A network architecture adapted to flexible deployment scenarios

Abstract

The present invention provides a method, a node, a structure and a device for data processing. An aggregation node receives a first non-access stratum message sent by a user equipment (UE). The aggregation node includes at least two types of interfaces, and each interface is used to receive a first non-access stratum message of a radio access technology (RAT) type. The aggregation node converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format according to the RAT type of the first non-access stratum message, and the first format is a format supported by the aggregation node and a core network control plane entity for non-access stratum message transmission. The aggregation node sends the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity. The sinking design of the aggregation node saves the transceiver resources of the core network and improves the packet forwarding efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a message transmission method and a core network device. Background Art

[0002] Currently, the network architecture of the evolved packet system (EPS) is a network architecture designed for mobile broadband (MBB) services. This is an architecture for cellular deployment scenarios with high throughput requirements and large coverage. This architecture is not very demanding in terms of latency, reliability, and user density.

[0003] Figure 1 The network structure diagram of the evolved packet system is shown. Among them, the user equipment UE (user equipment) 101 is a mobile user equipment, which can be directly connected to the radio access network RAN (radio access network) through the air interface and initiate or receive calls. The radio access network processes related functions related to radio access. Compared with the serving GPRS support node SGSN (serving GPRS support node) of the general packet radio service GPRS (general packet radio system) in 3G technology, the separation of the control plane and the user plane is realized in EPS: the mobility management entity MME (mobility management entity) 105 is used to process the signaling of the control plane and complete mobility management, including functions such as implementing user context and mobility state management, and allocating user temporary identity identifiers. The serving gateway SGW (serving gateway) 103 is respectively connected to the mobility management entity and the radio access network to implement the functions of the user plane. At the back end, the SGW is connected to the packet data network (PDN) gateway PGW (PDN-GateWay). In Figure 1 it, the MME, SGW, and PGW belong to the core network CN (core network) network elements.

[0004] The main requirements for the core network architecture of 5G (5th generation) are to adapt to flexible deployment in multiple scenarios, including support for MBB, massive machine type communication (mMTC), and ultra-Reliability low latency communication (URLLC) services. There are different requirements for the performance indicators of these types of services. Among them, the latency and reliability requirements of URLLC are higher than those of MBB; and mMTC needs to support a larger number of users compared to MBB. The original 4G architecture cannot meet the requirements of multi-service support, especially the special requirements of URLLC for latency and reliability.

[0005] The non-access stratum (NAS) is the functional layer between the core network and the user equipment. Generally, the procedures at the access stratum refer to the procedures that the devices at the radio access stratum need to participate in; the procedures at the non-access stratum refer to the signaling procedures that only the UE and the CN need to handle, and the radio access network does not need to handle this procedure in essence. In the scenario of multiple radio access technologies (RAT), non-access stratum messages of various RAT types need to be sent to the core network. Except for Figure 1 In addition, in the case of coexistence of multiple types of network architectures (such as 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) architectures), each network architecture may need to have an interface with the core network. In this way, NAS messages of different types of RATs are respectively connected to the core network through the above-mentioned interfaces. In such a scenario, the core network data processing volume is very large. Especially in the subsequent network environment, with a large number of user devices accessing the network, the access of automotive, household, and industrial devices, and the formation of the Internet of Things, it will make the performance design of the core network more complex and difficult, and also affect the stability of data transmission. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a message transmission method and a core network device, which are used to reduce the load of the core network and reduce the path latency.

[0007] On the one hand, the present invention provides a message transmission method. The method includes: an aggregation node receives a first non-access stratum message sent by a user equipment (UE); the aggregation node converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format according to the RAT type of the first non-access stratum message, and the first format is the format supported by the aggregation node and the core network control plane entity for non-access stratum message transmission; the aggregation node sends the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity.

[0008] By adopting the above method, the aggregation node undertakes the function of the core network control plane to parse the access non-access stratum messages according to the RAT type, reducing the latency of data processing. At the same time, this solution also enables the access request to directly process the non-access stratum messages at the RAN side or a network entity close to the RAN side, making subsequent processing more flexible, reliable, and responsive.

[0009] In a possible design, the aggregation node includes at least two interfaces, and each interface is used to receive a first non-access stratum message of a radio access technology (RAT) type. In another possible design, the aggregation node includes one interface, and this interface can support the interconnection and interoperability of at least two types of interfaces.

[0010] In a possible design, the aggregation node receives a core network user plane indication message sent by the UE; the aggregation node performs user plane selection according to the core network user plane indication message; wherein, the aggregation node performing user plane selection according to the core network user plane indication message includes: the aggregation node establishing a bearer for the user plane according to the core network user plane indication information.

[0011] In a possible design, the above-mentioned aggregation node receiving the core network user plane indication message sent by the UE and performing user plane selection according to the core network user plane indication message can be implemented separately.

[0012] In another possible design, the aggregation node determines that the bearer for the user plane is a local user plane bearer and / or a remote user plane bearer according to the user plane indication information. Wherein, the local user plane bearer and the remote user plane bearer are used for data transmission. In another possible design, the user plane indication information includes a bearer indication for establishing a local user plane bearer and / or a remote user plane bearer. In this way, the aggregation node can further determine local services and remote services, reduce the processing pressure on the core network, and further establish local and / or remote bearers on this basis to improve processing efficiency and reduce latency.

[0013] In another possible design, the aggregation node receives an initial access response message sent by a core network control plane entity, where the initial access response message includes the core network user plane retention information and the quality of service (QoS) information of the UE; the aggregation node maintains the bearer between the aggregation node and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the UE. In a possible design, the aggregation node maintains the RRC connection with the UE according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the UE. As a further implementation of this design, the aggregation node maintaining the bearer between the aggregation node and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information further includes: the aggregation node receives user plane data sent by a local user plane node; the aggregation node triggers paging according to the user plane data; the aggregation node sends a paging message at a base station within the TA (timing advance) range of the aggregation node.

[0014] In yet another possible design, the aggregation node maintaining the bearer between the aggregation node and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information further includes: the aggregation node receives user plane data sent by a local user plane; the aggregation node triggers paging; the aggregation node sends a paging message at a base station within the timing advance (TA) range of the aggregation node. By adopting the above method, when the user equipment moves between base stations under the edge control plane entity, the edge control plane entity can obtain the base station to which the user equipment has moved through a paging message, realizing more accurate positioning control.

[0015] Through the above several methods, the interface between the aggregation node and the core network can be unified. The interface between the aggregation node and the core network no longer needs to support the non-access stratum message transceiver of multiple RAT types, reducing the deployment complexity, saving the computing resources of the core network equipment, and improving the overall network efficiency.

[0016] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present invention provides an aggregation node device, and this aggregation node device has the function of implementing the behavior of the aggregation node device in the above method examples. The function can be implemented by hardware or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the above functions.

[0017] The aggregation node device can also implement the corresponding functions in the above method. For example, in a possible design, the aggregation node device includes a receiving unit configured to receive a first non-access stratum message sent by a user equipment (UE); a determining unit configured to convert the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format according to the radio access technology (RAT) type of the first non-access stratum message, where the first format is the format supported for non-access stratum message transmission between the aggregation node and the core network control plane entity; and a sending unit configured to send the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity. The determining unit may be a processor, the sending unit may be a transmitter, and the receiving unit may be a receiver. The sending unit and the receiving unit may be a transceiver antenna. This aggregation node undertakes the function of the core network control plane to parse and access non-access stratum messages according to the RAT type, reducing the data processing delay. At the same time, this aggregation node also enables the access request to directly process non-access stratum messages at the radio access network (RAN) side or a network entity close to the RAN side, making subsequent processing more flexible, reliable, and responsive.

[0018] On the other hand, outside the aggregation node device, the present invention also provides devices or entities corresponding to several other networking modes, including an edge control plane entity, a second aggregation node entity, etc. Each of the entities can implement the same or similar functions as the aggregation node to improve the flexibility of networking and reduce the delay.

[0019] On yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer storage medium for storing computer software instructions used for the above aggregation node device, which includes a program for executing the design in the above aspect.

[0020] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a communication system, which includes the aggregation node devices in the above aspects, as well as user equipment UE, access node devices, core network control plane node devices, and core network user plane node devices, and interfaces and links therebetween. The aggregation node receives non-access stratum messages of a first radio access technology (RAT) type sent by the user equipment through the first link and the second link; the aggregation node receives non-access stratum messages of a second RAT type sent by the user equipment through the first link and the third link; the aggregation node converts the non-access stratum messages of the first RAT type into first non-access stratum messages, and the aggregation node converts the non-access stratum messages of the second RAT type into second non-access stratum messages; the RAT type of the first non-access stratum messages and the second non-access stratum messages is the first RAT type; the aggregation node sends the first non-access stratum messages and the second non-access stratum messages to the core network control plane node through the fourth link; or the aggregation node sends the first non-access stratum messages and the second non-access stratum messages to the core network control plane node through the fifth link. This system can implement various methods in the present invention, meet the requirements of low latency and reliability, and can meet the requirements of a significant increase in the density of subsequent user equipment. Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the 4G network architecture provided by the prior art;

[0022] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a possible application scenario architecture provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of another possible application scenario architecture provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of another possible application scenario architecture provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the flow of a message transmission method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the flow of a message transmission method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the flow of a message transmission method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the flow of a message transmission method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 9Schematic flowchart of a message transmission method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 10 Schematic flowchart of a message transmission method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 11 Possible architecture, link and interface schematic diagram provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 12 Schematic diagram of an aggregation node structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of an aggregation node structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0034] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Under the requirements of latency, reliability, and the number of multi-users, in the current network architecture, user equipment sends initial access requests of different radio access technologies (RATs), which are sent to the core network (CN) via the radio access network (RAN). Then, the control plane of the core network parses the initial access requests of different RATs. Among them, the initial access requests of different RATs can be distinguished by different RAT types, and the initial access request can be a non-access stratum message. In this process, the RAN receives the initial access requests of different RATs from the user equipment in a transparent transmission manner and forwards them to the core network. After the core network finishes processing, the core network returns an access request response. With the above network architecture settings, both the data processing load of the core network is increased and the network latency is increased. Especially in the case of multiple users, this technical problem will be further amplified. Therefore, the network architecture needs to be more complete to achieve flexible, reliable, and fast response effects for data services.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention provide a message transmission method and a device based on this method, such as a core network interface device, to reduce the complexity of communication interactions between the core network and external entities. Among them, the method and device of the present invention are based on the same inventive concept. Since the principles of the method and device for solving problems are similar, the implementation of the device and the method can be referred to each other, and the repeated parts will not be described again.

[0037] The technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention includes a network architecture, which includes an aggregation node. The aggregation node receives a first non-access stratum message sent by a user equipment. In one embodiment, the aggregation node includes at least two interfaces, and each interface is used to receive the first non-access stratum message of a RAT type; the aggregation node converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format according to the RAT type of the first non-access stratum message, and the first format is the format supported by the aggregation node and the core network control plane entity for the transmission of the non-access stratum message; the "support" may refer to achieving the interconnection and interoperability between the aggregation node and the core network control plane entity. The aggregation node sends the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity. In this way, the aggregation node undertakes the function of the core network control plane to parse and access the non-access stratum message according to the RAT type, reducing the data processing delay. At the same time, this solution also enables the access request to directly process the non-access stratum message in the RAN side or a network entity close to the RAN side, making the subsequent processing more flexible, reliable and responsive.

[0038] To describe the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention more clearly, the following will explain the service scenarios and system architectures that may be applied in the embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figure 2 A possible application scenario and architecture of the embodiment of the present invention are shown. The architecture includes a user equipment 201, a radio access network 202, and four network entities - an edge control plane entity 203, a core network control plane entity 204, an edge user plane entity 205, and a core network user plane entity 206. Among them, the edge control plane entity 203 is linked to the radio access network 202 and is also linked to the core network control plane entity 204. The edge control plane entity 203 and the core network control plane entity 204 mainly play a control function; the edge user plane entity 205 and the core network user plane entity 206 mainly play a service processing function. It should be understood that the above division is variable, and service processing and control implementation can be achieved in the data or signaling interaction of the above-mentioned entities according to specific circumstances. For example, the edge control plane entity 203 can process some specific data packets, and the edge user plane entity 205 can process specific control signaling.

[0040] It should be understood that the edge control plane entity and the edge user plane entity can be a specific device, or a functional module integrated in other devices to implement certain functions, such as Figure 3 . Figure 3 Different from Figure 2 is that Figure 2The edge control plane entity 203 in [[ ]] can be integrated into the radio access network 202 as an aggregation node 207. In one embodiment, a base station is provided under the aggregation node, and the base station and the user equipment 201 are linked through an air interface. Considering the case of latency, when low latency is required, the edge user plane entity 205 can be set up separately or integrated into the aggregation node 207, which is not shown in the figure.

[0041] In [[ ]] Figure 2 or [[ ]] Figure 3 For the specific deployment methods of each entity in [[ ]], there can be different ways. Generally, Figure 2 In the radio access network 202, the edge control plane entity 203, the edge user plane entity 205 in [[ ]], or Figure 3 In the aggregation node 207 in [[ ]], it can be deployed in an area close to the user equipment 201, and the core network control plane entity 204 and / or the core network user plane entity can be deployed in a location close to the Public Data Network (PDN). Generally, the deployment situation is divided according to geographical location and administrative regions, and different countries and cities can make different adjustments according to the situation. For example: in the scenario where multiple district-level units form a city-level unit and multiple city-level units form a provincial-level unit, for Figure 2 [[ ]], the edge control plane entity 203 is deployed at the center of the district-level unit, the edge user plane entity 205 is deployed at the center of the city-level unit or the district-level unit, and the core network control plane entity 204 and the core network user plane entity 206 are deployed at the center of the provincial-level unit. In this way, the edge control plane entity is closer to the user equipment and the radio access network equipment. For Figure 3 [[ ]], the aggregation node 207 is deployed at the center of the district-level unit, the core network control plane entity 204 and the core network user plane entity 206 are deployed at the center of the provincial-level unit, and the edge user plane entity can be integrated with the aggregation node 207 and deployed at the center of the district-level unit, or can be deployed at the center of the city-level unit. In this way, the edge control plane entity is closer to the user equipment and the radio access network equipment.

[0042] Next, the specific implementation will be described according to [[ ]] Figure 2 [[ ]].

[0043] In one embodiment, according to [[ ]] Figure 2, the edge control plane entity 203 receives a first non-access stratum message sent by a user equipment UE; in various embodiments, the first non-access stratum message corresponds to a type of radio access technology (RAT), for example, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, WIFI, etc. With the continuous evolution of the network, there may be other types or forms of RATs, and the non-access stratum messages of different types of RATs are non-access stratum messages of different systems. Among them, the edge control plane entity 203 includes at least two interfaces, and each interface is used to receive a first non-access stratum message of a type of RAT. The edge control plane entity 203 converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message of a first format, and the first format is the format supported by the aggregation node and the core network control plane entity for non-access stratum message transmission; the aggregation node sends the non-access stratum message of the first format to the core network control plane entity. It should be understood that the conversion in various embodiments may be a decoding process. More specifically, it may be to decode the message to obtain a feature indication of the RAT type, and this indication may be a specific field or an implicit identifier of the RAT type. Further, by changing the feature indication of the RAT, it is converted into the format of other non-access stratum messages, and the format after conversion is the format supported by the entity or the entity and the core network. The edge control plane entity 203 may convert the first non-access stratum message into the format of a unified RAT type or a new format.

[0044] Through the above embodiments, after receiving a non-access stratum message of a type of RAT, the edge control plane entity 203 directly converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message of the first format and sends it to the core network. The converted non-access stratum message does not need to be parsed by the core network again for its RAT type, saving the computing resources of the core network and improving the overall efficiency of the network. Further, since the edge control plane entity 203 can directly parse the first non-access stratum message when converting the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message of the first format and then perform the conversion, the edge control plane entity can further use the parsed or converted non-access stratum message of the first format, increasing the flexibility of services.

[0045] In another embodiment, according to Figure 2, the edge control plane entity 203 receives at least two first non-access stratum messages sent by a user equipment. Among the at least two first non-access stratum messages, at least two first non-access stratum messages respectively correspond to different RAT types. The user equipment 201 can be one, for example, a user equipment supporting the sending of non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, or multiple user equipments each supporting non-access stratum messages of different RAT types. The edge control plane entity 203 can have different interfaces to support receiving access stratum messages of different RAT types. In one scenario, the link between the base station air interface and the user equipment air interface itself can receive access stratum messages of multiple different RAT types. After the base station receives the messages of different RAT types, it can directly send the access stratum messages of different RAT types to the edge control plane entity 203 through its affiliated RAN. In another scenario, the air interface between the base station and the user equipment does not support non-access stratum messages of multiple different RAT types. The non-access stratum messages of different RAT types can be received through different base stations and then sent to the edge control plane entity 203 through the RAN. It should be noted that from an implementation perspective, in each embodiment, different interfaces can be the same physical interface, simultaneously supporting the reception of non-access stratum messages of different RAT types, because the logical functions of the physical interface of the edge control plane entity 203 can be two or more, that is, receiving non-access stratum messages of two or more RAT types. The edge control plane entity 203 converts the first non-access stratum messages into non-access stratum messages of a first format according to the RAT types of the at least two first non-access stratum messages respectively. Among them, the first format is the format supported for the transmission of non-access stratum messages between the aggregation node and the core network control plane entity.

[0046] Through the above embodiments, after the edge control plane entity 203 receives at least two non-access stratum messages of different RAT types, the edge control plane entity 203 converts the first non-access stratum messages into non-access stratum messages of a first format according to the RAT types of the at least two first non-access stratum messages respectively. During the processing of the first non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, the edge control plane entity 203 converts different first non-access stratum messages into non-access stratum messages of a first type. The interface between the edge control plane entity and the core network is unified. The interface between the edge control plane entity 203 and the core network no longer needs to support the sending and receiving of non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, further reducing the deployment complexity, saving the computing resources of the core network equipment, and improving the overall network efficiency.

[0047] In Figure 2In the architecture, the edge control plane entity 203 can also implement the function of establishing a user plane bearer. The edge control plane entity 203 receives a core network user plane indication message sent by a user equipment; the aggregation node selects a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message. The bearer of the user plane is mainly used for data transmission.

[0048] In one embodiment, if the edge control plane entity 203 determines to establish a user plane bearer locally according to the user plane indication information, then the edge control plane entity 203 sends local user plane bearer indication information to the edge user plane entity according to the core network user plane indication information to further establish a local user plane bearer. Whether the control plane entity determines to establish a user plane bearer locally according to the user plane indication information can be confirmed according to the target IP address or other information included in the user plane indication information. By using the edge control plane entity 203 and the edge user plane entity 205, a local user plane bearer can be established. After the local user plane bearer is established, different user equipments controlled by the same edge control plane entity can perform local communication. Among different user equipments controlled by the same edge control plane entity, the path length of data interaction completed through the local bearer is less than the data interaction path length through the core network. In the scenario of massive machine type communication, the communication between local machines of user equipments can be directly established through the local user plane bearer. With the continuous growth of local machine user equipments, the establishment of the local user plane bearer can greatly reduce the processing and computing load of the core network in the traditional sense and reduce the latency.

[0049] In another embodiment, the edge control plane entity 203 determines to establish a core network user plane bearer in the core network user plane entity according to the user plane indication information. For example, when the first non-access stratum message is an initial access request message, the edge control plane entity 203 converts the RAT type of the initial access request message and then sends it to the core network control plane entity 204. The edge control plane entity 203 receives an initial access response message sent by the core network control plane entity 204. The initial access response message includes core network user plane retention information and QoS information of the user equipment; the edge control plane entity 203 retains the bearer between the aggregation node and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment. It should be understood that the first non-access stratum message does not necessarily have to be an initial access request message and can be triggered directly by the edge control plane entity 203 or by receiving other first non-access stratum messages.

[0050] The edge control plane entity 203 can also play a role in positioning the user equipment. In another embodiment, the edge control plane entity 203 receives the user plane data sent by the edge user plane entity 205; the edge control plane entity 203 triggers paging according to the user plane data; specifically, it may further include: the base stations within the TA range supported by the edge control plane entity 203 are used to send paging messages. In this way, the edge control plane entity 203 can send paging messages locally. When the user equipment moves between the base stations under the edge control plane entity, the edge control plane entity can obtain the base station to which the user equipment has moved through the paging message, realizing more accurate positioning control.

[0051] Next, specific implementation manners will be described according to Figure 3 the following.

[0052] Based on Figure 3 the architecture, the aggregation node can be an enhanced RAN, integrating an edge control plane entity. Such integration can be a physical and hardware integration, directly deploying an enhanced service function single board hardware, or can be implemented by adding a processing module, a processor, or directly in the processor or processing module in the RAN entity through software.

[0053] In one embodiment, the aggregation node 207 receives the first non-access stratum message sent by the user equipment 201; wherein, the aggregation node 207 includes an air interface, and the air interface is used to receive the first non-access stratum message. The aggregation node converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format according to the RAT type of the first non-access stratum message, and the first format is the format supported by the aggregation node and the core network control plane entity for non-access stratum message transmission; the aggregation node sends the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity.

[0054] In another embodiment, the aggregation node 207 receives the first non-access stratum message sent by the user equipment 201, wherein the aggregation node includes at least two interfaces, and each interface is used to receive a first non-access stratum message of a RAT type; optionally, the two interfaces are air interfaces. The aggregation node 207 converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format according to the RAT type of the first non-access stratum message, and the first format is the format supported by the aggregation node and the core network control plane entity for non-access stratum message transmission; the aggregation node sends the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity.

[0055] Through the above embodiments, after receiving a non-access stratum message of one RAT type, the aggregation node 207 directly converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message of the first format and sends it to the core network. The converted non-access stratum message does not need to be parsed for its RAT type by the core network again, saving the computing resources of the core network and improving the overall efficiency of the network. Further, since the aggregation node 207 can directly parse the first non-access stratum message when converting the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message of the first format and then perform the conversion, the edge control plane entity can further use the parsed or converted non-access stratum message of the first format, increasing the flexibility of services.

[0056] In another embodiment, the aggregation node 207 receives at least two first non-access stratum messages sent by the user equipment 201, where at least two of the at least two first non-access stratum messages have different RAT types. The aggregation node includes at least two interfaces, and each interface is used to receive a first non-access stratum message of one RAT type. The user equipment 201 can be one, for example, a user equipment that supports the sending of non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, or multiple user equipments that each support non-access stratum messages of different RAT types. The aggregation node 207 converts the received first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message of the first format according to the RAT type of the first non-access stratum message, and the first format is the format supported by the aggregation node 207 and the core network control plane entity for non-access stratum message transmission; the aggregation node 207 sends the non-access stratum message of the first format to the core network control plane entity.

[0057] Through the above embodiments, after receiving at least two non-access stratum messages of different RAT types, the aggregation node 207 converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message of the first format according to the respective RAT types of the at least two first non-access stratum messages. During the processing of the first non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, the aggregation node 207 converts different first non-access stratum messages into non-access stratum messages of the first type. The interface between the aggregation node 207 and the core network is unified, and the interface between the aggregation node 207 and the core network no longer needs to support the sending and receiving of non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, further reducing the deployment complexity and saving the computing resources of the core network equipment, and improving the overall efficiency of the network.

[0058] In Figure 3In the architecture, the aggregation node 207 can also implement the function of the user plane bearer. The aggregation node 207 receives the core network user plane indication message sent by the user equipment; the aggregation node selects the user plane according to the core network user plane indication message. The bearer of the user plane is mainly used for data transmission. The aggregation node 207 determines to establish a user plane bearer locally according to the user plane indication information. The aggregation node 207 can determine to establish a user plane bearer locally according to the user plane indication information based on the target IP address, service type identifier, radio network temporary identifier (RNTI) or other information included in the user plane indication information. In another embodiment, the aggregation node 207 determines to establish a user plane bearer in the core network user plane entity according to the user plane indication information.

[0059] In another embodiment, the aggregation node 207 determines to establish a core network user plane bearer in the core network user plane entity according to the user plane indication information. Specifically, when the first non-access stratum message is an initial access request message, the aggregation node 207 converts the RAT type of the initial access request message and sends it to the core network control plane entity 204. The aggregation node 207 receives the initial access response message sent by the core network control plane entity 204. The initial access response message includes the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment; the aggregation node 207 maintains the bearer between the aggregation node and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment.

[0060] The aggregation node 207 can also play a role in locating the user equipment. In another embodiment, the aggregation node 207 receives the user plane data sent by the edge user plane entity (not shown in the figure). The edge user plane entity can also be a local user plane node; the aggregation node 207 triggers the edge user plane entity to send a paging message; specifically, the base stations within the time advance (TA) range supported by the aggregation node 207 are used to send the paging message. In this way, the aggregation node 207 can send the paging message locally. When the user equipment moves between the base stations under the aggregation node 207, the aggregation node 207 can obtain the base station to which the user equipment has moved through the paging message, realizing more accurate positioning control.

[0061] Figure 4 Fig. shows another possible application scenario. The functions of the core network control plane entity 204 and the core network user plane entity 206 are the same as Figure 2 、 Figure 3Similarly, details are not described herein again. A base station is disposed under the second aggregation node 208. The second aggregation node 208 receives a first non-access stratum message sent by a user equipment. The first non-access stratum message is composed of a first link 210 and a second link 211. The first link is a link composed of an air interface between the user equipment and the base station. The second link is a second link 211 composed of an interface between the base station and the second aggregation node. It should be understood that there may be multiple interfaces between the second aggregation node 208 and the base station 209. It may also be that one interface supports multiple types and forms different links with the base station 209. There may also be multiple base stations 209, and different base stations 209 may form different links with the second aggregation node 208.

[0062] According to Figure 4 , in one embodiment, the second aggregation node 208 receives a first non-access stratum message sent by the base station. The first non-access stratum message is sent by the user equipment to the base station 209. The second aggregation node 208 converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format according to the RAT type of the first non-access stratum message. The first format is a format supported by the aggregation node for non-access stratum message transmission between the aggregation node and the core network control plane entity. Optionally, the second aggregation node 208 includes at least two interfaces. It should be understood that in each embodiment, the entity or node including at least two interfaces may be one interface but support two or more RAT types; or include two interfaces, and each interface supports the reception of one RAT type. The aggregation node sends the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity. In this way, the converted non-access stratum message does not need to be parsed again by the core network for its RAT type, saving the computing resources of the core network and improving the overall efficiency of the network.

[0063] According to Figure 4In another embodiment, the second aggregation node 208 receives at least two first non-access stratum messages sent by the base station 209. Among the at least two first non-access stratum messages, at least two first non-access stratum messages respectively correspond to different RAT types. Among them, the first non-access stratum message is sent by the user equipment 201 to the base station 209. The user equipment 201 may be one, for example, a user equipment that supports the sending of non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, or may be multiple user equipments that respectively support non-access stratum messages of different RAT types. The base station 209 may also be one or more. When the base station 209 is a single base station, it can support the sending and receiving of first non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types. The second aggregation node 208 converts the received first non-access stratum messages into non-access stratum messages of a first format according to the RAT types of the at least two first non-access stratum messages. The first format is the format supported by the second aggregation node 208 for the transmission of non-access stratum messages between the second aggregation node 208 and the core network control plane entity. The second aggregation node 208 sends the non-access stratum messages of the first format to the core network control plane entity. During the processing of multiple first non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, the second aggregation node 208 converts different first non-access stratum messages into non-access stratum messages of a first type. The interface between the second aggregation node 208 and the core network is unified. The interface between the second aggregation node 208 and the core network no longer needs to support the sending and receiving of non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, further reducing the deployment complexity, saving the computing resources of the core network equipment, and improving the overall network efficiency.

[0064] Similar to Figure 2 , Figure 3 the second aggregation node 208 can also implement the function of the user plane bearer. The second aggregation node 208 receives the core network user plane indication message sent by the user equipment. The second aggregation node 208 selects the user plane according to the core network user plane indication message. The bearer of the user plane is mainly used for data transmission. The second aggregation node 208 determines to establish a user plane bearer locally according to the user plane indication information. Specifically, it can be confirmed according to the target IP address or other information included in the user plane indication information. In another embodiment, the second aggregation node 208 determines to establish a user plane bearer in the core network user plane entity according to the user plane indication information.

[0065] After establishing the local user plane bearer, different user equipments controlled by the same second aggregation node 208 can perform local communication, and the data interaction path length is less than the data interaction path length of the two user equipments via the core network. In the scenario of massive machine type communication, the communication between local machines can be directly established through the local user plane bearer. With the continuous growth of such user equipments, the establishment of the local user plane bearer can greatly reduce the processing and computing load of the core network in the traditional sense and reduce the latency.

[0066] In another embodiment, the second aggregation node 208 determines to establish a core network user plane bearer in the core network user plane entity according to the user plane indication information. Specifically, when the first non-access stratum message is an initial access request message, the second aggregation node 208 converts the RAT type of the initial access request message and sends it to the core network control plane entity 204. The second aggregation node 208 receives the initial access response message sent by the core network control plane entity 204. The initial access response message includes core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment; the edge user plane entity (not shown in the figure) maintains the RRC connection with the user equipment according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment; the second aggregation node 208 maintains the bearer between the aggregation node and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment.

[0067] The second aggregation node 208 can also play a role in locating the user equipment. In another embodiment, the second aggregation node 208 receives the user plane data sent by the edge user plane entity; the second aggregation node 208 triggers the edge user plane entity to send a paging message; specifically including: the base stations within the TA range supported by the second aggregation node 208 are used to send paging messages. In this way, the second aggregation node 208 can send paging messages locally. When the user equipment moves between the base stations under the second aggregation node 208, the second aggregation node 208 can obtain the base station to which the user equipment has moved through the paging message, realizing more accurate positioning control.

[0068] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 5 As shown, the specific process of this method includes:

[0069] 501: The edge control plane entity receives the first non-access stratum message sent by the user equipment UE.

[0070] In an example, the edge control plane entity may be Figure 2 the edge control plane entity in

[0071] Among them, the first non-access stratum message corresponds to a type of RAT, for example, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, WIFI, etc. With the continuous evolution of the network, there may be other types or forms of RAT.

[0072] 502: The edge control plane entity converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format; wherein, the first format is the format supported for the transmission of non-access stratum messages between the aggregation node and the core network control plane entity.

[0073] 503: The edge control plane entity sends the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity.

[0074] It should be understood that in specific implementations, within a specific time period, or during a specific link, or as a specific implementation process, the first non-access stratum entity can be one or multiple. Below, the cases of one and multiple will be described separately:

[0075] In one embodiment, step 501 may specifically be that the edge control plane entity receives a non-access stratum message sent by the user equipment. In step 502, the edge control plane entity converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format.

[0076] In another embodiment, step 501 may specifically be that the edge control plane entity receives at least two non-access stratum messages sent by the user equipment. Among them, the at least two non-access stratum messages have different RAT types. Then, in step 502, the edge control plane entity converts the multiple first non-access stratum messages into non-access stratum messages in a first format. For example, in step 501, the edge control plane entity receives four first non-access stratum messages A, B, C, and D. Among them, A and B are non-access stratum messages with an RAT type of 3G, C is a non-access stratum message with an RAT type of 4G, and D is a non-access stratum message with an RAT type of 5G. When A, B, C, and D are non-access stratum messages of the same type, the situation of sending a single non-access stratum message in the above embodiments can be referred to. In step 502, if the edge control plane entity determines that the first format is a transmission format with an RAT type of 5G, then the edge control plane entity converts A and B into non-access stratum messages with an RAT type of 5G, the edge control plane entity converts C into a non-access stratum message with an RAT type of 5G, and the edge control plane entity determines that the RAT type of D is already 5G and no conversion is required. Still taking the above four non-access stratum messages A, B, C, and D as an example, when the edge control plane entity determines that the first format is another unified format and this format is a transmission format other than 3G, 4G, and 5G, the edge control plane entity can decode A, B, C, and D according to the RAT type, and convert them into a first format with an RAT type different from the received non-access stratum messages, and execute step 503.

[0077] It should be understood that the edge control plane entity receiving the first non-access stratum message sent by the user equipment UE in step 501 does not limit the specific receiving method of the user equipment. It is only necessary to receive the first non-access stratum message. When there are multiple first non-access stratum messages, they can also be received in different ways. For example, a single interface directly receives multiple first non-access stratum messages, or multiple interfaces receive multiple first non-access stratum messages. In one embodiment, the edge control plane entity includes at least two interfaces, and each interface is used to receive a first non-access stratum message of one RAT type. In another embodiment, the edge control plane entity includes a single interface, where the single interface can support the reception of first non-access stratum messages of at least one RAT type.

[0078] Through the above embodiments, after the edge control plane entity receives at least two non-access stratum messages of different RAT types, the edge control plane entity converts the first non-access stratum messages into non-access stratum messages of a first format according to the RAT types of the at least two first non-access stratum messages. During the processing of the first non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, the edge control plane entity converts different first non-access stratum messages into non-access stratum messages of a first type. The interface between the edge control plane entity and the core network is unified, and the interface between the edge control plane entity and the core network no longer needs to support the sending and receiving of non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, further reducing the deployment complexity, saving the computing resources of the core network devices, and improving the overall network efficiency.

[0079] Figure 6 A further embodiment of the present invention is further illustrated. Figure 6 It can be implemented as a separate embodiment or in combination with the embodiments Figure 5 described herein.

[0080] Step 601: The edge control plane entity receives a core network user plane indication message sent by a user equipment UE.

[0081] Step 602: The edge control plane entity selects a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message; wherein, the aggregation node selects a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message, including: establishing a bearer of the user plane according to the core network user plane indication information; wherein, the bearer of the user plane includes a local user plane bearer and / or a remote user plane bearer, and the local user plane bearer and the remote user plane bearer are used for data transmission.

[0082] In one embodiment, when the bearer of the user plane established by the edge control plane entity is a local user plane bearer, it further includes step 603: The edge control plane entity sends local user plane bearer indication information to the edge user plane entity according to the core network user plane indication information to further establish a local user plane bearer.

[0083] The edge control plane entity can be used to establish a local user plane bearer. After establishing the local user plane bearer, different user equipments controlled by the edge control plane entity can perform local communication, and the data interaction path length is less than the data interaction path length via the core network. In the scenario of massive machine-type communication, the communication between local machines can be directly established through the local user plane bearer. With the continuous growth of such user equipments, the establishment of the local user plane bearer can greatly reduce the processing and computing load of the core network in the traditional sense and reduce the latency.

[0084] In another embodiment, when the edge control plane entity establishes the bearer of the user plane as the bearer of the core network user plane, step 602 further includes: the edge control plane entity determines to establish the bearer of the core network user plane in the core network user plane entity according to the user plane indication information. Specifically:

[0085] The edge control plane entity sends the initial access request message to the core network control plane entity;

[0086] The edge control plane entity receives the initial access response message sent by the core network control plane entity, and the initial access response message includes the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment;

[0087] The edge control plane entity maintains the bearer between the aggregation node and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment.

[0088] The edge control plane entity can also play a role in locating the user equipment. In another embodiment, the edge control plane entity receives the user plane data sent by the edge user plane entity; the edge control plane entity triggers the edge user plane entity to send a paging message; specifically including: the base stations within the TA range supported by the edge control plane entity are used to send paging messages. In this way, the edge control plane entity can send paging messages locally. When the user equipment moves between the base stations under the edge control plane entity, the edge control plane entity can obtain the base station to which the user equipment has moved through the paging message, realizing more accurate positioning control.

[0089] Figure 7 It is another method flow chart provided by the embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 7 As shown, the specific process of this method includes:

[0090] Step 701: The aggregation node receives the first non-access stratum message sent by the user equipment.

[0091] Among them, the first non-access stratum message corresponds to a type of RAT, for example, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, WIFI, etc. With the continuous evolution of the network, there may be other types or forms of RAT. In one embodiment, there is an air interface between the aggregation node and the user equipment, and the air interface is used to receive the first non-access stratum message.

[0092] Step 702: The aggregation node converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in the first format according to the RAT type of the first non-access stratum message.

[0093] It should be understood that in a specific implementation, within a specific time period, during a specific link, or as a specific implementation process, the first non-access stratum entity can be one or multiple. Below, the cases of one and multiple will be described separately:

[0094] In another embodiment, step 701 may specifically be that the aggregation node receives at least two non-access stratum messages sent by the user equipment. Among them, the at least two non-access stratum messages have different RAT types.

[0095] Step 703: The aggregation node sends the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity.

[0096] In an embodiment 702, the aggregation node converts the multiple first non-access stratum messages into a non-access stratum message in the first format. In step 701, the aggregation node receives four first non-access stratum messages A, B, C, and D. Among them, A and B are non-access stratum messages with an RAT type of 3G, C is a non-access stratum message with an RAT type of 4G, and D is a non-access stratum message with an RAT type of 5G. When A, B, C, and D are the same type of non-access stratum messages, the case of one non-access stratum message above can be referred to. In step 702, if the aggregation node determines that the first format is a transmission format with an RAT type of 5G, then the aggregation node converts A and B into non-access stratum messages with an RAT type of 5G, the aggregation node converts C into a non-access stratum message with an RAT type of 5G, and the aggregation node determines that the RAT type of D is already 5G and no conversion is required. Still taking the above four non-access stratum messages A, B, C, and D as an example, when the aggregation node determines that the first format is another unified format and this format is a transmission format other than 3G, 4G, and 5G, the aggregation node can decode A, B, C, and D according to the RAT type, and convert them into a first format with an RAT type different from the received non-access stratum messages, and execute step 703.

[0097] It should be understood that the aggregation node's reception of the first non-access stratum message sent by the user equipment UE in step 701 does not limit the specific reception method of the user equipment. It is only necessary to receive the first non-access stratum message. When there are multiple first non-access stratum messages, they can also be received in different ways. For example, a single interface directly receives multiple first non-access stratum messages, or multiple interfaces receive multiple first non-access stratum messages. In one embodiment, the aggregation node includes at least two interfaces, and each interface is used to receive a first non-access stratum message of one RAT type. In another embodiment, the aggregation node includes one interface, and among them, the one interface can support the reception of at least one first non-access stratum message of different RAT types.

[0098] Through the above embodiments, after the aggregation node receives at least two non-access stratum messages of different RAT types, the aggregation node converts the first non-access stratum messages into non-access stratum messages of a first format according to the RAT types of the at least two first non-access stratum messages. During the processing of the first non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, the aggregation node converts different first non-access stratum messages into non-access stratum messages of a first type. The interface between the aggregation node and the core network is unified, and the interface between the aggregation node and the core network no longer needs to support the sending and receiving of non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, further reducing the deployment complexity, saving the computing resources of the core network equipment, and improving the overall network efficiency.

[0099] Figure 8 A further embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8 It can be implemented as a separate embodiment or in combination with the embodiments Figure 7 herein.

[0100] Step 801: The aggregation node receives a core network user plane indication message sent by a user equipment UE.

[0101] Step 802: The aggregation node selects a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message; wherein, the aggregation node selects a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message includes: establishing a bearer of the user plane according to the core network user plane indication information; wherein, the bearer of the user plane includes a local user plane bearer and / or a remote user plane bearer, and the local user plane bearer and the remote user plane bearer are used for data transmission.

[0102] In one embodiment, when the bearer of the user plane established by the aggregation node is a local user plane bearer, it further includes step 803: The aggregation node sends local user plane bearer indication information to the edge user plane entity according to the core network user plane indication information to further establish a local user plane bearer.

[0103] The aggregation node can be used to establish a local user plane bearer. After establishing the local user plane bearer, different user equipments controlled by the aggregation node can perform local communication, and the data interaction path length is less than the data interaction path length via the core network. In the scenario of massive machine type communication, the communication between local machines can be directly established through the local user plane bearer. With the continuous growth of such user equipments, the establishment of the local user plane bearer can greatly reduce the processing and computing load of the traditional core network and reduce the latency.

[0104] In another embodiment, when the aggregation node establishes the bearer of the user plane as the bearer of the core network user plane, step 802 further includes: the aggregation node determines to establish a core network user plane bearer in the core network user plane entity according to the user plane indication information. Specifically:

[0105] The aggregation node sends the initial access request message to the core network control plane entity;

[0106] The aggregation node receives an initial access response message sent by the core network control plane entity, and the initial access response message includes core network user plane retention information and QoS information of the user equipment;

[0107] The aggregation node maintains the bearer between the aggregation node and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment.

[0108] The aggregation node can also play a role in locating the user equipment. In another embodiment, the aggregation node receives user plane data sent by the edge user plane entity; the aggregation node triggers paging according to the user plane data; specifically: the base stations within the TA range supported by the aggregation node are used to send paging messages. In this way, the aggregation node can send paging messages locally. When the user equipment moves between the base stations under the aggregation node, the aggregation node can obtain the base station to which the user equipment has moved through the paging message, realizing more accurate positioning control. It should be understood that the edge user plane entity here can be a local user plane node.

[0109] Figure 9 It is another method flow chart provided by the embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 9 As shown, the specific process of this method includes:

[0110] Step 901: The second aggregation node receives a first non-access stratum message sent by the base station.

[0111] Step 902: The second aggregation node converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in the first format according to the RAT type of the first non-access stratum message.

[0112] Step 903: The second aggregation node sends the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity.

[0113] The first non-access stratum messages received by the second aggregation node can be in various ways, which are described in the receiving methods in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be elaborated again. Through the method of this embodiment, the interface between the second aggregation node and the core network does not need to support the transceiver of non-access stratum messages of multiple RAT types, further reducing the deployment complexity, saving the computing resources of the core network devices, and improving the overall network efficiency.

[0114] Figure 10 A further embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 10 It can be implemented as an independent embodiment or combined with the embodiments in Figure 9 for implementation.

[0115] Step 1001: The second aggregation node receives a core network user plane indication message sent by a user equipment UE;

[0116] Step 1002: The second aggregation node selects a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message; wherein, the second aggregation node selects a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message includes: establishing a bearer of the user plane according to the core network user plane indication information; wherein, the bearer of the user plane includes a local user plane bearer and / or a remote user plane bearer, and the local user plane bearer and the remote user plane bearer are used for data transmission.

[0117] In one embodiment, when the bearer of the user plane established by the second aggregation node is a local user plane bearer, it further includes step 1003: The second aggregation node sends local user plane bearer indication information to the edge user plane entity according to the core network user plane indication information to further establish a local user plane bearer.

[0118] The second aggregation node can be used to establish a local user plane bearer. After establishing the local user plane bearer, different user equipments controlled by the second aggregation node can perform local communication, and the data interaction path length is less than the data interaction path length via the core network. In the scenario of massive machine type communication, the communication between local machines can be directly established through the local user plane bearer. With the continuous growth of such user equipments, the establishment of the local user plane bearer can greatly reduce the processing and computing load of the traditional core network and reduce the latency.

[0119] In another embodiment, when the bearer of the user plane established by the second aggregation node is a core network user plane bearer, step 1002 further includes: The second aggregation node determines to establish a core network user plane bearer in the core network user plane entity according to the user plane indication information. Specifically:

[0120] The second aggregation node sends the initial access request message to the core network control plane entity.

[0121] The second aggregation node receives an initial access response message sent by the core network control plane entity, where the initial access response message includes core network user plane retention information and QoS information of the user equipment; the edge user plane entity maintains an RRC connection with the user equipment according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment. In one embodiment, the edge user plane entity is integrated in the second aggregation node.

[0122] The second aggregation node maintains a bearer between the second aggregation node and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment.

[0123] The second aggregation node can also play a role in locating the user equipment. In another embodiment, the second aggregation node receives user plane data sent by the edge user plane entity; the second aggregation node triggers the edge user plane entity to send a paging message; specifically including: the base stations within the TA range supported by the second aggregation node are used to send paging messages. In this way, the second aggregation node can send paging messages locally. When the user equipment moves between the base stations under the second aggregation node, the second aggregation node can obtain the base station to which the user equipment has moved through the paging message, realizing more accurate positioning control. It should be understood that steps 1005 to 1007 can be executed separately.

[0124] To more clearly describe the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following combines the attached Figure 11 , and describes the service scenarios and system architectures that may be applied to the embodiments of the present invention from the overall solution.

[0125] Attached Figure 11 includes a user equipment 1101, an access node 1102, an aggregation node 1103, a core network control plane node 1104, and a core network user plane node 1105.

[0126] There are two links between user equipment 1101 and access node 1102: link a(1) and link a(2). Link a(1) is achieved through configuration or negotiation between the air interface of user equipment 1101 and the air interface of access node 1102 to realize interconnection and interoperability. Link a(2) is also achieved through configuration or negotiation between the air interface of user equipment 1101 and the air interface of access node 1102 to realize interconnection and interoperability. Link a(1) supports the user equipment to send non-access stratum messages of the first RAT type, and link a(2) supports the user equipment to send non-access stratum messages of the second RAT type. In one embodiment, link a(1) and link a(2) are links between the access node and two user equipments respectively, where one user equipment at least supports sending non-access stratum messages of the first type, and the other user equipment at least supports sending non-access stratum messages of the second type.

[0127] There are two links between access node 1102 and aggregation node 1103: link b(1) and link b(2). Link b(1) is achieved through configuration or negotiation between the first interface of access node 1102 and the first interface of aggregation node 1103 to realize interconnection and interoperability. Link b(2) is achieved through configuration or negotiation between the second interface of access node 1102 and the second interface of aggregation node 1103 to realize interconnection and interoperability. Link b(1) supports access node 1102 to send non-access stratum messages of the first RAT type, and link b(2) supports the user equipment to send non-access stratum messages of the second RAT type.

[0128] Link c(1) is achieved through configuration or negotiation between the third interface of aggregation node 1103 and the third interface of core network control plane node 1104 to realize interconnection and interoperability. Link c(2) is achieved through configuration or negotiation between the fourth interface of aggregation node 1103 and the fourth interface of core network user plane node 1105 to realize interconnection and interoperability. Link c(1) supports aggregation node 1103 to send non-access stratum messages to core network control plane node 1104, and link c(2) supports aggregation node 1103 to send access stratum messages to core network user plane node 1105. It should be understood that under different core network structures, the aggregation node may be connected to the core network by only one of link c(1) or link c(2), or there may be multiple link c(1)s and multiple link c(2)s. In one embodiment, link c(1) and link c(2) are NAS conversion interfaces, and link c(1) and link c(2) can also be a new interface.

[0129] The aggregation node 1103 has the function of interface conversion. The aggregation node can convert the non-access stratum messages of the first RAT type received through the first interface and the non-access stratum messages of the second RAT type received through the second interface into non-access stratum messages of the first format, and the non-access stratum messages of the first format are the non-access stratum messages supported by link c(1) and link c(2). The aggregation node 1103 can further send the non-access stratum messages of the first format to the core network control plane node 1104 through the third interface and / or the aggregation node 1103 can further send the non-access stratum messages of the first format to the core network user plane node through the fourth interface. In this way, the converted non-access stratum messages do not need to be parsed by the core network for their RAT type again, saving the computing resources of the core network and improving the overall efficiency of the network.

[0130] The access node can be a base station or multiple base stations. In one embodiment, the access node 1102 forwards the non-access stratum messages of the first RAT type sent by link a(1), and the access node 1102 forwards the non-access stratum messages of the second RAT type sent by link a(2). Specifically, this can be a transparent transmission process. The aggregation node 1103 receives the non-access stratum messages of the first RAT type sent by link a(1) through the first interface.

[0131] In the architecture based on Figure 11 shown, the aggregation node 1103 sends the initial access request message to the core network control plane node 1104, and the aggregation node 1103 receives the initial access response message sent by the core network control plane node 1104. The initial access response message includes core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment; the aggregation node maintains the bearer between the aggregation node and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment.

[0132] In the architecture based on Figure 11 shown, the aggregation node can also play a role in locating the user equipment. In another embodiment, the aggregation node receives the user plane data sent by the edge user plane entity; the aggregation node triggers paging according to the user plane data; specifically including: the base stations within the TA range supported by the aggregation node are used to send paging messages. In this way, the aggregation node can send paging messages locally. When the user equipment moves between the base stations under the aggregation node, the aggregation node can obtain the base station to which the user equipment has moved through the paging message, realizing more accurate positioning control.

[0133] In another embodiment, the aggregation node 1103 may also maintain the RRC connection with the user equipment according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment.

[0134] Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of an aggregation node device provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 12 As shown, the aggregation node device 1200 includes:

[0135] A receiving unit 1201, a determining unit 1202, and a transmitting unit 1203. This device can implement Figure 5 、 Figure 6 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10 The various functions in the embodiments in. For example, the receiving unit 1201 is configured to receive a first non-access stratum message sent by a user equipment UE, the determining unit 1202 is configured to convert the first non-access stratum message into a first-format non-access stratum message according to the RAT type of the first non-access stratum message, and the transmitting unit 1203 is configured to send the first-format non-access stratum message to a core network control plane entity. In another example, the receiving unit 1201 may also be configured to receive a core network user plane indication message sent by the user equipment UE, and the determining unit 1202 may also be configured to select a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message; when the determining unit 1202 determines that the bearer established by the edge control plane entity for the user plane is a local user plane bearer, the transmitting unit 1203 may further send local user plane bearer indication information to the edge user plane entity according to the core network user plane indication information to further establish a local user plane bearer. When the aggregation node device 1200 integrates the functions of the edge user plane entity, the determining unit 1202 may directly establish a local user plane bearer. When the determining unit 1202 establishes the bearer of the user plane as a core network user plane bearer, the transmitting unit 1203 is configured to send the initial access request message to the core network control plane entity, and the receiving unit 1201 receives an initial access response message sent by the core network control plane entity. The determining unit 1202 maintains the bearer of the aggregation node with the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment.

[0136] It should be understood that the various units can be combined with each other or there can be permutations or splits within a reasonable range. The division of units in the embodiments of the present invention is illustrative and is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there can be other division methods. The functional units in the embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. For example, when the receiving unit 1201 receives non-access stratum messages of multiple different RAT types, it can be received through different interface units included in the receiving unit 1201. For example, the receiving unit 1201 includes multiple interface units, and each interface unit receives non-access stratum messages of different RAT types. It can also be that the receiving unit 1201 directly receives different types of non-access stratum messages, and the processing unit processes the received different types of non-access stratum messages, such as processing and performing subsequent conversion functions in multiple interface processing units included in the processing unit. In addition, the receiving unit can also be combined with the sending unit into one unit to handle the interaction of external data.

[0137] Figure 13 FIG. shows a structural diagram of an aggregation node device provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 13 As shown, the aggregation node device 1300 includes a receiver 1301, a processor 1302, a transmitter 1303, and a memory 1304:

[0138] The receiver 1301 is used to implement Figure 12 the function of the receiving unit in Figure 12 ; the transmitter 1303 is used to implement Figure 12 the function of the sending unit in Figure 2 ; the processor 1302 is used to implement Figure 3 the function of the determining unit in Figure 4 ; the memory 1304 is used to store calculation data, initialization programs, etc. Among them, the receiver 1301 and the transmitter 1303 can be the same device for sending and receiving. The aggregation node device 1300 can be a set of systems or a part of a system to implement Figure 11 the deployment of Figure 13For each device shown, the receiver and transmitter can receive or transmit through multiple full-duplex physical interfaces, or through multiple simplex or half-duplex interfaces. The interfaces can be an integration of multi-segment interfaces. The processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, transistor logic devices, hardware components, or any combination thereof. It can implement or execute various exemplary logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the disclosure of the present invention. The processor can also be a combination that implements computing functions, such as a combination of one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, and so on. It should be understood that as the amount of information increases, the processor can also be split into multiple types that coordinate with each other to implement the functions of the present invention. For example, the conversion of the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in the first format according to the RAT type of the first non-access stratum message can be implemented by a central processor; the selection of the user plane according to the core network user plane indication message can be implemented by a high-performance FPGA. The advantage of this is that the message parsing advantage of the central processor and the forwarding advantage of the high-performance FPGA can be utilized to improve efficiency. It should be understood that as various types of processors develop, their advantages and functions will also be different, and those skilled in the art can make changes according to actual applications.

[0139] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in connection with the disclosure of the present invention may be implemented in hardware or by a processor executing software instructions. The software instructions may consist of corresponding software modules, and the software modules may be stored in a random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disk, removable hard disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium well-known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be located in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may be located in a core network interface device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium may also exist as discrete components in the core network interface device.

[0140] Those skilled in the art should be able to realize that in one or more of the above examples, the functions described in the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, these functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium includes computer storage media and communication media, where the communication media includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. The storage media can be any available medium accessible by a general or special-purpose computer.

[0141] The specific embodiments described above further elaborate on the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of the present invention and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made on the basis of the technical solutions of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A data processing method, characterized in that : The edge control plane entity receives a first non-access stratum message sent by a user equipment (UE), where the first non-access stratum message is associated with a radio access technology (RAT); wherein, the edge control plane entity includes at least two types of interfaces, and each type of interface in the at least two types of interfaces is used to receive a first non-access stratum message associated with a type of RAT. The edge control plane entity converts the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format, and the first format is the format supported by the edge control plane entity and the core network control plane entity for non-access stratum message transmission; the format conversion of the non-access stratum message includes changing the characteristic indication of the RAT type of the non-access stratum message. The edge control plane entity sends the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity.

2. The data processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The edge control plane entity converting the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format includes: The edge control plane entity decodes the first non-access stratum message and then converts it into a non-access stratum message in a first format.

3. The data processing method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further includes: The edge control plane entity receives a core network user plane indication message sent by the user equipment (UE). The edge control plane entity selects a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message.

4. The data processing method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The edge control plane entity selecting a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message includes: The edge control plane entity establishes a bearer for the user plane according to the core network user plane indication information; wherein, the bearer for the user plane includes a local user plane bearer and / or a remote user plane bearer, and the local user plane bearer and the remote user plane bearer are used for data transmission.

5. The data processing method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: The edge control plane entity sends local user plane bearer indication information to an edge user plane entity according to the core network user plane indication information to further establish a local user plane bearer.

6. The data processing method according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the bearer established by the edge control plane entity for the user plane is a local user plane bearer, the method further includes: The edge control plane entity determines to establish a core network user plane bearer in the core network user plane entity according to the user plane indication information.

7. The data processing method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The determining to establish a core network user plane bearer in the core network user plane entity includes: The edge control plane entity sends an initial access request message to the core network control plane entity. The edge control plane entity receives an initial access response message sent by the core network control plane entity, and the initial access response message includes core network user plane retention information and QoS information of the user equipment. The edge control plane entity retains the bearer between the edge control plane entity and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment.

8. A data processing method, characterized in that, The method includes: The edge control plane entity receives a core network user plane indication message sent by a user equipment (UE). The edge control plane entity includes at least two types of interfaces. Each type of interface among the at least two types of interfaces is used to receive a first non-access stratum message from the UE associated with a radio access technology (RAT) type, and convert the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format and then forward it to the core network control plane entity. The first format is the format supported for non-access stratum message transmission between the edge control plane entity and the core network control plane entity. Wherein, the format conversion of the non-access stratum message includes changing the characteristic indication of the RAT type of the non-access stratum message. The edge control plane entity selects a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message. Wherein, the edge control plane entity selects a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message, including: establishing a bearer of the user plane according to the core network user plane indication information. Wherein, the bearer of the user plane includes a local user plane bearer and / or a remote user plane bearer, and the local user plane bearer and the remote user plane bearer are used for data transmission.

9. A communication device, characterized in that, The communication device is applied to the edge control plane entity. The communication device includes: a receiving unit, configured to receive a first non-access stratum message sent by a user equipment (UE), wherein the first non-access stratum message is associated with a radio access technology (RAT). The edge control plane entity includes at least two types of interfaces. Each type of interface among the at least two types of interfaces is used to receive a first non-access stratum message associated with a RAT type. a determining unit, configured to convert the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format. The first format is the format supported for non-access stratum message transmission between the edge control plane entity and the core network control plane entity. The format conversion of the non-access stratum message includes changing the characteristic indication of the RAT type of the non-access stratum message. a sending unit, configured to send the non-access stratum message in the first format to the core network control plane entity.

10. The communication device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The determining unit is further configured to decode the first non-access stratum message and then convert it into a non-access stratum message in a first format.

11. The communication device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, The receiving unit is further configured to receive the core network user plane indication message sent by the user equipment (UE). The determining unit is further configured to select a user plane according to the core network user plane indication message.

12. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein, The determining unit is further configured to establish a bearer of the user plane according to the core network user plane indication information. Wherein, the bearer of the user plane includes a local user plane bearer and / or a remote user plane bearer, and the local user plane bearer and the remote user plane bearer are used for data transmission.

13. The communication device according to claim 12, wherein, The determining unit is further configured to send local user plane bearer indication information to the edge user plane entity according to the core network user plane indication information to further establish a local user plane bearer.

14. The communication device according to claim 11, wherein, The determining unit is further configured to determine to establish a core network user plane bearer in the core network user plane entity according to the user plane indication information when the bearer of the user plane established by the edge control plane entity is a local user plane bearer.

15. The communication device according to claim 14, wherein, The sending unit is further configured to send an initial access request message to the core network control plane entity; The receiving unit is further configured to receive an initial access response message sent by the core network control plane entity, where the initial access response message includes core network user plane retention information and QoS information of the user equipment; The determining unit is further configured to maintain a bearer between the edge control plane entity and the core network user plane according to the core network user plane retention information and the QoS information of the user equipment.

16. A communication device, wherein, The communication device is applied to an edge control plane entity, and the communication device includes: A receiving unit, configured to receive a core network user plane indication message sent by a user equipment UE. The edge control plane entity includes at least two types of interfaces. Each type of interface in the at least two types of interfaces is configured to receive a first non-access stratum message associated with one RAT type from the UE, and forward the first non-access stratum message to the core network control plane entity after converting the first non-access stratum message into a non-access stratum message in a first format. The first format is a format supported for non-access stratum message transmission between the edge control plane entity and the core network control plane entity. Among them, the format conversion of the non-access stratum message includes changing a characteristic indication of the RAT type of the non-access stratum message; A determining unit, configured to perform user plane selection according to the core network user plane indication message. Among them, performing user plane selection according to the core network user plane indication message includes: establishing a bearer of the user plane according to the core network user plane indication information. Among them, the bearer of the user plane includes a local user plane bearer and / or a remote user plane bearer, and the local user plane bearer and the remote user plane bearer are used for data transmission.

17. A communication device, wherein, Including: A memory and a processor, where the memory is configured to store instructions, and the processor is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory so that the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is executed.

18. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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