A processing method, device and network equipment for network function selection

Abstract

The embodiment of the present invention discloses a processing method, device and network equipment for network function selection. The method comprises: during the process of establishing a protocol data unit (PDU) session initiated by a terminal, after a first-type session management function (SMF) is selected by an access and mobility management function (AMF), interacting with a second-type SMF, receiving first information sent by the second-type SMF, the first information being access information related to the PDU session; the first-type SMF selecting a first-type user plane function (UPF) based on the first information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication technologies, and in particular to a processing method, device and network equipment for network function selection. Background Art

[0002] During the process of establishing a protocol data unit (PDU) session, since there are limitations on the user plane functions (UPF) that can be managed by the session management function (SMF), when the user's location requires a UPF, but the location is beyond the management area of ​​the PDU session anchor (PSA) SMF (PSA SMF), it is necessary to insert an SMF and UPF that can manage the user's area into this PDU session.

[0003] Currently, the access and mobility management function (AMF) first selects the visited SMF (V-SMF, Visited-SMF) or the intermediate SMF (I-SMF, Intermediate-SMF), and then selects the visited UPF (V-UPF) or the intermediate UPF (I-UPF). After completing the selection of the visited network, the V-SMF / I-SMF contacts the PSA SMF, and the PSA SMF selects the PSA UPF.

[0004] This method may have problems in some vertical industry application scenarios. Some vertical industry users require that branches in different provinces or the same province be connected to the headquarters, but at the same time, the need for some traffic not to go out must be met. Therefore, the visited network needs to insert the PSA UPF in the user's specific location (campus). Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the existing technical problems, the embodiments of the present invention provide a processing method, an apparatus and a network device for network function selection.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0007] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a processing method for network function selection, the method comprising:

[0008] During the process of the terminal initiating the PDU session establishment process, after the first type of SMF is selected by the AMF, it interacts with the second type of SMF and receives the first information sent by the second type of SMF, where the first information is the access information related to the PDU session;

[0009] The first type SMF selects a first type UPF based on the first information.

[0010] In the above solution, the first information includes a data network access identifier (DNAI, DN Access Identifier) ​​and / or a data network name (DNN, Data Network Name);

[0011] The first-type SMF selects a first-type user plane function based on the first information, including:

[0012] The first type of SMF selection area range satisfies the first type of UPF of the DNAI and / or the DNN.

[0013] In the above scheme, the DNAI corresponds to a specific area range.

[0014] In the above scheme, the method also includes: the first type SMF sends downlink tunnel information to the second type SMF.

[0015] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a processing method for network function selection, the method comprising:

[0016] During the process of the terminal initiating the PDU session establishment process, the second type SMF interacts with the first type SMF to determine the first information; the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; the first type SMF is selected by the AMF and interacts with the second type SMF;

[0017] The second-type SMF sends the first information to the first-type SMF.

[0018] In the above solution, the determining the first information includes:

[0019] The second type of SMF determines the data DNAI based on the user's policy control and charging (PCC) policy and user location, and / or determines the DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

[0020] In the above scheme, the DNAI corresponds to a specific area range.

[0021] In the above scheme, after the second type SMF interacts with the first type SMF, the method also includes: the second type SMF selects the second type UPF.

[0022] In the third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention also provides a processing method for network function selection, the method comprising: during the terminal initiating a PDU session establishment process, the AMF selects a first type of SMF based on the DNN corresponding to the PDU session, the first type of SMF is used to select a second type of SMF, and delays the selection of UPF.

[0023] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a processing device for network function selection, the device comprising: a first receiving unit and a first selecting unit; wherein,

[0024] The first receiving unit is used to interact with the second type of SMF after being selected by the AMF during the process of initiating the PDU session establishment process by the terminal, and receive the first information sent by the second type of SMF, where the first information is the access information related to the PDU session;

[0025] The first selection unit is used to select a first type of UPF based on the first information.

[0026] In the above solution, the first information includes DNAI and / or DNN;

[0027] The first selection unit is used to select a region range that satisfies the first type of UPF of the DNAI and / or the DNN.

[0028] In the above scheme, the DNAI corresponds to a specific area range.

[0029] In the above solution, the device also includes a first sending unit, which is used to send downlink tunnel information to the second type SMF.

[0030] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a processing device for network function selection, the device comprising: a determination unit and a second sending unit; wherein,

[0031] The determination unit is used to interact with the first type of SMF to determine the first information during the process of the terminal initiating the PDU session establishment process; the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; the first type of SMF is selected by the AMF and then interacts with the second type of SMF;

[0032] The second sending unit is used to send the first information to the first type SMF.

[0033] In the above solution, the determination unit is used to determine the DNAI based on the user's PCC policy and the user's location, and / or determine the DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

[0034] In the above scheme, the DNAI corresponds to a specific area range.

[0035] In the above scheme, the device also includes a second selection unit, which is used to select a second type of UPF after interacting with the first type of SMF.

[0036] In the sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention also provides a processing device for network function selection, the device comprising: a third selection unit, for selecting a first type of SMF based on the DNN corresponding to the PDU session during the process of the terminal initiating a PDU session establishment process, the first type of SMF being used to select a second type of SMF and delay the selection of UPF.

[0037] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention; or, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in the second aspect of the embodiment of the present invention; or, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in the third aspect of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a network device, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the processor executes the program, the steps of the method described in the first aspect of the embodiment of the present invention are implemented; or, when the processor executes the program, the steps of the method described in the second aspect of the embodiment of the present invention are implemented; or, when the processor executes the program, the steps of the method described in the third aspect of the embodiment of the present invention are implemented.

[0039] The processing method, device and network equipment for network function selection provided by the embodiment of the present invention, on the one hand, in the process of the terminal initiating the PDU session establishment process, after the first type of SMF is selected by the AMF, it interacts with the second type of SMF, the second type of SMF determines the first information, and sends the first information to the first type of SMF, the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; the first type of SMF selects the UPF based on the first information. The embodiment of the present invention adopts a new UPF selection method. After the AMF selects the first type of SMF, the UPF is temporarily not selected, that is, the selection of the UPF is delayed, and the second type of SMF sends the access information related to the PDU session to the first type of SMF, and the first type of SMF selects a suitable UPF according to the access information, thereby meeting the demand for non-exit traffic in vertical industry application scenarios, that is, vertical industry users require that branches in different provinces or the same province be connected to the headquarters, but at the same time, the demand for non-exit traffic of some traffic must be met, which can better meet the actual needs of vertical industry customers.

[0040] On the other hand, during the process of the terminal initiating the PDU session establishment process, the AMF selects the first type of SMF based on the DNN corresponding to the PDU session, and the first type of SMF is used to select the second type of SMF and delay the selection of UPF. The AMF of the embodiment of the present invention can select the corresponding first type of SMF according to the DNN, so that the end-to-end isolated network resources can be provided to the user through the DNN. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a PDU session establishment process in a related technical solution;

[0042] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0043] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0044] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 ;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an application of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a processing device for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0047] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a processing device for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0048] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a processing device for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 ;

[0049] Fig. 9 The figure is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the network device according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Before elaborating on the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, a PDU session establishment process in the related art is briefly described. Figure 1 As shown, the PDU session establishment process includes:

[0051] 1. The UE initiates a PDU Session Establishment Request to the AMF.

[0052] 2. AMF performs SMF selection (SMF Selection); in this example, the visited-SMF (V-SMF, Visited-SMF) is selected.

[0053] 3a-3b. AMF sends a session management context creation request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest) to V-SMF, and V-SMF sends a session management context creation response (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextResponse) to AMF.

[0054] 4. V-SMF performs UPF selection (UPF Selection). In this example, the visited-UPF (V-UPF) is selected.

[0055] 5a-5b. V-SMF sends an N4 session establishment request (N4 Session EstablishmentRequest) to V-UPF, and V-UPF sends an N4 session establishment response (N4 Session Establishment Response) to V-SMF.

[0056] 6. V-SMF sends a PDU session creation request (Nsmf_PDUSession_Create Request) to the home SMF (H-SMF, Home-SMF).

[0057] 7. H-SMF retrieves / subscribes subscription data from UDM

[0058] 8. PDU Session Authentication / Authorization is performed between UE and UDM.

[0059] 9a. The H-SMF performs PCF selection (PCF Selection). In this example, the home PCF (H-PCF, Home-PCF) is selected.

[0060] 9b. Session management policy association establishment or SMF initiated session management policy association modification (SM Policy Association Establishment or SMF initiated SM Policy Association Modification) is performed between H-SMF and H-PCF.

[0061] 10. H-SMF performs UPF Selection. In this example, the home UPF (H-UPF, Home-UPF) is selected.

[0062] 11. SMF initiated SMPolicy Association Modification is performed between H-SMF and H-UPF.

[0063] 12a. H-SMF sends an N4 Session Establishment Request to H-UPF, and H-UPF sends an N4 Session Establishment Response to H-SMF. H-UPF sends the first downlink data to V-UPF.

[0064] 12c. H-SMF initiates registration to UDM.

[0065] 13. H-SMF sends a PDU session creation response (Nsmf_PDUSession_Create Response) to V-SMF.

[0066] During the establishment of a PDU session, since there are limitations on the UPF area that the SMF can manage, when the user's location requires a UPF, but the location is beyond the management area of ​​the PSA SMF of the PDN session, it is necessary to insert an SMF and UPF that can manage the user's area into this PDU session.

[0067] It should be noted that the above Figure 1The example uses the Home Routed method. When the user is in international roaming, in addition to selecting the PSA SMF and PSA UPF of the home operator network for the PDU session, the visited network also needs to insert the UPF for billing and other functions. Since the home operator network cannot manage the UPF of the visited operator network, it is necessary to insert the V-SMF / V-UPF in the visited operator network. When the user is not in international roaming, when the AMF at the user's location cannot select the PSA SMF that covers the location (for example, the user moves between large areas within the country), it is necessary to insert the I-SMF / I-UPF.

[0068] from Figure 1 It can be seen from the example shown that in the relevant scheme, AMF first selects V-SMF or I-SMF, and then V-SMF or I-SMF selects V-UPF or I-UPF. After completing the selection of the visited network, V-SMF / I-SMF contacts PSASMF, and PSA SMF selects PSA UPF.

[0069] This method may not be able to meet the requirement of no traffic flow in vertical industry application scenarios. Based on this, the following embodiments of the present invention are proposed.

[0070] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0071] An embodiment of the present invention provides a processing method for network function selection, which is applied to a first type of SMF. Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;like Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0072] Step 101: During the process of the terminal initiating a PDU session establishment process, after the first type of SMF is selected by the AMF, it interacts with the second type of SMF and receives the first information sent by the second type of SMF, where the first information is the access information related to the PDU session;

[0073] Step 102: The first-type SMF selects a first-type UPF based on the first information.

[0074] In this embodiment, the terminal initiates the PDU session establishment process. For details, see Figure 1As shown, the terminal sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF, and the AMF selects the SMF with reference to the relevant technology, and the selected SMF is recorded as the first type of SMF. Exemplarily, the first type of SMF is V-SMF or I-SMF; the second type of SMF is PSA SMF; correspondingly, the first type of UPF is V-UPF or I-UPF, and the second type of UPF is PSAUPF. That is, in this embodiment, after being selected by the AMF, the first type of SMF does not select the first type of UPF, but contacts the second type of SMF (i.e., PSA SMF), and the second type of SMF (i.e., PSA SMF) sends the access information related to the PDU session to the first type of SMF (i.e., V-SMF or I-SMF). Furthermore, the first type of SMF (i.e., V-SMF or I-SMF) selects the first type of UPF (i.e., V-UPF or I-UPF) according to the access information related to the PDU session.

[0075] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the first information includes DNAI and / or DNN; the first type of SMF selects a first type of user plane function based on the first information, including: the first type of SMF selects a first type of UPF whose area range satisfies the DNAI and / or the DNN.

[0076] In this embodiment, DNAI represents the identifier of the user plane access of one or more DNs for deploying the application process. For example, DNAI corresponds to the regional range, for example, different regions may correspond to different DNAIs. The first type of SMF may select the first type of UPF (i.e., V-UPF or I-UPF) according to DNAI and / or DNN.

[0077] Optionally, the DNAI corresponds to a specific area. For example, in order to meet the requirement of no traffic flow in vertical industry application scenarios, the DNAI corresponds to a specified park range, that is, the first type of SMF (i.e., V-SMF or I-SMF) selects the first type of UPF (i.e., V-UPF or I-UPF) within the park range corresponding to the DNAI.

[0078] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes: the first type SMF sending downlink tunnel information to the second type SMF.

[0079] In this embodiment, the downlink tunnel information may represent the routing information of downlink data in the core network. Due to the new UPF selection method provided in the embodiment of the present invention, after the first-class SMF is selected by the AMF, the first-class UPF is not selected immediately, but the first-class UPF is selected with a delay; therefore, after the first-class SMF selects a suitable first-class UPF according to the first information, the first-class SMF sends the downlink tunnel information to the second-class SMF (i.e., PSA SMF); since the second-class SMF (i.e., PSA SMF) currently does not know the first-class UPF selected by the first-class SMF, the second-class SMF (i.e., PSA SMF) is convenient for obtaining the routing information of the downlink data according to the downlink tunnel information, or the second-class SMF (i.e., PSA SMF) may also send the downlink tunnel information to the selected second-class UPF, so that the second-class UPF can send downlink data to the first-class UPF according to the downlink tunnel information.

[0080] Based on the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a processing method for network function selection, which is applied to the second type of SMF. Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;like Figure 3 As shown, the method includes:

[0081] Step 201: During the process of the terminal initiating a PDU session establishment process, the second type SMF interacts with the first type SMF to determine first information; the first information is access information related to the PDU session; the first type SMF interacts with the second type SMF after being selected by the AMF;

[0082] Step 202: The second-type SMF sends the first information to the first-type SMF.

[0083] In this embodiment, the terminal initiates the PDU session establishment process. For details, see Figure 1As shown, the terminal sends a PDU session establishment request to the AMF, and the AMF selects the SMF with reference to the relevant technology, and the selected SMF is recorded as the first type of SMF. Exemplarily, the first type of SMF is V-SMF or I-SMF; the second type of SMF is PSA SMF; correspondingly, the first type of UPF is V-UPF or I-UPF, and the second type of UPF is PSAUPF. That is, in this embodiment, after being selected by the AMF, the first type of SMF does not select the first type of UPF, but contacts the second type of SMF (i.e., PSA SMF), and the second type of SMF (i.e., PSA SMF) sends the access information related to the PDU session to the first type of SMF (i.e., V-SMF or I-SMF). Furthermore, the first type of SMF (i.e., V-SMF or I-SMF) selects the first type of UPF (i.e., V-UPF or I-UPF) according to the access information related to the PDU session.

[0084] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the determining of the first information includes: the second type SMF determines the DNAI based on the user's PCC policy and the user's location, and / or determines the DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

[0085] In this embodiment, DNAI represents the identifier of the user plane access of one or more DNs for deploying the application process. For example, DNAI corresponds to the regional range, for example, different regions may correspond to different DNAIs. The first type of SMF may select the first type of UPF (i.e., V-UPF or I-UPF) according to DNAI and / or DNN.

[0086] Optionally, the DNAI corresponds to a specific area. For example, in order to meet the requirement of no traffic flow in vertical industry application scenarios, the DNAI corresponds to a specified park range, that is, the first type of SMF (i.e., V-SMF or I-SMF) selects the first type of UPF (i.e., V-UPF or I-UPF) within the park range corresponding to the DNAI.

[0087] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, after the second type of SMF interacts with the first type of SMF, the method further includes: the second type of SMF selects a second type of UPF.

[0088] The embodiment of the present invention adopts a new UPF selection method. After the AMF selects the first type of SMF, the UPF is temporarily not selected, that is, the selection of the UPF is delayed. The second type of SMF sends the access information related to the PDU session to the first type of SMF, and the first type of SMF selects a suitable UPF according to the access information, thereby meeting the demand for non-exit traffic in vertical industry application scenarios, that is, vertical industry users require that branches in different provinces or the same province be connected to the headquarters, but at the same time, the demand for non-exit traffic of some traffic must be met, which can better meet the actual needs of vertical industry customers.

[0089] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a processing method for network function selection, which is applied in AMF. Figure 4 Schematic diagram of a processing method for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 ;like Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0090] Step 301: During the process of the terminal initiating a PDU session establishment process, the AMF selects a first type of SMF based on the DNN corresponding to the PDU session, and the first type of SMF is used to select the second type of SMF and delay the selection of the UPF.

[0091] By adopting the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention, during the process of the terminal initiating the PDU session establishment process, the AMF selects the first type of SMF based on the data network name (DNN) corresponding to the PDU session, and the first type of SMF is used to select the second type of SMF and delay the selection of UPF. The AMF of the embodiment of the present invention can select the corresponding first type of SMF according to the DNN, so that the end-to-end isolated network resources can be provided to the user through the DNN.

[0092] The processing method for network function selection according to the embodiment of the present invention is applicable to the following Figure 5 In the scenario shown in the figure, in order to meet the requirements of vertical industry data not being sent out, after inserting V-SMF / V-UPF and I-SMF / I-UPF, you can further insert a diversion UPF to divert part of the data flow in the PDU session locally. For example, the PSA UPF ( Figure 5 UPF PDU session anchor point 2).

[0093] Based on the above embodiments, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a processing device for network function selection, which is applied to the first type of SMF. Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a processing device for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;like Figure 6 As shown, the device comprises: a first receiving unit 32 and a first selecting unit 31; wherein,

[0094] The first receiving unit 32 is used to interact with the second type SMF after being selected by the AMF during the process of initiating the PDU session establishment process by the terminal, and receive the first information sent by the second type SMF, where the first information is the access information related to the PDU session;

[0095] The first selection unit 31 is used to select a first type of UPF based on the first information.

[0096] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the first information includes DNAI and / or DNN;

[0097] The first selection unit 31 is used to select a first type of UPF whose area range satisfies the DNAI and / or the DNN.

[0098] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the DNAI corresponds to a specific regional range.

[0099] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the device further includes a first sending unit 33, configured to send downlink tunnel information to the second type SMF.

[0100] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first selection unit 31 in the device can be implemented by a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller unit (MCU) or a programmable gate array (FPGA) in actual applications; the first receiving unit 32 and the first sending unit 33 in the device can be implemented by a communication module (including: basic communication kit, operating system, communication module, standardized interface and protocol, etc.) and a transceiver antenna in actual applications.

[0101] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a processing device for network function selection, which is applied to the second type of SMF. Figure 7 Schematic diagram of a processing device for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;like Figure 7 As shown, the device includes: a determination unit 41 and a second sending unit 42; wherein,

[0102] The determining unit 41 is used to interact with the first type SMF to determine the first information during the process of the terminal initiating the PDU session establishment process; the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; the first type SMF is selected by the AMF and then interacts with the second type SMF;

[0103] The second sending unit 42 is used to send the first information to the first type SMF.

[0104] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the determining unit 41 is used to determine the DNAI based on the user's PCC policy and the user's location, and / or determine the DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

[0105] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the DNAI corresponds to a specific regional range.

[0106] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the device also includes a second selection unit, which is used to select a second type of UPF after interacting with the first type of SMF.

[0107] In an embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 41 and the second selection unit in the device can be implemented by a CPU, a DSP, an MCU or an FPGA in actual applications; the second sending unit 42 in the device can be implemented by a communication module (including: a basic communication kit, an operating system, a communication module, a standardized interface and protocol, etc.) and a transceiver antenna in actual applications.

[0108] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a processing device for network function selection, which is applied in AMF. Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a processing device for network function selection according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 ;like Figure 8 As shown, the device includes: a third selection unit 51, which is used to select a first type of SMF based on the DNN corresponding to the PDU session during the terminal initiating the PDU session establishment process, and the first type of SMF is used to select the second type of SMF and delay the selection of UPF.

[0109] In the embodiment of the present invention, the third selection unit 51 in the device can be implemented by a CPU, a DSP, an MCU or an FPGA in practical applications.

[0110] It should be noted that: the processing device for network function selection provided in the above embodiment only uses the division of the above program modules as an example when performing the processing for network function selection. In actual applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device is divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the processing device for network function selection provided in the above embodiment and the processing method embodiment for network function selection belong to the same concept, and the specific implementation process is detailed in the method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0111] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a network device, which may specifically be the first type SMF, the second type SMF or the AMF in the aforementioned embodiment. Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of the network device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 As shown, the network device includes a memory 62, a processor 61, and a computer program stored in the memory 62 and executable on the processor 61. When the processor 61 executes the program, the steps of the processing method for network function selection in the first type SMF according to the embodiment of the present invention are implemented; or, when the processor 61 executes the program, the steps of the processing method for network function selection in the second type SMF according to the embodiment of the present invention are implemented; or, when the processor 61 executes the program, the steps of the processing method for network function selection in the AMF according to the embodiment of the present invention are implemented.

[0112] The network device may also include a network interface 63. The various components in the network device are coupled together via a bus system 64. It is understood that the bus system 64 is used to achieve connection and communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 64 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for the sake of clarity, Fig. 9 Various buses are labeled as bus system 64.

[0113] It can be understood that the memory 62 can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, and can also include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a magnetic random access memory (FRAM), a flash memory, a magnetic surface memory, an optical disk, or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); the magnetic surface memory can be a disk memory or a tape memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example and not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous static random access memory (SSRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM, SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory), and direct RAM bus random access memory (DRRAM, Direct Rambus Random Access Memory).The memory 62 described in the embodiments of the present invention is intended to include, but is not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0114] The method disclosed in the above embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the processor 61, or implemented by the processor 61. The processor 61 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the hardware integrated logic circuit in the processor 61 or the instruction in the form of software. The above processor 61 can be a general processor, DSP, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The processor 61 can implement or execute the methods, steps and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention. The general processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiment of the present invention can be directly embodied as a hardware decoding processor to execute, or the hardware and software modules in the decoding processor can be combined to execute. The software module can be located in a storage medium, which is located in the memory 62. The processor 61 reads the information in the memory 62 and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the network device may be implemented by one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), DSP, programmable logic device (PLD), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), FPGA, general purpose processor, controller, MCU, microprocessor, or other electronic components to execute the aforementioned method.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium, such as a memory 62 including a computer program, and the computer program can be executed by a processor 61 of a network device to complete the steps of the aforementioned method. The computer-readable storage medium can be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disk, or CD-ROM; or it can be various devices including one or any combination of the above memories.

[0117] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the processing method for network function selection applied to the first type SMF in the embodiment of the present invention; or, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the processing method for network function selection applied to the second type SMF in the embodiment of the present invention; or, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the processing method for network function selection applied to the AMF in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] The methods disclosed in several method embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method embodiments.

[0119] The features disclosed in several product embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new product embodiments.

[0120] The features disclosed in several method or device embodiments provided in this application can be arbitrarily combined without conflict to obtain new method embodiments or device embodiments.

[0121] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as: multiple units or components can be combined, or can be integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling, direct coupling, or communication connection between the components shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of the devices or units can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0122] The units described above as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple network units; some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0123] In addition, all functional units in the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may be separately used as a unit, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit; the above-mentioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.

[0124] A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand that: all or part of the steps of implementing the above-mentioned method embodiment can be completed by hardware related to program instructions, and the aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed, executes the steps of the above-mentioned method embodiment; and the aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as mobile storage devices, ROM, RAM, disks or optical disks.

[0125] Alternatively, if the above-mentioned integrated unit of the present invention is implemented in the form of a software function module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment of the present invention can be essentially or partly reflected in the form of a software product that contributes to the prior art. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the methods described in each embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as mobile storage devices, ROM, RAM, magnetic disks or optical disks.

[0126] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A processing method for network function selection, characterized in that: The method comprises: During the process of establishing a protocol data unit PDU session initiated by the terminal, after the first type of session management function SMF is selected by the access and mobility management function AMF, it interacts with the second type of SMF and receives the first information sent by the second type of SMF, where the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; wherein the first type of SMF is the visited V-SMF or the intermediate I-SMF, and the second type of SMF is the session anchor PSA SMF; The first type SMF selects a first type user plane function UPF based on the first information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first information includes a data network access identifier DNAI and / or a data network name DNN; The first-type SMF selects a first-type UPF based on the first information, including: The first type of SMF selection area range satisfies the first type of UPF of the DNAI and / or the DNN.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The DNAI corresponds to a specific regional range.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The first type SMF sends downlink tunnel information to the second type SMF.

5. A processing method for network function selection, characterized in that: The method comprises: During the process of establishing a protocol data unit PDU session initiated by the terminal, the second-type session management function SMF interacts with the first-type SMF to determine the first information; the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; the first-type SMF is selected by the access and mobility management function AMF and interacts with the second-type SMF; wherein the first-type SMF is a V-SMF or an I-SMF, and the second-type SMF is a PSA SMF; The second-type SMF sends the first information to the first-type SMF.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The determining of the first information includes: The second type of SMF determines the data network access identifier DNAI based on the user's policy control and charging PCC policy and the user location, and / or determines the data network name DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The DNAI corresponds to a specific regional range.

8. The method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: After the second type SMF interacts with the first type SMF, the method further includes: The second type SMF selects the second type user plane function UPF.

9. A processing method for network function selection, characterized in that: The method comprises: During the process of establishing a protocol data unit PDU session initiated by the terminal, the access and mobility management function AMF selects a first type of session management function SMF based on the data network name DNN corresponding to the PDU session, and the first type of SMF is used to select a second type of SMF, and the second type of SMF is used to interact with the first type of SMF to determine the first information; the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; the first type of SMF is used to select a first type of user plane function UPF based on the first information; wherein, the first type of SMF is V-SMF or I-SMF, and the second type of SMF is PSA SMF.

10. A processing device for network function selection, characterized in that: Applied in the first type of SMF, the device comprises: a first receiving unit and a first selecting unit; wherein, The first receiving unit is used to interact with the second type of SMF after being selected by the AMF during the process of initiating the PDU session establishment process by the terminal, and receive the first information sent by the second type of SMF, where the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; The first selection unit is used to select a first type of UPF based on the first information; wherein the first type of SMF is V-SMF or I-SMF, and the second type of SMF is PSA SMF.

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that The first information includes DNAI and / or DNN; The first selection unit is used to select a region range that satisfies the first type of UPF of the DNAI and / or the DNN.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that The DNAI corresponds to a specific regional range.

13. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that The device also includes a first sending unit, configured to send downlink tunnel information to the second type SMF.

14. A processing device for network function selection, characterized in that: Applied in the second type of SMF, the device comprises: a determining unit and a second sending unit; wherein, The determining unit is used to interact with the first type of SMF to determine the first information during the process of the terminal initiating the PDU session establishment process; the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; the first type of SMF is selected by the access and mobility management function AMF and then interacts with the second type of SMF; wherein the first type of SMF is V-SMF or I-SMF, and the second type of SMF is PSA SMF; The second sending unit is used to send the first information to the first type SMF.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that The determination unit is used to determine the DNAI based on the user's PCC policy and the user's location, and / or determine the DNN corresponding to the PDU session.

16. The device according to claim 15, characterized in that The DNAI corresponds to a specific regional range.

17. The device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that The device also includes a second selection unit, which is used to select a second type of user plane function UPF after interacting with the first type of SMF.

18. A processing device for network function selection, characterized in that: The device includes: a third selection unit, used to select a first type of SMF based on the DNN corresponding to the PDU session during the process of the terminal initiating a PDU session establishment process, the first type of SMF is used to select a second type of SMF, the second type of SMF is used to interact with the first type of SMF to determine the first information; the first information is the access information related to the PDU session; the first type of SMF is used to select a first type of user plane function UPF based on the first information; wherein the first type of SMF is V-SMF or I-SMF, and the second type of SMF is PSA SMF.

19. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 4; or, when the program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method described in any one of claims 5 to 8; or, when the program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method described in claim 9.

20. A network device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that: When the processor executes the program, the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 4 are implemented; or, when the processor executes the program, the steps of the method described in any one of claims 5 to 8 are implemented; or, when the processor executes the program, the steps of the method described in claim 9 are implemented.

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