所述第二消息之前，所述通信方法还包括：The communication method further includes: before the session management function network element sends the second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, the communication method further includes:

所述会话管理功能网元确定需要为所述第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；The session management function network element determines that a packet data unit session needs to be created for the first terminal;

所述会话管理功能网元获知所述第一终端的第一用户面功能网元；The session management function network element learns the first user plane function network element of the first terminal;

所述会话管理功能网元获知所述第一终端的所述第一群组标识；The session management function network element learns the first group identifier of the first terminal;

所述会话管理功能网元向所述隧道端点网元发送第一消息，所述第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、所述第一群组标识和所述第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为所述第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。The session management function network element sends a first message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the first message includes an identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first user plane function network element. The first address information is used to request to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal.
根据权利要求5或8所述的通信方法，其特征在于，所述会话管理功能网元获知所述第一终端的第一群组标识，包括：The communication method according to claim 5 or 8, wherein the session management function network element learns the first group identifier of the first terminal, and includes:

所述会话管理功能网元获取所述第一终端的地址信息；The session management function network element acquires address information of the first terminal;

所述会话管理功能网元根据所述第一终端的地址信息，确定所述第一终端的地址属于第一地址段；The session management function network element determines, according to the address information of the first terminal, that the address of the first terminal belongs to the first address segment;

所述会话管理功能网元根据所述第一地址段确定所述第一群组标识。The session management function network element determines the first group identifier according to the first address segment.
根据权利要求5或8所述的通信方法，其特征在于，所述会话管理功能网元获知所述第一终端的第一群组标识，包括：The communication method according to claim 5 or 8, wherein the session management function network element learns the first group identifier of the first terminal, and includes:

所述会话管理功能网元从所述第一用户面功能网元接收第一指示信息，所述第一指示信息用于指示所述第一终端的群组标识为所述第一群组标识；The session management function network element receives the first indication information from the first user plane function network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the group identifier of the first terminal is the first group identifier;

所述会话管理功能网元根据所述第一指示信息确定所述第一群组标识。The session management function network element determines the first group identifier according to the first indication information.
根据权利要求6或7所述的通信方法，其特征在于，所述会话管理功能网元获知第一群组标识，包括：The communication method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the session management function network element learns the first group identifier, including:

所述会话管理功能网元根据所述第一地址段确定与所述第一地址段对应的所述第一群组标识。The session management function network element determines the first group identifier corresponding to the first address segment according to the first address segment.
根据权利要求6或7所述的通信方法，其特征在于，所述会话管理功能网元获知第一群组标识，包括：The communication method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the session management function network element learns the first group identifier, including:

所述会话管理功能网元将所述第一终端的上下文中记录的群组标识确定为所述第一群组标识。The session management function network element determines the group identity recorded in the context of the first terminal as the first group identity.
根据权利要求6或7所述的通信方法，其特征在于，所述会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为所述第二用户面功能网元，包括：The communication method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element, and includes:

所述会话管理功能网元根据所述第一地址段当前关联的用户面功能网元的负载信息，确定第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为所述第二用户面功能网元。The session management function network element determines, according to the load information of the user plane function network element that is currently associated with the first address segment, that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element. .
根据权利要求6或7所述的通信方法，其特征在于，所述会话管理功能网元获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为所述第二用户面功能网元，包括：The communication method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the session management function network element learns that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element, and includes:

所述会话管理功能网元从第一网元接收第二指示信息，所述第二指示信息用于指示所述第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要改为所述第二用户面功能网元；The session management function network element receives the second indication information from the first network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be changed to the second user plane function. Network element

所述会话管理功能网元根据所述第二指示信息确定所述第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要改为所述第二用户面功能网元。The session management function network element determines, according to the second indication information, that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be changed to the second user plane function network element.
一种通信装置，其特征在于，包括：A communication device, comprising:

接收模块，用于从会话管理功能网元接收第一消息，所述第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为所述第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；a receiving module, configured to receive a first message from a session management function network element, where the first message includes an identifier of the first terminal, a first group identifier, and first address information of the first user plane function network element, where Requesting to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal;

处理模块，用于根据所述第一消息生成所述第一终端的上下文，并在所述第一终端的上下文中记录所述第一终端的群组标识为所述第一群组标识，以及记录所述第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息为所述第一地址信息。a processing module, configured to generate a context of the first terminal according to the first message, and record, in a context of the first terminal, a group identifier of the first terminal as the first group identifier, and Recording address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal is the first address information.
根据权利要求15所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述接收模块还用于从所述会话管理功能网元接收第二消息，所述第二消息中包括所述第一群组标识和第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息；The communication device according to claim 15, wherein the receiving module is further configured to receive a second message from the session management function network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and a The second address information of the user plane function network element is used to request to modify the address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier to the first Two address information;

所述处理模块还用于根据所述第二消息中的所述第一群组标识确定所述第一终端，并将所述第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息中的所述第一地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息。The processing module is further configured to determine, according to the first group identifier in the second message, the first terminal, and the first information in the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal An address information is modified to the second address information.
一种通信装置，其特征在于，包括：A communication device, comprising:

接收模块，用于从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息，所述第二消息中包括第一群组标识和第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息；a receiving module, configured to receive a second message from the session management function network element, where the second message includes second address information of the first group identifier and the second user plane function network element, configured to request the first message The address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the group identifier is modified to the second address information;

处理模块，用于根据所述第二消息，将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息记录为所述第二地址信息。a processing module, configured to record, according to the second message, address information of a user plane function network element of one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier as the second address information .
根据权利要求17所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述第一群组中的一个或多个终端包括第一终端；The communication device according to claim 17, wherein one or more of the first groups comprise a first terminal;

其中，所述接收模块还用于：从会话管理功能网元接收第二消息之前，从所述会话管理功能网元接收第一消息，所述第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、所述第一群组标识和第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为所述第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；The receiving module is further configured to: before receiving the second message from the session management function network element, receive the first message from the session management function network element, where the first message includes the identifier of the first terminal, The first group identifier and the first address information of the first user plane function network element are used to request to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal;

所述处理模块还用于根据所述第一消息生成所述第一终端的上下文，并在第一终端的上下文中记录所述第一终端的群组标识为所述第一群组标识，以及记录所述第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息为所述第一地址信息；The processing module is further configured to generate a context of the first terminal according to the first message, and record, in a context of the first terminal, a group identifier of the first terminal as the first group identifier, and Recording address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal as the first address information;

所述处理模块具体用于根据所述第二消息，将所述第一终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息中的所述第一地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息。The processing module is configured to modify the first address information in the address information of the user plane function network element of the first terminal to the second address information according to the second message.
一种通信装置，其特征在于，包括：A communication device, comprising:

处理模块，用于确定需要为第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；a processing module, configured to determine that a packet data unit session needs to be created for the first terminal;

所述处理模块还用于获知所述第一终端的第一用户面功能网元；The processing module is further configured to learn the first user plane function network element of the first terminal;

所述会处理模块还用于获知所述第一终端的第一群组标识；The conference processing module is further configured to learn the first group identifier of the first terminal;

发送模块，用于向隧道端点网元发送第一消息，所述第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、第一群组标识和所述第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为所述第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。a sending module, configured to send a first message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the first message includes an identifier of the first terminal, a first group identifier, and first address information of the first user plane function network element, where A request is made to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal.
根据权利要求19所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述处理模块还用于：The communication device according to claim 19, wherein the processing module is further configured to:

获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元；The user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified to be the second user plane function network element;

获知所述第一群组标识，其中，所述第一群组标识与所述第一地址段对应；Obtaining the first group identifier, where the first group identifier corresponds to the first address segment;

所述发送模块还用于向所述隧道端点网元发送第二消息，所述第二消息中包括所述第一群组标识和所述第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息。The sending module is further configured to send a second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and the second address information of the second user plane function network element, And modifying the address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier to the second address information.
一种通信装置，其特征在于，包括：A communication device, comprising:

处理模块，用于获知第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为第二用户面功能网元；a processing module, configured to learn that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into a second user plane function network element;

所述处理模块还用于获知第一群组标识，其中，所述第一群组标识与所述第一地址段对应；The processing module is further configured to learn the first group identifier, where the first group identifier corresponds to the first address segment;

所述发送模块用于向隧道端点网元发送第二消息，所述第二消息中包括所述第一群组标识和所述第二用户面功能网元的第二地址信息，用于请求将所述第一群组标识对应的第一群组中的一个或多个终端的用户面功能网元的地址信息修改为所述第二地址信息。The sending module is configured to send a second message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the second message includes the first group identifier and the second address information of the second user plane function network element, The address information of the user plane function network element of the one or more terminals in the first group corresponding to the first group identifier is modified to the second address information.
根据权利要求21所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述第一群组中的一个或多个终端包括第一终端；The communication device according to claim 21, wherein one or more of the first groups comprise a first terminal;

其中，在向所述隧道端点网元发送所述第二消息之前，所述处理模块还用于：The processing module is further configured to: before sending the second message to the tunnel endpoint network element:

确定需要为所述第一终端创建分组数据单元会话；Determining that a packet data unit session needs to be created for the first terminal;

获知所述第一终端的第一用户面功能网元；Obtaining a first user plane function network element of the first terminal;

获知所述第一终端的所述第一群组标识；Obtaining the first group identifier of the first terminal;

所述发送模块还用于向所述隧道端点网元发送第一消息，所述第一消息中包括第一终端的标识、所述第一群组标识和所述第一用户面功能网元的第一地址信息，用于请求为所述第一终端创建分组数据单元会话。The sending module is further configured to send a first message to the tunnel endpoint network element, where the first message includes an identifier of the first terminal, the first group identifier, and the first user plane function network element. The first address information is used to request to create a packet data unit session for the first terminal.
根据权利要求19或22所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述处理模块具体用于：The communication device according to claim 19 or 22, wherein the processing module is specifically configured to:

获取所述第一终端的地址信息；Obtaining address information of the first terminal;

根据所述第一终端的地址信息，确定所述第一终端的地址属于第一地址段；Determining, according to the address information of the first terminal, that the address of the first terminal belongs to the first address segment;

根据所述第一地址段确定所述第一群组标识。Determining the first group identifier according to the first address segment.
根据权利要求19或22所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述通信装置还包括接收模块，所述接收模块用于从所述第一用户面功能网元接收第一指示信息，所述第一指示信息用于指示所述第一终端的群组标识为所述第一群组标识；The communication device according to claim 19 or 22, wherein the communication device further comprises a receiving module, wherein the receiving module is configured to receive first indication information from the first user plane function network element, An indication information is used to indicate that the group identifier of the first terminal is the first group identifier;

所述处理模块具体用于根据所述第一指示信息确定所述第一群组标识。The processing module is specifically configured to determine the first group identifier according to the first indication information.
根据权利要求20或21所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述处理模块具体用于根据所述第一地址段确定与所述第一地址段对应的所述第一群组标识。The communication device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the processing module is configured to determine the first group identifier corresponding to the first address segment according to the first address segment.
根据权利要求20或21所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述处理模块具体用于：The communication device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the processing module is specifically configured to:

将所述第一终端的上下文中记录的群组标识确定为所述第一群组标识。Determining the group identity recorded in the context of the first terminal as the first group identity.
根据权利要求20或21所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述处理模块具体用于：The communication device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the processing module is specifically configured to:

根据所述第一地址段当前关联的用户面功能网元的负载信息，确定第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要修改为所述第二用户面功能网元。And determining, according to the load information of the user plane function network element that is currently associated with the first address segment, that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be modified into the second user plane function network element.
根据权利要求20或21所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述通信装置还包括接收模块，所述接收模块用于：The communication device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the communication device further comprises a receiving module, wherein the receiving module is configured to:

从第一网元接收第二指示信息，所述第二指示信息用于指示所述第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要改为所述第二用户面功能网元；Receiving, by the first network element, the second indication information, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be changed to the second user plane function network element;

所述处理模块具体用于根据所述第二指示信息确定所述第一地址段关联的用户面功能网元需要改为所述第二用户面功能网元。The processing module is configured to determine, according to the second indication information, that the user plane function network element associated with the first address segment needs to be changed to the second user plane function network element.
根据权利要求6、7、8、11至14中任一项所述的通信方法，或20、21、22、25至28中任一项所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述第一地址段对应一个或者多个群组标识，所述群组标识中包括所述第一群组标识。The communication device according to any one of claims 6, 7, 8, 11 to 14, or the communication device according to any one of 20, 21, 22, 25 to 28, wherein the first The address segment corresponds to one or more group identifiers, and the group identifier includes the first group identifier.
根据权利要求1、2、4至6以及8至10中任一项所述的通信方法，或15、16、18至20以及22至24中任一项所述的通信装置，其特征在于，所述第一消息为分组数据单元会话创建请求消息。The communication device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4 to 6, and 8 to 10, or the communication device according to any one of 15, 16, 18 to 20, and 22 to 24, wherein The first message is a packet data unit session creation request message.
根据权利要求2至4、6至8以及11至14中中任一项所述的通信方法，或16至18、20至22以及25至28中任一项所述的通信装置，所述第二消息为分组数据单元会话修改请求消息。The communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, 6 to 8 and 11 to 14, or the communication device according to any one of 16 to 18, 20 to 22, and 25 to 28, The second message is a packet data unit session modification request message.
一种通信方法，其特征在于，包括：A communication method, comprising:

用户面功能网元确定第一终端的地址信息；The user plane function network element determines address information of the first terminal;

用户面功能网元根据第一终端的地址信息，确定第一终端的第一群组标识，第一终端的地址所属的第一地址段与第一群组标识之间具有对应关系；The user plane function network element determines, according to the address information of the first terminal, the first group identifier of the first terminal, where the first address segment to which the address of the first terminal belongs has a corresponding relationship with the first group identifier;

用户面功能网元向会话管理功能网元发送第一群组标识。The user plane function network element sends the first group identifier to the session management function network element.
一种通信方法，其特征在于，包括：A communication method, comprising:

第一网元确定第一地址段内的终端由第二用户面功能网元服务；The first network element determines that the terminal in the first address segment is served by the second user plane function network element;

第一网元向会话管理功能网元发送第二指示信息，第二指示信息用于指示第一地址段内的终端由第二用户面功能网元服务。The first network element sends the second indication information to the session management function network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the terminal in the first address segment is served by the second user plane function network element.
一种通信方法，其特征在于，包括：A communication method, comprising:

第一网元接收会话管理功能网元发送的第三消息；Receiving, by the first network element, a third message sent by the session management function network element;

第一网元获知用户面功能网元上线；The first network element learns that the user plane function network element is online;

第一网元为用户面功能网元分配TEID段，并向会话管理功能网元发送第四消息，第四消息中包括TEID段。The first network element allocates a TEID segment to the user plane function network element, and sends a fourth message to the session management function network element, where the fourth message includes a TEID segment.
一种计算机存储介质，其特征在于，所述计算机可读存储介质中存储用于通信装置执行的程序代码，所述程序代码包括用于执行权利要求1至14，32至34中任一项所述的通信方法的指令。A computer storage medium, wherein the computer readable storage medium stores program code for execution by a communication device, the program code comprising for performing any one of claims 1 to 14, 32 to 34 The instructions of the communication method described.
一种通信装置，用于执行1至14，32至34中任一项所述方法。A communication device for performing the method of any one of 1 to 14, 32 to 34.
一种包含指令的计算机程序产品，当其在计算机上运行时，使得计算机执行上述1至14，32至34中任一项所述的方法A computer program product comprising instructions, when executed on a computer, causing the computer to perform the method of any one of 1 to 14, 32 to 34
一种通信***，其特征在于，包括以下任意一项或者多项的装置：A communication system characterized by comprising any one or more of the following:

如权利要求15或16所述的通信装置，如权利要求17或18所述的通信装置，如权利要求19或20所述的通信装置,如权利要求21至28中任一项所述通信装置，和，如权利要求36中所述通信装置。The communication device according to claim 15 or 16, the communication device according to claim 17 or 18, the communication device according to claim 19 or 20, the communication device according to any one of claims 21 to 28. And a communication device as claimed in claim 36.