Communication methods, apparatuses, and systems

Abstract

This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system. In this method, during the process of creating a session for terminals in a group, a session management network element determines a relay device providing 5GVN services to the group and sends a first forwarding rule to the relay device. The relay device is used to forward data between any two user plane network elements providing 5GVN services to the group. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information from at least one user plane network element and forwarding information for at least one terminal served by at least one user plane network element. This rule is used by the relay device to forward data packets destined for a terminal's address to the user plane network element serving that terminal. By using a relay device to forward data between two UPFs, the number of N19 tunnels can be reduced, and the complexity of forwarding information synchronization can be lowered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus and system. Background Technology

[0002] In a 5G virtual network (5GVN), a single Session Management Function (SMF) network element can simultaneously manage multiple User Plane Function (UPF) network elements. Each UPF maintains forwarding information (e.g., terminal address information) for all other UPF services. An N19 tunnel needs to be established between every two UPFs. Data between terminals serving different UPFs is transmitted through these N19 tunnels. If the number of UPFs is too large, the number of N19 tunnels required will be substantial. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a communication method, apparatus, and system for reducing the number of N19 tunnels in 5GVN and reducing network complexity.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application provide the following technical solutions:

[0005] In a first aspect, a communication system is provided, comprising: a session management network element providing 5GVN services to a group, a user plane network element providing 5GVN services to the group, and a relay device providing 5GVN services to the group; the session management network element is configured to send a first forwarding rule to the relay device and a second forwarding rule to the user plane network element during the process of creating a session for terminals in the group, wherein the first forwarding rule is configured for the relay device to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of a terminal served by the user plane network element to the user plane network element, and the second forwarding rule sent to the user plane network element is configured for the user plane network element to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of a terminal served by the user plane network element to the relay device; the relay device is configured to receive the first forwarding rule and install the first forwarding rule; and the user plane network element is configured to receive the second forwarding rule and install the second forwarding rule. The communication system provided in the first aspect allows the SMF to identify relay devices in 5GVN and send forwarding information of UPF and terminals to the relay devices so that the relay devices can correctly forward the data packets received to a terminal to the UPF serving that terminal. By using relay devices to forward data between two UPFs, the number of N19 tunnels can be reduced, and the complexity of forwarding information synchronization can be reduced.

[0006] In one possible implementation, the relay device is determined by the session management network element for the group when the number of user plane network elements providing 5GVN services to the group reaches N; the session management network element is specifically used to send a second forwarding rule to the user plane network element after determining the relay device for the group; the user plane network element is specifically used to receive the second forwarding rule and update the forwarding rule in the user plane network element to the second forwarding rule.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of at least one user plane network element and forwarding information of at least one terminal served by at least one user plane network element.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the second forwarding rule includes forwarding information from the relay device.

[0009] Secondly, a communication method is provided, comprising: During the process of creating a session for terminals in a group, a session management network element (SMF) determines a relay device providing 5GVN services to the group. The relay device is used to forward data between any two user plane network elements providing 5GVN services to the group. The SMF sends a first forwarding rule to the relay device. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of at least one user plane network element and forwarding information of at least one terminal served by at least one user plane network element. The first forwarding rule is used by the relay device to forward data packets with a destination address of the address of a first terminal to the user plane network element serving the first terminal. The first terminal is any one of the at least one terminals. The method provided in this second aspect allows the SMF to determine the relay device in 5GVN and send forwarding information of the UPF and the terminal to the relay device, so that the relay device correctly forwards received data packets destined for a terminal to the UPF serving that terminal. By using a relay device to forward data between two UPFs, the number of N19 tunnels can be reduced, and the complexity of forwarding information synchronization can be lowered.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the relay device is a user plane network element, and the first forwarding rule is the N4 rule.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the session management network element determines the relay device that provides 5GVN services to the group, including: the session management network element obtaining information about the relay device that provides 5GVN services to the group from other network elements; and the session management network element determining the relay device based on the obtained information about the relay device.

[0012] In one possible implementation, during the process of creating a session for terminals in a group, the session management network element determines the relay device that provides 5GVN services to the group. This includes: the session management network element initially receiving a session establishment request sent by a terminal in the group, the session establishment request being used to request the establishment of a session to access 5GVN services; and the session management network element determining the relay device that provides 5GVN services to the group. This possible implementation can adopt a star topology during 5GVN networking, avoiding the need to establish multiple N19 tunnels in 5GVN.

[0013] In one possible implementation, if the session establishment request first received by the session management network element is sent by the second terminal in the group, the method further includes: the session management network element selecting a first user plane network element for the second terminal's session; wherein, if the relay device and the first user plane network element are two different devices, the first forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the first user plane network element and the forwarding information of the second terminal.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a session management network element sending a second forwarding rule to a first user plane network element, the second forwarding rule including forwarding information of a relay device, the second forwarding rule being used by the first user plane network element to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the first user plane network element to the relay device.

[0015] In one possible implementation, during the process of creating a session for terminals in a group, the session management network element determines the relay device providing 5GVN services to the group. This includes: the session management network element receiving a session establishment request sent by a third terminal in the group, the session establishment request being used to request the establishment of a session to access 5GVN services; the session management network element selecting a second user plane network element for the third terminal's session; and the session management network element determining whether the number of user plane network elements providing 5GVN services to the group reaches N, where N is an integer greater than 1. If so, the session management network element determines the relay device providing 5GVN services to the group. This possible implementation can adopt a star topology when there are many UPFs in 5GVN, avoiding the need to establish multiple N19 tunnels in 5GVN.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the relay device is one of the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of N-1 user plane network elements and forwarding information of the terminals served by N-1 user plane network elements. The N-1 user plane network elements are user plane network elements other than the relay device among the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a session management network element sending an update request to N-1 user plane network elements, the update request being used to request the corresponding user plane network elements to update their forwarding rules; wherein, the update request sent to a user plane network element includes a second forwarding rule, the second forwarding rule including forwarding information of a relay device, the second forwarding rule being used by the user plane network element to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the user plane network element to the relay device.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the relay device is a device outside of the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of the N user plane network elements and forwarding information of the terminals served by the N user plane network elements.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: a session management network element sending an update request to each of the N user plane network elements, the update request being used to request the corresponding user plane network element to update its forwarding rules; wherein, the update request sent to a user plane network element includes a second forwarding rule, the second forwarding rule including forwarding information of a relay device, the second forwarding rule being used by the user plane network element to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the user plane network element to the relay device.

[0020] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, including: a processing unit and a communication unit; the processing unit is configured to determine a relay device providing 5GVN services to a group during the process of creating a session for terminals in a group, the relay device being configured to forward data between any two user plane network elements providing 5GVN services to the group; the communication unit is configured to send a first forwarding rule to the relay device, the first forwarding rule including forwarding information of at least one user plane network element and forwarding information of at least one terminal served by at least one user plane network element, the first forwarding rule being configured for the relay device to forward data packets with a destination address of the address of a first terminal to the user plane network element serving the first terminal, the first terminal being any one of at least one terminal.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the relay device is a user plane network element, and the first forwarding rule is the N4 rule.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically used to: obtain information about relay devices that provide 5GVN services to the group from other network elements via the communication unit; and determine the relay devices based on the obtained relay device information.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically configured to: receive, for the first time, a session establishment request sent by a terminal in the group via the communication unit, the session establishment request being used to request the establishment of a session to access 5GVN services; and determine the relay device that provides 5GVN services to the group.

[0024] In one possible implementation, if the session establishment request first received by the communication device is sent by the second terminal in the group, the processing unit is further configured to: select a first user plane network element for the session of the second terminal; wherein, if the relay device and the first user plane network element are two different devices, the first forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the first user plane network element and the forwarding information of the second terminal.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is further configured to: send a second forwarding rule to the first user plane network element, the second forwarding rule including forwarding information of the relay device, the second forwarding rule being used by the first user plane network element to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the first user plane network element to the relay device.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is specifically configured to: receive a session establishment request sent by a third terminal in the group via a communication unit, the session establishment request being used to request the establishment of a session to access 5GVN services; select a second user plane network element for the session of the third terminal; determine whether the number of user plane network elements providing 5GVN services to the group reaches N, where N is an integer greater than 1; if so, determine a relay device providing 5GVN services to the group.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the relay device is one of the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of N-1 user plane network elements and forwarding information of the terminals served by N-1 user plane network elements. The N-1 user plane network elements are user plane network elements other than the relay device among the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group.

[0028] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is further configured to send update requests to N-1 user plane network elements, the update requests being used to request the corresponding user plane network elements to update their forwarding rules; wherein, the update request sent to a user plane network element includes a second forwarding rule, the second forwarding rule including forwarding information of a relay device, the second forwarding rule being used by the user plane network element to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the user plane network element to the relay device.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the relay device is a device outside of the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of the N user plane network elements and forwarding information of the terminals served by the N user plane network elements.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the communication unit is further configured to send an update request to each of the N user plane network elements, the update request being used to request the corresponding user plane network element to update its forwarding rules; wherein, the update request sent to a user plane network element includes a second forwarding rule, the second forwarding rule including forwarding information of a relay device, the second forwarding rule being used by the user plane network element to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the user plane network element to the relay device.

[0031] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device comprising at least one processor and a memory. When the communication device is in operation, the processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory to cause the communication device to perform any of the methods provided in the second aspect above.

[0032] It should be understood that the communication device described in the fourth aspect above may further include: a bus and a memory, the memory being used to store code and data. Optionally, at least one processor, communication interface, and memory are coupled to each other.

[0033] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes a processor and a storage medium. The storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed by the processor, implement any of the methods provided in the second aspect above.

[0034] In a sixth aspect, embodiments of this application provide a communication device, which includes one or more modules for implementing any of the methods provided in the second aspect above. The one or more modules may correspond to the various steps in any of the methods provided in the second aspect above.

[0035] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a chip including a processor and a communication interface. The communication interface is coupled to the processor, which runs computer programs or instructions to implement any of the methods provided in the second aspect above. The communication interface is used to communicate with other modules outside the chip.

[0036] Specifically, the chip provided in this application embodiment also includes a memory for storing computer programs or instructions.

[0037] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the second aspect above.

[0038] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product including instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform any of the methods provided in the second aspect above.

[0039] Any of the devices, computer storage media, computer program products, chips, or communication systems provided above are used to execute the corresponding methods provided above. Therefore, the beneficial effects they can achieve can be referred to the beneficial effects of the corresponding solutions in the corresponding methods provided above, and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are schematic diagrams of the architecture of a communication system;

[0041] Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are schematic diagrams of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figures 5 to 7 These are schematic flowcharts illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0043] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0045] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or," for example, A / B can mean A or B. The "and / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. The terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and "first," "second," etc., do not necessarily imply differences.

[0046] It should be noted that, in this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is being described as an example, illustration, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0047] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various communication systems, such as 5G systems, new radio (NR) systems, multi-RAT dual-connectivity (MR-DC) systems, future evolution systems, or multiple converged communication systems. The 5G system can be a non-standalone (NSA) 5G system or a standalone (SA) 5G system.

[0048] The technical solutions provided in this application can be specifically applied to 5GVN or communication networks with similar architectures. 5GVN is a service currently provided by 5G networks, primarily used in home communication, enterprise offices, factory manufacturing, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, power grid upgrades, and public security agencies. 5GVN can also be referred to as a 5GVN group, 5G local area network (5GLAN), 5G LAN group, local area network (LAN), 5G LAN-VNLAN group, LAN-type service, LAN-VN, or 5G LAN-type service, etc. This application does not specifically limit the name of 5GVN.

[0049] 5GVN services enable private communication using either Internet Protocol (IP) or non-IP methods (such as Ethernet) for two or more devices within a group. For example, equipment in a factory can form a group, allowing devices within the group to send Ethernet packets to each other; or, the office equipment (e.g., mobile phones, computers, or laptops) of employees in a department of an enterprise can form a group, allowing these devices to send IP packets to each other, and so on. If two devices are not in the same group, they cannot communicate with each other.

[0050] For 5GVN services, 3GPP technical rule (TR) 23.734 requires support for both one-to-one and one-to-many communication. Specifically, to support 5GVN one-to-one and one-to-many communication, 3GPP networks must support group-based unicast, multicast, and broadcast; support the replication and distribution of multicast and broadcast messages; and support any terminal as a multicast source.

[0051] To meet this requirement, the current 3GPP technical standard (TS) 23.501 defines a 5GVN as being managed by only one SMF. For example... Figure 1 As shown, this SMF manages one or more UPFs simultaneously. Figure 1 (Taking SMF managing UPF1 and UPF2 as an example for illustration), when two terminals of a UPF service (e.g., Figure 1 When terminals 1 and 2 in the network communicate one-to-one, the data is transmitted via a local switch on UPF1 (as shown by line 1). When two terminals serving different UPF services (e.g., ...) communicate... Figure 1 When terminals 1 and 3 communicate one-to-one, data transmission is required through a tunnel between UPF1 and UPF2 (as shown in line 2; the interface between UPFs is called the N19 interface, and the tunnel between UPFs can be called the N19 tunnel). Forwarding rules (denoted as the third forwarding rule) are created on both UPF1 and UPF2. Specifically, the third forwarding rule configured on UPF2 is used by UPF2 to transmit data packets with a destination address of terminal 1 or terminal 2 to UPF1 through the tunnel between UPF2 and UPF1 (e.g., identified by the tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID) on UPF1). Correspondingly, the third forwarding rule configured on UPF1 is used by UPF1 to transmit data packets with a destination address of terminal 3 to UPF2 through the tunnel between UPF1 and UPF2 (e.g., identified by the TEID on UPF2). Note that if UPF1 also serves other terminals, such as terminal 4, the third forwarding rule configured on UPF2 is also used to transmit data packets with the destination address of terminal 4 to UPF1 through the tunnel between UPF1 and UPF2.

[0052] Specifically, each terminal accesses 5GVN services through its corresponding session. In this embodiment, the session can be a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session in the 5G network. During the process of establishing a session for a terminal, the SMF can establish an N3 tunnel between the UPF providing services to the terminal and the RAN node accessed by the terminal, and configure another forwarding rule (denoted as the fourth forwarding rule) for each UPF. The fourth forwarding rule is used by the UPF to send data packets destined for a certain terminal (that certain terminal is a terminal served by the UPF) to the RAN node accessed by the terminal through the N3 tunnel between the UPF and the RAN node accessed by the terminal.

[0053] Taking terminal 1 as an example, an N3 tunnel is established between UPF1 and radio access network (RAN) node 1 for terminal 1. A fourth forwarding rule is established or configured on UPF1. This fourth forwarding rule is used by UPF1 to send data packets with the destination address of terminal 1 to RAN node 1 through the N3 tunnel corresponding to terminal 1.

[0054] Similarly, to establish a session access to 5GVN service for terminal 2, an N3 tunnel is established between UPF1 and RAN node 2 (RAN node 2 and RAN node 1 can be the same) for terminal 2. A fourth forwarding rule is established or configured on UPF1. This fourth forwarding rule is used by UPF1 to send data packets with the destination address of terminal 2 to RAN node 2 through the N3 tunnel corresponding to terminal 2.

[0055] Similarly, to establish a session access to 5GVN service for terminal 3, an N3 tunnel is established between UPF2 and RAN node 3. A fourth forwarding rule is established or configured on UPF2. This fourth forwarding rule is used by UPF2 to send data packets with the destination address of terminal 3 to RAN node 3 through the N3 tunnel corresponding to terminal 3.

[0056] Furthermore, if the SMF detects the presence of multiple UPFs (e.g., such as...), Figure 1 When UPF1 and UPF2 are shown, the SMF also needs to establish tunnels between multiple UPFs. The specific process is as follows: The SMF or UPF1 allocates tunnel information on the UPF1 side. The SMF notifies UPF2 of the tunnel information on the UPF1 side, and the SMF or UPF2 allocates tunnel information on the UPF2 side. The SMF notifies UPF1 of the tunnel information on the UPF2 side, thus establishing the tunnel between UPF1 and UPF2. In this way, if terminal 1 sends a data packet to terminal 3, terminal 1 can first send the data packet to UPF1, UPF1 will then send the data packet to UPF2 through the tunnel between UPF1 and UPF2, and UPF2 will then send the data packet to terminal 3.

[0057] In this embodiment of the application, one 5GVN can provide group communication services for one or more groups, that is, one 5GVN can correspond to one or more groups. One SMF or UPF can also provide communication services for multiple groups.

[0058] exist Figure 1In the architecture shown, SMF and UPF are network elements in the core network. SMF is primarily responsible for all control plane functions of terminal session management, including UPF selection and control, IP address allocation and management, session quality of service (QoS) management, and obtaining policy and charging control (PCC) policies from the policy control function (PCF). UPF, as the anchor point for PDU session connections, is responsible for terminal data packet filtering, data transmission / forwarding, rate control, generating charging information, user plane QoS processing, uplink transmission authentication, transmission level verification, downlink packet buffering, and downlink data notification triggering.

[0059] exist Figure 1 In the architecture shown, the RAN node can also be referred to as an access network device. For example, it can be a transmission reception point (TRP), a base station, or various forms of control nodes (e.g., network controllers, radio controllers (e.g., radio controllers in cloud radio access network (CRAN) scenarios)). Specifically, the RAN node can be various forms of macro base stations, micro base stations (also called small stations), relay stations, access points (APs), etc., or it can be the antenna panel of a base station. The control node can connect to multiple base stations and configure resources for multiple terminals covered by these base stations. In systems employing different radio access technologies, the name of the device with base station functionality may differ. For example, in a long term evolution (LTE) system, it can be called an evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB), and in a 5G or NR system, it can be called a next-generation node base station (gNB). This application does not limit the specific name of the base station. The RAN node can also be network equipment in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN).

[0060] exist Figure 1In the architecture shown, a terminal is an entity on the user side used to receive signals, or transmit signals, or both. The terminal is used to provide users with one or more of the following: voice services and data connectivity services. A terminal can also be referred to as user equipment (UE), terminal equipment, access terminal, user unit, user station, mobile station, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, wireless communication equipment, user agent, or user device. A terminal can be a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) device, such as a smart car, digital car, unmanned car, driverless car, pilotless car, or automobile, self-driving car, or autonomous car, pure electric vehicle (EV), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), range-extended electric vehicle (REEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), new energy vehicle, or roadside unit (RSU). Terminals can also be device-to-device (D2D) devices, such as electricity meters and water meters. Terminals can also be mobile stations (MS), subscriber units, drones, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, stations (ST) in WLANs, cellular phones, smartphones, cordless phones, wireless data cards, tablets, session initiation protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, laptop computers, machine-type communication (MTC) terminals, handheld devices with wireless communication capabilities, computing devices or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle devices, and wearable devices (also known as wearable smart devices).The terminal can also be a terminal in next-generation communication systems, such as a terminal in a 5G system, a terminal in a future PLMN, or a terminal in an NR system.

[0061] Currently, see Figure 2 The SMF simultaneously manages UPFs to form a full-mesh network, meaning that an N19 tunnel is established between every two UPFs, and data between terminals served by different UPFs is transmitted through these N19 tunnels. Furthermore, each UPF maintains forwarding information (e.g., terminal address information) for terminals served by all other UPFs. If the number of UPFs is too large, the following problems arise: 1) a large number of N19 tunnels are established; 2) when a terminal switches UPFs, the terminal's forwarding information needs to be updated on all other UPFs, making forwarding information synchronization very complex. In this application... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The connections between SMF and RAN and other nodes are omitted. Figure 1 Same as above.

[0062] To address this issue, this application introduces a star topology. In this star topology, there is a relay device that connects to other UPFs. This relay device stores forwarding information for all terminals (e.g., terminal address information). See also... Figure 3 The relay device can be a standalone device, such as a UPF that has not previously served any terminals, meaning that no terminal uses this UPF as the session anchor when creating a session. See also Figure 4 Alternatively, the relay equipment can be a UPF serving a specific terminal, such as UPF3. In this case, each UPF only needs to establish an N19 tunnel with the relay equipment.

[0063] Compared to a fully connected architecture, a star topology reduces the number of N19 tunnels. Specifically, if the number of UPFs is N, a fully connected architecture requires N*(N-1) / 2 N19 tunnels, while a star topology requires N (with independent relay devices) or N-1 (with a UPF serving a specific terminal as the relay device) N19 tunnels. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 For example, Figure 2 For a fully connected architecture, 10 N19 tunnels need to be built. Figure 3 For a star topology where the relay equipment is an independent device, only 5 N19 tunnels need to be built. Figure 4 For a UPF serving a terminal via a relay device, only four N19 tunnels need to be established in a star topology.

[0064] Compared to a fully connected architecture, a star topology stores forwarding information for all terminals on the relay device, while the other UPFs store forwarding information for the relay device (e.g., the address of the relay device). When a terminal switches UPFs, only the forwarding information needs to be synchronized on the relay device, which reduces the amount of forwarding information that needs to be synchronized and lowers the complexity of forwarding information synchronization.

[0065] Alternatively, the relay device can be a router, switch, or other device capable of forwarding. In this case, the tunnel established between the UPF and the relay device is an N6 tunnel.

[0066] Based on the introduced star topology, this application provides a communication method (also known as a method for optimizing transmission paths). For ease of description, in the following text, session management network elements are referred to as SMF, user plane network elements (also known as user plane functional network elements) are referred to as UPF, and access network devices are referred to as RAN nodes. Figure 5 As shown, the method includes:

[0067] 501. During the process of creating a session for terminals in a group, the SMF determines the relay device that provides 5GVN services to the group. The relay device is used to forward data between any two UPFs that provide 5GVN services to the group.

[0068] A group includes one or more terminals. The group in this embodiment may also be referred to as a 5GVN group. The relay device can be a UPF, router, switch, or other device capable of forwarding.

[0069] In specific implementation, step 501 can be determined by either method one or method two to provide 5GVN services to the group.

[0070] Method 1: SMF directly determines the relay equipment.

[0071] In the first method, the relay device information can be configured directly in the SMF, or the SMF can receive the relay device information from other network elements (e.g., unified data management (UDM), PCF, or network repository function (NRF)). In this case, the relay device information can be configured on the UDM, PCF, or NRF. The SMF can then directly determine the relay device.

[0072] When the SMF receives relay equipment information from other network elements, the SMF determines the relay equipment providing 5GVN services to the group. This process includes: the SMF obtaining information about the relay equipment providing 5GVN services to the group from other network elements, and the SMF determining the relay equipment based on the obtained information. Specifically, the SMF can first send a request message to other network elements, including a 5GVN identifier. This request message is used to request relay equipment information. Other network elements determine the relay equipment information corresponding to the 5GVN identifier based on the 5GVN identifier in the request message and send the relay equipment information to the SMF. These other network elements can be the aforementioned UDM, PCF, or NRF.

[0073] The information for the relay device can be its device identifier. For example, it can be unique identification information for the relay device. When the relay device is a UPF or router, the device identifier can be the IP address of the UPF or router; when the relay device is a switch, the device identifier can be its MAC address.

[0074] Method 2: SMF selects relay equipment automatically based on some preset rules or strategies.

[0075] In Method 2, the preset rules or policies can be configured in the SMF or obtained by the SMF from the UDM, PCF, or NRF. For example, the SMF can determine the relay device based on one or more of the following: the coverage area of ​​the 5GVN (e.g., the area of ​​an enterprise campus covered by 5GVN), the load of the UPF in the 5GVN, and the performance of the UPF in the 5GVN. For example, the SMF can determine the UPF, router, or switch close to the center of the 5GVN coverage area as the relay device; or, the SMF can determine the UPF with a lower load in the 5GVN as the relay device; or, the SMF can determine the UPF with better performance in the 5GVN as the relay device.

[0076] Before executing step 501, the operator or Operation Administration and Maintenance (OAM) network element can pre-configure on the SMF that one or more 5GVNs need to adopt a star topology or that one or more 5GVNs need to be forwarded through a relay device. The SMF determines whether the current 5GVN needs to adopt a star topology or whether it needs to be forwarded through a relay device based on the pre-configured information. The operator or OAM network element can also configure on the UDM, PCF, or NRF that one or more 5GVNs need to adopt a star topology or that one or more 5GVNs need to be forwarded through a relay device. The SMF can determine whether the current 5GVN needs to adopt a star topology or whether it needs to be forwarded through a relay device by interacting with the UDM, PCF, or NRF. The SMF can execute step 501 if it determines that the current 5GVN needs to adopt a star topology or needs to be forwarded through a relay device.

[0077] 502. The SMF sends a first forwarding rule to the relay device. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of at least one UPF and forwarding information of at least one terminal served by at least one UPF. The first forwarding rule is used by the relay device to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of a first terminal to the UPF serving the first terminal. The first terminal can be any one of the at least one terminals. Correspondingly, the relay device receives the first forwarding rule from the SMF and forwards data packets whose destination address is the address of the first terminal to the UPF serving the first terminal according to the first forwarding rule.

[0078] In this context, the forwarding information of a UPF refers to the information used to forward data packets to that UPF. The forwarding information of a UPF can be the UPF's tunnel information, such as IP address + TEID. The UPF's tunnel information can be assigned by the UPF itself or by the SMF. If the latter, the SMF needs to send the UPF's tunnel information to the corresponding UPF.

[0079] Terminal forwarding information refers to information used to forward data packets to the terminal. Terminal forwarding information can be the terminal's address information, such as the terminal's IP address, media access control (MAC) address, or other information identifying the terminal's address. Terminal forwarding information can also be other information that can forward data packets to the terminal, such as a port number. In some descriptions of embodiments of this application, the terminal's address information is used as an example to illustrate the method provided in the embodiments of this application. However, this should not be considered a limitation of the embodiments of this application. It is understood that the terminal's address information mentioned below can be replaced with other forwarding information of the terminal, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0080] In this embodiment, the terminal's address information is used to encapsulate data packets. When a terminal is a sending terminal, its address information can be used as the source address. When a terminal is a receiving terminal, its address information can be used as the destination address to encapsulate data packets. For example, the sending terminal uses the receiving terminal's address information to encapsulate data packets. Furthermore, the data packet can also be encapsulated using the sending terminal's address information, which facilitates the receiving terminal in determining which sending terminal the data packet originated from.

[0081] It should be noted that data packets can carry forwarding information about the destination node. The relay device can determine which terminal the data packet is intended for based on this information. For example, when a data packet is to be sent to terminal 1, it can carry the address information of terminal 1. The relay device can then determine which terminal 1 the data packet is intended for based on this address information.

[0082] The relay device receives forwarding information from the UPF and forwarding information from the terminal served by the UPF, and stores this information. The stored information has a correspondence between the forwarding information of the UPF and the forwarding information of the terminal served by the UPF, so that the relay device can determine which UPF to send the data packet to after receiving a data packet sent to a terminal.

[0083] For example, if the SMF sends forwarding information for three UPFs and forwarding information for terminals served by three UPFs to the relay device, wherein the terminals served by UPF1 include terminals 1 and 2, the terminals served by UPF2 include terminals 3, 4 and 5, and the terminals served by UPF3 include terminals 6 and 7, then the information stored by the relay device can be found in Table 1 or Table 2.

[0084] Table 1

[0085]

[0086] Table 2

[0087] Terminal forwarding information forwarding information of the UPF of the service terminal Forwarding information from terminal 1 UPF1 forwarding information Forwarding information from terminal 2 UPF1 forwarding information Forwarding information from terminal 3 UPF2 forwarding information Forwarding information from terminal 4 UPF2 forwarding information Forwarding information from terminal 5 UPF2 forwarding information Forwarding information from terminal 6 UPF3 forwarding information Forwarding information from terminal 7 UPF3 forwarding information

[0088] In one example, when the relay device is a UPF, the first forwarding rule is the N4 rule. The N4 rule includes at least one packet detection rule (PDR) (containing one or more fields) and at least one forwarding action rule (FAR) (containing one or more fields). Each PDR includes a FAR identifier (ID) to identify the FAR corresponding to that PDR. A terminal's forwarding information can be carried in the PDR, and the forwarding information of the UPF serving that terminal can be carried in the FAR corresponding to that PDR. In this case, taking the terminal's address information as an example, when the UPF detects a data packet whose destination address is a terminal address in the PDR, it uses the UPF's forwarding information in the FAR corresponding to that PDR for transmission.

[0089] In another example, when the relay device is a router, switch, or other device capable of forwarding, the SMF sends a first forwarding rule to the relay device. This includes: the SMF sending the first forwarding rule directly to the relay device; or the SMF sending the first forwarding rule through other network function entities (e.g., application function (AF) or network exposure function (NEF)). The first forwarding rule can be N6 traffic routing information, which can indicate any tunnels that may be used on N6. The nature of this information depends on the deployment and may include, for example, IP addresses and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) port numbers.

[0090] It should be noted that the forwarding rules sent by the SMF to the relay device in the embodiments of this application are all referred to as the first forwarding rule. In different scenarios, the information contained in the first forwarding rule and the function of the first forwarding rule may be different. The specific interpretation shall prevail. Of course, each forwarding rule sent by the SMF to the relay device can also have a different name, which is not limited in this application.

[0091] The method provided in this application embodiment allows the SMF to identify relay devices in 5GVN and send forwarding information of UPF and terminal to the relay devices so that the relay devices can correctly forward data packets received to a terminal to the UPF serving that terminal. By using relay devices to forward data between two UPFs, the number of N19 tunnels can be reduced, and the complexity of forwarding information synchronization can be reduced.

[0092] In specific implementation, step 501 can be executed by the SMF in either scenario 1 (during 5GVN networking) or scenario 2 (when the number of UPFs in 5GVN reaches N). The specific implementation of step 501 in scenarios 1 and 2, as well as the further solutions provided in this application, are described in detail below.

[0093] Scenario 1: 5GVN networking.

[0094] In scenario 1, step 501 can be implemented in the following steps 501-11 and 501-12:

[0095] 501-11. The SMF receives a session establishment request from a terminal in the group for the first time. The session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a session to access 5GVN services.

[0096] 501-12, SMF has been identified as a relay device for providing 5GVN services to the group.

[0097] In this embodiment of the application, the session establishment request sent by any terminal to the SMF may include the terminal's identifier and the group identifier.

[0098] The terminal identifier can be one or more of the following: IP address, MAC address, subscription permanent identifier (SUPI), permanent equipment identifier (PEI), generic public subscription identifier (GPSI), international mobile subscriber identifier (IMSI), international mobile equipment identity (IMEI), IP address, and mobile station international integrated service digital network number (MSISDN). In the following embodiments, any terminal identifiers mentioned herein will be referred to the description herein and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0099] The group identifier is used to identify which group the terminal sending the session establishment request belongs to. The group identifier includes a 5GVN identifier and / or a group identifier. Specifically, the group identifier can be a data network name (DNN), a combination of DNN and single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), or a specific group identifier (Groupid). Optionally, the UDM can store the mapping between DNN and Group ID, or the UDM can store the mapping between DNN, S-NSSAI, and Group ID. One 5GVN can correspond to one group, or one 5GVN can correspond to multiple groups. The 5GVN identifier is used to identify which 5GVN the second terminal belongs to.

[0100] It should be understood that when one 5GVN corresponds to one group, the group identifier can be the 5GVN identifier. When one 5GVN corresponds to multiple groups, the group identifier can be both the 5GVN identifier and the group identifier. The group identifier is the identifier of the group to which the terminal sending the session establishment request belongs within the 5GVN indicated by the 5GVN identifier.

[0101] In this embodiment of the application, the terminal can send a session establishment request to the SMF through the AMF. The AMF can determine the SMF (the 5GVN identified by the identifier of the 5GVN managed by the SMF) based on the 5GVN identifier in the received session establishment request, and send a session establishment request to the SMF.

[0102] In scenario 1, if the first session establishment request received by the SMF is sent by the second terminal in the group (the second terminal can be any terminal in the group), then before the second terminal sends the session establishment request to the SMF, none of the terminals in the group have sent a session establishment request to the SMF.

[0103] In Scenario 1, after receiving a session establishment request, the SMF selects a UPF (User-Defined Function) as the PDU session anchor (PSA) for the second terminal's session. Before selecting the UPF, the SMF obtains subscription data from the UDM (User-Defined Management System), policy information from the PCF (Policy System), or information stored in the NRF (Network RF). If this information includes relay device information, the SMF can determine the relay device based on the obtained relay device information. Alternatively, the SMF can specifically obtain relay device information from the UDM, PCF, or NRF after selecting the PDU session anchor UPF for the second terminal; this application does not impose any restrictions. If the relay device information is configured on the SMF, the SMF can also determine the relay device using the relay device information configured on the SMF.

[0104] In scenario 1, optionally, the method further includes: the SMF selecting a UPF (denoted as the first UPF) for the second terminal's session. It can be understood that the first UPF is the first UPF to provide services to the group. If the relay device and the first UPF are two different devices, the first forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the first UPF and the forwarding information of the second terminal. If the relay device and the first UPF are the same device, then step 502 above can be omitted. The forwarding information of the first UPF and the forwarding information of the second terminal can be carried in one message or in two different messages. For example, in the former case, the forwarding information of the first UPF and the forwarding information of the second terminal can both be carried in a session establishment request or a session update request.

[0105] SMF only configures forwarding rules for the relay device through step 502, which can only ensure that the relay device will correctly send the data packets destined for a certain terminal to the UPF serving that terminal. In order to ensure that the UPF forwards data correctly, it is also necessary to configure forwarding rules for the UPF. The process of configuring forwarding rules for the UPF is described below through cases 1.1 and 1.2.

[0106] Case 1.1: The UPF needs to obtain the forwarding information of the relay equipment and the forwarding information of the terminal served by the UPF in order to forward data.

[0107] In case 1.1, after the SMF selects the first UPF for the session of the second terminal, the method further includes: the SMF sending a second forwarding rule to the first UPF, the second forwarding rule including forwarding information of the relay device, the second forwarding rule being used by the first UPF to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the first UPF to the relay device.

[0108] In scenario 1.1 and scenarios 2.1 and 2.3 below, optionally, the second forwarding rule further includes indication information. This indication information is used to instruct the corresponding UPF to use the second forwarding rule for data forwarding when a preset condition is met. The preset condition is: the destination address corresponding to the received data packet is not the address of the terminal served by the UPF. In this case, after a UPF receives a data packet, it can first perform a detection. If it detects that the destination address corresponding to the data packet is the address of the terminal served by the UPF, then it uses the fourth forwarding rule mentioned above for data forwarding. If it detects that the destination address corresponding to the data packet is not the address of the terminal served by the UPF, then it uses the second forwarding rule for data forwarding.

[0109] Forwarding information for terminals served by UPF can be sent to UPF during the establishment of a session by the terminal. This allows UPF to use the fourth forwarding rule mentioned above to send data packets destined for a certain terminal (that terminal is a terminal served by the UPF) through the N3 tunnel between the UPF and the RAN node accessed by the terminal to the RAN node accessed by the terminal, and then to the terminal.

[0110] The first UPF stores forwarding information (e.g., terminal address information) for all terminals served. For example, assuming the terminals served by the first UPF include terminal 1, terminal 2, and terminal 3, the information stored in the first UPF can be found in Table 3 or Table 4. In this case, when the first UPF detects that a data packet is not sent to a terminal served by the first UPF, the first UPF forwards the data packet to the relay device.

[0111] Table 3

[0112]

[0113] Table 4

[0114] Terminal forwarding information Forwarding information from terminal 1 Forwarding information from terminal 2 Forwarding information from terminal 3

[0115] In this embodiment, the forwarding rules sent by the SMF to the UPF (e.g., the second forwarding rule hereinafter, and the third and fourth forwarding rules mentioned above) can all be N4 rules. In Case 1.1 and Cases 2.1 and 2.3 below, the destination address in the PDR of the second forwarding rule can be set to "unknown," and the information included in the FAR can be the forwarding information of the relay device; or, the second forwarding rule is a general match or default match (match-all) forwarding rule, and the FAR corresponding to the second forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the relay device to indicate the corresponding transmission path. Optionally, the general match can include the above-mentioned indication information. It is worth noting that the priority of the above-mentioned second forwarding rule is generally low, that is, the UPF will generally prioritize matching the forwarding rule corresponding to the terminal served by the UPF. That is, the second forwarding rule is used for transmission only when the forwarding rules corresponding to the terminal served by the UPF cannot be matched (i.e., the UPF detects a data packet whose destination address is not the address of the terminal it serves).

[0116] It should be noted that the forwarding rules sent by the SMF to the UPF in the embodiments of this application are all referred to as the second forwarding rules. In different scenarios, the information contained in the second forwarding rules and the function of the second forwarding rules may be different. The specific interpretation in the corresponding section shall prevail. Of course, the forwarding rules sent by the SMF to different UPFs or the multiple forwarding rules sent by the SMF to the same UPF can also have different names, which is not limited in this application.

[0117] In this embodiment, the forwarding information of a relay device refers to the forwarding information used to forward data packets to that relay device. If the relay device is a UPF, the forwarding information can be the UPF's tunnel information, such as IP address + TEID. If the relay device is a router, the forwarding information can be the router's IP address and / or port number. If the relay device is a switch, the forwarding information can be the switch's port information, such as the port number. The description of the forwarding information of the relay device in the following text can be found here and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0118] In scenario 1.1, if the SMF subsequently receives a session establishment request from another terminal, for example, if the SMF receives a session establishment request from a fourth terminal in the group, and the session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a session for the fourth terminal to access the 5GVN service, the method further includes steps 11) and 12):

[0119] 11) SMF selects the third UPF for the session of the fourth terminal.

[0120] 12) The SMF sends a first forwarding rule to the relay device. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of the third UPF and forwarding information of the fourth terminal. The first forwarding rule is used by the relay device to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of the fourth terminal to the third UPF.

[0121] If the third UPF is a newly selected UPF for the group, after step 12), the method further includes the following step 13):

[0122] 13) The SMF sends a second forwarding rule to the third UPF. The second forwarding rule includes forwarding information from the relay device. The second forwarding rule is used by the third UPF to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the third UPF to the relay device.

[0123] If the third UPF is a UPF previously selected by the SMF (e.g., the first UPF), since the SMF has already sent a second forwarding rule containing forwarding information of the relay device to this UPF, it is not necessary to send a second forwarding rule containing forwarding information of the relay device again.

[0124] In scenario 1.1, when a UPF receives a data packet destined for a terminal address, if the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is a terminal served by the UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to the terminal through the RAN node accessed by the terminal. If the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is not a terminal served by the UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to a relay device.

[0125] In case 1.2, the UPF needs to know the forwarding information of the relay device and the forwarding information of the terminals of other UPF services in addition to itself before it can forward data.

[0126] In case 1.2, after the SMF selects the first UPF for the second terminal's session, since there is only one UPF providing services to the group and no other UPFs exist, the SMF does not need to send the second forwarding rule containing the forwarding information of the relay device and the forwarding information of the terminal serving other UPFs besides the first UPF to the first UPF.

[0127] In scenario 1.2, the information stored in a UPF includes forwarding information from relay devices, forwarding information from terminals served by other UPFs besides the current UPF, and forwarding information from the UPF itself and the terminals served by the UPF. In this case, if a UPF receives a data packet with a destination address of a terminal address, if the terminal is a terminal served by the current UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to that terminal; if the terminal is a terminal served by another UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to a relay device.

[0128] For example, assuming that 5GVN includes UPF1, UPF2 and UPF3, the terminals served by UPF1 include terminal 1 and terminal 2, the terminals served by UPF2 include terminal 3, terminal 4 and terminal 5, and the terminals served by UPF3 include terminal 6 and terminal 7, then the information stored in UPF1 can be found in Table 5 or Table 6.

[0129] Table 5

[0130]

[0131] Table 6

[0132]

[0133]

[0134] In scenario 1.2, if the SMF subsequently receives a session establishment request from another terminal, for example, if the SMF receives a session establishment request from a fourth terminal in the group, and the session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a session for the fourth terminal to access the 5GVN service, the method further includes steps 21) and 22):

[0135] 21) SMF selects the third UPF for the session of the fourth terminal.

[0136] 22) The SMF sends a first forwarding rule to the relay device. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of the third UPF and forwarding information of the fourth terminal. The first forwarding rule is used by the relay device to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of the fourth terminal to the third UPF.

[0137] If the third UPF is a newly selected UPF for the group by the SMF, the third UPF does not know how to forward data packets of the terminals served by other UPFs, and the other UPFs do not know how to forward data packets of the terminals served by the third UPF. Therefore, after step 22), the method further includes the following step 23):

[0138] 23) The SMF sends a second forwarding rule to each UPF that provides 5GVN services to the group; wherein, the second forwarding rule sent to the third UPF includes forwarding information of the relay device and forwarding information of the terminal serving other UPFs besides the third UPF, and the second forwarding rule sent to the third UPF is used by the third UPF to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of the terminal serving other UPFs besides the third UPF to the relay device; the second forwarding rule sent to other UPFs besides the third UPF includes forwarding information of the relay device and forwarding information of the fourth terminal, and the second forwarding rule sent to other UPFs besides the third UPF is used by other UPFs besides the third UPF to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of the fourth terminal to the relay device.

[0139] If the third UPF is a UPF previously selected by the SMF group (e.g., the first UPF), the third UPF knows how to forward data packets of terminals served by other UPFs, but the other UPFs do not know how to forward data packets of terminals served by the third UPF. Therefore, after step 22), the method further includes step 24):

[0140] 24) The SMF sends a second forwarding rule to other UPFs besides the third UPF. The second forwarding rule includes forwarding information of the relay device and forwarding information of the fourth terminal. The second forwarding rule is used by other UPFs besides the third UPF to forward data packets with the destination address of the fourth terminal to the relay device.

[0141] In cases 1.2 and 2.2 and 2.4 below, when the second forwarding rule includes forwarding information from both the relay device and the terminal, the information included in the PDR can be the terminal's forwarding information, and the information included in the FAR can be the relay device's forwarding information. In this case, when the UPF detects a data packet whose destination address is a terminal address in the PDR, it uses the forwarding information of the relay device in the FAR corresponding to that PDR for transmission. If the UPF detects a data packet whose destination address cannot be matched by a corresponding PDR, it may discard the data packet.

[0142] It should be noted that the SMF stores forwarding information (e.g., terminal address information) for all terminals with established sessions in the group, as well as the corresponding UPF information serving that terminal (e.g., UPF identifier), in order to send the second forwarding rule to the UPF. For example, assuming that 5GVN includes UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3, with UPF1 serving terminals 1 and 2, UPF2 serving terminals 3, 4, and 5, and UPF3 serving terminals 6 and 7, the information stored in the SMF can be found in Table 7 or Table 8.

[0143] Table 7

[0144]

[0145]

[0146] Table 8

[0147] Terminal forwarding information UPF Forwarding information from terminal 1 UPF1 Forwarding information from terminal 2 UPF1 Forwarding information from terminal 3 UPF2 Forwarding information from terminal 4 UPF2 Forwarding information from terminal 5 UPF2 Forwarding information from terminal 6 UPF3 Forwarding information from terminal 7 UPF3

[0148] It is worth noting that Table 7 and Table 3 are similar in form. Table 3 records the forwarding information of all terminals for a UPF service, and Table 3 can be regarded as a subset of Table 7.

[0149] In scenario 1.2, when a UPF receives a data packet destined for a terminal address, if the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is a terminal served by the UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to the terminal through the RAN node accessed by the terminal. If the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is a terminal served by another UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to a relay device. If the UPF does not know the terminal's address information (i.e., the terminal is neither a terminal served by the UPF nor a terminal served by another UPF), it can discard the data packet.

[0150] Scenario 2: When the number of UPFs in 5GVN reaches N.

[0151] The value of N can be pre-configured, specified by the protocol, or determined through negotiation between the SMF and the UPF; this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0152] In scenario 2, step 501 may include the following steps 501-21 to 501-24 in its specific implementation:

[0153] 501-21. The SMF receives a session establishment request sent by a third terminal in the group. The session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a session to access the 5GVN service.

[0154] 501-22, SMF selects the second UPF for the third terminal's session.

[0155] 501-23. The SMF determines whether the number of UPFs providing 5GVN services to the group reaches N, where N is an integer greater than 1.

[0156] 501-24. If yes, the SMF determines it to be a relay device providing 5GVN services to the group. If not, the SMF will proceed with the existing procedures.

[0157] In scenario 2, before the number of UPFs in 5GVN reaches N, the architecture of 5GVN can be a fully connected architecture. After reaching N, the architecture of 5GVN becomes a star architecture.

[0158] In scenario 2, the relay device may be one of the N UPFs that provide 5GVN services to the group (referred to as scenario 1), or it may be a device other than the N UPFs that provide 5GVN services to the group (referred to as scenario 2). The following provides an illustrative description of the methods provided in this application under scenarios 1 and 2.

[0159] Scenario 1: The relay equipment is one of N UPFs that provide 5GVN services to the group.

[0160] In one scenario, the first forwarding rule includes forwarding information for N-1 UPFs and forwarding information for terminals served by N-1 UPFs. Here, N-1 UPFs are the N UPFs providing 5GVN services to the group, excluding relay devices. The forwarding information for the N-1 UPFs and the forwarding information for terminals served by the N-1 UPFs can be carried in one message or in two different messages. For example, in the former case, both the forwarding information for the N-1 UPFs and the forwarding information for terminals served by the N-1 UPFs can be carried in a session establishment request or a session update request.

[0161] It should be noted that, in one case, since the relay device is one of the N UPFs providing 5GVN services to the group, the relay device already stores information about the other UPFs and the terminals they serve. Therefore, step 502 may not be performed.

[0162] SMF only configures forwarding rules for the relay device through step 502, which can only ensure that the relay device correctly sends the data packets destined for a certain terminal to the UPF serving that terminal. In order to ensure that the UPF forwards data correctly, it is also necessary to configure forwarding rules for the UPF. The process of configuring forwarding rules for the UPF is described below through cases 2.1 and 2.2.

[0163] Scenario 2.1: The UPF needs to obtain the forwarding information of the relay equipment and the forwarding information of the terminal served by the UPF in order to forward data.

[0164] In case 2.1, optionally, the method further includes: the SMF sending update requests to N-1 UPFs, the update requests being used to request the corresponding UPFs to update their forwarding rules.

[0165] The update request sent to a UPF includes a second forwarding rule, which includes forwarding information from a relay device. The second forwarding rule is used by the UPF to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the UPF to the relay device.

[0166] The update request can be either a session establishment request or a session update request.

[0167] In scenario 2.1, when a UPF receives a data packet destined for a terminal address, if the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is a terminal served by the UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to the terminal through the RAN node accessed by the terminal. If the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is not a terminal served by the UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to a relay device.

[0168] In scenario 2.1, if the SMF subsequently receives a session establishment request from another terminal, the method may also include other steps, as detailed in steps 11) to 13 above.

[0169] In case 2.2, the UPF needs to know the forwarding information of the relay device and the forwarding information of the terminals of other UPF services in addition to itself before it can forward data.

[0170] In case 2.2, optionally, the method further includes: the SMF sending update requests to N-1 UPFs, the update requests being used to request the corresponding UPFs to update their forwarding rules.

[0171] The update request sent to a UPF includes a second forwarding rule. The second forwarding rule includes forwarding information from the relay device and forwarding information from terminals of other UPF services besides the UPF itself. The second forwarding rule is used by the UPF to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of a terminal of another UPF service besides the UPF itself to the relay device.

[0172] The update request can be either a session establishment request or a session update request.

[0173] In scenario 2.2, when a UPF receives a data packet destined for a terminal address, if the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is a terminal served by the UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to the terminal through the RAN node accessed by the terminal. If the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is a terminal served by another UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to a relay device. If the UPF does not know the terminal's address information (i.e., the terminal is neither a terminal served by the UPF nor a terminal served by another UPF), it can discard the data packet.

[0174] In scenario 2.2, if the SMF subsequently receives a session establishment request from another terminal, the method may also include other steps, as detailed in steps 21) to 24 above.

[0175] Scenario 2: The relay device is a device other than the N UPFs that provide 5GVN services to the group.

[0176] In scenario two, the relay device can be any UPF other than the N UPFs, or it can be a router, switch, or other device capable of forwarding.

[0177] In scenario two, the first forwarding rule includes forwarding information for N UPFs and forwarding information for terminals serving N UPFs.

[0178] The forwarding information for N UPFs and the forwarding information for the terminals serving N UPFs can be carried in one message or in two different messages. For example, in the former case, the forwarding information for N UPFs and the forwarding information for the terminals serving N UPFs can both be carried in the session establishment request or session update request.

[0179] SMF only configures forwarding rules for the relay device through step 502, which can only ensure that the relay device correctly sends the data packets destined for a certain terminal to the UPF serving that terminal. In order to ensure that the UPF forwards data correctly, it is also necessary to configure forwarding rules for the UPF. The process of configuring forwarding rules for the UPF is described below through cases 2.3 and 2.4.

[0180] In scenario 2.3, the UPF needs to obtain the forwarding information of the relay device and the forwarding information of the terminal served by the UPF to forward data.

[0181] In case 2.3, optionally, the method further includes: the SMF sending an update request to each of the N UPFs, the update request being used to request the corresponding UPF to update the forwarding rules.

[0182] The update request sent to a UPF includes a second forwarding rule, which includes forwarding information from a relay device. The second forwarding rule is used by the UPF to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the UPF to the relay device.

[0183] The update request can be either a session establishment request or a session update request.

[0184] In scenario 2.3, when a UPF receives a data packet destined for a terminal address, if the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is a terminal served by the UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to the terminal through the RAN node accessed by the terminal. If the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is not a terminal served by the UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to a relay device.

[0185] In scenario 2.3, if the SMF subsequently receives a session establishment request from another terminal, the method may also include other steps, as detailed in steps 11) to 13 above.

[0186] In case 2.4, the UPF needs to know the forwarding information of the relay device and the forwarding information of the terminals of other UPF services in addition to itself before it can forward data.

[0187] In case 2.4, optionally, the method further includes: the SMF sending an update request to each of the N UPFs, the update request being used to request the corresponding UPF to update its forwarding rules.

[0188] The update request sent to a UPF includes a second forwarding rule. The second forwarding rule includes forwarding information from the relay device and forwarding information from terminals of other UPF services besides the UPF itself. The second forwarding rule is used by the UPF to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of a terminal of another UPF service besides the UPF itself to the relay device.

[0189] The update request can be either a session establishment request or a session update request.

[0190] In scenario 2.4, when a UPF receives a data packet destined for a terminal address, if the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is a terminal served by the UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to the terminal through the RAN node accessed by the terminal. If the terminal's address information indicates that the terminal is a terminal served by another UPF, the UPF will send the data packet to a relay device. If the UPF does not know the terminal's address information (i.e., the terminal is neither a terminal served by the UPF nor a terminal served by another UPF), it can discard the data packet.

[0191] In scenario 2.4, if the SMF subsequently receives a session establishment request from another terminal, the method may include other steps, as detailed in steps 21) to 24 above.

[0192] In the above embodiments, the SMF establishes a transmission channel between the selected UPF and the relay device each time a new UPF is selected for the group. When the relay device is a UPF, the transmission channel between the UPF and the relay device is the N19 tunnel; when the relay device is not a UPF, the transmission channel between the UPF and the relay device is the N6 tunnel.

[0193] In addition, the SMF establishes an N3 tunnel between the UPF and the RAN node for the terminal, and establishes or configures forwarding rules on the UPF: for data packets whose destination address is the terminal address, they are sent to the RAN node through the N3 tunnel corresponding to the terminal. For details on this part, please refer to the prior art, and it will not be described in detail in this application.

[0194] The methods provided in the above embodiments are illustrated by Example 1 and Example 2 below.

[0195] Example 1

[0196] In Example 1, 5GVN adopts a star topology during initial network deployment, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0197] 601. The terminal (referred to as terminal 1) sends a session establishment request to the SMF.

[0198] The session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a session to access 5GVN services. The information contained in the session establishment request sent by terminal 1 can be found above and will not be repeated here.

[0199] Terminal 1 can send a session establishment request to the SMF through the AMF. The AMF can determine the SMF (which manages the 5GVN identified by the 5GVN identifier) ​​based on the 5GVN identifier in the received session establishment request, and send a session establishment request to the SMF.

[0200] Furthermore, terminal 1 can send a session establishment request to the AMF through the RAN node.

[0201] 602. SMF obtains information about relay equipment.

[0202] The relay equipment information can be configured in the SMF, in which case the SMF can directly obtain the relay equipment information. Alternatively, the relay equipment information can be configured in the UDM, NRF, or PCF, in which case the SMF can obtain the relay equipment information from the UDM, NRF, or PCF. Figure 6 The latter will be used as an example for drawing.

[0203] 603. SMF determines the transit equipment based on the information of the transit equipment.

[0204] UPF1 and the relay equipment can be the same device or different devices; this application does not impose any restrictions.

[0205] 604. SMF selects a UPF (assume UPF1) for the session of terminal 1.

[0206] In step 602, during the process of obtaining information about the relay device, the SMF can also obtain one or more of the following: the subscription data (from the UDM), policy information (from the PCF), and other information (from the NRF) of terminal 1. In this case, in the specific implementation of step 604, the SMF can select a UPF for the session of terminal 1 based on one or more of the following: the location of terminal 1, subscription data, policy information, and other information.

[0207] 605. SMF sends a session establishment request to UPF1. Correspondingly, UPF1 receives the session establishment request.

[0208] The session establishment request is used to request UPF1 to create a session. The session establishment request may include a second forwarding rule, which includes forwarding information from a relay device. The second forwarding rule is used by UPF1 to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by UPF1 to the relay device.

[0209] Optionally, the session establishment request may include forwarding information from the relay device.

[0210] 606. UPF1 installs the second forwarding rule based on the session establishment request.

[0211] After the second forwarding rule is installed, when UPF1 receives subsequent data packets, it will forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by UPF1 to the relay device.

[0212] Optionally, if the session establishment request includes forwarding information from the relay device, then UPF1 establishes a channel with the relay device based on the forwarding information from the relay device.

[0213] 607. UPF1 sends a session establishment response to SMF.

[0214] Optionally, if the relay device is a UPF and the tunnel information of the relay device is allocated by itself, the session establishment response may include the tunnel information of UPF1.

[0215] 608. The SMF sends a first message to the relay device. The first message is used to send the forwarding information of UPF1 and / or the forwarding information of terminal 1 to the relay device. Correspondingly, the relay device receives the first message.

[0216] The first message may include a first forwarding rule, which includes forwarding information from terminal 1 and / or forwarding information from UPF1. The first forwarding rule is used by the relay device to send data packets destined for terminal 1 to UPF1.

[0217] Optionally, if the relay device is a UPF, the first message can be a session establishment request or a session update request. The forwarding information of UPF1 includes UPF1's tunnel information and / or IP address, and the first forwarding rule can be an N4 rule. If the relay device is a router, switch, or other device capable of forwarding located in a data network (DN), the SMF can send the first message directly to the relay device, or it can send the first message to the relay device through other network function entities (e.g., AF or NEF). The first forwarding rule can be N6 traffic routing information, which can indicate any tunnels that may be used on N6. The nature of this information depends on the deployment; for example, it may include IP addresses and UDP port numbers.

[0218] 609. The first forwarding rule in the first message of the relay equipment installation.

[0219] In this process, after the relay device installs the first forwarding rule, it sends the data packet with the destination address of terminal 1 to UPF1.

[0220] Optionally, if the first message also includes tunnel information of UPF1, the relay device establishes a channel with UPF1 based on the tunnel information of UPF1.

[0221] 610. The relay device sends a response message to the SMF for the first message.

[0222] It is worth noting that the above steps 605 (SMF sends a session establishment request to UPF1) and 608 (SMF sends a first message to the relay device) can be decoupled from the session establishment process. That is, they do not necessarily have to be executed in the session establishment process, but can be executed after the session establishment process is completed.

[0223] Example 2

[0224] The difference from Example 1 is that 5GVN does not adopt a star topology during initial network deployment. Instead, when the number of UPFs in 5GVN is greater than or equal to a certain threshold (let's say 3), the fully connected architecture is temporarily adjusted to a star topology. Figure 7 As shown, the method includes:

[0225] 701. Terminal 1 in the group sends a session establishment request to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the session establishment request from Terminal 1.

[0226] For a description of step 701 and other similar steps in Example 2, please refer to step 601 above, which will not be repeated here.

[0227] 702. Based on the session establishment request sent by terminal 1, SMF selects UPF1 for the session of terminal 1 and establishes an N3 tunnel between RAN1 (the RAN node accessed by terminal 1) and UPF1. During the establishment of the N3 tunnel, a fourth forwarding rule is configured for UPF1. This fourth forwarding rule is used by UPF1 to send data packets with the destination address of terminal 1 to RAN1 through the corresponding N3 tunnel.

[0228] 703. Terminal 2 in the group sends a session establishment request to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the session establishment request from terminal 2.

[0229] 704. Based on the session establishment request sent by terminal 2, SMF selects UPF2 for the session of terminal 2 and establishes an N3 tunnel between RAN2 (the RAN node accessed by terminal 2) and UPF2. During the establishment of the N3 tunnel, a fourth forwarding rule is configured for UPF2. This fourth forwarding rule is used by UPF2 to send data packets with the destination address of terminal 2 to RAN2 through the corresponding N3 tunnel.

[0230] 705. When the SMF detects that multiple UPFs are providing 5GVN services for the group, the SMF establishes an N19 tunnel between the UPFs (i.e., between UPF1 and UPF2).

[0231] Step 705, in its specific implementation, may include: the SMF sending tunnel information of UPF2 to UPF1 and tunnel information of UPF1 to UPF2. The tunnel information of UPF1 can be allocated by either the SMF or UPF1. If the latter, UPF1 can send its tunnel information to the SMF during the process of the SMF establishing the N3 tunnel between RAN1 and UPF1 for terminal 1. Similarly, the tunnel information of UPF2 can be allocated by either the SMF or UPF2. If the latter, UPF2 can send its tunnel information to the SMF during the process of the SMF establishing the N3 tunnel between RAN2 and UPF2 for terminal 2.

[0232] 706. SMF establishes or configures a third forwarding rule for UPF1. Accordingly, UPF1 installs the third forwarding rule.

[0233] The third forwarding rule is used by UPF1 to send data packets with the destination address of terminal 2 to UPF2 through the N19 tunnel between UPF1 and UPF2. The third forwarding rule may include: the address information of terminal 2 and the tunnel information of UPF2.

[0234] The third forwarding rule can be carried in the session establishment request or session update request.

[0235] 707. SMF establishes or configures a third forwarding rule for UPF2. Accordingly, UPF2 installs the third forwarding rule.

[0236] The third forwarding rule is used by UPF2 to send data packets with the destination address of terminal 1 to UPF1 through the N19 tunnel between UPF2 and UPF1. The third forwarding rule may include: the address information of terminal 1 and the tunnel information of UPF1.

[0237] The third forwarding rule can be carried in the session establishment request or session update request.

[0238] 708. Terminal 3 in the group sends a session establishment request to the SMF. Correspondingly, the SMF receives the session establishment request from terminal 3.

[0239] 709. Based on the session establishment request sent by terminal 3, SMF selects UPF3 for the session of terminal 3 and establishes an N3 tunnel between RAN3 (the RAN node accessed by terminal 3) and UPF3. During the establishment of the N3 tunnel, a fourth forwarding rule is configured for UPF3. This fourth forwarding rule is used by UPF3 to send data packets with the destination address of terminal 3 to RAN3 through the corresponding N3 tunnel.

[0240] The tunnel information of UPF3 can be assigned by SMF or UPF3. If it is the latter, UPF3 can send the tunnel information of UPF3 to SMF during the process of SMF establishing N3 tunnel between RAN3 and UPF3 for terminal 3.

[0241] 710. The SMF has determined that the number of UPFs providing 5GVN services to this group reaches 3, and the SMF has determined that the relay equipment is providing 5GVN services to this group.

[0242] It should be noted that SMF can check whether the number of UPFs providing 5GVN services to the group has reached 3 each time a new UPF is selected for the group. If not, no operation is performed; if so, a relay device is determined.

[0243] In step 710, if the number of UPFs providing 5GVN services to the group reaches 3, the SMF determines that 5GVN adopts a star topology and then determines the relay equipment.

[0244] In Example 2, it is assumed that the relay device is a router or switch or a UPF other than the one currently providing 5GVN services to the group.

[0245] 711. The SMF sends a first message to the relay device. The first message is used to send the forwarding information of UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3, as well as the forwarding information of the terminals served by UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3, to the relay device. Correspondingly, the relay device receives the first message.

[0246] The first message may include a first forwarding rule, which includes forwarding information for UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3, as well as forwarding information for terminals served by UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3. The first forwarding rule is used by relay devices to forward data packets destined for terminal addresses of a specific UPF service to that UPF.

[0247] Optionally, if the relay device is a UPF, the first message can be a session establishment request or a session update request. The UPF's forwarding information includes the UPF's tunnel information and / or IP address, and the first forwarding rule can be an N4 rule. If the relay device is a router, switch, or other device capable of forwarding located in a DN, the SMF can send the first message directly to the relay device, or it can send the first message to the relay device through other network function entities (e.g., AF or NEF). The first forwarding rule can be N6 traffic routing information, which can indicate any tunnels that may be used on N6. The nature of this information depends on the deployment; for example, it may include IP addresses and UDP port numbers.

[0248] 712. The first forwarding rule in the first message of the relay equipment installation.

[0249] In this process, after the relay equipment installs the first forwarding rule, it forwards the data packets received with the destination address of a certain UPF service to that UPF.

[0250] 713. The relay device sends a response message to the SMF for the first message.

[0251] 714. The SMF sends a session update request or a session establishment request to UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3. Correspondingly, UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3 receive the session update request or the session establishment request.

[0252] The session update request or session establishment request includes a second forwarding rule, which contains forwarding information from the relay device. This second forwarding rule is used by a UPF to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by that UPF to the relay device.

[0253] It should be noted that if the tunnel information of a UPF is allocated by the SMF, when the SMF sends the tunnel information allocated to the UPF, it can also send the second forwarding rule to the UPF at the same time. That is, the second forwarding rule and the tunnel information of the UPF can be carried in one message.

[0254] 715. UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3 update the third forwarding rule to the second forwarding rule based on the session update request or session establishment request.

[0255] In one instance, after a UPF updates its third forwarding rule to the second forwarding rule, when it receives subsequent data packets, it will forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by that UPF to the relay device.

[0256] 716. UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3 send a session establishment response or a session update response to the SMF.

[0257] By following steps 701 to 716 above, the fully connected 5GVN architecture can be converted into a star-shaped 5GVN architecture.

[0258] It is worth noting that the above steps 711 (SMF sends the first message to the relay device) and 710 (SMF sends a session update request or session establishment request to UPF1, UPF2 and UPF3) can be decoupled from the session establishment process. That is, they do not necessarily have to be executed in the session establishment process, but can be executed after the session establishment process is completed.

[0259] This application also provides a communication system, including: an SMF providing 5GVN service to a group, a UPF providing 5GVN service to the group, and a relay device providing 5GVN service to the group; wherein:

[0260] SMF is used to send a first forwarding rule to a relay device and a second forwarding rule to a UPF during the process of creating a session for a terminal in a group. The first forwarding rule is used by the relay device to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of a terminal served by a UPF to that UPF. The second forwarding rule sent to a UPF is used by the UPF to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of a terminal served by that UPF to the relay device.

[0261] A relay device is used to receive the first forwarding rule and install the first forwarding rule;

[0262] UPF is used to receive and install the second forwarding rule.

[0263] Optionally, the relay equipment is determined by the SMF for the group when the number of UPFs providing 5GVN services to the group reaches N;

[0264] SMF is specifically used to send a second forwarding rule to UPF after the relay device for the group has been determined;

[0265] UPF is specifically used to receive the second forwarding rule and update the forwarding rule in the UPF to the second forwarding rule.

[0266] Among them, UPF can update the third forwarding rule in UPF to the second forwarding rule. The third forwarding rule is used by UPF to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of the terminal served by another UPF to the corresponding UPF.

[0267] Optionally, the first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of at least one UPF and forwarding information of at least one terminal of at least one UPF service.

[0268] Optionally, the relay device is one of N UPFs providing 5GVN services to the group. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information from N-1 UPFs and forwarding information from terminals serving N-1 UPFs. Here, N-1 UPFs are the UPFs providing 5GVN services to the group, excluding the relay device.

[0269] Optionally, the relay device is a device other than the N UPFs that provide 5GVN services to the group. The first forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the N UPFs and the forwarding information of the terminals serving the N UPFs.

[0270] Optionally, the second forwarding rule includes forwarding information from the relay device. For details on the specific implementation of the actions performed by each network element in this communication system, please refer to the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0271] In the above embodiments, for ease of description, the method is described using an application in a 5G system as an example. In actual implementation, the method can also be applied to an evolved packet system (EPS). In this case, it is only necessary to replace the network element with a network element in the EPS that has the corresponding function. In this case, the session can be a PDN connection in the EPS. A PDN connection refers to the IP connection provided by the EPS network between a terminal and an external public data network (PDN) of a PLMN.

[0272] It should be noted that the steps performed by the SMF in the methods provided in this application embodiment can also be performed by a chip applied in the SMF. The steps performed by the relay device can also be performed by a chip applied in the relay device. The steps performed by the UPF can also be performed by a chip applied in the UPF.

[0273] It should be noted that the message names between various network elements or the names of the parameters in the messages in the above embodiments of this application are just examples. In specific implementations, other names may also be used, and this application does not specifically limit them.

[0274] It should be noted that the various embodiments of this application can be referenced or learned from each other. For example, the same or similar steps, method embodiments, communication system embodiments and device embodiments can be referenced from each other without limitation.

[0275] The above mainly describes the solutions of the embodiments of this application from the perspective of interaction between various network elements. It is understood that each network element, such as SMF, relay equipment, UPF, etc., includes corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules to perform the above functions in order to achieve them. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0276] This application embodiment can divide the SMF, relay equipment, and UPF into functional units according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional unit, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit. It should be noted that the unit division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0277] When using integrated units, Figure 8 A communication device 80 according to the above embodiments is shown. The communication device 80 may include a processing unit 801 and a communication unit 802. Optionally, it may also include a storage unit 803.

[0278] In one example, the communication device 80 is an SMF (Software-Defined Component), or a chip applied within an SMF. In this case, a processing unit 801 is used to support the communication device 80 in performing... Figure 5 Steps 501 and 502 in the text, Figure 6 Steps 601 to 605, 607, 608, and 610 in the text. Figure 7Steps 701 to 711, 713, 714, and 716, and / or some or all of the actions performed by the SMF in other processes described in the embodiments of this application. Communication unit 802 is used to communicate with other network entities, for example, with... Figure 5 The relay device communication is shown in the diagram. Storage unit 803 is used to store the SMF program code and data.

[0279] In another example, the communication device 80 is a relay device, or a chip used in a relay device. In this case, the processing unit 801 is used to support the communication device 80 in performing... Figure 5 Step 502 in the middle, Figure 6 Steps 608 to 610 in the process, Figure 7 Steps 711 to 713 in the process, and / or some or all of the actions performed by the relay device in other processes described in the embodiments of this application. Communication unit 802 is used to communicate with other network entities, for example, with... Figure 5 The diagram shows SMF communication. Storage unit 803 is used to store the program code and data of the relay device.

[0280] In another example, the communication device 80 is a UPF, or a chip applied within a UPF. In this case, the processing unit 801 is used to support the communication device 80 in performing... Figure 6 Steps 605 to 607 (at this point, UPF is UPF1) Figure 7 Steps 702, 706, 714 to 716 (at this time, UPF is UPF1), Figure 7 Steps 704, 707, 714 to 716 (at this time, UPF is UPF2), Figure 7 Steps 706, 714 to 716 (where UPF is UPF3), and / or some or all of the actions performed by UPF in other processes described in the embodiments of this application. Communication unit 802 is used to communicate with other network entities, for example, with... Figure 6 or Figure 7 The diagram shows SMF communication. Storage unit 803 is used to store UPF program code and data.

[0281] Figure 8If the integrated units in the process are implemented as software functional modules and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, in essence, or the parts that contribute to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solutions, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. Storage media for storing computer software products include various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0282] Figure 8 The units in the process can also be called modules; for example, a processing unit can be called a processing module.

[0283] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the communication device 90 provided in an embodiment of this application. The communication device 90 includes one or more processors 901 and a communication interface 903.

[0284] Optionally, the communication device 90 further includes a memory 904, which may include read-only memory and random access memory, and provides operation instructions and data to the processor 901. A portion of the memory 904 may also include non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM).

[0285] In some implementations, memory 904 stores elements such as execution modules or data structures, or subsets thereof, or extended sets thereof.

[0286] In this embodiment of the application, the corresponding operation is executed by calling the operation instructions stored in the memory 904 (the operation instructions can be stored in the operating system).

[0287] One possible implementation is that the relay equipment, SMF, and UPF use similar structures, and different devices can use different structures to achieve their respective functions.

[0288] Processor 901 controls the processing operations of any one of the relay device, SMF, and UPF. Processor 901 can also be called a central processing unit (CPU).

[0289] The processor 901, communication interface 903, and memory 904 are coupled together via a bus system 902. This bus system 902 includes not only a data bus but may also include a power bus, control bus, and status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 9 The general designated all buses as Bus System 902.

[0290] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to or implemented by the processor 901. The processor 901 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the processor 901. The processor 901 may be 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, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or can be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory 904. Processor 901 reads the information in memory 904 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0291] In one possible implementation, the processor 901 controls the communication interface 903 for execution. Figures 5 to 7 The relay device, SMF, and UPF in the illustrated embodiment are shown as having receiving and transmitting steps. Processor 901 is used to execute... Figures 5 to 7 The steps for processing the relay equipment, SMF, and UPF in the illustrated embodiment.

[0292] The communication unit or communication interface described above can be an interface circuit or communication interface of the device, used to receive signals from other devices. For example, when the device is implemented as a chip, the communication unit or communication interface is an interface circuit or communication interface used by the chip to receive or send signals from other chips or devices.

[0293] In the above embodiments, the instructions stored in the memory for execution by the processor can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product can be pre-written into the memory, or it can be downloaded and installed into the memory as software.

[0294] A computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions may be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can store or a data storage device such as a server or data center that integrates one or more available media. The available media may be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state drives, SSDs), etc.

[0295] On the one hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed, cause an SMF or a chip applied in an SMF to perform... Figure 5 Steps 501 and 502 in the text, Figure 6 Steps 601 to 605, 607, 608, and 610 in the text. Figure 7 Steps 701 to 711, 713, 714 and 716 in the process, and / or some or all of the actions performed by the SMF in other processes described in the embodiments of this application.

[0296] On the other hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed, cause a relay device or a chip used in the relay device to perform... Figure 5 Step 502 in the middle, Figure 6 Steps 608 to 610 in the process, Figure 7 Steps 711 to 713 in the process, and / or some or all of the actions performed by the transfer device in other processes described in the embodiments of this application.

[0297] On the other hand, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores instructions that, when executed, cause the UPF or a chip applied in the UPF to perform... Figure 6 Steps 605 to 607 (at this point, UPF is UPF1) Figure 7 Steps 702, 706, 714 to 716 (at this time, UPF is UPF1), Figure 7 Steps 704, 707, 714 to 716 (at this time, UPF is UPF2), Figure 7 Steps 706, 714 to 716 (at this time, UPF is UPF3), and / or some or all of the actions performed by UPF in other processes described in the embodiments of this application.

[0298] The aforementioned readable storage media may include various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory, random access memory, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0299] On the one hand, a computer program product including instructions is provided, wherein the computer program product stores instructions that, when executed, cause the SMF or a chip applied in the SMF to perform... Figure 5 Steps 501 and 502 in the text, Figure 6 Steps 601 to 605, 607, 608, and 610 in the text. Figure 7 Steps 701 to 711, 713, 714 and 716 in the process, and / or some or all of the actions performed by the SMF in other processes described in the embodiments of this application.

[0300] On the other hand, a computer program product including instructions is provided, wherein the computer program product stores the instructions, and when the instructions are executed, they cause the relay device or a chip applied in the relay device to perform... Figure 5 Step 502 in the middle, Figure 6 Steps 608 to 610 in the process, Figure 7 Steps 711 to 713 in the process, and / or some or all of the actions performed by the transfer device in other processes described in the embodiments of this application.

[0301] On the other hand, a computer program product including instructions is provided, wherein the computer program product stores instructions that, when executed, cause the UPF or a chip applied in the UPF to perform... Figure 6 Steps 605 to 607 (at this point, UPF is UPF1) Figure 7Steps 702, 706, 714 to 716 (at this time, UPF is UPF1), Figure 7 Steps 704, 707, 714 to 716 (at this time, UPF is UPF2), Figure 7 Steps 706, 714 to 716 (at this time, UPF is UPF3), and / or some or all of the actions performed by UPF in other processes described in the embodiments of this application.

[0302] On one hand, a chip is provided for use in an SMF (Software-Defined Function). The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and the at least one processor being coupled together. The processor is used to execute instructions to perform... Figure 5 Steps 501 and 502 in the text, Figure 6 Steps 601 to 605, 607, 608, and 610 in the text. Figure 7 Steps 701 to 711, 713, 714 and 716 in the process, and / or some or all of the actions performed by the SMF in other processes described in the embodiments of this application.

[0303] On the other hand, a chip is provided for use in a relay device. The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface, the communication interface and the at least one processor being coupled together. The processor is used to execute instructions to perform... Figure 5 Step 502 in the middle, Figure 6 Steps 608 to 610 in the process, Figure 7 Steps 711 to 713 in the process, and / or some or all of the actions performed by the transfer device in other processes described in the embodiments of this application.

[0304] On another front, a chip is provided for use in a UPF (User-Defined Processor). The chip includes at least one processor and a communication interface coupled to the processor. The processor is used to execute instructions to perform... Figure 6 Steps 605 to 607 (at this point, UPF is UPF1) Figure 7 Steps 702, 706, 714 to 716 (at this time, UPF is UPF1), Figure 7 Steps 704, 707, 714 to 716 (at this time, UPF is UPF2), Figure 7 Steps 706, 714 to 716 (at this time, UPF is UPF3), and / or some or all of the actions performed by UPF in other processes described in the embodiments of this application.

[0305] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or include one or more data storage devices such as servers and data centers that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs).

[0306] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0307] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: During the process of creating a session for terminals in a group, the session management network element determines a relay device that provides 5GVN services to the group. The relay device is used to forward data between any two user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group. The session management network element sends a first forwarding rule to the relay device. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of at least one user plane network element and forwarding information of at least one terminal served by the at least one user plane network element. The first forwarding rule is used by the relay device to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of the first terminal to the user plane network element serving the first terminal. The first terminal is any one of the at least one terminal. The session management network element sends a second forwarding rule to the first user plane network element. The second forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the relay device. The second forwarding rule is used by the first user plane network element to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the first user plane network element to the relay device. The terminal served by the first user plane network element is the terminal in the group.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The relay device is a user plane network element, and the first forwarding rule is the N4 rule.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The session management network element is determined to be a relay device providing 5GVN services to the group, including: The session management network element obtains information about relay equipment that provides 5GVN services to the group from other network elements; The session management network element determines the relay device based on the information obtained from the relay device.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the process of creating a session for terminals in a group, the session management network element determines the relay equipment that provides 5GVN services to the group, including: The session management network element receives a session establishment request from a terminal in the group for the first time. The session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a session to access 5GVN services. The session management network element is determined to be a relay device that provides 5GVN services to the group.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, If the session establishment request first received by the session management network element is sent by the second terminal in the group, the method further includes: The session management network element selects the first user plane network element for the session of the second terminal; wherein, if the relay device and the first user plane network element are two different devices, the first forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the first user plane network element and the forwarding information of the second terminal.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the process of creating a session for terminals in a group, the session management network element determines the relay equipment that provides 5GVN services to the group, including: The session management network element receives a session establishment request sent by a third terminal in the group. The session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a session to access 5GVN services. The session management network element is the second user plane network element for session selection of the third terminal; The session management network element determines whether the number of user plane network elements providing 5GVN services to the group reaches N, where N is an integer greater than 1; If so, the session management network element is determined to be a relay device providing 5GVN services to the group.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The relay device is one of the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of N-1 user plane network elements and forwarding information of the terminals served by the N-1 user plane network elements. The N-1 user plane network elements are user plane network elements other than the relay device among the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The session management network element sends a second forwarding rule to the first user plane network element, including: The session management network element sends an update request to the N-1 user plane network elements. The update request is used to request the corresponding user plane network elements to update the forwarding rules. The first user plane network element is one of the N-1 user plane network elements. The update request sent to the first user plane network element includes the second forwarding rule.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The relay device is a device other than the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group. The first forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the N user plane network elements and the forwarding information of the terminals served by the N user plane network elements.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The session management network element sends a second forwarding rule to the first user plane network element, including: The session management network element sends an update request to each of the N user plane network elements. The update request is used to request the corresponding user plane network element to update the forwarding rules. The first user plane network element is one of the N user plane network elements. The update request sent to the first user plane network element includes the second forwarding rule.

11. A communication device, characterized in that, include: Processing unit and communication unit; The processing unit is used to determine, during the process of creating a session for terminals in a group, a relay device that provides 5GVN services to the group, and the relay device is used to forward data between any two user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group; The communication unit is configured to send a first forwarding rule to the relay device. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of at least one user plane network element and forwarding information of at least one terminal served by the at least one user plane network element. The first forwarding rule is used by the relay device to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of a first terminal to the user plane network element serving the first terminal. The first terminal is any one of the at least one terminal. The communication unit is further configured to send a second forwarding rule to the first user plane network element. The second forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the relay device. The second forwarding rule is used by the first user plane network element to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of the terminal served by the first user plane network element to the relay device.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The relay device is a user plane network element, and the first forwarding rule is the N4 rule.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used for: The communication unit obtains information about relay equipment that provides 5GVN services to the group from other network elements. The transfer device is determined based on the information obtained from the transfer device.

14. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used for: The communication unit receives for the first time a session establishment request sent by a terminal in the group, the session establishment request being used to request the establishment of a session to access 5GVN services; The relay equipment was identified as providing 5GVN services to the group.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that, If the session establishment request first received by the communication device is sent by the second terminal in the group, the processing unit is further configured to: The first user plane network element is selected for the session of the second terminal; wherein, if the relay device and the first user plane network element are two different devices, the first forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the first user plane network element and the forwarding information of the second terminal.

16. The apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The processing unit is specifically used for: The communication unit receives a session establishment request sent by a third terminal in the group. The session establishment request is used to request the establishment of a session to access 5GVN services. Select a second user plane network element for the session of the third terminal; Determine whether the number of user plane network elements providing 5GVN services to the group reaches N, where N is an integer greater than 1; If so, it is identified as a relay device providing 5GVN services to the group.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, The relay device is one of the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group. The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of N-1 user plane network elements and forwarding information of the terminals served by the N-1 user plane network elements. The N-1 user plane network elements are user plane network elements other than the relay device among the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The communication unit is specifically used to send an update request to the N-1 user plane network elements. The update request is used to request the corresponding user plane network element to update the forwarding rules. The first user plane network element is one of the N-1 user plane network elements. The update request sent to the first user plane network element includes the second forwarding rule.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, The relay device is a device other than the N user plane network elements that provide 5GVN services to the group. The first forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the N user plane network elements and the forwarding information of the terminals served by the N user plane network elements.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that, The communication unit is specifically used to send an update request to each of the N user plane network elements. The update request is used to request the corresponding user plane network element to update the forwarding rules. The first user plane network element is one of the N user plane network elements. The update request sent to the first user plane network element includes the second forwarding rule.

21. A communication system, characterized in that, include: A session management network element that provides 5GVN services to a group, a user plane network element that provides 5GVN services to the group, and a relay device that provides 5GVN services to the group; The session management network element is used to send a first forwarding rule to the relay device and a second forwarding rule to the user plane network element during the process of creating a session for the terminal in the group. The first forwarding rule is used by the relay device to forward data packets whose destination address is the address of a terminal served by a user plane network element to the user plane network element. The second forwarding rule sent to a user plane network element is used by the user plane network element to forward data packets whose destination address is not the address of a terminal served by the user plane network element to the relay device. The relay device is used to receive the first forwarding rule and install the first forwarding rule; The user plane network element is used to receive the second forwarding rule and install the second forwarding rule.

22. The system according to claim 21, characterized in that, The relay device is determined for the group by the session management network element when the number of user plane network elements providing 5GVN services to the group reaches N; The session management network element is specifically used to send a second forwarding rule to the user plane network element after determining the relay device for the group; The user plane network element is specifically used to receive the second forwarding rule and update the forwarding rule in the user plane network element to the second forwarding rule.

23. The system according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The first forwarding rule includes forwarding information of at least one user plane network element and forwarding information of at least one terminal served by the at least one user plane network element.

24. The system according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, The second forwarding rule includes the forwarding information of the relay device.

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