Data processing node and data communication method performed on the node

Abstract

The present invention proposes a data processing node device and an information transmission method performed by said device, which realize a specific technology for defining / implementing a transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) for transmitting (providing) information (data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to information analysis technology for 5G network data. Background Technology

[0002] In 5G, a network structure is defined to provide end-to-end support for terminals, base stations (access), cores, and servers. It separates the functions of control signaling and data transmission and reception, which were performed in combination by a single node (e.g., S-GW, P-GW, etc.) in existing LTE (4G), and defines a network structure that distinguishes the control signaling function area (Control Plane) and the data transmission and reception function area (User Plane).

[0003] At this time, the control nodes of the Control Plane (CP) in 5G can be defined as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) that controls the wireless access of terminals, the Policy Control Function (PCF) that manages / controls policies such as terminal information, subscription service information per terminal, and billing, the Session Management Function (SMF) that manages / controls sessions for using data services per terminal, the Network Exposure Function (NEF) that is responsible for the function of sharing information with the external network, the Unified Data Management / Authentication Function (UDM / AUSF) that manages / controls the user's subscriber DB and authentication, the Network Repository Function (NRF) that manages / controls information about each Network Function (NF) within the network, the Changing Function (CHHF) that processes billing for subscribers, and the Service Communication Proxy (SCP) that enables communication between various NF services to be processed in a mesh structure.

[0004] In 5G, the data node of the User Plane (UP) can be defined as a User Plane Function (UPF) that transmits and receives data between a terminal and a server on an external service network (e.g., the Internet) through a session with the terminal based on the control (interlocking) of the SMF.

[0005] Also, in 5G, the control nodes of the Control Plane and the data nodes of the User Plane will both be referred to as network nodes (Network Functions).

[0006] As such, 5G defines NFs that perform specific functions and is configured to interoperate and communicate with each other based on communication using SBI (Service Based Interface). An SBI message used in SBI communication refers to a data packet containing application layer headers such as HTTP, HTTP / 2, and QUIC.

[0007] Meanwhile, in current standards, the NWDAF (NF Data Analytics Function) is being defined and discussed to perform information analysis on 5G network data.

[0008] Currently, the operation of NWDAF is such that when a 5G NF transmits information (Data) required for its retention and analysis to the NWDAF, the NWDAF performs detailed AI / ML analysis through OSS / BSS based on the transmitted information (Data).

[0009] However, according to the current standard, the UPF, which holds a very large amount of actual customer data, cannot communicate directly with the NWDAF and is structured so that information (data) can only be transmitted to the NWDAF via the SMF.

[0010] As a result, when UPF transmits data necessary for analysis to NWDAF, it can cause an overload on the interface between SMF and UPF.

[0011] In addition, since SMF and UPF process information related to the session, they cannot provide other types of information (data) transmission processing in the corresponding PFCP section, and therefore there is no way to transmit data packets necessary for actual analysis.

[0012] Ultimately, according to the current standard, it can be said that the transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) for transmitting (providing) information (data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF is not defined.

[0013] Accordingly, the present invention proposes a specific technology for defining and implementing a transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) that transmits (provides) information (data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF. The problem to be solved

[0014] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a data processing node device and an information transmission method performed by said device, which realize a specific technology for defining / implementing a transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) for transmitting (providing) information (data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF. means of solving the problem

[0015] A data processing node device of a user plane according to the first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective includes: an SBI communication unit that communicates between network functions (NFs) through a service-based interface (SBI); and an information transmission unit that communicates with a specific NF having an information analysis function for each NF through the SBI communication unit and transmits specific information of the user plane required for analysis to the specific NF.

[0016] Specifically, specific information of the User Plane can be requested from and transmitted to the specific NF based on an analysis information ID, which defines the type of analysis information analyzed through the information analysis function regarding the information of the User Plane between the User Plane and the specific NF.

[0017] Specifically, the information transmission unit determines whether the transmission of the specific information is possible based on the transmitted requirement conditions upon receiving a request for the transmission of specific information from the specific NF, and if the transmission of the specific information is possible, transmits the specific information to the specific NF according to the requirement conditions; if the transmission of the specific information is impossible, responds to the specific NF with the reason (Cause) for determining impossibility, thereby enabling the specific NF to change the requirement conditions according to the responded reason (Cause) and request the transmission of the specific information again.

[0018] Specifically, the specific information transmitted to the specific NF may be in the form of one of the following: first data that traces the entire data packet of a specified session (Full) according to the requirements, second data that traces a part of the data packet of a specified session, third data that compresses the first data or the second data, or fourth data that changes the format of the first data or the second data.

[0019] Specifically, the information transmission unit can determine whether the transmission of the specific information according to the requirements is possible based on at least one of the processing performance (throughput), latency-related performance (Latency / RTT, Jitter), and the performance of the SBI at the time of transmitting the specific information according to the requirements to the specific NF.

[0020] An information transmission method performed in a data processing node device of a user plane according to a second aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective includes an information transmission step of communicating with a specific NF having an information analysis function for each NF (Network Function) and transmitting specific information of the user plane required for analysis to said specific NF; and communication with said specific NF may be performed through a service-based interface (SBI) between NFs.

[0021] Specifically, the information transmission step determines whether the transmission of the specific information is possible based on the requirements received upon receiving a request for the transmission of specific information from the specific NF, and if the transmission of the specific information is possible, transmits the specific information to the specific NF according to the requirements; if the transmission of the specific information is impossible, responds to the specific NF with the cause for determining impossibility, thereby enabling the specific NF to change the requirements according to the responded cause and re-request the transmission of the specific information. Effects of the invention

[0022] According to the data processing node device and the information transmission method performed by the device of the present invention, specific technology is realized for defining / implementing a transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) for transmitting (providing) information (Data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF.

[0023] Thus, according to the present invention, the scope of information analysis for 5G network data can be extended to UPF, and the overall effect of improving the usability of information analysis and the performance of infrastructure construction is derived. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] Figure 1 is an example diagram showing a 5G Architecture. Figures 2 and 3 are exemplary diagrams showing the conventional case and the application of the present invention in terms of UPF transmitting information (Data) necessary for analysis to NWDAF. Figure 4 is a simplified conceptual diagram explaining NWDAF. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a data processing node device (UPF) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an example table showing an example of an analysis information ID (Analytics ID) defined in the present invention. FIGS. 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing examples of Call-Flow supported in an information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0026] The present invention relates to information analysis technology for 5G network data.

[0027] In 5G, a network structure is defined to provide end-to-end support for terminals, base stations (access), cores, and servers. It separates the functions of control signaling and data transmission and reception, which were performed in combination by a single node (e.g., S-GW, P-GW, etc.) in existing LTE (4G), and defines a network structure that distinguishes the control signaling function area (Control Plane) and the data transmission and reception function area (User Plane).

[0028] Figure 1 shows the 5G Architecture structure.

[0029] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the control nodes of the Control Plane (CP) in 5G can be defined as follows: an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) that controls wireless access of terminals; a Policy Control Function (PCF) that manages / controls policies such as terminal information, subscription service information per terminal, and billing; a Session Management Function (SMF) that manages / controls sessions for data service usage per terminal; a Network Exposure Function (NEF) that is responsible for information sharing with an external network; a Unified Data Management / Authentication Function (UDM / AUSF) that manages / controls user subscriber DB and authentication; a Network Repository Function (NRF) that manages / controls information about each Network Function (NF) within the network; a Changing Function (CHHF) that processes subscriber billing; and a Service Communication Proxy (SCP) that enables communication between various NF services to be processed as a mesh structure.

[0030] In 5G, the data node of the User Plane (UP) can be defined as a User Plane Function (UPF) that transmits and receives data between a terminal and a server on an external service network (e.g., the Internet) through a session with the terminal based on the control (interlocking) of the SMF.

[0031] Also, in 5G, the control nodes of the Control Plane and the data nodes of the User Plane will both be referred to as network nodes (Network Functions).

[0032] Meanwhile, since the Network Function considers a CP-UP separation function capable of accommodating NSA / LTE EPC functions, the SMF can accommodate the functions of S / PGW-C (Serving Gateway / Packet Data Network Gateway Control), and the UPF can accommodate the functions of S / PGW-U (Serving Gateway / Packet Data Network Gateway User).

[0033] Meanwhile, UPF can also accommodate the CU-UP (Central Unit-User Plane) function of the base station, and can accommodate the function of a user plane network node in the form of 'CU-UP + S / PGW-U + UPF' that processes data transmission and reception.

[0034] Accordingly, the data processing node device (UPF) of the present invention may include the CU-UP and S / PGW-U of the base station.

[0035] As can be seen in Figure 1, 5G defines NFs that perform specific functions and is configured to interoperate and communicate with each other based on communication using SBI (Service Based Interface). An SBI message used in SBI communication refers to a data packet containing an Application layer header such as HTTP, HTTP / 2, and QUIC.

[0036] In current standards, communication processing between NFs is configured in an Entity-based manner in the form of Request / Response and Subscription / Notification, and NFs are configured in a Stateless structure (i.e., the context is separated into UDSF and UDM / UDR, etc.).

[0037] Accordingly, the implementation of NF is very lightweight and offers increased usability in terms of migration and flexibility. Furthermore, NF communicates based on SBI (e.g., HTTP / 2), which has the advantage of using a 'universal' protocol among NFs.

[0038] Meanwhile, in current standards, the NWDAF (NF Data Analytics Function) is being defined and discussed to perform information analysis on 5G network data.

[0039] Currently, the operation of NWDAF is such that when a 5G NF transmits information (Data) required for its retention and analysis to the NWDAF, the NWDAF performs detailed AI / ML analysis through OSS / BSS based on the transmitted information (Data).

[0040] According to the current standard, the structure is such that a UPF, which holds a very large amount of actual customer data, cannot communicate directly with the NWDAF and can only transmit information (data) to the NWDAF via the SMF.

[0041] That is, as illustrated in Fig. 2, currently (existing), the structure is such that in order for the UPF to transmit information (Data) necessary for analysis to the NWDAF, it can only be transmitted through the SMF (indirect transmission path).

[0042] As a result, when UPF transmits data necessary for analysis to NWDAF, it must pass through other NFs, which increases the number of transmission hops and causes delays in transmission, and can cause an overload on the interface between SMF and UPF.

[0043] In addition, since SMF and UPF process information related to the session, they cannot handle other types of information (data) transmission processing in the PFCP section. Therefore, currently (existing), even if UPF transmits information (data) to NWDAF through an indirect transmission path (PFCP section) via SMF, it is a structure where important data packets necessary for actual analysis cannot be transmitted.

[0044] Ultimately, according to the current standard, it can be said that the transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) for transmitting (providing) information (data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF is not defined.

[0045] Accordingly, the present invention proposes a specific technology for defining and implementing a transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) that transmits (provides) information (data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF.

[0046] To briefly explain, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the key to the present invention is implementing a communication structure in which a UPF can directly transmit information (Data) necessary for analysis to an NWDAF without passing through other NFs (e.g., SMF).

[0047] In addition, the present invention is characterized by the realization of a specific technology that enables the efficient processing and transmission of important data packets, particularly real-time data packets, necessary for actual analysis when the UPF transmits information (data) required for analysis to the NWDAF.

[0048] Before providing a detailed description of the present invention, NWDAF will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0049] As briefly mentioned earlier, NWDAF was defined as an NF that performs information analysis on 5G network data.

[0050] When the NF of 5G transmits the information (Data) required for its possession and analysis to the NWDAF, the NWDAF performs detailed AI / ML analysis by linking with the OSS (Operation Support System) / BSS (Business Support System) based on the transmitted information (Data).

[0051] In this case, the NF that transmits the information (Data) corresponds to the Producer NF, and the NWDAF corresponds to the Consumer NF that requests and receives the information (Data) from the Producer NF.

[0052] Furthermore, NWDAF can perform the function of providing insight information derived using various analysis results to NFs. In this case, the NWDAF that provides the insight information corresponds to a Producer NF, and the NF that requests and receives the insight information corresponds to a Consumer NF.

[0053] The current NWDAF Insight information is as follows:

[0054] UE Communication

[0055] UE Mobility

[0056] Expected UE behavior

[0057] Abnormal UE behavior

[0058] Observed service experience

[0059] QoS Sustainability

[0060] User Data Congestion

[0061] Network Performance

[0062] NF Load analytics

[0063] Slice load level

[0064] In addition, NWDAF uses SBI (Service Based Interface), and therefore, when communicating between NFs, communication is performed using the SBI's Request / Response or Subscription / Notification method.

[0065] And, based on the Analytics ID, NWDAF IDizes the information (Data) to be analyzed for each NF and communicates (requests / transmits).

[0066] However, in the current standard, the transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) for transmitting (providing) analysis information (data) from UPF to NWDAF is insufficient; consequently, the currently defined Analytics ID does not include an Analytics ID for communicating (requesting / transmitting) information (data) from UPF.

[0067] Accordingly, in this invention, as a technical proposal of the aforementioned, the Analytics ID is also to be newly defined.

[0068] Below, I will explain the specific technical details regarding the definition and implementation of the technology proposed in this invention, namely, the transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) for transmitting (providing) information (data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF.

[0069] More specifically, the present invention proposes a data processing node device capable of realizing the technology proposed in the aforementioned invention.

[0070] The data processing node device of the present invention may be a UPF or a Device or Module configured within a UPF including CU-UP and S / PGW-U.

[0071] However, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the data processing node device of the present invention will be described below as being the same device as the UPF (including CU-UP and S / PGW-U).

[0072] FIG. 5 illustrates the configuration of a data processing node device (100, UPF) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention may be configured to include an SBI communication unit (110) and an information transmission unit (120).

[0074] Furthermore, the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention may be configured to further include an information acquisition unit (130).

[0075] That is, a data processing node device (100, UPF) according to one embodiment of the present invention can realize the proposed technology of the present invention described above through each of the aforementioned components.

[0076] Below, each component constituting the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention described above will be explained in detail.

[0077] The SBI communication unit (110) is responsible for the function of communicating between Network Functions (NF) through a Service Based Interface (SBI).

[0078] That is, the SBI communication unit (110) performs communication in a manner that transmits and receives SBI messages according to the SBI, thereby enabling communication between the NWDAF and UPF (100) using the SBI without passing through other NFs (e.g., SMF).

[0079] Of course, the SBI communication unit (110) can perform communication in a manner that transmits and receives SBI messages according to the SBI, thereby enabling communication between NF and UPF (100) that use SBI in addition to NWDAF.

[0080] Accordingly, the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention can communicate with NFs including NWDAF through "Nxxx" which can refer to an SBI message (protocol) as an API unit classification based on the SBI communication unit (110) (where xxx = NF is specified).

[0081] As described above, the present invention implements a communication structure in which the UPF can directly transmit information (Data) necessary for analysis to the NWDAF without passing through other NFs (e.g., SMF) by configuring an SBI communication unit (110) that performs SBI communication to the data processing node device (100, UPF).

[0082] The information transmission unit (120) communicates with a specific NF that has an information analysis function for each NF through the SBI communication unit (110) and is responsible for transmitting specific information of the User Plane required for analysis to the specific NF.

[0083] At this time, a specific NF that has an information analysis function for each NF refers to the tactical NWDAF.

[0084] That is, the information transmission unit (120) can communicate with a specific NF, namely NWDAF, through the SBI communication unit (110) to transmit specific information of the UP required for analysis to the NWDAF.

[0085] When NWDAF requests specific information of UP from UPF (100), UPF (100) operates as Producer NF [NWDAF -> (Nupf) -> UPF].

[0086] The information transmission unit (120) performs the role of transmitting specific information of the UP requested by NWDAF to NWDAF when the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention operates as a Producer NF.

[0087] Meanwhile, when UPF (100) requests specific information from NWDAF, NWDAF is a Producer NF and UPF (100) is a Consumer NF [UPF -> (Nnwdaf) -> NWDAF].

[0088] The information acquisition unit (130) described below performs the role of requesting specific information and receiving it from NWDAF when the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention operates as a Consumer NF.

[0089] Here, the request and transmission (or response) method between the data processing node device (100, UPF) and NWDAF of the present invention can be performed in one of two ways, such as a Request / Response method or a Subscription / Notification method, depending on the SBI.

[0090] In the Request / Response method, you can request specific necessary information and receive it immediately, while in the Subscription / Notification method, you can request a subscription for specific necessary information and receive the subscribed information when a specific status is triggered.

[0091] Meanwhile, in this invention, as part of the technical realization of the aforementioned technical proposal—that is, a transmission system for transmitting (providing) information (data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF—we also intend to newly define an Analytics ID.

[0092] To this end, the present invention may newly define an Analytics ID, in which the type of analysis information analyzed through the information analysis function of the NWDAF regarding the information of the UP between the User Plane and a specific NF, namely the NWDAF, is defined as each ID.

[0093] Figure 6 shows an example of an Analytics ID defined in the present invention.

[0094] As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the present invention, "Packet Trace", "Application Trace", and "Service QoE" can be defined as Analytics IDs (types of analysis information) to be used as a basis for requesting / receiving information (Data) to be analyzed for UPF in NWDAF.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 6, for example, in the case of an Analytics ID (Packet Trace), NWDAF in the present invention can request (Request or Subscribe) to UPF (10) by specifying requirements for specific information (hereinafter, packet trace information) needed based on the Analytics ID (Packet Trace).

[0096] Accordingly, the data processing node device (100, UPF, particularly the information transmission unit (120)) of the present invention transmits specific information (packet trace information) requested (Request or Subscription) from NWDAF based on an Analytics ID (Packet Trace) to NWDAF according to the requirements (Response or Notification). At this time, the packet trace information transmitted may include / transmit session data packets (Data) in a format (Full / Sampled, Partial / Ranged, etc.) defined in the Analytics ID (Packet Trace), as well as information such as Location, Format, Event Condition, Processing Information, and Load Information.

[0097] In addition to the case of Analytics ID (Packet Trace), in the case of Analytics ID (Application Trace) and Analytics ID (Service QoE), NWDAF can request and receive them from the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention based on the example table of FIG. 6, just as in the previous example.

[0098] For reference, as information included in specific information transmitted to NWDAF by the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention, in addition to the aforementioned examples of information, the following additional information may also be included / transmitted.

[0099] For reference, you can upload each item to UPF including additional information as shown below.

[0100] PDU Session ID and PDU context information

[0101] PDR (Packet Detection Rule), FAR (Forward Action Rule), QER (QoS Enforcement Rule), URR (Usage Reporting Rule) information

[0102] Application ID, S-NSSAI(sst, ssd), Location(E / NCGI), RAT Type, Cell Info, Band / Freq

[0103] UE information (SUPI, PEI, IMSI, MSISDN)

[0104] PDU Anchoring information, UE IP Pool information

[0105] n-tuple based IP Flow (예: 5-tuple = srcIP, dstIP, srcPort, dstPort, protocol)

[0106] Uplink / downlink flow size, flow duration, flow count

[0107] Flow inter-arrival time, burst period / time

[0108] URL / URI, SNI (Server Name Indication), tethering / TTL info

[0109] per-packet information

[0110] Packet header & data size, IPv4 / IPv6, packet gap time

[0111] Packet group by size range, counts

[0112] timestamp (start-time, end-time, duration), statistics (latency, RTT, jitter), throughput (MBPS, TPS)

[0113] To explain the information transmission unit (120) in more detail, the information transmission unit (120) can transmit specific information according to the requirements to the NWDAF based on the requirements received when receiving a request for the transmission of specific information from a specific NF, that is, NWDAF.

[0114] At this time, the requirement is a condition for specifying specific information to be received from the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention, that is, specific information required for analysis, and the parameters of the condition can be used as various parameters capable of specifying specific information.

[0115] However, for the sake of specific explanation, the following description will be based on an example where specific information (hereinafter referred to as packet trace information) is requested based on an Analytics ID (Packet Trace).

[0116] According to this embodiment, the information transmission unit (120) can transmit specific information (packet trace information) according to the requirements to the NWDAF based on the requirements received upon receiving a request for the transmission of specific information (packet trace information) from the NWDAF.

[0117] The requirements at this time can be distinguished by UPF Set information or by detailed UPF instances included in the UPF Set in the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention, and specifically can be composed of parameters specifying a specific subscriber range and prefix (range or prefix of SUPI, IMSI, PEI, MSISDN), a specific eNB / gNB region, location and specific PDU session ID, and the form of data transmitted per session (e.g., Full Data, Sampled Data, Partial / Ranged Data, etc.).

[0118] Accordingly, the information transmission unit (120) can transmit specific information (packet trace information) according to the requirements to NWDAF.

[0119] Meanwhile, in the present invention, when NWDAF requests specific information required for analysis using a Subscription method, various conditions can be set as conditions (specific states) for performing a Notification.

[0120] For example, conditions (specific states) can be defined individually or in combination as follows, and the information transmission unit (120) can transmit specific information (packet trace information) according to the requirements to NWDAF when the defined conditions (specific states) are met (Notification).

[0121] Identification of N / W slice ID for subscribers; subscribers are identified by criteria such as terminal IP, IMSI, MSISDN, SUPI, GPSI, etc.

[0122] PDU session information, n-tuple IP flow information, packet information, and time information

[0123] Based on the terminal's QoS state, triggering when a subscriber enters or exits a specific area, when a subscriber undergoes a handover, triggering when a specific control event occurs, etc.

[0124] Based on subscriber's RAT information (frequency, 4G / 5G RAT, base station name, etc.)

[0125] Based on subscriber performance (Throughput, Latency, Jitter).

[0126] Based on subscriber's RAT (Radio Quality Signal) information (e.g., Radio Resource Block, RB)

[0127] In the data processing node device (100, UPF), the entire data packet transmitted and received through the session it is involved in can be traced, and the traced Full Packet Trace (e.g., packet dump) can be retained for analysis.

[0128] Accordingly, the data processing node device (100, UPF, particularly the information transmission unit (120)) of the present invention can transmit specific information (packet trace information) requested for analysis, and even Full Packet Trace (e.g., packet dump), to the NWDAF via SBI in accordance with requests and requirements from the NWDAF.

[0129] As described above, according to the present invention, an Analytics ID is defined to request / transmit information (Data) necessary for actual analysis between UPF (100) and NWDAF, and based on this, a transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) can be implemented to request / transmit information (Data) for analysis between UPF (100) and NWDAF through SBI without passing through other NFs (e.g., SMF).

[0130] Meanwhile, assuming a subscriber using 1 Gb / s of data, it would be necessary to transmit information (data) of at least 1 Gb / s in order to transmit the Full Packet Trace (e.g., packet dump) of the session. If the SBI link between UPF (100) and NWDAF is 1 Gb / s or higher and processing is possible from the perspective of UPF (100) and NWDAF, then the Full Packet Trace (e.g., packet dump) can be transmitted. However, such a transmission-possible situation would not always be maintained.

[0131] Accordingly, as briefly mentioned above, the present invention is also characterized by the realization of a technology that enables the efficient processing and transmission of even real-time data packets when the UPF transmits information (Data) necessary for analysis to the NWDAF.

[0132] To explain this in more detail, it is as follows.

[0133] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, I will explain the case where specific information (hereinafter referred to as packet trace information) is requested based on the Analytics ID (Packet Trace).

[0134] According to this embodiment, the information transmission unit (120) determines whether it is possible to transmit specific information (packet trace information) according to the requirements based on the requirements transmitted upon receiving a request from NWDAF to transmit specific information (packet trace information).

[0135] For example, the information transmission unit (120) can determine whether the specific information (packet trace information) according to the current requirement can be transmitted based on at least one of the processing performance (throughput), latency-related performance (Latency / RTT, Jitter), and the performance of the SBI at the time of transmitting the specific information (packet trace information) according to the requirement to a specific NF, i.e., NWDAF.

[0136] The information transmission unit (120) can transmit specific information (packet trace information) to NWDAF according to the current requirements if, as a result of the tactical judgment, it is possible to transmit specific information (packet trace information).

[0137] On the other hand, if the information transmission unit (120) determines that the transmission of specific information (packet trace information) is impossible as a result of the tactical judgment, it responds to NWDAF with the cause of the judgment of impossibility, thereby enabling NWDAF to change the requirements according to the cause of the response and request the transmission of specific information again.

[0138] To illustrate with an example, we can assume a case where Full Data, i.e., a Full Packet Trace (e.g., a packet dump), is specified as the form of transmitted data in the requirements.

[0139] In this case, if the UPF (100) in the present invention determines that the transmission of specific information (packet trace information: Full Data) according to the requirements is impossible, it may respond to the NWDAF with the reason for the determination (Cause: UPF Overload), and the NWDAF may change the requirements (Full Data -> Sampled Data) according to the reason for the current response (Cause: UPF Overload) and request the transmission of specific information (packet trace information: Sampled Data) again.

[0140] Accordingly, the specific information transmitted from the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention to a specific NF, i.e., NWDAF, may vary in form depending on the requirements.

[0141] However, to explain one example, the specific information transmitted to NWDAF may take the form of the aforementioned Full Data, which is the first data traced from the entire data packet of a specified session (Full), the aforementioned Sampled Data, and Partial / Ranged Data, which is the second data traced from a part of the data packet of a specified session (e.g., the Limit size of each packet header (e.g., 128 bytes)).

[0142] Furthermore, the specific information transmitted to the NWDAF may take the form of one of the following, depending on the requirements: third data which is a compressed version of the first data (Full Data) or second data (Sampled Data, Partial / Ranged Data), or fourth data which has a modified format of the first data (Full Data) or second data (Sampled Data, Partial / Ranged Data).

[0143] In this case, the present invention can classify and transmit the specific information transmitted to the NWDAF in detail by subscriber's PDU Session, by n-tuple flow within the Session, or by Application, or by uplink / downlink.

[0144] Accordingly, according to the present invention, when NWDAF receives a response and reason (Cause: UPF Overload) from UPF (100) stating that it is impossible to transmit specific information (packet trace information) according to the requirements, NWDAF will request the transmission of specific information again with a requirement that changes the form of the specific information required for analysis into a transmittable form according to the responded reason (Cause: UPF Overload). Consequently, the processing / transmission of real-time information (data packets) between UPF (100) and NWDAF can be performed efficiently without failure.

[0145] Meanwhile, the information acquisition unit (130) is responsible for the function of requesting specific information and receiving it from NWDAF when the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention operates as a Consumer NF.

[0146] This information acquisition unit (130) can also use one of the Request / Response method or Subscription / Notification method to request specific information it needs from NWDAF and receive the requested specific information from NWDAF.

[0147] For example, in the data processing node device (100, UPF) of the present invention, there may be a need to perform detailed detection of specific traffic (e.g., detection of specific encrypted packets).

[0148] In this case, if the data processing node device (100, UPF) lacks specific information (e.g., packet signature) required for detection, the information acquisition unit (130) may request information transmission with a requirement to specify the specific information (e.g., packet signature) required by the NWDAF (Request or Subscription).

[0149] In this way, NWDAF can search its own DB, find the latest DB, and transmit specific information (e.g., packet signature) requested from the data processing node device (100, UPF) to the data processing node device (100, UPF) (Response or Notification).

[0150] As described above, according to the present invention, an Analytics ID is defined to request / transmit information (Data) necessary for actual analysis between UPF (100) and NWDAF, and based on this, a transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) is implemented to request / transmit information (Data) for analysis between UPF (100) and NWDAF through SBI without passing through other NFs (e.g., SMF), and more specifically, a technology is realized that can efficiently process / transmit even real-time data packets.

[0151] In this way, the present invention realizes a specific technology that defines and implements a transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) for transmitting (providing) information (data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF, thereby extending the scope of information analysis for 5G network data to UPF and achieving an effect that improves the usability of information analysis and the performance of infrastructure construction overall.

[0152] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, an information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0153] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, an information transmission method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0154] First, in the case of FIG. 7, an information transmission method according to one embodiment of the present invention is specifically explained from the perspective of a data processing node device (100, UPF).

[0155] For the sake of convenience and as a specific example, I will explain the case where NWDAF requests packet trace information based on the Analytics ID (Packet Trace).

[0156] According to this embodiment, in the information transmission method according to the present invention, when the UPF (100) receives a request from the NWDAF to transmit specific information (Packet Trace information) (S10), it analyzes the requirements for the specific information (Packet Trace information) (S20).

[0157] Accordingly, in the information transmission method according to the present invention, the UPF (100) determines whether it is possible to transmit specific information (Packet Trace information) according to the analyzed requirements (S30).

[0158] For example, UPF (100) can determine whether the relevant subscriber and UPF instance information specified in the analyzed requirements is included in UPF (100), and whether the requested real-time information (e.g., throughput, latency / RTT, jitter, performance of SBI, etc.) is satisfied.

[0159] In the information transmission method according to the present invention, if the UPF (100) determines that the transmission of specific information (Packet Trace information) is impossible as a result of the judgment of S30 (S30 No), it responds to NWDAF with the cause of the judgment of impossibility (S35), thereby enabling NWDAF to perform additional actions based on the cause of the response, such as changing the requirements and requesting the transmission of specific information again (S90).

[0160] Meanwhile, in the information transmission method according to the present invention, if the UPF (100) determines that specific information (Packet Trace information) can be transmitted as a result of S30 (S30 Yes), it can start filtering and tracing data packets (Packet) for the corresponding subscriber included in the designated UPF instance in order to transmit specific information (Packet Trace information) according to the analyzed requirements (S40).

[0161] And, in the information transmission method according to the present invention, if the request received in step S10 is a Request method, the UPF (100) will send / transmit specific information (Packet Trace information) prepared through Filtering and Tracing to the NWDAF as a response to the request in step S10 (S60), and if the request received in step S10 is a Subscription method, the UPF will send / transmit specific information (Packet Trace information) prepared through Filtering and Tracing to the NWDAF as a response to the request in step S10 when a specific state (e.g., satisfying a specific period condition) is determined in the Notification (S50 Yes) (S60).

[0162] At this time, in the information transmission method according to the present invention, UPF (100) may, after sending / transmitting specific information (Packet Trace information) to NWDAF as a response to the request of step S10 (S60), check whether an abnormality (e.g., specific instance overload, performance degradation, etc.) occurs in the state of UPF (100) due to the execution of sending specific information (Packet Trace information) to NWDAF (S70), and if there is an abnormality in the state (S70 Yes), respond to NWDAF with the relevant Cause (S80), so that NWDAF may perform additional operations according to the relevant Cause (S90).

[0163] Figure 8 below shows an example of a Call-Flow supported by the information transmission method of the present invention.

[0164] As illustrated in FIG. 8, according to the information transfer method of the present invention, NWDAF and UPF (100, UPF Set) can know their own Capability (and Feature) and / or the Capability (and Feature) of the other party (NWDAF or UPF (100, UPF Set)) during the NF Registration / Discovery process with NRF and MGMT / DB, and at this time, they can also know whether real-time specific information transfer (Realtime SBI transfer) is supported.

[0165] In addition, the support for real-time specific information transfer (Realtime SBI transfer) in NWDAF and UPF (100, UPF Set) can be dynamically changed through periodic updates of the relevant real-time requirements.

[0166] Figure 8 illustrates a case where both NWDAF and UPF (100, UPF Set) support real-time specific information transfer (Realtime SBI transfer).

[0167] In NWDAF, if it is determined that a packet dump is needed for analysis, a specific subscriber range (e.g., a specific 1,000 subscribers) can be specified as a requirement to request the delivery of specific information (Subscription). In addition to the subscriber range (e.g., a specific 1,000 subscribers), real-time=on, latency=1ms, output=1Gbps, etc., can be specified as requirements.

[0168] Accordingly, in UPF (100, UPF Set), the storage of packet traces and performance / requirements (requirements) for a specific subscriber range (e.g., a specific 1,000 subscriber) within the UPF Set can be checked, and if the requirements (requirements) are satisfied, filtering and tracing of data packets (packets) can be started / processed for a specified subscriber range (e.g., a specific 1,000 subscriber) in order to deliver specific information (packet trace information) according to the requirements (requirements).

[0169] Accordingly, UPF(100, UPF Set) can transmit specific information (Packet Trace information) regarding a specific subscriber range (e.g., a specific 1,000 subscribers) to NWDAF in real-time / streaming (Notification).

[0170] Accordingly, NWDAF can perform subsequent processing (analysis) after receiving specific information (Packet Trace information) transmitted upon request.

[0171] The Call-Flow described at the bottom of Fig. 8 shows a situation where the corresponding requirements (conditions) are not satisfied.

[0172] That is, if, in UPF (100, UPF Set), the performance / requirements (requirements) for storing Packet Trace for a specific subscriber range (e.g., a specific 1,000 subscriber) within the UPF Set are not satisfied as a result of checking the Packet Trace storage and performance / requirements (requirements) as described above, then in order to deliver specific information (Packet Trace information) according to the requirements (requirements), the filtering and tracing of data packets for the specified subscriber range (e.g., a specific 1,000 subscriber) may be stopped or not initiated.

[0173] Then, in UPF(100, UPF Set), the cause (e.g., UPF Overload('too many session') for determining that the requirement (requirement condition) is not satisfied is sent to NWDAF as a response (Notification), allowing NWDAF to request the delivery of specific information again by performing additional actions based on the cause (requirement condition) given this time, such as changing the requirement (e.g., specific 1,000 subscribers -> 100 subscribers).

[0174] The following Fig. 9 shows another embodiment of the Call-Flow supported by the information transmission method of the present invention.

[0175] NWDAF receives a notification from other NFs or OSS / BSS that analysis of a specific subscriber or specific slice is required, and determines that a Full Packet Dump is needed to perform the analysis.

[0176] In this case, NWDAF requests (subscribes) the delivery of specific information to UPF and specifies the requirements for the delivery of that specific information (packet trace information).

[0177] UPF (100) can collect (or filter) specific information (packet trace information) corresponding to a Full Packet Dump according to specific time / volume and transmit it to NWDAF (Notification) according to the transmission and requirements of specific information.

[0178] Meanwhile, the Call-Flow described at the bottom of Fig. 9 shows the situation when UPF (100) operates as a Consumer NF.

[0179] In this case, if UPF (100) recognizes the need for detailed detection of specific traffic, and assumes that specific information (e.g., packet signature) required for such detection is lacking, it may request information delivery with a requirement to specify the specific information (e.g., packet signature) required by NWDAF (Subscription).

[0180] In this way, NWDAF can search its own DB, find the latest DB, and transmit specific information (e.g., packet signature) requested from UPF (100) to UPF (100) (Notification).

[0181] As described above, according to the present invention, an Analytics ID is defined to request / transmit information (Data) necessary for actual analysis between UPF (100) and NWDAF, and based on this, a transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) is implemented to request / transmit information (Data) for analysis between UPF (100) and NWDAF through SBI without passing through other NFs (e.g., SMF), and more specifically, a technology is realized that can efficiently process / transmit even real-time data packets.

[0182] In this way, the present invention realizes a specific technology that defines and implements a transmission system (direct transmission path, information system, etc.) for transmitting (providing) information (data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF, thereby extending the scope of information analysis for 5G network data to UPF and achieving an effect that improves the usability of information analysis and the performance of infrastructure construction overall.

[0183] An information transfer method according to embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the present invention, or those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0184] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the technical concept of the present invention extends to the scope in which various modifications or alterations are possible by anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the following claims. Industrial applicability

[0185] According to the data processing node device and the information transmission method performed by the device according to the present invention, since it proposes a specific technology for defining and implementing a transmission system for transmitting (providing) information (data) for information analysis from UPF to NWDAF, it overcomes the limitations of existing technology; as such, it is an invention with industrial applicability, as it not only offers sufficient possibility for the commercialization or business of the applied device rather than just the use of related technology, but is also practically and clearly implementable. Explanation of the symbols

[0186] 100 : Data processing node device (UPF) 110: SBI Communications Department 120: Information Dissemination Department 130 : Information Acquisition Department

Claims

Claim 1 A data processing node device of a user plane comprises: an SBI communication unit that communicates between network functions (NFs) through a service-based interface (SBI); and an information transmission unit that communicates with a specific NF having an information analysis function for each NF through the SBI communication unit and directly transmits specific information of the user plane required for analysis to the specific NF without passing through other NFs; wherein the information transmission unit determines whether transmission of the specific information according to the request is possible based on at least one of the processing performance (throughput), latency-related performance (latency / RTT, jitter), and the performance of the SBI at the time of transmitting the specific information to the specific NF according to the request condition transmitted from the specific NF. Claim 2 A data processing node device according to claim 1, wherein specific information of the user plane is requested from and transmitted to the specific NF based on an analysis information ID, which defines the type of analysis information analyzed through the information analysis function regarding the information of the user plane between the user plane and the specific NF. Claim 3 A data processing node device according to claim 1, wherein the information transmission unit determines whether the transmission of the specific information is possible based on the requested conditions transmitted upon receiving a request for the transmission of specific information from the specific NF, and if the transmission of the specific information is possible, transmits the specific information to the specific NF according to the requested conditions; and if the transmission of the specific information is impossible, responds to the specific NF with the cause for determining impossibility, thereby enabling the specific NF to change the requested conditions according to the responded cause and re-request the transmission of the specific information. Claim 4 A data processing node device according to claim 3, wherein the specific information transmitted to the specific NF is in the form of one of the following: first data that traces the entire data packet of a designated session (Full) according to the requirements, second data that traces a part of the data packet of a designated session, third data that compresses the first data or the second data, or fourth data that changes the format of the first data or the second data. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A method for transmitting information performed at a data processing node device of a user plane, comprising: an information transmission step of communicating with a specific NF having an information analysis function for each NF (Network Function) and transmitting specific information of the user plane required for analysis to said specific NF; wherein communication with said specific NF is performed through a Service Based Interface (SBI) between NFs, and said information transmission step is characterized by determining whether transmission of said specific information according to said requirements is possible based on at least one of the processing performance (throughput), latency-related performance (Latency / RTT, Jitter), and the performance of said SBI at the time of transmitting said specific information to said specific NF according to said requirements. Claim 7 In claim 6, the information transmission step is characterized by determining whether the transmission of the specific information is possible based on the request condition transmitted upon receiving a request for the transmission of specific information from the specific NF, and if the transmission of the specific information is possible, transmitting the specific information to the specific NF according to the request condition; and if the transmission of the specific information is impossible, responding to the specific NF with the cause for determining impossibility, thereby enabling the specific NF to change the request condition according to the responded cause and re-request the transmission of the specific information.

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