CN116803201A - A multicast/broadcast communication method and device - Google Patents

Abstract

The application provides a multicast/broadcast communication method and a device, comprising the following steps: the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element receives information of a first playing area, wherein the first playing area is a service area of a first multicast/broadcast service managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element; the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element creates a transmission tunnel between the first user plane function network element and the second user plane function network element through the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, wherein a service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element comprises a first area, the first area belongs to a first playing area and does not belong to a service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the first user plane function network element is managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the second user plane function network element is managed by the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element. In the embodiment of the application, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element creates the transmission tunnel, so that the base station exceeding the service area can indirectly receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service, thereby improving the reliability of data transmission.

Description

A multicast/broadcast communication method and device Technical field

The present application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically, to methods and devices for multicast/broadcast communication in the field of communications.

Background technique

With the development of mobile Internet, mobile high-definition video business is booming. Users are gradually changing from the traditional way of watching video programs through fixed networks to watching video programs through mobile terminals and mobile networks. Video services have an increasingly strong impact on mobile networks.

In order to overcome the above difficulties, supporting multicast/broadcast service (MBS) functions based on the 5th generation (5G) mobile communication network architecture has become a key research topic. In the service area of the multicast/broadcast service, different multicast/broadcast session management functional network elements are deployed. Each multicast/broadcast session management functional network element manages the user plane functional network element respectively and transmits the group in each area. broadcast/broadcast service data. However, there may be some areas within the service area of the multicast/broadcast service, and the base station cannot directly receive service data through the user plane functional network element in the area. For example, the base station may not belong to the service area of the user plane functional network element. At this time, the multicast session sharing tunnel may not be established between the base station and the user plane functional network element, and there is no IP connection. Therefore, how to enable the base station to indirectly receive data of the multicast/broadcast service through user plane functional network elements in other areas and ensure data transmission within the service area of the multicast/broadcast service is an issue that needs to be solved urgently.

Contents of the invention

This application provides a multicast/broadcast communication method that can realize cross-regional transmission of multicast/broadcast service data and ensure data transmission.

In a first aspect, a multicast/broadcast communication method is provided, including: a first multicast/broadcast session management function network element receiving a first message from the first network element, where the first message includes a first broadcast area Information, the information of the first playback area is used to characterize the first playback area, the first playback area is the first multicast/broadcast service managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element service area; the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element sends a second message to the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the first message, wherein the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element The service area of the broadcast session management function network element includes a first area, the first area belongs to the first playback area, and the first area does not belong to the service of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element area, the second message is used to create a transmission tunnel, the transmission tunnel is used to transmit the said Data of the first multicast/broadcast service, the first multicast/broadcast session user plane function network element is managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the second multicast/broadcast session user plane The plane function network element is managed by the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element.

The first multicast/broadcast session management function network element is responsible for managing the first multicast/broadcast service within the first playback area, where the first playback area may exceed the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element coverage. Therefore, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element can determine the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element is used to serve the first multicast/broadcast session management function The range that cannot be covered by the service area of the network element. Further, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element creates a transmission tunnel through the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element to transmit the data of the first multicast/broadcast service, so that the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element is located in the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. The area outside the service area of the session management function network element (for example, the first area) can receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service, ensuring that the first multicast/broadcast service can be transmitted within the first playback area.

With reference to the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the first network element is a network opening function network element or a multicast/broadcast service function network element.

With reference to the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the first message further includes identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element.

With reference to the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the information of the first playback area includes information of the first area, and the information of the first area is used to characterize the first area, so The method further includes: the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element sends a third message to the second network element, the third message includes the information of the first area, and the third message is used to obtain The service area includes identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element of the first area; the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element receives the second multicast from the second network element /Broadcast session management function network element identification information.

The first multicast/broadcast session management function network element determines the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element is used to serve the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. The service area cannot cover the scope. Therefore, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element can create a transmission tunnel through the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and transmit the data in an area outside the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. Data for the first multicast/broadcast service.

Combined with the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element.

With reference to the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element receives an application corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service from the first network element. Server information; the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element determines the first multicast/broadcast session user plane function network element according to the information of the application server.

By determining the first multicast/broadcast session user plane function network element, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element can transmit the first multicast within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session user plane function network element. /Broadcast service data.

With reference to the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element receives the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element from the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element. Downlink tunnel information of the broadcast session user plane functional network element; the first multicast/broadcast session management functional network element sends the downlink tunnel information to the first multicast/broadcast session user plane functional network element. Tunnel information is used to create the transport tunnel.

The first multicast/broadcast session management function network element may manage the first multicast/broadcast service within the first playback area, wherein the first playback area may exceed the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element coverage. The first multicast/broadcast session management function network element configures and obtains the downlink tunnel information of the second multicast/broadcast user plane function network element through the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and based on the downlink tunnel information Create a transmission tunnel between the first multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element and the second multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element. The transmission tunnel can enable the access network device to receive the transmission data of the first multicast/broadcast service through unicast in the first area outside the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, ensuring that Normal transmission of the first multicast/broadcast service in the first broadcast area.

With reference to the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element sends a fourth message to the second network element, the fourth message includes the first group broadcast/broadcast service identification information and the information of the first playback area, and the fourth message is used to register the information of the first playback area.

The first multicast/broadcast session management function network element registers the information of the first playback area it manages to the second network element to facilitate subsequent other network elements, such as access and mobility management function network elements or session management functions. The network element can select the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element serving the first multicast broadcast service according to the information of the terminal equipment and/or the information of the access network equipment, so as to receive the first multicast/broadcast service The data.

With reference to the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the second message further includes information about the multicast tunnel of the user plane functional network element of the first multicast/broadcast session, and the information about the multicast tunnel is The information includes multicast address information of the first multicast/broadcast session user plane functional network element and identification information of the multicast tunnel.

The first multicast/broadcast session management function network element sends the multicast tunnel information of the first multicast/broadcast session user plane function network element to the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element. If the access network device can pass If the data of this service is received in multicast mode, the access network device can directly send IGMP JOIN information to join the session of the first multicast/broadcast service. At this time, the access network equipment can directly receive the data of the first multicast broadcast service across regions from the user plane functional network element of the first multicast/broadcast session through multicast mode, and omits the need to determine the second multicast/broadcast service. The steps of the session management functional network element are also omitted, while the step of creating a transmission tunnel between the first multicast/broadcast session user plane functional network element and the second multicast/broadcast session user plane functional network element is omitted. Therefore, the efficiency of data transmission can be improved.

With reference to the first aspect, in an implementation manner of the first aspect, the second message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service, and/or a service of the first multicast/broadcast service Mass flow information.

In a second aspect, a multicast/broadcast communication method is provided, including: a first network element obtains information of a first playback area, the information of the first playback area is used to characterize the first playback area, and the A playback area is the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element; the first network element sends a message to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. A first message, the first message includes information about the first playback area.

The first network element plans a first playback area for the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service. Wherein, the first playback area may exceed the coverage area of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. Therefore, the first network element may select a multicast/broadcast service for managing the first multicast/broadcast service in an area (for example, the first area) outside the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management functional network element. Session management function network element. The first multicast/broadcast session management function network element can manage the first multicast/broadcast service in the first playback area, and therefore can manage the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element in an area outside the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element ( For example, creating a transmission tunnel in the first area) ensures that the data of the first multicast/broadcast service can be transmitted in the first playback area.

With reference to the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the first network element is configured according to the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the application corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service. Server information determines the first playback area.

With reference to the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the first network element is configured according to the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the application corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service. Information about the server to determine the first playback area includes: information about the service area of the first network element based on the first multicast/broadcast service, and information about the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service. information and the network topology information of the first multicast/broadcast service to determine the first playback area.

With reference to the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the first network element is configured according to the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the application corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service. The information of the server determines the second playback area, and the second playback area is the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service managed by the third multicast/broadcast session management function network element; the first network element Send the information of the second playback area to the third multicast/broadcast session management function network element, where the information of the second playback area is used to characterize the second playback area.

The first network element may determine multiple multicast/broadcast session management function network elements for the first multicast/broadcast service. At the same time, the first network element can determine the playback area managed by each multicast/broadcast session management function network element within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service. Each multicast/broadcast session management function network element manages different areas in the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service. Therefore, the plurality of multicast/broadcast session management function network elements can create transmission tunnels between different areas within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service to ensure data transmission of the first multicast/broadcast service.

In a possible implementation, the first network element determines at least one multicast/broadcast session management function network element for the first multicast/broadcast service, for example, the above-mentioned first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, The third multicast/broadcast session management function network element or other multicast/broadcast session management function network element. Among them, each multicast/broadcast session management function network element manages the first multicast/broadcast service in its own playback area, and the sum of the playback areas of each multicast/broadcast session management function network element (i.e., union ) is greater than or equal to the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service.

The first network element determines at least one multicast/broadcast session management function network element for the first multicast/broadcast service, and also determines a playback area managed by each multicast/broadcast session management function network element. Wherein, the management scope of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element determined by the first network element can cover all service areas of the first multicast/broadcast service, thereby ensuring data transmission of the first multicast/broadcast service. In a possible implementation, the first network element determines at least one multicast/broadcast session management function network element for the first multicast/broadcast service, for example, the above-mentioned first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, The third multicast/broadcast session management function network element or other multicast/broadcast session management function network element. Among them, each multicast/broadcast session management function network element manages the first multicast/broadcast service in its own playback area, and the playback areas of each multicast/broadcast session management function network element do not overlap (that is, each multicast/broadcast session management function network element does not overlap) There is no intersection between the playback areas of the multicast/broadcast session management function network elements).

The first network element determines at least one multicast/broadcast session management function network element for the first multicast/broadcast service, and also determines a playback area managed by each multicast/broadcast session management function network element. Among them, the playback areas managed by each multicast/broadcast session management function network element do not overlap. The access network device can uniquely determine a multicast/broadcast session management function network element to manage the first multicast/broadcast service according to the area where it is located. Therefore, for the same multicast/broadcast service, the access network device only creates a transmission tunnel once and receives a copy of the data of the multicast/broadcast service accordingly, avoiding waste of resources caused by repeated data reception.

With reference to the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the first network element is a network opening function network element or a multicast/broadcast service function network element.

With reference to the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the first playback area includes a first area that does not belong to the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element .

In this embodiment of the present application, the first network element is the first playback area determined by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, which may include part of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, or , all service areas of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. The first playback area may also include a first area that does not belong to the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. That is, the first playback area managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element may exceed the coverage of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. Therefore, by planning the playback area of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the transmission of the first multicast/broadcast service can cover a wider area. For example, a first area may exist within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. The first area does not originally belong to the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element and cannot receive the first area. Data for multicast/broadcast services. By planning the first area as the playback area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, cross-region data can be realized between the first area and the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. transmission to ensure the transmission range of the first multicast/broadcast service.

With reference to the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the first network element sends a fifth message to the second network element, the fifth message includes the information of the first area, and the fifth The message is used to obtain the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element in the service area including the first area; the first network element receives the second multicast/broadcast session management function from the second network element. The identification information of the network element, the service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element includes the first area; the first network element sends to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element Identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element.

With reference to the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the first network element determines that the first area does not support multicast and/or the first area has a session with the first multicast/broadcast session. Multicast is not supported between service areas of management function network elements.

The first network element determines at least one multicast/broadcast session management function network element for the first multicast/broadcast service, and the sum of the service areas of the at least one multicast/broadcast session management function network element may still be smaller than the first group The service area of the multicast/broadcast service, that is, there are some areas that cannot be covered by any selected multicast/broadcast session management function network element. At this time, the first network element can determine the playback area of each multicast/broadcast session management function network element, where the playback area of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element can exceed the coverage of its service area. At this time, the first network element determines the local multicast/broadcast session management function network element. The local multicast/broadcast session management function network element is used to serve the range that the service area of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element cannot cover. . For example, if the first playback area managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element includes the first area, and the first area exceeds the coverage of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, then The first network element determines the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element is used to serve the third multicast/broadcast session management function network element that cannot be covered by the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. a region. Therefore, the first area located outside the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element can also normally receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service, ensuring that the first multicast/broadcast service can be transmitted within its service area.

With reference to the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the information of the first playback area includes information of the first area.

Combined with the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element.

With reference to the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the first network element sends the application server of the first multicast/broadcast service to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. information.

The first network element sends the information of the application server of the first multicast/broadcast service to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, so that the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element responds to the application server The information determines the first multicast/broadcast session user plane functional network element, and realizes data transmission of the first multicast/broadcast service within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management functional network element.

With reference to the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the first network element sends a sixth message to the second network element, where the sixth message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the first playback area, and the sixth message is used to register the information of the first playback area.

The first network element registers the information of the first playback area managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element and the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element to the second network element for subsequent use by other network elements. , such as the access and mobility management function network element or the multicast/broadcast session management function network element, can select the first multicast broadcast service service based on the information of the terminal equipment and/or the information of the access network equipment. The multicast/broadcast session management function network element is used to receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service.

With reference to the second aspect, in an implementation manner of the second aspect, the first network element sends a seventh message to the second network element, the seventh message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element. The seventh message is used to register the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element as providing the first multicast/broadcast service. Multicast/broadcast session management functional network element of the service.

The first network element registers the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element and the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service to the second network element for subsequent network elements such as access and mobility. The management function network element and the multicast/broadcast session management function network element directly select the first multicast based on the information of the terminal equipment and/or the information of the access network equipment, and the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service. /Local multicast/broadcast session management function network element serving the broadcast service to prevent access network equipment in the same area from selecting a different second multicast/broadcast session management function network element when transmitting the first multicast/broadcast service , which can improve the efficiency of business transmission. In a third aspect, a multicast/broadcast communication method is provided, including: the access and mobility management function network element receives an eighth message from the access network device, the eighth message is used to request the first multicast /broadcast service is transmitted to the access network device, and the eighth message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service; the access and mobility management function network element obtains Identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element; the access and mobility management function network element determines that the service area of the access network device does not belong to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network service area of the element; the access and mobility management function network element obtains the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the information of the access network device, and the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element The service area of the session management function network element includes the service area of the access network device; the access and mobility management function network element sends the ninth message to the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, so The ninth message is used to create a transmission tunnel. The transmission tunnel is used to transmit the data of the first multicast/broadcast service between the second multicast/broadcast session user plane functional network element and the access network device. , the second multicast/broadcast session user plane functional network element is managed by the second multicast/broadcast session management functional network element.

The access and mobility management functional network element selects the first multicast/broadcast session management functional network element, and the first multicast/broadcast session management functional network element is used to manage the first multicast/broadcast session management within the service area of the access network device. Broadcasting business. When the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element cannot cover the service area of the access network device, the access and mobility management function network element determines the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element for the service area of the access network device. The broadcast session management function network element creates a transmission tunnel between the second multicast/broadcast user plane function network element and the access network device through the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element to transmit the first multicast/broadcast Business data data. Therefore, when the service area of the access network device exceeds the coverage of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, it is still ensured that the access network device can transmit data of the first multicast/broadcast service.

In conjunction with the third aspect, in an implementation manner of the third aspect, the access and mobility management function network element obtains the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the eighth message, The method includes: the access and mobility management function network element sends a tenth message to the second network element, where the tenth message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and information of the access network device. , the tenth message is used to obtain the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element whose playback area includes the service area of the access network device; the access and mobility management function network element receives from the Identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element of the second network element, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element is used to manage the first multicast in the first playback area /Broadcast service, the first playback area includes the service area of the access network device.

The access and mobility management function network element selects, through the second network element, the access network device for managing the first multicast/broadcast service based on the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the access network device. The first multicast/broadcast session management function network element is used to uniquely determine the multicast/broadcast session management function network element for the access network device to manage the service, and is convenient for receiving data of the first multicast/broadcast service.

With reference to the third aspect, in an implementation manner of the third aspect, the eighth message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element.

The access and mobility management function network element or the session management function network element directly determines the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element based on the information of the access network equipment, which is beneficial to saving signaling interactions and improving data transmission efficiency.

With reference to the third aspect, in an implementation manner of the third aspect, the ninth message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element.

Combined with the third aspect, in an implementation manner of the third aspect, the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element.

Combined with the third aspect, in an implementation manner of the third aspect, the access and mobility management function network element obtains the information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the information of the access network device. Identification information includes: the access and mobility management function network element sends an eleventh message to the second network element, where the eleventh message includes the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the access The information of the network access device, the eleventh message is used to obtain the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element whose service area includes the service area of the access network device; the second network element is based on the The eleventh message sends the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element includes the service area of the access network device.

The second network element may store registration information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element selected by other access and mobility management function network elements. Therefore, after the access and mobility management function network element sends the identification information of the first multicast broadcast session and the access network device information to the second network element, the second network element directly returns to other access and mobility management functions. The second multicast/broadcast session management function network element selected by the network element. This prevents access network equipment in the same area from selecting different second multicast/broadcast session management function network elements when joining a session of the first multicast/broadcast service, thereby improving service transmission efficiency.

With reference to the third aspect, in an implementation manner of the third aspect, the ninth message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service.

In conjunction with the third aspect, in an implementation manner of the third aspect, the access and mobility management function network element receives the information of the multicast tunnel of the second multicast/broadcast session user plane function network element, so The information of the multicast tunnel includes the multicast address information of the second multicast/broadcast session user plane functional network element and the identification information of the multicast tunnel; the access and mobility management functional network element provides the information to the The access network device sends the information of the multicast tunnel.

If the service area of the access network device can receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service through multicast, the access network device can directly receive the data of the first multicast broadcast service across regions through multicast, saving information. order to improve the efficiency of data transmission.

In conjunction with the third aspect, in an implementation manner of the third aspect, the access network device does not support multicast and/or the service area of the access network device is inconsistent with the first multicast/broadcast session management function. Multicast is not supported between service areas of network elements. The method further includes: the access and mobility management function network element receives downlink tunnel information of the access network device; the access and mobility management function The network element sends the downlink tunnel information of the access network device to the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, where the downlink tunnel information is used to create the transmission tunnel.

By creating a transmission tunnel between the first multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element and the second multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element, and creating a transmission tunnel between the second multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element and the access network equipment. The transmission tunnel between the two devices can solve the problem that the access network equipment cannot directly receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service within its service area. The access network equipment can pass through the transmission tunnel between the first multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element and the second multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element, and the second multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element and access The transmission tunnel between network devices receives data from the service area of the first multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element.

In a fourth aspect, a multicast/broadcast communication method is provided, including: a second network element receiving a tenth message, where the tenth message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and information of the access network device, The tenth message is used to obtain the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element whose playback area includes the service area of the access network device; the second network element sends the first message according to the tenth message. Identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management functional network element. The first multicast/broadcast session management functional network element is used to manage the first multicast/broadcast service in the first playback area. The first playback The area includes the service area of the access network device.

The second network element selects the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element for managing the first multicast/broadcast service for the access network device based on the information of the first playback area, so that the access network device can uniquely determine The multicast/broadcast session management function network element manages the service to facilitate receiving data of the first multicast/broadcast service.

With reference to the fourth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the second network element receives a fourth message from the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element; or, the second network element Receive a sixth message from the first network element, the fourth message or the sixth message including the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the first playback area, the fourth message or the sixth message Six messages are used to register the information of the first playback area.

The first network element registers the information of the first playback area managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element and the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element to the second network element for subsequent access to the network. The device selects the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element serving the first multicast broadcast service according to the area in which it is located, and receives the data of the first multicast/broadcast service.

Combined with the fourth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the first network element is a network opening function network element or a multicast/broadcast service function network element.

With reference to the fourth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the second network element receives a seventh message, the seventh message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the second multicast /Identification information of the broadcast session management function network element, the seventh message is used to register the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element as a multicast that provides services for the first multicast/broadcast service/ Broadcast session management functional network element.

The first network element registers the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element and the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service to the second network element, so that subsequent access network equipment can adjust the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element and the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service. The identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service directly selects the multicast/broadcast session management function network element to prevent access network equipment in the same area from repeatedly selecting the second group when joining the session of the first multicast/broadcast service. Broadcast/broadcast session management function network element, thereby improving the efficiency of service transmission.

With reference to the fourth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the second network element receives an eleventh message, where the eleventh message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the The information of the access network device, the eleventh message is used to obtain the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element whose service area includes the service area of the access network device; the second network element is based on the The eleventh message sends the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element includes the service area of the access network device.

With reference to the fourth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fourth aspect, the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element.

In a fifth aspect, a multicast/broadcast communication device is provided, including: a transceiver unit configured to receive a first message from a first network element, where the first message includes information about a first playback area, and the first The information of the playback area is used to characterize the first playback area, which is the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element; The transceiver unit is further configured to send a second message to a second multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the first message, wherein the service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element includes a third An area, the first area belongs to the first playback area, and the first area does not belong to the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the second message is used to create a transmission Tunnel, the transmission tunnel is used to transmit the data of the first multicast/broadcast service between the first multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element and the second multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element, and the third The multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element is managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management functional network element, and the second multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element is managed by the second multicast/broadcast session Functional network element management.

With reference to the fifth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the first network element is a network opening function network element or a multicast/broadcast service function network element.

With reference to the fifth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the first message further includes identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element.

In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the information of the first playback area includes information of the first area, and the information of the first area is used to characterize the first area, so The transceiver unit is also configured to: send a third message to the second network element, the third message including the information of the first area, and the third message is used to obtain the multicast service area including the first area. /The identification information of the broadcast session management function network element; receiving the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element from the second network element.

Combined with the fifth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element.

With reference to the fifth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive information from an application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service of the first network element; The device further includes a processing unit configured to determine the first multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element according to the information of the application server.

With reference to the fifth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive the second multicast/broadcast user plane function network element from the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element. and sending the downlink tunnel information to the first multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element, where the downlink tunnel information is used to create the transmission tunnel.

With reference to the fifth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send a fourth message to the second network element, where the fourth message includes the first multicast/broadcast service Identification information and the information of the first playback area, and the fourth message is used to register the information of the first playback area.

With reference to the fifth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the second message further includes information about the multicast tunnel of the first multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element, and the information about the multicast tunnel It includes multicast address information of the first multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element and identification information of the multicast tunnel.

In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in an implementation manner of the fifth aspect, the second message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service, and/or a service of the first multicast/broadcast service Mass flow information.

In a sixth aspect, a multicast/broadcast communication device is provided, including: a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit is further used to obtain information of a first playback area, and the information of the first playback area is used to characterize the first playback area. Playback area, the first playback area is the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element; the transceiver unit is also used to provide the first multicast/broadcast service to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element. The broadcast session management function network element sends a first message, where the first message includes information about the first playback area.

With reference to the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the device further includes: a processing unit, the processing unit is further configured to: according to the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the The information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service determines the first playback area.

With reference to the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the processing unit is further configured to: according to the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the service area corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service The information of the application server is used to determine the first playback area. The processing unit is specifically configured to: based on the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service. information and network topology information of the first multicast/broadcast service to determine the first playback area.

With reference to the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the device is further configured to: the processing unit is further configured to: the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the first The information of the application server corresponding to the multicast/broadcast service determines the second playback area. The second playback area is the service of the first multicast/broadcast service managed by the third multicast/broadcast session management function network element. area; the transceiver unit is also used to send the information of the second playback area to the third multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the information of the second playback area is used to characterize the second playback area. .

With reference to the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the first network element is a network opening function network element or a multicast/broadcast service function network element.

In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the first playback area includes a first area that does not belong to the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element .

With reference to the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send a fifth message to the second network element, where the fifth message includes the information of the first area, and the The fifth message is used to obtain the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element whose service area includes the first area; and receive the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element from the second network element. Information, the service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element includes the first area; sending the second multicast/broadcast session management function to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element Identification information of functional network elements.

In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the processing unit is further configured to: determine that the first area does not support multicast and/or that the first area is different from the first multicast/ Multicast is not supported between the service areas of network elements with the broadcast session management function.

In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the information of the first playback area includes information of the first area.

Combined with the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element.

With reference to the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send an application of the first multicast/broadcast service to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element Server information.

In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send a sixth message to the second network element, where the sixth message includes the first multicast/broadcast service Identification information and the information of the first playback area, and the sixth message is used to register the information of the first playback area.

In conjunction with the sixth aspect, in an implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: send a seventh message to the second network element, where the seventh message includes the first multicast/broadcast service Identification information and identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the seventh message is used to register the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element as the first multicast/broadcast Multicast/broadcast session management function network element that provides services.

In a seventh aspect, a multicast/broadcast communication device is provided, including: a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit being configured to receive an eighth message from an access network device, the eighth message being used to request the first multicast /Broadcast service is transmitted to the access network device, and the eighth message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service; the transceiver unit is also configured to obtain the first multicast service according to the eighth message. /Identification information of the broadcast session management function network element; a processing unit, the processing unit is used to determine that the service area of the access network device does not belong to the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element; The transceiver unit is further configured to obtain identification information of a second multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the information of the access network device, and the service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element includes all The service area of the access network device; the transceiver unit is also used to send a ninth message to the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the ninth message is used to create a transmission tunnel, and the transmission tunnel Used to transmit data of the first multicast/broadcast service between a second multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element and the access network device, where the second multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element is composed of The second multicast/broadcast session management function network element management.

In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in an implementation manner of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to obtain the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the eighth message, and the transceiver unit Specifically used for: sending a tenth message to the second network element, the tenth message including identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and information of the access network device, and the tenth message is used to obtain The playback area includes identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element in the service area of the access network device; receiving the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element from the second network element Information, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element is used to manage the first multicast/broadcast service in a first playback area, the first playback area includes the service area of the access network device .

With reference to the seventh aspect, in an implementation manner of the seventh aspect, the eighth message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element.

With reference to the seventh aspect, in an implementation manner of the seventh aspect, the ninth message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element.

Combined with the seventh aspect, in an implementation manner of the seventh aspect, the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element.

In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in an implementation manner of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to obtain identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the information of the access network device, so The transceiver unit is specifically configured to: send an eleventh message to the second network element, where the eleventh message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and information of the access network device, and the eleventh message The Eleven message is used to obtain the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element whose service area includes the service area of the access network device; to receive the second multicast/broadcast session from the second network element Identification information of the management function network element, and the service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element includes the service area of the access network device.

In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in an implementation manner of the seventh aspect, the ninth message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service.

In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in an implementation manner of the seventh aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive information about the multicast tunnel of the second multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element, and the multicast tunnel The information includes the multicast address information of the second multicast/broadcast user plane functional network element and the identification information of the multicast tunnel; and sends the information of the multicast tunnel to the access network device.

In conjunction with the seventh aspect, in an implementation manner of the seventh aspect, the access network device does not support multicast and/or the service area of the access network device and the first multicast/broadcast session management function Multicast is not supported between service areas of network elements. The transceiver unit is also configured to: receive downlink tunnel information of the access network device; and send the access network element to the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element. Downlink tunnel information of the network access device, which is used to create the transmission tunnel.

In an eighth aspect, a multicast/broadcast communication device is provided, including: a transceiver unit, the transceiver unit being configured to receive a tenth message, where the tenth message includes identification information and access information of a first multicast/broadcast service. information of network equipment, the tenth message is used to obtain the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element whose playback area includes the service area of the access network equipment; the transceiver unit is also used to obtain the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the first 10 message, sending the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element is used to manage the first multicast/broadcast service in the first playback area , the first playback area includes the service area of the access network device.

In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in an implementation manner of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive a fourth message from the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element; or, receive a fourth message from the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element; The sixth message of the network element, the fourth message or the sixth message includes the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the first playback area, the fourth message or the sixth message is used to Register the information of the first playback area.

Combined with the eighth aspect, in an implementation manner of the eighth aspect, the first network element is a network opening function network element or a multicast/broadcast service function network element.

With reference to the eighth aspect, in an implementation manner of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive a seventh message, where the seventh message includes the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the second Identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element. The seventh message is used to register the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element as a group that provides services for the first multicast/broadcast service. broadcast/broadcast session management function network element.

In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in an implementation manner of the eighth aspect, the transceiver unit is further configured to: receive an eleventh message, where the eleventh message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and The information of the access network device, the eleventh message is used to obtain the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element whose service area includes the service area of the access network device; according to the eleventh message The message sends the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element includes the service area of the access network device.

In conjunction with the eighth aspect, in an implementation manner of the eighth aspect, the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element.

In a ninth aspect, a communication device is provided. The device includes: a processor, the processor is coupled to a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program from the memory, so that the device A method for transmitting multicast services in each of the above aspects or any possible implementation of each aspect is performed.

Optionally, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

Alternatively, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory may be provided separately from the processor.

Optionally, the device also includes a transmitter (transmitter) and a receiver (receiver). The transmitter and receiver can be set separately or integrated together, called a transceiver.

In a tenth aspect, a communication system is provided, which system includes a device for implementing the above-mentioned first aspect or any method that may be implemented in the first aspect, and a device for implementing the above-mentioned second aspect or any one of the second aspects. A device for realizing a possible method, a device for realizing the above third aspect or any possible method for realizing the third aspect, and a device for realizing the above fourth aspect or any possible method for realizing the fourth aspect device.

In an eleventh aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes: computer program code. When the computer program code is run by a computer, it causes the computer to execute each of the above aspects or any one of the aspects. Methods in possible implementations.

In a twelfth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing instructions that, when the instructions are run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the above aspects or any possible implementation manner of each aspect. Methods.

In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a chip system. The chip system includes one or more processors, and the one or more processors are used to call and run instructions stored in the memory, so that each of the above Methods in any possible implementation of the aspect or aspects are executed. The chip system can be composed of chips or include chips and other discrete devices.

The chip system may also include an input circuit or interface for sending information or data, and an output circuit or interface for receiving information or data.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another system architecture.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of service data transmission.

Figure 4 is another schematic diagram of service data transmission.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another system architecture.

Figure 6 is a schematic flow chart of a multicast/broadcast service communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Figure 7 is a schematic flow chart of another multicast/broadcast service communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Figure 8 is a schematic flow chart of another multicast/broadcast service communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Figure 9 is a schematic flow chart of another multicast/broadcast service communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Figure 10 is a schematic flow chart of another multicast/broadcast service communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Figure 11 is a schematic flow chart of another multicast/broadcast service communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Figure 12 is a schematic block diagram of a device for multicast/broadcast service communication provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Figure 13 is a schematic block diagram of another device for multicast/broadcast service communication provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed ways

The technical solutions in this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: long term evolution (long term evolution, LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE time division duplex (time division duplex) , TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), fifth generation (5th generation, 5G) system or new radio (NR) or other evolved communication systems, etc.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture 100. Various embodiments of the present application may be applied to the network architecture shown in Figure 100. Each part involved in the network architecture shown in Figure 1 will be described below respectively.

1. Terminal equipment.

Terminal equipment may also be called: user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), access terminal, subscriber unit, user station, mobile station, mobile station, Remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent or user device, etc.

The terminal device may be a device that provides voice/data connectivity to the user, such as a handheld device, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. with wireless connectivity capabilities. Currently, some examples of terminal devices are: mobile phones, tablets, laptops, PDAs, mobile internet devices (MID), wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) devices, augmented reality Augmented reality (AR) equipment, wireless terminals in industrial control, wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical surgery, smart grid Wireless terminals in transportation safety, wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, cellular phones, cordless phones, session initiation protocols protocol (SIP) telephone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, personal digital assistant (PDA), handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, This is not limited to vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable equipment, terminal equipment in 5G networks or terminal equipment in a future evolved public land mobile communication network (public land mobile network, PLMN), etc.

The terminal device can also be a wearable device. Wearable devices can also be called wearable smart devices. It is a general term for applying wearable technology to intelligently design daily wear and develop wearable devices, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing and shoes, etc. A wearable device is a portable device that is worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothing or accessories. Wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also achieve powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly defined wearable smart devices include full-featured, large-sized devices that can achieve complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, and those that only focus on a certain type of application function and can cooperate with other devices such as smartphones. Use, such as various types of smart bracelets, smart jewelry, etc. for physical sign monitoring.

In addition, the terminal device can also be a terminal device in the Internet of things (IoT) system. IoT is an important part of the future development of information technology. Its main technical feature is to connect objects to the network through communication technology, thereby realizing human An intelligent network that interconnects machines and things.

2. (Radio access network, (R)AN): used to provide network access functions for authorized users in a specific area, and can use transmission tunnels of different qualities according to user levels, business needs, etc. (R)AN network elements can manage wireless resources, provide access services to terminal devices, and then complete the forwarding of control signals and user data between terminal devices and the core network. Specifically, (R)AN can also be understood as a base station in (R)AN, which can be called an access network device.

Specifically, the access network device may be a transmission reception point (TRP), an evolved base station (eNB or eNodeB) in the LTE system, or a home base station (for example, home evolved NodeB , or home Node B (HNB), base band unit (BBU), or a wireless controller in a cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenario, or the access network device can be Relay stations, access points, vehicle-mounted equipment, wearable devices, and access network equipment in 5G networks or access network equipment in future evolved public land mobile communication networks (public land mobile network, PLMN) networks, etc., can be The access point (AP) in WLAN may be a gNB in a new radio (NR) system, which is not limited by the embodiments of this application. In a network structure, access network equipment may include centralized unit (CU) nodes, distributed unit (DU) nodes, or RAN equipment including CU nodes and DU nodes, or control plane CU nodes. (CU-CP node) and user plane CU node (CU-UP node) and RAN equipment of DU node.

3. Access and mobility management function (AMF): Mainly used for mobility management and access management. Specifically, AMF can be used to implement functions other than session management among the functions of a mobility management entity (MME), such as legal interception, or access authorization (or authentication) and other functions.

4. Session management function (SMF): Also known as the session management function network element, it is mainly used for session management, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management of terminal devices, and selection of manageable User plane functions, policy control, or charging function interface endpoints and downlink data notifications, etc. Specifically, the source session management network element 110, the anchor session management network element 120, and the target session management network element 190 in Figure 1 can all be SMFs.

It should be understood that in the above system architecture 100, the access network device 120 can be the RAN in Figure 2; the access and mobility management network element 130 can be the AMF in Figure 2; the session management network element 140 can be the AMF in Figure 2 SMF, no restrictions.

Optionally, the system architecture 200 may also include:

5. User plane function (UPF): It can also be called user plane function or user plane network element or user plane function network element. It is used for packet routing and forwarding, or the quality of service of user plane data. , QoS) processing, etc.

6. Data network (DN): used to provide a network for transmitting data, such as the Internet network, etc.

7. Authentication server function (AUSF): mainly used for user authentication, etc.

8. Policy control function (PCF): A unified policy framework used to guide network behavior and provide policy rule information for control plane functional network elements (such as AMF, SMF network elements, etc.).

9. Unified data management (UDM): used to process user identification, access authentication, registration, or mobility management, etc.

10. Application function (AF): Mainly supports interaction with the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) core network to provide services, such as affecting data routing decisions, policy control functions, or providing services to the network side. Provide some services from third parties. It can be understood as a third-party server, for example, an application server in the Internet, which provides relevant business information, including providing the service quality requirement information corresponding to the business to the PCF, and sending the user plane data information of the business to the PSA-UPF. AF can be a service provider (content provider, CP).

11. Network slice selection function (NSSF): used to select network slices.

In the system architecture 100, the N1 interface is the reference point between the terminal device and the AMF; the N2 interface is the reference point between the (R)AN and the AMF and is used for sending non-access stratum (NAS) messages. etc.; the N3 interface is the reference point between (R)AN and I-UPF, used to transmit user plane data, etc.; the N4 interface is the reference point between SMF and I-UPF, used to transmit tunnels such as N3 connections. Identification information, data cache indication information, and downlink data notification messages and other information; N5 interface is the reference point between PCF and AF; N6 interface is the reference point between UPF and DN, used to transmit user plane data, etc.; N7 The interface is the reference point between SMF and PCF; the N8 interface is the reference point between AMF and UDM; the N9 interface is the reference point between UPF; the N10 interface is the reference point between SMF and UDM; the N11 interface is the reference point between AMF and UDM. The reference point between SMF; the N12 interface is the reference point between AMF and AUSF; the N22 interface is the reference point between AMF and NSSF.

It should be understood that the above system architecture 100 is only an illustrative network architecture described from the perspective of a reference point architecture. The network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited to this. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of each of the above network elements can be used. Applicable to the embodiments of this application.

It should be noted that the interface names between the various network elements in Figure 1 are just an example. In specific implementations, the names of the interfaces may be other names, which are not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

It should be noted that the names of each network element (such as SMF, AF, UPF, etc.) included in Figure 1 are only examples and do not limit the functions of the network element itself. In 5G networks and other future networks, each of the above network elements may also have other names, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of this application. For example, in a 6G network, some or all of the above-mentioned network elements may use the terminology used in 5G, or may adopt other names, etc., which will be described uniformly here and will not be described in detail below. In addition, it should be understood that the names of the above-mentioned messages (or signaling) transmitted between various network elements are only examples and do not constitute any limitation on the function of the messages themselves.

The network architecture shown in FIG. 1 is only an example. The network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited to this. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of each of the above network elements is applicable to the embodiments of the present application.

For example, in some network architectures, network function entities such as AMF, SMF, PCF, and UDM are called network functions (NF); or in other network architectures, AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, etc. The collection of can be called control plane functions.

Figure 2 provides a system architecture 200 for multicast/broadcast services. This architecture is expanded on the basis of the architecture shown in Figure 1, for example, adding multicast/broadcast session management function (MB-SMF) and multicast/broadcast user plane function (multicast/broadcast user plane function, MB-UPF) and other functional entities are used to support multicast/broadcast services/functions. Specifically, the system architecture shown in Figure 2 includes:

1. Network exposure function (NEF): mainly supports secure interaction between 3GPP networks and third-party applications.

2. Multicast/broadcast session management function (MB-SMF): used to implement the control plane function of multicast/broadcast services, and is responsible for the management of multicast/broadcast services/groups/sessions. MB-SMF can be connected to BNEF to receive multicast/broadcast service-related information, such as multicast/broadcast service identification information, etc. In addition, MB-SMF can also be connected to PCF to obtain QoS information corresponding to multicast/broadcast services.

3. Multicast/broadcast user plane function (MB-UPF): used to transmit service data of multicast/broadcast services.

It should be understood that MB-SMF can be integrated into PCF or SMF as a functional module, MB-UPF can be integrated into UPF as a functional module, or MB-SMF and MB-UPF can be deployed separately, which is not limited in this application.

4. Multicast/broadcast service function (MBSF): It has business layer functions, such as supporting streaming protocols, supporting reliable retransmission protocols, etc. MBSF can also support functions such as sending service announcements to UEs and sending multicast/broadcast service keys to UEs.

It should be understood that MBSF is an optional network element. MB-SMF can be connected to the MBSF network element or the network open function network element to receive relevant information of multicast/broadcast services. When there is an MBSF network element in the system architecture, the AF or application server (AS) can directly interface with MBSF to send business requirements to the core network, and MBSF can then interface with MB-SMF to create multicast/broadcast sessions. Optionally, the AF or AS can also create the multicast/broadcast session through the NEF interface with the MB-SMF. Alternatively, AF or AS can also interface with NEF first, and then NEF interfaces with MBSF, and MBSF interfaces with MB-SMF. In a possible implementation, MBSF and NEF are co-located.

In addition, MB-SMF can also be connected to PCF to create resources for multicast/broadcast services. MBU-UPF can be used to transmit multicast/broadcast service data.

The system architecture 200 may also include MBSTF network elements. The data packets of multicast/broadcast services can be processed by the core network. The AF or AS first sends the data packets to MBSTF, which is processed by MBSTF and then sent to MB-UPF. As an optional network element, the main function of MBSTF is to process data packets of multicast/broadcast services, such as encapsulating data packets according to stream protocols, encrypting data packets, and performing network coding on data packets.

It should be understood that the above system architecture 200 is only an illustrative network architecture described from the perspective of a reference point architecture. The network architecture applicable to the embodiments of the present application is not limited to this. Any network architecture that can realize the functions of each of the above network elements can be used. Applicable to the embodiments of this application. The interface names between various network elements in Figure 2 are just an example. In specific implementations, the names of the interfaces may be other names, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of this application. The names of each network element in the system architecture 200 are only examples and do not limit the functions of the network elements themselves. In 5G networks and other future networks, each of the above network elements may also have other names, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of this application. Similarly, the names of the above-mentioned messages (or signaling) transmitted between various network elements are only examples and do not constitute any limitation on the function of the messages themselves.

In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the terms involved in this application are first briefly explained.

There are two main transmission modes for multicast/broadcast services, namely shared delivery mode and individual delivery mode:

1. Shared transmission mode: It can also be called "multicast/broadcast" mode, or "multicast" mode. The shared transmission mode may refer to the transmission tunnel (or transmission channel) between the UPF and the RAN, and the transmission tunnel between the RAN and the UE (air interface side) being shared by multiple UEs in the multicast group.

Taking Figure 3 as an example, when transmitting multicast service data, a tunnel can be used to transmit multicast service data between the multicast UPF and the RAN. For example, a tunnel based on the general tunnel protocol (GTP) is used. The tunnel used to transmit data of the multicast service between the multicast UPF and the RAN is a multicast session shared tunnel, and the multicast session shared tunnel is shared by UE a, UE b and UE c. The multicast UPF sends a copy of the multicast service data to the RAN. After receiving the multicast service data, the RAN can send the multicast service data to UE a, UE b and UE c sends the data of the multicast service. It can be seen that when the RAN only sends one piece of multicast service data, all three UEs in the multicast group can receive the multicast service data.

It should be pointed out that the multicast session shared tunnel can send multicast service data in unicast mode or multicast mode.

Among them, as shown in (a) of Figure 4, the unicast mode refers to the multicast UPF sending multicast service data to each RAN respectively.

Among them, as shown in (b) of Figure 4, the multicast mode refers to the multicast UPF sending multicast service data to the multicast address. RAN 1, RAN 2, and RAN 3 join the multicast group corresponding to the multicast address. After that, the data of the multicast service can be received. Using multicast mode, not only can multicast service data be transmitted to multiple RAN nodes at one time, but multicast service data can also be transmitted only to a specific RAN. Therefore, in multicast mode, one sending node and multiple receiving nodes Point-to-multipoint transmission can be achieved between nodes, thus solving the problem of low efficiency of unicast mode.

2. Individual transmission mode: It can also be called "unicast" mode, which can be understood as "point to point" communication. The unicast transmission mode means that the transmission tunnel between UPF and RAN, and the transmission tunnel between RAN and UE (air interface side) are exclusive to a single UE. The independent transmission mode can be used to transmit multicast service data (through unicast) or unicast service data.

It should be noted that the broadcast service can also be sent to the terminal device in a multicast manner, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. "Multicast" in this application is a broad concept, which can include multicast or broadcast. That is, the embodiments of this application can be applied to both multicast service transmission and broadcast service transmission, or Multicast broadcast service (MBS) transmission. "Multicast" mentioned in this application may be replaced by "multicast or broadcast" or "multicast".

3. Multicast services, multicast service flows and multicast quality of service (QoS) flows

The multicast service may include one or more multicast service flows, and the multicast service may be represented by multicast service information. The multicast service information may include multicast service description information, and the multicast service description information may include description information of one or more multicast service flows. The description information of the multicast service flow may include at least one of the following: characteristic information of the multicast service flow (such as multicast address of the multicast service, source or destination port number, source address, etc.), QoS of the multicast service flow Requirements (such as jitter, delay, packet loss rate, bandwidth, etc.).

Multicast service flows can be mapped to multicast QoS flows for transmission. For example, a multicast service flow can be mapped to a multicast QoS flow, that is, a multicast service flow can be transmitted through a multicast QoS flow.

It should be noted that a multicast session can include one or more multicast QoS flows. Multicast services can be transmitted through one or more multicast QoS streams of a multicast session.

It should be understood that a multicast session can be at the service level, that is, a multicast service can be served by a multicast session. The multicast session may include: a unicast tunnel or a multicast tunnel between the data network and the wireless access network via the core network, and unicast air interface resources between the wireless access network and the terminal device for sending the multicast service. Or multicast air interface resources.

Optionally, the multicast service information also includes terminal device information, for example, including the identification of one or more terminal devices that are allowed (or requested) to join the multicast service.

In the system architecture 200 shown in Figure 2, when receiving multicast service data in multicast mode, the multicast service data can be sent through the following path. For example, the AS sends the multicast service data to MB-UPF. , and sends multicast service data to RAN through the multicast session sharing tunnel between MB-UPF and RAN. RAN can flexibly determine the transmission mode of the multicast service, that is, PTM mode or PTP mode, based on factors such as air interface conditions and the number of terminals receiving data for the multicast service. For the same multicast service, RAN can enable PTM and PTP methods at the same time.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a system architecture 500. Various embodiments of the present application may be applied in the system architecture 500 described in FIG. 5 . As shown in Figure 5, the AF is responsible for interacting with the core network on the signaling plane. For example, the AF requests the core network for the current multicast/broadcast service to be sent in multicast mode. For a multicast/broadcast service, AF only sends a request message to the core network once. For this service, the core network allocates a unique multicast/broadcast service identifier, such as a temporary mobile group identity (TMGI), which is used to uniquely identify the multicast/broadcast service within the network. In addition, the core network can also assign area identifiers to distinguish different areas. Figure 5 illustrates a possible architecture. In addition to the network elements shown in Figure 5, the system architecture can also include multiple AS/AFs, as well as multiple areas for transmitting multicast/broadcast services. Multiple MB-SMFs and multiple MB-UPFs are not limited in this application. In the system architecture 500, AF interfaces with the core network through NEF, and NEF interfaces with MB-SMF. It should be understood that in actual deployment, AF can also interface with the core network based on the structure shown in Figure 2. For example, AF sends a request message to MBSF, and MBSF interfaces with MB-SMF. This application does not limit this.

The application layer may provide multiple exit points for the same multicast/broadcast service, and the application layer can send data from multiple areas to the core network. In Figure 5, for example, for a multicast/broadcast service, there can be two exit points, AS1 and AS2, located in area one and area two respectively. In actual deployment, a multicast/broadcast service can have more than or equal to one AS exit point, which is not limited in this application. In area one, the multicast/broadcast service application server AS1 accesses the core network through MB-UPF1. MB-UPF1 is managed by MB-SMF1. Area one belongs to the service area of MB-SMF1. In area two, the application server AS2 of the multicast/broadcast service accesses the core network through MB-UPF2. MB-UPF2 is managed by MB-SMF2. Area two belongs to the service area of MB-SMF2.

It should be understood that the service area of MB-SMF may refer to the service range of MB-UPF controlled by MB-SMF, and the service range of MB-UPF may be the tracking area identification supported by the access network equipment that interfaces with the MB-UPF. A collection of codes (tracking area identity, TAI), or a collection of cell lists, etc.

In area three, the multicast/broadcast service has no interface with the application server. When gNB receives multicast/broadcast service data in area three, it can import the multicast/broadcast service data from other areas. Taking area 2 in Figure 5 as an example, gNB 3 in area 3 can receive the data of the multicast/broadcast service through MB-UPF 2. However, gNB 3 and MB-UPF 2 in area three are not in the same area, and a multicast session sharing tunnel may not be established between MB-UPF 2 and gNB 3 (for example, area three does not support multicast, and/or area The transmission path between area 2 and area 3 does not support multicast), and there may be no IP connection between gNB 3 and MB-UPF2, causing gNB 3 to be unable to receive the data of the multicast/broadcast service through the multicast session shared tunnel.

In order to solve the above problems, this application provides a multicast/broadcast communication method. The system can select the nearest service entry point for the gNB in area three, so that the gNB in area three can receive multicast/broadcast services across regions.

In a multicast/broadcast communication method suitable for the embodiment of the present application, the NEF selects an MB-SMF for the multicast/broadcast service, and plans each MB-SMF to manage the playback area of the multicast/broadcast service, and each The playback areas managed by two MB-SMFs do not overlap. Based on the information of the access network equipment, the AMF can uniquely select one of the MB-SMFs to serve the multicast/broadcast service.

In another multicast/broadcast communication method suitable for the embodiments of this application, when the UE accesses the network, the AMF/SMF selects the MB-SMF for the area where it is located and registers it according to the information of the access network device, and then other AMF can obtain the local MB-SMF corresponding to the region. This can prevent access network equipment in the same area from selecting different MB-SMFs, receiving multiple copies of data, and wasting inter-area bandwidth.

In the above two methods, it can be determined to send the multicast/broadcast service from area 2 to gNB 3 in area 3 based on the IP path length, congestion level and other factors between areas. That is, MB-SMF2 creates a transmission tunnel, which is used to transmit multicast/broadcast service data between area two and area three. Since area three does not belong to the service area of MB-SMF2, multicast/broadcast services need to be forwarded through the MB-UPF in area three to reach gNB3. If area three does not support multicast, and/or area two and area three do not support multicast, you can select local MB-SMF in area three and configure local MB-UPF at the same time. Establish multicast session sharing tunnels from MB-UPF2 to the local MB-UPF, and from the local MB-UPF to gNB3, and the shared transmission mode can be used to transmit multicast/broadcast service data.

It should be understood that area three does not support multicast, that is, multicast/broadcast service data transmission in multicast mode is not supported in area three. For example, area three does not support multicast, which may mean that the MB-UPF or gNB in area three only supports the transmission of multicast/broadcast service data or protocol data unit (PDU) session data in unicast mode, or the area The third failure to support multicast may also mean that the multicast session sharing tunnel cannot be established between the MB-UPF or access network equipment in area three and the MB-UPF in other areas. Multicast is not supported between Area 2 and Area 3, that is, the transmission path between Area 2 and Area 3 does not support multicast transmission of multicast/broadcast service data.

Figure 6 shows a schematic flow chart of a multicast/broadcast service communication method 600 according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 600 can be applied to the system architecture 100 shown in Figure 1 or the system architecture 200 shown in Figure 2, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

S610: The first network element obtains the information of the first playback area.

Wherein, the information of the first playback area may be used to characterize the first playback area, the first playback area is located within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service, and the first playback area is provided by the first MB-SMF managed.

The service area of the first multicast/broadcast service may refer to the geographical range within which the first multicast/broadcast service is allowed to be played. The service area of the first multicast/broadcast service can be divided into one or more playback areas, and different playback areas can be managed by different MB-SMFs.

It can be understood that the first playback area being managed by the first MB-SMF may mean that the first MB-SMF manages the first multicast/broadcast service in the first playback area.

The service area of the first MB-SMF may refer to the service area of the first MB-UPF controlled by the first MB-SMF, and the service area of the first MB-UPF may be interfaced with the first MB-UPF. A collection of tracking area identity (TAI) lists, a collection of cell lists, or a collection of geographical location information supported by access network equipment.

Wherein, the first playback area may be composed of one or more of (tracking area, TA), cell or geographical location. Correspondingly, the information of the first playback area may include a TA identification, a cell identification and geographical location information. One or more types, for example, TAI list or cell identification list.

Among them, the geographical location can be a geographical area, such as a city, a street, etc. The geographical location information can also include information in various formats such as regional identifiers, city names, street names, etc.

The information on the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service may be composed of one or more of a TAI list, a cell identification list, or geographical location information, where the geographical location information may refer to the foregoing.

In one example, the first network element may receive information about the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and information about the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service from the AF, and calculate the service area according to the information about the first multicast/broadcast service. The first MB-SMF is determined based on the service area information and the application server information corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service, and the first playback area managed by the first MB-SMF is obtained.

The information of the application server is used to describe the entry point position of the first multicast/broadcast service relative to the core network. The application server information can be the IP address of the AS. The application server information may also be the location description information of the service entry point, for example, the address of the data center where the service entry point is located. The information of the application server may also include other formats, which is not limited in this application.

Specifically, the first network element may determine the first MB-SMF according to the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service, where the service area of the first MB-SMF matches the location described by the application server. The first network element may be the first network element in the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service based on the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service. MB-SMF divides the first playback area. The first MB-SMF can manage the first multicast/broadcast service in the first playback area. When determining the first playback area, the first network element may prioritize the service area of the first MB-SMF as the first playback area of the first MB-SMF. In addition, the first network element may also determine an area adjacent to the service area of the first MB-SMF as the first playback area of the first MB-SMF based on the proximity principle. Taking area three in Figure 5 as an example, NEF can determine that MB-SMF 2 manages multicast services in area two and area three, that is, the playback area of MB-SMF2 includes area two and area three. Among them, NEF can consider factors such as the IP path length and path congestion degree between area three and area two, and determine area three as the playback area of MB-SMF 2 nearby.

In another example, the first network element uses information about the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service, information about the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service, and network topology information about the first multicast/broadcast service, Determine the first playback area. Among them, the first network element, according to the deployment situation of the first MB-SMF in the network topology and the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service, locates the nearest location in the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service. The area close to the transmission path is selected and determined as the first playback area managed by the first MB-SMF.

It should be understood that the first network element may be a network opening function network element or a multicast/broadcast service function network element.

S620: The first network element sends a first message to the first MB-SMF, where the first message includes information about the first playback area.

Correspondingly, the first MB-SMF receives the first message from the first network element.

In this embodiment of the present application, the first network element plans a first playback area for the first MB-SMF within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service. Wherein, the first playback area may exceed the coverage of the service area of the first MB-SMF. Therefore, the first network element may select an MB-SMF for managing the first multicast/broadcast service in an area outside the service area of the first MB-SMF (for example, the first area). The first MB-SMF can manage the first multicast/broadcast service in the first playback area, so the transmission tunnel can be created in an area (for example, the first area) outside the service area of the first MB-SMF, ensuring This ensures that the data of the first multicast/broadcast service can be transmitted within the first playback area.

Optionally, in an implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the above method further includes:

The first network element determines the third MB-SMF and the second playback area based on the information about the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information about the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service.

Wherein, the second playback area belongs to the playback area of the first multicast/broadcast service, and the second playback area is managed by the third MB-SMF.

It can be understood that the fact that the second playback area is managed by the third MB-SMF may mean that the third MB-SMF manages the first multicast/broadcast service in the second playback area.

Wherein, the second playback area may be composed of one or more of TA, cell or geographical location. Correspondingly, the information of the second playback area may include one or more of TA identification, cell identification and geographical location information, For example, TAI list or cell identification list. Among them, the geographical location can be a geographical area, such as a city, a street, etc. The geographical location information can also include information in various formats such as regional identifiers, city names, street names, etc.

Correspondingly, after obtaining the information of the second playback area, the first network element can send the information of the second playback area to the third MB-SMF. The information of the second playback area is used to represent the second playback area.

For example, the first playback area and the second playback area do not completely overlap (that is, there is an area X that does not belong to the intersection of the first playback area and the second playback area).

It should be understood that if the first multicast/broadcast service has multiple application servers located in different areas, that is, the first multicast/broadcast service has multiple entry points relative to the core network, the first network element can be for each different area. The application server selects different MB-SMFs, such as the above-mentioned first MB-SMF, third MB-SMF or other MB-SMF. Each MB-SMF manages the service within a part of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service. Optionally, multiple application servers can also share MB-SMF, or all application servers can share the same MB-SMF, which is not limited in this application.

In this embodiment of the present application, the first network element may determine multiple MB-SMFs for the first multicast/broadcast service. At the same time, the first network element can determine the playback area managed by each MB-SMF within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service. Each MB-SMF manages different areas in the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service. Therefore, the plurality of MB-SMFs can create transmission tunnels between different areas within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service to ensure data transmission of the first multicast/broadcast service.

In one example, the first network element determines at least one MB-SMF for the first multicast/broadcast service, for example, the above-mentioned first MB-SMF, third MB-SMF or other MB-SMF. Wherein, each MB-SMF manages the first multicast/broadcast service in its own playback area, and the sum (ie, union) of the playback areas of each MB-SMF is greater than or equal to the first multicast/broadcast service. The service area of the business.

In this embodiment of the present application, the first network element determines at least one MB-SMF for the first multicast/broadcast service, and at the same time determines the playback area managed by each MB-SMF. The union of the management scopes of all MB-SMFs determined by the first network element can cover the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service. The corresponding MB-SMF can be found in any area within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and is used to manage the first multicast/broadcast service. Therefore, within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service, a transmission tunnel can be created between any areas, ensuring data transmission within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service.

In another example, the first network element determines at least one MB-SMF for the first multicast/broadcast service, for example, the above-mentioned first MB-SMF, third MB-SMF or other MB-SMF. Each MB-SMF manages the first multicast/broadcast service in its own playback area, and the playback areas of each MB-SMF do not overlap (that is, the playback areas of each MB-SMF do not overlap).

In this embodiment of the present application, the first network element determines at least one MB-SMF for the first multicast/broadcast service, and at the same time determines the playback area managed by each MB-SMF. Among them, the playback areas managed by each MB-SMF do not overlap. The access network device can uniquely determine an MB-SMF to manage the first multicast/broadcast service according to the area where it is located. Therefore, for the same multicast/broadcast service, the access network device can only create a transmission tunnel once and receive a copy of the data of the multicast/broadcast service accordingly, avoiding waste of resources caused by repeated data reception.

The first playback area may include a partial service area of the first MB-SMF. Optionally, the first playback area may include the entire service area of the first MB-SMF.

In another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first playback area may also include a first area, and the first area does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF. That is, the first playback area managed by the first MB-SMF may exceed the coverage of the service area of the first MB-SMF. If the first playback area also includes the first area, local MB-SMF can be selected, and the service area of the local MB-SMF includes the first area. Therefore, the local MB-SMF can be used to serve a range that cannot be covered by the service area of the first MB-SMF, such as the first area. For example, in the system architecture 500 shown in Figure 5, the playback area of MB-SMF2 may include area two and area three, and area three does not belong to the service area of MB-SMF2, then the first network element needs to determine the local MB-SMF , used to manage the first multicast broadcast service in area three.

Specifically, when the first playback area managed by the first MB-SMF exceeds the coverage of the service area of the first MB-SMF, method 600 also includes:

S630: The first network element sends the fifth message to the second network element.

The fifth message may include information about the first area, and the first area does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF. The fifth message is used to obtain the identification information of the MB-SMF whose service area includes the first area. The fifth message may also include identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service.

Correspondingly, the second network element receives the fifth message. The second network element may determine the second MB-SMF according to the fifth message. The service area of the second MB-SMF includes the first area, and the second MB-SMF is the MB-SMF serving the first multicast/broadcast service. .

S640: The second network element sends the identification information of the second MB-SMF to the first network element. Correspondingly, the first network element receives the identification information of the second MB-SMF from the second network element.

Specifically, the service area of the second MB-SMF includes the first area, and the second MB-SMF provides services for the first multicast/broadcast service.

The identification information of the second MB-SMF may also be called the second MB-SMF ID. Specifically, the format of the identification information of the second MB-SMF may be a character string, an address (such as an IP address), or a fully qualified domain name identifier (fully qualified domain name, FQDN).

It should be understood that the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element.

S650: The first network element sends the identification information of the second MB-SMF to the first MB-SMF. Correspondingly, the first MB-SMF receives the identification information of the second MB-SMF.

It should be understood that the first network element may carry the identification information of the second MB-SMF in the first message of S620 and send it to the first MB-SMF.

In one example, before performing step S630, the first network element may determine, based on the configuration information of the first MB-SMF, whether the first area supports multicast and whether there is a connection between the first area and the service area of the first MB-SMF. Support multicast.

If the first network element determines that the first area does not support multicast, and/or the first area and the service area of the first MB-SMF do not support multicast, the first network element performs steps S630-S650 for the first The area determines the second MB-SMF. The access network equipment receives the data of the first multicast/broadcast service through unicast in the first area, and the transmission path is: first MB-UPF->second MB-UPF->access network equipment. Among them, the first MB-UPF is managed by the first MB-SMF, and the second MB-UPF is managed by the second MB-SMF.

It should be understood that the first area does not support multicast, that is, the first area does not support multicast transmission of multicast/broadcast service data. For example, the fact that the first area does not support multicast may mean that the first area does not support multicast, or it may mean that a multicast session cannot be established between the MB-UPF or access network equipment in the first area and the MB-UPF in other areas. The shared tunnel, or the MB-UPF or access network equipment in the first area only supports the transmission of multicast/broadcast service data or PDU session data in unicast mode. Multicast is not supported between the first area and the service area of the first MB-SMF, that is, the transmission path between the first area and the service area of the first MB-SMF does not support multicast transmission of multicast/broadcast services. data. For example, a multicast session sharing tunnel cannot be established between the access network equipment in the first area and the first MB-UPF managed by the first MB-SFM. Specifically, the first network element may determine, based on the information in the configuration file of the first MB-SMF, that the transmission path from the service area of the first MB-SMF to the first area does not support multicast transmission of multicast/broadcast services. data, or it may also be determined that the transmission path from the first area to the service area of the first MB-SMF does not support multicast.

If the first network element determines that the first area supports multicast, and the first area and the service area of the first MB-SMF support multicast, the first network element may omit steps S630-S650. The first network element executes step S620, that is, after sending the first message to the first MB-SMF, the first MB-SMF creates a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the access network device, and accesses the network through the transmission tunnel. The network equipment in the first area can receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service through multicast mode, and the transmission path is: first MB-UPF->access network equipment. Specifically, the access network device sends downlink tunnel information of the access network device to the first MB-SMF. The downlink tunnel information may include multicast address information of the access network device and identification information of the downlink tunnel. Correspondingly, the first An MB-SMF can establish a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the access network device based on the downlink tunnel information.

It should be understood that the first area supports multicast, that is, the first area supports multicast transmission of multicast/broadcast service data. For example, a multicast session sharing tunnel can be established between the MB-UPF or access network equipment in the first area and the MB-UPF in other areas. Multicast is supported between the first area and the service area of the first MB-SMF, that is, the transmission path between the first area and the service area of the first MB-SMF supports multicast transmission of multicast/broadcast service data. For example, a multicast session sharing tunnel may be established between the access network device in the first area and the first MB-UPF managed by the first MB-SFM. Specifically, according to the information in the configuration file of the first MB-SMF, the first network element can determine that the transmission path from the service area of the first MB-SMF to the first area supports the multicast transmission of multicast/broadcast service data. , or it may also be determined that the transmission path from the first area to the service area of the first MB-SMF supports multicast. In this embodiment of the present application, the first network element determines at least one MB-SMF for the first multicast/broadcast service, and the sum of the service areas of the at least one MB-SMF may still be smaller than that of the first multicast/broadcast service. Service area, that is, there are certain areas that cannot be covered by any selected MB-SMF. At this time, the first network element can determine the playback area of each MB-SMF, where the playback area of the MB-SMF can exceed the coverage of its service area. At this time, the first network element determines the local MB-SMF, and the local MB-SMF is used to serve the range that the service area of the MB-SMF cannot cover. For example, if the first playback area managed by the first MB-SMF includes the first area, and the first area exceeds the coverage of the service area of the first MB-SMF, the first network element determines the second MB-SMF. The second MB-SMF is used to serve the first area that cannot be covered by the service area of the first MB-SMF. Therefore, the first area located outside the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element can also normally receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service, ensuring that the first multicast/broadcast service can be transmitted within its service area.

In another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the above method 600 further includes:

The first network element sends the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service to the first MB-SMF. Optionally, the first network element may also carry the application server information in the first message of S620 and send it to the first MB-SMF.

Correspondingly, the first MB-SMF receives information about the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service. The first MB-SMF may determine the first MB-UPF according to the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service. Specifically, the service area of the first MB-UPF matches the location described by the application server. For example, the service area TAI of the first MB-UPF includes the location TAI of the application server. The first MB-UPF is managed by the first MB-SMF, and the first MB-UPF can receive data of the first multicast/broadcast service from the application server.

If there are multiple application servers corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service, the first network element sends the information of the application server matching the service area of the first MB-SMF to the first MB-SMF. Wherein, the service area of the first MB-SMF matches the application server, which may mean that the entry point described by the information of the application server is located within the service area of the first MB-SMF.

In another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first network element may register the first playback area managed by the first MB-SMF with the second network element. Specifically, the above method 600 also includes:

The first network element sends a sixth message to the second network element. The sixth message may include the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the first playback area. The sixth message is used to register the information of the first playback area.

Specifically, the first network element may also send the identification information of the first MB-SMF to the second network element.

In this embodiment of the present application, the first network element registers the first MB-SMF and the information of the first playback area managed by the first MB-SMF to the second network element for subsequent use by other network elements, such as AMF or SMF. , the first MB-SMF serving the first multicast broadcast service may be selected according to the information of the terminal device and/or the information of the access network device, so as to receive data of the first multicast/broadcast service.

In another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first network element may register the second MB-SMF to the second network element. Specifically, the above method 600 also includes:

The first network element sends a seventh message to the second network element. The seventh message may include identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and identification information of the second MB-SMF. The seventh message is used to The second MB-SMF is registered as an MB-SMF that provides services for the first multicast/broadcast service.

It should be understood that the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service may include IP multicast address information, port number, source IP address, or other identifiers that can uniquely identify the service (for example, TMGI), etc. This application does not limit this. .

In the embodiment of this application, the first network element registers the identification information of the second MB-SMF and the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service to the second network element, so that other network elements, such as AMF and SMF, can subsequently According to the information of the terminal equipment and/or the information of the access network equipment, and the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service, directly select the local MB-SMF serving the first multicast/broadcast service to avoid When the access network equipment transmits the first multicast/broadcast service, it selects a different second MB-SMF, thereby improving the efficiency of service transmission.

It should be understood that the explanations or descriptions of various terms appearing in the embodiments of this application can be referred to or interpreted in each embodiment, and are not limited thereto.

Figure 7 shows a schematic flow chart of a multicast/broadcast service communication method 700 according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 700 can be applied to the system architecture 100 shown in Figure 1 or the system architecture 200 shown in Figure 2, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

S710. The first MB-SMF receives the first message from the first network element. The first message may include information of the first playback area.

Wherein, the information of the first playback area may be used to characterize the first playback area, the first playback area is located within the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service, and the first playback area is provided by the first MB-SMF managed.

It should be understood that the first network element may be a network opening function network element or a multicast/broadcast service function network element.

S720: The first MB-SMF sends the second message to the second MB-SMF according to the first message.

Wherein, the service area of the second MB-SMF includes a first area, the first area belongs to the first playback area, and the first area does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF.

Specifically, the second message is used to create a transmission tunnel. The transmission tunnel is used to transmit data of the first multicast/broadcast service between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF. The first MB-UPF is provided by the first MB-SMF management, the second MB-UPF is managed by the second MB-SMF.

In this embodiment of the present application, the first MB-SMF is responsible for managing the first multicast/broadcast service in the first playback area, where the first playback area may exceed the coverage of the service area of the first MB-SMF. Therefore, the first MB-SMF can determine the second MB-SMF, and the second MB-SMF is used to serve a range that cannot be covered by the service area of the first MB-SMF. Further, the first MB-SMF creates a transmission tunnel through the second MB-SMF to transmit the data of the first multicast/broadcast service data, so that the area located outside the first MB-SMF service area (for example, the first area ), can receive data of the first multicast/broadcast service, ensuring that the first multicast/broadcast service can be transmitted within the first playback area.

In an implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first MB-SMF may determine the second MB-SMF according to the first message. Specifically, the first MB-SMF may obtain the identification information of the second MB-SMF in the following manner:

As a possible implementation manner, in step S710, the first MB-SMF receives a first message from the first network element, and the first message further includes identification information of the second MB-SMF.

Specifically, as described in steps S630-S650 in method 600, the first network element determines the second MB-SMF and sends the identification information of the second MB-SMF to the first MB-SMF.

As another possible implementation manner, in step S710, the first MB-SMF receives the information of the first playback area, and the information of the first playback area includes the information of the first area. The information of the first area may be used to characterize the first area, and the first area does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF. The above method 700 also includes:

S730. The first MB-SMF sends a third message to the second network element. The third message may include information of the first area. The third message is used to obtain the identification information of the MB-SMF whose service area includes the first area;

Optionally, the third message may also include identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service. The first MB-SMF may obtain the MB-SMF whose service area includes the first area from the second network element based on the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the first area, and the obtained MB-SMF is MB-SMF for the first multicast/broadcast service.

S740: The first MB-SMF receives the identification information of the second MB-SMF from the second network element.

Specifically, the service area of the second MB-SMF includes the first area, and the second MB-SMF serves the first multicast/broadcast service.

It should be understood that the second network element may be any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element.

In this embodiment of the present application, the first MB-SMF determines the second MB-SMF, and the second MB-SMF is used to serve a range that cannot be covered by the service area of the first MB-SMF. Therefore, the first MB-SMF can create a transmission tunnel through the second MB-SMF to transmit the data of the first multicast/broadcast service in an area outside the first MB-SMF service area.

In another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first MB-SMF may register the first playback area with the second network element. Specifically, the above method 700 also includes:

The first MB-SMF sends a fourth message to the second network element. The fourth message may include the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the first playback area. The fourth message is used to register the information of the first playback area. .

In this embodiment of the present application, the first MB-SMF registers the information of the first playback area it manages to the second network element, so that subsequent other network elements, such as AMF or SMF, can register information based on the information of the terminal device and/or or access network equipment information, select the first MB-SMF serving the first multicast broadcast service, so as to receive data of the first multicast/broadcast service.

In another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first MB-SMF may register the second MB-SMF to the second network element. Specifically, the above method 700 also includes:

The first MB-SMF sends the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the identification information of the second MB-SMF to the second network element, and registers the second MB-SMF as the first multicast/broadcast service Business provides MB-SMF services.

In another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the second MB-SMF may register the second MB-SMF to the second network element. Specifically, the above method 700 also includes:

The second MB-SMF sends the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the identification information of the second MB-SMF to the second network element, and registers the second MB-SMF as the first multicast/broadcast service. Business provides MB-SMF services.

In this embodiment of the present application, the first MB-SMF or the second MB-SMF can register the identification information of the second MB-SMF and the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service to the second network element for subsequent use. Network elements, such as AMF and SMF, directly select the local MB serving the first multicast/broadcast service based on the information of the terminal equipment and/or the information of the access network equipment, and the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service. -SMF prevents access network equipment in the same area from selecting a different second MB-SMF when transmitting the first multicast/broadcast service, thereby improving the efficiency of service transmission.

In another implementation scenario of the above embodiment, the first MB-SMF may establish a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF through the second MB-SMF. Specifically, the above method 700 also includes:

S721. The first MB-SMF receives information from the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service of the first network element.

It should be understood that the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service may be carried in the first message of step S710, that is, this step is merged with S710.

S722: The first MB-SMF determines the first MB-UPF based on the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service.

Specifically, the first MB-UPF is a network element managed by the first MB-SMF. The first MB-UPF may receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service from the application server, and transmit the data of the first multicast/broadcast service within the service area of the first MB-UPF.

Optionally, before sending the second message to the second MB-SMF, the first MB-SMF may determine the first MB-UPF and obtain the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF. The first MB-SMF may carry the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF in the second message and send it to the second MB-SMF, that is, the second message also includes the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF. The information of the multicast tunnel of the first MB-UPF may include the multicast address information of the first MB-UPF and the identification information of the multicast tunnel.

The second MB-SMF further determines whether the access network device can receive data of the first multicast/broadcast service through multicast in the first area based on its configuration information:

If the second MB-SMF determines that the first area supports multicast, and the first area and the service area of the first MB-SMF support multicast, the access network device may receive the first message in the first area through multicast. For multicast/broadcast service data, the first MB-SMF creates a transmission tunnel from the first MB-UPF to the access network device. The transmission tunnel is used by the access network device to receive the first multicast/broadcast from the first MB-UPF. Business data.

If the second MB-SMF determines that the first area does not support multicast, and/or the first area and the service area of the first MB-SMF do not support multicast, the second MB-SMF may determine and configure the second MB -UPF, the first MB-SMF establishes a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF, and the transmission tunnel is used to transmit data of the first multicast/broadcast service. The process of creating a transmission tunnel specifically includes:

S723: The second MB-SMF determines the second MB-UPF according to the second message, and then obtains the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF.

Specifically, the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF includes unicast address information of the second MB-UPF and identification information of the downlink tunnel.

S724. The second MB-SMF sends the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF to the first MB-SMF.

Correspondingly, the first MB-SMF receives the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF from the second MB-SMF.

S725: The first MB-SMF sends the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF to the first MB-UPF. The downlink tunnel information is used to create a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF.

In this embodiment of the present application, the first MB-SMF may manage the first multicast/broadcast service within the first playback area, where the first playback area may exceed the coverage of the service area of the first MB-SMF. The first MB-SMF configures and obtains the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF through the second MB-SMF, and creates a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF channel and the second MB-UPF based on the downlink tunnel information. . The transmission tunnel can enable the access network device to receive the transmission data of the first multicast/broadcast service through unicast in the first area outside the first MB-SMF service area, ensuring that the first multicast/broadcast service Normal transmission of services in the first playback area.

As an optional implementation manner, in step S720, the second message may further include identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and/or QoS flow information of the first multicast/broadcast service.

Specifically, the information of the QoS flow may include the QFI of the QoS flow and the QoS parameters of the QoS flow. After receiving the information of the QoS flow, the second MB-SMF can create a corresponding multicast service based on the information of the QoS flow to prepare for subsequent transmission of the service by the access network device.

Figure 8 shows a schematic flow chart of a multicast/broadcast service communication method 800 according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 800 can be applied to the system architecture 100 shown in Figure 1 or the system architecture 200 shown in Figure 2, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

S810. The AMF receives an eighth message from the access network device. The eighth message may include identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service.

The eighth message is used to request to transmit the data of the first multicast/broadcast service to the access network device.

S820: The AMF obtains the identification information of the first MB-SMF according to the eighth message.

It should be understood that before the AMF acquires the first MB-SMF, the first network element has determined at least one MB-SMF for the first multicast/broadcast service, and the at least one MB-SMF is used for the first multicast/broadcast service. The first multicast/broadcast service is managed within the service area of the broadcast service. The AMF may determine the first MB-SMF in the at least one MB-SMF according to the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and/or the information of the access network device, and obtain the identification of the first MB-SMF. information.

S830: The AMF determines that the service area of the access network device does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF.

Specifically, the AMF determines that the service area of the access network device does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF based on the information of the access network device.

It should be understood that the information of the access network device includes service area information of the access network device, and the service area information of the access network device is used to describe the area where the access network device is located. The service area information of the access network device may include one or more of the TA identifier, cell identifier, and geographical location information of the area where the access network device is located, for example, a TAI list or a cell identifier list. The service area of the access network device does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF. This may be that the service area TAI of the access network device does not belong to the service area TAI of the first MB-SMF.

S840: The AMF obtains the identification information of the second MB-SMF according to the information of the access network device.

Specifically, the service area of the second MB-SMF includes the service area of the access network device. For example, the service area TAI of the second MB-SMF includes the TAI of the service area of the access network device.

S850, the AMF sends the ninth message to the second MB-SMF. The ninth message is used to create a transmission tunnel. The transmission tunnel is used to transmit the first multicast/broadcast service between the second MB-UPF and the access network device. of data, the second MB-UPF is managed by the second MB-SMF.

As an optional implementation, in step S850, the ninth message also includes identification information of the first MB-SMF.

In this embodiment of the present application, the AMF selects the first MB-SMF, and the first MB-SMF is used to manage the first multicast/broadcast service in the service area of the access network device. When the service area of the first MB-SMF cannot cover the service area of the access network device, the AMF determines the second MB-SMF for the service area of the access network device, and creates the second MB-UPF and A transmission tunnel between access network devices to transmit data of the first multicast/broadcast service data. Therefore, when the service area of the access network device exceeds the coverage of the service area of the first MB-SMF, it is still guaranteed that the access network device can transmit data of the first multicast/broadcast service.

In step S820, the AMF obtains the information of the first MB-SMF according to the eighth message. The following methods may be used:

As a possible implementation manner, as described in methods 600 and 700, the first network element has determined at least one MB-SMF for the first multicast/broadcast service. Within the service area, manage the first multicast/broadcast service. The at least one MB-SMF includes the first MB-SMF. If the first network element has determined the first playback area managed by the first MB-SMF, the AMF can obtain the information from the second network element according to the eighth message. Obtain the identification information of the first MB-SMF. Specifically, the method for the AMF to obtain the identification information of the first MB-SMF includes:

S821. The AMF sends a tenth message to the second network element. The tenth message may include the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the access network device. The tenth message is used to obtain the playback area including the access network device. The identification information of MB-SMF of the service area. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the tenth message.

It should be understood that the playback area of MB-SMF includes the service area of the access network device, which may mean that the playback area TAI of MB-SMF includes the service area TAI of the access network device.

Specifically, before the AMF sends the tenth message to the second network element, the second network element receives the fourth message from the first MB-SMF; or, the second network element receives the sixth message from the first network element, and the second network element receives the sixth message from the first network element. The fourth message or the sixth message may include the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the first playback area. The fourth message or the sixth message is used to register the information of the first playback area.

S822: The second network element sends the identification information of the first MB-SMF according to the tenth message.

Correspondingly, the AMF receives the identification information of the first MB-SMF from the second network element.

Specifically, the first MB-SMF is used to manage the first multicast/broadcast service in a first playback area, and the first playback area includes the service area of the access network device.

In this embodiment of the present application, the AMF selects the first multicast/broadcast service for managing the first multicast/broadcast service for the access network device through the second network element based on the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the access network device. One MB-SMF, in order to uniquely determine the MB-SMF that manages the service for the access network device, so as to facilitate receiving the data of the first multicast/broadcast service.

As another possible implementation manner, the access network device receives the identification information of the first MB-SMF from the SMF, and sends the identification information of the first MB-SMF to the AMF. Specifically, the method for the AMF to obtain the identification information of the first MB-SMF includes:

The AMF receives the identification information of the first MB-SMF from the access network device.

Specifically, the identification information of the first MB-SMF is obtained by the access network device from the SMF, and the SMF is the SMF corresponding to the PDU session associated with the first multicast/broadcast service.

It should be understood that the first network element may be a network opening function network element or a multicast/broadcast service function network element. The second network element may be any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element.

In step S840, the AMF obtains the identification information of the second MB-SMF according to the information of the access network device. Specifically, in step S840, the following two situations may be included:

One possible situation is that before the AMF obtains the identification information of the second MB-SMF, the first network element or the first MB-SMF determines that the second MB-SMF provides services for the service. The second MB-SMF is registered to the second network element. Then the AMF obtains the registered second MB-SMF from the second network element in the following manner:

S841. The second network element receives a seventh message. The seventh message may include identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and identification information of the second MB-SMF. The seventh message is used to transfer the The second MB-SMF is registered as the MB-SMF that provides services for the first multicast/broadcast service.

Specifically, the seventh message may be sent by the first network element, the first MB-SMF or the second MB-SMF to the second network element. That is, any one of the first network element, the first MB-SMF or the second MB-SMF can register the second MB-SMF to the second network element.

S842: The AMF sends the eleventh message to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element receives the eleventh message.

The eleventh message may include the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the access network device. The eleventh message is used to obtain the identification information of the MB-SMF whose service area includes the service area of the access network device. .

S843: The second network element sends the identification information of the second MB-SMF according to the eleventh message.

Correspondingly, the second network element receives the identification information of the second MB-SMF, and the service area of the second MB-SMF includes the service area of the access network device.

Since the second MB-SMF has been selected for the service area of the access network device before the AMF executes step S841, the registration information of the second MB-SMF is stored in the second network element. Therefore, in step S842, after the AMF sends the identification information of the first multicast broadcast session and the information of the access network device to the second network element, the second network element directly returns the second MB-SMF selected by other AMFs.

Another possible situation is that before the AMF performs step S841, the second MB-SMF has not been selected. At this time, the AMF sends the access network device information to the second network element, and the second network element determines the second MB-SMF based on the access network device information and sends it to the AMF. Specifically, the service area of the access network device matches the service area of the second MB-SMF.

In this case, the second MB-SMF may send identification information of the first multicast broadcast session to the second network element for registering itself as an MB-SMF providing services for the first multicast/broadcast service. . Optionally, the AMF may also send identification information of the first multicast broadcast session and information of the second MB-SMF to the second network element for registering the second MB-SMF as the first multicast/ Broadcasting services are provided by MB-SMF. After registration, subsequent access network equipment can directly execute the methods in S841-S843 to obtain the second MB-SMF, avoiding the selection of a different second MB-SMF and improving the efficiency of service transmission.

In step S850, the AMF has determined the second MB-SMF that provides services for the service area of the access network device. However, the access network device cannot directly join the session of the first multicast/broadcast service through the second MB-SMF. At this time, a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF may first be created through the first MB-SMF, and the first MB-UPF is managed by the first MB-SMF. Then, the AMF establishes a transmission tunnel between the second MB-UPF and the access network device through the second MB-SMF, and the second MB-UPF is managed by the second MB-SMF. After the two transmission tunnels are established, the first MB-UPF can be configured based on the transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF and the transmission tunnel between the second MB-UPF and the access network equipment. Transmitting the data of the first multicast/broadcast service with the access network equipment. In step S850, the specific process of AMF creating two tunnels includes:

S851: The first MB-SMF creates a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF.

For the specific process, please refer to S721-S725 in method 700, which will not be described again here.

S852: The AMF receives the information of the multicast tunnel of the second MB-UPF from the second MB-SMF.

The information of the multicast tunnel of the second MB-UPF may include the multicast address information of the second MB-UPF and the identification information of the multicast tunnel.

S853: The AMF sends the multicast tunnel information of the second MB-UPF to the access network device.

AMF determines whether the service area of the access network device can receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service through multicast based on the configuration information of the access network device:

If the access network device supports multicast, the service area of the access network device can receive data of the first multicast/broadcast service through multicast. At this time, the base station can receive data from the second MB-UPF according to the multicast tunnel information of the second MB-UPF.

If the access network device does not support multicast, the AMF continues to perform the following steps:

S854: The AMF receives the downlink tunnel information of the access network device.

S855: The AMF sends the downlink tunnel information of the access network device to the second MB-SMF. The downlink tunnel information of the access network device is used to create a transmission tunnel between the second MB-UPF and the access network device.

In the embodiment of the present application, by creating a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF, and creating a transmission tunnel between the second MB-UPF and the access network equipment, the access network equipment can be solved. The problem of being unable to directly receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service within its service area. The access network device may receive data from the first MB-UPF service area through the transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF, and the transmission tunnel between the second MB-UPF and the access network device. .

In step S850, optionally, if the access network device supports multicast, and the service area of the access network device and the service area of the first MB-SMF support multicast, then the first Multicast/broadcast service data can be directly transmitted to the access network equipment through the first MB-UPF. In this case, the second MB-SMF does not need to determine and configure the second MB-UPF, and the first MB-SMF does not need to create a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF.

Specifically, the first MB-SMF sends the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF to the second MB-SMF. The multicast tunnel information may include the multicast address information of the first MB-UPF and the The identification information of the multicast tunnel; the second MB-SMF sends the received multicast tunnel information to the access network device; the access network device receives the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF and sends the Internet Group Management Protocol (internet group management protocol, IGMP) JOIN information in order to join the session of the first multicast/broadcast service.

In this embodiment of the present application, if the service area of the access network device can receive data of the first multicast/broadcast service through multicast, then the access network device can directly receive the first multicast broadcast service through multicast. data, save signaling, and improve the efficiency of data transmission.

For ease of understanding, the embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 9 .

Figure 9 is a schematic flow chart of the multicast/broadcast service communication method provided by the embodiment of the present application. The method 900 can be applied to the system architecture 100 shown in Figure 1 or the system architecture 200 shown in Figure 2, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

In method 900, NEF selects at least one MB-SMF for the first multicast/broadcast service and manages different service areas of the first multicast/broadcast service respectively. At the same time, NEF plans the playback area managed by each MB-SMF. If in at least one MB-SMF, the first playback area of the first MB-SMF exceeds the coverage of the service area of the first MB-SMF, the NEF or the first MB-SMF determines the second MB-SMF for service. The service area of the first MB-SMF cannot cover the range.

S901, AF sends an MBS session request message to NEF. Correspondingly, NEF receives the message.

Specifically, in this embodiment of the present application, the MBS session request message is used to configure a session regarding the first multicast/broadcast service. In addition, the message may also be called a session establishment request, a session request or other names. This application will Not limited. The MBS session request message may include: information of at least one application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service, where the application server information is used to describe the entry point position of the first multicast/broadcast service relative to the core network. The application server information can be the IP address of the AS. The application server information may also be the location description information of the service entry point, for example, the address of the data center where the service entry point is located. The information of the application server may also include other formats, which is not limited in this application.

The MBS session request message also includes: information about the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service. It should be understood that the service area information of the first multicast/broadcast service refers to the geographical range within which the first multicast/broadcast service is allowed to be played. The service area information of the first multicast/broadcast service may include one or more of a TAI list, a cell list, and geographical location information (the geographical location information may also include information in multiple formats such as area identifiers and city names). This application does not limit this.

It should be understood that NEF in method 900 can also be replaced by MBSF, and NEF can be the first network element in methods 600-800.

S902: NEF selects the MB-SMF that manages the first multicast/broadcast service according to the information of the application server, including the first MB-SMF. The NEF determines the first playback area of the first MB-SMF.

Specifically, NEF determines the first MB-SMF corresponding to the application server based on the application server information received from AF. The NEF may query the NRF according to the information of the application server to determine the first MB-SMF for the application server, wherein the service area of the first MB-SMF matches the information of the entry point of the first multicast/broadcast service relative to the core network, For example, the entry point is located within the service area of the first MB-SMF.

Further, NEF may use the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service, the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service, or the service area of the first MB-SMF, the first multicast/broadcast service. One or more of the corresponding network topology information determines the first playback area managed by the first MB-SMF.

If the first playback area managed by the first MB-SMF exceeds the coverage of the service area of the first MB-SMF. For example, the first playback area includes a first area, and the first area does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF. Then the NEF may determine the second MB-SMF for the first area according to steps S630-S650 in the method 600.

S903: NEF sends an MBS session establishment request to the first MB-SMF.

Specifically, the MBS session establishment request includes: identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service.

The NEF may also send the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service to the first MB-SMF, so that the first MB-SMF determines the first MB-UPF based on the information of the application server.

The NEF sends a first message to the first MB-SMF, and the first message may include: first playback area information of the first MB-SMF. If the first playback area managed by the first MB-SMF exceeds the coverage of the service area of the first MB-SMF, NEF can also determine the second MB-SMF according to steps S630-S650 of method 600. The second MB-SMF The service area of the SMF includes a first area, which belongs to an area in the first playback area that does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF. NEF sends the identification information of the second MB-SMF to the first MB-SMF.

S904: The first MB-SMF registers the information of the first playback area into the UDM.

It should be understood that in method 900, UDM can also be replaced by UDR or NRF, that is, UDM can be the second network element in methods 600-800, which is not limited in this application.

Specifically, the first MB-SMF sends the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service, the identification information of the first MB-SMF, and the first playback area information to the UDM for registering the information of the first playback area.

In steps S902-S904, optionally, the information of the first playback area may include information of the first area. The first MB-SMF sends the information of the first area to the second network element and obtains the identification information of the second MB-SMF. Another optional way is that the first MB-SMF selects a partial area from the first playback area, for example, the first area, sends the information of the first area to the second network element, and then obtains the information that can be obtained by the first area. Identification information of the second MB-SMF of the regional service. The specific implementation is as described in method 700 and will not be described again here.

After the second MB-SMF is determined, any one of the first MB-SMF, the second MB-SMF or the first network element may register the second MB-SMF to the second network element as the first network element. MB-SMF provides multicast/broadcast services.

S905: The first MB-SMF sends a second message to the second MB-SMF. The second message is used to request the creation of a session regarding the first multicast/broadcast service.

The second message may include: identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service, QoS flow information of the first multicast/broadcast service, etc.

Before sending the second message, the first MB-SMF also determines the first MB-UPF and obtains the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF. The multicast tunnel information may include the first MB-UPF. Multicast address information and identification information of the multicast tunnel. For specific implementation details, please refer to step S722 in method 700. The first MB-SMF may carry the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF in a second message and send it to the second MB-SMF, that is, S905. The second message also includes the group of the first MB-UPF. Broadcast tunnel information.

Specifically, the second MB-SMF determines the second MB-UPF and obtains the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF. The second MB-SMF sends the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF to the first in the response message. MB-SMF, so that the first MB-SMF configures the first MB-UPF, thereby creating a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF.

S906: The first MB-SMF sends an MBS session establishment response message.

The first MB-SMF carries the downlink tunnel information of the first MB-UPF in the response message and sends it to the NEF, and the NEF sends it to the AF.

It should be understood that in this embodiment of the present application, NEF first sends an MBS session establishment request message to the first MB-SMF, and the first MB-SMF establishes a connection with the second MB-SMF, thereby creating a first MB-UPF to the second MB-UPF transport tunnel. Optionally, after determining the first MB-SMF and the second MB-SMF, NEF may first send an MBS session establishment request message to the second MB-SMF, and the second MB-SMF creates the first MB-UPF to the second MB-SMF. In the transmission tunnel of the second MB-UPF, NEF sends the identification information of the first MB-SMF to the second MB-SMF. This application does not limit this.

S907: The UE sends a message requesting to join the first multicast/broadcast service to the SMF.

S908: After receiving the request message sent by the UE, the SMF selects an MB-SMF for managing the first multicast/broadcast service, where the MB-SMF may be NEF. In step S902, it is the first multicast/broadcast service. Business predetermined MB-SMF. Further, the MB-SMF selected by the SMF may be an MB-SMF whose playback area includes the location of the UE, or the MB-SMF may also be a local MB-SMF whose service area includes the location of the UE.

Specifically, the SMF sends the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element sends one or more MB-SMF information corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service to the SMF according to the identification information. The SMF selects the first MB-SMF or the second MB-SMF from the one or more MB-SMFs according to the location information of the UE. The playback area of the first MB-SMF includes the location of the UE, or the service area of the second MB-SMF includes the location of the UE.

It should be understood that the location information of the UE may be a TAI or a cell identifier, or may be information in a variety of different formats such as a regional identifier. The regional identifier may be an identifier of different granularities, such as "Shanghai Pudong" or "Shanghai". This document There are no restrictions on this application.

When the SMF selects MB-SMF, optionally, the SMF can send the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the location information of the UE to the second network element at the same time, and the second network element selects the matching one based on the location information of the UE. the first MB-SMF or the second MB-SMF, and sends the identification information of the first MB-SMF or the second MB-SMF to the SMF.

S909: The SMF obtains the information of the first multicast/broadcast service from the first MB-SMF or the second MB-SMF, including: QoS flow information corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service, etc.

S910: The SMF sends a request message to the gNB to request the UE to join the multicast service. gNB receives the request message and adds the UE to the multicast service according to the request message. The request message is forwarded via AMF.

Specifically, the request message sent by the SMF may carry the identifier of the first multicast/broadcast service, and the request message may be sent through signaling related to the PDU session. The gNB receives the request message and saves the identifier of the first multicast/broadcast service in the context of the PDU session. That is, the PDU session is associated with the multicast service, or in other words, the PDU session contains the multicast service.

Optionally, the request message may also carry the mapping relationship between the QFI of the multicast QoS flow and the QFI of the unicast QoS flow. In a possible implementation, the gNB can save the mapping relationship in the context of the UE's PDU session.

In a possible implementation, the request message may include identification information of the first MB-SMF or the second MB-SMF.

S911. The gNB sends an RRC message to the UE. The RRC message may include wireless configuration information required by the UE to receive the first multicast/broadcast service. Correspondingly, the UE receives the RRC message and performs wireless configuration according to the RRC message issued by the gNB, so that it can subsequently receive data of the service.

If gNB has not established a transmission tunnel with any MB-UPF, gNB performs the following steps:

S912, gNB sends an MBS session establishment request to the AMF.

Specifically, gNB sends an MBS session establishment request to the AMF, and the request message is used to establish a transmission channel from MB-UPF to gNB. The MBS session establishment request includes: identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service.

The MBS session establishment request may also include: downlink tunnel information of the gNB, which is used to receive data of the first multicast/broadcast service from the MB-UPF.

In a possible implementation, the message may include identification information of the first MB-SMF or identification information of the second MB-SMF.

It should be understood that the AMF in S912 may be selected by the gNB according to the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service. Alternatively, the gNB may select the AMF serving the UE based on the UE information that triggered the establishment of the first multicast/broadcast service session, which is not limited in this application.

S913: The AMF selects an MB-SMF for managing the first multicast/broadcast service, where the playback area of the MB-SMF includes the location of the gNB, or the service area of the MB-SMF includes the location of the gNB. It should be noted that, similar to step S908, the AMF can select the first MB-SMF or the second MB-SMF according to the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and/or the information of the UE, which will not be described again here. . If in S912, the gNB sends the identification information of the first MB-SMF or the identification information of the second MB-SMF to the AMF, then the AMF may use the identification information of the first MB-SMF or the second MB received from the gNB. -The identification information of the SMF determines the MB-SMF.

Specifically, after the AMF obtains the identification information of the first MB-SMF, there may be a situation where the first MB-SMF cannot directly serve the gNB. At this time, the first MB-UPF managed by the first MB-SMF cannot directly transmit the data of the first multicast/broadcast service to the gNB. If the AMF determines that the area where the gNB is located does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF, the AMF may obtain the second network element from the second network element according to the location information of the gNB according to the method described in steps S841-S843 in the method 800. The identification information of the second MB-SMF, and the service area of the second MB-SMF includes the gNB.

It should be understood that the first MB-UPF cannot directly send the data of the first multicast/broadcast service to the gNB for the following reasons: the area where the gNB is located does not support multicast, or the area where the gNB is located cannot reach the first MB-SMF. Multicast is not supported between service areas, and there is no IP connection between the first MB-UPF and gNB (that is, the tunnel cannot be established).

The AMF determines whether a transmission tunnel can be established between the first MB-UPF and the gNB according to the service area of the first MB-SMF. In a possible situation, the AMF determines that the first MB-SMF satisfies one of the above conditions, and then the AMF determines the second MB-SMF. In another possible situation, the AMF only determines that the gNB does not belong to the service range of the first MB-SMF, and then determines the second MB-SMF without considering the above conditions. Another possible situation is that the AMF only selects the second MB-SMF based on the location information of the gNB. In this case, the tunnel between the second MB-UPF and the first MB-UPF has been pre-established according to the method of S905. , the second MB-SMF has obtained the first multicast/broadcast service information (such as QoS flow information) in advance. It should be understood that the gNB does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF, that is, all MB-UPFs controlled by the first MB-SMF have no IP connection with the gNB.

S914, if the AMF determines the second MB-SMF, the AMF sends an MBS session establishment request to the second MB-SMF. The AMF sends the information of the first MB-SMF to the second MB-SMF.

The MBS session establishment request includes: identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service.

The AMF can also send gNB information to the second MB-SMF. The second MB-SMF determines and configures the second MB-UPF based on the gNB information, and obtains the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF. The second MB- The downlink tunnel information of the UPF is used by the gNB to receive the data of the first multicast/broadcast service through the second MB-UPF. Optionally, the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF may also be configured by the second MB-UPF, which is not limited in this application.

In step S914, optionally, the AMF may send the downlink tunnel information of the gNB to the second MB-SMF.

In one implementation, if the AMF determines the first MB-SMF and the second MB-SMF at the same time, the AMF will also send the identification information of the first MB-SMF to the second MB-SMF in this step, for example, the first When the tunnel between the MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF has not been established, the second MB-SMF may send a message to the first MB-SMF according to the information of the first MB-SMF to establish the tunnel.

S915, in order to establish a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF, the second MB-SMF may send the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF to the first MB-SMF in order to create the first MB-UPF. Transport tunnel between UPF and second MB-UPF.

It should be understood that in S915-S920, the transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF may have been created in step S905, and there is no need to perform the steps of S915-S920.

S916: The first MB-SMF sends an MBS session establishment response message to the second MB-SMF.

In S916, the first MB-SMF may send the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF to the second MB-SMF, including the multicast address of the first MB-UPF and the identification information of the multicast tunnel.

S917. The second MB-SMF sends the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF to the second MB-UPF. The second MB-UPF sends an IGMP JOIN to join the multicast group corresponding to the multicast tunnel.

In steps S915-S916, another possible situation is that if the AMF determines that gNB supports multicast, and multicast is supported between the service area of gNB and the service area of the first MB-SMF, then the first multicast /Broadcast service data can be transmitted directly to gNB through the first MB-UPF. In this case, the second MB-SMF does not need to determine and configure the second MB-UPF. The first MB-SMF does not need to create a transmission tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF. There is also no need to create a second MB-UPF. Tunnel between MB-UPF and gNB.

Specifically, the first MB-SMF sends the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF to the second MB-SMF. The multicast tunnel information may include the multicast address information of the first MB-UPF and the Identification information of the multicast tunnel; the second MB-SMF sends the received multicast tunnel information to gNB through the AMF; gNB receives the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF and sends IGMP JOIN information in order to join the first group broadcast/broadcast service session.

S918: If in step S915, the second MB-SMF does not send the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF, then in step S918, send the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF to the first MB-SMF.

S919: The first MB-SMF sends the downlink tunnel information of the second MB-UPF from the second MB-SMF (in step S915) to the first MB-UPF.

S920: The first MB-SMF sends an MBS session establishment response message to the second MB-SFM.

S921. The second MB-SMF sends an MBS session establishment response message, and the response message is forwarded to the gNB through the AMF.

S922, gNB sends an N2 response message to the SMF.

S923. The SMF sends a response message to the UE.

Figure 10 is a schematic flow chart of a multicast/broadcast service communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. The method 1000 can be applied to the system architecture 100 shown in Figure 1, or can also be applied to the system architecture 200 shown in Figure 2, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

In method 1000, NEF selects at least one MB-SMF for the first multicast/broadcast service and manages different service areas of the first multicast/broadcast service respectively. Different from the method 900, NEF does not plan the playback area managed by each MB-SMF. Instead, the AMF or SMF requests the gNB to receive the first multicast/broadcast service in at least MB-SMF predetermined by NEF. , select the first MB-SMF. If the service area of the gNB does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF selected by the AMF or SMF, the AMF or SMF determines the second MB-SMF for the service area of the gNB to serve the gNB to receive the first multicast/ Broadcasting business.

S1001-S1003 are similar to steps S901-S903 in method 900 and will not be described again here. The difference is that NEF will not determine the first playback area of the first MB-SMF, nor will it send information about the first playback area to the first MB-SMF.

S1004. The first MB-SMF sends an MBS session establishment response message. Step S1004 is the same as step S906 in method 900, and will not be described again here.

S1005: The UE sends a message requesting to join the first multicast/broadcast service to the SMF.

S1006: After receiving the request message sent by the UE, the SMF selects an MB-SMF for managing the first multicast/broadcast service.

Specifically, since in step S1002, NEF has determined at least one MB-SMF that manages the first multicast/broadcast service according to the information of the application server, the MB-UPF controlled by the at least one MB-SMF interfaces with the application server , that is, the application server sends the data of the first multicast/broadcast service to the at least one MB-UPF controlled by MB-SMF. The SMF selects one MB-SMF from the at least one MB-SMF determined by the NEF.

In a possible embodiment, the second network element may have stored the MB-SMF whose playback area includes the location of the UE. For example, other UEs at this location have selected MB-SMF when joining the session of the first multicast/broadcast service. At this time, the SMF sends the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the location information of the UE to the second network element. Correspondingly, the second network element sends the information of the first MB-SMF corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service and the location of the UE to the SMF according to the identification information and the location information of the UE. The playback area of the first MB-SMF Includes UE location.

The location information of the UE is used to describe the area where the UE is located. The location information of the UE may include one or more of the TA identification, cell identification, and geographical location information of the area where the UE is located, for example, a TAI list or a cell identification list. The playback area of the first MB-SMF includes the location of the UE, and may be that the playback area TAI of the first MB-SMF includes the area TAI where the UE is located.

It should be understood that in method 1000, the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data warehousing function network element, or a network warehousing function network element, which is not limited in this application.

If the second network element does not yet store the MB-SMF whose playback area includes the location of the UE, the second network element sends the SMF corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service according to the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service. Identification information of one or more MB-SMFs. The SMF selects the first MB-SMF from the one or more MB-SMFs according to the location information of the UE. Wherein, preferably, the service area of the selected first MB-SMF includes the location of the UE. In a possible implementation, when the second network element stores an MB-SMF whose service area includes the location of the UE, the second network element sends one or more MB-SMFs whose service area includes the location of the UE to the SMF. , the SMF selects one of them as the first MB-SMF. In another possible implementation, when there is no MB-SMF in the second network element whose service area includes the location of the UE, the second network element sends the information related to the first multicast/broadcast service to the SMF according to the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service. Information about one or more MB-SMFs corresponding to the multicast/broadcast service. The SMF determines one MB-SMF as the first MB-SMF from these MB-SMFs based on the location information of the UE and/or the local configuration information of the SMF. It should be understood that when the SMF selects the first MB-SMF based on the location information of the UE, the SMF may comprehensively consider the load balancing principle, path length and other factors, and select the first MB-SMF nearby.

It should be understood that the location information of the UE may be a TAI or a cell identifier, or may be information in a variety of different formats such as a regional identifier. The regional identifier may be an identifier of different granularities, such as "Shanghai Pudong" or "Shanghai". This document There are no restrictions on this application.

S1007: The SMF registers the first MB-SMF selected in step S1006 into the second network element.

In step S1007, optionally, the SMF may send the information of the first area including the location of the UE to the second network element, and register the first area as the first playback area of the first MB-SMF. Specifically, after the SMF selects the first MB-SMF, the SMF determines the first area, and the first area includes the location of the UE. The SMF sends to the second network element: the information of the first area, the identification information of the first MB-SMF, and the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service. By sending the above information to the second network element, the SMF can register the first area as the playback area of the first MB-SMF in the second network element.

S1008: The SMF obtains the information of the first multicast/broadcast service from the first MB-SMF, including: QoS flow information corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service, etc.

Subsequent steps S1009-S1011 are similar to S910-S912 and will not be described again here.

S1012: After receiving the MBS session establishment request sent by gNB, AMF selects MB-SMF for the service area of gNB.

Because the SMF has selected the first MB-SMF for the first area and registered it in the second network element in step S1006. Therefore, the AMF can obtain the corresponding playback area including the service area of the gNB from the second network element based on the information of the gNB (that is, the location information of the UE) and the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service. MB-SMF.

It should be understood that the information of the gNB includes the information of the service area of the gNB, which is used to describe the area where the gNB is located. The UgNB information may include one or more of the TA identity, cell identity, and geographical location information of the area where the gNB is located, for example, a TAI list or a cell identity list. The playback area of the first MB-SMF includes the service area of gNB, and may be that the playback area TAI of the first MB-SMF includes the service area TAI of gNB.

Alternatively, the identification information of the first MB-SMF is carried in steps S1009 and S1011, and the AMF determines the first MB-SMF according to the identification information of the first MB-SMF carried in the message sent by gNB to the AMF in step S1011.

The AMF may determine whether the service area of the first MB-SMF includes the service area of the gNB according to the service area of the first MB-SMF. If the service area of the first MB-SMF does not include the service area of the current gNB, the gNB may not be able to receive data of the first multicast/broadcast service from the service area of the first MB-SMF. It should be understood that the service area of the first MB-SMF does not include the service area of the current gNB, which means that all first MB-UPFs controlled by the first MB-SMF have no IP connections with the gNB. AMF can determine whether gNB supports multicast according to the configuration information (optionally, in step S1011, gNB carries indication information to indicate whether gNB supports multicast, and AMF determines whether gNB supports multicast according to the indication information). Whether multicast is supported between the service area of an MB-SMF and the service area of gNB. If one of them does not support multicast, and the service area of the MB-SMF does not include the service area of the current gNB, the AMF can select the second MB-SMF to manage the first multicast/broadcast service in the service area of the gNB. .

Alternatively, the AMF may also only determine whether the service area of the first MB-SMF includes the service area of the gNB, and decide whether to select the second MB-SMF. When the service area of the first MB-SMF does not include the service area of the gNB, the second MB-SMF is selected regardless of whether the above parts support multicast.

It should be understood that gNB supports multicast, which can be understood as gNB supports transmitting multicast/broadcast service data in multicast mode. gNB does not support multicast, which can be understood as gNB does not support multicast transmission of multicast/broadcast service data, or gNB only supports unicast transmission of multicast service data or PDU session data.

In a possible implementation, other AMFs have selected the second MB-SMF, then the AMFs can obtain the second MB-SMF from the second network element based on the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the gNB information. The service area includes the second MB-SMF of the service area of the gNB, and the second MB-SMF is the MB-SMF serving the first multicast/broadcast service. In another possible implementation, other AMFs have not selected the second MB-SMF serving the first multicast/broadcast service, and the second network element has not yet been stored in the service area of the gNB. MB-SMF for multicast/broadcast business services. At this time, the AMF obtains one or more MB-SMFs whose service area includes the service area of the gNB from the second network element, and the AMF selects the second MB-SMF from the one or more MB-SMFs sent by the second network element. SMF. Correspondingly, the AMF registers the second MB-SMF with the second network element. For the registration method, see step S1013.

S1013: The AMF registers the second MB-SMF selected in step S1012 with the second network element.

Specifically, the AMF sends the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the identification information of the second MB-SMF to the second network element for registering the second MB-SMF as the third network element. MB-SMF provides multicast/broadcast services.

Subsequent steps S1014-S1023 are similar to S914-S923 and will not be described again here.

Figure 11 is a schematic flow chart of a multicast/broadcast service communication method provided by an embodiment of the present application. This method can be applied to the process of the UE switching from the source access network (source-gNB, S-gNB) device to the target access network (target-gNB, T-gNB) device, and can also be applied to the UE to co-site cells. Handover is the process in which a UE switches from a cell under the same access network device to another target cell. In method 100, the UE has joined the multicast session corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service at the S-gNB, but the T-gNB has not yet established the session for the first multicast/broadcast service. S-gNB and T-gNB may belong to different broadcast areas, and the MB-SMFs that manage the first multicast/broadcast service in the areas of S-gNB and T-gNB are different. The method 1100 includes at least the following steps:

S1101, S-gNB sends a handover request (handover required) to T-gNB.

The handover request includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service corresponding to the MBS session to which the UE joins.

S1102, T-gNB sends an MBS session establishment request to the AMF.

S1103, AMF selects the first MB-SMF or the second MB-SMF.

Specifically, the AMF selects the first MB-SMF whose playback area includes the T-gNB location or the second MB-SMF whose service area includes the T-gNB location according to the T-gNB information. For specific selection methods, please refer to method 900 or method 1000, which will not be described again here.

It should be understood that the playback area of the first MB-SMF includes the T-gNB position, that is, the playback area of the first MB-SMF matches the location information of the T-gNB. For example, the T-gNB is located in the playback area of the first MB-SMF. Inside. Similarly, the service area of the second MB-SMF includes the T-gNB location, that is, the service area of the second MB-SMF matches the T-gNB location. For example, the T-gNB is located in the service area of the second MB-SMF.

It should be understood that the T-gNB information may include the TAI or cell identifier of the T-gNB location, or may be information in a variety of different formats such as a regional identifier, where the regional identifier may be an identifier of different granularities, such as "Shanghai Pudong" or "Shanghai Pudong". "Shanghai", etc., this application does not limit this.

S1104. If the AMF selects the second MB-SMF, the AMF sends an MBS session establishment request to the second MB-SMF.

In one implementation method, the tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF is pre-established according to step S905 in method 900. In this case, the AMF may select the second MB-SMF. In another implementation, if the tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF has not been established, the AMF also selects the first MB-SMF, and then creates the first MB according to steps S915-S920 in method 900. -UPF direct transport tunnel with second MB-UPF.

The establishment of the tunnel between the T-gNB and the second MB-UPF may refer to step S914 in the method 900. Similarly, if the T-gNB supports multicast, and the area between the T-gNB and the service area of the first MB-SMF supports multicast, the T-gNB can receive the multicast tunnel information of the first MB-UPF and send The IGMP JOIN information is added to the session of the first multicast/broadcast service and the data transmitted by the first MB-UPF is directly received. At this time, the tunnel between the first MB-UPF and the second MB-UPF does not need to be established, and the second MB- For the tunnel between UPF and T-gNB, refer to step S917 in method 900.

S1105. The AMF sends an MBS session establishment response to the T-gNB.

S1106: T-gNB sends a handover response to S-gNB.

S1107: The UE completes the handover from S-gNB to T-gNB. The specific handover method is the existing technology Xn handover process, which will not be described in detail here.

S1108, T-gNB sends an N2 path switch request (N2path switch request) to the SMF.

The path switching requirement is carried in the path switching request sent by the T-gNB to the AMF, and is sent by the AMF to the SMF. When the AMF sends N2SM (N2SM Information) information to the SMF, it can indicate the area information that the UE is currently accessed. The area information can be an area identifier, TAI or gNB identifier, etc. SMF determines the area identification based on location information.

S1109. If the UE moves out of the playback area or service area of the current MB-SMF, the SMF re-determines the first MB-SMF whose playback area includes the UE's current location or the second MB-SMF whose service area includes the UE's current location based on the UE's current location. , specifically, the SMF may use the method described in method 900 or method 1000 to select the first MB-SMF or the second MB-SMF.

S1110: After re-determining the MB-SMF, the SMF obtains information about the first multicast/broadcast service from the MB-SMF, including: QoS flow information corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service.

S1111, SMF sends a response message.

After re-determining the MB-SMF in step S1110, the SMF re-determines the unicast QoS flow information and multicast QoS flow of the first multicast/broadcast service based on the QoS flow information of the first multicast/broadcast service obtained from the new MB-SMF. Correspondence between information, SMF sends the new correspondence to the target access network device (ie T-gNB).

In S1111, as an optional implementation manner, if the QoS flow information of the first multicast/broadcast service changes, for example, the QFI changes, the SMF determines the QoS flow information corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service based on the new QoS flow information. Correspondence between unicast QoS flow and multicast QoS flow. The SMF includes the new correspondence in the response message and sends it to the T-gNB. The corresponding relationship includes a mapping relationship between the QFI corresponding to the unicast QoS flow and the QFI corresponding to the multicast QoS flow.

In S1111, as an optional implementation manner, the SMF also sends the multicast QoS flow information to the T-gNB in the response message.

It should be understood that the method 1100 is also applicable to N2 handover.

It can be understood that the examples in Figures 6 to 11 in the embodiments of the present application are only to facilitate those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments of the present application, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application to the specific illustrated scenarios. Those skilled in the art can obviously make various equivalent modifications or changes based on the examples in FIGS. 6 to 11 , and such modifications or changes also fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

It can be understood that some optional features in the embodiments of the present application, in certain scenarios, can be implemented independently without relying on other features, such as the solutions they are currently based on, to solve corresponding technical problems and achieve corresponding effects. , and can also be combined with other features according to needs in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the devices provided in the embodiments of the present application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be described again here.

It can also be understood that various solutions in the embodiments of the present application can be used in reasonable combinations, and the explanations or descriptions of various terms appearing in the embodiments can be referred to or explained in each embodiment, without limitation.

It can also be understood that in various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its functions and internal logic. The various numerical numbers or serial numbers involved in the above processes are only for convenience of description and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

In the above embodiments provided by the present application, various solutions of the service transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present application are introduced from the perspectives of each network element itself and from the perspective of interaction between each network element. It can be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, each network element and device includes a corresponding hardware structure and/or software module to perform each function. Persons skilled in the art should easily realize that, with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is performed by hardware or computer software driving the hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality using different methods for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Figure 12 shows a device 1200 for transmitting multicast services provided by an embodiment of the present application. The device 1200 includes: a transceiver unit 1210 and a processing unit 1220.

In a possible implementation, the device 1200 may be the first multicast/broadcast session management functional network element involved in the above method embodiments, or may be the first multicast/broadcast session management functional network element. chip. The device 1200 can implement steps or processes corresponding to the execution of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element in the above method embodiment, wherein the transceiver unit 1210 is used to execute the first multicast/broadcast session management function in the above method embodiment. For operations related to the transmission and reception of the broadcast session management function network element, the processing unit 1220 is configured to perform operations related to processing of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element in the above method embodiment.

Exemplarily, the transceiver unit 1210 is configured to: receive a first message from a first network element, where the first message includes information about a first playback area, and the information about the first playback area is used to characterize the first playback area. Playback area, the first playback area is the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service managed by the first MB-SMF;

The transceiver unit is further configured to send a second message to a second MB-SMF according to the first message, wherein the service area of the second MB-SMF includes a first area, and the first area belongs to the The first playback area, and the first area does not belong to the service area of the first MB-SMF, the second message is used to create a transmission tunnel, and the transmission tunnel is used to play between the first MB-UPF and the first MB-SMF. The data of the first multicast/broadcast service is transmitted between two MB-UPFs. The first MB-UPF is managed by the first MB-SMF, and the second MB-UPF is managed by the second MB- SMF management.

It should be understood that the device 1200 here is embodied in the form of a functional unit. The term "unit" as used herein may refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor for executing one or more software or firmware programs (e.g., a shared processor, a dedicated processor, or a group of processors). processor, etc.) and memory, merged logic circuitry, and/or other suitable components to support the described functionality. In an optional example, those skilled in the art can understand that the device 1200 can be specifically the session management network element in the above embodiment, and can be used to execute various processes corresponding to the session management network element in the above method embodiment and/or Steps, or the device 1200 can be specifically the first network element in the above embodiment, and can be used to perform various processes and/or steps corresponding to the first network element in the above method embodiment, where the first network element can be Network open function network element or multicast/broadcast service function network element. Alternatively, the device 1200 may be specifically the access and mobility management function network element in the above embodiment, and may be used to execute various processes and/or steps corresponding to the access and mobility management function network element in the above method embodiment, To avoid repetition, they will not be repeated here.

The device 1200 of each of the above solutions has the function of realizing the corresponding steps performed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element in the above method, or the device 1200 of each of the above solutions has the function of realizing the steps performed by the first network element of the above method. The function of the corresponding step, or the device 1200 of each of the above solutions has the function of realizing the corresponding step performed by the access and mobility management function network element in the above method. The functions described can be implemented by hardware, or can be implemented by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions; for example, the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transceiver (for example, the sending unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a transmitter, and the receiving unit in the transceiver unit can be replaced by a receiving unit. (machine replacement), other units, such as processing units, etc., can be replaced by processors to respectively perform the sending and receiving operations and related processing operations in each method embodiment.

In addition, the above-mentioned transceiver unit may also be a transceiver circuit (for example, it may include a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit), and the processing unit may be a processing circuit. In this embodiment of the present application, the device in Figure 12 may be the network element or equipment involved in the above method embodiments, or it may be a chip or a chip system, such as a system on chip (SoC). The transceiver unit may be an input-output circuit or a communication interface; the processing unit may be a processor, microprocessor, or integrated circuit integrated on the chip. No limitation is made here.

Figure 13 shows another device 1300 for transmitting multicast services provided by the embodiment of the present application. The device 1300 includes a processor 1310 and a transceiver 1320. The processor 1310 and the transceiver 1320 communicate with each other through an internal connection path, and the processor 1310 is used to execute instructions to control the transceiver 1320 to send signals and/or receive signals.

Optionally, the device 1300 may also include a memory 1330, which communicates with the processor 1310 and the transceiver 1320 through internal connection paths. The memory 1330 is used to store instructions, and the processor 1310 can execute the instructions stored in the memory 1330 . In a possible implementation, the device 1300 is configured to implement various processes and steps corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element in the above method embodiment. In another possible implementation, the device 1300 is used to implement various processes and steps corresponding to the first network element in the above method embodiment, where the first network element can be a network open function network element or a multicast/broadcast Business function network element. In another possible implementation, the device 1300 is configured to implement various processes and steps corresponding to the access and mobility management network elements in the above method embodiment.

It should be understood that the device 1300 may be specifically the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the first network element, or the access and mobility management network element in the above embodiments, or may be a chip or a chip system. Correspondingly, the transceiver 1320 may be the transceiver circuit of the chip, which is not limited here. Specifically, the device 1300 can be used to perform various steps and/or processes corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the first network element, or the access and mobility management network element in the above method embodiments. . Optionally, the memory 1330 may include read-only memory and random access memory and provide instructions and data to the processor. A portion of the memory may also include non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory may also store device type information. The processor 1310 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 1310 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1310 is configured to execute the above-mentioned tasks related to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the third A network element, or access to various steps and/or processes of the method embodiment corresponding to the mobility management network element.

During the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by instructions in the form of hardware integrated logic circuits or software in the processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented by a hardware processor for execution, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers and other mature storage media in this field. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

It should be noted that the processor in the embodiment of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiment can be completed through an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor or instructions in the form of software. The above-mentioned processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. . Each method, step and logical block diagram disclosed in the embodiment of this application can be implemented or executed. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may be any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly implemented by a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers and other mature storage media in this field. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

It can be understood that the memory in the embodiment of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (erasable PROM, EPROM), electrically removable memory. Erase programmable read-only memory (electrically EPROM, EEPROM) or flash memory. Volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of illustration, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (double data rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM) ) and direct memory bus random access memory (direct rambus RAM, DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

According to the method provided by the embodiment of the present application, the present application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes: computer program code. When the computer program code is run on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the steps shown in Figures 6 to 11. In the embodiment shown, each step or process is performed with the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the first network element, or the access and mobility management function network element.

According to the method provided by the embodiment of the present application, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores program code. When the program code is run on a computer, it causes the computer to execute FIG. 6 to FIG. Various steps or processes performed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the first network element, or the access and mobility management function network element in the embodiment shown in 11.

According to the method provided by the embodiments of this application, this application also provides a communication system, which includes the first network element, the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, access and mobility involved in the above method embodiments. Manage functional network elements, second network elements and access network equipment.

In the above embodiments, it may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on the computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another, e.g., the computer instructions may be transferred from a website, computer, server, or data center Transmission to another website, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that contains one or more available media integrated. The usable media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, tapes), optical media (e.g., high-density digital video discs (DVD)), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid state disks). SSD)) etc.

The network equipment in each of the above apparatus embodiments corresponds completely to the network equipment or terminal equipment in the terminal equipment and method embodiments, and corresponding modules or units perform corresponding steps, for example, a transceiver unit (transceiver) performs receiving or receiving in the method embodiments. The sending step, other steps except sending and receiving, may be executed by the processing unit (processor). For the functions of specific units, please refer to the corresponding method embodiments. There can be one or more processors.

The terms "component", "module", "system", etc. used in this specification are used to refer to computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to, a process, a processor, an object, an executable file, a thread of execution, a program and/or a computer running on a processor. Through the illustrations, both applications running on the computing device and the computing device may be components. One or more components can reside in a process and/or thread of execution and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. Additionally, these components can execute from various computer-readable storage media having various data structures stored thereon. A component may, for example, be based on a signal having one or more data packets (eg, data from two components interacting with another component, a local system, a distributed system, and/or a network, such as the Internet, which interacts with other systems via signals) Communicate through local and/or remote processes.

It should be understood that “at least one” in this article refers to one or more, and “plurality” refers to two or more. "And/or" describes the association of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and/or B, which can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone, where A, B can be singular or plural. The character "/" generally indicates that the related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions thereof refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item (items) or a plurality of items (items). For example, at least one of a, b and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b and c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. accomplish. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality using different methods for each specific application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and simplicity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes involved in the above method embodiments, and will not be described again here.

In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or can be integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored, or not implemented. On the other hand, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between each other shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of the devices or units may be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application can be integrated into one processing unit, each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

In the above embodiments, the functions of each functional unit may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (program) are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another, e.g., the computer instructions may be transferred from a website, computer, server, or data center Transmission to another website, computer, server or data center by wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. that contains one or more available media integrated. The available media may be magnetic media (eg, floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical media (eg, DVD), or semiconductor media (eg, solid state disk (SSD)), etc.

If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the existing technology or the part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including Several instructions are used to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage media include: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code. .

It should be understood that in the various embodiments of the present application, the size of the sequence numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its functions and internal logic, and should not be used in the embodiments of the present application. The implementation process constitutes any limitation.

The above are only specific embodiments of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any skilled person familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application. should be covered by the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims (43)

1. A multicast/broadcast communication method, comprising:

   a first multicast/broadcast session management function network element receives a first message from a first network element, wherein the first message comprises information of a first playing area, the information of the first playing area is used for representing the first playing area, and the first playing area is a service area of a first multicast/broadcast service managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element;

   the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element sends a second message to a second multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the first message, wherein a service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element comprises a first area, the first area belongs to the first playing area, the first area does not belong to the service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the second message is used for creating a transmission tunnel, the transmission tunnel is used for transmitting data of the first multicast/broadcast service between the first multicast/broadcast user plane function network element and the second multicast/broadcast user plane function network element, the first multicast/broadcast user plane function network element is managed by the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the second multicast/broadcast user plane function network element is managed by the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the substrate comprises,

   the first network element is a network element with an open function or a multicast/broadcast service function.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that,

   the first message further includes identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element.
4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the information of the first playing area includes information of the first area, the information of the first area being used to characterize the first area, the method further comprising:

   the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element sends a third message to the second network element, wherein the third message comprises the information of the first area, and the third message is used for acquiring the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element of which the service area comprises the first area;

   the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element receives identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element from the second network element.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of determining the position of the first electrode is performed,

   the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data storage function network element or a network storage function network element.
6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

   the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element receives information of an application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service from the first network element;

   and the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element determines the first multicast/broadcast user plane function network element according to the information of the application server.
7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising:

   the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element receives downlink tunnel information of a second multicast/broadcast user plane function network element from a second multicast/broadcast session management function network element;

   the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element sends the downlink tunnel information to the first multicast/broadcast user plane function network element, wherein the downlink tunnel information is used for creating the transmission tunnel.
8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:

   the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element sends a fourth message to the second network element, wherein the fourth message comprises identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and information of the first playing area, and the fourth message is used for registering the information of the first playing area.
9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein,

   the second message further includes information of a multicast tunnel of the first multicast/broadcast user plane function network element, where the information of the multicast tunnel includes multicast address information of the first multicast/broadcast user plane function network element and identification information of the multicast tunnel.
10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein,

    the second message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and/or quality of service flow information of the first multicast/broadcast service.
11. A multicast/broadcast communication method, comprising:

    the method comprises the steps that a first network element obtains information of a first playing area, wherein the information of the first playing area is used for representing the first playing area, and the first playing area is a service area of a first multicast/broadcast service managed by a first multicast/broadcast session management function network element;

    the first network element sends a first message to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the first message including information of the first play area.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises:

    The first network element determines the first playing area according to the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first network element determining the first playing area according to the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service comprises:

    the first network element determines the first playing area according to the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service, the information of the application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service and the network topology information of the first multicast/broadcast service.
14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising:

    the first network element determines a second playing area according to the information of the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of an application server corresponding to the first multicast/broadcast service, wherein the second playing area is the service area of the first multicast/broadcast service managed by a third multicast/broadcast session management function network element;

    The first network element sends information of the second playing area to the third multicast/broadcast session management function network element, wherein the information of the second playing area is used for representing the second playing area.
15. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein,

    the first network element is a network element with a network opening function or a multicast/broadcast service function.
16. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein,

    the first playing area includes a first area, and the first area does not belong to a service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the method further comprises:

    the first network element sends a fifth message to the second network element, wherein the fifth message comprises the information of the first area, and the fifth message is used for acquiring the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element of which the service area comprises the first area;

    the first network element receives identification information of a second multicast/broadcast session management function network element from the second network element, and a service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element comprises the first area;

    The first network element sends the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises:

    the first network element determines that the first area does not support multicast and/or that multicast is not supported between the first area and a service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element.
19. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein,

    the information of the first play area includes information of the first area.
20. The method according to claim 17, wherein,

    the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data storage function network element or a network storage function network element.
21. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 20, further comprising:

    the first network element sends information of an application server of the first multicast/broadcast service to the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element.
22. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 21, further comprising:

    The first network element sends a sixth message to the second network element, wherein the sixth message comprises identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and information of the first playing area, and the sixth message is used for registering the information of the first playing area.
23. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 22, further comprising:

    the first network element sends a seventh message to the second network element, where the seventh message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and identification information of a second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the seventh message is used to register the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element as a multicast/broadcast session management function network element that provides services for the first multicast/broadcast service.
24. A multicast/broadcast communication method, comprising:

    an access and mobility management function network element receives an eighth message from an access network device, the eighth message being for requesting transmission of a first multicast/broadcast service to the access network device, the eighth message comprising identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service;

    the access and mobility management function network element obtains the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the eighth message;

    The access and mobility management function network element determines that a service area of the access network device does not belong to a service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element;

    the access and mobility management function network element obtains the identification information of a second multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the information of the access network device, wherein the service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element comprises the service area of the access network device;

    the access and mobility management function network element sends a ninth message to the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the ninth message being used to create a transport tunnel, the transport tunnel being used to transport data of the first multicast/broadcast service between the second multicast/broadcast user plane function network element and the access network device, the second multicast/broadcast user plane function network element being managed by the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element.
25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the access and mobility management function network element obtains the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the eighth message, including:

    The access and mobility management function network element sends a tenth message to a second network element, wherein the tenth message comprises the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the access network device, and the tenth message is used for acquiring the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element of which the playing area comprises the service area of the access network device;

    the access and mobility management function network element receives identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element from the second network element, where the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element is configured to manage the first multicast/broadcast service in a first play area, and the first play area includes a service area of the access network device.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of determining the position of the probe is performed,

    the eighth message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element.
27. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein,

    the ninth message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element.
28. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of determining the position of the probe is performed,

    The second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data storage function network element or a network storage function network element.
29. The method according to any of the claims 24 to 28, wherein the access and mobility management function network element obtains the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element from the information of the access network device, comprising:

    the access and mobility management function network element sends an eleventh message to the second network element, wherein the eleventh message comprises the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the access network device, and the eleventh message is used for acquiring the identification information of the multicast/broadcast session management function network element of which the service area comprises the service area of the access network device;

    the access and mobility management function network element receives identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element from the second network element, and a service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element includes a service area of the access network device.
30. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein,

    the ninth message further includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service.
31. The method according to any one of claims 24 to 30, further comprising:

    the access and mobility management function network element receives the information of the multicast tunnel of the second multicast/broadcast user plane function network element, wherein the information of the multicast tunnel comprises the multicast address information of the second multicast/broadcast user plane function network element and the identification information of the multicast tunnel;

    and the access and mobility management function network element sends the information of the multicast tunnel to the access network equipment.
32. The method according to any of claims 24 to 31, wherein the access network device does not support multicast and/or between a service area of the access network device and a service area of the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element, the method further comprising:

    the access and mobility management function network element receives downlink tunnel information of the access network equipment;

    and the access and mobility management function network element sends downlink tunnel information of the access network device to the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, wherein the downlink tunnel information is used for creating the transmission tunnel.
33. A multicast/broadcast communication method, comprising:

    the second network element receives a tenth message, wherein the tenth message comprises the identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and the information of the access network equipment, and the tenth message is used for acquiring the identification information of a multicast/broadcast session management function network element of which the playing area comprises the service area of the access network equipment;

    the second network element sends identification information of a first multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the tenth message, where the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element is configured to manage the first multicast/broadcast service in a first play area, and the first play area includes a service area of the access network device.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein the method further comprises:

    the second network element receives a fourth message from the first multicast/broadcast session management function network element; or alternatively, the first and second heat exchangers may be,

    the second network element receives a sixth message from the first network element, wherein the fourth message or the sixth message comprises identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and information of the first playing area, and the fourth message or the sixth message is used for registering the information of the first playing area.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the step of determining the position of the probe is performed,

    the first network element is a network element with a network opening function or a multicast/broadcast service function.
36. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 35, further comprising:

    the second network element receives a seventh message, where the seventh message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and identification information of a second multicast/broadcast session management function network element, and the seventh message is used to register the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element as a multicast/broadcast session management function network element that provides services for the first multicast/broadcast service.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the method further comprises:

    the second network element receives an eleventh message, where the eleventh message includes identification information of the first multicast/broadcast service and information of the access network device, and the eleventh message is used to obtain identification information of a multicast/broadcast session management function network element whose service area includes a service area of the access network device;

    and the second network element sends the identification information of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element according to the eleventh message, wherein the service area of the second multicast/broadcast session management function network element comprises the service area of the access network device.
38. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein,

    the second network element is any one of a unified data management network element, a user data storage function network element or a network storage function network element.
39. A communication device, comprising: a processor, a memory, and instructions stored on the memory and executable on the processor, which when executed, cause the apparatus to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 38.
40. A computer readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 38.
41. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 38.
42. A communication system, comprising:

    a first multicast/broadcast session management function network element for performing the method of any of claims 1-10;

    a first network element for performing the method of any of claims 11-23;

    An access and mobility management function network element for performing the method of any of claims 24-32;

    a second network element for performing the method of any of claims 33-38.
43. A chip system, comprising: a processor for calling and running a computer program from a memory, causing a communication device in which the chip system is installed to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 38.