A communication method and device

Abstract

A communication method and device, the method comprising: an access gateway function network element sends a session creation request message of a terminal to a session management function network element, the session management function network element sends at least one of a session identifier corresponding to the created session and an address of the terminal to the access gateway function network element, in addition, the access gateway function network element obtains virtual interface information corresponding to the created session identifier, and the access gateway function network element also sends at least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal, as well as the virtual interface information, to the terminal, so that the terminal also establishes a first association relationship between at least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal and the virtual interface information. Based on the first association relationship, the connection established between the terminal and the access gateway function network element corresponds to the service quality flow of the session one-to-one, realizing an end-to-end user plane connection between the terminal and the access gateway function network element, thereby ensuring end-to-end service quality.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of the Chinese patent application filed with the Intellectual Property Office of the People's Republic of China on July 31, 2020, with application number 202010763603.2 and invention name "A Communication Method and Device", the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method and device. Background Art

[0003] In order to meet the challenges of wireless broadband technology and maintain the leading edge of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network, the 3GPP standards group has developed the next generation mobile communication network architecture (next generation system), called the 5th generation (5G) fixed-mobile converged network architecture. This network architecture not only supports access to the 5G core (5G core, 5GC) network through wireless technologies defined by the 3GPP standards group (such as long term evolution (LTE), 5G radio access network (RAN), etc.), but also supports access to the core network through fixed networks.

[0004] like Figure 1A As shown in the figure, the 5G-residential gateway (RG) accesses the wired access network, and is connected to the 5G core network through the access node (AN) and access gateway function (AGF) network elements of the wired access network. The 5G-RG can also be connected to the 5G core network through the radio access network (RAN) equipment. In the figure, there is a connection channel between the 5G-RG and the AGF network element, which is used to transmit the control plane message and user plane message from the 5G-RG to the 5G core network.

[0005] Currently, in the 5G fixed-mobile converged network architecture, there is no solution for how to manage the connection between 5G-RG and AGF to distinguish different services. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present application provides a communication method and device for establishing an association relationship between a session identifier and a virtual interface information between a terminal and an access gateway function network element, distinguishing different services based on the association relationship, and realizing an end-to-end user plane connection between the terminal and the access gateway function network element, thereby ensuring end-to-end service quality.

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a first communication device, and the first communication device can be an access gateway function network element, or a communication device that can support the access gateway function network element to implement the functions required by the method, such as a component included in the access gateway function network element, or a chip system in the access gateway function network element, etc. Exemplarily, the method is executed by the access gateway function network element. The method includes: the access gateway function network element sends a session creation request message to the session management function network element, and the session creation request message is used to request to create or modify a first session; the access gateway function network element receives at least one of a session identifier and a terminal address from the session management function network element, and the session identifier and the terminal address both correspond to the first session; the access gateway function network element obtains virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier, and the virtual interface information is a virtual interface identifier between the terminal and the access gateway function network element; the access gateway function network element sends at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address, and the virtual interface information to the terminal.

[0008] In the embodiment of the present application, at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address is established between the terminal and the access gateway function network element, and the association relationship between the virtual interface information is realized. Based on the association relationship, different services are distinguished, and the user plane end-to-end connection between the terminal and the access gateway function network element is realized to ensure the end-to-end service quality. This method can meet the fixed network to distinguish different services based on virtual interface information, so that the fixed network service can smoothly evolve to the 5G system, and the system compatibility is better.

[0009] In one possible design, obtaining virtual interface information corresponding to a session identifier includes: an access gateway function network element receiving an access layer message from a terminal, the access layer message including virtual interface information; and the access gateway function network element determining that the virtual interface information corresponds to the session identifier.

[0010] In one possible design, the obtaining of virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier includes: the access gateway function network element allocating virtual interface information to the first session; and the access gateway function network element determining that the virtual interface information corresponds to the session identifier.

[0011] In a possible design, the acquiring the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier includes:

[0012] The access gateway function network element receives first information from the terminal, where the first information is data network name DNN information and / or network slice information corresponding to the session identifier;

[0013] The access gateway function network element determines the virtual interface information corresponding to the DNN information and / or the network slice information, and determines that the virtual interface information corresponds to the session identifier.

[0014] In a possible design, obtaining virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier includes:

[0015] The access gateway function network element receives first information from the session management function network element, where the first information is DNN information and / or network slice information corresponding to the session identifier;

[0016] The access gateway function network element determines the virtual interface information corresponding to the first information.

[0017] In a possible design, obtaining virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier includes:

[0018] The access gateway function network element receives a message from the session management function network element, where the message includes the virtual interface information corresponding to the first session.

[0019] In a possible design, based on the association between the above-mentioned session identifier and the virtual interface information, the access gateway function network element receives a first message from the terminal, wherein the first message includes the virtual interface information; the access gateway function network element sends the first message to the user plane function network element through the user plane tunnel corresponding to the session identifier according to the session identifier corresponding to the virtual interface information, and the user plane tunnel is a transmission channel between the access gateway function network element and the user plane function network element. Based on the above method, the access gateway function network element can obtain the virtual interface information carried in the uplink message, and determine the corresponding session according to the virtual interface information, thereby correctly sending the message to the user plane function network element, and ensuring the end-to-end user plane connection between the terminal and the access gateway function network element.

[0020] In a possible design, based on the association between the above-mentioned session identifier and the virtual interface information, the access gateway function network element receives a second message from the user plane function network element, the second message includes the user plane tunnel identifier of the user plane function network element; the access gateway function network element determines the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier according to the session identifier corresponding to the user plane tunnel identifier, and sends the second message to the terminal through the virtual interface corresponding to the virtual interface information, the virtual interface being the virtual interface between the terminal and the access gateway function network element. Based on the above-mentioned method, the access gateway function network element can obtain the session identifier corresponding to the downlink message, thereby encapsulating the above-mentioned second message using the virtual interface information, so as to correctly send the message to the terminal and ensure the end-to-end connection of the user plane between the terminal and the access gateway function network element.

[0021] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can be executed by a third communication device, which can be a terminal, or a communication device that can support the terminal to implement the functions required for the method, such as components included in the terminal, or a chip system in the terminal, etc. Exemplarily, the method is executed by the terminal, including: the terminal sends a first message to an access gateway function network element, and the first message is used to request to create or modify a first session; the terminal obtains virtual interface information, which corresponds to the first session, and the virtual interface information is a virtual interface identifier between the terminal and the access gateway function network element.

[0022] In the embodiment of the present application, after the terminal obtains the virtual interface information corresponding to the first session, a corresponding relationship between the session identifier and at least one of the session address and the virtual interface information can be established. Based on the association relationship, different services can be distinguished to achieve an end-to-end user plane connection between the terminal and the access gateway function network element, thereby ensuring the end-to-end service quality. This method can meet the needs of the fixed network to distinguish different services based on the virtual interface information, so that the fixed network services can be smoothly evolved to the 5G system, and the system compatibility is better.

[0023] In one possible design, obtaining virtual interface information includes: a terminal receiving the virtual interface information from the access gateway function network element.

[0024] In one possible design, obtaining virtual interface information includes: a terminal obtains policy information from a policy control function network element, wherein the policy information includes the virtual interface information.

[0025] In one possible design, the policy information also includes DNN information and / or network slice information corresponding to the virtual interface information.

[0026] On the third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can still be executed by a first communication device. Exemplarily, the method is executed by an access gateway function network element, including: the access gateway function network element receives first service information from a terminal, the access gateway function network element sends a session creation request message to a session management function network element, the session creation request message includes second service information corresponding to the first service information, and the session creation request message is used to request creation or modification of a first session of the terminal; the access gateway function network element receives the address of the terminal from the session management function network element, and the address of the terminal corresponds to the first session; the access gateway function network element sends the first service information and the address of the terminal to the terminal.

[0027] In the embodiment of the present application, the terminal and the access gateway function network element establish an association relationship between the first service information and the address of the terminal, and based on the association relationship, distinguish different services, realize the end-to-end connection of the user plane between the terminal and the access gateway function network element, and ensure the end-to-end service quality. This method can meet the fixed network to distinguish different services based on the terminal address, so that the fixed network service can smoothly evolve to the 5G system, and the system compatibility is better.

[0028] In one possible design, the first service information includes domain name information and / or virtual interface information.

[0029] In one possible design, the second service information includes the data network name DNN and / or network slice information.

[0030] In one possible design, the method further includes: the access gateway function network element receives an identifier of the terminal from the terminal; and then sends the first service information, the identifier of the terminal, and the address of the terminal to the terminal.

[0031] In a possible design, the terminal identifier includes at least one of an IP address, a MAC address, or a user identifier in a network access identifier NAI.

[0032] In one possible design, an access gateway function network element sends a first message to an access and mobility management network element, the first message including first service information; the access gateway function network element receives a second message from the access and mobility management network element, the second message including second service information. In this method, the access gateway function network element can obtain a corresponding relationship between the first service information and the second service information from the access and mobility management network element.

[0033] In one possible design, the access gateway function network element obtains the first information according to at least one of the first service information, including:

[0034] The access gateway function network element sends a request message to the first network element, the request message includes the first service information; the access gateway function network element receives a response message from the first network element, the response message includes the second service information. In this method, the access gateway function network element can obtain the corresponding relationship between the first service information and the second service information from the first network element.

[0035] In a possible design, the method also includes: the access gateway function network element saves the correspondence between the first service information and the second service information.

[0036] In a possible design, the method also includes: the access gateway function network element saves the identification of the terminal and the correspondence between the first service information and the address of the terminal.

[0037] In a possible design, the method also includes: the access gateway function network element receives the identifier of the first session from the session management function network element; and saves the correspondence between the identifier of the terminal, the first service information and the identifier of the first session.

[0038] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication method, which can still be executed by a second communication device. Exemplarily, the method is executed by a terminal, including: the terminal sends first service information to an access gateway function network element, and then the terminal receives an address of the terminal from the access gateway function network element, and the address of the terminal corresponds to the first service information. The first service information may include domain name information and / or virtual interface information.

[0039] In a possible design, the terminal further sends an identifier of the terminal to the access gateway function network element, where the identifier of the terminal includes an IP address, a MAC address, or a user identifier in a network access identifier NAI.

[0040] In a possible design, the terminal saves the correspondence between the first service information and the address of the terminal.

[0041] In the embodiment of the present application, after the terminal obtains the address of the terminal of the first session, a correspondence between the address of the terminal and the first service information can be established. Based on the association, different services can be distinguished to achieve an end-to-end user plane connection between the terminal and the access gateway function network element, thereby ensuring the end-to-end service quality. This method can meet the needs of the fixed network to distinguish different services based on the address of the terminal, so that the fixed network service can smoothly evolve to the 5G system, and the system compatibility is better.

[0042] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a device, which may be a first communication device. The device has the functions of implementing the embodiments of the first and third aspects above. The functions may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0043] In one possible design, when the device is an access gateway function network element, the access gateway function network element includes: a communication unit, and optionally, a processing unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processor, the receiving unit may be, for example, a receiver, the sending unit may be, for example, a transmitter, and the receiver and the transmitter include a radio frequency circuit. Optionally, the access gateway function network element also includes a storage unit, which may be, for example, a memory. When the access gateway function network element includes a storage unit, the storage unit stores computer-executable instructions, the processing unit is connected to the storage unit, and the processing unit executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the storage unit, so that the access gateway function network element performs the method of any one of the first and third aspects above.

[0044] In another possible design, when the device is a chip in an access gateway function network element, the chip includes: a receiving unit and a sending unit, and optionally, a processing unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processing circuit, the receiving unit may be, for example, an input interface, a pin or a circuit, and the sending unit may be, for example, an output interface, a pin or a circuit. The processing unit may execute computer-executable instructions stored in a storage unit so that the method of any one of the first or third aspects described above is executed. Optionally, the storage unit is a storage unit in the chip, such as a register, a cache, etc. The storage unit may also be a storage unit located outside the chip in the access gateway function network element, such as a read-only memory (ROM), other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0045] Among them, the processor mentioned in any of the above places can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the above-mentioned first or third aspect method.

[0046] In a sixth aspect, the present application provides a device, which may be a second communication device. The device has the function of implementing the embodiments of the second aspect or the fourth aspect. The function may be implemented by hardware, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0047] In a possible design, when the device is a terminal, the terminal includes: a communication unit, and optionally, a processing unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processor, the receiving unit may be, for example, a receiver, the sending unit may be, for example, a transmitter, and the receiver and the transmitter include a radio frequency circuit. Optionally, the terminal also includes a storage unit, which may be, for example, a memory. When the terminal includes a storage unit, the storage unit stores computer-executable instructions, the processing unit is connected to the storage unit, and the processing unit executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the storage unit, so that the terminal performs the method of any one of the second aspect or the fourth aspect above.

[0048] In another possible design, when the device is a chip in a terminal, the chip includes: a receiving unit and a sending unit, and optionally, a processing unit. The processing unit may be, for example, a processing circuit, the receiving unit may be, for example, an input interface, a pin or a circuit, and the sending unit may be, for example, an output interface, a pin or a circuit. The processing unit may execute computer-executable instructions stored in a storage unit so that the sending method of any one of the second or fourth aspects described above is executed. Optionally, the storage unit is a storage unit in the chip, such as a register, a cache, etc. The storage unit may also be a storage unit in the terminal located outside the chip, such as a read-only memory (ROM), other types of static storage devices that can store static information and instructions, a random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0049] Among them, the processor mentioned in any of the above places can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits for controlling the execution of the program of the method of the second aspect or the fourth aspect mentioned above.

[0050] In a seventh aspect, the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enable the computer to execute the methods described in the above aspects.

[0051] In an eighth aspect, the present application also provides a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on a computer, enables the computer to execute the methods described in the above aspects.

[0052] In addition, the technical effects brought about by any design method in the fifth to eighth aspects can refer to the technical effects brought about by different design methods in the first to fourth aspects, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 A possible network architecture diagram provided for an embodiment of the present application;

[0054] Figure 3 A flowchart of the first session establishment method provided in this application;

[0055] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A method for sending a message provided by this application;

[0056] Figure 5 A flowchart of the second session establishment method provided in this application;

[0057] Figure 6 A flowchart of the third session establishment method provided in this application;

[0058] Figure 7 A flowchart of the fourth session establishment method provided in this application;

[0059] Figure 8 A flowchart of the second session establishment method provided in this application;

[0060] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B A flowchart of the third session establishment method provided in this application;

[0061] Fig.10 A flowchart of another session establishment method provided by this application;

[0062] Fig.11 A flowchart of another session establishment method provided by this application;

[0063] Fig.12 A flowchart of another session establishment method provided by this application;

[0064] Fig.13 A flowchart of another session establishment method provided by this application;

[0065] Fig.14 A flowchart of another session establishment method provided by this application;

[0066] Fig.15 A possible exemplary block diagram of the device involved in the embodiments of the present application;

[0067] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Fig.17 A schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] Below, some terms in the embodiments of the present application are explained to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0071] 1) Terminal equipment, also known as terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), etc., is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to users, such as a handheld device with wireless connection function, or a processing device connected to a wireless modem.

[0072] The terminal device can communicate with the core network via a radio access network (RAN) and exchange voice and / or data with the RAN. The terminal may include user equipment (UE), a wireless terminal, a mobile terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a remote station, an access point (AP), a remote terminal, an access terminal, a user terminal, a user agent, or a user device, etc. In an embodiment of the present application, 5G-RG may also be referred to as a terminal device, and a remote UE may be connected to a wired access network via 5G-RG, and then accessed to a 5G core network via the wired access network, and a remote UE may also be connected to a 5G core network via RAN.

[0073] For example, it may include a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone), a computer with a mobile terminal, a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-built-in or vehicle-mounted mobile device, a smart wearable device, etc. For example, a personal communication service (PCS) phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), and other devices.

[0074] Alternatively, the terminal device may also include a limited device, such as a device with low power consumption, or a device with limited storage capacity, or a device with limited computing capacity, etc. For example, it includes information sensing devices such as barcodes, radio frequency identification (RFID), sensors, global positioning systems (GPS), laser scanners, etc.

[0075] As an example but not a limitation, in the embodiments of the present application, smart wearable devices are a general term for wearable devices that are intelligently designed and developed using wearable technology for daily wear, such as glasses, gloves, watches, clothing, and shoes. Smart wearable devices are portable devices that are worn directly on the body or integrated into the user's clothes or accessories.

[0076] Smart wearable devices are not just hardware devices, but also realize powerful functions through software support, data interaction, and cloud interaction. Broadly speaking, smart wearable devices include those with full functions, large size, and can realize complete or partial functions without relying on smartphones, such as smart watches or smart glasses, as well as those that only focus on a certain type of application function and need to be used in conjunction with other devices such as smartphones, such as various smart bracelets for vital sign monitoring, smart helmets, smart jewelry, etc.

[0077] Alternatively, the terminal may also be a virtual reality (VR) device, an augmented reality (AR) device, a wireless terminal in industrial control, a wireless terminal in driverless driving, a wireless terminal in remote medical surgery, a wireless terminal in a smart grid, a wireless terminal in transportation safety, a wireless terminal in a smart city, a wireless terminal in a smart home, etc.

[0078] 2) (Radio) access network ((R)AN) equipment, such as base stations (e.g., access points), may refer to equipment in an access network that communicates with wireless terminals over an air interface through one or more cells. The (radio) access network equipment may be used to convert received air frames to and from Internet Protocol (IP) packets, acting as a router between a remote UE and the rest of the access network, which may include an IP network. The (radio) access network equipment may also coordinate attribute management of the air interface.

[0079] For example, (wireless) access network equipment may include a radio network controller (RNC), a node B (NB), a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a home base station (e.g., home evolved NodeB, or home Node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), or a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) access point (AP), etc.

[0080] (Wireless) access network equipment may also include an evolved base station (NodeB or eNB or e-NodeB, evolutionary Node B) in a long term evolution (LTE) system or an evolved LTE system (LTE-Advanced, LTE-A) or a fourth generation mobile communication technology (4G) system.

[0081] Alternatively, the (wireless) access network equipment may also include a next generation node B (gNB), a transmission and reception point (TRP), or a transmission point (TP) in a 5G system or a new radio (NR) system.

[0082] Alternatively, the (wireless) access network device may also include a centralized unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU) in a cloud access network (CloudRAN) system, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application. In the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms "(wireless) access network device" and "access network device" may be used interchangeably.

[0083] 3) Core network (CN) equipment, connected to multiple access networks, including circuit switched (CS) domain and / or packet switched (PS) domain. CS network elements include mobile switching center, visitor location register and gateway mobile switching center. PS network elements include general packet radio service (GPRS) node and gateway GPRS support node. Some network elements such as home location register, visitor location register and authentication center can be shared by CS domain and PS domain.

[0084] 4) In the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" refers to two or more than two. In view of this, in the embodiments of the present application, "multiple" can also be understood as "at least two". "At least one" can be understood as one or more, for example, one, two or more.

[0085] For example, including at least one means including one, two or more, and is not limited to which ones are included. For example, including at least one of A, B and C means including A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B and C.

[0086] "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone.

[0087] In addition, the character " / ", unless otherwise specified, generally indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. The terms "system" and "network" in the embodiments of the present application can be used interchangeably.

[0088] Unless otherwise specified, the ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the embodiments of the present application are used to distinguish multiple objects and are not used to limit the order, timing, priority or importance of the multiple objects.

[0089] like Figure 1A As shown in the figure, the 5G-residential gateway (RG) accesses the wired access network, and is connected to the 5G core network through the access node (AN) and access gateway function (AGF) network elements of the wired access network. The 5G-RG can also be connected to the 5G core network through the radio access network (RAN) equipment. In the figure, there is a connection channel between the 5G-RG and the AGF network element, which is used to transmit the control plane message and user plane message from the 5G-RG to the 5G core network.

[0090] like Figure 1B As shown, the fixed network-residential gateway (FN-RG) accesses the wired access network, and is connected to the 5G core network through the access node (AN) and access gateway function (AGF) network elements of the wired access network. That is to say, because FN-RG is a traditional device, it does not support the N1 interface, that is, it does not support direct communication with the 5G core network. It is necessary to complete the communication with the 5G core network through the AGF agent for FN-RG. The AGF network element is connected to the BBF AAA, and the BBF AAA is used for authentication, authorization and billing management.

[0091] like Figure 2 The figure shows a possible network architecture diagram applicable to the present application. The network architecture includes a terminal, AN and AGF network elements, RAN and 5G core network.

[0092] The 5G core network may include control plane network elements and user plane network elements. The user plane network elements are mainly responsible for packet forwarding, quality of service (QoS) control, billing information statistics, etc. The control plane network elements are mainly responsible for issuing packet forwarding strategies, QoS control strategies, etc. to the user plane functional network elements.

[0093] like Figure 2 As shown, the control plane network elements include access and mobility management function (AMF) network elements, session management function (SMF) network elements, policy control function (PCF) network elements, authentication server function (AUSF) network elements, and the user plane network elements include user plane function (UPF) network elements.

[0094] The terminal, for example, includes a residential gateway (RG), etc., and the RG may specifically include a modem, etc. The terminal is a fixed gateway device that supports 5G access, also known as 5G-RG or FN-RG. The terminal mentioned below in the embodiments of the present application may be understood as a 5G-RG or FN-RG.

[0095] 5G-RG can use air interface or fixed network to send non-access stratum (NAS) messages to AMF network element through N1 interface. N1 interface is the interface between terminal and AMF network element. Terminal can also connect to remote UE. Remote UE can refer to terminal devices such as UE, MT or MS introduced above. FN-RG is a traditional device and does not support N1 interface. FN-RG completes communication with 5G core network through AGF proxy to FN-RG.

[0096] Access point, also known as wired access node (WAN), can provide access services to terminals through different access methods.

[0097] The access gateway function (AGF) network element is the access point for the fixed network to access the 5G core network. The AGF network element can communicate with the network elements of the core network control plane, such as the AMF network element, through the N2 interface. The AGF network element can also send the data packets (also called messages) of fixed network users to the network elements of the core network user plane (such as the user plane function (UPF) network element) through the N3 interface.

[0098] It should be noted that access points and AGF network elements are collectively referred to as W-AGF, or collectively referred to as wired access network equipment.

[0099] like Figure 2 As shown, in one implementation, the terminal can access the core network in a wired manner through a wired access network device. In another implementation, the terminal can also access the core network in a wireless (or air interface) manner through a radio access network device of a radio access network (RAN), such as a base station. That is, the terminal can send an air interface message to the core network.

[0100] Figure 2In the AGF network element, the AGF control plane (AGF control plane, AGF-CP) and the AGF user plane (AGF user plane, AGF-UP) are included. AGF-CP is used to process control plane signaling and manage AGF-UP, such as issuing control policies to AGF-UP. AGF-UP is used to process user plane data according to the control policies issued by AGF-CP. AGF-CP can communicate with AMF network elements through N2, and AGF-UP and UPF network elements through N3 interface. The terminal and AMF network elements can communicate through N1 interface. UPF network elements and SMF network elements can communicate through N4 interface. SMF network elements and PCF network elements can communicate through N7 interface. AMF network elements and SMF network elements can communicate through N11 interface. AMF network elements and AUSF network elements can communicate through N12 interface.

[0101] The following are respectively introduced Figure 2 The functions of each network element in the 5G core network.

[0102] The mobility management network element, for example, in 5G, can be an AMF network element. The mobility management network element is responsible for access management and mobility management of access devices. It includes the mobility management function in the mobility management entity (MME) in the network framework in LTE, and adds access management functions.

[0103] The SMF network element is responsible for session management, such as user session establishment.

[0104] The PCF network element is used to perform policy control and is mainly responsible for the generation of policy authorization, QoS and charging rules, and sends the corresponding rules to the UPF through the SMF network element to complete the installation of the corresponding policies and rules.

[0105] The AUSF network element has an authentication service function, which is used to terminate the authentication function requested by the security anchor function (SEAF) network element.

[0106] For the convenience of explanation, this application will subsequently refer to AGF network element, AMF network element, SMF network element, PCF network element, AUSF network element, and UPF network element as AGF, AMF, SMF, PCF, AUSF, and UPF, respectively.

[0107] It should be noted that Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 The interface name between the network elements in the example is just an example. In a specific implementation, the interface name may be called other names, which is not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0108] It should be noted that Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 The device names such as terminal, access point, access gateway function network element, mobility management network element, etc. do not constitute a limitation on the device itself. In 5G networks and other future networks, terminals, access points, access gateway function network elements, and mobility management network elements may also be device names, and the embodiments of the present application do not make specific limitations on this. For example, the terminal may also be replaced by a terminal device or user device, etc., the access point may also be replaced by a wired access point or a fixed-line access point, etc., and the access gateway function network element may also be replaced by a gateway device or an access gateway function device, etc., which are uniformly explained here and will not be repeated below. It should be noted that, Figure 2 AGF is the upper layer convergence point of AN and is deployed on the fixed access network side. Figure 2 Fixed AN wired connection in.

[0109] The network architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of the present application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application. A person of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate that with the evolution of the network architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0110] Considering that in the 5G fixed-mobile converged network architecture, the terminal accesses the 5G core network through wired access, and the end-to-end service quality still needs to be guaranteed, such as marking the parameters for guaranteeing QoS on the transmission channel so that each network element can effectively schedule resources according to the identification. The identification may include PDU session ID, QFI, reflective QoS Indication (RQI), etc. Therefore, the parameters for guaranteeing QoS need to be identified in the corresponding tunnel between AGF and 5G-RG, such as PDU session ID, QFI, and RQI.

[0111] To this end, the present application provides a session establishment method, which includes: the terminal sends a session establishment request message to the SMF, and the terminal receives a session establishment completion message returned by the SMF; the terminal establishes a PDU session with the network side device, and the terminal and the AGF also establish an association relationship between the session identifier of the PDU session and at least one of the terminal address and the virtual interface information. Since the PDU session is related to the virtual interface information, based on the association relationship, in the subsequent data transmission process, for the uplink message, the AGF can determine the corresponding PDU session according to the virtual interface information in the uplink message from the terminal, and correctly send the message to the corresponding UPF network element; for the downlink message, the AGF can determine the corresponding virtual interface information according to the PDU session for transmitting the downlink message, so as to forward the downlink message to the terminal corresponding to the virtual interface information. Based on the association relationship, the connection established between the terminal and the AGF corresponds to the service quality flow of the PDU session one by one, and the end-to-end connection of the user plane between the terminal and the AGF is realized, thereby ensuring the end-to-end service quality.

[0112] For the convenience of explanation, the following takes the terminal as 5G-RG or FN-RG, the access gateway function network element as AGF-CP and AGF-UP, the mobility management network element as AMF network element, and the session management function network element as SMF as an example to illustrate the session establishment method provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0113] Embodiment 1

[0114] like Figure 3 As shown, it is a flowchart of the first session establishment method provided by the present application, which may specifically include the following steps.

[0115] like Figure 3 As shown, it is a flowchart of the first session establishment method provided by the present application, which may specifically include the following steps.

[0116] Step 301, 5G-RG sends a session creation request message to SMF through AGF-CP, where the session creation request is used to request creation or modification of a first session.

[0117] Optionally, the 5G-RG also sends virtual interface information or first information corresponding to the session creation request to the SMF through the AGF-CP. The first information may include at least one of network switching information and DNN information. The session creation request message may be a non-access stratum (NAS) message, which includes a PDU session establishment request message for requesting to establish a PDU session.

[0118] In this step, 5G-RG can first send a session creation request message to AN, which is used to request the creation of the first session, and then AN forwards the session creation request message to AGF-CP, which then forwards the session creation request message to AMF. After receiving the session creation message from AGF-CP, AMF notifies SMF to complete the relevant operations of session creation on the core network control plane. In this process, neither AN nor AGF-CP parses the specific content of the session creation message, but forwards the received session creation message.

[0119] In a first possible embodiment, when 5G-RG is pre-configured with a correspondence between a service type (such as an Internet TV service) and virtual interface information (such as a VLAN ID), 5G-RG can first determine the virtual interface information corresponding to the fixed network service to be transmitted, and when 5G-RG sends a session creation request message to SMF, 5G-RG also sends the virtual interface information corresponding to the session creation request to SMF. Specifically, 5G-RG can send the virtual interface information corresponding to the session creation request to AGF-CP through access stratum (AS) parameters.

[0120] In a second possible embodiment, the 5G-RG first determines the data network name (DNN) information or network switching information corresponding to the fixed network service to be transmitted, and when the 5G-RG sends a session creation request message to the SMF, the 5G-RG also sends the DNN information or network switching information corresponding to the session creation request to the SMF. Specifically, the 5G-RG can send the DNN information or network switching information corresponding to the session creation request to the AGF-CP through the access stratum (AS) parameters.

[0121] The virtual interface information is a virtual interface identifier between 5G-RG and AGF, which can distinguish the information of the virtual channel of the fixed network service. For example, the virtual interface information can be the virtual path identifier (VPI) or virtual channel identifier (VCI) information in the digital subscriber line (DSL), the virtual local area network (VLAN) information of Ethernet access, etc.

[0122] Step 302: SMF sends the session identifier corresponding to the created first session to AGF-CP.

[0123] Optionally, after receiving the session creation message from AGF-CP, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then SMF sends a session creation completion message and the session identifier of the first session created to AGF-CP through AMF.

[0124] The session identifier of the created session may refer to a PDU session identifier (PDU session ID). Furthermore, the session creation completion message may also include tunnel information of the UPF corresponding to the created session, such as a general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) and / or a tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID).

[0125] Step 303, AGF-CP establishes a first association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information based on the virtual interface information or the first information from the 5G-RG and the session identifier corresponding to the first session created from the SMF.

[0126] Specifically, there are two ways for the AGF to establish the first association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information:

[0127] Method 1: When the AS parameters sent by 5G-RG to AGF-CP include virtual interface information corresponding to the session creation request, AGF-CP obtains the virtual interface information from the AS parameters and establishes a first association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0128] Method 2: When the AS parameters sent by 5G-RG to AGF-CP include the first information, since AGF-CP is pre-configured with the second association relationship between the first information and the virtual interface information, AGF-CP obtains the first information from the AS parameters, and determines the virtual interface information corresponding to the first information based on the second mapping relationship, thereby establishing the first association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0129] Step 304: AGF-CP sends the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to 5G-RG.

[0130] Specifically, the AGF-CP can send AS parameters to the 5G-RG, where the AS parameters carry a session identifier and virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier, so as to notify the 5G-RG of the association between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0131] Step 305, the 5G-RG receives the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier from the AGF-CP.

[0132] Optionally, the 5G-RG also saves the first association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0133] In one possible implementation, if 5G-RG is pre-configured with an initial association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information, after 5G-RG receives the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier from AGF-CP, 5G-RG compares whether the virtual interface information in the initial association relationship is the same as the received virtual interface information. If they are different, it means that AGF has reallocated new virtual interface information for the session. Therefore, 5G-RG uses the virtual interface information in the first association relationship to update the virtual interface information in the initial association relationship.

[0134] Further, after AGF and 5G-RG establish the first association relationship between the session identifier corresponding to the created session and the virtual interface information, AGF and 5G-RG can use the first association relationship to complete the connection established between 5G-RG and AGF. The service quality flow of the PDU session is one-to-one corresponding, and the end-to-end connection of the user plane between 5G-RG and AGF is realized. The following is an explanation in conjunction with the transmission process of uplink and downlink messages.

[0135] Based on the session established in the above method, the terminal can perform uplink and downlink data transmission. For the uplink message transmission process, see Figure 4A , which may specifically include the following steps.

[0136] Step 401a, 5G-RG sends a first message carried in the first fixed network session to AN.

[0137] The first message includes virtual interface information. The first fixed network session refers to the Figure 3 The steps establish a first session.

[0138] It should be noted that there may be different fixed-line access modes between 5G-RG and AN. For different fixed-line access modes, there is a virtual interface implementation method between 5G-RG and AN, so that AN can identify the service type of the message through the virtual interface information of the received message.

[0139] Step 402a, after AN receives the first message of the first fixed network session carried by 5G-RG, AN sends the first message to AGF-UP.

[0140] Step 403a: After receiving the first message from the AN, the AGF-UP uses the first association relationship to determine the session identifier corresponding to the virtual interface information according to the virtual interface information.

[0141] Step 404a, AGF-UP sends a first message to UPF through the user plane tunnel corresponding to the session identifier, where the user plane tunnel is a transmission channel between AGF-UP and UPF.

[0142] For the transmission process of downlink messages, see Figure 4B , which may specifically include the following steps.

[0143] Step 401b: AGF-UP receives a second message carried in the first fixed network session from the UPF network element, where the second message includes a user plane tunnel identifier of the user plane function network element.

[0144] The first fixed network session refers to the Figure 3 The steps described above establish a session.

[0145] Step 402b: After receiving the second message, the AGF-UP uses the first association relationship and, according to the session identifier corresponding to the first fixed network session, determines the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier corresponding to the user plane tunnel identifier.

[0146] Step 403b, AGF-UP sends the second message to 5G-RG through the virtual interface indicated by the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier.

[0147] That is to say, AGF-UP uses the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to encapsulate the second message and sends the encapsulated second message to 5G-RG.

[0148] Step 404b, 5G-RG receives the second message from AGF.

[0149] In summary, based on the first association relationship, the connection established between 5G-RG and AGF corresponds one-to-one to the service quality flow of the PDU session, realizing the end-to-end user plane connection between 5G-RG and AGF, thereby ensuring end-to-end service quality.

[0150] Embodiment 2

[0151] like Figure 5 As shown, it is a flow chart of the second session establishment method provided by the present application, which may specifically include the following steps.

[0152] Step 501: 5G-RG sends a session creation request message to SMF through AGF-CP.

[0153] The session creation message session creation request message is used to request to create or modify the first session, and may be a non-access stratum (NAS) message, and the NAS message includes a PDU session establishment request message for requesting to establish a PDU session.

[0154] Step 502: SMF obtains the contract data of the terminal from the UDM, and determines whether the first information in the contract data contains indication information.

[0155] If the first information is configured with indication information, then execute steps 503 to 506 corresponding to the following case 1, otherwise execute steps 507 to 510 corresponding to the following case 2.

[0156] Among them, the first information may refer to at least one of the DNN and the network switching information (such as S-NSSAI). For example, the UDM is pre-configured with some DNNs having indication information, while some DNNs do not have indication information. If the DNN is configured with indication information, the indication information is used to indicate that the SMF can carry the DNN in the N2 SM information when generating N2 session management (SM) information. If the DNN is not configured with indication information, the SMF does not need to carry the DNN in the N2 SM information. For another example, the UDM is pre-configured with some S-NSSAI having indication information, while some S-NSSAI does not have indication information. If the S-NSSAI is configured with indication information, the indication information is used to indicate that the SMF can carry the S-NSSAI in the N2 SM information when generating the N2SM information. If the S-NSSAI is not configured with indication information, the SMF does not need to carry the S-NSSAI in the N2 SM information.

[0157] It should be noted that, in another possible case, if the SMF obtains a message from the PCF including indication information, the SMF needs to carry the DNN / S-NSSAI in the N2 SM information, otherwise, it is not necessary to carry the DNN / S-NSSAI in the N2 SM information.

[0158] The indication information may be access location information or access technology indication. For example, the access location information is a line ID. The access technology indication is a wired access technology indication.

[0159] Case 1

[0160] Step 503, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then sends a session creation completion message, a session identifier of the created session and the first information to AGF-CP.

[0161] The session identifier of the created session may refer to a PDU session identifier (PDU session ID). Furthermore, the session creation completion message may also include tunnel information of the UPF corresponding to the created session, such as a general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) and / or a tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID).

[0162] Among them, SMF can send the session identifier and first information of the created session to AGF-CP through N2-SM information. In addition, N2-SM information can also include session parameter information such as QFI, service quality flow configuration (QoS profile), CN tunnel information (CNTunnel Info), PDU session type, etc.

[0163] Step 504: AGF-CP receives the session identifier and first information of the created session from the SMF network element, and establishes a first association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0164] Specifically, AGF-CP pre-configures a second association relationship between the first information and the virtual interface information, so AGF-CP obtains the first information from the N2-SM information, and determines the virtual interface information corresponding to the first information based on the second association relationship, thereby establishing the first association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0165] Exemplarily, if AGF-CP obtains the PDU session identifier and DNN from the N2-SM information, AGF-CP determines that the user plane service of this terminal needs to be distinguished by the virtual interface information as the service identifier. Therefore, AGF-CP generates user plane AS parameters based on the PDU session identifier and DNN, and the association relationship between the pre-configured DNN and VLAN ID, where the user plane AS parameters include the PDU session identifier and the VLAN ID corresponding to the PDU session identifier.

[0166] Step 505: AGF-CP sends the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to 5G-RG.

[0167] Specifically, the AGF-CP can send AS parameters to the 5G-RG, where the AS parameters carry a session identifier and virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier, so as to notify the 5G-RG of the association between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0168] Step 506, 5G-RG receives the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier from AGF-CP, and saves the association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0169] Further, after 5G-RG and AGF establish the association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information, they can proceed as follows: Figure 4A and Figure 4B The process shown completes the uplink and downlink message transmission. For details, please refer to the above and will not be repeated here.

[0170] In case 1, based on the first association, the connection established between 5G-RG and AGF corresponds to the service quality flow of the PDU session one by one, realizing the end-to-end connection of the user plane between 5G-RG and AGF, thereby ensuring the end-to-end service quality. In addition, the fixed network distinguishes user plane services based on virtual interface information, with good compatibility, allowing the fixed network services to smoothly evolve to the 5G system.

[0171] Case 2

[0172] Step 507, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then sends a session creation completion message and the session identifier of the created session to AGF-CP.

[0173] In step 508, the AGF-CP determines that the N2-SM information does not carry the first information, and then the AGF-CP determines that the user plane service of the terminal needs to encapsulate QoS quality parameters (such as PDU Session ID, QFI, RQI, etc.) in a new protocol layer 5WE as a user plane distinction. That is, the AGF generates user plane AS parameters, wherein the user plane AS parameters include a PDU session identifier and a 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier.

[0174] In the specific implementation, the user plane data packet sent by 5G RG is encapsulated with a 5WE header, which can carry PDUSession ID, QFI, RQI, etc. After AGF receives the user plane data packet sent by 5G RG, AGF can identify the corresponding PDU session based on the PDU Session ID, QFI and RQI in the 5EW header, and use the user plane tunnel information corresponding to the PDU session to send the user plane data packet to the UPF network element.

[0175] Step 509, AGF-CP sends the PDU session identifier to 5G-RG, and the 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier.

[0176] Specifically, the AGF-CP can notify the 5G-RG of the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier through the user plane AS parameters.

[0177] Step 510, the 5G-RG receives the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier from the AGF-CP, and saves the third association relationship between the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier.

[0178] In summary, if DNN and S-NSSAI have corresponding indication information, it means that the PDU session established by 5G-RG to this DNN requires VLAN ID as the user plane distinction. If DNN / S-NSSAI does not have corresponding indication information, it means that the PDU session established by 5G-RG to this DNN requires 5EW as the user plane distinction. The same 5G-RG can use different methods for user plane transmission according to the business scenario.

[0179] Embodiment 3

[0180] like Figure 6 As shown, it is a flowchart of the third session establishment method provided by the present application, which may specifically include the following steps.

[0181] Step 601, 5G-RG sends a session creation request message to SMF through AGF-CP, where the session creation request message is used to request to create or modify the first session.

[0182] The session creation message may be a non-access stratum (NAS) message, and the NAS message includes a PDU session establishment request message for requesting to establish a PDU session.

[0183] Step 602: SMF determines whether the first information is bound with corresponding virtual interface information.

[0184] Specifically, SMF obtains the contract data of the terminal from UDM and determines whether the first information in the contract data is bound to the corresponding virtual interface information; or, SMF determines whether the first information is bound to the corresponding virtual interface information from the local configuration policy; or, SMF determines whether the first information is bound to the corresponding virtual interface information from the policy information received from PCF.

[0185] If the first information is bound with corresponding virtual interface information, then steps 603 to 606 corresponding to the following case 1 are executed; otherwise, steps 607 to 610 corresponding to the following case 2 are executed.

[0186] Among them, the first information may refer to DNN or network switching information (such as S-NSSAI). For example, UDM is pre-configured with some DNN bound with corresponding virtual interface information, while some DNN is not bound with virtual interface information. If DNN is bound with corresponding virtual interface information, SMF can carry the virtual interface information in N2 SM information when generating N2 SM information. If DNN is not bound with virtual interface information, SMF does not include virtual interface information in N2 SM information. For another example, UDM is pre-configured with some S-NSSAI bound with corresponding virtual interface information, while some S-NSSAI is not bound with virtual interface information. If S-NSSAI is bound with corresponding virtual interface information, SMF can carry the virtual interface information in N2 SM information when generating N2 SM information. If S-NSSAI is not bound with virtual interface information, SMF does not include virtual interface information in N2 SM information.

[0187] Case 1

[0188] Step 603, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then sends a session creation completion message, the session identifier of the created session and the virtual interface information to AGF-CP.

[0189] The session identifier of the created session may refer to a PDU session identifier (PDU session ID). Furthermore, the session creation completion message may also include tunnel information of the UPF corresponding to the created session, such as a general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) and / or a tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID).

[0190] Among them, SMF can send the session identifier and first information of the created session to AGF-CP through N2-SM information. In addition, N2-SM information can also include session parameter information such as QFI, service quality flow configuration (QoS profile), CN tunnel information (CNTunnel Info), PDU session type, etc.

[0191] Step 604: AGF-CP receives the session identifier and virtual interface information of the created session from the SMF network element, and establishes a first association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0192] Step 605, AGF-CP sends the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to 5G-RG.

[0193] Specifically, the AGF-CP can send AS parameters to the 5G-RG, where the AS parameters carry a session identifier and virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier, so as to notify the 5G-RG of the association between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0194] Step 606, 5G-RG receives the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier from AGF-CP.

[0195] Optionally, the 5G-RG saves a first association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier.

[0196] Further, after the 5G-RG and AGF establish the first association relationship, they can Figure 4A and Figure 4B The process shown completes the uplink and downlink message transmission. For details, please refer to the above and will not be repeated here.

[0197] In case 1, based on the first association, the connection established between 5G-RG and AGF corresponds to the service quality flow of the PDU session one by one, realizing the end-to-end connection of the user plane between 5G-RG and AGF, thereby ensuring the end-to-end service quality. In addition, the fixed network distinguishes user plane services based on virtual interface information, with good compatibility, allowing the fixed network services to smoothly evolve to the 5G system.

[0198] Case 2

[0199] Step 607, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then sends a session creation completion message and the session identifier of the created session to AGF-CP.

[0200] In step 608, the AGF-CP determines that the N2-SM information does not carry virtual interface information, and then the AGF-CP determines that the user plane service of the terminal needs to be encapsulated with QoS quality parameters (such as PDU Session ID, QFI, RQI, etc.) in the new protocol layer 5WE as user plane distinction. That is, the AGF generates user plane AS parameters, where the user plane AS parameters include the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier.

[0201] In the specific implementation, the user plane data packet sent by 5G RG is encapsulated with a 5WE header, which can carry PDUSession ID, QFI, RQI, etc. After AGF receives the user plane data packet sent by 5G RG, AGF can identify the corresponding PDU session based on the PDU Session ID, QFI and RQI in the 5EW header, and use the user plane tunnel information corresponding to the PDU session to send the user plane data packet to the UPF network element.

[0202] Step 609, AGF-CP sends a third association relationship to 5G-RG, where the third association relationship includes the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier.

[0203] Specifically, the AGF-CP can notify the 5G-RG of the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier through the user plane AS parameters.

[0204] Step 610, the 5G-RG receives the 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier.

[0205] Optionally, the 5G-RG saves the association relationship between the 5WE session identifiers corresponding to the PDU session identifiers.

[0206] In summary, if DNN / S-NSSAI has a corresponding VLAN ID, it means that the PDU session established by 5G-RG to this DNN requires VLAN ID as the user plane distinction. If DNN / S-NSSAI does not have a corresponding VLAN ID, it means that the PDU session established by 5G-RG to this DNN requires 5EW as the user plane distinction. The same 5G-RG can use different methods for user plane transmission according to the business scenario.

[0207] Embodiment 4

[0208] like Figure 7 As shown, it is a flowchart of the fourth session establishment method provided by the present application, which may specifically include the following steps.

[0209] Step 701, 5G-RG sends a session creation request message to SMF through AGF-CP, wherein the session creation request message includes virtual interface information, and the session creation request message is used to request to create or modify the first session.

[0210] The session creation message may be a non-access stratum (NAS) message, the NAS message including a PDU Session Establishment Request message for requesting to establish a PDU session, or the NAS message including a PDU Session Modification Request message for requesting to establish a PDU session. For example, when initiating a PDU session, 5G-RG directly extends the PDU Session Establishment / Modification Request to carry the VLAN ID.

[0211] Step 702: SMF sends a session creation completion message, a session identifier corresponding to the created session, and virtual interface information to AGF-CP.

[0212] Specifically, after receiving the session creation message from AGF-CP, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then SMF sends a session creation completion message and the session identifier of the created session to AGF-CP through AMF.

[0213] The session identifier of the created session may refer to a PDU session identifier (PDU session ID). Furthermore, the session creation completion message may also include tunnel information of the UPF corresponding to the created session, such as a general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) and / or a tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID).

[0214] Step 703: The AGF-CP establishes a first association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information according to the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the created session from the SMF.

[0215] Step 704: AGF-CP sends the first association relationship to 5G-RG.

[0216] Specifically, the AGF-CP can send AS parameters to the 5G-RG, where the AS parameters carry a session identifier and virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier, so as to notify the 5G-RG of the association between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0217] Step 705, 5G-RG receives the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier from AGF-CP.

[0218] Optionally, 5G-RG saves the first association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0219] In this embodiment, by extending the PDU Session Establishment / Modification Request to carry virtual interface information in the PDU Session Establishment / Modification Request, the AGF and 5G-RG can establish a first association relationship between the session identifier corresponding to the created session and the virtual interface information during the session establishment process. Subsequently, the AGF and 5G-RG can use the first association relationship to complete the connection established between the 5G-RG and the AGF. The service quality flow of the PDU session is one-to-one corresponding, and the end-to-end user plane connection between the 5G-RG and the AGF is realized. After the 5G-RG and the AGF establish the first association relationship, they can follow the following steps: Figure 4A and Figure 4B The process shown completes the uplink and downlink message transmission. For details, please refer to the above and will not be repeated here.

[0220] Embodiment 5

[0221] like Figure 8 As shown, it is a flow chart of another session establishment method provided by the present application, which may specifically include the following steps.

[0222] Step 8301: The terminal sends a first message to the AGF-CP, where the first message is used to request to create or modify a first session.

[0223] Among them, the terminal can be 5G-RG or FN-RG. In one possible case, if the terminal is 5G-RG, the first message is a NAS message generated by 5G-RG, and the NAS message can be a PDU session establishment request message (PDU session establishment request) or a PDU session modification request (PDU session modification request) message, that is, 5G-RG notifies SMF to establish a PDU session through a NAS message. In this step, 5G-RG can first send a NAS message to AN. The NAS message is used to request the creation or modification of a PDU session, and then AN forwards the NAS message to AGF-CP. AN does not parse the specific content of the NAS message, but directly forwards the received NAS message to AGF-CP.

[0224] In addition, 5G-RG also sends access stratum (AS) parameters to AGF-CP, and the AS parameters include virtual interface information or first information. The first information may include at least one of network slice information and DNN information. Among them, the virtual interface information is a virtual interface identifier between 5G-RG (or FN-RG) and AGF, and the virtual interface identifier can distinguish the information of the virtual channel of the fixed network service. For example, the virtual interface information can be a virtual path identifier (VPI) or a virtual channel identifier (VCI) information in a digital subscriber line (DSL), a virtual local area network (VLAN) ID of Ethernet access, etc. Exemplarily, the following description takes the virtual interface information as a VLAN ID as an example. In addition, the above-mentioned virtual interface identifier can also be sent through an L2 packet header, that is, the virtual interface information is carried in the L2 packet header. The NAS message and the AS parameter can be sent to the AGF-CP at the same time, that is, the NAS message and the AS parameter are simultaneously included in the L2 message. Optionally, the L2 packet header encapsulating the above L2 message contains a virtual interface identifier.

[0225] In another possible case, if the terminal is FN-RG, the first message may be a DHCP discovery, DHCP request message, PPPoE PADI, or IPCP / IPv6CP configuration request message generated by the FN-RG, or any message in the DHCP process or PPPoE process, that is, the FN-RG initiates a DHCP process or PPPoE process to the AGF-CP to establish a connection between the FN-RG and the AGF-CP.

[0226] In addition, the FN-RG may also send the first information or virtual interface information to the AGF-CP, and the first information or virtual interface information may be carried in the same message, for example, the first message is carried in the L2 packet header, and the L2 packet header may include the virtual interface information or the first information. It should be understood that the FN-RG is pre-configured with a correspondence between a service type (such as a fixed-line service) and the virtual interface information, or a correspondence between a service type and the first information, so that the FN-RG can first determine the virtual interface information corresponding to the fixed-line service to be transmitted, or determine the first information corresponding to the fixed-line service to be transmitted, thereby carrying the virtual interface information or the first information in the L2 packet header.

[0227] It should be understood that in one possible implementation, the 5G-RG or FN-RG can obtain policy information from the PCF network element, and the policy information includes the virtual interface information. Optionally, the policy information also includes the correspondence between the service type (or service identifier) ​​and the virtual interface information.

[0228] In another possible implementation, the 5G-RG or FN-RG can also obtain policy information from the PCF network element, and the policy information includes the first information. Optionally, the policy information also includes the correspondence between the service type (or service identifier) ​​and the first information. Among them, the service type is such as Internet TV service, video service, voice service or data service, and the service identifier is such as service ID. In this way, the 5G-RG or FN-RG can first determine the virtual interface information corresponding to the fixed-line service to be transmitted, or determine the first information corresponding to the fixed-line service to be transmitted, thereby sending the virtual interface information or the first information to the AGF-CP.

[0229] Step 8302: AGF-CP sends a session creation request message to SMF, where the session creation request message is used to request creation or modification of the first session.

[0230] In one possible case, when the terminal is 5G-RG, the session creation request message is a (non access stratum, NAS) message, which can be a PDU session establishment request (PDU session establishment request) message or a PDU session modification request (PDU session modification request) message, that is, 5G-RG notifies SMF to establish a PDU session through a NAS message. After AGF-CP receives the NAS message from 5G-RG, AGF-CP forwards the NAS message to AMF. After receiving the session creation message from AGF-CP, AMF continues to forward the above NAS message to SMF, that is, notifies SMF to complete the relevant operations of session creation on the core network control plane. In this process, AGF-CP does not parse the specific content of the NAS message, but directly forwards the received NAS message.

[0231] In another possible case, when the terminal is FN-RG, AGF-CP generates a NAS message based on the first message sent by FN-RG (such as any one of DHCP discovery, DHCP request, PPPoE PADI, or IPCP / IPv6CP configuration request messages), which may be a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request, and then forwards the NAS message to AMF. After receiving the session creation message from AGF-CP, AMF continues to forward the above NAS message to SMF, thereby notifying SMF to complete the relevant operations of session creation on the core network control plane.

[0232] Step 8303: SMF sends the session identifier corresponding to the created session to AGF-CP.

[0233] Specifically, after receiving the NAS message from AGF-CP, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then SMF sends an N2 message to AGF-CP through AMF. The N2 message includes the session identifier of the first session created, where the session identifier of the created session can refer to the PDU session identifier (PDU session ID).

[0234] Optionally, the N2 message may also include tunnel information of the UPF corresponding to the created first session, such as a general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol (GPRS tunneling protocol for the user plane, GTP-U) and / or a tunnel endpoint identifier (tunnel endpoint ID, TEID).

[0235] In a possible embodiment, SMF may also send first information to AGF-CP, where the first information is DNN information and / or network slice information of the first session corresponding to the session identifier. That is, after receiving the NAS message from AGF-CP, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation on the core network control plane, and then SMF sends an N2 message to AGF-CP through AMF, where the N2 message includes the session identifier and the first information of the created session.

[0236] In other possible embodiments, SMF can also send virtual interface information corresponding to the first session to AGF-CP. That is, after receiving the NAS message from AGF-CP, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation on the core network control plane, and then SMF sends an N2 message to AGF-CP through AMF. The N2 message includes the session identifier of the created session and the virtual interface information corresponding to the first session.

[0237] Step 8304: SMF sends the address of the terminal corresponding to the first session to AGF-CP.

[0238] It should be noted that steps 8304 and 8303 may be executed separately in two steps, or may be executed in the same step, that is, the parameters in 8304 and 8303 are carried in the same process.

[0239] Among them, the address of the terminal is the address of the terminal assigned by the network side to the first session. Exemplarily, the address of the terminal can be the terminal IP address assigned by the network side to the first session. The address of the terminal can be carried in the response message of the NAS message. Exemplarily, the response message of the NAS message can be a PDU session establishment reply message (PDU session establishment Accept) message or a PDU session update reply (PDU session modification command) message. The response message also includes a session identifier (such as PDU Session ID). The above-mentioned terminal address can be allocated by SMF or by UPF.

[0240] Step 8305: The AGF-CP sends at least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal, and virtual interface information corresponding to the first session to the terminal.

[0241] That is to say, after SMF sends a PDU session establishment reply message (PDU session establishmentAccept) or a PDU session update reply (PDU session modification command) message to AGF-CP, in one possible case, when the terminal is 5G-RG, AGF-CP directly forwards the PDU session establishment reply message or PDU session update reply message to 5G-RG, wherein the message includes a session identifier, or may also include the address of the terminal assigned to the terminal by the network side. In this process, AGF-CP does not parse the specific content of the response message, but forwards the received response message, which includes the session identifier and the address of the terminal. In addition, AGF-CP sends the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to the terminal through the AS parameter, that is, AGF-CP notifies 5G-RG of the association between at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address and the virtual interface information.

[0242] In another possible situation, when the terminal is FN-RG, AGF-CP parses the PDU session establishment reply message or PDU session update reply message, obtains the terminal address and session identifier (such as PDU Session ID), and sends the terminal address to FN-RG through a DHCP response (such as DHCP response, DHCP ACK) message or an IP configuration response (such as IPCP / IPv6CP configurationresponse, IPCP / IPv6CP configurationACK) message. In addition, AGF-CP can send virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to FN-RG through the L2 packet header, that is, AGF-CP notifies FN-RG of the association between the terminal address and virtual interface information.

[0243] In a possible embodiment, in step 8304, the AGF-CP may also establish an association relationship between at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address and the virtual interface information. The specific establishment method may refer to the following method:

[0244] Method A, in a possible implementation, the AGF-CP can establish a first association relationship between at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address and the virtual interface information based on the virtual interface information received through the above-mentioned step 8301, and at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address received from the SMF, and then the AGF-CP sends the session identifier and / or the terminal address, and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to the terminal.

[0245] Method B, in another possible implementation, after the AGF-CP receives the first message from the terminal, the AGF-CP can reallocate the target virtual interface information for the terminal according to the first information in the first message. The AGF-CP can establish a first association relationship between the session identifier and the target virtual interface information based on the reallocated target virtual interface information and the session identifier and / or the terminal address received from the SMF, and then the AGF-CP sends at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address, and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to the terminal.

[0246] Method C, in other possible implementations, AGF-CP determines the virtual interface information corresponding to the first information based on the first information received from the terminal and the correspondence between the first information and the virtual interface information stored by AGF-CP. AGF-CP can establish at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address, and a first association relationship with the virtual interface information based on the virtual interface information corresponding to the first information and the session identifier and / or the terminal address received from SMF. Then AGF-CP sends at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address, and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to the terminal.

[0247] Method D, in another possible implementation, if the AGF-CP receives the first information from the SMF, the AGF-CP can determine the virtual interface information corresponding to the first information based on the first information from the SMF and the correspondence between the first information and the virtual interface information saved by the AGF-CP. The AGF-CP can establish at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address, and an association relationship with the virtual interface information based on the virtual interface information corresponding to the first information and the session identifier and / or the terminal address received from the SMF. Then the AGF-CP sends at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address, and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to the terminal.

[0248] Method E, in another possible implementation, if the AGF-CP receives virtual interface information corresponding to the first session from the SMF, the AGF-CP can establish an association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information based on the virtual interface information corresponding to the first session, and the session identifier and / or the terminal address received from the SMF through the above step 8303, and then the AGF-CP sends at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address, and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to the terminal.

[0249] Step 8306: The terminal receives at least one of a session identifier and an address of the terminal from the AGF-CP, and virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier.

[0250] In one possible implementation, if the terminal is a 5G-RG, the 5G-RG can obtain the terminal's address and session identifier (such as PDU Session ID) from a PDU session establishment reply message or a PDU session update reply message from the AGF-CP, so that the 5G-RG can locally save the association between the terminal's session identifier, the terminal's address, and the virtual interface information.

[0251] In another possible implementation, if the terminal is an FN-RG, the FN-RG may receive the address and virtual interface information of the terminal from the AGF-CP, thereby establishing an association relationship between the address and virtual interface information of the terminal.

[0252] In one possible implementation, if 5G-RG or FN-RG is pre-configured with an initial association relationship between a session identifier and virtual interface information, then after 5G-RG or FN-RG receives the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier from AGF-CP, 5G-RG or FN-RG can compare whether the virtual interface information in the initial association relationship is the same as the received virtual interface information. If they are different, it means that AGF has reallocated new virtual interface information for the session. Therefore, 5G-RG or FN-RG uses the virtual interface information in the first association relationship to update the virtual interface information in the initial association relationship.

[0253] In a possible implementation, after AGF and 5G-RG (or FN-RG) establish an association relationship between the virtual interface information corresponding to the created session and / or the address of the terminal and the session identifier, AGF and 5G-RG (or FN-RG) can use the association relationship to complete the connection established between 5G-RG (or FN-RG) and AGF. The service quality flow of the PDU session is one-to-one corresponding, and the user plane end-to-end connection between 5G-RG (or FN-RG) and AGF is realized. The following is an explanation in conjunction with the transmission process of uplink and downlink messages.

[0254] Based on the session established in the above method, the terminal can perform uplink and downlink data transmission. For the uplink message transmission process, see Fig.9A , which may specifically include the following steps.

[0255] Step 9401a: The terminal sends a first message carried in a first fixed network session to the AN.

[0256] The terminal may be 5G-RG or FN-RG, and the first message includes virtual interface information. The first fixed network session refers to the Figure 8 The steps establish a first session.

[0257] It should be noted that the terminal and AN may have different fixed network access modes. For different fixed network access modes, there is a virtual interface implementation method between the terminal and AN, so that the AN can identify the service type of the message through the virtual interface information of the received message.

[0258] Step 9402a: After the AN receives the first message carried on the first fixed network session from the terminal, the AN sends the first message to the AGF-UP.

[0259] Step 9403a: After receiving the first message from the AN, the AGF-UP determines the session identifier corresponding to the virtual interface information by using the association between at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address and the virtual interface information.

[0260] Step 9404a, AGF-UP sends a first message to UPF through the user plane tunnel corresponding to the session identifier, where the user plane tunnel is a transmission channel between AGF-UP and UPF.

[0261] For the transmission process of downlink messages, see Fig. 9B , which may specifically include the following steps.

[0262] Step 9401b: AGF-UP receives a second message carried in the first fixed network session from the UPF network element, where the second message includes a user plane tunnel identifier of the user plane function network element.

[0263] The first fixed network session refers to the Figure 8 The steps establish a first session.

[0264] Step 9402b: After receiving the second message, the AGF-UP uses the association between the session identifier and at least one of the terminal address and the virtual interface information to determine the corresponding virtual interface information according to the session identifier corresponding to the user plane tunnel identifier.

[0265] Step 9403b: The AGF-UP sends the second message to the terminal through the virtual interface indicated by the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier.

[0266] That is, the AGF-UP uses the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to encapsulate the second message, and sends the encapsulated second message to the terminal.

[0267] Step 9404b, the terminal receives a second message from the AGF.

[0268] In summary, based on the association relationship between the session identifier and at least one of the terminal's addresses and the virtual interface information, the terminal and the AGF establish a one-to-one correspondence between the connection and the service quality flow of the PDU session, thereby realizing an end-to-end user plane connection between the terminal and the AGF, thereby ensuring end-to-end service quality.

[0269] Embodiment 6

[0270] like Fig.10 As shown, it is a flow chart of another session establishment method provided by the present application, which may specifically include the following steps.

[0271] Step 10501: The terminal sends a first message to the AGF-CP, where the first message is used to request to create or modify a first session.

[0272] Exemplarily, the terminal may be a 5G-RG or a FN-RG. In one possible case, if the terminal is a 5G-RG, the first message is a NAS message, and the NAS message may be a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message, that is, the 5G-RG notifies the SMF to establish a PDU session through a NAS message. In this step, the 5G-RG may first send a NAS message to the AN, and the NAS message is used to request the creation or modification of a PDU session, and then the AN forwards the NAS message to the AGF-CP. The AN does not parse the specific content of the NAS message, but directly forwards the received NAS message to the AGF-CP.

[0273] In another possible case, if the terminal is FN-RG, the first message may be a DHCP discovery (DHCPdiscovery), a DHCP request (DHCP request) message, a PPPoE PADI, or an IPCP / IPv6CP configuration request (IPCP / IPv6CP configuration request) message, or any message in the DHCP process or the PPPoE process, that is, the FN-RG initiates a DHCP process or a PPPoE process to the AGF-CP to establish a connection between the FN-RG and the AGF-CP.

[0274] Step 10502: AGF-CP sends a session creation request message to SMF, where the session creation request message is used to request creation or modification of a first session.

[0275] Exemplarily, the terminal may be 5G-RG or FN-RG. If the terminal is 5G-RG, the session creation request may be NAS, and the NAS message may be a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request message, that is, 5G-RG notifies SMF to establish a PDU session through a NAS message. After AGF-CP receives the NAS message from 5G-RG, AGF-CP forwards the NAS message to AMF. After receiving the session creation message from AGF-CP, AMF notifies SMF to complete the relevant operations of session creation on the core network control plane. During this process, AGF-CP does not parse the specific content of the NAS message, but directly forwards the received NAS message.

[0276] If the terminal is FN-RG, AGF-CP generates a NAS message based on the first message sent by FN-RG (such as DHCP discovery, DHCP request message, PPPoE PADI, or IPCP / IPv6CP configuration request message or any message in the DHCP process or PPPoE process). The NAS message can be a PDU session establishment request message or a PDU session modification request, and then forwards the NAS message to AMF. After receiving the session creation message from AGF-CP, AMF notifies SMF to complete the relevant operations of session creation on the core network control plane.

[0277] Step 10503: SMF obtains the contract data of the terminal and determines whether the contract data includes indication information.

[0278] If the contract data includes indication information, then the steps 10504 to 10507 corresponding to the following case 1 are executed, otherwise the steps 10508 to 10511 corresponding to the following case 2 are executed. The indication information may be access location information or access technology indication. For example, the access location information is a line ID. The access technology indication is a wired access technology indication.

[0279] Among them, the subscription data may refer to at least one of the DNN and the network slice information (such as S-NSSAI). For example, the SMF can obtain the subscription data of the terminal from the UDM, and the UDM is pre-configured with some DNNs having indication information, while some DNNs do not have indication information. If the DNN is configured with indication information, the indication information is used to indicate that the SMF can carry the DNN in the N2 SM information when generating the N2 session management (SM) information. If the DNN is not configured with indication information, the SMF does not need to carry the DNN in the N2 SM information. For another example, the UDM is pre-configured with some S-NSSAI having indication information, while some S-NSSAI does not have indication information. If the S-NSSAI is configured with indication information, the indication information is used to indicate that the SMF can carry the S-NSSAI in the N2 SM information when generating the N2 SM information. If the S-NSSAI is not configured with indication information, the SMF does not need to carry the S-NSSAI in the N2 SM information.

[0280] It should be noted that, in another possible case, if the message obtained by the SMF from the PCF includes indication information, the SMF needs to carry the DNN / S-NSSAI in the N2 SM information, otherwise, it does not need to carry the DNN / S-NSSAI in the N2 SM information.

[0281] Step 10504, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then sends at least one of the session identifier of the first session created and the address of the terminal, and the first information to AGF-CP.

[0282] The session identifier and the terminal address both correspond to the first session created. The session identifier of the first session created may refer to a PDU session identifier (PDU session ID). The terminal address is an address assigned to the terminal. Exemplarily, the terminal address may be a terminal IP address corresponding to the first session assigned to the terminal by the network side. In a possible embodiment, the SMF sends an N2 message to the AGF-CP. The N2 message includes the address of the terminal, the session identifier and the first information. The N2 message may also include the tunnel information of the UPF corresponding to the created session, such as the general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol for the user plane (GTP-U) at the user level, and / or the tunnel endpoint ID (TEID). In addition, the N2 message may also include session parameter information such as QFI, QoS profile, CN tunnel information (CN TunnelInfo), and PDU session type.

[0283] Step 10505, the AGF-CP receives at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address from the SMF network element, and the first information.

[0284] In a possible embodiment, the AGF-CP may also establish an association relationship between at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address and the virtual interface information.

[0285] Specifically, AGF-CP is pre-configured with an association relationship between the first information and the virtual interface information, so when AGF-CP obtains the first information from the N2 message, it can determine the virtual interface information based on the association relationship between the first information and the virtual interface information, thereby establishing at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address, and the association relationship between the virtual interface information.

[0286] Exemplarily, if AGF-CP obtains the PDU session identifier and DNN from the N2 information, AGF-CP determines that the user plane service of this terminal needs to be distinguished by the virtual interface information as the service identifier. Therefore, AGF-CP establishes the association relationship between the PDU session identifier and the VLAN ID based on the PDU session identifier and DNN, as well as the association relationship between the pre-configured DNN and the VLAN ID. AGF-CP can also generate user plane AS parameters, where the user plane AS parameters include the PDU session identifier and the VLAN ID corresponding to the PDU session identifier.

[0287] Step 10506: The AGF-CP sends at least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal, and virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier to the terminal.

[0288] Specifically, the AGF-CP can send AS parameters to the terminal, where the AS parameters carry at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address, and virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier, so as to notify the terminal to establish an association relationship between the session identifier, at least one of the terminal address, and the virtual interface information.

[0289] Step 10507: The terminal receives at least one of a session identifier and an address of the terminal from the AGF-CP, and virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier.

[0290] In a possible embodiment, after the terminal receives a session identifier and at least one of the terminal's address and virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier from the AGF-CP, it locally saves at least one of the session identifier and the terminal's address and the association relationship between the virtual interface information.

[0291] In this embodiment, after the terminal and the AGF establish an association relationship between at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address and the virtual interface information, the following can be followed: Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The process shown completes the uplink and downlink message transmission. For details, please refer to the above and will not be repeated here.

[0292] In case 1, the terminal and AGF establish a one-to-one correspondence between the connection established between the terminal and AGF and the service quality flow of the PDU session based on the association between at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address and the virtual interface information, thereby realizing an end-to-end user plane connection between the terminal and AGF, thereby ensuring end-to-end service quality. In addition, the fixed network distinguishes user plane services based on virtual interface information, with good compatibility, allowing fixed network services to smoothly evolve to the 5G system.

[0293] Case 2

[0294] Step 10508, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then sends at least one of the session identifier of the created first session and the address of the terminal to AGF-CP.

[0295] Step 10509, the AGF-CP determines that the N2-SM information does not carry the first information, and then the AGF-CP determines that the user plane service of the terminal needs to encapsulate QoS quality parameters (such as PDU Session ID, QFI, RQI, etc.) in a new protocol layer 5WE as a user plane distinction. That is, the AGF generates user plane AS parameters, wherein the user plane AS parameters include a PDU session identifier and a 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier.

[0296] In the specific implementation, the user plane data packet sent by 5G RG is encapsulated with a 5WE header, which can carry PDUSession ID, QFI, RQI, etc. After AGF receives the user plane data packet sent by 5G RG, AGF can identify the corresponding PDU session based on the PDU Session ID, QFI and RQI in the 5EW header, and use the user plane tunnel information corresponding to the PDU session to send the user plane data packet to the UPF network element.

[0297] Step 10510, the AGF-CP sends the PDU session identifier to the terminal, and the 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier.

[0298] Specifically, the AGF-CP may notify the terminal of the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier through the user plane AS parameter.

[0299] Step 10511, the terminal receives the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier from the AGF-CP.

[0300] In a possible embodiment, the terminal may further save the association relationship between the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier.

[0301] In summary, if DNN / S-NSSAI has corresponding indication information, it means that the terminal needs to use VLAN ID as the user plane to distinguish the PDU session established to this DNN. If DNN / S-NSSAI does not have corresponding indication information, it means that the terminal needs to use 5EW as the user plane to distinguish the PDU session established to this DNN. The same terminal can use different methods for user plane transmission according to the business scenario.

[0302] Embodiment 7

[0303] like Fig.11 As shown, it is a flow chart of another session establishment method provided by the present application, which may specifically include the following steps.

[0304] Step 11601: The terminal sends a first message to the AGF-CP, where the first message is used to request to create or modify a first session.

[0305] Please refer to the above step 10501 for details.

[0306] Step 11602: AGF-CP sends a session creation request message to SMF, where the session creation request message is used to request creation or modification of a first session.

[0307] Please refer to the above step 10502 for details.

[0308] Step 11603, SMF obtains the contract data and determines whether the first information is bound to the corresponding virtual interface information. If the first information is bound to the corresponding virtual interface information, execute steps 11603 to 11606 corresponding to the following situation 1, otherwise execute steps 11607 to 11610 corresponding to the following situation 2.

[0309] Specifically, SMF obtains the contract data of the terminal from UDM and determines whether the first information in the contract data is bound to the corresponding virtual interface information; or, SMF determines whether the first information is bound to the corresponding virtual interface information from the local configuration policy; or, SMF determines whether the first information is bound to the corresponding virtual interface information from the policy information received from PCF. The first information may refer to DNN or network slice information (such as S-NSSAI). For example, UDM is pre-configured with some DNNs bound to corresponding virtual interface information, while some DNNs are not bound to virtual interface information. If the DNN is bound to the corresponding virtual interface information, SMF can carry the virtual interface information in the N2 SM information when generating N2 SM information. If the DNN is not bound to virtual interface information, SMF does not include the virtual interface information in the N2 SM information. For another example, UDM is pre-configured with some S-NSSAI bound to the corresponding virtual interface information, while some S-NSSAI is not bound to the virtual interface information. If the S-NSSAI is bound to the corresponding virtual interface information, the SMF can carry the virtual interface information in the N2 SM information when generating the N2 SM information. If the S-NSSAI is not bound to the virtual interface information, the SMF does not include the virtual interface information in the N2 SM information.

[0310] Case 1

[0311] Step 11604, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then sends at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address of the created first session and the virtual interface information to AGF-CP.

[0312] The session identifier and the terminal address both correspond to the first session created, the session identifier of the first session created may refer to a PDU session identifier (PDU session ID), and the terminal address is an address assigned to the terminal, and exemplarily, the terminal address may be a terminal IP address corresponding to the first session assigned to the terminal by the network side. For details, see the above step 10504.

[0313] Step 11605, the AGF-CP receives at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address of the created session and the virtual interface information from the SMF network element.

[0314] In a possible embodiment, the AGF-CP may also establish an association relationship between at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address and the virtual interface information.

[0315] Step 11606: The AGF-CP sends at least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal, and virtual interface information to the terminal.

[0316] Specifically, the AGF-CP may send AS parameters to the terminal, wherein the AS parameters carry at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address, and virtual interface information, to notify the terminal of the association relationship between at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address, and the virtual interface information.

[0317] Step 11607: The terminal receives the session identifier and the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier from the AGF-CP.

[0318] In a possible embodiment, the terminal may also locally store at least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal, and an association relationship between the session identifier and the virtual interface information.

[0319] In this implementation, after the terminal and the AGF establish an association relationship between at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address and the virtual interface information, the following can be followed: Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The process shown completes the uplink and downlink message transmission. For details, please refer to the above and will not be repeated here.

[0320] In case 1, the terminal and AGF establish a one-to-one correspondence between the connection established between the terminal and AGF and the service quality flow of the PDU session based on the association between at least one of the session identifier and the terminal address and the virtual interface information, thereby realizing an end-to-end user plane connection between the terminal and AGF, thereby ensuring end-to-end service quality. In addition, the fixed network distinguishes user plane services based on virtual interface information, with good compatibility, allowing fixed network services to smoothly evolve to the 5G system.

[0321] Case 2

[0322] Step 11608, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then sends at least one of the session identifier of the created session and the address of the terminal to AGF-CP.

[0323] Step 11609, AGF-CP determines that the N2-SM information does not carry virtual interface information, then AGF-CP determines that the user plane service of the terminal needs to encapsulate QoS quality parameters (such as PDU Session ID, QFI, RQI, etc.) in the new protocol layer 5WE as user plane distinction. That is, AGF generates user plane AS parameters, where the user plane AS parameters include the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier.

[0324] In the specific implementation, the user plane data packet sent by 5G RG is encapsulated with a 5WE header, which can carry PDUSession ID, QFI, RQI, etc. After AGF receives the user plane data packet sent by 5G RG, AGF can identify the corresponding PDU session based on the PDU Session ID, QFI and RQI in the 5EW header, and use the user plane tunnel information corresponding to the PDU session to send the user plane data packet to the UPF network element.

[0325] Step 11610, the AGF-CP sends the PDU session identifier to the terminal, and the 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier.

[0326] Specifically, the AGF-CP may notify the terminal of the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier corresponding to the PDU session identifier through the user plane AS parameter.

[0327] Step 11611, the terminal receives the PDU session identifier and 5WE session identifier from the AGF-CP.

[0328] In a possible embodiment, the terminal may further save the association relationship between the PDU session identifier and the 5WE session identifier.

[0329] In summary, if DNN / S-NSSAI has a corresponding VLAN ID, it means that the terminal needs to use the VLAN ID as a user plane to distinguish the PDU session established to this DNN. If DNN / S-NSSAI does not have a corresponding VLAN ID, it means that the terminal needs to use 5EW as a user plane to distinguish the PDU session established to this DNN. The same terminal can use different methods for user plane transmission according to the business scenario.

[0330] Embodiment 8

[0331] like Fig.12As shown, it is a flow chart of another session establishment method provided by the present application, which may specifically include the following steps.

[0332] Step 12801: The terminal sends first service information to the AGF-CP.

[0333] The first service information includes domain name information and / or virtual interface information.

[0334] In a possible implementation, the terminal further sends an identifier of the terminal to the AGF-CP. The identifier of the terminal includes an IP address, a MAC address, or a user identifier in a network access identifier NAI.

[0335] Step 12802: AGF-CP receives first service information from the terminal.

[0336] Step 12803: AGF-CP sends a session creation request message to SMF, where the session creation request message includes second service information corresponding to the first service information, and the session creation request message is used to request to create or modify the first session of the terminal.

[0337] Among them, the second business information includes the data network name DNN and / or network slice information.

[0338] Optionally, in step 12803, the AGF-CP further determines the second service information corresponding to the first service information. In a possible implementation, the AGF-CP sends a request message to the first network element (such as BBF-AAA), and the request message includes the first service information; the AGF-CP receives a response message from the first network element, and the response message includes the second service information. For details, see Fig.13 In another possible implementation, the AGF-CP sends a first message #1 to the AMF, wherein the first message #1 includes the first service information; the AGF-CP receives a second message from the AMF, wherein the second message includes the second service information. Fig.14 The method steps are shown.

[0339] Step 12804: SMF sends the address of the terminal to AGF-CP, where the address of the terminal corresponds to the first session.

[0340] Step 12805: AGF-CP sends the first service information and the address of the terminal to the terminal.

[0341] In other words, the AGF-CP sends the first service information and the address of the terminal corresponding to the first service information to the terminal.

[0342] In a possible implementation, if the AGF-CP receives the terminal identifier in step 12801, the AGF-CP may also send the terminal identifier to the terminal in step 12805. That is, the AGF-CP sends the first service information, the terminal identifier, and the corresponding terminal address to the terminal. Optionally, the AGF-CP stores the correspondence between the terminal identifier and the first service information and the terminal address.

[0343] In a possible implementation manner, the AGF-CP saves the corresponding relationship between the first service information and the second service information.

[0344] In a possible implementation manner, the AGF-CP receives the identifier of the first session from the session management function network element; and the AGF-CP saves the correspondence between the identifier of the terminal, the first service information, and the identifier of the first session.

[0345] Optionally, the method further includes step 12806, where the terminal saves the correspondence between the first service information and the address of the terminal.

[0346] In this way, the terminal can establish a correspondence between the first service information and the terminal address. The AGF and the terminal can use this association to complete the connection established between the terminal and the AGF, and the service quality flow of the PDU session is one-to-one corresponding, thereby realizing an end-to-end user plane connection between the terminal and the AGF.

[0347] In order to explain it more systematically, Fig.13 The method shown and Fig.14 The method described is used to explain the eighth embodiment.

[0348] like Fig.13 As shown, it is a flow chart of another session establishment method provided by the present application, which may specifically include the following steps.

[0349] Step 13801: The terminal sends a first message to the AGF-CP, where the first message includes first service information.

[0350] Optionally, the first service information includes at least one of domain name information and virtual interface information, and the domain name information may be domain name information in a network access ID (NAI), wherein the NAI includes at least one of a user ID or domain name information.

[0351] In this step, the terminal may be an FN-RG, and the first message may be a point-to-point protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) message (i.e., a PPPoE active discovery initiation (PADI) message, or a PPPoE active discovery request (PADR) message, applicable to an IPv4 or IPv6 address request), or a DHCP message (i.e., a discovery message, or a request message, applicable to an IPv4 or IPv6 address request), or an RS message (applicable to an IPv6 address request), or any message in a DHCP process or a PPPoE process, i.e., the FN-RG initiates a DHCP process or a PPPoE process to the AGF-CP to establish a connection between the FN-RG and the AGF-CP.

[0352] Optionally, the FN-RG may also send the terminal identifier to the AGF-CP, where the terminal identifier includes at least one of an IP address, a MAC address, or a user identifier in a network access identifier NAI.

[0353] Exemplarily, the first message is carried in an L2 header, and the L2 header may include virtual interface information and / or NAI information. For another example, NAI information and / or virtual interface information may be carried in the first message. NAI includes user identification and domain name information (domain name). Exemplarily, the following format user ID@domain name may be used to indicate NAI information, for example, David@CMCC.com. The specific content of the virtual interface information may refer to the above embodiment.

[0354] It should be understood that FN-RG obtains (based on pre-configuration or obtained from policy information sent by ACS or PCF) the correspondence between service type (or service identifier) ​​and virtual interface information, or obtains (based on pre-configuration or obtained from policy information sent by ACS or PCF) the correspondence between service type (or service identifier) ​​and NAI information, for example, service type such as Internet TV service, video service, voice service or data service, and service identifier such as service ID. The above correspondence can be configured to FN-RG by ACS or PCF, or based on the local policy of FN-RG. In this way, FN-RG can first determine the virtual interface information corresponding to the fixed-line service to be transmitted, or determine the NAI information corresponding to the fixed-line service to be transmitted, and then send the virtual interface information or NAI information to AGF-CP.

[0355] In a possible embodiment, the AGF may receive multiple first messages sent from the FN-RG, different first messages carry different NAI information or virtual interface information, and different first messages are used to request to create or modify different sessions.

[0356] Step 13802: AGF-CP sends a request message to the first network element, where the request message is used to request second service information.

[0357] The second business information includes DNN and / or network slice information, and optionally, the request message includes the first business information.

[0358] Exemplarily, the first network element is Broadband Forum-Authentication / Authorization / Accounting (BBF-AAA), and the AGF-CP sends a request message to the BBF-AAA, where the request message includes domain name information.

[0359] Step 13803: The first network element sends a response message to the AGF-CP, where the response message includes the second service information.

[0360] The second service information corresponds to the first service information and is used to determine virtual interface information or domain name information for user plane data transmission between the terminal and the access gateway function network element.

[0361] In a possible embodiment, the first network element further performs authentication on the FN-RG according to the NAI information, and when the authentication succeeds, sends the second service information to the AGF-CP.

[0362] Optionally, the method further includes step 12804, where the AGF-CP saves the corresponding relationship between the first service information and the second service information.

[0363] Step 13805: AGF sends a session creation request message to SMF. The session creation request message is used to request to create or modify the first session. The session creation request message includes second business information corresponding to the first business information.

[0364] It should be understood that, optionally, before AGF acts as an agent for FN-RG to request SMF to create or modify the first session, AGF also acts as an agent for FN-RG to initiate a registration process to 5GC. For the successfully registered FN-RG, AGF-CP requests SMF to create or modify the first session based on the corresponding relationship stored in the above step 12804.

[0365] Step 13806, SMF sends the address of the terminal to AGF-CP, and the address of the terminal corresponds to the first session.

[0366] Specifically, after receiving the session creation request message from AGF-CP, SMF completes the relevant operations of session creation in the core network control plane, and then SMF sends the address of the terminal of the first session to AGF-CP through AMF, wherein the address of the terminal is the address assigned to the terminal, and the address of the terminal can be the terminal IP address of the first session assigned to the terminal by the network side. Exemplarily, the address of the terminal assigned by SMF to the first session, or the address of the terminal assigned by UPF to the first session, is then sent to AGF-CP by UPF through SMF.

[0367] Optionally, the method further includes step 13807, where the AGF-CP receives an identifier of the first session from the SMF.

[0368] In this step, the identifier of the first session may refer to a PDU session identifier (PDU session ID). In a possible embodiment, the AGF-CP further stores the corresponding relationship between the identifier of the terminal, the first service information, and the identifier of the first session.

[0369] Step 13808: After receiving the address of the terminal, the AGF-CP sends the first service information and the address of the terminal to the terminal.

[0370] In other words, the AGF-CP sends the correspondence between the first service information and the address of the terminal to the terminal.

[0371] Exemplarily, the AGF-CP may send the address of the terminal to the FN-RG via an IP configuration message, a DHCP message (such as a DHCP ACK message), or a RA message.

[0372] In a possible embodiment, when the AGF-CP receives multiple first messages sent from the FN-RG, different first messages carry different domain name information or virtual interface information and correspond to different sessions, so when the AGF-CP sends the address of the terminal to the FN-RG, it is also necessary to send at least one of the domain name information and the virtual interface information to the FN-RG. That is, the AGF determines the domain name information and / or the virtual interface information according to the session identifier of the first session by using the correspondence between at least one of the stored domain name information and the virtual interface information and the session identifier, so that when the AGF sends at least one of the domain name information and the virtual interface information and the address of the terminal to the FN-RG, the FN-RG determines the session corresponding to the address of the terminal.

[0373] Step 13809: The terminal receives the address of the terminal from the AGF-CP, where the address of the terminal corresponds to the first service information.

[0374] In a possible embodiment, after receiving the address of the terminal from the AGF-CP, the terminal saves the correspondence between the first service information and the address of the terminal.

[0375] In a possible embodiment, the terminal further receives an identifier of the terminal from the AGF-CP, where the identifier of the terminal corresponds to the first service information.

[0376] In this way, FN-RG can also establish a correspondence between the first service information and the address of the terminal. AGF and FN-RG can use this association relationship to complete the one-to-one correspondence between the connection established between FN-RG and AGF and the service quality flow of the PDU session, thereby realizing an end-to-end user plane connection between FN-RG and AGF.

[0377] like Fig.14 As shown, it is a flow chart of another session establishment method provided by the present application, which may specifically include the following steps.

[0378] Step 14901 is the same as step 13801.

[0379] Step 14902, AGF-CP sends the first message #1 of FN-RG to AMF, and the first message #1 carries the first service information. The first message #1 is used to request to register FN-RG to the core network or to request to establish or update a session.

[0380] Exemplarily, the first message #1 may be a registration request message, or a session request message or a session update message.

[0381] Step 14903, AMF or SMF sends a second message to AGF-CP.

[0382] Specifically, AMF or SMF obtains the terminal subscription data from UDM, and the subscription data includes the second service information, or the subscription data includes the correspondence between the first service information and at least one of the NAI information and the virtual interface information. AMF or SMF sends a second message to AGF-CP, and the second message includes the second service information, or includes the correspondence between the second service information and the first service information. The second message may be a registration response message, or a response message, or a reply message, or a request message. The second service information includes at least one of the network slice information and the DNN information, and the second service information corresponds to at least one of the first service information. The second service information is used to determine the first service information of the user plane data transmission between the terminal and the access gateway function network element.

[0383] Optionally, 5GC completes the authentication and / or access authentication of FN-RG. For the successfully authenticated FN-RG, UDM sends the second service information (or sends the corresponding relationship between the first service information and the second service information) to AMF or SMF, and then AMF or SMF sends the second service information (or sends the corresponding relationship between the first service information and the second service information) to AGF-CP.

[0384] Optionally, the FN-RG may obtain policy information from a policy control function network element, where the policy information includes second service information corresponding to the first service information.

[0385] Optionally, the method further includes step 14904, where the AGF-CP saves the corresponding relationship between the first service information and the second service information.

[0386] Step 14905, AGF sends a session creation request message to SMF, where the session creation request message is used to request creation or modification of the first session, and the session creation request message includes second business information corresponding to the first business information.

[0387] Exemplarily, the AGF initiates a session establishment or modification process, wherein the session creation request message carries corresponding DNN and / or slice information.

[0388] In a possible embodiment, the FN-RG can also authenticate the FN-RG to the BBF-AAA server based on the secondary authentication process of the PDU session, for example, by transmitting the username / password information of the FN-RG to the BBF-AAA service through the PDU session. The BBF-AAA server authenticates the FN-RG based on the username and password.

[0389] Step 14906, SMF sends the address of the terminal to AGF-CP, where the address of the terminal corresponds to the second service information.

[0390] The terminal address is an address assigned to the terminal. For example, the terminal address may be a terminal IP address of the first session assigned to the terminal by the network side. The terminal address may be carried in a response message of a NAS message. For example, the response message of a NAS message may be a PDU session establishment reply message (PDU session establishmentAccept) or a PDU session update reply (PDU session modification command) message. The response message also includes a session identifier (such as a PDU session ID).

[0391] Step 14907 is the same as step 13808 above.

[0392] Step 14908 is the same as step 13809 above.

[0393] The above method and Fig.13 The difference of the method shown is that the correspondence between the virtual interface information or the domain name information and the first information is not sent by the first network element, but by the 5GC to the AGF-CP.

[0394] It should be noted that the session creation request message mentioned in the above embodiment and subsequent embodiments is used to request the creation of a session. The session creation request message is just a name. In actual applications, it can also be replaced by other names. For example, it can be replaced by the following but not limited to the following names: message for requesting the creation of a session, first message, request message, session request message, message requesting the creation of a session, session modification request message, session modification message, etc.

[0395] Similarly, the session creation completion message mentioned in the above embodiment and subsequent embodiments is used to indicate that the creation of the session is complete. The session creation completion message is just a name. In actual applications, it can be replaced by other names. For example, it can be replaced by the following but not limited to the following names: message used to indicate the completion of session creation, first message, response message, session completion indication message, session completion message, session modification completion message, session modification response message, etc.

[0396] With respect to the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 8, it should be noted that: (1) the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 8 can be implemented separately in different scenarios, or can be implemented in combination in the same scenario, or different schemes involved in different embodiments can also be implemented in combination, without specific limitation.

[0397] (2) The step numbers of the flowcharts described in the embodiments of the present application are merely examples of the execution process and do not constitute a limitation on the order of execution of the steps. In the embodiments of the present application, there is no strict execution order between the steps that have no time dependency on each other.

[0398] The above mainly introduces the solution provided by the embodiment of the present application from the perspective of interaction between the network device and the terminal. It is understandable that in order to achieve the above functions, the network device or terminal may include a hardware structure and / or software module corresponding to the execution of each function. It should be easily appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed in the form of hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present application.

[0399] The embodiment of the present application can divide the terminal and the network device into functional units according to the above method example. For example, each functional unit can be divided according to each function, or two or more functions can be integrated into one unit. The above integrated unit can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0400] In the case of an integrated unit, Fig.15 A possible exemplary block diagram of the device involved in the embodiments of the present application is shown. Fig.15 As shown, the apparatus 1500 may include: a processing unit 1502 and a communication unit 1503. The processing unit 1502 is used to control and manage the actions of the apparatus 1500. The communication unit 1503 is used to support the communication between the apparatus 1500 and other devices. Optionally, the communication unit 1503 is also called a transceiver unit, and may include a receiving unit and / or a sending unit, which are respectively used to perform receiving and sending operations. The apparatus 1500 may also include a storage unit 1501, which is used to store program codes and / or data of the apparatus 1500.

[0401] The device 1500 may be a terminal in any of the above embodiments, or may be a chip set in a terminal. The processing unit 1502 may support the device 1500 to perform the actions of the terminal in the above method examples. Alternatively, the processing unit 1502 mainly performs the internal actions of the terminal in the method examples, and the communication unit 1503 may support the communication between the device 1500 and the network device.

[0402] The device 1500 may be a network device in any of the above embodiments, or may be a chip set in a network device. The processing unit 1502 may support the device 1500 to perform the actions of the network device in each method example above. Alternatively, the processing unit 1502 mainly performs the internal actions of the network device in the method example, and the communication unit 1503 may support the communication between the device 1500 and the network device. For example, the processing unit 1502 may be used to perform the internal actions of the network device in the method example; the communication unit 1503 may be used to support the communication between the device 1500 and the terminal.

[0403] It should be understood that the division of the units in the above device is only a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into one physical entity, or they can be physically separated. And the units in the device can all be implemented in the form of software calling through processing elements; they can also be all implemented in the form of hardware; some units can also be implemented in the form of software calling through processing elements, and some units can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, each unit can be a separately established processing element, or it can be integrated in a certain chip of the device. In addition, it can also be stored in the memory in the form of a program, and called and executed by a certain processing element of the device. The function of the unit. In addition, all or part of these units can be integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. The processing element described here can also be a processor, which can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each unit above can be implemented by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor element or in the form of software calling through a processing element.

[0404] In one example, the unit in any of the above devices may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), or one or more digital singnal processors (DSP), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. For another example, when the unit in the device can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler, the processing element can be a processor, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), or other processors that can call programs. For another example, these units can be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0405] The above unit for receiving is an interface circuit of the device, which is used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the receiving unit is an interface circuit of the chip used to receive signals from other chips or devices. The above unit for sending is an interface circuit of the device, which is used to send signals to other devices. For example, when the device is implemented in the form of a chip, the sending unit is an interface circuit of the chip used to send signals to other chips or devices.

[0406] Please refer to Fig.16, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a terminal provided in an embodiment of the present application. It can be the terminal in the above embodiment, used to implement the operation of the terminal in the above embodiment. Fig.16 As shown, the terminal includes: an antenna 1610, a radio frequency part 1620, and a signal processing part 1630. The antenna 1610 is connected to the radio frequency part 1620. In the downlink direction, the radio frequency part 1620 receives information sent by the network device through the antenna 1610, and sends the information sent by the network device to the signal processing part 1630 for processing. In the uplink direction, the signal processing part 1630 processes the information of the terminal and sends it to the radio frequency part 1620. The radio frequency part 1620 processes the information of the terminal and sends it to the network device through the antenna 1610.

[0407] The signal processing part 1630 may include a modulation and demodulation subsystem for processing each communication protocol layer of data; it may also include a central processing subsystem for processing the terminal operating system and application layer.

[0408] The modem subsystem may include one or more processing elements 1631, for example, a main control CPU and other integrated circuits. In addition, the modem subsystem may also include a storage element 1632 and an interface circuit 1633. The storage element 1632 is used to store data and programs, but the program for executing the method executed by the terminal in the above method may not be stored in the storage element 1632, but in a memory outside the modem subsystem, and the modem subsystem loads and uses it when in use. The interface circuit 1633 is used to communicate with other subsystems.

[0409] The modem subsystem can be implemented by a chip, which includes at least one processing element and an interface circuit, wherein the processing element is used to execute each step of any method executed by the above terminal, and the interface circuit is used to communicate with other devices. In one implementation, the unit for the terminal to implement each step in the above method can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduling program. For example, the device for the terminal includes a processing element and a storage element, and the processing element calls the program stored in the storage element to execute the method executed by the terminal in the above method embodiment. The storage element can be a storage element on the same chip as the processing element, that is, an on-chip storage element.

[0410] In another implementation, the program for executing the method executed by the terminal in the above method can be in a storage element on a different chip from the processing element, that is, an off-chip storage element. In this case, the processing element calls or loads the program from the off-chip storage element to the on-chip storage element to call and execute the method executed by the terminal in the above method embodiment.

[0411] In another implementation, the unit implementing each step in the above method in the terminal may be configured as one or more processing elements, which are arranged on the modem subsystem, and the processing elements here may be integrated circuits, such as one or more ASICs, or one or more DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of these integrated circuits. These integrated circuits may be integrated together to form a chip.

[0412] The units for implementing the above methods in the terminal can be integrated together and implemented in the form of SOC, and the SOC chip is used to implement the above methods. The chip can integrate at least one processing element and storage element, and the processing element calls the stored program of the storage element to implement the above terminal execution method; or, the chip can integrate at least one integrated circuit to implement the above terminal execution method; or, the above implementation methods can be combined, and the functions of some units are implemented by the processing element calling the program, and the functions of some units are implemented by the integrated circuit.

[0413] It can be seen that the above device for a terminal may include at least one processing element and an interface circuit, wherein at least one processing element is used to execute any one of the terminal execution methods provided in the above method embodiments. The processing element may execute part or all of the steps executed by the terminal in a first manner: that is, by calling a program stored in a storage element; or in a second manner: that is, by combining an integrated logic circuit of hardware in a processor element with instructions to execute part or all of the steps executed by the terminal; of course, the first manner and the second manner may also be combined to execute part or all of the steps executed by the terminal.

[0414] The processing element here is the same as described above and can be implemented by a processor. The function of the processing element can be Fig.15 The processing unit described in the above has the same function. Exemplarily, the processing element may be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU, or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as one or more ASICs, or one or more microprocessors DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, etc., or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. The storage element may be implemented by a memory, and the function of the storage element may be the same as Fig.15 The storage element can be implemented by a memory, and the function of the storage element can be the same as that of the storage unit described in Fig.15 The storage element may be a memory or a collective name for multiple memories.

[0415] Fig.16 The terminal shown is capable of implementing various processes involving 5G-RG or FN-RG in the above method embodiments. Fig.15The operations and / or functions of each module in the terminal shown are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiment. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiment. To avoid repetition, the detailed description is appropriately omitted here.

[0416] Please refer to Fig.17 , which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. It is used to implement the operation of the network device in the above embodiment. Fig.17 As shown, the network device includes: an antenna 1701, a radio frequency device 1702, and a baseband device 1703. The antenna 1701 is connected to the radio frequency device 1702. In the uplink direction, the radio frequency device 1702 receives information sent by the terminal through the antenna 1701, and sends the information sent by the terminal to the baseband device 1703 for processing. In the downlink direction, the baseband device 1703 processes the information of the terminal and sends it to the radio frequency device 1702, and the radio frequency device 1702 processes the information of the terminal and sends it to the terminal through the antenna 1701.

[0417] The baseband device 1703 may include one or more processing elements 17031, for example, including a main control CPU and other integrated circuits. In addition, the baseband device 1703 may also include a storage element 17032 and an interface 17033, the storage element 17032 is used to store programs and data; the interface 17033 is used to interact with the radio frequency device 1702. The interface is, for example, a common public radio interface (CPRI). The above device for the network device may be located in the baseband device 1703. For example, the above device for the network device may be a chip on the baseband device 1703, the chip includes at least one processing element and an interface circuit, wherein the processing element is used to execute each step of any method executed by the above network device, and the interface circuit is used to communicate with other devices. In one implementation, the unit for the network device to implement each step in the above method can be implemented in the form of a processing element scheduler. For example, the device for the network device includes a processing element and a storage element, and the processing element calls the program stored in the storage element to execute the method executed by the network device in the above method embodiment. The storage element may be a storage element on the same chip as the processing element, ie, an on-chip storage element, or may be a storage element on a different chip from the processing element, ie, an off-chip storage element.

[0418] In another implementation, the unit of the network device implementing each step in the above method may be configured as one or more processing elements, which are arranged on the baseband device. The processing elements here may be integrated circuits, such as one or more ASICs, or one or more DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, or a combination of these integrated circuits. These integrated circuits may be integrated together to form a chip.

[0419] The units of the network device implementing the various steps in the above method can be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC). For example, the baseband device includes the SOC chip to implement the above method. The chip can integrate at least one processing element and a storage element, and the processing element calls the stored program of the storage element to implement the method executed by the above network device; or, the chip can integrate at least one integrated circuit to implement the method executed by the above network device; or, the above implementation methods can be combined, and the functions of some units are implemented by the processing element calling the program, and the functions of some units are implemented by the integrated circuit.

[0420] It can be seen that the above apparatus for network equipment may include at least one processing element and an interface circuit, wherein at least one processing element is used to execute any one of the methods performed by the network equipment provided in the above method embodiments. The processing element may execute part or all of the steps performed by the network equipment in a first manner: that is, by calling a program stored in a storage element; or in a second manner: that is, by combining an integrated logic circuit of hardware in a processor element with instructions to execute part or all of the steps performed by the network equipment; of course, the first manner and the second manner may be combined to execute part or all of the steps performed by the above network equipment.

[0421] The processing element here is the same as described above and can be implemented by a processor. The function of the processing element can be Fig.17 The processing unit described in the above has the same function. Exemplarily, the processing element may be a general-purpose processor, such as a CPU, or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, such as one or more ASICs, or one or more microprocessors DSPs, or one or more FPGAs, etc., or a combination of at least two of these integrated circuit forms. The storage element may be implemented by a memory, and the function of the storage element may be the same as Fig.15 The storage element can be implemented by a memory, and the function of the storage element can be the same as that of the storage unit described in Fig.15 The storage element may be a memory or a collective name for multiple memories.

[0422] Fig.17The network device shown is capable of implementing various processes involving the network device in the above method embodiments. Fig.17 The operations and / or functions of each module in the network device shown are respectively for implementing the corresponding processes in the above method embodiments. For details, please refer to the description in the above method embodiments. To avoid repetition, the detailed description is appropriately omitted here.

[0423] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application may adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application may adopt the form of a computer program product implemented in one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that include computer-usable program code.

[0424] The present application is described with reference to the flowchart and / or block diagram of the method, device (system), and computer program product according to the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device produce a device for implementing the function specified in one process or multiple processes in the flowchart and / or one box or multiple boxes in the block diagram.

[0425] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce a manufactured product including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0426] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more processes in the flowchart and / or one or more boxes in the block diagram.

[0427] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending a session creation request message to a session management function network element, where the session creation request message is used to request creation or modification of a first session; receiving at least one of a session identifier and a terminal address from the session management function network element, wherein both the session identifier and the terminal address correspond to the first session; Acquire virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier, where the virtual interface information is a virtual interface identifier between the terminal and an access gateway function network element, and the virtual interface identifier is used to distinguish a virtual channel of a fixed network service; At least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal and the virtual interface information are sent to the terminal.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The acquiring of virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier includes: receiving an access layer message from a terminal, wherein the access layer message includes the virtual interface information; It is determined that the virtual interface information corresponds to the session identifier.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The acquiring of virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier includes: Allocating virtual interface information to the first session; It is determined that the virtual interface information corresponds to the session identifier.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The acquiring of virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier includes: Receiving first information from a terminal, where the first information is data network name DNN information and / or network slice information corresponding to the session identifier; Determine the virtual interface information corresponding to the DNN information and / or the network slice information, and determine that the virtual interface information corresponds to the session identifier.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The acquiring of virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier includes: receiving first information from the session management function network element, where the first information is DNN information and / or network slice information corresponding to the session identifier; The virtual interface information corresponding to the first information is determined.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The acquiring of virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier includes: A message is received from the session management function network element, where the message includes the virtual interface information corresponding to the first session.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Also includes: receiving a first message from a terminal, wherein the first message includes the virtual interface information; According to the session identifier corresponding to the virtual interface information, the first message is sent to the user plane function network element through the user plane tunnel corresponding to the session identifier, and the user plane tunnel is a transmission channel between the access gateway function network element and the user plane function network element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: Also includes: receiving a second message from a user plane function network element, wherein the second message includes a user plane tunnel identifier of the user plane function network element; Determine the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier according to the session identifier corresponding to the user plane tunnel identifier, and send the second message to the terminal through the virtual interface corresponding to the virtual interface information, where the virtual interface is the virtual interface between the terminal and the access gateway function network element.

9. A communication method, characterized in that: include: Sending a first message to an access gateway function network element, where the first message is used to request to create or modify a first session; Acquire virtual interface information, where the virtual interface information corresponds to the first session, where the virtual interface information is a virtual interface identifier between a terminal and an access gateway function network element, and where the virtual interface identifier is used to distinguish a virtual channel of a fixed network service.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The obtaining of virtual interface information includes: Before sending the first message to the access gateway function network element, the virtual interface information is received from the access gateway function network element.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The obtaining of virtual interface information includes: Acquire policy information from a policy control function network element, wherein the policy information includes the virtual interface information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The policy information also includes DNN information and / or network slice information corresponding to the virtual interface information.

13. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is connected to a memory, and the at least one processor is used to read and execute a program stored in the memory, so that the device executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

14. A communication device, characterized in that: The device comprises at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is connected to a memory, and the at least one processor is used to read and execute a program stored in the memory, so that the device executes the method according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

15. A communication system, characterized in that: include: Access gateway functional network element, session management functional network element; The access gateway function network element is used to send a session creation request message of the terminal to the session management function network element, where the session creation request message is used to request to create or modify the first session; The session management function network element is used to receive a session creation request message from the access gateway function network element, and send a session identifier corresponding to the first session to the access gateway function network element; The access gateway function network element is used to receive at least one of a session identifier corresponding to the first session and an address of a terminal from the session management function network element, wherein both the session identifier and the address of the terminal correspond to the first session; The access gateway function network element is used to receive virtual interface information from the terminal, and send the session identifier and the virtual interface information to the terminal. The virtual interface information is a virtual interface identifier between the terminal and the access gateway function network element, and the virtual interface identifier is used to distinguish the virtual channel of the fixed network service.

16. The communication system according to claim 15, characterized in that: The communication system further includes a terminal; The terminal is used to obtain virtual interface information, where the virtual interface information is a virtual interface identifier between the terminal and an access gateway function network element; The terminal is further configured to send a session creation request message of the terminal to the session management function network element through the access gateway function network element, and when requesting to create a session, send the virtual interface information to the access gateway function network element; The terminal is used to receive the session identifier and the virtual interface information from the access gateway function network element.

17. A communication system, characterized in that: include: Access gateway functional network element, session management functional network element; The access gateway function network element is used to send a session creation request message of the terminal to the session management function network element, where the session creation request message is used to request to create a first session; The session management function network element is used to receive a session creation request message from the access gateway function network element; The session management function network element is used to obtain the first information; send at least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal corresponding to the first session, and the first information to the access gateway function network element, wherein the session identifier and the address of the terminal both correspond to the first session; the first information is the data network name DNN information and / or the network slice information, and the first information is used to determine the virtual interface information of the user plane data transmission between the terminal and the access gateway function network element, and the virtual interface information is the virtual interface identifier between the terminal and the access gateway function network element, and the virtual interface identifier is used to distinguish the virtual channel of the fixed network service; The access gateway function network element is further used to receive a session identifier corresponding to the first session and the first information from the session management function network element; The access gateway function network element is used to determine the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier, and send at least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal, and the virtual interface information to the terminal.

18. The communication system according to claim 17, characterized in that: The communication system further includes a terminal; The terminal is used to receive at least one of a session identifier corresponding to the first session and an address of the terminal from the access gateway function network element, and the virtual interface information.

19. A communication system, characterized in that: include: Access gateway functional network element, session management functional network element; The access gateway function network element is used to send a session creation request message of the terminal to the session management function network element, where the session creation request message is used to request to create a first session; The session management function network element is used to receive a session creation request message from a terminal of the access gateway function network element; The session management function network element is used to obtain virtual interface information; Sending at least one of a session identifier and a terminal address corresponding to the first session and the virtual interface information to the access gateway function network element, where both the session identifier and the terminal address correspond to the first session; the virtual interface information is a virtual interface identifier between the terminal and the access gateway function network element, and the virtual interface identifier is used to distinguish a virtual channel of a fixed network service; The access gateway function network element is further used to receive the session identifier corresponding to the first session and the virtual interface information from the session management function network element; The access gateway function network element is used to determine the virtual interface information corresponding to the session identifier, and send at least one of the session identifier and the address of the terminal, and the virtual interface information to the terminal.

20. The communication system according to claim 19, characterized in that The communication system further includes a terminal; The terminal is used to receive at least one of a session identifier corresponding to the first session and an address of the terminal from the access gateway function network element, and the virtual interface information.

21. A chip system, characterized in that: The chip system is coupled to a memory and is used to read and execute program instructions stored in the memory to implement the method according to any one of claims 1-12.

22. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed on a computer, the computer executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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