Device and method for processing services in wireless communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5th generation (5G) or pre-5G communication system for supporting higher data transmission rates after a 4th generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). An operating method of a device for a user plane function (UPF) in a core network of a wireless communication system may include: receiving rule information for processing packets from a device for a session management function (SMF); processing packets including user traffic received from a first device based on the rule; and sending the processed packets to a second device. In this article, the first device or the second device may be different devices that perform functions related to the user plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for processing traffic in a wireless communication system. Background Art

[0002] In order to meet the growing demand for wireless data services after the commercialization of the 4th generation (4G) communication system, efforts have been made to develop advanced 5th generation (5G) communication systems or pre-5G communication systems. For this reason, 5G communication systems or pre-5G communication systems are called super 4G network communication systems or post-long term evolution (LTE) systems.

[0003] In order to achieve high data rates, 5G communication systems are considering implementation in extremely high frequency (millimeter wave) bands (e.g., 60 GHz bands). In order to mitigate the path loss of propagation in extremely high frequency bands and extend the propagation distance, 5G communication systems are discussing beamforming, massive multiple input multiple output (MIMO), full-dimensional (FD)-MIMO, array antennas, analog beamforming, and massive antenna technologies.

[0004] In addition, for network enhancement of the system, 5G communication systems are developing technologies such as evolved small cells, advanced small cells, cloud radio access network (RAN), ultra-dense networks, device to device (D2D) communication, wireless backhaul, mobile networks, collaborative communications, coordinated multi-points (CoMP) and reception interference cancellation.

[0005] In addition, 5G systems are developing hybrid frequency shift keying and quadrature amplitude modulation (FQAM) and sliding window superposition coding (SWSC) as advanced coding modulation (ACM) schemes, as well as filter bank multi carrier (FBMC), nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) and sparse code multiple access (SCMA) as advanced access technologies.

[0006] Compared with the existing 4G communication system, the 5G communication system is considering supporting various services. For example, the 5G communication system can support enhanced mobile broad band (eMBB) service, ultra-reliable and low latency communication (URLLC) service, massive machine type communication (mMTC) service, evolved multimedia broadcast / multicast service (eMBMS), etc.

[0007] In order to achieve the data throughput required by 5G communication systems, it is necessary to increase the processing speed of the core network and the radio part. Therefore, various structures for efficiently processing data in the core network are being discussed. Summary of the invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] Based on the above discussion, the present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for processing user traffic in a wireless communication system.

[0010] Problem Solution

[0011] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an operation method of a device for a user plane function (UPF) in a core network of a wireless communication system may include: receiving rule information for processing a packet from a device for a session management function (SMF); processing a packet including user traffic received from a first device based on the rule; and sending the processed packet to a second device. In this article, the first device or the second device may be different devices that perform functions related to the user plane.

[0012] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an operation method of a device of SMF in a core network of a wireless communication system may include: determining a rule for at least one action respectively performed by multiple devices for UPF, and sending information of the rule to multiple devices for UPF.

[0013] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an operating method of a device for a network repository function (NRF) in a core network of a wireless communication system may also include: performing a network function (NF) registration process with multiple devices and devices for UPF, receiving information of UPF services provided by multiple devices for UPF, sending a request message for requesting information of multiple devices for UPF from a device for SMF, and receiving a response message including information of multiple devices for UPF.

[0014] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a device for a UPF in a core network of a wireless communication system may include a transceiver and at least one processor connected to the transceiver, and the at least one processor may be controlled to receive information of a rule for processing a packet from a device for an SMF, process a packet including a user service received from a first device based on the rule, and send the processed packet to a second device. In this article, the first device or the second device may be different devices that perform functions related to the user plane.

[0015] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for SMF in a core network of a wireless communication system may include a transceiver and at least one processor connected to the transceiver, and the at least one processor may determine a rule for at least one action respectively executed by multiple devices for UPF, and control information of sending the rule to multiple devices for UPF.

[0016] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, an apparatus for an NRF in a core network of a wireless communication system may include a transceiver and at least one processor connected to the transceiver, and the at least one processor may control receiving information of UPF services provided by multiple devices of the UPF, performing an NF registration process with multiple devices and devices for the UPF, sending a request message for requesting information of multiple devices for the UPF from a device for the SMF, and receiving a response message including information of multiple devices for the UPF.

[0017] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0018] The apparatus and method according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can effectively process user traffic in a wireless communication system.

[0019] Effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art of the present disclosure through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 A wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 The configuration of a core network device in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 An example of a user plane function (UPF) connection structure in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 An example of a packet forwarding scheme in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 Another example of a packet forwarding scheme in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 An example of packet processing in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 7 An example of a signal exchange diagram for processing packets in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 An example of a signal exchange diagram is shown if a tunnel is used to forward packets in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig. 9 An example of a signal exchange diagram is shown if a header is used to forward a packet in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig.10 Another example of a signal exchange diagram is shown if some rules are defined by a UPF device in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The terms used in this disclosure are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meanings as those generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field described in this disclosure. Among the terms used in this disclosure, the terms defined in common dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meanings as in the context of the relevant technology, and unless clearly defined in this disclosure, cannot be interpreted as ideal or overly formal meanings. In some cases, even the terms defined in this disclosure cannot be interpreted as excluding embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] The various embodiments of the present disclosure described below describe hardware methods by way of example. However, the various embodiments of the present disclosure include technologies using hardware and software, and therefore the various embodiments of the present disclosure do not exclude software-based methods. For example, the network function (NF) or NF service included in the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as separate hardware, or may be implemented as software running on a computing device (server).

[0032] Hereinafter, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for processing traffic of a service in a wireless communication system.

[0033] For the convenience of description, the terms indicating signals, channels, control information, network entities or NFs, and device components used in the following explanations are exemplified for the convenience of description. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms to be described, and other terms with the same technical meanings may be used.

[0034] For the convenience of description, the terms indicating access nodes, the terms indicating network entities or NFs, the terms indicating messages, the terms indicating interfaces between network entities, the terms indicating various identification information, etc. used in the following description are provided as examples for the convenience of description. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms to be described, and other terms having the same technical meanings may be used.

[0035] In addition, the present disclosure describes various embodiments using terms used in some communication standards (eg, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)), but this is merely an example for description. Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be easily modified and applied to other communication systems.

[0036] Figure 1 A wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 , the system includes a user equipment (UE) 100, a radio access network (RAN) 120, a core network 130, and a data network (DN) 140. The core network 130 includes an access and mobility management function (AMF) 130a, a session management function (SMF) 130b, a user plane function (UPF) 130c, a network slice selection function (NSSF) 130d, a network exposure function (NEF) 130e, a network storage function (NRF) 130f, a policy control function (PCF) 130g, a unified data management (UDM) 130h, an application function (AF) 130i, an authentication server function (AUSF) 130g, and a service communication proxy (SCP) 130h.

[0038] UE 110 is a device used by a user and communicates with a base station included in RAN 120 through a radio channel. In addition to UE, UE 110 may be referred to as 'terminal', 'mobile station', 'subscriber station', 'remote terminal', 'wireless terminal', 'user equipment' or other terms having technically equivalent meanings.

[0039] RAN 120 is a network directly connected to a user equipment (e.g., UE 110), and is an infrastructure that provides radio access to UE 110. RAN 120 includes a group of multiple base stations, and multiple base stations can perform communication through interfaces formed between them. At least some of the interfaces between multiple base stations may be wired or wireless. The base station may have a structure divided into a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). In this case, one CU can control multiple DUs. In this document, in addition to the base station, the base station may be referred to as 'access point (AP)', 'eNodeB (eNB)', 'fifth generation (5G) node', 'next generation Node B (gNB)', 'radio point', 'transmit / receive point (TRP)' or other terms with the same technical meaning.

[0040] The core network 130, which is a network that manages the entire system, controls the RAN 120 and processes data and control signals for the UE 110 sent and received via the RAN 120. The core network 130 performs various functions, such as user plane and control plane control, mobility processing, subscriber information management, charging, and interworking with other systems (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) system). In order to perform the various functions described above, the core network 130 may include a plurality of devices functionally separated by different NFs. NF (e.g., SMF 130b, UPF 130c, etc.) is a logical entity, and each NF may include at least one service. The logical entity may be implemented with a processor, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. Each logical entity may be provided by one device or multiple devices.

[0041] AMF 130a is an NF that manages radio network access and mobility of UE. SMF 130b is an NF that manages sessions of UE. Session information includes Quality of Service (QoS) information, charging information, and packet processing information. UPF 130c is an NF that processes user plane services (i.e., packets sent and received by users through a communication network). UPF 130c may be controlled by SMF 130b. Figure 1 Although not described in the specification, the system may include an Unstructured Data Storage Network Function (UDSF). The UDSF is a NF that stores unstructured data and can store or retrieve any type of data at the request of the NF.

[0042] Figure 1 The various NFs shown are defined from a logical perspective, and the NFs can be implemented with at least one hardware device. The hardware device can establish a connection through a wired or wireless communication line and send and receive necessary data. For example, each NF can be implemented as an independent device. As another example, Figure 1 Two or more of the illustrated NFs may be implemented as one device. As yet another example, one NF may be implemented as a group of multiple devices.

[0043] At the same time, one of the structural features of the communication network according to various embodiments of the present disclosure separates the control plane for services such as AMF and SMF from the user plane for processing actual services. Specifically, the user service processing supported by UPF, that is, packet processing can be divided into various detailed processing functions as shown in the following [Table 1].

[0044] [Table 1]

[0045]

[0046]

[0047] In the processing functions shown in [Table 1] above, for other functions, there may be an additional usage report function. That is, the usage report function may be added to other functions that require result reporting. For example, the usage report function may be executed together with the packet buffer function and the DPI function.

[0048] Hereinafter, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, a packet processing function or module may be referred to as a 'UPF service'. The UPF service may be understood to correspond to each of the various packet processing detailed functions described above. For example, the QoS implementation function corresponds to the 'QoS implementation service' of the UPF. In addition, additional packet processing functions other than the various packet processing detailed functions described above may be further supported, such as a network address translation (NAT) function, a virtual local area network (LAN) support function, and the like.

[0049] One UPF instance can support one or more UPF services. If each UPF service is implemented in the form of an identifiable instance, the UPF service can be called a 'UPF service instance'. UPF service instances that provide the same service can be grouped into a UPF service set. UPF service instances belonging to one UPF service set can exchange or share contexts with each other and provide the same service. In addition, UPF instances that provide the same service can together constitute a UPF set, and UPF instances belonging to one UPF set can exchange or share contexts and provide the same service. In addition, even if the UPF service or UPF instance changes according to the mobility or network status of the UE, service continuity or IP address retention of the UE can be supported between UPF instances belonging to the same UPF service set or UPF set.

[0050] A UPF instance can be identified by implementing a UPF as a NF defined in the 3GPP standard. That is, a UPF instance can be understood as a hardware device implemented to perform the calculation of at least one UPF service and to send and receive information. Alternatively, a UPF instance can be understood as an instance or process of software executed on a physical hardware device in a virtualized system. In this case, it can be understood that the UPF instance operates as a device (e.g., a virtual machine) equivalent to a hardware device in terms of function or interaction with an external device. Therefore, a UPF instance can be referred to as a 'UPF device' or 'UPF node'. That is, a UPF device or a UPF node can be understood as an instance in a virtualized system. A UPF can support one or more UPF services, and by implementing each UPF service in a UPF service, it can be separated and implemented as at least one UPF service instance in an identifiable form. If the UPF is implemented as a UPF instance, the UPF service instance can be included in the UPF instance. Therefore, when describing various embodiments of the present disclosure, terms such as 'UPF', 'UPF instance', 'UPF service instance', 'UPF device' and 'UPF node' may be used interchangeably.

[0051] In addition, in the present disclosure, the target for specific packet detection and matching is expressed as a flow. In this article, the flow can be used not only as a service data flow indicating a data flow of a specific service, but also as an expression indicating a specific service application.

[0052] Figure 2 The configuration of a core network device in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 The structure shown in the figure can be understood as providing Figure 1The configuration of a device for at least one of a function or service of AMF, UPF, NSSF, NEF, NRF, NCF, UDM, AF, AUSF, SMF and SCP or multiple instances separated from them. Terms such as '... unit' or '... device' used hereinafter mean a unit for processing at least one function or operation, and can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0053] refer to Figure 2 The core network device includes a communication unit 210, a storage unit 220 and a control unit 230.

[0054] The communication unit 210 provides an interface for communicating with other devices in the network. That is, the communication unit 210 converts the bit stream sent from the core network device to other devices into a physical signal, and converts the physical signal received from other devices into a bit stream. In other words, the communication unit 210 can send and receive signals. Therefore, the communication unit 210 can be referred to as a modem, a transmitter, a receiver or a transceiver. In this case, the communication unit 210 enables the core network device to communicate with other devices or systems via a backhaul connection (e.g., a wired backhaul or a wireless backhaul) or through a network.

[0055] The storage unit 220 stores data such as basic programs, applications, and setting information for the operation of the core network device. The storage unit 220 may include a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or a combination of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. In addition, the storage unit 220 provides the stored data at the request of the control unit 230.

[0056] The control unit 230 controls the general operation of the core network device. For example, the control unit 230 sends and receives signals through the communication unit 210. In addition, the control unit 230 calls and executes commands stored in the storage unit 220, and records and reads data. To this end, the control unit 230 may include at least one processor. According to various embodiments, the control unit 230 may control the core network device to perform operations according to various embodiments to be described.

[0057] Figure 3 An example of a UPF connection structure in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 The structure in which UPF 130c is divided into multiple UPF services 330a to 330e is shown. In some cases, Figure 3 The multiple UPF services 330a to 330e shown may be understood as multiple UPF instances or devices.

[0058] refer to Figure 3, UPF 130a is connected to RAN 120, SMF 130b and DN 140, and includes multiple UPF services 330a to 330e.

[0059] UPF 130a processes user traffic between DN 140 and RAN 120. In addition, UPF 130a performs packet processing functions such as QoS control, usage reporting (such as billing) and packet buffering. According to an embodiment, the entire packet processing process is supported by a network of UPF services 330a to 330e with different functions. For example, if a specific service data flow requires billing, DPI and QoS control, the traffic belonging to the corresponding service can be processed by UPF services 330a to 330e that provide corresponding functions and are logically divided. At this time, specific UPF operations such as the type of packet processing performed by UPF services 330a to 330e and the path for forwarding the processed packets can be controlled by the rules forwarded by SMF 130b.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the process of processing packets at multiple separate UPF services 330a to 330e can be mainly divided into the following two steps.

[0061] The first step is to perform packet detection / mapping. The UPF receiving the packet classifies the packet according to the set packet detection rules and maps the packet to the flow according to the classification result. In other words, packet detection can be understood as using the information of a specific packet to map the corresponding packet to a specific flow. In this way, the flow can be a service data flow based on service control.

[0062] The second step is to perform packet processing. The UPF that receives the packet processes the packet according to the set action rules. In this case, the actions that the UPF can perform may include at least one of QoS implementation, packet buffering, usage reporting, and forwarding according to characteristics. If the low mapping information is obtained through the first step and the action rules to be performed for each flow are obtained, the UPF can perform flow-based actions without separate packet detection / mapping. If there is no mapping information for each flow, or if the UPF has separate packet detection rules and their associated action rules, the UPF can perform packet detection / mapping to distinguish the targets of the action.

[0063] Depending on the business type and the rules set by the SMF, specific packets and flows can be processed repeatedly through the first and second steps, or can be processed through various combinations. For example, after passing through the first step once, different types of actions can be performed sequentially in the second step.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, UPF can be divided into multiple entities. Figure 3It is shown that the UPF is divided based on the packet processing function or service. However, according to another embodiment, the UPF can be divided based on different criteria.

[0065] For example, the UPF may be divided based on the amount of computation. In this case, for a function having a relatively larger amount of computation than other functions, a plurality of entities that perform the corresponding functions may be defined.

[0066] As another example, the UPF can be divided based on applications or services (services provided to users in addition to UPF services). Since the combination of functions required on the UPF may vary depending on the type of application or service, the UPF can be divided so that each entity or subset of entities has at least one function required for a specific application.

[0067] Obviously, according to various embodiments, other standards besides the above standards may be applied. In addition, multiple standards may be applied in combination.

[0068] Figure 4 An example of a packet forwarding scheme in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 Packet forwarding using tunneling is shown.

[0069] refer to Figure 4 , the UPF device #1 430c-1 and the UPF device #2 430c-2 connected to each other can send and receive packets. According to an embodiment, if the UPF device #1 430c-1 performs packet detection and forwards the packet to the UPF device #2 430c-2 as a result of the packet detection, that is, together with the flow information, a method of forwarding the flow information as a result of the detection to the UPF device #2 430c-2 is needed. In this embodiment, a tunnel 402 is established for each specific flow, and packets belonging to the corresponding flow are forwarded through the corresponding tunnel 402. At this time, the flow information (e.g., a flow identifier) ​​may be included in the header of the packet forwarded through the tunnel 402 established between the UPF device #1 430c-1 and the UPF device #2 430c-2. Alternatively, in establishing the tunnel 402 between the UPF device #1 430c-1 and the UPF device #2 430c-2, if the relationship between a specific tunnel identifier and a flow identifier is identified and shared, the UPF device #1 430c-1 may indicate the flow by the tunnel identifier.

[0070] Rules for taking actions for specific flows can be set at UPF device #2 430c-2. UPF device #2 430c-2 does not use the received flow information to perform separate packet detection, and processes the packets according to the corresponding action rules. This process can be applied even if multiple packet processing actions are required. If one UPF can support two or more packet processing functions (e.g., UPF services), the corresponding UPF can use the received flow information to perform two or more packet processing operations. If two or more packet processing functions are supported respectively in two or more UPFs, the UPFs can be connected sequentially and perform their respective packet processing operations. In this case, a scheme using the above-mentioned tunnel to express flow information can be adopted.

[0071] In this scheme, advantageously, packet detection with high computational complexity is performed only once in the UPF operation, and UPFs suitable for various service characteristics can be divided or flexibly deployed.

[0072] Figure 5 Another example of a packet forwarding scheme in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 Packet forwarding using headers is shown.

[0073] refer to Figure 5 , the flow information as a result of the packet detection is included in the header 502 of the packet transmitted between the UPF device #1 530c-1 and the UPF device #2 530c-2. In other words, the packet includes a header 502 and a payload 504, and the header 502 may include flow information. That is, in the present embodiment, the flow information obtained by the packet detection is forwarded without a separate tunnel. If a separate tunnel (such as GTP-U turner, etc.) is applied based on the PDU session between the UPF device #1 530c-1 and the UPF device #2 530c-2, various flows may be included in the corresponding tunnel, and since the tunnel and the tunnel header may not be used to forward the flow information, if IP is used, the flow information may be forwarded to the next UPF by being inserted into the IP header or the Layer 2 (L2) header. If the IP header is used, the flow information may be forwarded through the DSCP field, the service class, or the flow label field. If the L2 header is used, the flow information may be forwarded through the label field or the ethertype field. To this end, when the UPF device #1 530c-1 and the UPF device #2 530c-2 generate a PDU session, information on how to forward flow information and flow identifier information may be exchanged.

[0074] Rules for taking actions on specific flows can be set in UPF device #2 430c-2. UPF device #2 430c-2 does not use the received flow information to perform separate packet detection, and processes the packets according to the corresponding action rules. This process can be applied even if multiple packet processing actions are required. If one UPF can support two or more packet processing functions (e.g., UPF services), the corresponding UPF can use the received flow information to perform two or more packet processing operations. If two or more UPFs respectively support two or more packet processing functions, the UPFs can be connected sequentially and perform their respective packet processing operations. In this case, a scheme using the above-mentioned tunnel to express flow information can be adopted.

[0075] In this scheme, advantageously, packet detection with high computational complexity is performed only once in the UPF operation, and UPFs suitable for various service characteristics can be divided or flexibly deployed.

[0076] As in reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the explained embodiment, the flow information between two UPF devices can be identified by the information included in the tunnel or header used. If multiple UPF services are provided by one UPF device (i.e., one UPF instance), the flow information exchange between UPF services can be forwarded using internal functions (e.g., application interface (API)). For example, at least one parameter used by the API can be used to indicate the flow information.

[0077] Figure 6 An example of packet processing in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 Packet forwarding using headers is shown. Figure 6 The input and output operations for a specific UPF are shown to provide UPF services, i.e. services for packet processing. Figure 6 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the user plane and the vertical axis represents the control plane.

[0078] refer to Figure 6 The control plane is an area where the UPF receives rules for packet processing or exchanges information through an interface for forwarding specific information, and may correspond to the N4 reference point between the SMF and the UPF. The user plane may correspond to the N3 associated with the NG-RAN, the N9 associated with other UPFs, and the N6 reference point associated with the DN. Figure 6 In the example, it is assumed that the UPF service 630 performs operations to process packets that complete packet detection.

[0079] like Figure 6As shown, the UPF service 630 receives rule information for packet processing from the SMF. At this time, the rule may include a relationship between a flow identifier for identifying a packet for packet processing and an action indicating a packet processing operation. If different types of actions need to be set, the rule information received by the UPF service 630 can be classified by action. For example, if the UPF service 630 performs QoS implementation and usage reporting, information about QoS implementation rules (QER) and usage reporting rules (URR) can be received. As another example, if the UPF service 630 processes a packet and then needs to forward the packet to other entities, forwarding action rule (FAR) information can be received. Typically, the rules received by the service 630 from the SMF may include (multiple) identifiers of the flow mapped to the target packet. In addition, the rule information may include order or priority information for applying various rules received by the UPF service 630. If there is no explicitly matched action rule and a basic execution action rule is required, a basic execution action can be set or received for any packet or flow with the lowest priority.

[0080] The UPF service 630 receives the actual user data packet through the path on the user plane. In this case, the UPF service 630 can identify the flow corresponding to the received packet based on the tunnel of the received packet or based on the flow identifier included in the packet header without a separate packet detection operation. The UPF service 630 identifies whether there is an action rule corresponding to the flow identifier according to the priority, and if there is a mapped action, the action is executed, and the identification and execution operations are repeated until there is no more action rule to match.

[0081] If the action for packet processing is an action for reporting specific information (e.g., billing, usage, etc.) to other entities, the UPF service 630 collects / processes the data to be reported according to the set reporting rules, and reports the corresponding information if the reporting conditions are met. If the action rule for packet processing is to forward the packet to other entities, the UPF service 630 sets the destination and header information according to the FAR and forwards the packet to another UPF service, DN or RAN.

[0082] Figure 7 An example of a signal exchange diagram for processing packets in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0083] refer to Figure 7In step 701, the UPF device 130c performs a registration process with the NRF device 130f. Through the registration process, the UPF device 103c sends information about the UPF service provided by the UPF device 103c to the NRF device 103f. Therefore, the NRF device 130f can recognize the existence of the UPF device 130c and the UPF information that can be provided by the UPF device 130c, and the registration information of the UPF device 130c.

[0084] In step 703, the SMF device 130b performs a discovery process with the NRF device. The discovery process includes the operation of the SMF device 130b identifying at least one UPF device (i.e., a UPF instance that provides at least one UPF service required to process the UE's packet). Therefore, the SMF device 130b can obtain at least one UPF device information required to process the packet on the flow corresponding to the specific session of the UE.

[0085] In step 705, the UPF device 130c and the SMF device 130b perform a rule definition process. The rule definition process includes the operation of the SFM device 130b generating rules and forwarding the generated rules to the UPF device 130c. In this article, the rule information forwarded from the SMF device 130b to the UPF device 130c can be all or part of the rules.

[0086] In step 707, the UPF device 130c processes the packet according to the rule. The UPF device 130c may identify the UPF service and the detailed rules to be executed by the UPF device 130c based on the rule information received from the SMF device 130b, and process the packet according to the identified rule.

[0087] Figure 8 An example of a signal exchange diagram is shown if a tunnel is used to forward packets in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It is shown that two packet processing functions are performed, namely UPF services (eg, packet inspection, additional actions). However, even if three or more packet processing functions are performed, the following process can also be applied.

[0088] refer to Figure 8 In step 801, NF registration and selection operations are performed. For example, UPF device #1 130c-1 and UPF device #2 130c-2 may register UPF service related information with the NRF device, and SMF device 130b may perform an operation of selecting UPF to handle the business of a specific service.

[0089] In step 803, the SMF device 130b sends an N4 session establishment message to the UPF device #1 130c-1. In other words, the SMF device 130b forwards the N4 (PFCP) rule for specifically controlling the packet processing operations to be performed by the UPF device #1 130c-1. The N4 rule forwarding operation can be performed as part of the PDU session establishment process for a specific UE and a specific service (DNN). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the UPF device #1 130c-1 detects a packet and forwards the matching flow information to another UPF device, and accordingly, the rules forwarded by the SMF device 130b include packet detection rules (PDRs). The PDR includes one or more packet detection information (PDIs) for packet detection, and may also include information for identifying the flow to which the matching packet belongs. The flow identification information may include a flow identifier to be included in the header or tunnel information to which the packet belongs. Alternatively, if a detection result and additional packet processing operations are required, a FAR containing detailed rules for forwarding the packet to the next UPF device may be included. In this case, the PDR may not directly include the identifier of the matching flow, but may include the corresponding FAR ID of the packet detection result. In this case, the FAR should include information for identifying the flow, the packet may be forwarded according to the FAR corresponding to the packet after packet detection, and the flow identification information may be added.

[0090] In step 805, the SMF device 130b sends an N4 session establishment message to the UPF device #2 130c-1. In other words, the SMF device 130b forwards the N4 (PFCP) rule for specifically controlling the packet processing operation to be performed by the UPF device #2 130c-2. The N4 rule forwarding operation can be performed as part of the PDU session establishment process for a specific UE and a specific service (DNN). In this embodiment, it is assumed that the UPF device #2 130c-2 performs a specific action and forwards the processed packets to other entities, so the rules forwarded by the SMF device 130b include action rules for this. The action rule includes detailed parameters that describe the specific packet processing operation and may include a flow identifier of the target to be processed.

[0091] In step 807, the UPF device #1 130c-1 and the UPF device #2 130c-2 establish a tunnel. That is, if it is necessary to generate a separate tunnel or association, the UPF device #1 130c-1 and the UPF device #2 130c-2 may send and receive messages for tunnel establishment. The tunnel establishment may be performed by direct signaling between the UPF device #1 130c-1 and the UPF device #2 130c-2, or may be performed by the SMF device 130b.

[0092] In step 809, UPF device #1 130c-1 receives a user plane packet from an associated object. In this document, the object that forwards the packet to UPF device #1 130c-1 may be a RAN, a DN, or another UPF device. In addition, the received packet may include uplink data or downlink data.

[0093] In step 811, UPF device #1 130c-1 performs packet detection and flow matching on the received packet. If multiple PDRs are set, UPF device #1 130c-1 determines whether there is a matching PDR based on priority. If the packet matches the PDI of the PDR, if the PDR includes flow information, UPF device #1 130c-1 can allow other UPFs to use the information to identify the flow, or if the PDR includes the ID of other associated action rules without flow information, the corresponding action rule can be used to perform packet processing. If the flow information is included in the action rule, UPF device #1 130c-1 can allow other UPFs to use the information to identify the flow.

[0094] In step 813, UPF device #1 130c-1 forwards the packet to the next UPF device UPF device #2 130c-2. At this time, UPF device #1 130c-1 forwards the flow information together so that UPF device #2 130c-2 obtains the packet detection result. The flow information can be forwarded explicitly or implicitly. For example, the packet can be forwarded through a specific tunnel generated for each flow.

[0095] In step 815, UPF device #2 130c-2 processes the received packets. Specifically, UPF device #2 130c-2 identifies the flow of packets received from UPF device #1 130c-1, and uses the flow to identify the action rules to be performed on the corresponding flow. If multiple action rules are set at UPF device #2 130c-2, UPF device #2 130c-2 identifies the action rules applicable to the corresponding flow according to the priority. The action rules may include a configuration for executing an action type only once in a flow without generating repeated actions for the same flow, or a configuration that allows the same action type to be applied to a flow multiple times with different detailed parameters according to the service type and action characteristics. For example, the action type indicates the type of packet processing service that can be provided by the UPF, such as QoS implementation, forwarding, buffering, and usage reporting.

[0096] Fig. 9 An example of a signal exchange diagram is shown if a header is used to forward a packet in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig. 9Two packet processing functions are shown to be performed, namely UPF services (eg, packet inspection, additional actions). However, the following process may be applied even if three or more packet processing functions are performed.

[0097] refer to Fig. 9 In step 901 and step 903, UPF device #1 130c-1 and UPF device #2 130c-2 each perform a NF registration process with the NRF device 130f. UPF device #1 130c-1 and UPF device #2 130c-2 each may forward a NF profile and associated information (e.g., peer information) to the NRF device 130f through the NF registration process. The NF profile may include information on functions (e.g., UPF services) and maximum capacities supported by each of UPF device #1 130c-1 and UPF device #2 130c-2. The associated information may include information on other network entities (e.g., another UPF device, RAN, or DN) for intercommunication with itself. In step 905, the NRF device 130f stores the information received from UPF device #1 130c-1 and UPF device #2 130c-2.

[0098] In step 907, the SMF device 130b sends an NF discovery request message for selecting at least one UPF device to the NRF device 130f. If the SMF device 130b stores sufficient information to select a UPF device or has already performed the UPF discovery process, step 905 can be omitted. The NR discovery request message may include information about UPF services, i.e., UPF functions required by the SMF device 130b for a specific application, service, or business.

[0099] In step 909, the NRF device 130f determines at least one UPF device according to the request of the SMF device 130b. In this document, the set of at least one UPF device can be referred to as a 'UPF network'. In step 911, the NRF device 130f sends a UPF discovery response message including information of at least one selected UPF device to the SMF device 130b. In this case, the UPF discovery response message may include a candidate group of at least one UPF device for supporting the packet processing service requested by the SMF and association information between the UPF devices.

[0100] In step 913, the SMF device 130b selects a UPF device using the received information, the stored information and the configuration information, and generates N4(PFCP) rules for controlling each UPF. This embodiment assumes that UPF device #1 130c-1 and UPF device #2 130c-2 are selected.

[0101] In step 915, the SMF device 130b sends an N4 session establishment message to the UPF device #1 130c-1. The N4 session establishment message includes rules for packet processing. In this embodiment, the rules forwarded to the UPF device #1 130c-1 include PDR, and depending on whether to process additional packets or flow identifier determination, other action rules (e.g., FAR, etc.) may also be included.

[0102] In step 917, the SMF device 130b sends an N4 session establishment message to the UPF device #2 130c-2. The N4 session establishment message includes packet processing rules. In this embodiment, if the UPF device #2 130c-2 performs an action after the packet detection result performed by the UPF device #1 130c-1, the N4 rule forwarded to the UPF device #2 130c-2 may include a rule including a detailed action and an identifier of the target flow.

[0103] In step 919, UPF device #1 130c-1 performs packet detection and flow matching on the received packet. If multiple PDRs are set, UPF device #1 130c-1 determines whether there is a matching PDR based on the priority. If the packet matches the PDI of the PDR, if the PDR includes flow information, UPF device #1 130c-1 can allow other UPFs to use the information to identify the flow, or if the PDR includes the ID of other associated action rules without flow information, the corresponding action rule can be used to process the packet. If the flow information is included in the action rule, UPF device #1 130c-1 can allow other UPFs to use the information to identify the flow.

[0104] In step 921, UPF device #1 130c-1 forwards the packet to UPF device #2 130c-2, which is the next UPF device. At this time, UPF device #1 130c-1 forwards the flow information together so that UPF device #2 130c-2 obtains the packet detection result. The flow information can be forwarded explicitly or implicitly. For example, the flow information can be included in the header of the packet.

[0105] In step 923, UPF device #2 130c-2 processes the received packet. Specifically, UPF device #2 130c-2 identifies the flow of packets received from UPF device #1 130c-1, and uses the flow to identify the action rules to be performed on the corresponding flow. If multiple action rules are set at UPF device #2 130c-2, UPF device #2 130c-2 identifies the action rules applicable to the corresponding flow according to the priority. The action rules may include a configuration for executing an action type only once in a flow without generating repeated actions for the same flow, or a configuration that allows the same action type to be applied to a flow multiple times with different detailed parameters according to the service type and action characteristics. For example, the action type indicates the type of packet processing service that can be provided by the UPF, such as QoS implementation, forwarding, buffering, and usage reporting.

[0106] In reference Fig. 9 In the explained process, for operations such as NF registration and UPF discovery, the NRF device 130f stores and provides information. According to another embodiment, the NRF device 130f can be replaced by an SCP device. In this case, in steps 901 and 903, the UPF device #1 130c-1 and the UPF device #2 130c-2 can perform the NR registration process with the SCP device, and in steps 907 and 911, the SMF device 130b can perform the UPF discovery process with the SCP device.

[0107] Fig.10 Another example of a signal exchange diagram is shown if some rules are defined by a UPF device in a wireless communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Fig.10 It is shown that two packet processing functions are performed, namely UPF services (eg, packet inspection, additional actions). However, even if three or more packet processing functions are performed, the following process can also be applied.

[0108] refer to Fig.10In step 1001 and step 1003, UPF device #1 130c-1 and UPF device #2 130c-2 each perform a NF registration process with the NRF device 130f. UPF device #1 130c-1 and UPF device #2 130c-2 each may forward a NF profile and associated information (e.g., peer information) to the NRF device 130f through the NF registration process. The NF profile may include information on functions (e.g., UPF services) and maximum capacities supported by each of the UPF device #1 130c-1 and the UPF device #2 130c-2. The associated information may include information on other network entities (e.g., another UPF device, RAN, or DN) for intercommunication with itself. In step 1005, the NRF device 130f stores the information received from the UPF device #1 130c-1 and the UPF device #2 130c-2.

[0109] In step 1007, the SMF device 130b sends an NF discovery request message for selecting at least one UPF device to the NRF device 130f. If the SMF device 130b stores sufficient information to select a UPF device or has already performed the UPF discovery process, step 905 can be omitted. The NR discovery request message may include information about UPF services, i.e., UPF functions required by the SMF device 130b for a specific application, service, or business.

[0110] In step 1009, the NRF device 130f determines at least one UPF device according to the request of the SMF device 130b. In this document, the set of at least one UPF device can be referred to as a 'UPF network'. In step 1011, the NRF device 130f sends a UPF discovery response message including information of at least one selected UPF device to the SMF device 130b. In this case, the UPF discovery response message may include a candidate group of at least one UPF device for supporting the packet processing service requested by the SMF and association information between the UPF devices.

[0111] In step 1013, the SMF device 130b selects a UPF device using the received information, the stored information, and the configuration information, and generates an N4 (PFCP) rule for controlling the UPF device. At this time, among the rules generated by the SMF device 130b, the rules forwarded to the UPF device #1 130c-1 may include not only the rules used by the UPF device #1 130c-1, but also all or part of the rules for the UPF device #2 130c-2 to receive the packets processed by the UPF device #1 130c-1 and process subsequent actions.

[0112] In step 1015, the SMF device 130b sends an N4 session establishment message to the UPF device #1 130c-1. The N4 session establishment message includes rules for packet processing. In this embodiment, the rules forwarded to the UPF device #1 130c-1 include PDR, and depending on whether to process additional packets or flow identifier determination, other action rules (e.g., FAR, etc.) may also be included.

[0113] In step 1017, the SMF device 130b sends an N4 session establishment message to the UPF device #2 130c-2. The N4 session establishment message includes packet processing rules. In this embodiment, if the UPF device #2 130c-2 performs an action following the packet detection result performed by the UPF device #1 130c-1, the N4 rule forwarded to the UPF device #2 130c-2 may include a rule including a detailed action and an identifier of the target flow.

[0114] In step 1019, UPF device #1 130c-1 performs packet detection and flow matching on the received packet, and then identifies the next UPF service. In step 1021, UPF device #1 130c-1 determines the action rules of the next UPF (i.e., UPF device #2 130c-2). In this document, the action rules determined by UPF device #1 130c-1 are rules that can be used together with the action rules of UPF device #2 130c-2 provided from SMF device 130b. That is, UPF device #1 130c-1 can determine at least a part of the detailed parameters or action rules that will be used by UPF device #2 130c-2 to process the packet.

[0115] In step 1023, UPF device #1 130c-1 forwards the packet to UPF device #2 130c-2, which is the next UPF device. At this time, UPF device #1 130c-1 forwards the flow information together so that UPF device #2 130c-2 obtains the packet detection result. The flow information can be forwarded explicitly or implicitly. For example, the flow information can be included in the header of the packet. In addition, the packet may include information of at least a portion of detailed parameters or action rules to be used by UPF device #2 130c-2 to process the packet. For example, the action rule information included in the packet may include an indicator indicating one of the predefined rules and information for changing the transmission path.

[0116] In step 1025, UPF device #2 130c-2 processes the received packet. In this way, UPF device #2 130c-2 may process the packet using the action rule received or preset from SMF device 130b and the flow information received from UPF device #1 130c-1. If UPF device #1 130c-1 not only forwards the flow information but also forwards the rule or detailed parameters for packet processing, UPF device #2 130c-2 may process the packet based on the rule provided by UPF device #1 130c-1. If the action rule received or preset from SMF device 130b conflicts with the rule provided from UPF device #1 130c-1, the rule to be applied first may be different depending on the UPF setting.

[0117] The methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present disclosure may be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0118] As for software, a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. One or more programs stored in a computer-readable storage medium may be configured to be executed by one or more processors of an electronic device. One or more programs may include instructions for controlling an electronic device to perform a method according to an embodiment described in a claim or specification of the present disclosure.

[0119] Such a program (software module, software) may be stored in a random access memory, a non-volatile memory including flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), a magnetic disk storage device, a compact disk (CD)-ROM, a digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage device, and a cassette tape. Alternatively, it may be stored in a memory combining some or all of these recording media. A plurality of memories may be included.

[0120] In addition, the program can be stored in an attachable storage device, which can be accessed via a communication network such as the Internet, an intranet, a LAN, a wide area network (WLAN) or a storage area network (SAN) or a communication network combining these networks. Such a storage device can access the equipment performing the embodiments of the present disclosure through an external port. In addition, an independent storage device on a communication network can access the equipment performing the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] In the specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the elements included in the present invention are expressed in singular or plural form. However, for ease of explanation, singular or plural expression is appropriately selected according to the proposed situation, the present disclosure is not limited to a single element or multiple elements, an element expressed in plural form can be configured as a single element, and an element expressed in singular form can be configured as multiple elements.

[0122] Meanwhile, although specific embodiments have been described in the explanation of the present disclosure, it should be noted that various changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited or defined by the described embodiments, and is limited only by the scope of the following claims, but also by their equivalents.

[0123] Industrial Applicability

[0124] The present disclosure generally relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for processing traffic in a wireless communication system.

Claims

1. A method performed by a first user plane function (UPF) entity in a mobile communication system, the method comprising: receiving information about rules including packet detection rules PDR and forwarding action rules FAR from a session management function SMF entity; receiving at least one packet including user traffic from an entity associated with the first UPF entity; detecting the at least one packet including user traffic based on the PDR; and in case the PDR does not include information for matching the at least one packet with a flow, sending the detected at least one packet to a second UPF entity, The second UPF entity is selected based on the FAR.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Send information about UPF services to the Network Repository Function NRF entity, Wherein, the information about the rules is based on the information about the UPF services.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The information about the UPF service includes at least one of a network function NF profile or peer information.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The NF profile includes information about functions supported by the first UPF entity and the maximum capacity supported by the first UPF entity.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: determining at least one action rule for the second UPF entity; and The determined at least one action rule is sent to the second UPF entity.

6. A method performed by a session management function (SMF) entity in a mobile communication system, the method comprising: receiving information about user plane function UPF services from a network repository function NRF entity; determining information about rules including a packet detection rule PDR and a forwarding action rule FAR; and sending the information about the rule to a first UPF entity, wherein the PDR included in the information about the rule is used to detect at least one packet; and Based on the at least one detected packet, at least one action rule for packet processing is sent to the second UPF entity.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Send a discovery request message to the NRF entity for identifying the first UPF entity and the second UPF entity.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The discovery request message includes information about the UPF functions required by the SMF entity.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The information about the UPF service includes at least one of a network function NF profile or peer information.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The NF profile includes information about functions supported by the first UPF entity and the maximum capacity supported by the first UPF entity.

11. A user plane function (UPF) entity in a mobile communication system, the UPF entity comprising: Transceiver; and A controller is coupled to the transceiver and is configured to: receiving information about rules including packet detection rules PDR and forwarding action rules FAR from a session management function SMF entity, receiving at least one packet including user traffic from an entity associated with said first UPF entity, detecting the at least one packet including user traffic based on the PDR, and in case the PDR does not include information for matching the at least one packet with a flow, sending the detected at least one packet to a second UPF entity, The second UPF entity is selected based on the FAR.

12. A session management function SMF entity in a mobile communication system, the SMF entity comprising: Transceiver; and A controller is coupled to the transceiver and is configured to: receiving information about the services of the User Plane Function UPF from the Network Repository Function NRF entity, determining information about rules including a packet detection rule PDR and a forwarding action rule FAR, and sending the information about the rule to a first UPF entity, wherein the PDR included in the information about the rule is used to detect at least one packet, and Based on the at least one detected packet, at least one action rule for packet processing is sent to the second UPF entity.

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