WO2021068830A1

WO2021068830A1 - Multicast transport method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2021068830A1
Application number: PCT/CN2020/119295
Authority: WO
Inventors: 李濛; 孙海洋; 杨艳梅
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2019-10-08
Filing date: 2020-09-30
Publication date: 2021-04-15
Also published as: CN112637785B; CN112637785A

Abstract

The present application provides a multicast transport method and apparatus, being able to reduce signaling overheads. Said method comprises: a first network device acquiring reference information of a first multicast service, the reference information comprising at least one of area information of the first multicast service or the service type of the first multicast service, the reference information being used to determine a target policy control function (PCF) network element of the first multicast service; and the first network device sending, to the target PCF network element, description information of the first multicast service. Exemplarily, said method and apparatus may be applied to an Internet of Vehicles scenario.

Description

Method and device for multicast transmission

This application claims the priority of a Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office, the application number is 201910951070.8, and the application name is "Method and Apparatus for Multicast Transmission" on October 08, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Applying.

Technical field

This application relates to the field of communications, and more specifically to methods and devices for multicast transmission in the field of communications.

Background technique

In the 3GPP standard, a multicast or broadcast architecture is proposed, and multicast or broadcast transmission can save transmission resources. In the existing multicast or broadcast architecture, the application server (application function, AF) needs to provide the description information of the multicast service to the core network element. For example, the description information may be user service description (USD) information , The core network network element sends the description information to the policy control function (PCF) network element, the PCF network element sends the description information to the terminal device, and the terminal device uses the description information to receive the multicast service data. However, it is possible that the PCF network element cannot serve the terminal device, which causes the description information to be sent to unnecessary PCF network elements, which leads to an increase in signaling overhead.

Summary of the invention

This application provides a method and device for multicast transmission, which can reduce signaling overhead.

In a first aspect, a method for multicast transmission is provided, including: a first network device obtains reference information of a first multicast service, where the reference information includes area information of the first multicast service or the At least one of the service types of the first multicast service, the reference information is used to determine the target policy control function PCF network element of the first multicast service; the first network device sends the target PCF network element to the target PCF network element Sending the description information of the first multicast service.

Therefore, in this embodiment of the application, the target PCF network element is determined according to the area information of the first multicast service. In this way, the determined target PCF network element can provide services for the first multicast service within its own coverage area; or, it can be based on The service type of the first multicast service determines the target PCF network element, so that the determined target PCF network element supports the service type of the first multicast service; or, it can be based on the service type of the first multicast service and the first multicast service Area information to determine the target PCF network element, so that the determined target PCF network element can not only provide services for the first multicast service in its own coverage area, but also support the service type of the first multicast service, which can avoid the first multicast service The description information is sent to unnecessary PCF network elements, which helps reduce signaling overhead.

Optionally, that the first network device obtains the reference information of the first multicast service includes: the first network device obtains the reference information of the first multicast service from the application server or the MB-SC.

Optionally, if the first network device is a unified data storage UDR network element; obtaining the reference information of the first multicast service from the application server or MB-SC by the first network device includes:

The UDR network element receives the reference information from the application server or the MB-SC through the NEF network element.

Optionally, if the reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service, each PCF network element in the at least one PCF network element supports the service type of the first multicast service; if the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service Type, each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element has an intersection with the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service. At least one PCF network element includes the target PCF network element

Optionally, before the first network device sends the description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF network element, the method further includes: the first network device obtains the first multicast service from the application server or the MB-SC 1. Descriptive information of the multicast service.

Optionally, there are one or more target PCF network elements. Optionally, the target PCF network element is a network element that can provide services for the first multicast service, or the target PCF network element is a network element that may provide services for the first multicast service.

Optionally, the first network device is NEF or UDR.

Optionally, the UDR may determine the target PCF network element. Optionally, the NEF may determine the target PCF network element, and if the NEF determines the target PCF network element, the NEF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the UDR.

It should be noted that the area information of the first multicast service is used to indicate the area where the first multicast service is transmitted.

Optionally, the first service type is a vehicle to everything (V2X) type or an Internet of things (IoT) type or a public safety (public safety) type.

In some possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the first network device sends the reference information to the second network device; the first network device receives the information of the target PCF network element sent by the second network device; Information, the information of the target PCF network element is used to identify the target PCF network element.

In the embodiment of the present application, the second network device may determine the target PCF network element according to the reference information sent by the first network device, and send the information of the target PCF network element to the first network device, and the first network device may send the target PCF network element information to the first network device. The network element sends the description information of the first multicast service. For example, the first network device may be UDR or NEF, and the second network device may be NRF. Specifically, the second network device may determine the target PCF network element according to the area information of the first multicast service. In this way, the determined target PCF network element may provide services for the first multicast service within its own coverage area or; or, 2. The network device may determine the target PCF network element according to the service type of the first multicast service, so that the determined target PCF network element supports the service type of the first multicast service; or the second network device may determine the target PCF network element according to the service type of the first multicast service. The service type and the area information of the first multicast service determine the target PCF network element, so that the determined target PCF network element can not only provide services for the first multicast service within its own coverage area, but also support the service type of the first multicast service , Can avoid sending the description information of the first multicast service to unnecessary PCF network elements, which helps to reduce signaling overhead.

For example, the information of the target PCF network element may be the identification of the target PCF network element.

In some possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the first network device determines the target PCF network element according to the reference information.

In this way, the first network device can determine the target PCF network element according to the area information of the first multicast service. In this way, the determined target PCF network element can provide services for the first multicast service in its own coverage area or; or, the first The network device may determine the target PCF network element according to the service type of the first multicast service, so that the determined target PCF network element supports the service type of the first multicast service; or the first network device may determine the target PCF network element according to the service type of the first multicast service The type and area information of the first multicast service determine the target PCF network element, so that the determined target PCF network element can not only provide services for the first multicast service within its own coverage area, but also support the service type of the first multicast service. It can avoid sending the description information of the first multicast service to unnecessary PCF network elements, which helps reduce signaling overhead.

In some possible implementations, the reference information includes area information of the first multicast service, and the method further includes: the first network device obtains the service area information of at least one PCF network element, and the service The area information is used to indicate the service area; the first network device determines the target PCF network element according to the reference information, including: the first network device determines the target PCF network element according to the area information of the first multicast service and the The service area information of at least one PCF network element determines the target PCF network element.

Optionally, the first network device determines the target PCF network element according to the area information of the first multicast service and the service area information of the at least one PCF network element, including: the first network device sets at least A PCF network element that has an intersection between the service area indicated by the service area information of a PCF network element and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service is determined as the target PCF network element.

Further, in the case of the service type of the first multicast service supported by each PCF network element in the at least one PCF network element, the first network device can only communicate in the at least one PCF network element according to the area information of the first multicast service. It is determined that the PCF network element that has an intersection with the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service is the target PCF network element, so that the target PCF network element not only supports the service type of the first multicast service, but also can be in the service area covered by itself Serve the first multicast business.

Optionally, the first network device acquiring service area information of at least one PCF network element includes: the first network device receives respective service area information sent by each PCF network element in the at least one PCF network element; or first The network device itself stores the service area information of each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element; or the first network device itself stores the respective service area information of some PCF network elements in at least one PCF network element, the first network device Receive the respective service area information sent by the remaining part of the at least one PCF network element.

In some possible implementation manners, the reference information does not include the service type of the first multicast service, and the target PCF network element includes at least two PCF network elements, and the method further includes:

The first network device sends the service type of the first multicast service to the target PCF network element.

In the solution of the embodiment of the present application, if the reference information does not include the service type of the first multicast service, but only includes the area information of the first multicast service, the first network device may first base on the area information of the first multicast service It is determined that the PCF network element that overlaps the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service with the service area information of at least one PCF network element is the target PCF network element, and the target PCF network element may also be understood as the first The PCF network element that the multicast service provides services, so that the first network device can send the service type of the first multicast service to the target PCF network element, and the target PCF network element determines whether it can support the service type of the first multicast service. Yes, the PCF network element can provide services for the first multicast service.

In some possible implementation manners, the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service, and the method further includes: the first network device obtains the service type supported by at least one PCF network element; The first network device determining the target PCF network element according to the reference information includes: the first network device according to the service type of the first multicast service and the service type supported by the at least one PCF network element , Determine the target PCF network element.

Further, in the case where the coverage area of each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element overlaps with the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service, the first network device can only be based on the first multicast service. Service Type Determine the PCF network element that supports the service type of the first multicast service among at least one PCF network element as the target PCF network element, so that the target PCF network element not only supports the service type of the first multicast service, but also can cover itself The service area serves the first multicast service.

Optionally, the first network device acquiring the supported service type of at least one PCF network element includes: the first network device receives the respective supported service type sent by each PCF network element in the at least one PCF network element; or A network device itself stores the service types supported by each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element; or the first network device itself stores service types supported by some of the PCF network elements in at least one PCF network element. A network device receives the respective supported service types sent by the remaining part of the at least one PCF network element.

In some possible implementation manners, the reference information does not include the area information of the first multicast service, and the target PCF network element includes at least two PCF network elements, and the method further includes: The network device sends the area information of the first multicast service to the target PCF network element.

In the solution of the embodiment of the present application, if the reference information does not include the area information of the first multicast service, but only includes the service type of the first multicast service, the first network device may first base on the service type of the first multicast service And the service type supported by at least one PCF network element to determine that the PCF network element supporting the service type of the first multicast service is the target PCF network element, and the target PCF network element can also be understood as possibly being able to provide the first multicast service The serving PCF network element, so that the first network device can send the area information of the first multicast service to the target PCF network element, and the target PCF network element determines whether it matches the area information of the first multicast service according to its own service area information. Areas have intersections. If stored, the PCF network element can provide services for the first multicast service.

In some possible implementations, the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service, and the method further includes: the first network device obtains at least one The service type supported by the PCF network element and the service area information of the at least one PCF network element; the first network device determines the target PCF network element according to the reference information, including: the first network device determines the target PCF network element according to the The service type of the first multicast service, the area information of the first multicast service, the service area information of the at least one PCF network element, and the service type supported by the at least one PCF network element, determine the target PCF Network element.

In this way, the first network device can jointly determine the target PCF network element according to the service type of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service, and the service area of the target PCF network element determined in this way is the same as the area information of the first service type. The indicated areas have intersections, and the target PCF network element also supports the first service type. In this way, the target PCF network element can better serve the first multicast service.

Optionally, the first network device acquiring the service type supported by at least one PCF network element and the service area information of the at least one PCF network element includes: the first network device receives each PCF network element in the at least one PCF network element. The respective service area information and the service types supported by each element sent by the element; or the first network device itself stores the service area information of each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element and the service types supported by each; or the first network device The service area information of each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element is stored by itself; the respective service area information sent by the first network device from each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element; or the first network device itself saves There is at least one service type supported by each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element, and the first network device receives its own service area information sent by each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element; or the first network device itself stores The service types supported by some PCF network elements and/or the service area information of some PCF network elements, the first network device receives the service types supported by the remaining PCF network elements and/or the service area information of the remaining PCF network elements .

In some possible implementation manners, the area information is tracking area TA information or cell identification information or identification information of an access network device.

In a second aspect, a method for multicast transmission is provided, including: a policy control function PCF network element sends to a first network device the types of services supported by the PCF network element and/or the services of the PCF network element Area information

Wherein, the service area information is used to indicate the service area of the PCF network element.

Optionally, the area information is tracking area TA information or cell identification information or identification information of an access network device.

In some possible implementation manners, the PCF network element sends the supported service type of the PCF network element to the first network device, and the method further includes: the PCF network element receives the first network device from the first network device. The description information of the multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service; when the service area of the PCF network element overlaps with the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service, the PCF network element The description information of the first multicast service is sent to the unified data storage UDR network element, that is, the PCF network element can provide the service with the first multicast service at this time.

In some possible implementation manners, the PCF network element sends the service area information of the PCF network element of the PCF network element to the first network device, and the method further includes: the PCF network element receives the first network The description information of the first multicast service sent by the device and the service type of the first multicast service; when the service type supported by the PCF network element includes the service type of the first multicast service, the PCF network The element sends the description information of the first multicast service to the unified data storage UDR network element, that is, the PCF network element can provide the service with the first multicast service at this time.

In some possible implementation manners, the method further includes: the PCF network element receiving the description information of the first multicast service sent by the first network device. At this time, the PCF network element is the first network device according to the area information of the first multicast service and the service area information of the PCF network element, and/or, according to the first multicast service The service type and the service type supported by the PCF network element determine the network element that can serve the first multicast service.

In some possible implementation manners, before the PCF network element sends the service area information of the PCF network element to the first network device, the method further includes: the PCF network element receives one or more AMF network elements Respective service area information sent by each AMF network element; the PCF network element determines the service area area information of the PCF network element according to the respective service area information sent by each AMF network element.

In some possible implementation manners, the service type supported by the PCF network element includes a V2X type or an IoT type or a public safety type.

In a third aspect, a method for multicast transmission is provided, including: a network storage function NRF network element receives reference information of a first multicast service from a first network device, where the reference information includes the first multicast service. At least one of the area information of the first multicast service or the service type of the first multicast service; the NRF network element determines the target PCF network element of the first multicast service according to the reference information; the NRF The network element sends the information of the target PCF network element to the first network device, where the information of the target PCF network element is used to identify the target PCF network element.

Therefore, in the embodiment of the present application, NRF determines the target PCF network element according to the area information of the first multicast service. In this way, the determined target PCF network element can provide services for the first multicast service within its own coverage area; or, NRF The target PCF network element may be determined according to the service type of the first multicast service. In this way, the determined target PCF network element supports the service type of the first multicast service; or, the NRF may be based on the service type of the first multicast service and the first multicast service. The area information of the multicast service determines the target PCF network element, so that the determined target PCF network element can not only provide service for the first multicast service in its own coverage area, but also support the service type of the first multicast service, which can avoid the first multicast service type. The description information of the multicast service is sent to unnecessary PCF network elements, which helps reduce signaling overhead.

In some possible implementation manners, the reference information includes area information of the first multicast service, and the method further includes: the NRF network element obtains service area information supported by at least one PCF network element; the NRF The network element determining the target PCF network element of the first multicast service according to the reference information includes: the NRF network element according to the area information of the first multicast service and the support of the at least one PCF network element Service area information, determine the target PCF network element.

Optionally, the NRF determines the target PCF network element according to the area information of the first multicast service and the service area information of the at least one PCF network element, including: NRF services the at least one PCF network element The PCF network element that has an intersection between the service area indicated by the area information and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service is determined as the target PCF network element.

Further, in the case of the service type of the first multicast service supported by each PCF network element in the at least one PCF network element, the NRF can only determine the same in the at least one PCF network element according to the area information of the first multicast service. The PCF network element that has an intersection in the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service is the target PCF network element, so that the target PCF network element not only supports the service type of the first multicast service, but can also be the first in the service area covered by itself Multicast business services.

Optionally, the NRF acquiring the service area information of at least one PCF network element includes: the NRF prepares to receive the service area information of each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element sent by other network elements; or the NRF itself stores at least one service area information The service area information of each PCF network element in the PCF network element; or the NRF itself stores the respective service area information of at least one PCF network element of some PCF network elements, and the NRF receives the remaining part of the PCF network element sent by other network elements. The respective service area information.

In some possible implementation manners, the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service, and the method further includes: the NRF network element acquiring the service type supported by at least one PCF network element;

The NRF network element determining the target PCF network element of the first multicast service according to the reference information includes:

The NRF network element determines the target PCF network element according to the service type of the first multicast service and the service type supported by the at least one PCF network element.

Further, in the case where the coverage area of each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element overlaps with the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service, the NRF can only be used according to the service type of the first multicast service. At least one PCF network element is determined to support the service type of the first multicast service as the target PCF network element, so that the target PCF network element not only supports the service type of the first multicast service, but also can be in the service area covered by itself Serve the first multicast business.

Optionally, the NRF obtains the supported service types of at least one PCF network element, including: the NRF receives at least one PCF network element sent by other network elements, and each PCF network element supports at least one service type; or the NRF itself stores at least one service type. The service type supported by each PCF network element in the PCF network element; or the NRF itself stores the service types supported by at least one PCF network element of some PCF network elements, and the NRF receives at least one PCF network element sent by other network elements The service types supported by the remaining PCF network elements.

In some possible implementation manners, the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service, and the method further includes:

The NRF network element obtains the service type supported by at least one PCF network element and the service area information of the at least one PCF network element; the NRF network element determines the target PCF of the first multicast service according to the reference information The network element includes: the NRF network element according to the service type of the first multicast service, the area information of the first multicast service, the service area information of the at least one PCF network element, and the at least one PCF The service type supported by the network element determines the target PCF network element.

In this way, the NRF network element can jointly determine the target PCF network element according to the service type of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service, and the service area of the target PCF network element determined in this way is indicated by the area information of the first service type. There are intersections in the areas of, and the target PCF network element also supports the first service type. In this way, the target PCF network element can better serve the first multicast service.

Optionally, the NRF network element acquiring the service type supported by the at least one PCF network element and the service area information of the at least one PCF network element includes: the NRF network element receives each PCF in the at least one PCF network element sent by other network elements The respective service area information sent by the network elements and the service types they support; or the NRF network element itself stores at least one PCF network element’s service area information and the respective service types supported by each PCF network element; or the NRF network element itself The service area information of each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element is stored, and the NRF network element receives the respective service area information of each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element from other network elements; or the NRF network element itself saves There is at least one service type supported by each PCF network element in the PCF network element, and the NRF network element receives the service area information of each PCF network element in at least one PCF network element from other network elements; or the NRF network element itself stores The service types supported by some PCF network elements and/or the service area information of some PCF network elements, and the NRF network element receives the service types supported by the remaining PCF network elements and/or the services of the remaining PCF network elements from other network elements. Regional information.

In some possible implementation manners, the service type of the first multicast service is an Internet of Vehicles V2X type or an IoT type or a public safety type.

In a fourth aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for multicast transmission, which is used to implement the method in the first aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof. The device may be the first network device, or a device in the first network device, or a device that can be matched and used with the first network device. In one design, the device may include modules that perform one-to-one correspondence of the methods/operations/steps/actions described in the first aspect and/or any possible implementation manners thereof. The modules may be hardware circuits or software , It can also be realized by hardware circuit combined with software. In one design, the device may include a sending unit and a receiving unit.

In the fifth aspect, this application provides an apparatus for multicast transmission, which is used to implement the method in the second aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof. The device can be a PCF network element, a device in a PCF network element, or a device that can be matched and used with a PCF network element. In one design, the device may include modules that perform one-to-one correspondence of the methods/operations/steps/actions described in the second aspect and/or any possible implementation manners thereof. The modules may be hardware circuits or software , It can also be realized by hardware circuit combined with software. In one design, the device may include a sending unit and a receiving unit.

In the sixth aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for multicast transmission, which is used to implement the method in the third aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof. The device can be an NRF network element, or a device in an NRF network element, or a device that can be matched and used with an NRF network element. In one design, the device may include modules that perform one-to-one correspondence of the methods/operations/steps/actions described in the third aspect and/or any possible implementation manners thereof. The modules may be hardware circuits or software , It can also be realized by hardware circuit combined with software. In one design, the device may include a transceiver unit.

In a seventh aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for multicast transmission. The apparatus includes a processor, configured to implement the method described in the foregoing first aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof. The apparatus may further include a memory, which is coupled with the processor, and the processor is configured to implement the method described in the first aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof. Optionally, the processor is configured to store instructions, and when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the method described in the first aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof can be implemented. The device may also include a communication interface for the device to communicate with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transceiver, circuit, bus, module, pin, or other type of communication interface.

In an eighth aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for multicast transmission. The apparatus includes a processor, configured to implement the method described in the second aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof. The device may further include a memory, the memory is coupled with the processor, and the processor is configured to implement the method described in the above second aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof. Optionally, the processor is configured to store instructions, and when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the method described in the second aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof can be implemented. The device may also include a communication interface, and the communication interface is used for the device to communicate with other devices.

In a ninth aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for multicast transmission. The apparatus includes a processor, configured to implement the method described in the third aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof. The apparatus may further include a memory, the memory is coupled with the processor, and the processor is configured to implement the method described in the third aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof. Optionally, the processor is configured to store instructions, and when the processor executes the instructions stored in the memory, the method described in the third aspect and/or any possible implementation manner thereof can be implemented. The device may also include a communication interface, and the communication interface is used for the device to communicate with other devices.

In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a system for multicast transmission, the system including the device provided in the fourth aspect, the device provided in the fifth aspect, and the device provided in the sixth aspect at least two of the devices; or

The system includes at least two of the device provided in the seventh aspect, the device provided in the eighth aspect, and the device provided in the ninth aspect;

In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions run on the computer, the computer executes the first aspect and any of its possible designs. method.

In the twelfth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium in which computer instructions are stored. When the computer instructions are run on the computer, the computer can execute the second aspect and any of its possible designs. method.

In the thirteenth aspect, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions. When the computer instructions run on the computer, the computer executes the third aspect and any possible design. method.

In a fourteenth aspect, this application provides a chip including a processor. The processor is used to execute the method in the first aspect and any possible implementation manners thereof.

Optionally, the chip further includes a memory, and the memory is coupled with the processor.

Further optionally, the chip further includes a communication interface.

In a fifteenth aspect, this application provides a chip including a processor. The processor is used to execute the method in the second aspect and any possible implementation manners thereof.

In a sixteenth aspect, this application provides a chip including a processor. The processor is used to execute the method in the third aspect and any possible implementation manners thereof.

Further optionally, the chip further includes a communication interface.

In a seventeenth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, the computer program product includes computer program code, when the computer program code runs on a computer, the computer executes the first aspect and any of its possible designs method.

In an eighteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes computer program code. When the computer program code runs on a computer, the computer executes the second aspect and any of its possible implementations. Methods.

In a nineteenth aspect, this application provides a computer program product, the computer program product comprising computer program code, when the computer program code is run on a computer, the computer executes the third aspect and any of its possible designs method.

Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an architecture in an MBMS scenario provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a method for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic diagram of another method for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of another method for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of another method for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of another method for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of another method for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of another method for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of another method for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of another method for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram of another method for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for multicast transmission according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic block diagram of another apparatus for multicast transmission according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic block diagram of another apparatus for multicast transmission according to an embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic block diagram of another apparatus for multicast transmission according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed ways

The technical solution in this application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as: global system for mobile communications (GSM) system, code division multiple access (CDMA) system, broadband code division multiple access (wideband code division multiple access, WCDMA) system, general packet radio service (GPRS), long term evolution (LTE) system, LTE frequency division duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time division duplex (TDD), universal mobile telecommunication system (UMTS), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) communication system, the future fifth generation (5th generation, 5G) system or new radio (NR), etc.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a system architecture applied to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 includes: a policy control function (PCF) 101, a user plane function (UPF) 102, and a network exposure function (NEF) 103, session management function (SMF) 104, user equipment (UE) 105, core access and mobility management function (core access and mobility management function, AMF) 106, wireless connection Network access (radio access network, RAN) 107, authentication server function (authentication server function, AUSF) 108, data network (data network, DN) 109, application function (AF) 110, unified data storage network At least one of a unified data repository (UDR) 111 or a network storage function (NF repository function, NRF) 112. Among them, UE 105 is connected to AMF 106 through N1 interface, UE 101 is connected to RAN 107 through radio resource control (RRC) protocol; RAN 107 is connected to AMF 106 through N2 interface, RAN 107 is connected to UPF 102 through N3 interface Multiple UPF 102 is connected through N9 interface, UPF 102 is connected to DN 109 through N6 interface, and UPF 102 is connected to SMF 104 through N4 interface; SMF 104 is connected to PCF 101 through N7 interface, SMF 104 is connected to N29 interface NEF 103 is connected, while SMF 104 is connected to AMF 106 through N11 interface; SMF 104 obtains policy data from PCF 101 through N7 interface; SMF 104 controls UPF 102 through N4 interface.

Among them, PCF101 includes user subscription data management functions, policy control functions, charging policy control functions, etc. PCF101 can provide UE policies to UE105, access management policies to AMF106, and session management policies to SMF104. For example, in a vehicle to everything (V2X) scenario, the PCF101 provides information such as V2X-related authentication and policy parameters to the UE105 and the RAN107.

UPF102, according to the forwarding rules sent by SMF10, executes the forwarding of user service data.

NEF103 supports network capability opening functions and develops network capabilities and services to the outside world. 3GPP network elements release their supported functions and events to other network elements through NEF. The open capabilities and events of network elements can be safely opened to third-party applications. NEF uses the standardized interface (Nudr) of the unified data repository (UDR111) to store/retrieve structured data.

SMF104 is responsible for user plane network element selection, user plane network element reselection, IP address allocation, session establishment, modification and release, and QoS control.

UE105 can also be a terminal device, and the involved terminal device (terminal) can include various handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem; it can also include Subscriber unit, cellular phone, smart phone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, tablet computer, wireless modem (modem), handheld device ( handheld), laptop (laptop computer), cordless phone (wireless local loop, WLL) station, machine type communication (MTC) terminal, mobile station (mobile station, MS), terminal device, etc. For ease of description, in this application, the devices mentioned above are collectively referred to as terminal devices.

AMF106 is responsible for user mobility management, including mobility status management, allocating user temporary identities, authenticating and authorizing users.

RAN107 is a device that provides wireless communication functions for UE105. RAN107 includes but is not limited to: next-generation base stations (gnodeB, gNB) in 5G, evolved node B (evolved node B, eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (node B, NB) ), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (base transceiver station, BTS), home base station (for example, home evolved nodeB, or home node B, HNB), baseband unit (baseBand unit, BBU), Transmission point (transmitting and receiving point, TRP), transmission point (transmitting point, TP), mobile switching center, etc.

AUSF108 is responsible for the safety certification of UE105.

DN109 is a data network that provides business services to users. Generally, the client is located in UE105, and the server is located in the data network.

AF110 is responsible for user application management.

UDR111 is responsible for managing contract data. For example, UDR111 saves USD.

NRF112 is responsible for providing storage function and selection function of network function entity information for other network elements.

It should be noted that for the convenience of description, the "network element" is removed, for example, PCF means PCF network element, UDR means UDR network element, etc.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the architecture in the MBMS scenario. The difference from Figure 1 is that MB-SMF is responsible for the session management function of the multicast service, that is, MB-SMF is responsible for the management function of the multicast transmission resources and is responsible for the broadcast multicast service control (multimedia broadcast service control, MB-SC) network. For meta-control plane functions, MB-SC is responsible for business management functions, namely group management, security management, and business announcement functions.

In the scenario in Figure 2, different business models can be deployed with different network elements. For example, in transport-only mode, the scenario in Figure 2 may not include MB-SC, that is, AF is responsible for the service management function of the multicast service, and MB-SMF is responsible for the session management function of the multicast service; In the full service mode (full service mode), the scenario in Figure 2 may include MB-SC, that is, MB-SC is responsible for the multicast service management function, and MB-SMF is responsible for the multicast service session management function.

Some parameters of the multicast service are concentrated in the PCF, for example, the parameters of the V2X service or IoT service or public safety are concentrated in the PCF. Taking the V2X service as an example, the PCF needs to provide the PC5 interface, authentication and transmission parameters of the Uu interface, etc. The parameters of the Uu interface include the USD of the multicast/broadcast service. The USD is related to the area receiving the multicast/broadcast service, that is, the terminal device receiving the multicast/broadcast service may not be a terminal device, but may be multiple in an area. Terminal Equipment. Specifically, in the full-service mode, the core network element needs to obtain USD from the MB-SC and send it to the PCF. In the business-only mode, the core network element needs to obtain the USD from the AF and send it to the PCF. There may be at least one PCF in the network architecture, different PCFs can be provided for different service areas, and USD is related to the area where the multicast/broadcast service is received, and some PCFs may not cover the USD-related multicast/broadcast service. Even if the PCF receives USD, there is no way to provide USD to the terminal equipment. Therefore, it may cause USD to be sent to unnecessary PCFs, thereby increasing signaling overhead. It is also possible that the PCF does not support the service type of the multicast/broadcast service, which causes the USD to be sent to the unnecessary PCF. For example, the USD is the description information of the V2X service, but it is possible that the PCF does not support the V2X service. V2X business services.

Therefore, in the method for multicast transmission provided by the embodiment of the present application, the target PCF can be determined by the area information of the first multicast service and the service area information of at least one PCF, and then the first network device can send USD to the target PCF. , This can avoid unnecessary signaling overhead.

The following describes the method for multicast transmission provided by the embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 3 shows a method 300 for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application, including:

S310: The first network device obtains reference information of the first multicast service.

The reference information may include at least one of the area information of the first multicast service or the service type of the first multicast service, that is, the reference information may include the area information of the first multicast service, or may include the first multicast service. The service type of the service, or may include the area information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service.

In addition, the reference information can be used to determine the target policy control function PCF of the first multicast service. Optionally, the reference information is used by the first network device to determine the target PCF.

Optionally, the first network device may store the reference information, or the first network device may obtain the reference information from other network elements. For example, the first network device may obtain the reference information from the application server or MB-SC; for another example, assuming that the first network device is a UDR, the first network device may obtain the reference information from the application server or the MB-SC through NEF.

S320: The description information of the first multicast service from the first network device to the target PCF.

Correspondingly, the target PCF receives the description information of the first multicast service sent by the first network device.

Optionally, the target PCF is used to provide services for the first multicast service, and when the target PCF receives the description information of the first multicast service, it may send the description information of the first multicast service to the terminal device, for example, the target PCF The description information of the first multicast service is AMF. The AMF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the RAN, and the RAN sends the description information of the first multicast service to the terminal device. The terminal device uses the first multicast service's description information. The description information receives the first multicast service.

The target PCF in the embodiment of the present application is the PCF that receives the description information.

Optionally, the description information of the first multicast service is stored by the first network device, or may be obtained by the first network device from other network elements. For example, the first network device may obtain the description information from the application server or MB-SC; for another example, assuming that the first network device is a UDR, the first network device may obtain the description information from the application server or the MB-SC through NEF.

Optionally, the description information of the first multicast service includes multicast group identification information of the first multicast service (for example, temporary mobile group identity (TMGI)), and frequency information of the first multicast service One or more of the identifier of the multicast area (list of service area identity), Internet protocol (IP) multicast address, IP port number, start time of multicast service, and end time of multicast service, etc. item. For example, the description information of the first multicast service may be USD of the first multicast service.

Optionally, the target PCF is one or more. The target PCF may be determined by the first network device based on the above reference information, or may be determined by other network elements based on the above reference information and sent to the first network device, which is not limited.

The following describes five implementation methods for determining the target PCF based on the reference information:

Manner 1: If each PCF in at least one PCF supports the service type of the first multicast service, the reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service but does not include the service type of the first multicast service, where, according to the reference information, Determining the target PCF includes: determining the target PCF according to the area information of the first multicast service, where the target PCF is used to provide services for the first multicast service.

Optionally, determining the target PCF according to the area information of the first multicast service includes: determining the target PCF according to the area information of the first multicast service and the respective service area information of the at least one PCF.

Specifically, determining the target PCF according to the area information of the first multicast service and the respective service area information of the at least one PCF includes: determining the area indicated by the service area information of each PCF in the at least one PCF and the area of the first multicast service Whether there is an intersection in the area indicated by the information, the PCF with the intersection is determined as the target PCF.

Specifically, the first network device or the second network device may determine the target PCF by using method one.

The following description takes the first network device as UDR as an example:

The UDR receives the description information and reference information of the first multicast service sent by the AF or MB-SC through the NEF. The reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service and does not include the service type of the first multicast service; each of the at least one PCF Each PCF sends their respective service area information to the UDR, and the UDR determines the PCF that has an intersection between the area indicated by the service area information in at least one PCF and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service as the target PCF.

Optionally, the UDR saves the description information of the first multicast service.

Optionally, UDR saves reference information.

The following takes the first network device as NEF as an example for description:

NEF receives description information and reference information of the first multicast service sent by AF or MB-SC. The reference information includes area information of the first multicast service; each PCF in at least one PCF sends its own service area information to NEF, NEF The PCF that has an intersection between the area indicated by the service area information of each PCF in the at least one PCF and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service is determined as the target PCF.

Optionally, NEF stores description information of the first multicast service.

Optionally, NEF saves reference information.

Optionally, the NEF may send the description information of the first multicast service and the information of the target PCF to the UDR after determining the target PCF. The target PCF information is used to identify the target PCF, and the UDR may store the description of the first multicast service. Correspondence between information and target PCF information.

Manner 2: If the area indicated by the service area information of each PCF in at least one PCF overlaps with the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service, the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service and does not include the first multicast The area information of the service, wherein, determining the target PCF according to the reference information includes: determining the target PCF according to the service type of the first multicast service. The target PCF is used to provide services for the first multicast service.

Optionally, determining the target PCF according to the service type of the first multicast service includes: determining the PCF supporting the service type of the first multicast service in the at least one PCF as the target PCF.

Specifically, the first network device or the second network device may use the second method to determine the target PCF.

The following description takes the first network device as UDR as an example:

The UDR receives the description information and reference information of the first multicast service sent by the AF or MB-SC through the NEF. The reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service and does not include the area information of the first multicast service; each of the at least one PCF Each PCF sends each supported service type to the UDR, and the UDR determines the PCF supporting the service type of the first multicast service in at least one PCF as the target PCF.

Optionally, the UDR saves the description information of the first multicast service. Optionally, UDR saves reference information.

NEF receives the description information and reference information of the first multicast service sent by AF or MB-SC. The reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service; each PCF in at least one PCF sends the service type it supports to NEF, NEF It is determined in at least one PCF that the PCF supporting the service type of the first multicast service is the target PCF.

Optionally, NEF stores description information of the first multicast service.

Optionally, NEF saves reference information.

Optionally, after the NEF determines the target PCF, it sends the description information of the first multicast service and the information of the target PCF to the UDR. The information of the target PCF is used to identify the target PCF. The UDR may store the description information of the first multicast service and Correspondence of target PCF information.

Manner 3: Assume that there is a PCF that supports the first multicast service in at least one PCF, and there is also a PCF that does not support the first multicast service, and there is a service area and the first multicast service in at least one PCF. There is no intersecting PCF in the area of, and there are also PCFs where the service area and the area of the first multicast service overlap. The reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service; among them, determining the target PCF according to the reference information includes: according to the area information of the first multicast service and the service of the first multicast service Type, determine the target PCF.

Optionally, determining the target PCF according to the area information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service includes: determining the area indicated by the service area information in the at least one PCF and the area information indication of the first multicast service The PCF of the area where there is an intersection and the service type supporting the first multicast service is the target PCF.

Specifically, determining that the area indicated by the service area information in the at least one PCF and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service overlap and support the service type of the first multicast service as the target PCF includes:

Determine that the area indicated by the PCF service area information in at least one PCF and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service have an intersection PCF, and determine the PCF that supports the service type of the first multicast service among the intersection PCFs as the target PCF ; Or include:

Determine the PCF supporting the service type of the first multicast service in at least one PCF, and determine the PCF that has an intersection with the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service in the PCF supporting the first multicast service as the target PCF.

Specifically, the first network device or the second network device may use the third method to determine the target PCF.

The following description takes the first network device as UDR as an example:

The UDR receives the description information and reference information of the first multicast service sent by the AF or MB-SC through the NEF. The reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service; each of the at least one PCF PCF sends respective supported service types and respective service area information to UDR. In a possible implementation manner, the UDR may determine the PCF supporting the first service type in at least one PCF according to the service type of the first multicast service, and the UDR may determine the PCF supporting the first service type in the PCF supporting the first service type. The PCF that has an intersection in the area indicated by the area information of the service is the target PCF; in another possible implementation, the UDR determines the intersection of the PCF and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service in at least one PCF, UDR The PCF that supports the first service type is determined as the target PCF among the intersecting PCFs.

Optionally, UDR saves reference information.

NEF receives the description information and reference information of the first multicast service sent by the AF or MB-SC. The reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service; each PCF in at least one PCF sends to NEF sends their respective supported service types and respective service area information. In a possible implementation manner, the NEF may determine the PCF supporting the first service type in at least one PCF according to the service type of the first multicast service, and the NEF may determine the PCF supporting the first service type in the PCF supporting the first service type. The PCF that has an intersection in the area indicated by the area information of the service is the target PCF; in another possible implementation manner, NEF determines in at least one PCF that there is an intersection with the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service. NEF The PCF that supports the first service type is determined as the target PCF among the intersecting PCFs.

Optionally, NEF stores description information of the first multicast service.

Optionally, NEF saves reference information.

Method 4: Assume that there is a PCF that supports the first multicast service in at least one PCF, and there is also a PCF that does not support the first multicast service, and there are service areas and the first multicast service in at least one PCF. There is no intersecting PCF in the area of, and there are also PCFs where the service area and the area of the first multicast service overlap. At this time, the reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service and does not include the service type of the first multicast service, wherein, determining the target PCF according to the reference information includes: determining the target PCF according to the area information of the first multicast service , The target PCF includes at least two PCFs.

Optionally, determining the target PCF according to the area information of the first multicast service includes:

It is determined that at least one PCF in the PCF where the area indicated by the service area information and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service overlap is the target PCF.

Optionally, after determining the target PCF, the method further includes: the first network device sends the service type of the first multicast service and the description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF, where the target PCF includes at least two PCFs, Determine whether the service type supported by at least two PCFs includes the service type of the first multicast service, and the PCF whose service type supported by the at least two PCFs includes the service type of the first multicast service sends the first multicast to the first network device Descriptive information of the business.

Specifically, the first network device or the second network device may determine the target PCF by using the fourth method.

The following description takes the first network device as UDR as an example:

The UDR receives the description information, reference information, and service type of the first multicast service sent by the AF or MB-SC through the NEF. The reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service; each of the at least one PCF PCF sends their respective service area information to UDR. The UDR determines whether there is an intersection between the area indicated by the service area information of each PCF and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service in at least one PCF, and the PCF with the intersection is determined as the target PCF, and the target PCF includes at least two PCFs , UDR sends the description information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service to the target PCF, and the target PCF includes at least two PCFs to determine whether the service type supported by itself includes the service type of the first multicast service, at least The service types supported by the two PCFs include the service type of the first multicast service. The PCF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the UDR.

Optionally, UDR saves reference information.

Optionally, the UDR stores the service type of the first multicast service.

Optionally, the UDR may save the description information of the first multicast service and the correspondence between the PCF of the service type of the first multicast service and the supported service types.

NEF receives the description information of the first multicast service, the area information of the first multicast service, and the service type of the first multicast service sent by the AF or MB-SC; each PCF in at least one PCF sends its service area to the NEF . NEF determines whether there is an intersection between the area indicated by the service area information of each PCF in at least one PCF and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service, and the PCF with the intersection is determined as the target PCF. The target PCF may include at least two PCF, NEF sends the description information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service to the target PCF. Each of the at least two PCFs included in the target PCF determines whether the service type it supports includes the first multicast service. The service type of the broadcast service, and the PCFPCF that includes the service type of the first multicast service among the service types supported by the at least two PCFs sends description information to the UDR.

Optionally, NEF stores description information of the first multicast service.

Optionally, the NEF stores the service type of the first multicast service.

Optionally, NEF saves reference information.

Manner 5, suppose that there is a PCF that supports the first multicast service in at least one PCF, and there is also a PCF that does not support the first multicast service, and there is a service area and the first multicast service in at least one PCF There is no intersecting PCF in the area, and there is also an intersecting PCF in the service area and the first multicast service area. The reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service, but does not include the area information of the first multicast service. According to the reference information, determining the target PCF includes: determining the target PCF according to the service type of the first multicast service, and the target PCF Include at least two PCFs.

Optionally, determining the target PCF according to the service type of the first multicast service includes:

It is determined in at least one PCF that the PCF supporting the service type of the first multicast service is the target PCF.

Optionally, after determining the target PCF, the method further includes: the first network device sends the area information of the first multicast service and the description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF, where the target PCF includes at least two PCFs, It is determined that the area indicated by the service area information of the at least two PCFs included in the target PCF and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service have an intersection PCF, and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service among the at least two PCFs The PCF that has the intersection sends the description information of the first multicast service to the first network device.

Specifically, the first network device or the second network device may determine the target PCF by using mode five.

The following description takes the first network device as UDR as an example:

The UDR receives the description information of the first multicast service, the area information of the first multicast service and the reference information sent by the AF or MB-SC through the NEF. The reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service; each of the at least one PCF The PCF sends their respective supported service types to the UDR. The UDR determines that the PCF supporting the first service type is the target PCF in at least one PCF. The target PCF includes at least two PCFs. The UDR sends the description information of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service to the target PCF. Each of the at least two PCFs included in the PCF determines whether there is an intersection between the area indicated by its own service area information and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service. If the target PCF includes one of the at least two PCFs There is an intersection between the area indicated by its own service area information and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service, and the PCF that has the intersection sends description information to the UDR.

Optionally, UDR saves reference information.

Optionally, the UDR stores area information of the first multicast service.

Optionally, the UDR may store the description information of the first multicast service and the corresponding relationship between the PCFs that have intersections.

NEF receives the description information of the first multicast service, the area information of the first multicast service and the reference information sent by the AF or MB-SC. The reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service; each PCF in at least one PCF sends to NEF sends their respective supported service types. NEF may determine the PCF supporting the first service type as the target PCF in at least one PCF according to the service type of the first multicast service, and NEF sends the description information of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service to the target PCF , Each of the at least two PCFs included in the target PCF determines whether there is an intersection between the area indicated by its own service area information and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service. If the target PCF includes at least one of the two PCFs The area indicated by the service area information of the PCF itself and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service have an intersection, and the PCF that has the intersection sends description information to the UDR.

Optionally, NEF stores description information of the first multicast service.

Optionally, the NEF stores area information of the first multicast service.

Optionally, NEF saves reference information.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the service area information of the PCF is used to indicate the service area of the PCF. For example, the service area information may include tracking area (TA), cell ID (cell ID), and access network identifier One or more of (RAN ID).

The service area information of the PCF can be understood as the service area information of the AMF connected to the PCF, and the service area information of the AMF can be understood as the area information of the coverage area of the access network equipment connected to the AMF. In other words, the service area information of the PCF is The coverage area information of the access network equipment connected to the AMF connected to the PCF. For example, a PCF is connected to an AMF, and the AMF is connected to three access network equipment. The coverage area of the three access network equipment is the PCF’s coverage area. Service Area.

In addition to the first network device that can determine the target PCF based on the reference information, the first network device can also send the reference information to the second network device, and the second network device can determine the target PCF based on the reference information and send it to the first network device. The information of the target PCF, the information of the target PCF is used to identify the target PCF, which is described below with reference to FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 shows a method 400 for multicast transmission according to an embodiment of the present application. The method 400 is described by taking the second network device as an NRF as an example. The method 400 includes:

S410: The first network device sends the reference information of the first multicast service to the NRF.

Correspondingly, the NRF receives the reference information of the first multicast service from the first network device.

Wherein, the reference information includes at least one of the area information of the first multicast service or the service type of the first multicast service.

S420: The NRF determines the target PCF of the first multicast service according to the reference information.

Specifically, for the implementation manner of S420, refer to the description of the five manners in the method 300.

The following examples describe how the NRF determines the target PCF according to the reference information in the five modes of the method 300. Among them, the first network device may be UDR or NEF.

Example 1 (corresponding to the aforementioned method 1), the NRF receives the reference information sent by the UDR or NEF. The reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service and does not include the service type of the first multicast service; the NRF stores each of at least one PCF The service area information of the PCF. The NRF determines at least one PCF where the area indicated by the service area information of the PCF and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service intersect as the target PCF, and the NRF sends the information of the target PCF to the UDR or NEF, The UDR or NEF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF.

Optionally, UDR or NEF saves reference information.

Optionally, UDR or NEF can obtain reference information from MB-SC or AF.

Optionally, the UDR or NEF stores the description information of the first multicast service.

Optionally, the UDR or NEF may obtain the description information of the first multicast service from the MB-SC or AF.

Example 2 (corresponding to the aforementioned method 2), the NRF receives the reference information sent by the UDR or NEF. The reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service and does not include the area information of the first multicast service; the NRF stores each of at least one PCF For the service type supported by the PCF, the NRF determines the PCF supporting the service type of the first multicast service in at least one PCF as the target PCF. The NRF sends the information of the target PCF to the UDR or NEF, and the UDR or NEF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF.

Optionally, UDR or NEF saves reference information.

Optionally, UDR or NEF can obtain reference information from MB-SC or AF.

Example 3 (corresponding to the aforementioned method 3), the NRF receives the reference information sent by the UDR or NEF. The reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service; the NRF stores at least one PCF for each PCF Send the respective supported service types and respective service area information to the UDR. In a possible implementation manner, the NRF determines the PCF that supports the first service type in at least one PCF, and the NRF determines that the PCF that supports the first service type has an intersection with the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service. PCF is the target PCF; in another possible implementation, the NRF determines in at least one PCF that there is an intersection with the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service, and the NRF determines that it supports the first in the intersection PCF. The PCF of the business type is the target PCF. The NRF sends the information of the target PCF to the UDR or NEF, and the UDR or NEF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF.

Optionally, UDR or NEF saves reference information.

Optionally, UDR or NEF can obtain reference information from MB-SC or AF.

Example 4 (corresponding to the aforementioned method 4), the NRF receives the reference information sent by the UDR or NEF, and the reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service; the NRF stores the service area information of each PCF in at least one PCF. The NRF determines whether there is an intersection between the area indicated by the service area information of each PCF and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service in at least one PCF, and the PCF with the intersection is determined as the target PCF, and the target PCF includes at least two PCFs . The NRF sends the target PCF information to the UDR or NEF, and the target PCF information is used to identify the target PCF. The UDR or NEF sends the description information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service to the target PCF, and at least two PCFs included in the target PCF determine whether the service type it supports includes the service type of the first multicast service, The service type supported in the at least two PCFs includes the service type of the first multicast service. The PCF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the UDR.

Optionally, the UDR may store the description information of the first multicast service and the correspondence between the PCF information of the supported service types including the service type of the first multicast service, and the supported service types include the PCF information of the first multicast service. The information of the PCF of the service type is used to identify the PCF of the service type of the first multicast service among the supported service types.

Optionally, the UDR or NEF stores the service type of the first multicast service.

Optionally, UDR or NEF may obtain the service type of the first multicast service from MB-SC or AF.

Optionally, UDR or NEF saves reference information.

Optionally, UDR or NEF can obtain reference information from MB-SC or AF.

Example 5 (Example corresponds to the above method 5)

The NRF receives the reference information sent by the UDR or the NEF, and the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service; the NRF stores the service type supported by each PCF in at least one PCF. The NRF determines that the PCF supporting the first service type is the target PCF in at least one PCF, and the target PCF includes at least two PCFs. The NRF sends the target PCF information to the UDR or NEF, and the target PCF information is used to identify the target PCF. The UDR or NEF sends the description information of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service to the target PCF. Each of the at least two PCFs included in the target PCF determines the area indicated by its own service area information and the first Whether the area indicated by the area information of the multicast service has an intersection, if there is an intersection between the area indicated by the service area information of one of the at least two PCFs included in the target PCF and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service, there is an overlap The PCF of the intersection sends description information to the UDR.

Optionally, the UDR may store the corresponding relationship between the description information of the first multicast service and the information of the PCFs with intersections, and the information of the PCFs with the intersections is used to identify the PCFs with the intersection.

Optionally, the UDR or NEF stores area information of the first multicast service.

Optionally, the UDR or NEF may obtain the area information of the first multicast service from the MB-SC or AF.

Optionally, UDR or NEF saves reference information.

Optionally, UDR or NEF can obtain reference information from MB-SC or AF.

S430: The NRF sends the target PCF information to the first network device.

Correspondingly, the first network device receives the target PCF information sent by the NRF, and the target PCF information is used to identify the target PCF.

S440: The first network device sends description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF.

Optionally, the first network device may store description information. Optionally, in S440, the first network device may obtain the description information of the first multicast service from other network elements. For example, the first network device may obtain the description of the first multicast service from the application server or MB-SC, etc. Information; For another example, assuming that the first network device is UDR, the first network device can obtain the description information of the first multicast service from the application server or MB-SC through NEF.

For the description information of the first multicast service, refer to the description of the method 300. In order to avoid repetition, the detailed description is omitted here.

Optionally, there may be one or more target PCFs.

FIG. 5 shows a method 500 for multicast transmission provided by an embodiment of the present application, including:

S510: The PCF sends the service type supported by the PCF and/or the service area information of the PCF to the first network device, where the service area information is used to indicate the service area of the PCF.

Correspondingly, the first network device receives the service type supported by the PCF and/or the service area information of the PCF sent by the PCF.

In the embodiment of the present application, whether the PCF sends the service type supported by the PCF to the first network device or sends the service area information of the PCF or the service type supported by the PCF and the service area information of the PCF may be specified by the protocol or configured.

In the first method of the method 300, the PCF may send the service area information of the PCF to the first network device, and the first network device may determine whether the PCF is the target PCF according to the area information of the PCF and the area information of the first multicast service If the PCF is the target PCF, the first network device can send the description information of the first multicast service to the PCF, the PCF can receive the description information of the first multicast service sent by the first network device, and accordingly, the PCF receives The description information of the first multicast service sent by the first network device.

In the second manner in the method 300, the PCF may send the service type supported by the PCF to the first network device, and the first network device may determine whether the PCF is the target PCF according to the service type supported by the PCF and the area information of the first multicast service . If the PCF is the target PCF, the first network device sends the description information of the first multicast service to the PCF, and correspondingly, the PCF receives the description information of the first multicast service sent by the first network device.

In the third method of method 300, the PCF may send the service type supported by the PCF and the service area information of the PCF to the first network device, and the first network device may send the service type supported by the PCF, the service type of the first multicast service, and the service area information of the PCF to the first network device. The service area information of the PCF and the service area information of the first multicast service determine whether the PCF is the target PCF. If the PCF is the target PCF, the first network device sends the description information of the first multicast service to the PCF, and accordingly , The PCF receives the description information of the first multicast service sent by the first network device.

In the fourth method of the method 300, the PCF may send the service area information of the PCF to the first network device, and the first network device determines whether the PCF is the target PCF according to the service area information of the PCF and the area information of the first multicast service, If the PCF is the target PCF, the first network device sends the description information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service to the PCF, and accordingly, the PCF receives the first multicast sent by the first network device The description information of the service and the service type of the first multicast service. The PCF determines whether the service type it supports includes the service type of the first multicast service. If it does, it means that the PCF can provide services for the first multicast service. The PCF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the UDR.

In the fifth mode of the method 300, the PCF may send the service type supported by the PCF to the first network device, and the first network device determines whether the service type supported by the PCF includes the service type of the first multicast service. If included, the PCF is Target PCF, the first network device sends the description information of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service to the PCF, and correspondingly, the PCF receives the description information of the first multicast service sent by the first network device And the area information of the first multicast service. Optionally, the PCF determines whether there is an intersection between its own service area and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service. If there is an intersection, it means that the PCF can provide services for the first multicast service. The PCF sends the first multicast service to the UDR. 1. Descriptive information of the multicast service.

Optionally, in the first, second, and third methods of method 300, after the PCF receives the description information of the first multicast service sent by the first network device, it may send the description information of the first multicast service to the terminal The terminal device uses the description information of the first multicast service to receive the first multicast service. For example, the PCF may send the description information of the first multicast service to the AMF, the AMF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the RAN, and the RAN sends the description information of the first multicast service to the terminal device.

Optionally, in the fourth and fifth methods of method 300, if the PCF can send the description information of the first multicast service to the UDR, the PCF may also send the description information of the first multicast service to the terminal device, and the terminal The device receives the first multicast service by using the description information of the first multicast service. For example, the PCF may send the description information of the first multicast service to the AMF, the AMF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the RAN, and the RAN sends the description information of the first multicast service to the terminal device.

It should be noted that the "multicast" in the embodiment of the present application may be "multicast", "broadcast", "group communication" and so on.

It should be noted that the acquisition of B information by network element A mentioned in the embodiments of this application can be understood as network element A saves information B, or network element A obtains information about B through network element C, or it can be understood as network element A. The network element receives the B information sent by the D network element, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

The following describes a method 600 for multicast transmission in conjunction with FIG. 6, including:

S601: The AMF sends configuration information to the PCF.

The configuration information may include the service area information of the AMF, where the service area information of the AMF may include the area information of the coverage area of the RAN (Access Network Equipment) connected to the AMF.

S602: The PCF sends the first message and/or the second message to the UDR.

The first message may include the service type supported by the PCF, and the second message may include the area information of the PCF's own service area.

The area information of the service area of the PCF may be the area information of the AMF connected to the PCF.

Optionally, the first message and the second message may be sent separately or at the same time; optionally, the first message and the second message may also be the same message, for example, the same subscription message.

S603. The AF or MB-SC sends a service parameter creation request message to the NEF.

For example, the service parameter creation request message is Nnef_ServiceParameter Create request.

Wherein, the service parameter creation request message may include reference information, and may also include description information of the first multicast service.

It should be noted that there may be one or more PCFs. For the convenience of description, only one PCF is used as an example for description.

It should be noted that if the PCF sends the first message, the reference information includes the first service type of the first multicast service, which corresponds to the aforementioned method two; if the PCF sends the second message, the reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service , Corresponding to the aforementioned method one; if the PCF sends both the first message and the second message, the reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service and the first service type of the first multicast service, corresponding to the aforementioned method three.

S604: The NEF sends a parameter update message to the UDR.

The parameter update message may include the description information and reference information in the service parameter creation request message in S603.

S605: The UDR determines the target PCF according to the reference information in S604 and the first message and/or the second message in S602.

Specifically, for the UDR to determine the target PCF, refer to the first to third methods of the method 300. In order to avoid redundant description, the embodiment of the present application will not describe in detail here.

S606: The UDR sends the description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF.

For example, the description information of the first multicast service is sent to the target PCF through Nudr_DM_NotificationNotify.

S607: The target PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to the UE.

Specifically, the description information of the first multicast service is sent to the UE through the UE Configuration Update Procedure (UE Configuration Update Procedure). S607 may be jointly completed by the RAN, AMF, and PCF. For example, PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to AMF, AMF sends description information of the first multicast service to RAN, RAN sends description information of the first multicast service to UE, and UE according to the description of the first multicast service The information receives the first multicast service.

It should be noted that in FIG. 6, S601 and S602 are configuration processes, and S601 and S602 may not be included when the UDR determines the target PCF.

It should also be noted that, in FIG. 6, each PCF in at least one PCF can execute S601 and S602. The PCF receiving the description information of the first multicast service in S606 is a part of the PCF in at least one PCF. In other words, at least one PCF executes S601 and S602, and only the at least one PCF that is determined as the target PCF will receive the description information of the first multicast service in S606.

The following describes a method 700 for multicast transmission in conjunction with FIG. 7, including:

S701-S705 are the same as S603-S607.

Method 700 is different from method 600 in that in method 600, UDR is included according to the respective supported service types included in the first message sent by each PCF in at least one PCF and/or the second message sent by each PCF. The respective service area information determines the target PCF. In the method 700, the UDR determines the target PCF according to the service type supported by each PCF and/or the respective service area information in at least one PCF stored in the UDR. The other steps of the method 600 are similar to those of the method 700, and in order to avoid repetitive descriptions, they are not described in detail here.

The method 800 for multicast transmission is described below in conjunction with FIG. 8, which includes:

S801. The AF or MB-SC sends a service parameter creation request message to the NEF.

S802: The NEF sends a parameter update message to the UDR.

The parameter update message may include the reference information in the service parameter creation request message in S801 and the description information of the first multicast service.

S803: The UDR sends a fourth message to the NRF.

Correspondingly, the NRF receives the fourth message sent by the UDR.

Wherein, the fourth message includes reference information.

It should be noted that if the reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service, it corresponds to the aforementioned method one; if the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service, it corresponds to the aforementioned method two; if the reference information includes the first multicast service, The area information of the broadcast service and the service type of the first multicast service correspond to the aforementioned way three.

S804: The NRF determines the target PCF according to the respective service area information of each PCF and/or the respective supported service types and reference information of each PCF in the at least one PCF stored by the NRF.

Specifically, the first network device is a UDR, and the manner in which the NRF determines the target PCF can refer to the manner 1 to manner 3 of the method 300 and the method 400, which will not be repeated.

S805: The NRF sends the target PCF information to the UDR.

Wherein, the information of the target PCF is used to identify the target PCF.

For example, the NRF may send the target PCF information through the response message of the fourth message.

S806: The UDR sends the description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF according to the information of the target PCF.

S807: The target PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to the UE.

Specifically, the description information of the first multicast service is sent to the UE through the UE Configuration Update Procedure (UE Configuration Update Procedure). S807 can be jointly completed by the RAN, AMF, and PCF. For example, PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to AMF, AMF sends description information of the first multicast service to RAN, RAN sends description information of the first multicast service to UE, and UE according to the description of the first multicast service The information receives the first multicast service.

The following describes a method 900 for multicast transmission in conjunction with FIG. 9, including:

S901, the AF or MB-SC sends a service parameter creation request message to the NEF.

In S902, NEF saves at least one PCF's respective service area information and/or respective supported service types of each PCF, and NEF according to the reference information in S901 and the respective service area information and/or respective support of each PCF stored by itself To determine the target PCF for the type of business.

Specifically, for the NEF to determine the target PCF, refer to Manner 1 to Manner 3 of the foregoing method 300, and details are not described herein again.

It should be noted that if the reference information is the service type of the first multicast service, it corresponds to the aforementioned method two; if the reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service, it corresponds to the aforementioned method one; if the reference information includes the first multicast service The area information of and the service type of the first multicast service correspond to the third method mentioned above.

Optionally, the NEF in S902 may also obtain the respective service area information of each PCF and/or the respective service types supported by each PCF through the aforementioned first message and/or second message.

S903. The NEF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the determined target PCF.

For example, the description information of the first multicast service is sent to the target PCF through a parameter update message.

S904: The PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to the UE.

Specifically, the PCF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the UE through the UE Configuration Update Procedure (UE Configuration Update Procedure). S904 can be jointly completed by RAN, AMF and PCF. For example, PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to AMF, AMF sends description information of the first multicast service to RAN, RAN sends description information of the first multicast service to UE, and UE according to the description of the first multicast service The information receives the first multicast service.

The following describes a method 1000 for multicast transmission with reference to FIG. 10, including:

In S1001, the AF or MB-SC sends a service parameter creation request message to the NEF.

For example, the service parameter creation request message may be Nnef_ServiceParameter Create request.

Wherein, the service parameter creation request message includes reference information, and may also include description information of the first multicast service.

S1002. The NEF sends a fifth message to the NRF, and the NRF receives the fifth message sent by the NEF, where the fifth message includes reference information.

For example, the fifth message may be a Nnrf_NFDiscovery request message.

It should be noted that if the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service, it corresponds to the aforementioned method two; if the reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service, it corresponds to the aforementioned method one; if the reference information includes the first multicast service The area information of and the service type of the first multicast service correspond to the aforementioned mode three, where the first network device is NEF.

S1003. The NRF determines the target PCF according to its own service area information and/or service types supported by each PCF in at least one PCF. For details of determining the target PCF by the NRF, please refer to the aforementioned method 300 of the method one to the method three and the method 400, which will not be repeated here.

S1004: After determining the target PCF, the NRF sends the target PCF information to the NEF, and the target PCF information is used to identify the target PCF.

For example, the NRF may send the target PCF information through the response message of the fifth message. For example, the response message of the fifth message is Nnrf_NFDiscovery response.

S1005. The NEF determines the target PCF according to the information of the target PCF in S1004, and sends the description information of the first multicast service to the determined target PCF.

S1006: The PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to the UE.

For example, the PCF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the UE through the UE Configuration Update Procedure. Specifically, S1006 can be jointly completed by RAN, AMF, and PCF. For example, PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to AMF, AMF sends description information of the first multicast service to RAN, RAN sends description information of the first multicast service to UE, and UE according to the description of the first multicast service The information receives the first multicast service.

The following describes a method 1100 for multicast transmission in conjunction with FIG. 11, including:

S1101: The PCF sends a second message to the UDR, and the second message sent by the PCF includes its own service area information.

Wherein, the service area information of the PCF may be the area information of the AMF connected to the PCF.

S1102. The AF or MB-SC sends a service parameter creation request message (for example, Nnef_ServiceParameter Create request) to the NEF. The service parameter creation request message includes reference information, and may also include description information of the first multicast service and information about the first multicast service. business type. Wherein, the reference information includes area information of the first multicast service.

It should be noted that there can be multiple PCFs, and at least one PCF executes S1101 once for each PCF. For the convenience of description, only one PCF is used as an example for description.

It should be noted that if the sequence of S1101 and S1102 is not limited, S1101 can be performed before or after S1102 or at the same time.

S1103: The NEF determines the target PCF according to the service area information and reference information of the PCF sent by each PCF.

Wherein, the reference information includes area information of the first multicast service.

Specifically, in S1103, for the manner of determining the target PCF, refer to the fourth manner of the foregoing method 300, and details are not described herein again.

Among them, the target PCF includes at least two PCFs.

S1104: The NEF will send the description information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service to each PCF in the determined target PCF.

For example, the description information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service are sent to each PCF in the target PCF through a parameter update message.

S1105: Each PCF determines whether the service type it supports includes the first service type. If the service type supported by the PCF itself includes the first service type, the PCF can provide services for the first multicast service.

S1106: The PCF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the UDR.

Optionally, the UDR saves the correspondence between the description information of the first multicast service and the PCF.

For example, the PCF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the UDR through Nudr_DM_Update Request.

S1107: The PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to the UE.

Specifically, the PCF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the UE through the UE Configuration Update Procedure (UE Configuration Update Procedure). Specifically, S1107 can be jointly completed by RAN, AMF, and PCF. For example, PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to AMF, AMF sends description information of the first multicast service to RAN, RAN sends description information of the first multicast service to UE, and UE according to the description of the first multicast service The information receives the first multicast service.

Among them, the order of S1106 and S1107 is not limited.

It should be noted that in FIG. 11, S1101 is a configuration process, and S1101 may not be included when the UDR determines the target PCF.

It should also be noted that, in FIG. 11, S1101 can be executed for each PCF in at least one PCF. The description information of the first multicast service and the PCF of the first service type received in S1104 are part of the PCF in at least one PCF. In other words, at least one PCF executes S1101, and only the at least one PCF that is determined as the target PCF will receive the description information and the first service type of the first multicast service in S1104. Only the PCF in the target PCF that can serve the first multicast service performs S1106.

The following describes a method 1200 for multicast transmission with reference to FIG. 12, including:

S1201: The PCF sends a first message to the UDR, where the first message includes the service type supported by the PCF.

S1202. The AF or MB-SC sends a service parameter creation request message to the NEF.

Wherein, the service parameter creation request message includes reference information, and may also include area information of the first multicast service and description information of the first multicast service.

Wherein, the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service.

It should be noted that there can be multiple PCFs, and at least one PCF executes S1201 once for each PCF. For the convenience of description, only one PCF is used as an example for description.

It should be noted that if the sequence of S1201 and S1202 is not limited, S1201 can be performed before or after S1202 or at the same time.

S1203: The NEF determines, in at least one PCF, a PCF whose supported service type includes the service type of the first multicast service as the target PCF according to the service type supported by each PCF.

Among them, the target PCF includes at least two PCFs.

S1204. The NEF will send the description information of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service to each PCF in the determined target PCF.

For example, the description information of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service are sent to each PCF in the target PCF through a parameter update message.

S1205: The PCF determines whether there is an intersection between the area indicated by its own service area information and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service. If the area indicated by a certain PCF's own service area information and the area information of the first multicast service The indicated areas have intersections, and the PCF determines that it provides services for the first multicast service.

S1206: The PCF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the UDR, and the UDR saves the description information of the first multicast service.

S1207: The PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to the UE.

Specifically, the PCF sends the description information of the first multicast service to the UE through the UE Configuration Update Procedure (UE Configuration Update Procedure). Specifically, S1207 can be jointly completed by RAN, AMF, and PCF. For example, PCF sends description information of the first multicast service to AMF, AMF sends description information of the first multicast service to RAN, RAN sends description information of the first multicast service to UE, and UE according to the description of the first multicast service The information receives the first multicast service.

Among them, the order of S1206 and S1207 is not limited.

It should be noted that 1201 in FIG. 12 is the configuration process, and S1201 may not be included when the UDR determines the target PCF.

It should also be noted that, in FIG. 12, S1201 can be executed for each PCF in at least one PCF. The PCF that receives the description information of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service in S1204 is a partial PCF of at least one PCF. In other words, at least one PCF executes S1201, and only the at least one PCF that is determined as the target PCF will receive the description information of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service in S1204. Only the PCF in the target PCF that can serve the first multicast service performs S1206.

FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show the specific implementation manners of the fourth method and the fifth method in the method 300 when the NEF determines the target PCF. If the UDR determines the target PCF, the specific implementation manners of the fourth and fifth modes are similar to the processes in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, and will not be repeated. If the NRF determines the target PCF, the specific implementation manners of the fourth and fifth methods are similar to the processes in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, and will not be repeated.

The foregoing describes in detail the method for multicast transmission provided by the embodiment of the present application with reference to Figs. 1 to 12, and the following describes in detail the apparatus for multicast transmission provided by the embodiment of the present application with reference to Figs. 13 to 16.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 1300 for multicast transmission according to an embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 1300 may correspond to the first network device described in the above method, or may correspond to the chip or component of the first network device. And, each module or unit in the apparatus 1300 may be used to execute each action or processing procedure performed by the first network device in the above method. As shown in FIG. 13, the apparatus 1300 for multicast transmission may include acquiring Unit 1310 and sending unit 1320.

The obtaining unit 1310 is configured to obtain reference information of the first multicast service, the reference information includes at least one of the area information of the first multicast service or the service type of the first multicast service, and the reference information is used to determine the first multicast service. The target strategy control function PCF of the business;

The transceiver unit 1320 is configured to send description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF.

In some possible implementations, the transceiver unit 1320 is also used to:

Sending reference information to the second network device;

Receive the target PCF information sent by the second network device, where the target PCF information is used to identify the target PCF.

In some possible implementation manners, the apparatus 1300 further includes:

The processing unit is used to determine the target PCF according to the reference information.

As an optional embodiment, the reference information includes area information of the first multicast service, and the obtaining unit 1310 is further configured to: obtain service area information of at least one PCF, where the service area information is used to indicate the service area;

The processing unit is specifically configured to determine the target PCF according to the area information of the first multicast service and the service area information of the at least one PCF.

As an optional embodiment, the reference information does not include the service type of the first multicast service, and the target PCF includes at least two PCFs, and the transceiver unit is further configured to send the service type of the first multicast service to the target PCF.

As an optional embodiment, the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service, and the obtaining unit 1310 is further configured to obtain at least one service type supported by the PCF;

The processing unit is specifically configured to determine the target PCF according to the service type of the first multicast service and the service type supported by the at least one PCF.

As an optional embodiment, the reference information does not include the area information of the first multicast service, and the target PCF includes at least two PCFs, and the transceiver unit is further configured to send the area information of the first multicast service to the target PCF.

As an optional embodiment, the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service, and the obtaining unit 1310 is further configured to obtain at least one service type supported by the PCF and service area information of the at least one PCF ；

The processing unit is specifically configured to determine the target PCF according to the service type of the first multicast service, the area information of the first multicast service, the service area information of at least one PCF, and the service type supported by the at least one PCF.

As an optional embodiment, the service type of the first multicast service is a vehicle networking V2X type or an IoT type or a public safety type.

It should be understood that, for the specific process of each unit in the device 1300 performing the above-mentioned corresponding steps, please refer to the foregoing description in conjunction with the method embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 12, and for the sake of brevity, details are not repeated here.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic block diagram of a device 1400 for multicast transmission according to an embodiment of the present application. The device 1400 may correspond to the PCF described in the above method, or may correspond to the chip or component of the PCF, and the device 1400 Each module or unit in the above method may be used to perform each action or processing performed by the PCF in the above method. As shown in FIG. 14, the apparatus 1400 for multicast transmission may include a sending unit 1410.

The sending unit 1410 is configured to send the service type supported by the apparatus 1400 and/or the service area information of the apparatus 1400 to the first network device; wherein, the service area information is used to indicate the service area of the apparatus 1300.

As an optional embodiment, the apparatus 1400 further includes:

The receiving unit 1420 is configured to receive the description information of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service from the first network device;

The sending unit 1410 is further configured to send description information of the first multicast service to the unified data storage UDR when the service area of the device 1400 and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service overlap.

As an optional embodiment, the transceiver unit 1410 is further configured to: receive the description information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service sent by the first network device;

When the service type supported by the apparatus 1400 includes the service type of the first multicast service, the description information of the first multicast service is sent to the unified data storage UDR.

As an optional embodiment, the transceiver unit 1410 is further configured to: receive description information of the first multicast service sent by the first network device.

As an optional embodiment, the service type supported by the apparatus 1400 includes a V2X type or an IoT type or a public safety type.

It should be understood that, for the specific process of each unit in the device 1400 performing the above corresponding steps, please refer to the foregoing description of the method embodiments in conjunction with FIG. 3 to FIG. 12, and for the sake of brevity, details are not repeated here.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 1500 for multicast transmission according to an embodiment of the present application. The apparatus 1500 may correspond to the NRF described in the above method, or may correspond to the chip or component of the NRF, and the apparatus 1500 Each module or unit in the above method may be used to perform each action or processing performed by the NRF in the above method. As shown in FIG. 15, the apparatus 1500 for multicast transmission may include a transceiver unit 1510 and a processing unit 1520.

The transceiver unit 1510 is used for the network storage function NRF to receive the reference information of the first multicast service from the first network device, the reference information includes at least one of the area information of the first multicast service or the service type of the first multicast service ；

The processing unit 1520 is configured to determine the target PCF of the first multicast service according to the reference information;

The transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to send information of the target PCF to the first network device, and the information of the target PCF is used to identify the target PCF.

As an optional embodiment, the reference information includes area information of the first multicast service, and the transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to obtain at least one service area information supported by the PCF;

The processing unit 1520 is specifically configured to determine the target PCF according to the area information of the first multicast service and the service area information supported by the at least one PCF.

As an optional embodiment, the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service, and the transceiver unit 1410 is further configured to obtain at least one service type supported by the PCF;

The processing unit 1520 is specifically configured to determine the target PCF according to the service type of the first multicast service and the service type supported by the at least one PCF.

As an optional embodiment, the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service, and the transceiver unit 1510 is further configured to obtain the service type supported by at least one PCF and the service area information of the at least one PCF. ；

As an optional embodiment, the processing unit 1520 is specifically configured to: determine according to the service type of the first multicast service, the area information of the first multicast service, the service area information of at least one PCF, and the service type supported by the at least one PCF Target PCF.

It should be understood that, for the specific process of each unit in the device 1500 performing the above corresponding steps, please refer to the foregoing description in conjunction with the method embodiments of FIGS.

The apparatus 1300 of each of the foregoing solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the first network device in the foregoing method. The apparatus 1400 of each of the foregoing solutions has the function of implementing the corresponding steps performed by the PCF in the foregoing method; the device 1500 of the foregoing various solutions has the function of implementing the foregoing The functions of the corresponding steps executed by the PCF in the method; the functions can be realized by hardware or software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above-mentioned functions; for example, the sending unit can be replaced by a communication interface, the receiving unit can be replaced by a communication interface, and other units, such as the determining unit, can be replaced by a processor to execute each method separately Transceiving operations and related processing operations in the embodiment. In the embodiment of the present application, the communication interface of a device is used for the device to communicate with other devices. Exemplarily, the communication interface may be a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a circuit, a bus, a module, a pin, or another type of communication interface, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present application.

In a specific implementation process, the processor can be used to perform, for example, but not limited to, baseband related processing, and the communication interface can be used to perform, for example, but not limited to, information exchange. The above-mentioned devices may be respectively arranged on separate chips, or at least part or all of them may be arranged on the same chip. For example, the processor can be further divided into an analog baseband processor and a digital baseband processor, where the analog baseband processor and the communication interface can be integrated on the same chip, and the digital baseband processor can be set on a separate chip. With the continuous development of integrated circuit technology, more and more devices can be integrated on the same chip. For example, a digital baseband processor can be combined with a variety of application processors (such as but not limited to graphics processors, multimedia processors, etc.) Integrated on the same chip. Such a chip may be called a system on chip (SOC). Whether each device is arranged independently on different chips or integrated on one or more chips often depends on the specific needs of product design. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific implementation form of the foregoing device.

It can be understood that the processor involved in the foregoing embodiments can execute program instructions through a hardware platform with a processor and a communication interface to implement the functions involved in any design of the foregoing embodiments of the present application, based on this As shown in FIG. 16, an embodiment of the present application provides a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 1600 for multicast transmission. The apparatus 1600 includes a processor 1610, a communication interface 1620, and a memory 1630. The processor 1610, the communication interface 1620, and the memory 1630 are coupled to communicate with each other. The memory 1630 is used to store instructions, and the processor 1610 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 1630 to control the communication interface 1620 to send signals and/or receive signal. The coupling in the embodiments of the present application is an indirect coupling or communication connection between devices, units or modules, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms, and is used for information exchange between devices, units or modules.

Wherein, in a possible implementation manner, if the apparatus 1600 is the first network device, the communication interface 1620 is used to obtain the reference information of the first multicast service, and the reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service or the first network equipment. At least one of the service types of the multicast service, the reference information is used to determine the target policy control function PCF of the first multicast service; the communication interface 1620 is also used to send description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF.

In a possible implementation, if the device 1600 is a PCF, the communication interface 1620 is used to send the service type supported by the device 1600 and/or the service area information of the device 1600 to the first network device; wherein, the service area information is In the service area of the pointing device 1600.

In a possible implementation manner, if the apparatus 1600 is an NRF, the communication interface 1620 is used to receive reference information of the first multicast service from the first network device, and the reference information includes the area information or the first multicast service area information of the first multicast service. At least one of the service types of the multicast service; the processor 1610 determines the target PCF of the first multicast service according to the reference information; the communication interface 1620 is used to send the target PCF information to the first network device, and the target PCF information Used to identify the target PCF.

It should be understood that the apparatus in FIG. 13 or the apparatus in FIG. 14 or the apparatus in FIG. 15 in the embodiment of the present application may be implemented by the apparatus 1600 in FIG. 16, and may be used to execute the first network device, Each step and/or process corresponding to PCF and NRF.

It is understandable that the methods, processes, operations or steps involved in the various designs described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in a one-to-one correspondence manner through computer software, electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Corresponding realization. Whether these functions are executed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. For example, considering good versatility, low cost, software and hardware decoupling, etc., they can be implemented by executing program instructions. , Considering system performance and reliability, etc., it can be realized by using a dedicated circuit. Ordinary technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, which is not limited here.

According to the method provided in the embodiments 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 runs on a computer, the computer executes the method in the above embodiment . The various embodiments in this application can also be combined with each other.

According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application also provides a computer-readable medium, the computer-readable interpretation stores a program code, and when the program code runs on a computer, the computer executes the method in the above-mentioned embodiment .

The embodiment of the present application also provides a system for multicast transmission, which includes at least two of the device in FIG. 13, the device in FIG. 14, and the device in FIG. 15. Or the system includes the devices in at least two possible implementation manners in FIG. 16.

In the embodiments of the present application, it should be noted that the foregoing method embodiments in the embodiments of the present application may be applied to a processor or implemented by a processor. The processor may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, the steps of the foregoing method embodiments can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or instructions in the form of software. The above-mentioned processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (digital signal processor, DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a ready-made programmable gate array (Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA) or other Programming logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components. The methods, steps, and logical block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor or the like.

It can be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (programmable ROM, PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (erasable PROM, EPROM), and electrically available Erase programmable read-only memory (electrically EPROM, EEPROM) or flash memory. The volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. There are many different types of RAM, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM, 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 connection dynamic random access memory (synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM) and direct memory bus random memory Take memory (direct rambus RAM, DR RAM).

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

The terms "first" and "second" appearing in this application are only used to distinguish different objects, and "first" and "second" themselves do not limit the actual order or function of the modified objects. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary", "example", "for example", "optionally" or "in certain implementations" in this application should not be construed as being better than other implementations. Examples or design schemes are more preferred or more advantageous. Rather, these words are used to present related concepts in a concrete way.

Various messages/information/equipment/network elements/systems/devices/operations that may appear in this application have been assigned names. It is understandable that these specific names do not constitute a reference to related objects. Limited, the assigned name can be changed according to factors such as the scene, context, or usage habits. The understanding of the technical meaning of the technical terms in this application should be determined mainly from the functions and technical effects embodied/implemented in the technical solution .

In the above-mentioned embodiments, it may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, it can be implemented in the form of a computer program product in whole or in part. The computer program product may include one or more computer instructions. When the computer program 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, a network device, a terminal device, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center. Transmission to another website, computer, server or data center via wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). 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 or data center integrated with one or more available media. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, and a magnetic disk), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (for example, a solid state disk (SSD)).

A person of ordinary skill in the art may realize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraint conditions of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for the convenience and conciseness of description, the specific working process of the system, device and unit described above can refer to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiment, which will not be repeated here. In the embodiments of the present application, provided that there is no logical contradiction, the embodiments can be mutually cited. For example, the methods and/or terms between the method embodiments can be mutually cited, such as the functions and/or functions between the device embodiments. Or terms may refer to each other, for example, functions and/or terms between the device embodiment and the method embodiment may refer to each other.

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

The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the objectives of the solutions of the embodiments.

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

The above are only specific implementations of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application. Should be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

A method for multicast transmission, characterized in that it comprises:

The first network device obtains reference information of the first multicast service, where the reference information includes at least one of the area information of the first multicast service or the service type of the first multicast service, and the reference information A PCF network element for determining the target policy control function of the first multicast service;

The first network device sends the description information of the first multicast service to the target PCF network element.
The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

Sending the reference information by the first network device to the second network device;

The first network device receives the information of the target PCF network element sent by the second network device, and the information of the target PCF network element is used to identify the target PCF network element.
The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

The first network device determines the target PCF network element according to the reference information.
The method according to claim 3, wherein the reference information includes area information of the first multicast service, and the method further comprises:

Acquiring, by the first network device, service area information of at least one PCF network element, where the service area information is used to indicate a service area;

The first network device to determine the target PCF network element according to the reference information includes:

The first network device determines the target PCF network element according to the area information of the first multicast service and the service area information of the at least one PCF network element.
The method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the reference information does not include the service type of the first multicast service, and the target PCF network element includes at least two PCF network elements , The method further includes:

The first network device sends the service type of the first multicast service to the target PCF network element.
The method according to claim 3, wherein the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service, and the method further comprises:

Acquiring, by the first network device, a service type supported by at least one PCF network element;

The first network device to determine the target PCF network element according to the reference information includes:

The first network device determines the target PCF network element according to the service type of the first multicast service and the service type supported by the at least one PCF network element.
The method according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6, wherein the reference information does not include area information of the first multicast service, and the target PCF network element includes at least two PCFs Network element, the method further includes:

The first network device sends the area information of the first multicast service to the target PCF network element.
The method according to claim 3, wherein the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service, and the method further comprises:

Acquiring, by the first network device, a service type supported by at least one PCF network element and service area information of the at least one PCF network element;

The first network device to determine the target PCF network element according to the reference information includes:

The first network device according to the service type of the first multicast service, the area information of the first multicast service, the service area information of the at least one PCF network element, and the information supported by the at least one PCF network element The service type determines the target PCF network element.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the service type of the first multicast service is an Internet of Vehicles (V2X) type or an Internet of Things (IoT) type or a public safety type.
A method for multicast transmission, characterized in that it comprises:

The policy control function PCF network element sends the service type supported by the PCF network element and/or the service area information of the PCF network element to the first network device;

Wherein, the service area information is used to indicate the service area of the PCF network element.
The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises:

Receiving, by the PCF network element, the description information of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service from the first network device;

When there is an intersection between the service area of the PCF network element and the area indicated by the area information of the first multicast service, the PCF network element sends the description information of the first multicast service to the unified data storage UDR network element .
The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises:

Receiving, by the PCF network element, the description information of the first multicast service and the service type of the first multicast service sent by the first network device;

When the service type supported by the PCF network element includes the service type of the first multicast service, the PCF network element sends the description information of the first multicast service to the unified data storage UDR network element.
The method according to claim 10, wherein the method further comprises:

The PCF network element receives the description information of the first multicast service sent by the first network device.
The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the service type supported by the PCF network element includes a V2X type or an IoT type or a public safety type.
A method for multicast transmission, characterized in that it comprises:

The network storage function NRF network element receives the reference information of the first multicast service from the first network device, and the reference information includes the area information of the first multicast service or the service type of the first multicast service. At least one

Determining, by the NRF network element, the target PCF network element of the first multicast service according to the reference information;

The NRF network element sends the information of the target PCF network element to the first network device, and the information of the target PCF network element is used to identify the target PCF network element.
The method according to claim 15, wherein the reference information includes area information of the first multicast service, and the method further comprises:

Acquiring, by the NRF network element, service area information supported by at least one PCF network element;

The NRF network element determining the target PCF network element of the first multicast service according to the reference information includes:

The NRF network element determines the target PCF network element according to the area information of the first multicast service and the service area information supported by the at least one PCF network element.
The method according to claim 15, wherein the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service, and the method further comprises:

The NRF network element obtains the supported service type of at least one PCF network element;

The NRF network element determining the target PCF network element of the first multicast service according to the reference information includes:

The NRF network element determines the target PCF network element according to the service type of the first multicast service and the service type supported by the at least one PCF network element.
The method according to claim 15, wherein the reference information includes the service type of the first multicast service and the area information of the first multicast service, and the method further comprises:

Acquiring, by the NRF network element, a service type supported by at least one PCF network element and service area information of the at least one PCF network element;

The NRF network element determining the target PCF network element of the first multicast service according to the reference information includes:

The NRF network element is based on the service type of the first multicast service, the area information of the first multicast service, the service area information of the at least one PCF network element, and the service supported by the at least one PCF network element Type to determine the target PCF network element.
The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the service type of the first multicast service is an Internet of Vehicles (V2X) type or an Internet of Things (IoT) type or a public safety type.
A device for multicast transmission, characterized by comprising a unit for executing the method in any one of claims 1-9.
A device for multicast transmission, characterized by comprising a unit for executing the method in any one of claims 10-14.
A device for multicast transmission, characterized in that it comprises a unit for executing the method in any one of claims 15-19.
A system for multicast transmission, characterized by comprising the device according to at least two of claim 20, claim 21 or claim 22.
A device for multicast transmission, comprising a memory, a processor, and a program stored on the memory and running on the processor, characterized in that the processor implements the claims when the program is executed The method of any one of 1 to 9.
A device for multicast transmission, comprising a memory, a processor, and a program stored on the memory and running on the processor, characterized in that the processor implements the claims when the program is executed The method of any one of 10 to 14.
A device for multicast transmission, comprising a memory, a processor, and a program stored on the memory and running on the processor, characterized in that the processor implements the claims when the program is executed The method of any one of 15-19.
A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is implemented.
A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 10 to 14 is implemented.
A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed, the method according to any one of claims 15 to 19 is implemented.
A chip comprising a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the chip executes as claimed in claim 1. To the method of any one of 9.
A chip comprising a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the chip executes as claimed in claim 10 To the method of any one of 14.
A chip comprising a processor, the processor is connected to a memory, the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory, so that the chip executes as claimed in claim 15 The method of any one of to 19.