Packet Forwarding Method, Apparatus, and System

A method implemented by a first device, wherein the method comprises:

• receiving a path identifier from a session management network element, wherein the first device comprises an access network element corresponding to a protocol data unit (PDU) session and a user plane network element corresponding to the PDU session, wherein the PDU session corresponds to a first terminal, wherein the path identifier indicates a first path from the access network element to the user plane network element, wherein the first path comprises a part or all of a second path, and wherein the second path corresponds to a pre-established PDU session for a second terminal;
• receiving, from the session management network element, identification information of a destination address corresponding to the path identifier;
• obtaining data of the first terminal, wherein the data comprises the destination address;
• incorporating, based on the destination address, the path identifier in the data to obtain incorporate data;
• and
• forwarding the incorporated data through a third path corresponding to the destination address.

A communication apparatus, comprising:

• a memory configured to store instructions;
• and
• a processor coupled to the memory and configured to:
• send a path identifier to a first device, wherein the first device comprises an access network element corresponding to a protocol data unit (PDU) session and a user plane network element corresponding to the PDU session, wherein the PDU session corresponds to a first terminal, wherein the path identifier indicates a first path from the access network element to the user plane network element, wherein the first path comprises a part or all of a second path, and wherein the second path corresponds to a pre-established PDU session for a second terminal;
• and
• send, to the first device, identification information of a destination address corresponding to the path identifier, to enable the first device to incorporate, based on the destination address, the path identifier in data of the first terminal to obtain incorporate data, and forward the incorporated data through a third path corresponding to the destination address.

A communication apparatus, comprising:

• an access network element corresponding to a protocol data unit (PDU) session;
• a user plane network element corresponding to the PDU session;
• a processor coupled to the memory and configured to:
• receive a path identifier from a session management network element, wherein the the PDU session corresponds to a first terminal, wherein the path identifier indicates a first path from the access network element to the user plane network element, wherein the first path comprises a part or all of a second path, and wherein the second path corresponds to a pre-established PDU session for a second terminal;
• receive, from the session management network element, identification information of a destination address corresponding to the path identifier;
• obtain data of the first terminal, wherein the data comprises the destination address;
• incorporate, based on the destination address, the path identifier in the data to obtain incorporate data;
• and
• forward the incorporated data through a third path corresponding to the destination address.