Method and apparatus for efficiently handling emergency traffic from 5G proximity service terminal to network relay

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for efficiently handling emergency traffic in a 5G ProSe (Proximity Service) U2N (Terminal-to-Network) relay system. In particular, the invention focuses on updating the discovery parameters broadcasted by the U2N relay such that it contains only non-emergency RSC (Relay Service Code) when the U2N relay has an ongoing PDU (Packet Data Unit) session for emergency traffic. This may prevent the remote UE from still attempting to initiate emergency traffic through this relay service when the U2N relay is unavailable. Through the implementation of the method, in a 5G ProSe U2N relay system, the invention not only ensures the timely assistance to the remote UE, but also avoids the resource waste and unnecessary delay in the emergency service process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications, and in particular to a method for efficiently processing emergency services in a 5G ProSe (Proximity Services) U2N (UE-to-Network) relay system. Background Art

[0002] In a 5G ProSe U2N relay, if there is an emergency request from a remote UE, it means that the relay UE needs to be responsible for handling the emergency service of the remote UE. This requires the relay UE to have a valid SIM / USIM / ISIM. The prior art has proposed options for handling emergency services in a 5G ProSe U2N relay system, but these options have not yet been adopted due to their inefficiency and limitations.

[0003] For example, when a U2N relay has a PDU session for handling emergency services, it will reject all requests from remote UEs to provide emergency services through the U2N relay of 5G ProSe Layer-3. However, the U2N relay may still broadcast relay discovery parameters, which include information that supports the provision of emergency services to remote UEs through the U2N relay of 5G ProSe Layer-3, which is impossible when the U2N relay already has an ongoing PDU session for handling emergency services. Such inefficient broadcasting leads to waste of resources and delays in the provision of emergency services. Summary of the invention

[0004] One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently processing emergency services in a 5G ProSe U2N relay process. The present invention also provides corresponding devices, computer-readable media and computer programs.

[0005] The above problems are solved by a method according to claim 1 , a U2N Relay according to claim 7 , a computer program according to claim 8 , and a computer readable medium according to claim 9 .

[0006] In particular, the present invention provides a method for efficiently processing emergency services in a 5G ProSe U2N relay system, thereby avoiding resource waste and unnecessary delays in providing emergency services to remote UEs.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for processing emergency services in a 5G ProSe U2N relay system is provided. The method comprises: establishing a PDU (Packet Data Unit) session for the U2N repeater for the emergency service; when the U2N repeater has an ongoing PDU session for the emergency service, updating the discovery parameters broadcast by the U2N repeater to include only non-emergency RSC (Relay Service Code). The emergency service may be an emergency service initiated by a remote UE or an emergency service initiated by the U2N repeater itself. In addition, the non-emergency RSC is specifically used for non-emergency situations, such as calling a business, ordering food at a restaurant, or arranging an appointment. The non-emergency RSC is used to indicate the desired communication type to the relay operator, such as a voice-to-text conversation, a text-to-voice conversation, or a video relay conversation. Therefore, preferably, according to the present invention, the updated discovery parameters remove the emergency RSC from the regular discovery parameters. The beneficial technical effect achieved by the method is that when the U2N relay is not available for providing relay service for the emergency service of the remote UE, the remote UE is prevented from still attempting to initiate the emergency service through the U2N relay.

[0008] Preferably, the method further comprises: broadcasting discovery parameters, including, for example, user information ID, RSC, U2N relay layer indicator (Layer Indicator) of each RSC, and optional control plane security indicator (ControlPlane Security Indicator) of each RSC. This enables the remote UE to obtain necessary information about available relay services and their characteristics.

[0009] Preferably, the U2N relay layer indicator indicates whether the 5G Proximity Service (ProSe) U2N relay service being provided by the associated RSC is at layer 2 or layer 3. Thus, the remote UE is enabled to identify the type of relay service provided by the U2N relay.

[0010] Preferably, the U2N relay updates the discovery parameters to include only the dedicated emergency RSC for the U2N relay service supporting 5G ProSe layer 2, but not the dedicated emergency RSC for the U2N relay service supporting 5G-ProSe layer 3. Thus, the remote UE is prevented from attempting to connect to unavailable layer 3 emergency services.

[0011] Preferably, the U2N relay participates in the relay discovery process for emergency services only when the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) includes an Emergency Service Support indicator for an emergency service corresponding to a 5G ProSe remote UE in the latest Registration Accept. This ensures that the U2N relay provides emergency relay services only when authorized by the AMF.

[0012] Preferably, service authorization and provisioning are performed for the U2N relay of 5G ProSe layer 3 and the remote UE of 5G ProSe layer 3. This ensures that the service is correctly configured and authorized for the UE involved. AMF is a central control entity in the 5G network architecture, responsible for managing all aspects of UE connection, including access, mobility and security. It plays a vital role in ensuring efficient and secure operation of the network. Therefore, it ensures that the U2N relay provides emergency relay services only with the authorization of the AMF, providing a controlled and secure environment for handling emergency services in the 5G ProSe U2N relay system. This approach helps in efficient resource allocation and prevents unauthorized access to emergency services, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the network.

[0013] Preferably, when the U2N repeater initiates an emergency service, the U2N repeater stops announcing its support for the emergency service and rejects any request from a 5G ProSe remote UE to provide relay emergency services, thereby ensuring that the U2N repeater can focus on handling its ongoing emergency services without having to bear the burden of emergency service requests from remote UEs.

[0014] Preferably, if the U2N repeater is currently relaying the emergency service of the remote UE, the U2N repeater prioritizes the establishment of its own emergency service and stops relaying the emergency service of the remote UE. This enables the U2N repeater to handle its own emergency service with a higher priority, ensuring a timely response.

[0015] Preferably, the U2N relay establishes a PDU session for the emergency service of the remote UE based on the existing process. This embodiment provides a standardized method for processing the emergency service of the remote UE.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a U2N repeater is provided, which may include a memory and a processor, wherein instructions are stored in the memory, and when the instructions are executed by the processor, the instructions execute the steps of the method for processing emergency services.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is provided, wherein the medium includes instructions for executing the steps of implementing the aforementioned method for processing emergency services.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program is provided, wherein the program includes instructions, and when the program is executed by a U2N repeater, the U2N repeater executes and implements the aforementioned method for processing emergency services. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a simplified flow chart of a method for efficiently handling emergency services in a 5G proximity service terminal to a network relay;

[0021] Figure 2 An embodiment of the present invention is described;

[0022] Figure 3 A U2N repeater is described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] This application proposes an improved mechanism for handling emergency services in a 5G ProSe (Proximity Services) U2N (UE-to-Network) relay system. The method helps to efficiently manage emergency services in the system, ensuring timely assistance to remote UEs while avoiding resource waste and unnecessary delays.

[0024] See also Figure 1 , which shows a flow chart of the method. The method comprises the following steps:

[0025] S101: For emergency services, a PDU (Packet Data Unit) session is established for the U2N repeater.

[0026] S103: When the U2N repeater has an ongoing PDU session for an emergency service, the discovery parameters broadcast by the U2N repeater will be updated to include only a non-emergency Relay Service Code (RSC).

[0027] This can prevent the remote UE from attempting to initiate emergency services through the U2N relay when the relay is unavailable.

[0028] The discovery parameters that the U2N relay may broadcast include a user information ID, RSC, a U2N relay layer indicator (LI) for each RSC, and an optional control plane security indicator (CPSI) for each RSC.

[0029] User Information ID: A unique identifier assigned to a user or device in a network. The User Information ID can be used to identify the user / device in the network and to enable communication.

[0030] RSC: RSC is a code used by relay services to indicate the type of communication required between two parties. These codes can be used to indicate the type of relay service required, such as voice to text, text to voice, or video relay.

[0031] U2N Relay Layer Indicator for Each RSC: This parameter can indicate the relay layer on which the communication is being established. The relay layer can be Layer-2 or Layer-3. This parameter helps ensure that the relay service is established on the correct layer.

[0032] Control plane security indicator for each RSC: This parameter may indicate whether the control plane of the relay service is secure. The control plane may refer to the part of the relay service that is responsible for managing communications between devices.

[0033] Thus, the remote UE can obtain necessary information about the available relay services and their characteristics through these broadcasted discovery parameters.

[0034] The U2N relay layer indicator may indicate whether the 5G ProSe U2N relay service being provided by the associated RSC is at layer 2 or layer 3. This enables the remote UE to identify the type of relay service provided by the U2N relay.

[0035] In some embodiments, when a U2N relay device initiates an emergency service, it stops advertising its support for emergency services and rejects any 5G ProSe remote UE's request for relayed emergency services. This ensures that the U2N relay can focus on its ongoing emergency services without being burdened by emergency service requests from remote UEs.

[0036] In some embodiments, if the U2N relay device is currently relaying the emergency service of a remote UE, it prioritizes the establishment of its own emergency service and stops relaying the emergency service of the remote UE. This enables the U2N relay to handle its own emergency service with a higher priority, ensuring a timely response.

[0037] In some embodiments, the U2N relay device updates the discovery parameters to include only the dedicated emergency RSC for the U2N relay service supporting 5G ProSe layer 2, and does not include the dedicated emergency RSC for the U2N relay service supporting 5G ProSe layer 3. This can prevent the remote UE from attempting to connect to an unavailable layer 3 emergency service.

[0038] In some embodiments, if an emergency RSC is used to request a PC5 connection, when establishing the RRC connection, the U2N relay sets the RRC establishment cause to “Emergency.” This ensures that the network is aware of the urgency of the RRC connection request.

[0039] Now, please refer to Figure 2 , shown is an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] 0. Perform service authorization and provisioning for the U2N relay of 5G ProSe layer 3 and the remote UE of 5G ProSe layer 3. During this process, the RSC providing emergency services will be provisioned to the remote UE and relay UE. For example, the detailed process is described in 3GPP TS23.304V18.1.0 Section 6.2. The relevant parts are incorporated into this application. This ensures that appropriate service configuration and authorization are performed for the UE involved.

[0041] The U2N relay of 1.5G ProSe layer 3 establishes a PDU session for its own emergency service based on the existing process. For example, its detailed process is described in 3GPP TS23.304V18.1.0 Section 6.5.1.1. The relevant parts are incorporated into this application. This provides a standardized method for handling emergency services of remote UEs.

[0042] 2. When the U2N relay initiates its own emergency service, it determines to update the discovery parameters to include only the dedicated emergency RSC for the U2N relay service supporting 5G ProSe layer 2 (the discovery parameters do not include the dedicated emergency RSC for the U2N relay service supporting 5G ProSe layer 3). Therefore, the updated discovery parameters can prevent the remote UE from attempting to connect to the unavailable layer 3 emergency service.

[0043] 3. The remote UE obtains a discovery message about emergency service information from the U2N relay during the discovery process. Thus, the remote UE learns the updated discovery parameters.

[0044] 4. The remote UE establishes a PC5 connection between the remote UE and the U2N repeater for relay services.

[0045] 5. The remote UE sends a NAS message through the established 5G ProSe layer 2 U2N relay service and establishes a PDU session for the emergency service of the remote UE.

[0046] Thus, according to the above-described embodiment, conflicts between emergency services can be appropriately handled.

[0047] Now, please refer to Figure 3 , a simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a U2N repeater 300 is shown. Preferably, the U2N repeater is a UE. The U2N repeater 300 includes a processor 301 and a memory storage device 303. The memory storage device 303 can store a computer program or application program containing instructions, which, when executed, causes the processor 301 to perform operations such as those described above. For example, the instructions can handle emergency services in accordance with the methods described herein. It will be understood that the instructions can be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium, such as an optical disk, a flash memory device, a random access memory, a hard disk drive, etc. When the instructions are executed, the processor 301 performs the operations and functions specified in the instructions so as to operate as a dedicated processor that implements the processes described herein. In some examples, such a processor may be referred to as a "processor circuit" or a "processor circuit system."

[0048] The disclosed methods and embodiments provide efficient processing of emergency services in a 5G ProSe U2N relay system, ensuring timely assistance to remote UEs while avoiding waste of resources and unnecessary delays.

[0049] Certain adjustments and modifications to the described embodiments are possible. Therefore, the above embodiments are to be considered as illustrative rather than restrictive. In particular, the embodiments may be freely combined with each other.

Claims

1. A method for handling emergency services, performed by a terminal-to-network U2N repeater in a fifth generation wireless 5G system, comprising: For emergency services, establishing a packet data unit (PDU) session for the U2N repeater; When the U2N repeater has an ongoing PDU session for the emergency service, the discovery parameters broadcast by the U2N repeater are updated, and the discovery parameters only include a non-emergency relay service code RSC.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Broadcast discovery parameters, the discovery parameters including one or more of: a user information ID, a relay service code RSC, a U2N relay layer indicator for each RSC, and an optional control plane security indicator for each RSC.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The U2N relay layer indicator indicates whether the U2N relay service of the 5G proximity service ProSe being provided by the associated RSC is at layer 2 or layer 3.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The U2N relay updates the discovery parameters so that the discovery parameters only include the dedicated emergency RSC for the U2N relay service supporting 5G ProSe layer 2, but do not include the dedicated emergency RSC for the U2N relay service supporting 5G ProSe layer 3.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The U2N relay participates in the relay discovery process for emergency services only if the access and mobility management function AMF includes an emergency service support indicator for emergency services from the 5G ProSe remote terminal in the latest registration acceptance.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: Service authorization and provisioning are performed for 5G ProSe layer 3 U2N repeaters and 5G ProSe layer 3 remote terminals.

7. A terminal-to-network (U2N) repeater comprising means for implementing the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer program comprising instructions, when the program is executed by a terminal-to-network (U2N) repeater, the U2N repeater is caused to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which, when executed by a terminal-to-network (U2N) repeater, enable the U2N repeater to implement the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A method for handling emergency services, performed by a terminal-to-network U2N relay and a terminal UE in a fifth generation wireless 5G system, comprising: For emergency services, a packet data unit PDU session is established by the U2N repeater for the U2N repeater; When the U2N repeater has an ongoing PDU session for the emergency service, updating the discovery parameters broadcast by the U2N repeater, the discovery parameters including only a non-emergency relay service code RSC; The UE obtains the discovery parameters broadcast by the U2N relay; The UE establishes a PC5 connection for relay service with the U2N relay; The UE establishes a second PDU session for a second emergency service.

11. A system comprising: A terminal-to-network U2N repeater configured to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 5; as well as The terminal UE is configured to execute the method according to claim 10.

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