Qos flow update method, device and storage medium

Abstract

This invention provides a QoS flow update method, device, and storage medium, belonging to the field of communication technology. The method includes: receiving a first update request sent by an SMF network element; updating the correspondence between the EBI of a QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request; and sending a first completion response to the SMF network element; receiving a second update request triggered by the SMF network element based on the first completion response; and triggering the second update request to a RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, thereby updating the QoS flow. The technical solution of this invention reduces the interaction frequency with the UE during the QoS flow update process and makes reasonable use of network resources.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a QoS flow update method, device and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] QoS (Quality of Service) refers to a set of technologies that utilize various foundational technologies to provide better service capabilities for network communication, enabling users to obtain the expected service level in terms of throughput, jitter, latency, and packet loss rate. When a QoS flow update causes a change in the ARP (Allocation and Retention Priority) within the QoS flow, the EBI (EPS Bearer Identity) needs to be released and re-applied for in order to complete the QoS flow update. This process requires interaction with the UE (User Equipment), increasing the frequency of interaction with the UE and increasing network resource consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a QoS flow update method, device, and storage medium, which aims to reduce the frequency of interaction with the UE during the QoS flow update process and make reasonable use of network resources.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a QoS flow update method, applied to an AMF network element, comprising:

[0005] The system receives a first update request from an SMF network element, updates the correspondence between the EBI of a QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request, and sends a first completion response to the SMF network element; it also receives a second update request triggered by the SMF network element based on the first completion response, and triggers the second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, thereby updating the QoS flow.

[0006] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a processor, a memory, a computer program stored in the memory and executable by the processor, and a data bus for implementing connection communication between the processor and the memory, wherein when the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of any of the QoS flow update methods provided in this specification.

[0007] Thirdly, embodiments of the present invention also provide a storage medium for computer-readable storage, the storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs being executable by one or more processors to implement the steps of any of the QoS flow update methods provided in this specification.

[0008] This invention provides a QoS flow update method, device, and storage medium. The method utilizes an AMF network element to receive a first update request from an SMF network element, and updates the mapping between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request. After the mapping update is completed, a first completion response is sent to the SMF network element. Then, a second update request triggered by the SMF network element based on the first completion response is received, and this second update request is sent to the RAN network element. The RAN network element responds to the second update request by updating the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow, thereby updating the QoS flow. During the update process, the mapping between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow is updated, ensuring that the EBI of the QoS flow remains unchanged. This reduces information interaction with the UE during the update process and makes efficient use of network resources. Attached Figure Description

[0009] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0010] Figure 1 A system architecture diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 This is an interactive diagram illustrating a QoS flow update initiated by a PCF network element, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 3 This is an interactive diagram illustrating another QoS flow update initiated by a UDM network element, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a QoS flow update method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another QoS flow update method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of a device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0017] The flowchart shown in the attached diagram is for illustrative purposes only and does not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor does it necessarily have to be performed in the order described. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, combined, or partially merged, so the actual execution order may change depending on the actual situation.

[0018] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0019] This invention provides a QoS flow update method, device, and storage medium. The QoS flow update method can be applied in scenarios involving EPC (Evolved Packet Core, 4G core network) and 5G handover. When a QoS flow update causes a change in the ARP of the QoS flow, the ARP of the QoS flow is updated by changing the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and its ARP. This eliminates the need to release and re-apply for the EBI of the QoS flow during the update process, ensuring that the EBI of the QoS flow remains unchanged, reducing interaction with the UE, and making efficient use of network resources.

[0020] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a system architecture diagram of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The QoS flow update method provided in this application can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The communication system shown includes a 5G communication system and a 4G communication system.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown, the communication system includes a UE, a set of E-UERAN (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network, also known as 4G radio access network), MME (Mobility Management Entity), SGW (Serving Gateway), a set of UPF (User Plane Function) + PGW-U (PDN Gateway User), a set of SMF (Session Management Function) + PGW-C (PDN Gateway Control), a set of PCF (Policy Control Function), a set of HSS (Home Subscriber Server) + UDM (Unified Data Management), AMF (Access Management Function), and NG-RAN (Next Generation Radio Access Networks, 5G radio access network).

[0022] Specifically, the S6a interface represents the communication interface between the MME and HSS+UDM. The S1-MME interface represents the communication interface between the MME and E-TURAN. The S1-U interface represents the communication interface between E-TURAN and SWG. The S5-C interface represents the control plane communication interface between SWG and SMF+PGW-C. The S5-U interface represents the user plane communication interface between SGW and UPF+PGW-U. The N10 interface represents the communication interface between HSS+UDM and SMF+PGW-C. The N11 interface represents the communication interface between SMF+PGW-C and AMF. The N8 interface represents the communication interface between HSS+UDM and AMF. The N15 interface represents the communication interface between PCF and AMF. The N3 interface represents the communication interface between UPF+PGW-U and NG-RAN. The N2 interface represents the communication interface between NG-RAN and AMF. The N1 interface represents the communication interface between AMF and UE. The N26 interface represents the communication interface between MME and AMF.

[0023] The UE can be a mobile phone, computer, handheld communication device, handheld computing device, vehicle-mounted device, wearable device, smart home device, or other device used for communication over a wireless system.

[0024] E-UTRAN is a 4G-side base station, through which UEs can access the 4G communication system; NG-RAN is a 5G-side base station, through which UEs can access the 5G communication system.

[0025] MME is a 4G core network element responsible for authenticating and authorizing UEs, managing mobility, and managing sessions.

[0026] SGW is a 4G core network element (core network gateway) responsible for data forwarding, downlink data storage, etc.

[0027] UPF+PGW-U is a core network element shared by 4G and 5G, meaning it's a core network device co-located for both 4G and 5G, encompassing the functions of UPF and PGW-U. UPF is the user plane equipment of the 5G core network, providing user plane services for the UE's PDU sessions. PGW-U is the user plane equipment of the 4G core network, providing user plane services for the UE's PDN connections. UPF+PGW-U can also be referred to as PGW-U+UPF; any device containing both UPF and PGW-U functions is identical to this device.

[0028] SMF+PGW-C is a core network element shared by 4G and 5G, meaning it's a core network device co-located for both 4G and 5G, encompassing the functions of SMF and PGW-C. SMF is the control plane device of the 5G core network, providing control plane services for the UE's PDU sessions; managing 5G PDU sessions and 5G QoS; allocating IP addresses to the UE; and selecting a UPF for the UE. PGW-C is the control plane device of the 4G core network, providing user plane services for the UE's PDN connections; it's responsible for allocating IP addresses to the UE and establishing EPS bearers for the UE. SMF+PGW-C can also be referred to as PGW-C+SMF; any device containing both SMF and PGW-C functions is identical to this device.

[0029] PCF is a core network element of 5G, mainly responsible for providing policy rules and obtaining registration information related to policy decisions.

[0030] UDM+HSS is a core network element shared by 4G and 5G, meaning it's a core network device co-located for both 4G and 5G, including HSS and UDM. HSS is the 4G core network equipment used to store user subscription data. UDM is the 5G core network equipment used to store user subscription data. UDM+HSS can also be called HSS+UDM; any device containing both HSS and UDM functions is identical to this device.

[0031] AMF is a 5G core network element used for authenticating and authorizing users, and managing user mobility.

[0032] The MME and AMF use the N26 interface to support handover between 5G and 4G networks. In this case, the 5G core network can configure EBI for the UE's PDU session or the QoS flow in the PDU session.

[0033] For ease of understanding, the following will combine Figure 1 The communication system described in this application provides a detailed introduction to the QoS flow update method provided in the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other. It should be understood that the above-described communication system does not constitute a limitation on the application scenarios of the QoS flow update method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is an interactive diagram illustrating a QoS flow update initiated by a PCF network element, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, when a PCF network element initiates a QoS flow update, triggering EBI and ARP updates, the specific interaction process of this QoS flow update method is as follows:

[0036] 1. The UE establishes a PDU session with the network, placing the UE in a PDU session scenario.

[0037] The PDU session establishment process can refer to the existing establishment procedures and will not be repeated here. During PDU session establishment, the established session is marked to indicate whether the session supports handover between EPC and 5G. For example, the support for handover between EPC and 5G can be indicated by modifying the field values ​​in the PDU session's session management policy.

[0038] For PDU sessions that support handover between EPC and 5G, the PDU session can be migrated to the EPC, and a PDN (Packet Data Network) connection corresponding to the PDU session can be established in the EPC. Furthermore, the QoS flow in the PDU session will be mapped to an EPS bearer in the PDN connection, and an EBI (Easy Bias) will be assigned to the EPS bearer so that the network and UE can distinguish each EPS bearer.

[0039] 2. The PCF network element triggers a QoS flow update request, in which the ARP of the QoS flow changes.

[0040] When a UE or network initiates a modification to a PDU session, the QoS flow within the PDU session will be updated. The PCF network element triggers a QoS flow update based on the PDU session modification. When the QoS flow is updated, the QoS parameters within the QoS flow will change. These QoS parameters include 5QI and ARP. When the ARP changes, the SMF network element will trigger the first update request to request an update to the ARP of the QoS flow.

[0041] Among them, 5QI, or 5G Quality identity, is used to index a 5G QoS feature. ARP, or Allocate and Reserve Priority, contains information such as priority, preemption capability, and preemptibility. Priority defines the importance of a UE's resource request. When system resources are limited, ARP determines whether a new QoS flow is accepted or rejected.

[0042] Depending on the type of QoS flow, a QoS flow may also include other QoS parameters. For example, an NGBR QoS flow may include reflection QoS attributes, while a GBR QoS flow may include parameters such as guaranteed flow bit rate and maximum flow bit rate.

[0043] 3. The SMF network element determines that the current PDU session supports the handover between EPC and 5G, and sends the first update request to the AMF network element based on the QoS flow update request triggered by the PCF network element.

[0044] The SMF network element obtains the session management policy of the PDU session from the PCF network element, and then determines whether the current PDU session supports the handover between EPC and 5G based on the field values ​​in the session management policy.

[0045] If the current PDU session supports the switching between EPC and 5G, the SMF network element sends a first update request to the AMF network element based on the QoS flow update request triggered by the PCF network element, so that the AMF network element updates the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow according to the first update request.

[0046] The first update request includes the mapping between OLD ARP (historical ARP) and EBI, as well as the mapping between the pending NEW ARP (new ARP) and EBI.

[0047] 4. The AMF network element updates the mapping relationship between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow according to the received first update request, and sends the first completion response to the SMF network element after the update is completed.

[0048] After receiving the first update request, the AMF network element determines whether the new ARP in the first update request has a corresponding EBI. If no corresponding EBI exists, it updates the historical ARP corresponding to the EBI to the new ARP according to the mapping relationship between the new ARP and EBI, thus completing the update of the mapping relationship between EBI and ARP for QoS flows. After completing the update, it returns a first completion response to the SMF network element. The first completion response carries the updated mapping relationship between the new ARP and EBI.

[0049] 5. The SMF network element triggers a second update request to the AMF network element based on the first completion response received.

[0050] After receiving the first completion response, the SMF network element determines that the EBI of the QoS flow has not changed based on the new ARP-EBI correspondence in the first completion response. It only needs to change the ARP in the QoS flow, which triggers the second update request to the AMF network element. The second update request is a request to notify the network to change the ARP of the QoS flow. The second update request carries the new ARP-EBI correspondence of the QoS flow that needs to be changed.

[0051] 6. The AMF network element triggers a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to modify the ARP in the QoS flow based on the second update request.

[0052] The AMF network element sends a second update request to the RAN network element. The second update request carries the new ARP of the QoS flow. After receiving the second update request, the RAN network element changes the EBI of the QoS flow and the corresponding ARP based on the correspondence between the new ARP of the QoS flow and the EBI. After the change is completed, it returns a second completion response to the AMF network element.

[0053] 7. The AMF network element returns the second completion response to the SMF network element.

[0054] The AMF network element returns the received second completion response to the SMF network element.

[0055] 8. The SMF network element returns an update completion response to the PCF network element, indicating that the QoS flow update is complete.

[0056] After receiving the second completion response, the SMF network element considers the QoS flow update complete and sends a third completion response to the PCF network element to indicate that the QoS flow update is complete.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is an interactive diagram illustrating another QoS flow update initiated by a UDM network element, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, when a UDM network element initiates a subscription QoS update, triggering EBI and ARP updates, the specific interaction process of this QoS flow update method is as follows:

[0059] 1. The UE establishes a PDU session with the network, placing the UE in a PDU session scenario.

[0060] The PDU session establishment process can refer to the existing establishment procedures and will not be repeated here. During PDU session establishment, the established session is marked to indicate that it supports handover between EPC and 5G. For example, whether a PDU session supports handover between EPC and 5G can be indicated by modifying the field values ​​in the PDU session's session management policy.

[0061] For PDU sessions that support handover between EPC and 5G, the PDU session can be migrated to the EPC, and a PDN (Packet Data Network) connection corresponding to the PDU session can be established in the EPC. Furthermore, the QoS flow in the PDU session will be mapped to an EPS bearer in the PDN connection, and an EBI (Easy Bias) will be assigned to the EPS bearer so that the network and UE can distinguish each EPS bearer.

[0062] 2. The UDM network element initiates a subscription update request for subscription QoS update to the SMF network element.

[0063] When a UDM initiates a subscription QoS update, it sends a subscription update request to the SMF network element. The subscription update request includes the subscription QoS ARP.

[0064] 3. The SMF network element triggers a QoS flow update request to the PCF network element based on the subscription update request.

[0065] The SMF network element triggers a QoS flow update request based on the subscription update request and sends the QoS flow update request to the PCF network element. The QoS flow update request includes the changed parameters of the subscription QoS, and the changed parameters include ARP.

[0066] 4. The PCF network element triggers a QoS flow update request, in which the ARP of the QoS flow changes.

[0067] When a UE or network initiates a modification to a PDU session, the QoS flow within the PDU session will be updated. The PCF triggers a QoS flow update based on the PDU session modification. When the QoS flow is updated, the QoS parameters within the QoS flow will change. These QoS parameters include 5QI and ARP. When the ARP changes, the SMF network element will trigger the first update request to request an update to the ARP of the QoS flow.

[0068] Among them, 5QI, or 5G Quality identity, is used to index a 5G QoS feature. ARP, or Allocate and Reserve Priority, contains information such as priority, preemption capability, and preemptibility. Priority defines the importance of a UE's resource request. When system resources are limited, ARP determines whether a new QoS flow is accepted or rejected.

[0069] Depending on the type of QoS flow, a QoS flow may also include other QoS parameters. For example, an NGBR QoS flow may include reflection QoS attributes, while a GBR QoS flow may include parameters such as guaranteed flow bit rate and maximum flow bit rate.

[0070] 5. The SMF network element determines that the current PDU session supports the handover between EPC and 5G, and sends the first update request to the AMF network element based on the QoS flow update request triggered by the PCF network element.

[0071] The SMF network element obtains the session management policy of the PDU session from the PCF network element, and then determines whether the current PDU session supports the handover between EPC and 5G based on the field values ​​in the session management policy.

[0072] If the current PDU session supports the switching between EPC and 5G, the SMF network element sends a first update request to the AMF network element based on the QoS flow update request triggered by the PCF network element, so that the AMF network element updates the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow according to the first update request.

[0073] The first update request includes the mapping between OLD ARP (historical ARP) and EBI, as well as the mapping between the pending NEW ARP (new ARP) and EBI.

[0074] 6. The AMF network element updates the mapping relationship between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow according to the received first update request, and sends the first completion response to the SMF network element after the update is completed.

[0075] After receiving the first update request, the AMF network element checks whether a corresponding EBI exists for the new ARP in the first update request. If no corresponding EBI exists, it updates the historical ARP corresponding to the EBI to the new ARP according to the mapping relationship between the new ARP and EBI, thus completing the update of the mapping relationship between EBI and ARP for QoS flows. After completing the update, it returns a first completion response to the SMF network element. The first completion response carries the updated mapping relationship between the new ARP and EBI.

[0076] 7. The SMF network element triggers a second update request to the AMF network element based on the first completion response received.

[0077] After receiving the first completion response, the SMF network element determines that the EBI of the QoS flow has not changed based on the new ARP-EBI correspondence in the first completion response. It only needs to change the ARP in the QoS flow, which triggers the second update request to the AMF network element. The second update request is a request to notify the network to change the ARP of the QoS flow. The second update request carries the new ARP-EBI correspondence of the QoS flow that needs to be changed.

[0078] 8. The AMF network element triggers a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to modify the ARP in the QoS flow based on the second update request.

[0079] The AMF network element sends a second update request to the RAN network element. The second update request carries the new ARP of the QoS flow. After receiving the second update request, the RAN network element changes the EBI of the QoS flow and the corresponding ARP based on the correspondence between the new ARP of the QoS flow and the EBI. After the change is completed, it returns a second completion response to the AMF network element.

[0080] 9. The AMF network element returns the second completion response to the SMF network element.

[0081] The AMF network element returns the received second completion response to the SMF network element.

[0082] 10. The SMF network element returns an update completion response to the PCF network element, indicating that the QoS flow update is complete.

[0083] After receiving the second completion response, the SMF network element considers the QoS flow update complete and sends a third completion response to the PCF network element to indicate that the QoS flow update is complete.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a QoS flow update method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, the QoS flow update method includes steps S101 to S102.

[0086] Step S101: Receive the first update request sent by the SMF network element, update the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request, and send the first completion response to the SMF network element.

[0087] When a QoS flow is updated, the AMF network element receives a first update request from the SMF network element. Based on this request, it updates the mapping between the QoS flow's EBI and ARP, and then sends a first completion response to the SMF network element after the update is complete. By updating the mapping between the QoS flow's EBI and ARP, the QoS flow is updated, avoiding the release and reallocation of the EBI during the update process. This ensures that the QoS flow's EBI remains unchanged after the update, reducing interaction with the UE.

[0088] The first update request received by the AMF network element can be triggered by the SMF network element in different scenarios. In one embodiment, receiving the first update request sent by the SMF network element includes: receiving the first update request sent by the SMF network element based on the QoS flow update triggered by the PCF network element; or receiving the first update request sent by the SMF network element based on the subscription QoS flow update triggered by the UDM network element.

[0089] When a UE or network initiates a modification of a PDU session, the PCF network element triggers a QoS flow update. If the ARP in the QoS parameters of the QoS flow changes, the SMF network element will send a first update request to the AMF network element based on the QoS flow update triggered by the PCF network element, so that the AMF network element can change the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow.

[0090] When a UDM network element initiates a subscription QoS flow update, the SMF and PCF network elements will interact and confirm that the ARP in the QoS parameters of the subscription QoS flow has changed and needs to be updated. Based on the subscription QoS flow update triggered by the UDM network element, the SMF network element will send a first update request to the AMF network element so that the AMF network element can change the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow.

[0091] In practice, when the ARP parameter of a QoS flow or subscribed QoS flow changes and needs to be updated, the SMF network element retrieves the session management policy of the PDU session from the PCF network element. Based on the field values ​​in the session management policy, it determines whether the corresponding PDU session supports handover between EPC and 5G. Only when it is determined that the PDU session supports handover between EPC and 5G will the first update request be sent to the AMF network element.

[0092] After receiving the first update request, the AMF network element will update the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request. In one embodiment, the first update request includes the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the historical ARP of the QoS flow, as well as the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP.

[0093] The first update request includes the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow that triggered the update and the historical ARP, as well as the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP that needs to be updated. Based on the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP that needs to be updated, the AMF network element updates the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the historical ARP, and then sends a first completion response to the SMF network element.

[0094] In one embodiment, updating the correspondence between the EBI of a QoS flow and the ARP of a QoS flow based on a first update request includes: updating the historical ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow to the new ARP according to the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP, thereby completing the update of the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow.

[0095] When updating the mapping between the EBI and ARP of a QoS flow, the historical ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow can be updated to the new ARP based on the mapping between the EBI and the new ARP, thus obtaining the updated mapping between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow, thereby completing the update of the mapping between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow.

[0096] Because the historical ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow is updated to the new ARP during the update, the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow is directly updated. The EBI of the QoS flow remains unchanged, only the ARP of the QoS flow changes. Therefore, the EBI remains unchanged during the update process, avoiding the redistribution of the EBI.

[0097] Step S102: Receive the second update request triggered by the SMF network element based on the first completion response, and trigger the second update request to the RAN network element, so that the RAN network element responds to the second update request to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow and updates the QoS flow.

[0098] After the AMF network element sends the first completion response to the SMF network element, the SMF network element will trigger a second update request based on the first completion response. The AMF network element receives the second update request and forwards it to the RAN network element, so that the RAN network element updates the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request.

[0099] The second update request is used to notify the network to update the ARP of the QoS flow. The second update request only carries the N2 message, that is, the update message is sent to the network only through the N2 interface. The update message includes the new ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow.

[0100] After the AMF network element forwards the second update request to the RAN network element, the RAN network element will respond to the second update request by updating the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow.

[0101] In one embodiment, triggering a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, and updating the QoS flow, includes: triggering a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, and receiving a second completion response indicated by the RAN network element; returning the second completion response to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element sends a third completion response to the PCF network element, thereby completing the QoS flow update.

[0102] The AMF network element sends a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to respond to the second update request and update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow. Since the second update request includes the new ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow, the RAN network element can update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow according to the new ARP, updating the historical ARP to the new ARP, and generating a second completion response after the update is completed, and sending the second completion response to the AMF network element.

[0103] The AMF network element returns the second completion response to the SMF network element, indicating that the network has completed the ARP update corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow. Then, the SMF network element sends the third completion response to the PCF network element, indicating that the update of the QoS flow has been completed.

[0104] In one embodiment, triggering a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, includes: triggering a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP corresponding to the EBI in response to the second update request.

[0105] The second update request may include not only the new ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow, but also the mapping between the EBI and the new ARP. RAN network elements can update both the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow based on the second update request.

[0106] The QoS flow update method provided in the above embodiments utilizes an AMF network element to receive a first update request sent by an SMF network element, and updates the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request. After the correspondence update is completed, a first completion response is sent to the SMF network element. Then, a second update request triggered by the SMF network element based on the first completion response is received, and the second update request is triggered to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, thereby updating the QoS flow. During the update process, the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow is updated, so that the EBI of the QoS flow remains unchanged, thereby reducing information interaction with the UE during the update process and making reasonable use of network resources.

[0107] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another QoS flow update method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] like Figure 5 As shown, the QoS flow update method includes steps S201 to S202.

[0109] S201. Receive the first update request sent by the SMF network element, and update the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request.

[0110] When a QoS flow is updated, the AMF network element receives the first update request sent by the SMF network element, and then updates the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request. By updating the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow, the QoS flow is updated, avoiding the release and reallocation of the EBI during the QoS flow update process, ensuring that the EBI of the QoS flow does not change, and reducing interaction with the UE.

[0111] The first update request received by the AMF network element can be triggered by the SMF network element in different scenarios. In one embodiment, receiving the first update request sent by the SMF network element includes: receiving the first update request sent by the SMF network element based on the QoS flow update triggered by the PCF network element; or receiving the first update request sent by the SMF network element based on the subscription QoS flow update triggered by the UDM network element.

[0112] When a UE or network initiates a modification of a PDU session, the PCF network element triggers a QoS flow update. If the ARP in the QoS parameters of the QoS flow changes, the SMF network element will send a first update request to the AMF network element based on the QoS flow update triggered by the PCF network element, so that the AMF network element can change the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow.

[0113] When a UDM network element initiates a subscribed QoS flow update, the SMF and PCF network elements will interact and confirm that the ARP in the QoS parameters of the subscribed QoS flow has changed and needs to be updated. The SMF network element will send a first update request to the AMF network element based on the subscribed QoS flow update triggered by the UDM network element, so that the AMF network element can change the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow.

[0114] In practice, when the ARP parameter of a QoS flow or subscribed QoS flow changes and needs to be updated, the SMF network element retrieves the session management policy of the PDU session from the PCF network element. Based on the field values ​​in the session management policy, it determines whether the corresponding PDU session supports handover between EPC and 5G. Only when it is determined that the PDU session supports handover between EPC and 5G will the first update request be sent to the AMF network element.

[0115] After receiving the first update request, the AMF network element will update the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request. In one embodiment, the first update request includes the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the historical ARP of the QoS flow, as well as the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP.

[0116] The first update request includes the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow that triggered the update and the historical ARP, as well as the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP that needs to be updated. Based on the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP that needs to be updated, the AMF network element updates the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the historical ARP, thus completing the update of the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow.

[0117] In one embodiment, before updating the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request, the method includes: determining whether the new ARP has a corresponding EBI; and when the new ARP does not have a corresponding EBI, performing the step of updating the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request.

[0118] After receiving the first update request, the AMF network element determines whether the new ARP already has a corresponding EBI based on the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP in the first update request. If no corresponding EBI exists, the element continues to execute the step of updating the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request.

[0119] In one embodiment, updating the correspondence between the EBI of a QoS flow and the ARP of a QoS flow based on a first update request includes: updating the historical ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow to the new ARP according to the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP, thereby completing the update of the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow.

[0120] When updating the mapping between the EBI and ARP of a QoS flow, the historical ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow can be updated to the new ARP based on the mapping between the EBI and the new ARP, thus obtaining the updated mapping between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow, thereby completing the update of the mapping between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow.

[0121] Because the historical ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow is updated to the new ARP during the update, the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow is directly updated. The EBI of the QoS flow remains unchanged, only the ARP of the QoS flow changes. Therefore, the EBI remains unchanged during the update process, avoiding the redistribution of the EBI.

[0122] S202. Send a first completion response to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element can determine whether the EBI of the QoS flow has changed based on the first completion response.

[0123] After updating the mapping between the EBI and ARP of a QoS flow, the AMF network element can send a first completion response to the SMF network element. This first completion response carries the updated mapping between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow, i.e., the mapping between the EBI and the new ARP.

[0124] After receiving the first completion response, the SMF network element determines whether the EBI of the QoS flow has changed during the update process based on the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP.

[0125] S203. Receive the second update request triggered by the SMF network element when it determines that the EBI of the QoS flow has not changed, and trigger the second update request to the RAN network element, so that the RAN network element responds to the second update request to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow and updates the QoS flow.

[0126] When the SMF network element determines that the EBI of the QoS flow has not changed, it will trigger a second update request. The AMF network element receives the second update request and forwards it to the RAN network element, so that the RAN network element updates the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request.

[0127] The second update request is used to notify the network to update the ARP of the QoS flow. The second update request only carries the N2 message, that is, the update message is sent to the network only through the N2 interface. The update message includes the new ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow.

[0128] After the AMF network element forwards the second update request to the RAN network element, the RAN network element will respond to the second update request by updating the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow.

[0129] In one embodiment, triggering a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, and updating the QoS flow, includes: triggering a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, and receiving a second completion response indicated by the RAN network element; returning the second completion response to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element sends a third completion response to the PCF network element, thereby completing the QoS flow update.

[0130] The AMF network element sends a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to respond to the second update request and update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow. Since the second update request includes the new ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow, the RAN network element can update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow according to the new ARP, updating the historical ARP to the new ARP, and generating a second completion response after the update is completed, and sending the second completion response to the AMF network element.

[0131] The AMF network element returns the second completion response to the SMF network element, indicating that the network has completed the ARP update corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow. Then, the SMF network element sends the third completion response to the PCF network element, indicating that the update of the QoS flow has been completed.

[0132] In one embodiment, triggering a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, includes: triggering a second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP corresponding to the EBI in response to the second update request.

[0133] The second update request may include not only the new ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow, but also the mapping between the EBI and the new ARP. RAN network elements can update both the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow based on the second update request.

[0134] The QoS flow update method provided in the above embodiments utilizes an AMF network element to receive a first update request sent by an SMF network element, and updates the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request. After the correspondence update is completed, a first completion response is sent to the SMF network element. Then, a second update request triggered by the SMF network element based on the first completion response is received, and the second update request is triggered to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, thereby updating the QoS flow. During the update process, the correspondence between the EBI and ARP of the QoS flow is updated, so that the EBI of the QoS flow remains unchanged, thereby reducing information interaction with the UE during the update process and making reasonable use of network resources.

[0135] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of a device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] like Figure 6 As shown, device 300 includes processor 301 and memory 302, which are connected via bus 303, such as I2C (Inter-integrated Circuit) bus.

[0137] Specifically, processor 301 provides computing and control capabilities to support the operation of the entire device. Processor 301 can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0138] Specifically, the memory 302 can be a Flash chip, a read-only memory (ROM) disk, an optical disk, a USB flash drive, or a portable hard drive, etc.

[0139] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 5 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the embodiments of the present invention, and does not constitute a limitation on the device to which the embodiments of the present invention are applied. A specific server may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0140] The processor is configured to run a computer program stored in a memory, and to implement any of the QoS flow update methods provided in the embodiments of the present invention when executing the computer program.

[0141] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to run a computer program stored in a memory, and when executing the computer program, implement the following steps: receiving a first update request sent by an SMF network element, updating the correspondence between the EBI of a QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request, and sending a first completion response to the SMF network element; receiving a second update request triggered by the SMF network element based on the first completion response, and triggering the second update request to a RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, thereby updating the QoS flow.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first update request includes the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the historical ARP of the QoS flow, as well as the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP.

[0143] In one embodiment, when the processor implements the mapping relationship between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request, it is configured to: update the historical ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow to the new ARP according to the mapping relationship between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP, thereby completing the update of the mapping relationship between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow.

[0144] In one embodiment, before implementing the mapping relationship between the EBI of the QoS flow updated based on the first update request and the ARP of the QoS flow, the processor is configured to: determine whether the new ARP has a corresponding EBI; and when the new ARP does not have a corresponding EBI, execute the step of updating the mapping relationship between the EBI of the QoS flow updated based on the first update request and the ARP of the QoS flow.

[0145] In one embodiment, when the processor sends the first completion response to the SMF network element, it is configured to: send the first completion response to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element determines whether the EBI of the QoS flow has changed based on the first completion response; when the processor receives the second update request triggered by the SMF network element based on the first completion response, it is configured to: receive the second update request triggered when the SMF network element determines that the EBI of the QoS flow has not changed.

[0146] In one embodiment, when the processor receives the first update request sent by the SMF network element, it is configured to: receive the first update request sent by the SMF network element based on the QoS flow update triggered by the PCF network element; or receive the first update request sent by the SMF network element based on the subscription QoS flow update triggered by the UDM network element.

[0147] In one embodiment, when the processor implements the step of triggering the second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, and updating the QoS flow, the processor is configured to: trigger the second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, and receive a second completion response indicated by the RAN network element; return the second completion response to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element sends a third completion response to the PCF network element, thereby completing the update of the QoS flow.

[0148] In one embodiment, when the processor implements the step of triggering the second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, it is configured to: trigger the second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP corresponding to the EBI in response to the second update request.

[0149] It should be noted that those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the device described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the aforementioned QoS flow update method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0150] This invention also provides a storage medium for computer-readable storage, wherein the storage medium stores one or more programs that can be executed by one or more processors to implement the steps of any of the QoS flow update methods provided in the specification of this invention.

[0151] The storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the device described in the foregoing embodiments, such as the hard drive or memory of the device. Alternatively, the storage medium can be an external storage device, such as a plug-in hard drive, Smart Media Card (SMC), Secure Digital (SD) card, or Flash Card.

[0152] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or some of the steps, systems, or apparatuses disclosed above, and their functional modules / units, can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or suitable combinations thereof. In hardware embodiments, the division between functional modules / units mentioned in the above description does not necessarily correspond to the division of physical components; for example, a physical component may have multiple functions, or a function or step may be performed collaboratively by several physical components. Some or all physical components may be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software may be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which may include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and can be accessed by a computer. Furthermore, it is well known to those skilled in the art that communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0153] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations. It should be noted that, herein, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or system that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or system that includes that element.

[0154] The sequence numbers of the above embodiments of the present invention are merely for descriptive purposes and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. The above descriptions are only specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A QoS flow update method, characterized by, Applied to AMF network elements, including: Receive a first update request sent by the SMF network element, update the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request, and send a first completion response to the SMF network element; The system receives a second update request triggered by the SMF network element based on the first completion response, and triggers the second update request to the RAN network element, so that the RAN network element updates the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, and updates the QoS flow.

2. The QoS flow update method of claim 1, wherein, The first update request includes the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the historical ARP of the QoS flow, as well as the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP.

3. The QoS flow update method of claim 2, wherein, The mapping relationship between the EBI of the QoS flow updated based on the first update request and the ARP of the QoS flow includes: Based on the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the new ARP, the historical ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow is updated to the new ARP, thus completing the update of the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow.

4. The QoS flow update method of claim 2, wherein, Before updating the mapping between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request, the following steps are included: Determine if the new ARP has a corresponding EBI; When the new ARP does not have a corresponding EBI, the step of updating the correspondence between the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP of the QoS flow based on the first update request is executed.

5. The QoS flow update method of claim 1, wherein, Sending the first completion response to the SMF network element includes: Send a first completion response to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element determines whether the EBI of the QoS flow has changed based on the first completion response; Receiving the second update request triggered by the SMF network element based on the first completion response includes: The second update request is triggered when the SMF network element determines that the EBI of the QoS flow has not changed.

6. The QoS flow update method of claim 1, wherein, The first update request sent by the SMF network element includes: Receive the first update request sent by the SMF network element based on the QoS flow update triggered by the PCF network element; or Receive the first update request sent by the SMF network element based on the subscription QoS flow update triggered by the UDM network element.

7. The QoS flow update method of claim 1, wherein, The step of triggering the second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, and updating the QoS flow includes: The second update request is triggered to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, and to receive the second completion response indicated by the RAN network element; The second completion response is returned to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element sends a third completion response to the PCF network element to complete the QoS flow update.

8. The QoS flow update method of claim 1 or 7, wherein, The step of triggering the second update request to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the ARP corresponding to the EBI of the QoS flow in response to the second update request, includes: The second update request is triggered to the RAN network element, causing the RAN network element to update the EBI of the QoS flow and the ARP corresponding to the EBI in response to the second update request.

9. An apparatus, comprising: The device includes a processor, a memory, a computer program stored in the memory and executable by the processor, and a data bus for implementing communication between the processor and the memory, wherein the computer program, when executed by the processor, implements the steps of the QoS flow update method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A storage medium for computer-readable storage, characterized in that, The storage medium stores one or more programs, which can be executed by one or more processors to implement the steps of the QoS flow update method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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