UPF selection method, auxiliary method, device and communication equipment

Abstract

This invention provides a method, auxiliary method, apparatus, and communication device for selecting a User Plane Function (UPF). The selection method includes: obtaining the average service experience analysis value of the UPF; selecting the UPF based on the average service experience analysis value of the UPF; and, in this embodiment, providing the User Plane Function (SMF) with the average service experience analysis value related to the UPF through the User-Wide Filtering Analyzer (NWDAF). The SMF further considers the average service experience analysis value related to the UPF provided by the NWDAF when selecting the UPF, thus solving the problem of the SMF implementing a more accurate user plane selection strategy and further ensuring user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a UPF selection method, auxiliary method, device and communication equipment. Background Art

[0002] The 5G Session Management Function (SMF) is responsible for the selection of data routing, that is, SMF has the function of selecting the User Plane Function (UPF). The basis for 5G SMF to select UPF can be information from the terminal device or a request from the Application Function (AF). In order to shorten the transmission delay and improve the transmission efficiency, when SMF selects UPF, the main considerations currently include: the dynamic load of UPF, the relative static capacity in UPFs supporting the same Data Network Name (DNN), UPF location, terminal device location, DNN, Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session type, terminal device contract data and local operator policy, etc.

[0003] When selecting UPF, existing solutions mainly consider information related to the regional location and information related to the load or capacity of the UPF, and ignore the user experience factors that different UPFs can provide. Summary of the invention

[0004] The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a UPF selection method, auxiliary method, device and communication equipment to solve the problem that the user experience factors that can be provided by UPF are not considered in the existing UPF selection scheme.

[0005] In order to solve the above problem, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is performed by a session management function SMF, and includes:

[0006] Get the average service experience analysis value of UPF;

[0007] UPF selection is performed based on the average service experience analysis value of UPF.

[0008] Wherein, the method further comprises:

[0009] Configure the minimum service experience threshold of UPF;

[0010] or,

[0011] A routing selection rule sent by a packet control unit PCF is received, where the routing selection rule includes: a minimum service experience threshold of a UPF.

[0012] The average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0013] The first average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF;

[0014] The second average service experience analysis value of a specific user on UPF.

[0015] The minimum service experience threshold of UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0016] The first minimum threshold of the average service experience of all users on the UPF;

[0017] The second lowest threshold of the average service experience of a specific user on UPF.

[0018] The obtaining of the average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes:

[0019] Sending a first subscription request message to the network data analysis function NWDAF; the first subscription request message includes: a service experience analysis identifier;

[0020] Receive a first subscription response message sent by NWDAF, where the first subscription response message carries the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0021] The first subscription request message further includes at least one of the following:

[0022] UPF logo;

[0023] The user's ID on the UPF;

[0024] The identifier of the user group on the UPF;

[0025] Data network access identification DNAI information;

[0026] UPF identifier corresponding to DNAI information;

[0027] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0028] If the average service experience analysis value carried in the first subscription response message is based on user granularity, the method further includes:

[0029] Based on the average service experience analysis value with user granularity and SMF context information, the first average service experience analysis value of all users on the UPF is determined.

[0030] Wherein, the method further comprises:

[0031] Based on the average service experience analysis value of the UPF and the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF, determine whether to activate the access restriction of the existing session and determine the UPF selection strategy for the new session.

[0032] The selecting of UPF according to the average service experience analysis value of UPF includes:

[0033] UPF selection is performed based on the average service experience analysis value of UPF and the UPF selection policy for the new session.

[0034] The UPF selection strategy for the new session includes:

[0035] When there is an average service experience analysis value greater than the minimum service experience threshold among the average service experience analysis values ​​of the UPFs, the UPF with the largest average service experience analysis value is selected.

[0036] The UPF selection strategy for the new session also includes:

[0037] When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF does not subscribe to the SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold, the session establishment is rejected;

[0038] or,

[0039] When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF subscribes to the event below the minimum service experience threshold to the SMF, an event response message is sent to the PCF; the event response message includes: an indication that the current average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF; receiving the routing selection rules updated by the PCF, and selecting the UPF according to the updated routing selection rules.

[0040] Wherein, in the case of determining to start the existing session access restriction, the method further includes:

[0041] When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, stop selecting UPF for the existing session and feedback the stop reason to the application function AF and / or PCF;

[0042] or,

[0043] When there is an average service experience analysis value greater than the minimum service experience threshold among the average service experience analysis values ​​of the UPFs, a UPF with the largest average service experience analysis value is selected for the existing session.

[0044] The embodiment of the present invention further provides an auxiliary method for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is performed by a network data analysis function NWDAF, and the method includes:

[0045] Receive a first subscription request message sent by a session management function SMF; the first subscription request message includes: a service experience analysis identifier;

[0046] According to the first subscription request message, perform service experience data analysis related to UPF to determine an average service experience analysis value of UPF;

[0047] A first subscription response message is sent to the SMF, wherein the first subscription response message carries the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0048] The average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0049] The first average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF;

[0050] The second average service experience analysis value of a specific user on UPF.

[0051] The first subscription request message further includes at least one of the following:

[0052] UPF logo;

[0053] The user's ID on the UPF;

[0054] The identifier of the user group on the UPF;

[0055] Data network access identification DNAI information;

[0056] UPF identifier corresponding to DNAI information;

[0057] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0058] The average service experience analysis value carried in the first subscription response message is based on user granularity or UPF granularity.

[0059] The embodiment of the present invention further provides an auxiliary method for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is executed by a packet control unit PCF, and includes:

[0060] Receiving an application function AF request, where the AF request carries a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF;

[0061] Generate a routing selection rule according to the AF request; the routing selection rule includes: a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF;

[0062] The routing rules are sent to the session management function SMF.

[0063] The AF request also carries at least one of the following:

[0064] The user's identification;

[0065] The identifier of the user group;

[0066] Data network access identification DNAI information;

[0067] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0068] Wherein, the method further comprises:

[0069] Subscribe to SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold;

[0070] Receive an event response message sent by the SMF; the event response message includes: indication information indicating that the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are currently less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF;

[0071] updating routing selection rules according to the event response message;

[0072] The updated routing rules are sent to the SMF.

[0073] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a device for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is applied to a session management function SMF, including:

[0074] An acquisition module is used to obtain the average service experience analysis value of UPF;

[0075] The selection module is used to select UPF according to the average service experience analysis value of UPF.

[0076] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a session management function SMF, including a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the processor, and the processor is used to perform the following operations:

[0077] Get the average service experience analysis value of UPF;

[0078] UPF selection is performed based on the average service experience analysis value of UPF.

[0079] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an auxiliary device for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is applied to a network data analysis function NWDAF. The device includes:

[0080] The first request receiving module is used to receive a first subscription request message sent by the session management function SMF; the first subscription request message includes: a service experience analysis identifier;

[0081] An analysis module, configured to perform service experience data analysis related to the UPF according to the first subscription request message, and determine an average service experience analysis value of the UPF;

[0082] A response sending module is used to send a first subscription response message to the SMF, wherein the first subscription response message carries an average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0083] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a network data analysis function NWDAF, including a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the processor, and the processor is used to perform the following operations:

[0084] Receive a first subscription request message sent by a session management function SMF; the first subscription request message includes: a service experience analysis identifier;

[0085] According to the first subscription request message, perform service experience data analysis related to UPF to determine an average service experience analysis value of UPF;

[0086] A first subscription response message is sent to the SMF, wherein the first subscription response message carries the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0087] The embodiment of the present invention further provides an auxiliary device for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is applied to a packet control unit PCF, and includes:

[0088] A second request receiving module is used to receive an application function AF request, where the AF request carries a minimum service experience threshold of UPF;

[0089] A generating module, configured to generate a routing selection rule according to the AF request; the routing selection rule comprises: a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF;

[0090] The rule sending module is used to send the routing rule to the session management function SMF.

[0091] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a packet control unit PCF, comprising a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the processor, and the processor is used to perform the following operations:

[0092] Receiving an application function AF request, where the AF request carries a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF;

[0093] Generate a routing selection rule according to the AF request; the routing selection rule includes: a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF;

[0094] The routing rules are sent to the session management function SMF.

[0095] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a communication device, including a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the processor executes the program, the UPF selection method as described above is implemented; or, when the processor executes the program, the auxiliary method for UPF selection as described above is implemented.

[0096] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the UPF selection method described above; or, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the auxiliary method for UPF selection described above.

[0097] The above technical solution of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0098] In the UPF selection method, auxiliary method, device and communication equipment of the embodiments of the present invention, NWDAF provides the SMF with the UPF-related average service experience analysis value, and the SMF further considers the UPF-related average service experience analysis value provided by NWDAF when selecting UPF, thereby solving the problem that the SMF can more accurately implement the user plane selection strategy and further ensure the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0099] Figure 1 A flowchart showing the steps of the method for selecting a UPF provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0100] Figure 2 One of the flow charts showing the steps of the auxiliary method for UPF selection provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0101] Figure 3 A second flowchart showing the steps of the auxiliary method for UPF selection provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0102] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an interaction of Example 1 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0103] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an interaction of Example 2 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0104] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing an interaction of Example 3 provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0105] Figure 7A schematic diagram showing the structure of a UPF selection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0106] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the structure of the SMF provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0107] Fig. 9 One of the structural schematic diagrams showing the auxiliary device for UPF selection provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0108] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing the structure of NWDAF provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0109] Fig.11 A second structural schematic diagram showing the auxiliary device for UPF selection provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0110] Fig.12 A schematic diagram showing the structure of a PCF provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0111] In order to make the technical problems, technical solutions and advantages to be solved by the present invention more clear, a detailed description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0112] It should be noted that user experience is a direct reflection of network service capabilities and is also one of the most important indicators for users when using the network. Especially in the requirements of slice SLA (service level agreement), different UPFs can bring different service experiences. The embodiment of the present invention considers user experience in the UPF selection strategy, helps SMF to implement the user plane selection strategy more accurately, and further guarantees user experience.

[0113] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is performed by a session management function SMF, and includes:

[0114] Step 101, obtaining an average service experience analysis value of UPF;

[0115] Step 102: Select a UPF based on the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0116] Optionally, when selecting UPF, SMF may refer to not only the average service experience analysis value of UPF, but also information related to regional location and load or capacity of UPF, which is not specifically limited here.

[0117] In the embodiment of the present invention, the average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0118] The first average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF;

[0119] The second average service experience analysis value of a specific user on the UPF. The specific user may be a group of users; for example, if the specific user is a specific power grid user, the second average service experience analysis value is the average service experience analysis value of all specific power grid users on the UPF.

[0120] As an optional embodiment, the SMF also needs to refer to the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF when selecting the UPF, that is, the method further includes:

[0121] SMF configures the minimum service experience threshold of UPF; for example, SMF obtains available UPF information (such as information about available UPF configured locally based on SMF or available UPF information discovered based on NRF), and SMF configures the minimum service experience threshold related to UPF.

[0122] or,

[0123] A routing selection rule sent by a packet control unit PCF is received, where the routing selection rule includes: a minimum service experience threshold of a UPF.

[0124] In the embodiment of the present invention, the minimum service experience threshold has two sources, namely:

[0125] Source 1, SMF configures the minimum service experience threshold of UPF, which can also be called the minimum service experience threshold of UPF configured on SMF;

[0126] Source 2: The AF request carries the minimum service experience threshold of UPF. The AF sends the AF request carrying the minimum service experience threshold of UPF to the PCF. The PCF generates a routing selection rule and sends the routing selection rule carrying the minimum service experience threshold of UPF to the SMF.

[0127] The minimum service experience threshold of UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0128] The first minimum threshold of the average service experience of all users on the UPF;

[0129] The second lowest threshold of the average service experience of a specific user on the UPF. Similarly, the specific user may be a group of users; for example, the specific user is a specific power grid user.

[0130] As another optional embodiment, step 101 includes:

[0131] Sending a first subscription request message to the network data analysis function NWDAF; the first subscription request message includes: a service experience analysis identifier;

[0132] Receive a first subscription response message sent by NWDAF, where the first subscription response message carries the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0133] It should be noted that the first subscription request message of SMF may be to subscribe to or request the average service experience analysis value of UPF from NWDAF with UPF as the granularity, and accordingly, NWDAF feeds back the average service experience analysis value with UPF as the granularity; the first subscription request message of SMF may also be to subscribe to or request the average service experience analysis value of UPF from NWDAF with user or user group as the granularity, and accordingly, NWDAF feeds back the average service experience analysis value of UPF with user or user group as the granularity.

[0134] It should be further noted that if the average service experience analysis value carried in the first subscription response message fed back by NWDAF is based on the granularity of the user (or user group), and SMF needs the first average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF, the method provided in this embodiment of the present invention also includes:

[0135] Based on the average service experience analysis value with user granularity and SMF context information, the first average service experience analysis value of all users on the UPF is determined.

[0136] As an optional embodiment, the first subscription request message further includes at least one of the following:

[0137] UPF identifier (generally, it is a request for average service experience analysis value with UPF as the granularity);

[0138] The identifier of the user on the UPF; it can be the identifier of some users on the UPF (generally requesting the average service experience analysis value with the user as the granularity), or it can be the identifier of all users on the UPF (generally requesting the average service experience analysis value with the UPF as the granularity);

[0139] The identifier of the user group on the UPF; it can be the identifier of some user groups on the UPF (generally requesting the average service experience analysis value with the user group as the granularity), or it can be the identifier of all user groups on the UPF (generally requesting the average service experience analysis value with the UPF as the granularity);

[0140] Data network access identifier DNAI information; DNAI information corresponds to at least one UPF;

[0141] UPF identifier corresponding to DNAI information; if UPF is registered to NRF and DNAI at the same time, SMF may not provide the UPF identifier corresponding to DNAI, and NWDAF can obtain the corresponding UPF identifier by querying NRF based on DNAI;

[0142] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0143] Following the above example, in at least one optional embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes:

[0144] Based on the average service experience analysis value of the UPF and the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF, determine whether to activate the access restriction of the existing session and determine the UPF selection strategy for the new session.

[0145] Accordingly, step 102 includes:

[0146] UPF selection is performed based on the average service experience analysis value of UPF and the UPF selection policy for the new session.

[0147] The process of creating a new session includes: the user triggers a PDU session establishment request, AMF (Access and Mobility Management) selects SMF and calls a session management context establishment request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest), SMF interacts with PCF to obtain SM policy. Optionally, PCF can subscribe to events below the minimum service experience threshold from the SMF.

[0148] The UPF selection strategy for the new session includes:

[0149] Regardless of whether the PCF subscribes to the SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold, if there is an average service experience analysis value greater than the minimum service experience threshold among the average service experience analysis values ​​of the UPFs, the UPF with the largest average service experience analysis value is selected.

[0150] Optionally, the UPF selection strategy for the new session further includes:

[0151] When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF has not subscribed to the SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold, the session establishment is rejected; optionally, a rejection response is sent to the AMF, carrying the reason for rejecting the session establishment;

[0152] or,

[0153] When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF subscribes to the event below the minimum service experience threshold to the SMF, an event response message is sent to the PCF; the event response message includes: an indication that the current average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF; receiving the routing selection rules updated by the PCF (for example, lowering the quality of service QoS parameter level of low-value service flows), and selecting a UPF according to the updated routing selection rules.

[0154] As yet another optional embodiment, in the case where it is determined to initiate access restriction of an existing session, the method further includes:

[0155] When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, stop selecting UPF for the existing session and feedback the stop reason to the application function AF and / or PCF;

[0156] or,

[0157] When there is an average service experience analysis value greater than the minimum service experience threshold among the average service experience analysis values ​​of the UPFs, a UPF with the largest average service experience analysis value is selected for the existing session.

[0158] For existing sessions, the UPFs selected by SMF include: edge node (PSA2), branching point UPF (Branchingpoint UPF) and / or uplink classification UPF (ULCL UPF).

[0159] In summary, the embodiment of the present invention provides the SMF with the average service experience analysis value related to UPF through NWDAF, and the SMF further considers the average service experience analysis value related to UPF provided by NWDAF when selecting UPF, thereby solving the problem that SMF can more accurately implement the user plane selection strategy and further ensure the user experience.

[0160] like Figure 2 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides an auxiliary method for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is performed by a network data analysis function NWDAF, and the method includes:

[0161] Step 201, receiving a first subscription request message sent by a session management function SMF; the first subscription request message includes: a service experience analysis identifier;

[0162] Step 202: analyzing the service experience data related to the UPF according to the first subscription request message to determine the average service experience analysis value of the UPF;

[0163] Step 203: Send a first subscription response message to the SMF, where the first subscription response message carries the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0164] In the embodiment of the present invention, the average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0165] The first average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF;

[0166] The second average service experience analysis value of a specific user on the UPF. The specific user may be a group of users; for example, if the specific user is a specific power grid user, the second average service experience analysis value is the average service experience analysis value of all specific power grid users on the UPF.

[0167] It should be noted that the first subscription request message of SMF can be to subscribe to or request the average service experience analysis value of UPF from NWDAF with UPF as the granularity, and accordingly, NWDAF feeds back the average service experience analysis value with UPF as the granularity; the first subscription request message of SMF can also be to subscribe to or request the average service experience analysis value of UPF from NWDAF with user or user group as the granularity, and accordingly, NWDAF feeds back the average service experience analysis value of UPF with user or user group as the granularity. That is, the average service experience analysis value carried in the first subscription response message is at the granularity of user, or at the granularity of UPF.

[0168] As an optional embodiment, the first subscription request message further includes at least one of the following:

[0169] UPF identifier (generally, it is a request for average service experience analysis value with UPF as the granularity);

[0170] The identifier of the user on the UPF; it can be the identifier of some users on the UPF (generally requesting the average service experience analysis value with the user as the granularity), or it can be the identifier of all users on the UPF (generally requesting the average service experience analysis value with the UPF as the granularity);

[0171] The identifier of the user group on the UPF; it can be the identifier of some user groups on the UPF (generally requesting the average service experience analysis value with the user group as the granularity), or it can be the identifier of all user groups on the UPF (generally requesting the average service experience analysis value with the UPF as the granularity);

[0172] Data network access identifier DNAI information; DNAI information corresponds to at least one UPF;

[0173] UPF identifier corresponding to DNAI information; if UPF is registered to NRF and DNAI at the same time, SMF may not provide the UPF identifier corresponding to DNAI, and NWDAF can obtain the corresponding UPF identifier by querying NRF based on DNAI;

[0174] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0175] It should be noted that the NWDAF provided in the embodiment of the present invention needs to support at least one of the following:

[0176] According to the first subscription request of SMF for the average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF, the average service experience related data of UPF is analyzed, and the average service experience analysis value with UPF as the granularity is responded to SMF;

[0177] According to the first subscription request of SMF to the average service experience analysis value of a specific user on UPF, perform data analysis related to the average service experience of the specific user on UPF, and respond to SMF with the average service experience analysis value of the specific user;

[0178] According to the DNAI information carried in the first subscription request, data related to the service experience of the UPF related to the DNAI is collected, and data related to the service experience of the UPF is analyzed, and the average service experience analysis value related to each UPF corresponding to the DNAI is responded to the SMF.

[0179] In summary, the embodiment of the present invention provides the SMF with the average service experience analysis value related to UPF through NWDAF, and the SMF further considers the average service experience analysis value related to UPF provided by NWDAF when selecting UPF, thereby solving the problem that SMF can more accurately implement the user plane selection strategy and further ensure the user experience.

[0180] like Figure 3 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention also provides an auxiliary method for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is executed by a packet control unit PCF, and includes:

[0181] Step 301: receiving an application function AF request, wherein the AF request carries a minimum service experience threshold of UPF;

[0182] Step 302: Generate a routing selection rule according to the AF request; the routing selection rule includes: a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF;

[0183] Step 303: Send the routing rule to the session management function SMF.

[0184] There are two sources for the minimum service experience threshold mentioned in the embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to source 2, that is, PCF sends a routing selection rule to SMF, and the routing selection rule includes: the minimum service experience threshold of UPF; specifically, the minimum service experience threshold of UPF carried in the AF request, and the AF sends an AF request carrying the minimum service experience threshold of UPF to PCF, and the PCF generates a routing selection rule and sends the routing selection rule carrying the minimum service experience threshold of UPF to SMF.

[0185] As an optional embodiment, the AF request further carries at least one of the following:

[0186] The user's identification;

[0187] The identifier of the user group;

[0188] Data network access identification DNAI information;

[0189] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0190] The AF needs to send an AF request to the PCF directly or through the NEF, and the AF request carries the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF. The minimum service experience threshold of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0191] The first minimum threshold of the average service experience of all users on the UPF;

[0192] The second lowest threshold of the average service experience of a specific user on the UPF. Similarly, the specific user may be a group of users; for example, the specific user is a specific power grid user.

[0193] As another optional embodiment, the method further includes:

[0194] Subscribe to SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold;

[0195] Receive an event response message sent by the SMF; the event response message includes: indication information indicating that the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are currently less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF;

[0196] updating routing selection rules according to the event response message;

[0197] The updated routing rules are sent to the SMF.

[0198] The average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0199] The first average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF;

[0200] The second average service experience analysis value of a specific user on the UPF. The specific user may be a group of users; for example, if the specific user is a specific power grid user, the second average service experience analysis value is the average service experience analysis value of all specific power grid users on the UPF.

[0201] In summary, in the embodiment of the present invention, PCF generates routing selection rules according to AF requests, and notifies SMF of the minimum service experience threshold of UPF through the routing selection rules, thereby assisting SMF in considering the UPF-related average service experience analysis value provided by NWDAF and the minimum service experience threshold of UPF when selecting UPF, thereby solving the problem of SMF implementing user plane selection strategies more accurately and further ensuring user experience.

[0202] In order to more clearly describe the method for selecting a UPF provided in an embodiment of the present invention, three examples are provided below for illustration.

[0203] Example 1: The first minimum threshold of the average service experience of all users on UPF is configured on SMF, such as Figure 4 As shown:

[0204] Step 41, SMF obtains available UPF information, and SMF configures the minimum threshold of average service experience related to UPF, which is Threshold I: the first minimum threshold of the average service experience of all users on UPF.

[0205] Step 42, SMF subscribes to / requests the UPF average service experience analysis of each available UPF from NWDAF (i.e., the average service experience of all users on the UPF for all services, not individual users or services);

[0206] There are two ways to implement subscription / request for UPF average service experience analysis:

[0207] A.SMF subscribes / requests UPF average service experience analysis to NWDAF at the UPF granularity. The subscription / request information includes at least the service experience analysis identifier, UPF identifier (such as UPF IP address or fully qualified domain name FQDN), and optionally also includes at least: all UE identifiers on the UPF and UE-related application identifiers or flow identifiers.

[0208] B.SMF subscribes / requests the average service experience of users on UPF to NWDAF according to UE (or UE group). The subscription / request information includes the service experience analysis identifier, UE (or UE group) identifier, and UE-related application identifier or flow identifier.

[0209] Step 43: NWDAF collects data and performs data analysis related to the average service experience of UPF.

[0210] Corresponding to 42A, if SMF does not provide all UE identifiers on UPF and UE-related application identifiers or flow identifiers, then NWDAF can further request UPF to obtain all UE identifiers on UPF and UE-related application identifiers or flow identifiers directly (or through SMF) based on the UPF identifier before collecting data.

[0211] Step 44, NWDAF notifies / responds to SMF of the UPF average service experience analysis value, and SMF obtains the UPF average service experience analysis value.

[0212] There are two implementation methods for steps 42A and 42B:

[0213] A. NWDAF notifies / responds to SMF that UPF is the granular average service experience. The notification / response message includes at least: UPF identifier and the average service experience analysis value corresponding to UPF.

[0214] B.NWDAF notifies / responds to SMF of the average service experience of the UE (group). The notification / response message includes at least: the UE (or UE group) identifier and the corresponding average service experience analysis value. The SMF further calculates the average service experience analysis value of the user on the UPF based on the local SM context.

[0215] Step 45, based on the existing SMF selection criteria, the SMF further compares the received UPF average service experience analysis with the threshold I configured in step 41, and based on the comparison result, further decides whether to start session access restriction and determines the UPF selection strategy for the new session.

[0216] Step 46: UE triggers a PDU session establishment request, AMF selects SMF and calls Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request, SMF interacts with PCF to obtain SM policy. Optionally, PCF subscribes to SMF for the event that the UPF average service experience analysis value is lower than threshold I.

[0217] Step 47: SMF selects UPF. Depending on whether PCF subscribes to SMF for the event that the UPF average service experience analysis value is lower than threshold I, there are two processing methods:

[0218] If the PCF does not subscribe to the SMF for the event that the UPF average service experience analysis value is lower than the threshold I:

[0219] Based on the existing SMF selection basis, if the SMF determines that the average service experience analysis value of each UPF is smaller than the threshold I, it means that the service experience carried on all UPFs is already very poor, then the session establishment is rejected, and the AMF responds to the rejection of establishment, carrying the reason (value) for rejecting the session establishment; or, based on the existing SMF selection basis, if the SMF determines that the average service experience analysis value of the UPF is greater than the threshold I, then the SMF selects the UPF with the largest average service experience value and further completes the session establishment.

[0220] If PCF subscribes to SMF for the event that the UPF average service experience analysis value is lower than threshold I:

[0221] Based on the existing SMF selection criteria, if the SMF determines that the average service experience analysis value of each UPF is smaller than the threshold value I, an event response message is sent to the PCF (the event response message at least includes the indication information that the average service experience analysis value of the UPF is lower than the threshold value I (such as 1 for low, 0 for not low), and the average service experience analysis value of the UPF). The PCF updates the PCC QoS policy (such as lowering the QoS parameter level of low-value service flows) according to the average service experience analysis value of the UPF, and updates it to the SMF for execution, thereby improving the average service experience of the UPF. The SMF further executes the UPF selection and completes the session establishment. Alternatively, based on the existing SMF selection criteria, if the SMF determines that there is a UPF with an average service experience analysis value greater than the threshold value I, the SMF selects the UPF with the largest average service experience value and further completes the session establishment.

[0222] Example 2: The second lowest threshold of the average service experience of a specific user on the UPF is configured on the SMF, such as Figure 5 As shown:

[0223] Step 51, SMF obtains available UPF information, and SMF configures the minimum threshold of average service experience related to UPF, which is Threshold II: the second minimum threshold of average service experience of a specific user on UPF. The configuration information includes at least the group identifier and / or UE identifier of the UE, and the minimum threshold of the average service experience of the group of users on UPF (e.g., a specific grid user is a group, and the average service experience of the specific grid user is configured on each UPF).

[0224] Step 52, SMF subscribes to / requests the average service experience analysis of a group of users on UPF from NWDAF (it can be the average service experience analysis of a group of users on a certain application, or it can be the average service experience analysis of a group of users on all applications). The subscription / request information includes at least the service experience analysis identifier, UE or UE group identifier, related application identifier or flow identifier, and optional UPF identifier.

[0225] Step 53: NWDAF collects data and performs relevant data analysis on the average service experience of a group of users on UPF.

[0226] Step 54, NWDAF notifies / responds to SMF of the average service experience analysis of a group of users on UPF, and SMF obtains the average service experience analysis value of a group of users on UPF.

[0227] Step 55, based on the existing SMF selection criteria, SMF further compares the average service experience analysis value of a group of users received from UPF with the threshold II configured in step 51, and based on the comparison result, further decides whether to start session access restriction and determines the UPF selection strategy for new sessions.

[0228] Step 56: UE triggers a PDU session establishment request, AMF selects SMF and calls Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext Request, SMF interacts with PCF to obtain SM policy. Optionally, PCF subscribes to SMF for an event that the average service experience analysis value of a group of users on UPF is lower than threshold II.

[0229] Step 57: SMF selects UPF. Depending on whether PCF subscribes to SMF for the event that the average service experience analysis value of a group of users on UPF is lower than threshold II, there are two processing methods:

[0230] If the PCF does not subscribe to the SMF for the event that the average service experience analysis value of a group of users on the UPF is lower than the threshold II:

[0231] Based on the existing SMF selection basis, SMF first determines whether it is necessary to perform UPF selection based on service experience for the user. If necessary (such as the user is a user in the threshold II configuration information), further judgment is performed: If SMF determines that the average service experience analysis of a group of users on each UPF is lower than threshold II, it means that the service experience of this type of users carried on all UPFs is already very poor, then the session establishment is rejected, and a rejection response is sent to AMF, carrying the reason (value) for rejecting the session establishment; or, based on the existing SMF selection basis, if SMF determines that the average service experience analysis of a group of users on UPF is greater than threshold II, then SMF selects the UPF with the largest average service experience value for this group of users, and further completes the session establishment.

[0232] If PCF subscribes to SMF for an event that the average service experience analysis of a group of users on UPF is lower than threshold II:

[0233] Based on the existing SMF selection basis, the SMF first determines whether it is necessary to perform UPF selection based on service experience for the user. If necessary, further judgment is performed: if the SMF determines that the user average service experience analysis of a group of users on each UPF is lower than the threshold II, an event response message is sent to the PCF (the event response message at least includes the indication information that the user average service experience analysis of a group of users on the UPF is lower than the threshold II (such as 1 for low, 0 for not low), and the user average service experience analysis value of a group of users on the UPF), the PCF updates the PCC QoS policy according to the user average service experience analysis value of a group of users on the UPF, and updates it to the SMF for execution, improves the average service experience of the UPF, and the SMF further performs UPF selection to complete the session establishment; or, based on the existing SMF selection basis, if the SMF determines that it is necessary to perform UPF selection based on service experience for the user, and there is a group of users on the UPF whose average service experience analysis is greater than the threshold II, the SMF selects the UPF with the largest average service experience value and further completes the session establishment.

[0234] Example 3: The AF request carries the minimum service experience threshold (first minimum threshold and / or second minimum threshold) of the UPF, such as Figure 6 As shown:

[0235] Step 61, AF sends an AF request to PCF directly (or through NEF), and the AF request includes at least application / service flow description information, DNAI or AF identifier, minimum service experience threshold (such as the minimum service experience threshold of the State Grid service), and optionally also includes UE identifier (such as a certain UE, a group of UEs or all UEs).

[0236] Step 62, PCF forms routing rules (also called PCC rules):

[0237] For a new PDU session, the PCF determines whether it is necessary to call the PCC rules to the SMF according to the AF request based on the information in the session request (such as the UE's location or time trigger condition).

[0238] For existing PDU sessions, the PCF determines whether the existing PDU sessions may be affected by the AF request (such as based on the UE's location or time trigger conditions). For each of these PDU sessions, the PCF updates the SMF's UPF selection strategy by calling the corresponding new PCC rules.

[0239] Step 63: PCF sends routing selection rules to SMF, including at least service flow information, DNAI information, and minimum service experience threshold;

[0240] Step 64: SMF subscribes to / requests DNAI-related UPF-related average service experience analysis from NWDAF based on the DNAI information sent by PCF. The analysis may be:

[0241] Analysis I: Average service experience analysis of all users on UPF, and / or

[0242] Analysis II: Analysis of average service experience of specific users on UPF.

[0243] For Analysis I: the subscription / request information includes at least the service experience analysis identifier and DNAI information, and may optionally include at least: the UPF identifier corresponding to the DNAI.

[0244] For Analysis II: the subscription / request information includes at least the service experience analysis identifier, DNAI information, and UE (or UE group) identifier, and optionally includes at least: the UPF identifier corresponding to the DNAI, and application / service flow information.

[0245] Step 65, NWDAF collects data related to the service experience related to UPF related to DNAI according to DNAI, and analyzes data related to the service experience related to UPF;

[0246] Step 66, NWDAF notifies / responds to SMF of the average service experience analysis value related to each UPF corresponding to DNAI.

[0247] For analysis I: NWDAF notifies / responds to SMF of the average service experience analysis value of each UPF corresponding to DNAI. For analysis II, NWDAF notifies / responds to SMF of the average service experience analysis value of a specific user on each UPF corresponding to DNAI.

[0248] Step 67: PCF subscribes to SMF for the event that the average service experience analysis value related to UPF is lower than the minimum service experience threshold.

[0249] Step 68: SMF further compares the received average service experience analysis value related to the UPF with the minimum service experience threshold according to the routing selection rule, and further determines the UPF selection strategy according to the comparison result:

[0250] For a new PDU session,

[0251] For Analysis I: When SMF selects UPF, the process is the same as step 47 of Example 1.

[0252] For Analysis II: When SMF selects UPF, the procedure is the same as step 57 in Example 2.

[0253] For an existing PDU session, when SMF selects PSA2, Branching point UPF or ULCL UPF,

[0254] If the SMF determines that the average service experience analysis values ​​related to the UPF are all smaller than the minimum service experience threshold, it terminates the selection of PSA2 and Branching point UPF or ULCL UPF, and notifies the AF and PCF (at least one of them) of the feedback reason (value).

[0255] If the SMF determines that the average service experience analysis value related to the UPF is greater than the minimum service experience threshold, the SMF selects the UPF with the largest average service experience value, and further selects PSA2 and Branching point UPF or ULCLUPF.

[0256] like Figure 7 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a device for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is applied to a session management function SMF, including:

[0257] An acquisition module 701 is used to acquire an average service experience analysis value of a UPF;

[0258] The selection module 702 is used to select a UPF according to the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0259] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0260] Configuration module, used to configure the minimum service experience threshold of UPF;

[0261] or,

[0262] The threshold receiving module is used to receive the routing selection rule sent by the packet control unit PCF, and the routing selection rule includes: the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF.

[0263] As an optional embodiment, the average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0264] The first average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF;

[0265] The second average service experience analysis value of a specific user on UPF.

[0266] As an optional embodiment, the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0267] The first minimum threshold of the average service experience of all users on the UPF;

[0268] The second lowest threshold of the average service experience of a specific user on UPF.

[0269] As an optional embodiment, the acquisition module includes:

[0270] A request sending module, configured to send a first subscription request message to a network data analysis function NWDAF; the first subscription request message includes: a service experience analysis identifier;

[0271] The response receiving module is used to receive a first subscription response message sent by the NWDAF, where the first subscription response message carries the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0272] As an optional embodiment, the first subscription request message further includes at least one of the following:

[0273] UPF logo;

[0274] The user's ID on the UPF;

[0275] The identifier of the user group on the UPF;

[0276] Data network access identification DNAI information;

[0277] UPF identifier corresponding to DNAI information;

[0278] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0279] As an optional embodiment, if the average service experience analysis value carried in the first subscription response message is based on user granularity, the device further includes:

[0280] The first determination module is used to determine the first average service experience analysis value of all users on the UPF based on the average service experience analysis value with user granularity and SMF context information.

[0281] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0282] The second determination module is used to determine whether to start the existing session access restriction and determine the UPF selection strategy for the new session based on the average service experience analysis value of the UPF and the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF.

[0283] As an optional embodiment, the selection module includes:

[0284] The selection submodule is used to select UPF according to the average service experience analysis value of UPF and the UPF selection policy of the new session.

[0285] As an optional embodiment, the UPF selection strategy for the new session includes:

[0286] When there is an average service experience analysis value greater than the minimum service experience threshold among the average service experience analysis values ​​of the UPFs, the UPF with the largest average service experience analysis value is selected.

[0287] As an optional embodiment, the UPF selection strategy for the new session further includes:

[0288] When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF does not subscribe to the SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold, the session establishment is rejected;

[0289] or,

[0290] When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF subscribes to the event below the minimum service experience threshold to the SMF, an event response message is sent to the PCF; the event response message includes: an indication that the current average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF; receiving the routing selection rules updated by the PCF, and selecting the UPF according to the updated routing selection rules.

[0291] As an optional embodiment, in the case where it is determined to start the existing session access restriction, the apparatus further includes:

[0292] A stop module, configured to stop selecting UPF for an existing session and feedback the stop reason to the application function AF and / or PCF when the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold;

[0293] And / or, a second selection module is used to select the UPF with the largest average service experience analysis value for the existing session when there is an average service experience analysis value of the UPF that is greater than the minimum service experience threshold.

[0294] In the embodiment of the present invention, NWDAF provides SMF with an average service experience analysis value related to UPF. SMF further considers the average service experience analysis value related to UPF provided by NWDAF when selecting UPF, thereby solving the problem that SMF can more accurately implement user plane selection strategy and further ensure user experience.

[0295] It should be noted that the UPF selection device provided in the embodiment of the present invention is a device capable of executing the above-mentioned UPF selection method, and all embodiments of the above-mentioned UPF selection method are applicable to the device and can achieve the same or similar beneficial effects.

[0296] like Figure 8 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a session management function SMF, including a processor 800 and a transceiver 810, wherein the transceiver 810 receives and sends data under the control of the processor 800, and the processor 800 is used to perform the following operations:

[0297] Get the average service experience analysis value of UPF;

[0298] UPF selection is performed based on the average service experience analysis value of UPF.

[0299] As an optional embodiment, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0300] Configure the minimum service experience threshold of UPF;

[0301] or,

[0302] A routing selection rule sent by a packet control unit PCF is received, where the routing selection rule includes: a minimum service experience threshold of a UPF.

[0303] As an optional embodiment, the average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0304] The first average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF;

[0305] The second average service experience analysis value of a specific user on UPF.

[0306] As an optional embodiment, the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0307] The first minimum threshold of the average service experience of all users on the UPF;

[0308] The second lowest threshold of the average service experience of a specific user on UPF.

[0309] As an optional embodiment, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0310] Sending a first subscription request message to the network data analysis function NWDAF; the first subscription request message includes: a service experience analysis identifier;

[0311] Receive a first subscription response message sent by NWDAF, where the first subscription response message carries the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0312] As an optional embodiment, the first subscription request message further includes at least one of the following:

[0313] UPF logo;

[0314] The user's ID on the UPF;

[0315] The identifier of the user group on the UPF;

[0316] Data network access identification DNAI information;

[0317] UPF identifier corresponding to DNAI information;

[0318] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0319] As an optional embodiment, if the average service experience analysis value carried in the first subscription response message is based on user granularity, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0320] Based on the average service experience analysis value with user granularity and SMF context information, the first average service experience analysis value of all users on the UPF is determined.

[0321] As an optional embodiment, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0322] Based on the average service experience analysis value of the UPF and the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF, determine whether to activate the access restriction of the existing session and determine the UPF selection strategy for the new session.

[0323] As an optional embodiment, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0324] UPF selection is performed based on the average service experience analysis value of UPF and the UPF selection policy for the new session.

[0325] As an optional embodiment, the UPF selection strategy for the new session includes:

[0326] When there is an average service experience analysis value greater than the minimum service experience threshold among the average service experience analysis values ​​of the UPFs, the UPF with the largest average service experience analysis value is selected.

[0327] As an optional embodiment, the UPF selection strategy for the new session further includes:

[0328] When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF does not subscribe to the SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold, the session establishment is rejected;

[0329] or,

[0330] When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF subscribes to the event below the minimum service experience threshold to the SMF, an event response message is sent to the PCF; the event response message includes: an indication that the current average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF; receiving the routing selection rules updated by the PCF, and selecting the UPF according to the updated routing selection rules.

[0331] As an optional embodiment, when it is determined to start the existing session access restriction, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0332] When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, stop selecting UPF for the existing session and feedback the reason for the stop to the application function AF and / or PCF;

[0333] or,

[0334] When there is an average service experience analysis value greater than the minimum service experience threshold among the average service experience analysis values ​​of the UPFs, a UPF with the largest average service experience analysis value is selected for the existing session.

[0335] In the embodiment of the present invention, NWDAF provides SMF with an average service experience analysis value related to UPF. SMF further considers the average service experience analysis value related to UPF provided by NWDAF when selecting UPF, thereby solving the problem that SMF can more accurately implement user plane selection strategy and further ensure user experience.

[0336] It should be noted that the SMF provided in the embodiment of the present invention is an SMF capable of executing the above-mentioned UPF selection method, so all embodiments of the above-mentioned UPF selection method are applicable to the SMF and can achieve the same or similar beneficial effects.

[0337] like Fig. 9 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides an auxiliary device for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is applied to a network data analysis function NWDAF, and the device includes:

[0338] The first request receiving module 901 is used to receive a first subscription request message sent by the session management function SMF; the first subscription request message includes: a service experience analysis identifier;

[0339] An analysis module 902 is used to analyze the service experience data related to the UPF according to the first subscription request message, and determine the average service experience analysis value of the UPF;

[0340] The response sending module 903 is used to send a first subscription response message to the SMF, and the first subscription response message carries the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0341] As an optional embodiment, the average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0342] The first average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF;

[0343] The second average service experience analysis value of a specific user on UPF.

[0344] As an optional embodiment, the first subscription request message further includes at least one of the following:

[0345] UPF logo;

[0346] The user's ID on the UPF;

[0347] The identifier of the user group on the UPF;

[0348] Data network access identification DNAI information;

[0349] UPF identifier corresponding to DNAI information;

[0350] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0351] As an optional embodiment, the average service experience analysis value carried in the first subscription response message is based on the user granularity, or based on the UPF granularity.

[0352] In the embodiment of the present invention, NWDAF provides SMF with an average service experience analysis value related to UPF. SMF further considers the average service experience analysis value related to UPF provided by NWDAF when selecting UPF, thereby solving the problem that SMF can more accurately implement user plane selection strategy and further ensure user experience.

[0353] It should be noted that the auxiliary device for UPF selection provided in the embodiment of the present invention is a device capable of executing the above-mentioned auxiliary method for UPF selection. All embodiments of the above-mentioned auxiliary method for UPF selection are applicable to the device and can achieve the same or similar beneficial effects.

[0354] like Fig.10 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a network data analysis function NWDAF, including a processor 1000 and a transceiver 1010, wherein the transceiver 1010 receives and sends data under the control of the processor 1000, and the processor 1000 is used to perform the following operations:

[0355] Receive a first subscription request message sent by a session management function SMF; the first subscription request message includes: a service experience analysis identifier;

[0356] According to the first subscription request message, perform service experience data analysis related to UPF to determine an average service experience analysis value of UPF;

[0357] A first subscription response message is sent to the SMF, wherein the first subscription response message carries the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

[0358] As an optional embodiment, the average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes at least one of the following:

[0359] The first average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF;

[0360] The second average service experience analysis value of a specific user on UPF.

[0361] As an optional embodiment, the first subscription request message further includes at least one of the following:

[0362] UPF logo;

[0363] The user's ID on the UPF;

[0364] The identifier of the user group on the UPF;

[0365] Data network access identification DNAI information;

[0366] UPF identifier corresponding to DNAI information;

[0367] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0368] As an optional embodiment, the average service experience analysis value carried in the first subscription response message is based on the user granularity, or based on the UPF granularity.

[0369] In the embodiment of the present invention, NWDAF provides SMF with an average service experience analysis value related to UPF. SMF further considers the average service experience analysis value related to UPF provided by NWDAF when selecting UPF, thereby solving the problem that SMF can more accurately implement user plane selection strategy and further ensure user experience.

[0370] It should be noted that the NWDAF provided in the embodiment of the present invention is an NWDAF capable of executing the above-mentioned auxiliary method for UPF selection. Therefore, all embodiments of the above-mentioned auxiliary method for UPF selection are applicable to the NWDAF and can achieve the same or similar beneficial effects.

[0371] like Fig.11As shown, the embodiment of the present invention further provides an auxiliary device for selecting a user plane function UPF, which is applied to a packet control unit PCF, including:

[0372] The second request receiving module 1100 is used to receive an application function AF request, where the AF request carries a minimum service experience threshold of UPF;

[0373] The generating module 1101 is used to generate a routing selection rule according to the AF request; the routing selection rule includes: a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF;

[0374] The rule sending module 1102 is used to send the routing rule to the session management function SMF.

[0375] As an optional embodiment, the AF request further carries at least one of the following:

[0376] The user's identification;

[0377] The identifier of the user group;

[0378] Data network access identification DNAI information;

[0379] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0380] As an optional embodiment, the device further includes:

[0381] The event subscription module is used to subscribe to the events below the minimum service experience threshold to SMF;

[0382] A response message receiving module, used to receive an event response message sent by the SMF; the event response message includes: indication information indicating that the average service experience analysis value of each UPF is less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF;

[0383] An updating module, used for updating a routing selection rule according to the event response message;

[0384] The update sending module is used to send the updated routing rules to the SMF.

[0385] In the embodiment of the present invention, PCF generates routing selection rules according to AF request, and notifies SMF of the minimum service experience threshold of UPF through routing selection rules, thereby assisting SMF to consider the UPF-related average service experience analysis value provided by NWDAF and the minimum service experience threshold of UPF when selecting UPF, thereby solving the problem of SMF implementing user plane selection strategy more accurately and further ensuring user experience.

[0386] It should be noted that the auxiliary device for UPF selection provided in the embodiment of the present invention is a device capable of executing the above-mentioned auxiliary method for UPF selection. All embodiments of the above-mentioned auxiliary method for UPF selection are applicable to the device and can achieve the same or similar beneficial effects.

[0387] like Fig.12 As shown, the embodiment of the present invention further provides a packet control unit PCF, including a processor 1200 and a transceiver 1210, wherein the transceiver 1210 receives and sends data under the control of the processor 1200, and the processor 1200 is used to perform the following operations:

[0388] Receiving an application function AF request, where the AF request carries a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF;

[0389] Generate a routing selection rule according to the AF request; the routing selection rule includes: a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF;

[0390] The routing rules are sent to the session management function SMF.

[0391] As an optional embodiment, the AF request further carries at least one of the following:

[0392] The user's identification;

[0393] The identifier of the user group;

[0394] Data network access identification DNAI information;

[0395] User-related application ID or flow ID.

[0396] As an optional embodiment, the processor is further configured to perform the following operations:

[0397] Subscribe to SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold;

[0398] Receive an event response message sent by the SMF; the event response message includes: indication information indicating that the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are currently less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF;

[0399] updating routing selection rules according to the event response message;

[0400] The updated routing rules are sent to the SMF.

[0401] In the embodiment of the present invention, PCF generates routing selection rules according to AF request, and notifies SMF of the minimum service experience threshold of UPF through routing selection rules, thereby assisting SMF to consider the UPF-related average service experience analysis value provided by NWDAF and the minimum service experience threshold of UPF when selecting UPF, thereby solving the problem of SMF implementing user plane selection strategy more accurately and further ensuring user experience.

[0402] It should be noted that the PCF provided in the embodiment of the present invention is a PCF capable of executing the above-mentioned auxiliary method for UPF selection. Therefore, all embodiments of the above-mentioned auxiliary method for UPF selection are applicable to the PCF and can achieve the same or similar beneficial effects.

[0403] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a communication device, which is an SMF or PCF or NWDAF, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, each process in the UPF selection method embodiment or the UPF selection auxiliary method embodiment as described above is implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it will not be repeated here.

[0404] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor, each process in the above-mentioned UPF selection method embodiment or UPF selection auxiliary method embodiment is implemented, and the same technical effect can be achieved. To avoid repetition, it is not repeated here. The computer-readable storage medium is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0405] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, systems or computer program products. Therefore, the present application may adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, the present application may adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-readable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage and optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0406] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems) and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A device that specifies functions in one or more processes and / or one or more blocks.

[0407] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce a paper product including an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0408] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that the computer or other programmable device executes a series of operating steps to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A step that specifies a function in one or more boxes.

[0409] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for selecting a user plane function UPF, performed by a session management function SMF, characterized in that: include: Get the average service experience analysis value of UPF; Selecting a UPF according to the average service experience analysis value of the UPF; Configure the minimum service experience threshold of UPF; Alternatively, receiving a routing selection rule sent by a packet control unit PCF, the routing selection rule comprising: a minimum service experience threshold of a UPF; Determine whether to activate access restriction for existing sessions and determine a UPF selection strategy for new sessions based on the average service experience analysis value of the UPF and the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF; The UPF selection is performed according to the average service experience analysis value of the UPF, including: Selecting a UPF according to the average service experience analysis value of the UPF and the UPF selection policy for the new session; The UPF selection strategy for the new session includes: When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF does not subscribe to the SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold, the session establishment is rejected; or, When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF subscribes to the event below the minimum service experience threshold to the SMF, an event response message is sent to the PCF; the event response message includes: an indication that the current average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF; receiving the routing selection rules updated by the PCF, and selecting the UPF according to the updated routing selection rules.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes at least one of the following: The first average service experience analysis value of all users on UPF; The second average service experience analysis value of a specific user on UPF.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The minimum service experience threshold of UPF includes at least one of the following: The first minimum threshold of the average service experience of all users on the UPF; The second lowest threshold of the average service experience of a specific user on UPF.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The obtaining of the average service experience analysis value of the UPF includes: Sending a first subscription request message to the network data analysis function NWDAF; the first subscription request message includes: a service experience analysis identifier; Receive a first subscription response message sent by NWDAF, where the first subscription response message carries the average service experience analysis value of the UPF.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first subscription request message further includes at least one of the following: UPF logo; The user's ID on the UPF; The identifier of the user group on the UPF; Data network access identification DNAI information; UPF identifier corresponding to DNAI information; User-related application ID or flow ID.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that If the average service experience analysis value carried in the first subscription response message is based on user granularity, the method further includes: Based on the average service experience analysis value with user granularity and SMF context information, the first average service experience analysis value of all users on the UPF is determined.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The UPF selection strategy for the new session includes: When there is an average service experience analysis value greater than the minimum service experience threshold among the average service experience analysis values ​​of the UPFs, the UPF with the largest average service experience analysis value is selected.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that In the case where it is determined that the existing session access restriction is initiated, the method further includes: When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, stop selecting UPF for the existing session and feedback the reason for the stop to the application function AF and / or PCF; or, When there is an average service experience analysis value greater than the minimum service experience threshold among the average service experience analysis values ​​of the UPFs, a UPF with the largest average service experience analysis value is selected for the existing session.

9. A method for assisting user plane function UPF selection, performed by a packet control unit PCF, characterized in that: include: Receiving an application function AF request, where the AF request carries a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF; Generate a routing rule according to the AF request; The routing selection rules include: the minimum service experience threshold of UPF; Sending the routing rules to the session management function SMF; Subscribe to SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold; Receive an event response message sent by the SMF; the event response message includes: indication information indicating that the current average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF; updating routing selection rules according to the event response message; The updated routing rules are sent to the SMF.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that The AF request also carries at least one of the following: The user's identification; The identifier of the user group; Data network access identification DNAI information; User-related application ID or flow ID.

11. A selection device for a user plane function UPF, applied to a session management function SMF, characterized in that: include: An acquisition module is used to obtain the average service experience analysis value of UPF; A selection module, used to select a UPF according to the average service experience analysis value of the UPF; Configuration module, used to configure the minimum service experience threshold of UPF; or, A threshold receiving module, used to receive a routing selection rule sent by a packet control unit PCF, wherein the routing selection rule includes: a minimum service experience threshold of a UPF; A second determination module is used to determine whether to start the existing session access restriction and determine the UPF selection strategy for the new session according to the average service experience analysis value of the UPF and the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF; The selection module comprises: A selection submodule, used to select a UPF according to the average service experience analysis value of the UPF and the UPF selection policy of the new session; The UPF selection strategy for the new session includes: When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF does not subscribe to the SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold, the session establishment is rejected; or, When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF subscribes to the event below the minimum service experience threshold to the SMF, an event response message is sent to the PCF; the event response message includes: an indication that the current average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF; receiving the routing selection rules updated by the PCF, and selecting the UPF according to the updated routing selection rules.

12. A session management function SMF, comprising a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the processor, characterized in that: The processor is configured to perform the following operations: Get the average service experience analysis value of UPF; Selecting a UPF according to the average service experience analysis value of the UPF; Configure the minimum service experience threshold of UPF; Alternatively, receiving a routing selection rule sent by a packet control unit PCF, the routing selection rule comprising: a minimum service experience threshold of a UPF; Determine whether to activate access restriction for existing sessions and determine a UPF selection strategy for new sessions based on the average service experience analysis value of the UPF and the minimum service experience threshold of the UPF; The processor is used to perform UPF selection according to the average service experience analysis value of the UPF, specifically used to: perform UPF selection according to the average service experience analysis value of the UPF and the UPF selection policy of the new session; The UPF selection strategy for the new session also includes: When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF does not subscribe to the SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold, the session establishment is rejected; or, When the average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, if the packet control unit PCF subscribes to the event below the minimum service experience threshold to the SMF, an event response message is sent to the PCF; the event response message includes: an indication that the current average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF; receiving the routing selection rules updated by the PCF, and selecting the UPF according to the updated routing selection rules.

13. An auxiliary device for selecting a user plane function UPF, applied to a packet control unit PCF, characterized in that: include: A second request receiving module is used to receive an application function AF request, where the AF request carries a minimum service experience threshold of UPF; A generating module, used for generating a routing selection rule according to the AF request; The routing selection rules include: the minimum service experience threshold of UPF; A rule sending module, used for sending the routing rule to the session management function SMF; The event subscription module is used to subscribe to the events below the minimum service experience threshold to SMF; A response message receiving module, used to receive an event response message sent by the SMF; the event response message includes: indication information indicating that the average service experience analysis value of each UPF is less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF; An updating module, used for updating a routing selection rule according to the event response message; The update sending module is used to send the updated routing rules to the SMF.

14. A packet control unit PCF, comprising a processor and a transceiver, wherein the transceiver receives and sends data under the control of the processor, characterized in that: The processor is configured to perform the following operations: Receiving an application function AF request, where the AF request carries a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF; Generate a routing selection rule according to the AF request; the routing selection rule includes: a minimum service experience threshold of the UPF; Sending the routing rules to the session management function SMF; Subscribe to SMF for events below the minimum service experience threshold; Receive an event response message sent by the SMF; the event response message includes: indication information indicating that the current average service experience analysis values ​​of each UPF are less than the minimum service experience threshold, and the average service experience analysis value of each UPF; updating routing selection rules according to the event response message; The updated routing rules are sent to the SMF.

15. A communication device comprising a memory, a processor, and a program stored in the memory and executable on the processor; characterized in that: When the processor executes the program, the UPF selection method as described in any one of claims 1-8 is implemented; or, when the processor executes the program, the auxiliary method for UPF selection as described in any one of claims 9-10 is implemented.

16. 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 in the UPF selection method as described in any one of claims 1-8; or, when the program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps in the UPF selection auxiliary method as described in any one of claims 9-10.

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