QoS flow control method and device

Abstract

The present application provides a method and apparatus for controlling a QoS flow, wherein an SMF network element receives first indication information sent by an access network device, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, and then the SMF network element determines whether a second indication information sent by the access network device is received within a first preset time, the second indication information being used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met. If the SMF network element receives the second indication information, the QoS flow is not processed; if the SMF network element does not receive the second indication information, the QoS flow is deleted or modified. Thus, when the QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the SMF network element does not immediately delete or modify the QoS flow, but instead delays the first preset time, and only deletes or modifies the QoS flow if the QoS target of the QoS flow still cannot be met. This avoids the problem that, in the case of a temporary shortage of resources of the access network device, the SMF network element immediately deletes or modifies the QoS flow, resulting in the QoS flow service being unable to be served or the service quality of the service being reduced.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The application number of the original application is 201810041613.8, and the original application date is January 16, 2018. The entire content of the original application is incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to communication technology, and in particular to a method and apparatus for controlling a Quality of Service (QoS) flow. Background Art

[0003] In the fifth generation mobile communication (5G) system, to ensure end-to-end service quality, a 5G QoS model based on QoS flow is proposed. This 5G QoS model includes a guaranteed bit rate QoS flow (GBR QoS flow) and a non-GBR QoS flow. The same QoS flow includes the same data packet transmission processing (such as scheduling and admission thresholds).

[0004] A user equipment (UE) can establish one or more packet data unit (PDU) sessions with the 5G system, and one or more QoS flows can be established in each PDU session. Each QoS flow is identified by a QoS Flow Identifier (QFI), which uniquely identifies a QoS flow within the session. GBR QoS flows include GBR QoS flows that use notification control and GBR QoS flows that do not use notification control. Notification control is used to instruct the access network (AN) / radio access network (RAN) whether to notify the network when the Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate (GFBR) cannot be met during the use of the QoS flow. For existing GBR QoS flows that use notification control, after the GBR QoS flow is established, at any time, if the (R)AN detects that the QoS target of the corresponding GBR QoS flow cannot be met, it sends an indication to the Session Management Function (SMF) network element. The SMF network element then determines to initiate the modification or deletion process of the QoS flow.

[0005] However, since the resource shortage of (R)AN may be temporary, if the SMF network element immediately deletes the QoS flow or modifies the QoS flow to lower the QoS target when receiving the indication information that the QoS target cannot be met, it will cause some services to not be served or to receive reduced quality services. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present application provides a QoS flow control method and device, which can avoid the problem that when the resources of the access network device are temporarily short of resources, the SMF network element immediately deletes or modifies the QoS flow, resulting in the QoS flow being unable to obtain service or the service quality of the business being reduced.

[0007] A first aspect of the present application provides a QoS flow control method, including:

[0008] The session management function SMF network element receives first indication information sent by the access network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed flow bit rate GFBR, and the QoS flow is a flow with the same QoS treatment;

[0009] Within a first preset time, if the SMF network element receives second indication information sent by the access network device, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met, the SMF network element does not process the QoS flow;

[0010] Within the first preset time, if the SMF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the access network device, the SMF network element deletes or modifies the QoS flow.

[0011] According to the method, when the QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the SMF network element does not immediately delete or modify the QoS flow. Instead, it delays for a first preset time and only deletes or modifies the QoS flow if the QoS target of the QoS flow still cannot be met. This avoids the problem that when there is a short-term shortage of resources in the access network device, the SMF network element immediately deletes or modifies the QoS flow, resulting in the QoS flow service being unable to obtain service or the service quality of the service being reduced.

[0012] In one possible implementation, within the first preset time, if the SMF network element receives a third indication message sent by the access network device, and the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met, the SMF network element deletes or modifies the QoS flow.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the SMF network element determining, based on the first indication information, an operation to be performed on the QoS flow, the operation being the deletion or modification of the QoS flow, wherein the operation is in a pending state. Since determining the operation to be performed on the QoS flow and detecting whether the second indication information is received can be performed in parallel, compared to determining the execution of the modification operation on the QoS flow after the first preset time, the time for the QoS flow modification process can be shortened, thereby reducing the impact on the service.

[0014] In a possible implementation manner, the SMF network element modifies the QoS flow, including:

[0015] The SMF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the QoS flow, where the second QoS target includes a second GFBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information;

[0016] The SMF network element sends the second QoS target to the access network device.

[0017] Since at least two types of QoS control information included in the QoS policy information can meet the QoS requirements of the QoS flow, the second QoS target determined according to the QoS control information can meet the QoS requirements of the QoS flow. Compared with the prior art, the solution of the present application modifies the QoS target of the QoS flow from the first QoS target to the second QoS target, which will not reduce the QoS quality of the QoS flow.

[0018] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes at least priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0019] The SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0021] The SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0022] In a possible implementation, the SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information,

[0023] The SMF network element determines at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0024] The SMF network element sends the third QoS target to the access network device;

[0025] The SMF network element receives a fourth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the access network device according to the third QoS target, and the fourth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0026] The SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fourth QoS target.

[0027] The second QoS target is determined by negotiation between the SMF network element and the access network device, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the QoS flow matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0028] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0029] The SMF network element sends at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow to the access network device according to the QoS policy information;

[0030] The SMF network element receives a fifth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fifth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device, and the fifth QoS target is determined by the access network device according to the at least two QoS targets when the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met;

[0031] The SMF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the QoS flow, including:

[0032] The SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fifth QoS target.

[0033] The second QoS target is determined by negotiation between the SMF network element and the access network device, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the QoS flow matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0034] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0035] The SMF network element receives the QoS policy information sent by the policy control function PCF network element, and the QoS policy information is generated by the PCF network element based on at least two QoS requirements sent by the application function AF network element.

[0036] A second aspect of the present application provides a QoS flow control method, including:

[0037] The access network device sends first indication information to the session management function SMF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow of the user equipment UE cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed flow bit rate GFBR, and the first QoS flow is a flow with the same QoS treatment;

[0038] If the first QoS target can be met within the second preset time, the access network device sends a second indication message to the SMF network element, and the second indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met.

[0039] After sending the first indication information, the access network device detects whether the first QoS target can be met within the second preset time, and notifies the SMF network element, so that when the QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the SMF network element does not immediately delete the QoS flow or modify the QoS flow, but delays the first preset time. If the QoS target of the QoS flow still cannot be met, it deletes or modifies the QoS flow. This avoids the problem that when there is a short-term shortage of resources in the access network device, the SMF network element immediately deletes or modifies the QoS flow, resulting in the QoS flow service being unable to obtain service or the service quality of the service being reduced.

[0040] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0041] If the first QoS target cannot be met within the second preset time, the access network device sends a third indication message to the SMF network element, and the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met.

[0042] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0043] If the access network device does not receive the modification process or deletion process of the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element, the access network device sends a deletion request for the QoS flow to the SMF network element.

[0044] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0045] The second preset time is calculated by a timer. Within the second preset time, if the access network device receives a deletion or modification request for the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element, the access network device deletes the timer.

[0046] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0047] The access network device receives a second QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the second QoS target includes a second GFBR;

[0048] The access network device modifies the QoS flow according to the second QoS target.

[0049] In a possible implementation manner, before the access network device receives the second QoS target sent by the SMF network element, the method further includes:

[0050] The access network device receives at least one third QoS target sent by the SMF network element;

[0051] The access network device determines a fourth QoS target based on the third QoS target, where the fourth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0052] The access network device sends the fourth QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0053] In a possible implementation manner, before the access network device sends the first indication information to the session management function SMF network element, the method further includes:

[0054] The access network device receives at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element;

[0055] When the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the access network device selects a fifth QoS target from the at least two QoS targets, where the fifth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0056] The access network device sends the fifth QoS target to the SMF network element so that the SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fifth QoS target.

[0057] A third aspect of the present application provides a method for controlling a quality of service (QoS) flow, including:

[0058] The policy control function PCF network element receives first indication information sent by the session management function SMF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of the service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate GBR;

[0059] Within a first preset time, if the PCF network element receives second indication information sent by the SMF network element, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met, the PCF network element does not process the QoS policy rule of the service;

[0060] Within the first preset time, if the PCF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the SMF network element, the PCF network element deletes or modifies the QoS policy rules of the service.

[0061] According to the method, when the QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the PCF network element does not immediately delete or modify the QoS policy rules of the service corresponding to the QoS flow. Instead, it delays for a first preset time and only deletes or modifies the QoS policy rules of the service if the QoS target of the QoS flow still cannot be met. This avoids the problem that when there is a short-term shortage of resources in the access network device, the PCF network element immediately deletes or modifies the QoS flow, resulting in the QoS flow service being unable to obtain service or the service quality of the service being reduced.

[0062] In one possible implementation, within the first preset time, if the PCF network element receives a third indication message sent by the SMF network element, and the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met, the PCF network element deletes or modifies the QoS policy rules of the service.

[0063] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0064] The PCF network element determines, based on the first indication information, an operation to be performed on the service, where the operation is deleting or modifying the QoS policy rule of the service, and the status of the operation is a pending state. Because determining the operation to be performed on the QoS policy rule and detecting whether the second indication information has been received can be performed in parallel, compared to determining the modification operation to be performed on the QoS policy rule after the first preset time, the modification time of the QoS policy rule can be shortened, thereby reducing the impact on the service.

[0065] In a possible implementation, the PCF network element modifies the QoS policy rule of the service, including:

[0066] The PCF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the service, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information;

[0067] The PCF network element sends the second QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0068] Since at least two types of QoS control information included in the QoS policy information can meet the QoS requirements of the service, the second QoS target of the service determined by the PCF network element based on the QoS control information can meet the QoS requirements of the service. Compared with the existing technology, the solution of this application modifies the QoS target of the service from the first QoS target to the second QoS target, which will not reduce the QoS quality of the service.

[0069] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0070] The PCF network element determines a second QoS target for the service according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0071] In a possible implementation, the PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0072] The PCF network element determines a second QoS target for the service according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0073] In a possible implementation, the PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information.

[0074] The PCF network element determines at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0075] The PCF network element sends the third QoS target to the SMF network element;

[0076] The PCF network element receives a fourth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0077] The PCF network element determines the second QoS target according to the fourth QoS target.

[0078] The second QoS target of the service is determined by negotiation between the PCF network element and the access network device, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the service matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0079] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0080] The PCF network element receives a fifth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0081] The PCF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the service, including:

[0082] The PCF network element determines the second QoS target according to the fifth QoS target.

[0083] The second QoS target of the service is determined by negotiation between the PCF network element and the access network device, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the service matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0084] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0085] The PCF network element receives at least two QoS requirements sent by the application function AF network element;

[0086] The PCF network element generates the QoS policy information according to the at least two QoS requirements.

[0087] A fourth aspect of the present application provides a QoS flow control method, including:

[0088] The application function AF network element receives first indication information sent by the policy control function PCF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of the service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate GBR;

[0089] Within a first preset time, if the AF network element receives second indication information sent by the PCF network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met, the AF network element does not process the QoS requirement of the service;

[0090] If the AF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the PCF network element within the first preset time, the AF network element deletes or modifies the QoS requirement of the service.

[0091] In the method, when the QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the AF network element does not immediately delete or modify the QoS requirement of the service corresponding to the QoS flow, but delays for a first preset time. If the QoS target of the QoS flow still cannot be met, the AF network element deletes or modifies the QoS requirement of the service, thereby avoiding the problem that when the resources of the access network device are temporarily short of resources, the QoS flow service cannot be served or the service quality of the service is reduced due to immediate deletion or modification of the QoS flow.

[0092] In one possible implementation, within the first preset time, if the AF network element receives a third indication message sent by the PCF network element, and the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met, the AF network element deletes or modifies the QoS requirement of the service.

[0093] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0094] The AF network element determines, based on the first indication information, an operation to be performed on the service, where the operation is to delete or modify the QoS requirement of the service, and the status of the operation is a pending state. Because determining the modification operation to be performed on the QoS requirement and detecting whether the second indication information has been received can be performed in parallel, compared to determining the modification operation to be performed on the QoS requirement after the first preset time, the modification time of the QoS requirement can be shortened, thereby reducing the impact on the service.

[0095] In a possible implementation, the AF network element modifies the QoS requirement of the service, including:

[0096] The AF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the service, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information;

[0097] The AF network element sends the second QoS target to the PCF network element.

[0098] Since at least two types of QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information can meet the QoS requirements of the service, the second QoS target of the service determined by the AF network element according to the QoS control information can meet the QoS requirements of the service. Compared with the existing technology, the solution of this embodiment modifies the QoS target of the service from the first QoS target to the second QoS target, which will not reduce the QoS quality of the service.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS requirement information and priority information of the second QoS requirement information, and the AF network element determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0100] The AF network element determines a second QoS target for the service according to the priority information of the first QoS requirement information and the priority information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0101] In a possible implementation, the AF network element determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0102] The AF network element determines a second QoS target for the service according to the guaranteed bit rate (GBR) information of the first QoS requirement information and the GBR information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0103] In a possible implementation, the AF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0104] The AF network element determines at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information;

[0105] The AF network element sends the third QoS target to the PCF network element;

[0106] The AF network element receives a fourth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0107] The AF network element determines the second QoS target according to the fourth QoS target.

[0108] The AF network element and the access network device negotiate to determine the second QoS target of the service, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the service matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0109] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0110] The AF network element receives a fifth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0111] The AF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the service, including:

[0112] The AF network element determines the second QoS target according to the fifth QoS target.

[0113] The AF network element and the access network device negotiate to determine the second QoS target of the service, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the service matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0114] A fifth aspect of the present application provides a QoS flow control method, including:

[0115] The SMF network element receives first indication information sent by the access network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first GFBR, and the QoS flow is a flow with the same QoS treatment;

[0116] The SMF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the QoS flow, where the second QoS target includes a second GFBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information;

[0117] The SMF network element sends the second QoS target to the access network device.

[0118] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes at least priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0119] The SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0120] In a possible implementation, the SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0121] The SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0122] In a possible implementation, the SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information,

[0123] The SMF network element determines at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0124] The SMF network element sends the third QoS target to the access network device;

[0125] The SMF network element receives a fourth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the access network device according to the third QoS target, and the fourth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0126] The SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fourth QoS target.

[0127] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0128] The SMF network element sends at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow to the access network device according to the QoS policy information;

[0129] The SMF network element receives a fifth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fifth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device, and the fifth QoS target is determined by the access network device according to the at least two QoS targets when the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met;

[0130] The SMF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the QoS flow, including:

[0131] The SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fifth QoS target.

[0132] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0133] The SMF network element receives the QoS policy information sent by the policy control function PCF network element, and the QoS policy information is generated by the PCF network element based on at least two QoS requirements sent by the application function AF network element.

[0134] A sixth aspect of the present application provides a QoS flow control method, including:

[0135] The policy control function PCF network element receives first indication information sent by the session management function SMF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of the service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate GBR;

[0136] The PCF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the service, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information;

[0137] The PCF network element sends the second QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0138] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0139] The PCF network element determines a second QoS target for the service according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0140] In a possible implementation, the PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0141] The PCF network element determines a second QoS target for the service according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0142] In a possible implementation, the PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information.

[0143] The PCF network element determines at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0144] The PCF network element sends the third QoS target to the SMF network element;

[0145] The PCF network element receives a fourth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0146] The PCF network element determines the second QoS target according to the fourth QoS target.

[0147] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0148] The PCF network element receives a fifth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0149] The PCF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the service, including:

[0150] The PCF network element determines the second QoS target according to the fifth QoS target.

[0151] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0152] The PCF network element receives at least two QoS requirements sent by the application function AF network element;

[0153] The PCF network element generates the QoS policy information according to the at least two QoS requirements.

[0154] A seventh aspect of the present application provides a QoS flow control method, including:

[0155] The application function AF network element receives first indication information sent by the policy control function PCF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of the service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate GBR;

[0156] The AF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the service, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information;

[0157] The AF network element sends the second QoS target to the PCF network element.

[0158] In one possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS requirement information and priority information of the second QoS requirement information, and the AF network element determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0159] The AF network element determines a second QoS target for the service according to the priority information of the first QoS requirement information and the priority information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0160] In a possible implementation, the AF network element determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0161] The AF network element determines a second QoS target for the service according to the guaranteed bit rate (GBR) information of the first QoS requirement information and the GBR information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0162] In a possible implementation, the AF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information.

[0163] The AF network element determines at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information;

[0164] The AF network element sends the third QoS target to the PCF network element;

[0165] The AF network element receives a fourth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0166] The AF network element determines the second QoS target according to the fourth QoS target.

[0167] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0168] The AF network element receives a fifth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0169] The AF network element determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the service, including:

[0170] The AF network element determines the second QoS target according to the fifth QoS target.

[0171] In an eighth aspect, the present application provides a session management function (SMF) network element, including:

[0172] a receiving module, configured to receive first indication information sent by an access network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the first QoS target including a first guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), and the QoS flow is a flow having the same QoS treatment;

[0173] Processing module for:

[0174] If, within a first preset time, the receiving module receives second indication information sent by the access network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met, then the QoS flow is not processed;

[0175] If the receiving module does not receive the second indication information sent by the access network device within the first preset time, the QoS flow is deleted or modified.

[0176] In one possible implementation, the processing module is further used to: within the first preset time, if the receiving module receives a third indication information sent by the access network device, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met, then delete or modify the QoS flow.

[0177] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further used to: determine the operation to be performed on the QoS flow based on the first indication information, where the operation is deleting or modifying the QoS flow, and the status of the operation is a pending status.

[0178] In a possible implementation, the SMF network element further includes a sending module;

[0179] The processing module is specifically configured to: determine a second QoS target for the QoS flow according to QoS policy information, wherein the second QoS target includes a second GFBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information;

[0180] The sending module is configured to send the second QoS target to the access network device.

[0181] In one possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes at least priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the processing module determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0182] A second QoS target of the QoS flow is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0183] In a possible implementation, the processing module determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0184] The second QoS target of the QoS flow is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0185] In a possible implementation, the processing module determines a second QoS target for the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information;

[0186] determining at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0187] The sending module is further configured to send the third QoS target to the access network device;

[0188] The receiving module is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the access network device according to the third QoS target, and the fourth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0189] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0190] In a possible implementation, the sending module is further configured to send at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow to the access network device according to the QoS policy information;

[0191] The receiving module is further configured to receive a fifth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fifth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device, and the fifth QoS target is determined by the access network device based on the at least two QoS targets when the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met;

[0192] The processing module determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target of the QoS flow, including:

[0193] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0194] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to:

[0195] The QoS policy information sent by the policy control function PCF network element is received, where the QoS policy information is generated by the PCF network element according to at least two QoS requirements sent by the application function AF network element.

[0196] A ninth aspect of the present application provides an access network device, including:

[0197] a sending module, configured to send first indication information to a session management function (SMF) network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow of a user equipment (UE) cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), and the first QoS flow is a flow with the same QoS treatment;

[0198] The sending module is also used to: if the first QoS target can be met within a second preset time, send second indication information to the SMF network element, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met.

[0199] In a possible implementation, the sending module is further configured to:

[0200] If the first QoS target cannot be met within the second preset time, a third indication message is sent to the SMF network element, where the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met.

[0201] In a possible implementation, the sending module is further configured to:

[0202] If the access network device does not receive the modification process or deletion process of the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element, it sends a deletion request for the QoS flow to the SMF network element.

[0203] In a possible implementation, the second preset time is calculated by a timer, further comprising:

[0204] A processing module is used to delete the timer if the access network device receives a deletion or modification request for the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element within the second preset time.

[0205] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0206] A receiving module, configured to receive a second QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the second QoS target includes a second GFBR;

[0207] A processing module is configured to modify the QoS flow according to the second QoS target.

[0208] In a possible implementation, before the receiving module receives the second QoS target sent by the SMF network element, it is further used to: receive at least one third QoS target sent by the SMF network element;

[0209] The access network device further includes:

[0210] A processing module, configured to determine a fourth QoS target based on the third QoS target, where the fourth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0211] The sending module is further used to send the fourth QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0212] In a possible implementation, the access network device further includes:

[0213] A receiving module, configured to receive at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element;

[0214] a processing module, configured to, when the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, select a fifth QoS target from the at least two QoS targets, wherein the fifth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0215] The sending module is also used to send the fifth QoS target to the SMF network element so that the SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fifth QoS target.

[0216] A tenth aspect of the present application provides a policy control function (PCF) network element, including:

[0217] A receiving module, configured to receive first indication information sent by a session management function SMF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate GBR;

[0218] Processing module for:

[0219] Within the first preset time, if the receiving module receives second indication information sent by the SMF network element, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met, the QoS policy rule of the service is not processed;

[0220] Within the first preset time, if the receiving module does not receive the second indication information sent by the SMF network element, the QoS policy rules of the service are deleted or modified.

[0221] In one possible implementation, within the first preset time, if the receiving module receives a third indication message sent by the SMF network element, the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met, and the processing module is also used to delete or modify the QoS policy rules of the service.

[0222] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to:

[0223] According to the first indication information, an operation to be performed on the service is determined, where the operation is deleting or modifying the QoS policy rule of the service, and the status of the operation is a pending status.

[0224] In a possible implementation, the processing module modifies the QoS policy rule of the service, including:

[0225] Determining a second QoS target for the service according to the QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information;

[0226] The PCF network element further includes:

[0227] A sending module is used to send the second QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0228] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the processing module determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0229] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0230] In a possible implementation, the processing module determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0231] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0232] In a possible implementation, the processing module determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0233] determining at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0234] The sending module is further configured to send the third QoS target to the SMF network element;

[0235] The receiving module is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0236] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0237] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to: receive a fifth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0238] The processing module determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0239] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0240] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to: receive at least two QoS requirements sent by an application function AF network element;

[0241] The processing module is further configured to generate the QoS policy information according to the at least two QoS requirements.

[0242] In an eleventh aspect of the present application, an application function AF is provided, including:

[0243] A receiving module, configured to receive first indication information sent by a policy control function (PCF) network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate (GBR);

[0244] Processing module for:

[0245] If, within a first preset time, the receiving module receives second indication information sent by the PCF network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met, the QoS requirement of the service is not processed;

[0246] If the receiving module does not receive the second indication information sent by the PCF network element within the first preset time, the QoS requirement of the service is deleted or modified.

[0247] In one possible implementation, within the first preset time, if the receiving module receives a third indication message sent by the PCF network element, the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met, and the processing module is also used to delete or modify the QoS requirements of the service.

[0248] In a possible implementation, the processing module is further configured to:

[0249] An operation to be performed on the service is determined according to the first indication information, where the operation is deleting or modifying the QoS requirement of the service, and the status of the operation is a pending status.

[0250] In a possible implementation, the processing module modifies the QoS requirement of the service, including:

[0251] Determining a second QoS target for the service according to the QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information;

[0252] The AF network element further includes:

[0253] A sending module is used to send the second QoS target to the PCF network element.

[0254] In one possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS requirement information and priority information of the second QoS requirement information, and the processing module determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0255] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS requirement information and the priority information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0256] In a possible implementation, the processing module determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0257] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS requirement information and the GBR information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0258] In a possible implementation, the processing module determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information,

[0259] Determine at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information;

[0260] The sending module is further configured to send the third QoS target to the PCF network element;

[0261] The receiving module is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0262] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0263] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to: receive a fifth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0264] The processing module determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0265] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0266] A twelfth aspect of the present application provides an SMF network element, including:

[0267] a receiving module, configured to receive first indication information sent by an access network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the first QoS target includes a first GFBR, and the QoS flow is a flow having the same QoS treatment;

[0268] a processing module, configured to determine a second QoS target for the QoS flow according to QoS policy information, wherein the second QoS target includes a second GFBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information;

[0269] A sending module is used to send the second QoS target to the access network device.

[0270] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes at least priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0271] A second QoS target of the QoS flow is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0272] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0273] The second QoS target of the QoS flow is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0274] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0275] determining at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0276] The sending module is further configured to send the third QoS target to the access network device;

[0277] The receiving module is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the access network device according to the third QoS target, and the fourth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0278] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0279] In a possible implementation, the sending module is further configured to: send at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow to the access network device according to the QoS policy information;

[0280] The receiving module is further configured to: receive a fifth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fifth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device, and the fifth QoS target is determined by the access network device based on the at least two QoS targets when the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met;

[0281] The processing module is specifically used to:

[0282] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0283] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to:

[0284] The QoS policy information sent by the policy control function PCF network element is received, where the QoS policy information is generated by the PCF network element according to at least two QoS requirements sent by the application function AF network element.

[0285] A thirteenth aspect of the present application provides a policy control function (PCF) network element, including:

[0286] A receiving module, configured to receive first indication information sent by a session management function SMF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate GBR;

[0287] a processing module, configured to determine a second QoS target for the service according to the QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information;

[0288] A sending module is used to send the second QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0289] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0290] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0291] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0292] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0293] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0294] determining at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0295] The sending module is further configured to send the third QoS target to the SMF network element;

[0296] The receiving module is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0297] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0298] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to receive a fifth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0299] The processing module is specifically used to:

[0300] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0301] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to:

[0302] Receive at least two QoS requirements sent by the application function AF network element;

[0303] The processing module is further configured to generate the QoS policy information according to the at least two QoS requirements.

[0304] A fourteenth aspect of the present application provides an application function AF network element, including:

[0305] A receiving module, configured to receive first indication information sent by a policy control function (PCF) network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate (GBR);

[0306] a processing module, configured to determine a second QoS target for the service according to the QoS policy information, wherein the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information;

[0307] A sending module is used to send the second QoS target to the PCF network element.

[0308] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS requirement information and priority information of the second QoS requirement information, and the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0309] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS requirement information and the priority information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0310] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0311] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS requirement information and the GBR information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0312] In a possible implementation, the processing module is specifically configured to:

[0313] Determine at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information;

[0314] The sending module is further configured to send the third QoS target to the PCF network element;

[0315] The receiving module is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0316] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0317] In a possible implementation, the receiving module is further configured to:

[0318] receiving a fifth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0319] The processing module is specifically used to:

[0320] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0321] A fifteenth aspect of the present application provides a session management function (SMF) network element, including:

[0322] a receiver, configured to receive first indication information sent by an access network device, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the first QoS target comprising a first guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), and the QoS flow being a flow having the same QoS treatment;

[0323] Processor for:

[0324] If, within a first preset time, the receiver receives second indication information sent by the access network device, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met, then the QoS flow is not processed;

[0325] If the receiver does not receive the second indication information sent by the access network device within the first preset time, the QoS flow is deleted or modified.

[0326] In one possible implementation, the processor is further used to: within the first preset time, if the receiver receives third indication information sent by the access network device, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met, then delete or modify the QoS flow.

[0327] In a possible implementation, the processor is further used to: determine an operation to be performed on the QoS flow based on the first indication information, where the operation is deleting or modifying the QoS flow, and the status of the operation is a pending status.

[0328] In a possible implementation, the SMF network element further includes a transmitter;

[0329] The processor is specifically configured to: determine a second QoS target for the QoS flow according to QoS policy information, wherein the second QoS target includes a second GFBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information;

[0330] The transmitter is configured to send the second QoS target to the access network device.

[0331] In one possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes at least priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the processor determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0332] A second QoS target of the QoS flow is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0333] In a possible implementation, the processor determines, according to the QoS policy information, the second QoS target of the QoS flow, including:

[0334] The second QoS target of the QoS flow is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0335] In a possible implementation, the processor determines a second QoS target for the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information;

[0336] determining at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0337] The transmitter is further configured to send the third QoS target to the access network device;

[0338] The receiver is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the access network device according to the third QoS target, and the fourth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0339] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0340] In a possible implementation, the transmitter is further configured to send at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow to the access network device according to the QoS policy information;

[0341] The receiver is further configured to receive a fifth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fifth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device, and the fifth QoS target is determined by the access network device based on the at least two QoS targets when the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met;

[0342] The processor determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the QoS flow, including:

[0343] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0344] In a possible implementation, the receiver is further configured to:

[0345] The QoS policy information sent by the policy control function PCF network element is received, where the QoS policy information is generated by the PCF network element according to at least two QoS requirements sent by the application function AF network element.

[0346] A sixteenth aspect of the present application provides an access network device, including:

[0347] a transmitter, configured to send first indication information to a session management function (SMF) network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow of a user equipment (UE) cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR), and the first QoS flow is a flow with the same QoS treatment;

[0348] The transmitter is further used to: if the first QoS target can be met within a second preset time, send second indication information to the SMF network element, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met.

[0349] In a possible implementation, the transmitter is further configured to:

[0350] If the first QoS target cannot be met within the second preset time, a third indication message is sent to the SMF network element, where the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met.

[0351] In a possible implementation, the transmitter is further configured to:

[0352] If the access network device does not receive the modification process or deletion process of the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element, it sends a deletion request for the QoS flow to the SMF network element.

[0353] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0354] The processor is configured to delete the second preset time if the access network device receives a deletion or modification request for the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element within the second preset time.

[0355] In a possible implementation, the method further includes:

[0356] A receiver, configured to receive a second QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the second QoS target includes a second GFBR;

[0357] A processor is configured to modify the QoS flow according to the second QoS target.

[0358] In a possible implementation manner, before the receiver receives the second QoS target sent by the SMF network element, it is further used to: receive at least one third QoS target sent by the SMF network element;

[0359] The access network device further includes:

[0360] A processor, configured to determine a fourth QoS target based on the third QoS target, where the fourth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0361] The transmitter is further configured to send the fourth QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0362] In a possible implementation, the access network device further includes:

[0363] A receiver, configured to receive at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element;

[0364] a processor, configured to, when the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, select a fifth QoS target from the at least two QoS targets, wherein the fifth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0365] The transmitter is also used to send the fifth QoS target to the SMF network element so that the SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fifth QoS target.

[0366] A seventeenth aspect of the present application provides a policy control function (PCF) network element, including:

[0367] a receiver, configured to receive first indication information sent by a session management function (SMF) network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate (GBR);

[0368] Processor for:

[0369] Within a first preset time, if the receiver receives second indication information sent by the SMF network element, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met, the QoS policy rule of the service is not processed;

[0370] Within the first preset time, if the receiver does not receive the second indication information sent by the SMF network element, the QoS policy rules of the service are deleted or modified.

[0371] In one possible implementation, within the first preset time, if the receiver receives a third indication message sent by the SMF network element, the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met, and the processor is also used to delete or modify the QoS policy rules of the service.

[0372] In a possible implementation, the processor is further configured to:

[0373] According to the first indication information, an operation to be performed on the service is determined, where the operation is deleting or modifying the QoS policy rule of the service, and the status of the operation is a pending status.

[0374] In a possible implementation, the processor modifies the QoS policy rule of the service, including:

[0375] Determining a second QoS target for the service according to the QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information;

[0376] The PCF network element further includes:

[0377] A transmitter is used to send the second QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0378] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the processor determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0379] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0380] In a possible implementation, the processor determines, according to the QoS policy information, the second QoS target of the service, including:

[0381] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0382] In a possible implementation, the processor determines, according to the QoS policy information, the second QoS target of the QoS flow, including:

[0383] determining at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0384] The transmitter is further configured to send the third QoS target to the SMF network element;

[0385] The receiver is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by an access network device;

[0386] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0387] In a possible implementation, the receiver is further configured to: receive a fifth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0388] The processor determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the service, including:

[0389] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0390] In a possible implementation, the receiver is further configured to: receive at least two QoS requirements sent by an application function AF network element;

[0391] The processor is further configured to generate the QoS policy information according to the at least two QoS requirements.

[0392] An eighteenth aspect of the present application provides an application function AF, including:

[0393] a receiver, configured to receive first indication information sent by a policy control function (PCF) network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate (GBR);

[0394] Processor for:

[0395] If, within a first preset time, the receiver receives second indication information sent by the PCF network element, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met, then the QoS requirement of the service is not processed;

[0396] If the receiver does not receive the second indication information sent by the PCF network element within the first preset time, the QoS requirement of the service is deleted or modified.

[0397] In one possible implementation, within the first preset time, if the receiver receives a third indication message sent by the PCF network element, the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met, and the processor is also used to delete or modify the QoS requirements of the service.

[0398] In a possible implementation, the processor is further configured to:

[0399] An operation to be performed on the service is determined according to the first indication information, where the operation is deleting or modifying the QoS requirement of the service, and the status of the operation is a pending status.

[0400] In a possible implementation, the processor modifies the QoS requirement of the service, including:

[0401] Determining a second QoS target for the service according to the QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information;

[0402] The AF network element further includes:

[0403] A transmitter is configured to send the second QoS target to the PCF network element.

[0404] In one possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS requirement information and priority information of the second QoS requirement information, and the processor determines the second QoS target of the service according to the QoS policy information, including:

[0405] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS requirement information and the priority information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0406] In a possible implementation, the processor determines, according to the QoS policy information, the second QoS target of the service, including:

[0407] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS requirement information and the GBR information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0408] In one possible implementation, the processor determines a second QoS target for the QoS flow according to the QoS policy information, and determines at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information;

[0409] The transmitter is further configured to send the third QoS target to the PCF network element;

[0410] The receiver is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0411] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0412] In a possible implementation, the receiver is further configured to: receive a fifth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0413] The processor determines, according to the QoS policy information, a second QoS target for the service, including:

[0414] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0415] A nineteenth aspect of the present application provides an SMF network element, including:

[0416] a receiver, configured to receive first indication information sent by an access network device, wherein the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the first QoS target including a first GFBR, and the QoS flow is a flow having the same QoS treatment;

[0417] a processor, configured to determine a second QoS target for the QoS flow based on QoS policy information, wherein the second QoS target includes a second GFBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information;

[0418] A transmitter is configured to send the second QoS target to the access network device.

[0419] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes at least priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the processor is specifically configured to:

[0420] A second QoS target of the QoS flow is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0421] In a possible implementation, the processor is specifically configured to:

[0422] The second QoS target of the QoS flow is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0423] In a possible implementation, the processor is specifically configured to:

[0424] determining at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0425] The transmitter is further configured to send the third QoS target to the access network device;

[0426] The receiver is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the access network device according to the third QoS target, and the fourth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0427] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0428] In a possible implementation, the transmitter is further configured to: send at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow to the access network device according to the QoS policy information;

[0429] The receiver is further configured to: receive a fifth QoS target sent by the access network device, where the fifth QoS target is a QoS target that can be met by the access network device, and the fifth QoS target is determined by the access network device based on the at least two QoS targets when the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met;

[0430] The processor is specifically configured to:

[0431] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0432] In a possible implementation, the receiver is further configured to:

[0433] The QoS policy information sent by the policy control function PCF network element is received, where the QoS policy information is generated by the PCF network element according to at least two QoS requirements sent by the application function AF network element.

[0434] In a twentieth aspect, the present application provides a policy control function (PCF) network element, including:

[0435] a receiver, configured to receive first indication information sent by a session management function (SMF) network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate (GBR);

[0436] a processor, configured to determine a second QoS target for the service according to the QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information;

[0437] A transmitter is used to send the second QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0438] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS control information and priority information of the second QoS control information, and the processor is specifically configured to:

[0439] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0440] In a possible implementation, the processor is specifically configured to:

[0441] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0442] In a possible implementation, the processor is specifically configured to:

[0443] determining at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information;

[0444] The transmitter is further configured to send the third QoS target to the SMF network element;

[0445] The receiver is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by an access network device;

[0446] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0447] In a possible implementation, the receiver is further configured to receive a fifth QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0448] The processor is specifically configured to:

[0449] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0450] In a possible implementation, the receiver is further configured to:

[0451] Receive at least two QoS requirements sent by the application function AF network element;

[0452] The processor is further configured to generate the QoS policy information according to the at least two QoS requirements.

[0453] In a twenty-first aspect, the present application provides an application function AF network element, including:

[0454] a receiver, configured to receive first indication information sent by a policy control function (PCF) network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first guaranteed bit rate (GBR);

[0455] a processor, configured to determine a second QoS target for the service according to the QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information;

[0456] A transmitter is configured to send the second QoS target to the PCF network element.

[0457] In a possible implementation, the QoS policy information further includes priority information of the first QoS requirement information and priority information of the second QoS requirement information, and the processor is specifically configured to:

[0458] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the priority information of the first QoS requirement information and the priority information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0459] In a possible implementation, the processor is specifically configured to:

[0460] A second QoS target of the service is determined according to the guaranteed bit rate GBR information of the first QoS requirement information and the GBR information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0461] In a possible implementation, the processor is specifically configured to:

[0462] Determine at least one third QoS target according to the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information;

[0463] The transmitter is further configured to send the third QoS target to the PCF network element;

[0464] The receiver is further configured to receive a fourth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fourth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0465] The second QoS target is determined according to the fourth QoS target.

[0466] In a possible implementation, the receiver is further configured to:

[0467] receiving a fifth QoS target sent by the PCF network element, where the fifth QoS target is determined by the PCF network element according to a QoS target that can be met by the access network device;

[0468] The processor is specifically configured to:

[0469] The second QoS target is determined according to the fifth QoS target.

[0470] The twenty-second aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed, the computer executes the QoS flow control method provided in the first aspect of the present application.

[0471] The twenty-third aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed, the computer executes the QoS flow control method provided in the second aspect of the present application.

[0472] The twenty-fourth aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed, the computer executes the QoS flow control method provided in the third aspect of the present application.

[0473] The twenty-fifth aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed, the computer executes the QoS flow control method provided in the fourth aspect of the present application.

[0474] The twenty-sixth aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed, the computer executes the QoS flow control method provided in the fifth aspect of the present application.

[0475] The twenty-seventh aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed, the computer executes the QoS flow control method provided in the sixth aspect of the present application.

[0476] The twenty-eighth aspect of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed, the computer executes the QoS flow control method provided in the seventh aspect of the present application.

[0477] In the twenty-ninth aspect of the present application, a system chip is provided, comprising a processing unit and a communication unit, wherein the processing unit can execute computer instructions to enable the system chip to execute the method described in any one of the first to seventh aspects.

[0478] The present application provides a method and apparatus for controlling a QoS flow, in which an SMF network element receives first indication information sent by an access network device, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met. Then, the SMF network element determines whether a second indication information sent by the access network device is received within a first preset time, the second indication information being used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met. If the SMF network element receives the second indication information, the QoS flow is not processed. If the SMF network element does not receive the second indication information, the QoS flow is deleted or modified. In the method, when the QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the SMF network element does not immediately delete or modify the QoS flow, but instead delays the first preset time and only deletes or modifies the QoS flow if the QoS target of the QoS flow still cannot be met. This avoids the problem that, in the case of a temporary shortage of resources of the access network device, the SMF network element immediately deletes or modifies the QoS flow, resulting in the QoS flow service being unable to be served or the service quality of the service being reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0479] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to this application;

[0480] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture;

[0481] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of 5G network architecture based on service-oriented interfaces in non-roaming scenarios;

[0482] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on service-oriented interfaces in the local breakout roaming scenario;

[0483] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the reference point-based 5G network architecture in the local breakout roaming scenario.

[0484] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on service-oriented interfaces in the Home routed roaming scenario.

[0485] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the reference point-based 5G network architecture in the home-routed roaming scenario;

[0486] Figure 8 A flowchart of a QoS flow control method is provided for the first embodiment of the present application;

[0487] Figure 9 Flowchart of a QoS flow control method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0488] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 3 of the present application;

[0489] Figure 11 A flowchart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 4 of the present application;

[0490] Figure 12 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 5 of the present application;

[0491] Figure 13 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 6 of the present application;

[0492] Figure 14 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 7 of the present application;

[0493] Figure 15 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 8 of the present application;

[0494] Figure 16Flowchart of the QoS flow control method provided in Example 9 of the present application;

[0495] Figure 17 Flowchart of a QoS flow control method provided in Embodiment 10 of the present invention;

[0496] Figure 18 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 11 of the present application;

[0497] Figure 19 Flowchart of the QoS flow control method provided in Example 12 of the present application;

[0498] Figure 20 Flowchart of a QoS flow control method provided in Embodiment 13 of the present invention;

[0499] Figure 21 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 14 of the present application;

[0500] Figure 22 A schematic diagram of the structure of an SMF network element provided in Example 19 of the present application;

[0501] Figure 23 A schematic structural diagram of an access network device provided in Example 20 of the present application;

[0502] Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the structure of a PCF network element provided in Example 21 of the present application;

[0503] Figure 25 This is a structural diagram of an AF network element provided in Example 22 of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0504] The present application provides a method for controlling a QoS flow. The method of the present application can be applied in a 5G system or in an evolved packet system (EPS). Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture applicable to this application is shown in FIG. Figure 1As shown, the network architecture includes UE, access network (AN), core network and data network (DN). Among them, the access network device is mainly used to implement wireless physical layer functions, resource scheduling and wireless resource management, wireless access control and mobility management functions; the core network equipment can include management equipment and gateway equipment. The management equipment is mainly used for device registration, security authentication, mobility management and location management of terminal equipment. The gateway equipment is mainly used to establish a channel with the terminal equipment and forward data packets between the terminal equipment and the external data network on the channel; the data network can include network equipment (such as servers, routers and other equipment). The data network is mainly used to provide a variety of data business services for terminal equipment. It should be noted that Figure 1 This is just an example architecture diagram. Figure 1 In addition to the functional units shown in , the network architecture may also include other functional units, which is not limited in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0505] The network architecture may be a 5G network architecture. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture. The 5G system is also called a new wireless communication system, a new access technology (New Radio, NR), or a next-generation mobile communication system.

[0506] The access network in the 5G system can be a radio access network (R)AN), and the (R)AN equipment in the 5G system can be composed of multiple 5G-(R)AN nodes, which may include: non-3GPP access networks such as access points (APs) of WiFi networks, next-generation base stations (collectively referred to as new generation radio access network nodes (NG-RAN nodes), where the next-generation base stations include new radio interface base stations (NR nodeBs, gNBs), new generation evolved base stations (NG-eNBs), central units (CUs) and distributed units (DUs) separated gNBs, etc.), transmission receive points (TRPs), transmission points (TPs) or other nodes.

[0507] like Figure 2As shown in the figure, the 5G core network (5G core / new generation core, 5GC / NGC) includes multiple functional units such as access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, session management function (SMF) network element, user plane function (UPF) network element, authentication server function (AUSF) network element, policy control function (PCF) network element, application function (AF) network element, unified data management function (UDM) network element, and network slice selection function (NSSF) network element.

[0508] The AMF network element is primarily responsible for services such as mobility management and access management. The SMF network element is primarily responsible for session management, UE address management and allocation, dynamic host configuration protocol functions, and the selection and control of user plane functions. The UPF is primarily responsible for external connections to the data network (DN) and the user plane, including packet routing and forwarding, message filtering, and the execution of quality of service (QoS) control-related functions. The AUSF is primarily responsible for terminal device authentication. The PCF network element is primarily responsible for providing a unified policy framework for network behavior management, providing policy rules for control plane functions, and obtaining registration information related to policy decisions. It should be noted that these functional units can work independently or be combined to implement certain control functions, such as access control and mobility management functions such as access authentication, security encryption, and location registration for terminal devices, as well as session management functions such as the establishment, release, and modification of user plane transmission paths.

[0509] The functional units in 5GC can communicate with each other through the next generation network (NG) interface, such as: UE can transmit control plane messages with AMF network element through NG interface 1 (referred to as N1), RAN equipment can establish a user plane data transmission channel with UPF through NG interface 3 (referred to as N3), AN / RAN equipment can establish a control plane signaling connection with AMF network element through NG interface 2 (referred to as N2), UPF can exchange information with SMF network element through NG interface 4 (referred to as N4), UPF can exchange user plane data with data network DN through NG interface 6 (referred to as N6), AMF network element can exchange information with SMF network element through NG interface 11 (referred to as N11), SMF network element can exchange information with PCF network element through NG interface 7 (referred to as N7), AMF network element can exchange information with AUSF through NG interface 12 (referred to as N12). It should be noted that, Figure 2 This is just an example architecture diagram. Figure 2 In addition to the functional units shown in , the network architecture may also include other functional units.

[0510] Figure 2 The network architecture shown is a reference point-based network architecture, and the network architecture is a network architecture for a non-roaming scenario. Of course, the method of the present application can also be applied in a roaming scenario, and the network architecture is not limited to a reference point-based network architecture, but can also adopt a service-based interface-based network architecture.

[0511] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on service-oriented interfaces in a non-roaming scenario. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, based on the service-oriented interface scenario, the core network of the 5G system also includes NEF and NRF network elements. Based on the service-oriented interface scenario, some network elements in the 5G core network are connected through a bus, such as Figure 3As shown, AUSF network elements, AMF network elements, SMF network elements, AF network elements, UDM, PCF network elements, network storage function (Network Repository Function, NRF) network elements, network exposure function (Network Exposure Function, NEF) network elements and NSSF network elements are interconnected through a bus. When the network elements are interconnected through the bus, they adopt a service-oriented interface. For example, the AUSF network element is connected to the bus through the Nausf interface, the AMF network element is connected to the bus through the Namf interface, the SMF network element is connected to the bus through the Nsmf interface, the AF network element is connected to the bus through the NAF network element interface, the UDM is connected to the bus through the Nudm interface, the PCF network element is connected to the bus through the NPCF network element interface, the NRF is connected to the bus through the Nnrf interface, the NEF is connected to the bus through the Nnef interface, and the NSSF is connected to the bus through the Nnssf interface.

[0512] Roaming service access policies for mobile terminals can be categorized into two types: home-routed roaming access and local breakout roaming access. Home-routed roaming access allows roaming users to access services provided by their home network through the gateway of their home network (or other gateway-equivalent gateways). Local breakout roaming access allows roaming users to access services provided by their visited network through the gateway of a visited network. The service provider can be either the home network or the visited network.

[0513] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on service-oriented interfaces in the Local Breakout roaming scenario. Figure 4 As shown, the visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) is connected through the vSEEP and the hSEEP of the home public land mobile network (HPLMN). The vSEEP and the hSEEP are connected through the N32 interface. The UE accesses the DN of the VPLMN after roaming.

[0514] Figure 5 The following is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on reference points in the Local Breakout roaming scenario. Figure 5As shown, the visited PCF (vPCF) network element of the VPLMN is connected to the local PCF (home PCF, hPCF) network element of the HPLMN through the N24 interface, the AMF network element of the VPLMN is connected to the UDM network element of the HPLMN through the N8 interface, the AMF network element of the VPLMN is connected to the AUSF network element of the HPLMN through the N12 interface, and the SMF network element of the VPLMN is connected to the UDM network element of the HPLMN through the N10 interface. After roaming, the UE accesses the DN of the VPLMN.

[0515] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on service-oriented interfaces in the Home routed roaming scenario. Figure 6 As shown, Figure 4 The difference between the shown architectures is that, in addition to being connected to the HPLMN's hSEEP through vSEEP, the VPLMN's UPF network element is connected to the HPLMN's UPF network element through the N9 interface, and the HPLMN's UPF network element is connected to the DN, thereby enabling the UE to access the HPLMN's DN after roaming.

[0516] Figure 7 The following is a schematic diagram of the 5G network architecture based on reference points in the Home routed roaming scenario. Figure 7 As shown, the vPCF network element of the VPLMN is connected to the hPCF network element of the HPLMN through the N24 interface, the AMF network element of the VPLMN is connected to the UDM of the HPLMN through the N8 interface, the AMF network element of the VPLMN is connected to the AUSF of the HPLMN through the N12 interface, the vSMF network element of the VPLMN is connected to the hSMF network element of the HPLMN through the N16 interface, the vNSSF of the VPLMN is connected to the hNSSF interface of the HPLMN through the N31 interface, the UPF of the VPLMN is connected to the UPF interface of the HPLMN through the N9 interface, and the UPF network element of the HPLMN is connected to the DN, thereby enabling the UE to access the DN of the HPLMN after roaming.

[0517] When the method of the present application is applied to an LTE system, the core network is an evolved packet core (EPC), which includes: a mobility management entity (MME), a packet data network gateway (P-GW), a service gateway (S-GW), a home network server (HSS), etc. Among them, the HSS is used to store user subscription information, including user service information, authentication information, location management information, etc.; the MME is responsible for terminal access control, mobility management, session management, network element selection (such as S-GW / P-GW selection), etc.; the SGW is the mobility anchor point for handover between eNBs and is responsible for functions such as routing and forwarding of user plane data; the PGW is responsible for functions such as IP address allocation, packet data filtering, rate control and execution of charging rules, and lawful interception.

[0518] The UE mentioned in this application can be: a mobile phone, a computer, a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a smart phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a computer, a laptop computer, a handheld communication device, a handheld computing device, a satellite wireless device, a wireless modem card, a TV set top box (STB), a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a smart home device, and other devices for communicating on a wireless system.

[0519] Based on the network architecture shown above, this application provides a method for controlling QoS flows. This method is applied to QoS flows based on guaranteed bit rate (GBR QoS flows). UEs or network devices (including AN devices and core network devices) treat data packets using the same QoS flow in the same manner. QoS flows are distinguished by QoS flow identifiers (QFIs). Whether a QoS flow is a GBR QoS flow or a non-GBR QoS flow is determined by the corresponding QoS profile.

[0520] The QoS profile of the GBR QoS flow must include the following QoS parameters: 5QI, Allocation and retention Priority (ARP), Guaranteed Flow BitRate (GFBR) and Maximum Flow Bit Rate (MFBR). Optionally, the QoS profile of the GBR QoS flow also includes Notification control. Depending on whether the QoS profile includes Notification control, the GBR QoS flow is divided into GRB QoS flow that requires Notification control and GBR QoS flow that does not require Notification control. For GBR QoS flow that requires Notification control, when the access network device detects that the corresponding QoS flow resources cannot be met, the access network device notifies the SMF network element of the event. Further, the SMF network element can initiate a QoS flow deletion or modification process.

[0521] 5QI: A scalar used to index the corresponding 5G QoS characteristics. 5QI is divided into standardized 5QI, pre-configured 5QI, and dynamically allocated 5QI. For standardized 5QI, there is a one-to-one correspondence with a set of standardized 5G QoS characteristic values; for pre-configured 5QI, the corresponding 5G QoS characteristic values ​​are pre-configured in the access network device; for dynamically allocated 5QI, the corresponding 5G QoS characteristics are included in the QoS configuration file and sent to the access network device.

[0522] ARP: includes priority, preemption capability, and preemption capability.

[0523] RQA: Used to indicate that the service transmitted using the corresponding QoS flow uses reverse QoS.

[0524] Notification control: It is used to instruct the AN on the usage time of the QoS flow and whether to notify the network when the GFBR cannot be met.

[0525] GFBR: represents the guaranteed bit rate provided to the GBR QoS flow.

[0526] MFBR: Limits the bit rate provided to GBR QoS flow, that is, the maximum bit rate provided to GBR QoS flow. If the bit rate is exceeded, the data packet may be discarded.

[0527] GBR QoS flow can be controlled through signaling as follows: The SMF network element determines to establish a QoS flow based on local policies or the Policy Control and Charging (PCC) rules sent by the PCF network element. The SMF network element sends an SDF message containing QoS control information to the UPF, which sends the QoS profile of the QoS flow to the AN through the AMF network element. The QoS rules containing QoS control information are sent to the UE through the AMF network element and the AN.

[0528] A QoS flow is established between the UE, AN, and UPF. The AN establishes or modifies the data radio bearer (DRB) of the air interface according to the QoS profile and stores the binding relationship between the QoS flow and the DBR. After the QoS flow is bound to the DBR, subsequent downlink data processing and uplink data processing are as follows:

[0529] Downlink data processing: When the UPF receives a downlink data packet, it performs QoS control based on the SDF information sent by the SMF network element, including carrying QFI in the packet header; when the AN receives a downlink data packet, it places the data packet on the corresponding DRB for transmission based on the QFI in the packet header and the binding relationship between the corresponding QoS flow and DRB.

[0530] Uplink Data Processing: When the UE decides to send an uplink data packet, it determines the QoS flow based on QoS rules and includes the QFI in the packet header. Based on the binding between the QoS flow and the DBR, the packet is placed on the corresponding DRB for transmission. When the AN receives an uplink data packet, it includes the QFI in the packet header between the AN and the UPF based on the QFI in the uplink data packet header. Upon receiving a data packet from the AN, the UPF verifies that the data packet is transmitted using the correct QoS flow.

[0531] Based on the network architecture described above, the present application provides a QoS flow control method to address the prior art problem in which, when a temporary resource shortage occurs in an access network device, an SMF network element immediately deletes or modifies a QoS flow upon receiving an indication that a QoS target cannot be met, resulting in a service being unable to be served or having its quality of service reduced. The same contents in the following embodiments of the present application may be referenced to each other.

[0532] Figure 8 A flowchart of a QoS flow control method is provided for the first embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0533] Step S101: The SMF network element receives first indication information sent by an access network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first GFBR, and the QoS flow is a flow with the same QoS processing.

[0534] QoS flow is a flow with the same QoS processing, that is, the service transmission processing using this QoS flow is the same. During the operation of the QoS flow, the access network device will detect whether the first QoS target of the QoS flow can be met. The first QoS target is the QoS target of the QoS flow. The first QoS target includes GFBR. Optionally, the first QoS target also includes the first MFBR, 5QI and other data packet processing requirements. In one way, when the access network device detects that the first QoS target cannot be met, optionally, the configuration file of the QoS flow includes Notification control, then the access network device sends a first indication message to the SMF network element. In another way, when the access network device detects that the first QoS target cannot be met, regardless of whether the configuration file of the QoS flow includes Notification control, the access network device will send the first indication message to the SMF network element.

[0535] The first QoS target is the QoS control information of the QoS flow determined by the SMF network element according to the QoS policy information provided by the PCF network element or the local QoS policy information.

[0536] The SMF network element establishes the QoS flow for the UE based on the first QoS target. The QoS policy information may include one or at least two types of QoS control information. When the QoS policy information includes one type of QoS control information, the SMF network element determines the first QoS target based on the QoS control information. Optionally, when the QoS policy information includes at least two types of QoS control information, the SMF network element selects one type of QoS control information from the at least two types of QoS control information and determines the first QoS target based on the selected QoS control information.

[0537] When the QoS policy information includes at least two types of QoS control information, the QoS policy information may include one QoS policy rule or at least two QoS policy rules. When the QoS policy information includes one QoS policy rule, the QoS policy includes at least two types of QoS control information. When the QoS policy information includes at least two types of QoS policy rules, in one embodiment, each QoS policy rule includes one type of QoS control information; in another embodiment, each QoS policy rule includes at least two types of QoS control information; in yet another embodiment, some QoS policy rules include one type of QoS control information, and some QoS policy rules include two types of QoS control information.

[0538] Optionally, the QoS policy information also includes priority information for each type of QoS control information. When determining the first QoS target, the SMF network element may determine the first QoS target based on the priority information of each type of QoS control information. For example, the QoS control information with the highest priority may be preferentially selected to determine the first QoS target. The priority information of the QoS control information may be the priority of the QoS policy rule. The PCF network element defines a priority for each QoS policy rule. The priority of the QoS control information corresponding to a high-priority QoS policy rule is also high. If the QoS policy rule includes two types of QoS control information, the PCF network element may further determine a priority for each type of QoS control information included in the QoS policy rule.

[0539] The QoS control information includes one or more QoS parameters such as 5QI, ARP, GBR, MBR, Notification Control, etc. Furthermore, the QoS control information may also include one or more QoS attribute values ​​such as priority, time window value, maximum data burst size, etc.

[0540] For example, if the QoS policy information includes at least the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information, the SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow based on the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information. For example, the SMF network element selects the QoS control information with a higher priority from the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information, and determines the second QoS target based on the QoS control information with a higher priority. By determining the second QoS target based on the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information, an optimal QoS target can be selected for the QoS flow, thereby ensuring the QoS of the QoS flow.

[0541] Optionally, the QoS control information includes GBR information. When the QoS policy information does not include priority information of the QoS control information, the SMF network element may determine the second QoS target based on the GBR information of each QoS control information. For example, the SMF network element preferentially selects the QoS control information with a large GBR requirement to determine the second QoS target.

[0542] Step S102: Within the first preset time, if the SMF network element receives the second indication information sent by the access network device, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met, the SMF network element does not process the QoS flow; if the SMF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the access network device, the SMF network element deletes or modifies the QoS flow.

[0543] Optionally, before step S102, the SMF network element determines whether it has received the second indication information sent by the access network device within the first preset time. In this embodiment, the first preset time can be implemented by a timer, and the timing time of the timer is equal to the first preset time. After receiving the first indication information, the SMF network element starts the timer. Before the timer times out, if the SMF network element receives the second indication information sent by the access network device, the SMF network element does not process the QoS flow. Before the timer times out, if the SMF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the access network device, the SMF network element deletes or modifies the QoS flow.

[0544] After sending the first indication information, the access network device detects whether the first QoS target can be met within the second preset time. If the first QoS target can be met within the second preset time, the access network device sends a second indication information to the SMF network element; if the first QoS target cannot be met within the second preset time, the access network device can optionally send a third indication information to the SMF network element, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met, or the access network device does not send any message to the SMF network element.

[0545] Optionally, within the first preset time, if the SMF network element receives third indication information sent by the access network device, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met, the SMF network element deletes or modifies the QoS flow. Based on the third indication information, the SMF network element determines that the network resources of the access network device are still in short supply. In order to ensure the service quality of the service, the SMF network element decides to delete or modify the QoS flow.

[0546] In this embodiment, the SMF network element receives the second indication information sent by the access network device within the first preset time, and the SMF network element determines that the first QoS target of the QoS flow can be met based on the second indication information, indicating that the resource shortage of the access network device is only temporary, and the SMF network element does not process the QoS flow. Here, the SMF network element does not process the QoS flow, which means that it does not delete or modify the QoS flow, and does not guarantee that the SMF network element will not perform other possible normal processing operations.

[0547] In this embodiment, if the SMF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the access network device within the first preset time, the SMF network element determines that the first target of the QoS flow cannot be met, and the SMF network element deletes or modifies the QoS flow. Optionally, the SMF network element may decide to delete or modify the QoS flow based on the policy configured by the PCF network element. For example, the policy is defined as: when the SMF network element receives the second indication information and reports it to the PCF network element, at this time the PCF network element decides to delete all affected QoS policy rules, then the SMF network element deletes the QoS flow, wherein the affected rules refer to the QoS policy rules that cannot meet the first QoS target. Alternatively, the policy is defined as: when the PCF network element decides to modify some or all of the QoS policy rules, the SMF network element modifies the corresponding QoS flow according to the modified rules.

[0548] In this embodiment, the modification of the QoS flow refers to modifying the first QoS target of the QoS flow to the second QoS target. The deletion process of the QoS flow can adopt the existing deletion process, and the modification process of the QoS flow can adopt the existing modification process, or the modification method provided in Example 2 of this application. Please refer to the following embodiments and will not repeat them here.

[0549] In the prior art, when the QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the SMF network element immediately deletes or modifies the QoS flow, resulting in the QoS flow service being unable to be served or the service quality of the service being reduced. In the method of this embodiment, when the QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the SMF network element does not immediately delete or modify the QoS flow. Instead, it delays a first preset time and detects the QoS target of the QoS flow within the first preset time. If the QoS target still cannot be reached within the first preset time, the SMF network element deletes or modifies the QoS flow. This avoids the problem of the SMF network element immediately deleting or modifying the QoS flow when resources of the access network device are temporarily short, resulting in the QoS flow service being unable to be served or the service quality of the service being reduced. The first preset time can be determined by the SMF network element according to a local policy, or obtained from the PCF network element. Alternatively, it can be provided by other functions that provide preset time, such as big data analysis functions.

[0550] Optionally, after receiving the first indication information, the SMF network element determines the operation to be performed on the QoS flow based on the first indication information, and the operation is to delete or modify the QoS flow, and the status of the operation is a pending state. In this embodiment, after the SMF network element determines the operation to be performed on the QoS flow, it does not immediately execute the operation, but marks the status of the operation as a pending state. Within the first preset time, if the SMF network element receives the second indication information sent by the access network device, the SMF network element deletes the status information of the operation; if the SMF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the access network device, the SMF network element deletes or modifies the QoS flow.

[0551] The SMF network element determines that a modification operation is to be performed on the QoS flow, including: the SMF network element determines a second QoS target for the QoS flow. Since the determination of the operation to be performed on the QoS flow and the detection of whether the second indication information is received can be performed in parallel, compared to determining that a modification operation is to be performed on the QoS flow after a first preset time, the time of the QoS flow modification process can be shortened, thereby reducing the impact on the business.

[0552] It should be noted that the indication information involved in this embodiment and the following embodiments (including the first indication information, the second indication information and the third indication information, etc.) is used to indicate whether the device can meet a capability, or the indication information is used to indicate a state in which the device has met the capability.

[0553] In this embodiment, the SMF network element receives first indication information sent by an access network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met. Then, the SMF network element determines whether it has received second indication information sent by the access network device within a first preset time, where the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met. If the SMF network element receives the second indication information, it does not process the QoS flow. If the SMF network element does not receive the second indication information, it deletes or modifies the QoS flow. In the described method, when the QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the SMF network element does not immediately delete or modify the QoS flow. Instead, it delays the first preset time and only deletes or modifies the QoS flow if the QoS target of the QoS flow still cannot be met. This avoids the problem that, in the case of a temporary shortage of resources of the access network device, the SMF network element immediately deletes or modifies the QoS flow, resulting in the QoS flow service being unable to be served or the service quality of the service being reduced.

[0554] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of the method for controlling QoS flow provided in the second embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the methods of the first embodiment and the second embodiment can be used alone or in combination. When the method of the first embodiment is used alone, the SMF network element uses the existing modification process to modify the QoS flow after determining to modify the QoS flow. When the first embodiment and the second embodiment are combined, the SMF network element uses the method of the second embodiment to modify the QoS flow after determining to modify the QoS flow. Figure 9 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0555] Step S201: The SMF network element receives a first indication message sent by an access network device. The first indication message is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met. The first QoS target includes a first GFBR. The QoS flow is a flow with the same QoS processing.

[0556] Step S202: The SMF network element determines a second QoS target for the QoS flow based on the QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GFBR, wherein the QoS policy information includes at least the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information.

[0557] In this embodiment, after receiving the first indication information, the SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow based on the QoS policy information. Before determining the second QoS target of the QoS flow, the SMF network element needs to obtain the QoS policy information. In this embodiment, at least two types of QoS control information included in the QoS policy information can both meet the QoS requirements of the QoS flow. Therefore, the second QoS target determined based on the QoS control information can meet the QoS requirements of the QoS flow. Compared with the prior art, the solution of this embodiment modifies the QoS target of the QoS flow from the first QoS target to the second QoS target, without reducing the QoS quality of the QoS flow.

[0558] The SMF network element can obtain QoS policy information in the following ways: in one way, the QoS policy information is pre-configured on the SMF network element; in another way, the SMF network element receives the QoS policy information sent by the PCF network element; in yet another way, the QoS policy information includes the QoS policy information locally configured by the SMF network element and the QoS policy information configured by the PCF network element. Optionally, the QoS policy information sent by the PCF network element is generated by the PCF network element based on one or at least two QoS requirements sent by the AF network element.

[0559] In this embodiment, the SMF network element can determine the second QoS target of the QoS flow in the following ways:

[0560] In the first method, the QoS policy information also includes priority information of each QoS control information in at least two types of QoS control information. The SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow based on the priority information of each QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0561] For example, if the QoS policy information contains QoS control information with the same priority as the QoS control information corresponding to the first QoS target, the SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the QoS control information with the same priority. If the QoS policy information does not contain QoS control information with the same priority as the QoS control information corresponding to the first QoS target, the SMF network element selects the QoS control information with the second priority of the QoS control information corresponding to the first QoS target, and determines the second QoS target based on the QoS control information with the second priority.

[0562] In the second way, the SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0563] When the QoS policy information includes the GBR information of the QoS control information, the AMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow based on the GBR information of each QoS control information. For example, the SMF network element selects the QoS control information with the largest GBR from the remaining QoS control information and determines the second QoS target based on the QoS control information with the largest GBR.

[0564] In the third mode, the SMF network element determines at least one third QoS target based on at least two types of QoS control information included in the QoS policy information, and then sends the third QoS target to the access network device. The SMF network element receives a fourth QoS target sent by the access network device. The fourth QoS target is determined by the access network device based on the third QoS target, and the fourth QoS target is a QoS target that the access network device can meet. Finally, the SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fourth QoS target.

[0565] In the first two methods, the SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to its own method, while in the third method, the SMF network element and the access network device negotiate to determine the second QoS target, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the QoS flow matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0566] Among them, when the SMF network element determines the third QoS target based on at least two types of QoS control information, it can also be determined based on the priority information or bandwidth requirements of the QoS control information. Please refer to the above description and will not repeat it here. The number of third QoS targets can be pre-configured. The SMF network element can select part of the QoS control information from the QoS policy information to determine the third QoS target, or it can select all the QoS control information to determine the third QoS target, wherein each QoS control information generates a third QoS target. For example, the SMF network element selects the QoS control information with the highest priority to determine a third QoS target, or the SMF network element selects two QoS control information with higher priorities to determine a third QoS target respectively.

[0567] After receiving the third QoS target, the access network device determines a fourth QoS target based on the third QoS target. The fourth QoS target is a QoS target that the access network device can meet. Exemplarily, the access network device determines the fourth QoS target based on its available resources and the third QoS target. Optionally, the access network device selects a QoS target that it can meet from among the third QoS targets as the fourth QoS target. If the access network device cannot meet any of the QoS targets in the third QoS target, the access network device may return a QoS target that it can meet, other than the third QoS target. Optionally, the fourth QoS target is the maximum QoS target that the access network device can meet.

[0568] When the SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fourth QoS target, it can directly use the fourth QoS target as the second QoS target, or it can process the fourth QoS target to obtain the second QoS target. For example, the GFBR included in the fourth QoS target can be used as the second QoS target after floating up and down within a certain range.

[0569] In a fourth manner, the SMF network element sends at least two QoS targets for a QoS flow to the access network device. The SMF network element may send at least two QoS targets for a QoS flow to the access network device during the QoS flow establishment or modification process. The SMF network element receives a fifth QoS target sent by the access network device. The fifth QoS target is a QoS target that the access network device can meet. The fifth QoS target is determined by the access network device based on the at least two QoS targets when the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met. Accordingly, the SMF network element determines a second QoS target based on the fifth QoS target.

[0570] In this method, the SMF network element and the access network device negotiate to determine the second QoS target. The difference from the third method is that in the third method, the SMF network element triggers the access network device to send the QoS target that it can meet; in the fourth method, when the first QoS target cannot be met, the access network device actively reports the QoS target that it can meet, so that the SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the QoS target that the access network device can meet, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the QoS flow matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0571] Optionally, when determining the fifth QoS target, the access network device determines it based on available resources and at least two QoS targets sent by the SMF network element. Optionally, the access network device may select a QoS target from the at least two QoS targets as the fifth QoS target based on the available resources. For example, the access network device selects the QoS target that is closest to the available resources from the at least two QoS targets as the fifth QoS target.

[0572] Step S203: The SMF network element sends a second QoS target to the access network device.

[0573] The SMF network element can actively send a second QoS target to the access network device to trigger the modification of the QoS flow. The SMF network element can also send a second QoS target to the access network device when it receives a modification notification indication of the QoS flow sent by the access network device.

[0574] Optionally, the SMF network element starts the timer after receiving the first indication information, and deletes the timer after sending the second QoS target to the access network device. Of course, the deletion time of the timer is not limited to after sending the second QoS target. The SMF network element can delete the timer at any time after starting the timer.

[0575] In this embodiment, the SMF network element receives first indication information sent by the access network device, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met. The SMF network element then determines a second QoS target for the QoS flow based on the QoS policy information, where the QoS policy information includes at least two types of QoS control information. The SMF network element sends the second QoS target to the access network device. Since the at least two types of QoS control information included in the QoS policy information can both meet the QoS requirements of the QoS flow, the second QoS target determined based on the QoS control information can also meet the QoS requirements of the QoS flow. Compared to the prior art, the solution of this embodiment modifies the QoS target of the QoS flow from the first QoS target to the second QoS target, without reducing the QoS quality of the QoS flow.

[0576] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 3 of the present application. This embodiment describes the QoS flow control method from the perspective of an access network device, such as Figure 10 As shown, the method of this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0577] Step S301: The access network device sends a first indication message to the SMF network element, where the first indication message is used to indicate that a first QoS target of the UE's QoS flow cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first GFBR, and the first QoS flow is a flow with the same QoS processing.

[0578] During the operation of a QoS flow, the access network device detects whether the first QoS target of the QoS flow can be met. In one embodiment, when the access network device detects that the first QoS target cannot be met, optionally, if the configuration file of the QoS flow includes Notification control, the access network device sends a first indication message to the SMF network element. In another embodiment, when the access network device detects that the first QoS target cannot be met, regardless of whether the configuration file of the QoS flow includes Notification control, the access network device sends the first indication message to the SMF network element.

[0579] Step S302: If the first QoS target can be met within the second preset time, the access network device sends a second indication message to the SMF network element, and the second indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met.

[0580] Optionally, if the first QoS target cannot be met within the second preset time, the access network device sends a third indication message to the SMF network element, and the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met.

[0581] In this embodiment, the access network device determines whether the first QoS target is met based on the state of the first QoS target within the second preset time period. Specifically, the access network device determines whether the first QoS target is met based on the state of the QoS flow throughout the entire second preset time period. Furthermore, the access network device can make this determination at or after the end of the second preset time period.

[0582] The second preset time can be achieved through a timer. After sending the first indication information, the access network device starts the timer, and the timing time of the timer is equal to the second preset time. Before the timer times out, the access network device detects whether the first QoS target can be met. Before the timer times out, if the first QoS target can be met, the access network device sends a second indication information to the SMF network element. When the timer times out, if the first QoS target cannot be met, the access network device sends a third indication information to the SMF network element.

[0583] Optionally, the second preset time is calculated by a timer. Within the second preset time, if the access network device receives a deletion or modification request for a QoS flow sent by the SMF network element, the access network device deletes the timer. After deleting the timer, the access network device deletes the QoS flow information accordingly and initiates an RRC modification procedure to the UE to delete the binding relationship between the QoS flow and the DRB, delete the corresponding DRB, or modify the corresponding DRB.

[0584] Optionally, if the access network device does not receive the modification process or deletion process of the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element, the access network device sends a QoS flow deletion request to the SMF network element. Optionally, after sending the third indication information, if the access network device does not receive the modification process or deletion process of the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element within a third preset time, the access network device may send a QoS flow deletion request to the SMF network element to trigger the QoS flow deletion process. The third preset time can be implemented by a timer. After sending the third indication information, the access network device starts the timer. Before the timer expires, if the access network device does not receive the modification process or deletion process of the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element, the access network device may send a QoS flow deletion request to the SMF network element. The QoS flow deletion request indicates the deletion of the QoS flow.

[0585] Optionally, after sending the third indication message, the access network device receives a deletion request sent by the SMF network element, where the deletion request is used to delete the QoS flow.

[0586] In this embodiment, an access network device sends first indication information to an SMF network element, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first QoS target of a QoS flow of a UE cannot be met. Within a second preset time, if the first QoS target can be met, the access network device sends second indication information to the SMF network element, the second indication information being used to indicate that the first QoS target can be met. If the first QoS target cannot be met, the access network device sends third indication information to the SMF network element, the third indication information being used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met. In the method, when the first QoS target cannot be met, the access network device detects whether the first QoS target can be met within the second preset time after sending the first indication information, and notifies the SMF network element. This method allows the SMF network element to not immediately delete or modify the QoS flow when the QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, but instead delays the deletion or modification of the QoS flow after the first preset time if the QoS target of the QoS flow still cannot be met. This avoids the problem of the SMF network element immediately deleting or modifying the QoS flow when resources of the access network device are temporarily short, resulting in the QoS flow service being unable to be served or the service quality of the service being reduced.

[0587] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 4 of the present application, such as Figure 11 As shown, the method of this embodiment, based on implementation three, may further include the following steps:

[0588] Step S401: The access network device sends first indication information to the SMF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of the UE's QoS flow cannot be met, and the first QoS target includes a first GFBR.

[0589] Step S402: Within the second preset time, if the first QoS target cannot be met, the access network device sends a third indication message to the SMF network element, where the third indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met.

[0590] Step S403: The access network device receives the second QoS target sent by the SMF network element, where the second QoS target includes the second GFBR.

[0591] After the access network device sends the first indication information, if the SMF network element determines to modify the QoS flow based on the first indication information, the SMF network element will send a second QoS target to the access network device.

[0592] Step S404: The access network device modifies the QoS flow according to the second QoS target.

[0593] The access network device modifies the target of the QoS flow from the first QoS target to the second QoS target according to the second QoS target.

[0594] Optionally, before receiving the second QoS target sent by the SMF network element, the access network device receives at least one third QoS target sent by the SMF network element. The access network device determines a fourth QoS target based on the third QoS target. Optionally, the access network device selects a QoS target from the third QoS targets as the fourth QoS target. The fourth QoS target is a QoS target that the access network device can meet. The access network device sends the fourth QoS target to the SMF network element. The access network device sends the fourth QoS target to the SMF network element so that the SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fourth QoS target. The determined second QoS target matches the resources of the access network device, thereby maximizing the utilization of the resources of the access network device.

[0595] Optionally, before the access network device sends the first indication information to the SMF network element, it receives at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow sent by the SMF network element. The at least two QoS targets may be sent by the SMF network element to the access network device when the QoS flow is established. When the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the access network device selects a fifth QoS target from the at least two QoS targets. The fifth QoS target is the QoS target that the access network device can meet. The access network device sends the fifth QoS target to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element determines a second QoS target based on the fifth QoS target. The determined second QoS target matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device are maximized.

[0596] In this embodiment, the access network device sends first indication information to the SMF network element. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the UE's QoS flow cannot be met. Within the second preset time, if the first QoS target cannot be met, the access network device sends third indication information to the SMF network element. The third indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met. The access network device receives the second QoS target sent by the SMF network element and modifies the QoS flow according to the second QoS target. Since the second QoS target determined by the SMF network element can meet the requirements of the QoS flow, the QoS of the service is guaranteed.

[0597] Figure 12 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 5 of the present application is shown as follows: Figure 12 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0598] Step S501: The UE establishes a PDU session with the network.

[0599] The session establishment process can refer to the existing establishment process and will not be described in detail here. Optionally, during the session establishment process, the SMF network element sends a timer value to the access network device.

[0600] Step S502: When the AF network element determines to establish a service for the UE, the AF network element sends service information and at least two GBR QoS requirements to the PCF network element.

[0601] The AF network element can send service information and at least two GBR QoS requirements to the PCF network element in the NPCF network element_PolicyAuthorization_create_service service process. The GBR QoS requirements include a notification control indication. Optionally, the service process also includes priority information for the two GBR QoS requirements.

[0602] Step S503: The PCF network element sends at least two types of GBR QoS control information to the SMF network element.

[0603] The PCF network element may carry the at least two types of GBR QoS control information in an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify service and send it to the SMF network element. This service is sent by the PCF network element based on the service request of the AF network element. The GBR QoS control information is generated by the PCF network element based on the GBR QoS requirements sent by the AF network element. Optionally, this service also includes priority information of the GBR QoS control information.

[0604] Step S504: The SMF network element establishes a corresponding QoS flow according to the message sent by the PCF network element.

[0605] The SMF network element can establish a corresponding QoS flow based on the service message sent by the PCF network element. During the establishment process, the SMF network element activates or establishes the corresponding QoS flow based on the priority information of the GBR QoS control information, that is, first uses the GBR QoS control information with the highest priority to establish the QoS flow, and the QoS target corresponding to the GBR QoS control information with the highest priority is the first QoS target. When the SMF network element does not obtain the priority information of the GBR QoS control information, the SMF network element determines to prioritize the use of QoS control information with high bandwidth requirements or high guaranteed bit rate GBR to establish the QoS flow based on the bandwidth requirements of the GBR QoS control information or the guaranteed bit rate GBR information, and the QoS target corresponding to the QoS control information with high bandwidth requirements is the first QoS target.

[0606] Step S505: The UE establishes a Notification control-based QoS flow with the network.

[0607] Step S506: When the access network device detects that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the access network device starts a timer.

[0608] When the access network device detects that the first QoS target cannot be met, it reads the configuration file of the QoS flow. When the configuration file of the QoS flow includes Notification control, the access network device starts a timer.

[0609] Step S507: The access network device sends a first indication message to the AMF network element.

[0610] The first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met. The access network device may carry the first indication information in an N2 message and send it to the AMF network element. The N2 message includes the PDU session ID and N2 SM information. The N2 SM information includes the QoS flow identifier (QFI) and the first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met.

[0611] Step S508: The AMF network element sends a first indication message to the SMF network element.

[0612] The AMF network element can carry the first indication information in the Nsmf_PDUSessionUpdateSMContext message and send it to the SMF network element, where the message includes the QFI and the first indication information.

[0613] Step S509: The SMF network element determines to modify the QoS flow according to at least two types of GBR QoS control information sent by the PCF network element.

[0614] In this embodiment, the SMF network element may determine the second QoS target of the QoS flow according to the priority information or bandwidth requirement of the GBR QoS control information.

[0615] Step S510: QoS flow modification process.

[0616] Optionally, the QoS flow modification process may include the following steps (not shown in the figure):

[0617] S5101. The SMF network element sends the second QoS target to the AMF network element.

[0618] The SMF network element can carry the second QoS target in the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message and send it to the AMF network element. The message contains the N2 SM information and the N1 SM container. The N2 SM information contains the PDU session ID, QFI and QoS profile (including the second QoS target); the N1 SM container contains the PDU session ID, the QoS rule that cannot be met (including the first QoS target) and the QoS rule operation (such as deletion or modification).

[0619] S5102. The AMF network element sends a second QoS target to the access network device.

[0620] The AMF network element can send the second QoS target to the access network device in an N2 PDU Session Request. The N2 SM information and NAS message received from the SMF network element are included in the request. The NAS message includes the PDU Session ID and the N1 SM container. After receiving the second QoS target, the access network device deletes the started timer.

[0621] S5103: The access network device and the UE execute a specific signaling process.

[0622] The access network device executes a specific signaling process with the UE based on the information sent by the SMF network element. For example, when the UE accesses the 3GPP RAN, the RRC connection reconfiguration will be performed between the UE and the access network device to modify the corresponding RAN resources.

[0623] S5104. The access network device interacts with the core network device to modify the QoS flow.

[0624] S5105. The access network device sends an N2 session response to the AMF network element.

[0625] The N session response message includes N2 SM information.

[0626] S5106. The AMF network element uses the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service operation, which includes N2SM information. The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF network element.

[0627] S5107. The UE sends a NAS message in response to the PDU session modification command. The NAS message includes the PDU session ID and the N1 SM container. The N1 SM container is determined by the PDU session modification command.

[0628] S5108. The access network device forwards the NAS message to the AMF network element.

[0629] S5109: The AMF network element forwards the N1 SM container to the SMF network element using Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext. The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF network element.

[0630] S5110, SMF network element and UPF execute the PDU session modification process.

[0631] S5111: The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify message to the PCF network element, including the affected PCC rules. The PCF network element sends a response message to the SMF network element.

[0632] S5112: The PCF network element sends Npcf_EventExposure_Notify to the AF network element, including the QoS requirements of the executed service. The AF network element sends a response message to the PCF network element.

[0633] In this embodiment, the control process of QoS flow is explained by taking the network architecture using a service-based interface communication method as an example. Of course, communication based on a service-based interface method may not be used. Accordingly, the messages exchanged between network elements will be different, but the content carried in the messages for QoS control is the same.

[0634] Figure 13 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 6 of the present application is shown as follows: Figure 13 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0635] Step S601: The UE establishes a PDU session with the network.

[0636] The session establishment process can refer to the existing establishment process and will not be described in detail here. Optionally, during the session establishment process, the SMF network element sends a timer value to the access network device.

[0637] Step S602: When the AF network element determines to establish a service for the UE, the AF network element sends service information and at least two GBR QoS requirements to the PCF network element.

[0638] The AF network element can send service information and at least two GBR QoS requirements to the PCF network element in the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_create_service service process. The GBR QoS requirements include a notification control indication. Optionally, the service process also includes priority information for the two GBR QoS requirements.

[0639] Step S603: The PCF network element sends at least two types of GBR QoS control information to the SMF network element.

[0640] The PCF network element may carry the at least two types of GBR QoS control information in an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify service and send it to the SMF network element. This service is sent by the PCF network element based on the service request of the AF network element. The GBR QoS control information is generated by the PCF network element based on the GBR QoS requirements sent by the AF network element. Optionally, this service also includes priority information of the GBR QoS control information.

[0641] Step S604: The SMF network element establishes a corresponding QoS flow according to the message sent by the PCF network element.

[0642] The SMF network element can establish a corresponding QoS flow based on the service message sent by the PCF network element. During the establishment process, the SMF network element activates the corresponding QoS flow based on the priority information of the GBR QoS control information, that is, first uses the GBR QoS control information with the highest priority to establish a QoS flow, and the QoS target corresponding to the GBR QoS control information with the highest priority is the first QoS target. When the SMF network element does not obtain the priority information of the GBR QoS control information, the SMF network element determines to prioritize the use of the QoS control information with high bandwidth requirements or high guaranteed bit rate information to establish a QoS flow based on the bandwidth requirements or guaranteed bit rate information of the GBR QoS control information, and the QoS target corresponding to the QoS control information with high bandwidth requirements is the first QoS target.

[0643] Step S605: The UE establishes a Notification control-based QoS flow with the network.

[0644] Step S606: When the access network device detects that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the access network device starts a timer.

[0645] When the access network device detects that the first QoS target cannot be met, it reads the configuration file of the QoS flow. When the configuration file of the QoS flow includes Notification control, the access network device starts a timer.

[0646] Step S607: The access network device sends a first indication message to the AMF network element.

[0647] The access network device may carry the first indication information in an N2 message and send it to the AMF network element. The N2 message includes the PDU session ID and N2 SM information. The N2 SM information includes the QoS flow identifier (QFI) and the first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met.

[0648] Step S608: The AMF network element sends a first indication message to the SMF network element.

[0649] The AMF network element can carry the first indication information in the Nsmf_PDUSessionUpdateSMContext message and send it to the SMF network element, where the message includes the QFI and the first indication information.

[0650] Step S609: The SMF network element determines at least one third QoS target of the QoS flow according to the at least two types of GBR QoS control information sent by the PCF network element.

[0651] Specifically, the specific method for the SMF network element to determine the third QoS target refers to the relevant description of Example 2 and will not be repeated here.

[0652] Step S610: The SMF network element sends the third QoS target to the AMF network element.

[0653] The SMF network element can carry the third QoS target in the Namf__Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message and send it to the AMF network element. The message contains the N2 SM information and the N1 SM container. Among them, the N2 SM information contains the PDU session ID, QFI and QoS profile (including the third QoS target); the N1 SM container contains the PDU session ID, the QoS rule that cannot be met (including the first QoS target) and the operation of the QoS rule (such as deletion or modification).

[0654] Step S611: The AMF network element sends a third QoS target to the access network device.

[0655] The AMF network element may carry the third QoS target in an N2 PDU session request and send it to the access network device. The session request includes the N2 SM information and NAS message received from the SMF network element. The NAS message includes the PDU session ID and the N1 SM container.

[0656] Step S612: The access network device deletes the started timer and determines the fourth QoS based on the third QoS.

[0657] After receiving the third QoS target, the access network device deletes the started timer and determines a fourth QoS target based on the received third QoS target and available resources. The fourth QoS target is a QoS target that the access network device can reach.

[0658] Step S613: The access network device sends the fourth QoS target to the AMF network element.

[0659] The access network device can carry the fourth QoS target in the N2 session response and send it to the AMF network element. The session response message includes N2SM information. The N2 SM information includes the fourth QoS target supported by the (R)AN. The fourth QoS target includes the fourth GFBR. Optionally, the fourth QoS target also includes the fourth MFBR.

[0660] Step S614: The AMF network element sends the fourth QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0661] The AMF network element can carry the fourth QoS target in the Nsmf__PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service operation and send it to the SMF network element. The service includes N2 SM information, and the SMF network element sends the Nsmf__PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF network element.

[0662] Step S615: The SMF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fourth QoS target.

[0663] Step S616: QoS flow modification process.

[0664] Optionally, the QoS flow modification process may include the following steps (not shown in the figure):

[0665] S6161. The SMF network element sends the second QoS target to the AMF network element.

[0666] The SMF network element can carry the second QoS target in the Namf__Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message and send it to the AMF network element. The message contains the N2 SM information and the N1 SM container. The N2 SM information contains the PDU session ID, QFI and QoS profile (including the second QoS target); the N1 SM container contains the PDU session ID, the QoS rule that cannot be met (including the first QoS target) and the QoS rule operation (such as deletion or modification).

[0667] S6162. The AMF network element sends the second QoS target to the access network device.

[0668] The AMF network element can send the second QoS target to the access network device in an N2 PDU Session Request. The N2 SM information and NAS message received from the SMF network element are included in the request. The NAS message includes the PDU Session ID and the N1 SM container. After receiving the second QoS target, the access network device deletes the started timer.

[0669] S6163: The access network device and the UE execute a specific signaling process.

[0670] The access network device executes a specific signaling process with the UE based on the information sent by the SMF network element. For example, when the UE accesses the 3GPP RAN, the RRC connection reconfiguration will be performed between the UE and the access network device to modify the corresponding RAN resources.

[0671] S6164. The access network device interacts with the core network device to modify the QoS flow.

[0672] S6165. The access network device sends an N2 session response to the AMF network element.

[0673] The N session response message includes N2 SM information.

[0674] S6166. The AMF uses the Nsmf__PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service operation, which includes N2 SM information. The SMF sends an Nsmf__PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF.

[0675] S6167. The UE sends a NAS message in response to the PDU session modification command. The NAS message includes the PDU session ID and the N1 SM container. The N1 SM container is determined by the PDU session modification command.

[0676] S6169. The access network device forwards the NAS message to the AMF network element.

[0677] S6195. The AMF network element uses Nsmf__PDUSession_UpdateSMContext to forward the N1 SM container to the SMF network element. The SMF network element sends an Nsmf__PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF network element.

[0678] S6169, SMF network element and UPF execute the PDU session modification process.

[0679] S6170: The SMF network element sends Nsmf__EventExposure_Notify to the PCF network element, including the affected PCC rules. The PCF network element sends a response message to the SMF network element.

[0680] S6171: The PCF network element sends Npcf_EventExposure_Notify to the AF network element, including the QoS requirements of the executed service. The AF network element sends a response message to the PCF network element.

[0681] In this embodiment, after the access network device sends the first indication information to the SMF network element, the SMF network element determines and executes the modification process of the QoS flow. On the basis of the second embodiment, in another possible implementation method of the present application, the SMF network element determines to modify the QoS flow after receiving the first indication information, but the SMF network element does not immediately execute the modification process of the QoS flow, but marks the modification operation as unexecuted. When the SMF network element receives the second indication information, when initiating the modification process or the modification negotiation process of the QoS flow, the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS is still not met. This method can avoid the problem that when the resources of the access network device are temporarily short, the SMF network element immediately deletes or modifies the QoS flow, resulting in the QoS flow service being unable to obtain service or the service quality of the service being reduced.

[0682] Figure 14 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 7 of the present application is shown as follows: Figure 14 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0683] Step S701: The UE establishes a PDU session with the network.

[0684] The session establishment process can refer to the existing establishment process and will not be repeated here.

[0685] Step S702: When the AF network element determines to establish a service for the UE, the AF network element sends service information and at least two GBR QoS requirements to the PCF network element.

[0686] The AF network element can send service information and at least two GBR QoS requirements to the PCF network element in the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_create_service service process. The GBR QoS requirements include a notification control indication. Optionally, the service process also includes priority information for the two GBR QoS requirements.

[0687] Step S703: The PCF network element sends at least two types of GBR QoS control information to the SMF network element.

[0688] The PCF network element may carry the at least two types of GBR QoS control information in an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify service and send it to the SMF network element. This service is sent by the PCF network element based on the service request of the AF network element. The GBR QoS control information is generated by the PCF network element based on the GBR QoS requirements sent by the AF network element. Optionally, this service also includes priority information of the GBR QoS control information.

[0689] Step S704: The SMF network element establishes a corresponding QoS flow according to the message sent by the PCF network element.

[0690] The SMF network element can establish a corresponding QoS flow based on the service message sent by the PCF network element. During the establishment process, the SMF network element activates the corresponding QoS flow based on the priority information of the GBR QoS control information, that is, first uses the GBR QoS control information with the highest priority to establish a QoS flow, and the QoS target corresponding to the GBR QoS control information with the highest priority is the first QoS target. When the SMF network element does not obtain the priority information of the GBR QoS control information, the SMF network element determines to prioritize the use of the QoS control information with high bandwidth requirements to establish a QoS flow based on the bandwidth requirements of the GBR QoS control information, and the QoS target corresponding to the QoS control information with high bandwidth requirements is the first QoS target.

[0691] Step S705: The UE establishes a Notification control-based QoS flow with the network.

[0692] In this embodiment, during the process of establishing a QoS flow between the UE and the network, the SMF network element sends at least two sets of QoS targets to the access network device.

[0693] Step S706: When the access network device detects that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the access network device starts a timer.

[0694] When the access network device detects that the first QoS target cannot be met, it reads the configuration file of the QoS flow. When the configuration file of the QoS flow includes Notification control, the access network device starts the timer and determines the fifth QoS target based on at least two QoS targets sent by the SMF network element. The fifth QoS target is the QoS target that the access network device can meet.

[0695] Step S707: The access network device sends the first indication information and the fifth QoS target to the AMF network element.

[0696] The first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target cannot be met. The access network device may carry the first indication information and the fifth QoS target in an N2 message and send it to the AMF network element. The N2 message includes the PDU session ID and N2 SM information. The N2 SM information includes the QoS flow identifier (QFI) and the first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met.

[0697] Step S708: The AMF network element sends the first indication information and the fifth QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0698] The AMF network element can carry the first indication information and the fifth QoS target in the NSMF network element_PDUSessionUpdateSMContext message and send it to the SMF network element, which includes the QFI and the first indication information.

[0699] Step S709: The SMF network element interacts with the PCF network element according to the first indication information, and notifies that the first QoS target cannot be met.

[0700] Step S710: The SMF network element determines a second QoS target based on the fifth QoS target.

[0701] Step S711: QoS flow modification process.

[0702] Optionally, the QoS flow modification process may include the following steps (not shown in the figure):

[0703] S7110, SMF network element sends the second QoS target to the AMF network element.

[0704] The SMF network element can carry the second QoS target in the Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransferr message and send it to the AMF network element. The message contains the N2 SM information and the N1 SM container. Among them, the N2 SM information contains the PDU session ID, QFI and QoS profile (including the second QoS target); the N1 SM container contains the PDU session ID, the QoS rule that cannot be met (including the first QoS target) and the operation of the QoS rule (such as deletion or modification).

[0705] S7111. The AMF network element sends the second QoS target to the access network device.

[0706] The AMF network element can carry the second QoS target in an N2 PDU session request and send it to the access network device. The session request includes the N2 SM information and NAS message received from the SMF network element. The NAS message includes the PDU session ID and the N1 SM container.

[0707] S7112. The access network device executes a specific process with the UE according to the second QoS target.

[0708] For example, when the UE accesses a 3GPP RAN, an RRC connection reconfiguration is performed between the UE and the access network device to modify corresponding RAN resources.

[0709] S7113. The access network device interacts with the core network device to implement QoS flow modification.

[0710] S7114. The access network device sends an N2 session response to the AMF network element.

[0711] The N session response message includes N2 SM information.

[0712] S7115. The AMF network element uses the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service operation, which includes N2SM information. The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF network element.

[0713] S7116. The UE sends a NAS message in response to the PDU session modification command. The NAS message includes the PDU session ID and the N1 SM container. The N1 SM container is determined by the PDU session modification command.

[0714] S7117. The access network device forwards the NAS message to the AMF network element.

[0715] S7118. The AMF network element forwards the N1 SM container to the SMF network element using Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext. The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF network element.

[0716] S7119, SMF network element and UPF execute the PDU session modification process.

[0717] S7120: The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify message to the PCF network element, including the affected PCC rules. The PCF network element sends a response message to the SMF network element.

[0718] S7121: The PCF network element sends Npcf_EventExposure_Notify to the AF network element, including the QoS requirements of the executed service. The AF network element sends a response message to the PCF network element.

[0719] Optionally, after a period of time, when the access network device detects that the first QoS target can be met, it notifies the SMF network element so that the SMF network element can reuse the first QoS target to transmit services.

[0720] Figure 15 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 8 of the present application is shown as follows: Figure 15 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0721] Step S801: The UE establishes a PDU session with the network.

[0722] The session establishment process can refer to the existing establishment process and will not be repeated here.

[0723] Step S802: The UE establishes a Notification control-based QoS flow with the network.

[0724] In this embodiment, during the process of establishing a QoS flow between the UE and the network, the SMF network element sends at least two sets of QoS targets to the access network device.

[0725] Step S803: The access network device detects that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met and the configuration file of the QoS flow includes Notification control.

[0726] Step S804: The access network device sends a first indication message to the AMF network element.

[0727] The access network device may carry the first indication information in an N2 message and send it to the AMF network element. The N2 message includes the PDU session ID and N2 SM information. The N2 SM information includes the QoS flow identifier (QFI) and the first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met.

[0728] Step S805: The AMF network element sends a first indication message to the SMF network element.

[0729] The AMF network element can carry the first indication information in the Nsmf_PDUSessionUpdateSMContext message and send it to the SMF network element, where the message includes the QFI and the first indication information.

[0730] The AMF network element can carry the first indication information in the NSMF network element_PDUSessionUpdateSMContext message and send it to the SMF network element. The message includes the QFI and the first indication information.

[0731] Step S806: The SMF network element determines the operation on the QoS flow (including modifying or deleting the QoS flow) according to the first indication information, starts the timer, and marks the status of the operation as pending.

[0732] The SMF network element interacts with the PCF network element based on the first indication information to determine whether to modify or delete the corresponding QoS flow. The timer value can be obtained during the interaction between the SMF network element and the PCF network element, or obtained from the PCF network element or UDM during the PDU session establishment process.

[0733] Step S807: Within the second preset time, the access network device detects that the first QoS target of the QoS flow is met.

[0734] Step S808: The access network device sends a second indication message to the AMF network element.

[0735] The second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target is met. The access network device may send the second indication information to the AMF network element in an N2 message, which includes the PDU session ID and N2 SM information. The N2 SM information includes the QFI and the second indication information.

[0736] Step S809: The AMF network element sends a second indication message to the SMF network element.

[0737] The AMF network element may carry the second indication information in an Nsmf_PDUSessionUpdateSMContext message and send it to the SMF network element. The message also includes the QFI. Upon receiving the second indication message, the SMF network element deletes the timer and notifies the PCF network element of the event (i.e., the first QoS target is reached). The SMF network element deletes the status information of the operation for this QoS flow.

[0738] Step S810: If the SMF network element does not receive the second indication information within the first preset time, the SMF network element executes the QoS flow modification process.

[0739] Optionally, the QoS flow modification process includes the following steps (not shown in the figure):

[0740] S8101 sends a request to delete or modify the QoS flow to the AMF network element.

[0741] For example, the SMF network element sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF network element. The message contains the N2 SM information and the N1 SM container. The N2 SM information contains the PDU session ID, QFI, and QoS profile (second QoS target); the N1 SM container contains the PDU session ID, the QoS rule that cannot be met (including the first QoS target), and the operation of the QoS rule (such as deletion or modification).

[0742] S8102. The AMF network element sends a request to delete or modify the QoS flow to the access network device.

[0743] The AMF network element can send a request to delete or modify a QoS flow to the access network device by carrying it in an N2 PDU session request. The request contains the N2 SM information and NAS message received from the SMF network element. The NAS message contains the PDU session ID and the N1 SM container.

[0744] The SS8103 and the access network device execute a specific process with the UE according to the second QoS target.

[0745] For example, when the UE accesses a 3GPP RAN, an RRC connection reconfiguration is performed between the UE and the access network device to modify corresponding RAN resources.

[0746] S8104. The access network device interacts with the core network device to modify the QoS flow.

[0747] The interaction process between the access network device and the core network device can adopt the existing process. This embodiment uses the network architecture using a service-based interface communication method as an example to illustrate the interaction process:

[0748] S8105. The access network device sends an N2 session response to the AMF network element.

[0749] The N session response message includes N2 SM information.

[0750] S8106. The AMF network element uses the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service operation, which includes N2SM information. The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF network element.

[0751] S8107. The UE sends a NAS message in response to the PDU session modification command. The NAS message includes the PDU session ID and the N1 SM container. The N1 SM container is determined by the PDU session modification command.

[0752] S8108. The access network device forwards the NAS message to the AMF network element.

[0753] S8109. The AMF network element uses Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext to forward the N1 SM container to the SMF network element. The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF network element.

[0754] S8110, SMF network element and UPF execute the PDU session modification process.

[0755] S8111: The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify message to the PCF network element, including the affected PCC rules. The PCF network element sends a response message to the SMF network element.

[0756] S8112: The PCF network element sends Npcf_EventExposure_Notify to the AF network element, including the QoS requirements of the executed service. The AF network element sends a response message to the PCF network element.

[0757] Optionally, after a period of time, when the access network device detects that the first QoS target can be met, it notifies the SMF network element so that the SMF network element can reuse the first QoS target to transmit services.

[0758] Figure 16 The flowchart of the QoS flow control method provided in the ninth embodiment of the present application is different from the above embodiments in that when the first target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the PCF network element decides to delete or modify the QoS policy rules of the service corresponding to the QoS flow. Figure 16 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0759] Step S901: The PCF network element receives first indication information sent by the session management function SMF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of the service cannot be met, and the first QoS target includes a first GBR.

[0760] The first QoS target of the service is determined by the SMF network element based on the first QoS target of the QoS flow of the service sent by the access network device. When the first target of the QoS flow of the service cannot be met, the access network device sends a first indication message to the SMF network element. The first indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met. The first QoS target of the QoS flow includes the first GFBR.

[0761] After the SMF network element receives the first indication information sent by the access network device, it determines the first GBR of the service based on the first GFBR of the QoS flow, and carries the first GBR of the service in the first indication information to the PCF network element to indicate that the first QoS target of the service cannot be met.

[0762] Step S902: Within the first preset time, if the PCF network element receives the second indication information sent by the SMF network element, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target is met, the PCF network element does not process the QoS policy rules of the service; if the PCF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the SMF network element, the PCF network element deletes or modifies the QoS policy rules of the service.

[0763] In this embodiment, the first preset time can be achieved by a timer, and the timing time of the timer is equal to the first preset time. After the PCF network element receives the first indication information, it starts the timer. Before the timer times out, if the PCF network element receives the second indication information sent by the SMF network element, the PCF network element does not process the QoS policy rules of the service. If the PCF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the SMF network element, the PCF network element deletes or modifies the QoS policy rules of the service. In this application, the PCF network element does not process the QoS policy rules of the service, which means that it does not delete or modify the QoS policy rules of the service, and does not guarantee that the PCF network element will not perform other possible normal processing operations.

[0764] After sending the first indication information, the access network device detects whether the first QoS target of the QoS flow can be met within the second preset time. If the first QoS target of the QoS flow can be met within the second preset time, the access network device sends a second indication information to the SMF network element. If the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met at the end of the second preset time, the access network device can optionally send a third indication information to the SMF network element, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, or the access network device does not send any message to the SMF network element. After receiving the third indication information sent by the access network device, the SMF network element determines the first QoS target of the service based on the first QoS target of the QoS flow, and sends the third indication information to the PCF network element to indicate that the first QoS target of the service cannot be met.

[0765] Optionally, within the first preset time, if the PCF network element receives third indication information sent by the SMF network element, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the service cannot be met, the PCF network element deletes or modifies the QoS policy rule of the service. In this embodiment, modifying the QoS policy rule of the service refers to modifying QoS-related content in the QoS policy rule of the service, for example, modifying the GBR and MBR.

[0766] In this embodiment, if the PCF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the access network device within the first preset time, the PCF network element determines that the first target of the service cannot be met, and the PCF network element deletes or modifies the QoS policy rule of the service. Modification of the QoS policy rule refers to modifying the first QoS target of the QoS policy rule of the service to the second QoS target. The deletion process of the QoS policy rule of the service can adopt the existing deletion process. The modification process of the QoS policy rule of the service can adopt the existing modification process or the modification method provided in Example 10 of the present application. Refer to the following embodiment and no further details will be given here.

[0767] Optionally, after receiving the first indication information, the PCF network element determines the operation to be performed on the QoS policy rules of the service based on the first indication information, and the operation is to delete or modify the QoS policy rules of the service, wherein the status of the operation is a pending state. After the PCF network element determines the operation to be performed on the QoS policy rules of the service, it does not immediately execute the operation, but marks the status of the operation as a pending state. Within the first preset time, if the PCF network element receives the second indication information sent by the SMF network element, the PCF network element deletes the status information of the operation; if the PCF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the SMF network element, the PCF network element deletes or modifies the QoS policy rules of the service.

[0768] The PCF network element determines that a modification operation is to be performed on the QoS policy rules of the service, including: the PCF network element determines a second QoS target of the QoS policy rule. Since determining the operation to be performed on the QoS policy rule and detecting whether the second indication information is received can be parallel operations, compared to determining the modification operation to be performed on the QoS policy rule after the first preset time, the modification time of the QoS policy rule can be shortened, thereby reducing the impact on the service.

[0769] In this embodiment, a PCF network element receives first indication information sent by an SMF network element, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first QoS target for a service cannot be met, the first QoS target including a first GBR. Within a first preset time, if the PCF network element receives second indication information sent by the SMF network element, the second indication information being used to indicate that the first QoS target is met, the PCF network element does not process the QoS policy rules for the service. If the PCF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the SMF network element, the PCF network element deletes or modifies the QoS policy rules for the service. By deleting or modifying the QoS policy rules for the service, the QoS flow for the service is deleted. In this method, when the QoS target for a QoS flow cannot be met, the PCF network element does not immediately delete or modify the QoS policy rules for the service corresponding to the QoS flow. Instead, the PCF network element delays the deletion or modification of the QoS policy rules for the service after a first preset time, and only deletes or modifies the QoS policy rules for the service if the QoS target for the QoS flow still cannot be met. This avoids the problem of the PCF network element immediately deleting or modifying the QoS flow when resources of an access network device are temporarily insufficient, resulting in the QoS flow service being unable to be served or the service quality of the service being degraded.

[0770] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of the QoS flow control method provided in the tenth embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the methods of the ninth embodiment and the tenth embodiment can be used alone or in combination. When the method of the ninth embodiment is used alone, the PCF network element uses the existing modification process to modify the QoS policy rules after determining to modify the QoS policy rules. When the ninth embodiment and the tenth embodiment are combined, the PCF network element uses the method of the tenth embodiment to modify the QoS policy rules after determining to modify the QoS policy rules. Figure 17 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0771] Step S1101: The PCF network element receives first indication information sent by the session management function SMF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of the service cannot be met, and the first QoS target includes a first GBR.

[0772] Step S1102: The PCF network element determines a second QoS target for the service according to the QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR. The QoS policy information includes at least the first QoS control information and the second QoS control information.

[0773] In this embodiment, at least two types of QoS control information included in the QoS policy information can meet the QoS requirements of the service. Therefore, the second QoS target of the service determined by the PCF network element based on the QoS control information can meet the QoS requirements of the service. Compared with the existing technology, the solution of this embodiment modifies the QoS target of the service from the first QoS target to the second QoS target, which will not reduce the QoS quality of the service.

[0774] In this embodiment, the PCF network element can determine the second QoS target of the service in the following ways:

[0775] In the first method, the QoS policy information also includes at least the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information. The PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the service based on the priority information of the first QoS control information and the priority information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0776] For example, if the QoS policy information contains QoS control information with the same priority as the QoS control information corresponding to the first QoS target, the PCF network element determines the second QoS target based on the QoS control information with the same priority. If the QoS policy information does not contain QoS control information with the same priority as the QoS control information corresponding to the first QoS target, the PCF network element selects QoS control information with a lower priority than the QoS control information corresponding to the first QoS target, and determines the second QoS target based on the QoS control information with the lower priority.

[0777] In the second manner, the PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the service according to the GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0778] When the QoS policy information includes GBR information of the QoS control information, the PCF network element determines the second QoS target for the service based on the GBR information of each QoS control information. For example, the PCF network element selects the QoS control information with the largest GBR from the remaining QoS information and determines the second QoS target based on the QoS control information with the largest GBR.

[0779] In the third method, the PCF network element determines at least one third QoS target based on at least two QoS control information included in the QoS policy information. The PCF network element sends the third QoS target to the SMF network element. The PCF network element receives the fourth QoS target sent by the SMF network element. The fourth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element based on the QoS target that the access network device can currently meet. The PCF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fourth QoS target.

[0780] The QoS target that the access network device can currently meet is the target of the QoS flow of the service. The third QoS target determined by the PCF network element is the QoS target of the service. After receiving the third QoS target of the service, the SMF network element determines the third QoS target of the QoS flow based on the third QoS target of the service and sends the third QoS target of the QoS flow to the access network device. The access network device determines the fourth target of the QoS flow based on the third QoS target of the QoS flow and sends the fourth target of the QoS flow to the SMF network element. The SMF network element determines the fourth QoS target of the service based on the fourth target of the QoS flow and sends the fourth QoS target of the service to the PCF network element. The PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the service based on the fourth QoS of the service.

[0781] When the PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the service based on the fourth QoS target of the service, it can directly use the fourth QoS target of the service as the second QoS target of the service, or it can process the fourth QoS target of the service to obtain the second QoS target of the service. For example, the GBR included in the fourth QoS target of the service can be floated up and down within a certain range and used as the second QoS target of the service.

[0782] In the first two methods, the PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the service according to its own method, while in the third method, the PCF network element and the access network device negotiate to determine the second QoS target of the service, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the service matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0783] In the fourth way, the PCF network element receives the fifth QoS target sent by the SMF network element. The fifth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element based on the QoS target that the access network device can currently meet. The PCF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fifth QoS target.

[0784] Among them, the QoS target that the access network device can meet refers to the QoS target that the QoS flow of the service can meet. The SMF network element determines the fifth QoS target of the service based on the QoS target that the QoS flow of the service can meet, and sends the fifth QoS target of the service to the PCF network element. The PCF network element determines the second QoS target of the service based on the fifth QoS target of the service.

[0785] In this method, the PCF network element and the access network device negotiate to determine the second QoS target of the service. The difference from the third method is that in the third method, the PCF network element triggers the access network device to send the QoS target that it can meet; in the fourth method, when the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the access network device actively reports the QoS target that it can currently meet, so that the SMF network element determines the fifth QoS target of the service based on the QoS target that the access network device can currently meet, and sends the fifth QoS target of the service to the PCF network element, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the service matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0786] Step S1103: The PCF network element sends the second QoS target to the SMF network element.

[0787] The PCF network element sends the second QoS target of the service to the SMF network element. The SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow based on the second QoS target of the service, and sends the second QoS target of the QoS flow to the access network device, so that the access network device modifies the QoS flow.

[0788] In this embodiment, the PCF network element receives first indication information sent by the SMF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of the service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first GBR. The PCF network element determines a second QoS target for the service based on QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, where the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS control information and second QoS control information. The PCF network element sends the second QoS target to the SMF network element. Since at least two types of QoS control information included in the QoS policy information can both meet the QoS requirements of the service, the second QoS target of the service determined based on the QoS control information can also meet the QoS requirements of the service. Compared to the prior art, the solution of this embodiment modifies the QoS target of the service from the first QoS target to the second QoS target, without reducing the QoS quality of the service.

[0789] Figure 18 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 11 of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 18 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0790] Step S1201: The UE establishes a PDU session with the network.

[0791] The session establishment process can refer to the existing establishment process and will not be repeated here.

[0792] Step S1202: When the AF network element determines to establish a service for the UE, the AF network element sends service information and at least two GBR QoS requirements to the PCF network element.

[0793] The AF network element can send service information and at least two GBR QoS requirements to the PCF network element in the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_create_service service process. The GBR QoS requirements include a notification control indication. Optionally, the service process also includes priority information for the two GBR QoS requirements.

[0794] Step S1203: The PCF network element sends at least two types of GBR QoS control information to the SMF network element.

[0795] The PCF network element may carry the at least two types of GBR QoS control information in an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify service and send it to the SMF network element. This service is sent by the PCF network element based on the service request of the AF network element. The GBR QoS control information is generated by the PCF network element based on the GBR QoS requirements sent by the AF network element. Optionally, this service also includes priority information of the GBR QoS control information.

[0796] Step S1204: The SMF network element establishes a corresponding QoS flow according to the message sent by the PCF network element.

[0797] The SMF network element can establish a corresponding QoS flow based on the service message sent by the PCF network element. During the establishment process, the SMF network element activates the corresponding QoS flow based on the priority information of the GBR QoS control information, that is, first uses the GBR QoS control information with the highest priority to establish a QoS flow, and the QoS target corresponding to the GBR QoS control information with the highest priority is the first QoS target. When the SMF network element does not obtain the priority information of the GBR QoS control information, the SMF network element determines to prioritize the use of the QoS control information with high bandwidth requirements to establish a QoS flow based on the bandwidth requirements of the GBR QoS control information, and the QoS target corresponding to the QoS control information with high bandwidth requirements is the first QoS target.

[0798] Step S1205: The UE establishes a Notification control-based QoS flow with the network.

[0799] In this embodiment, during the process of establishing a QoS flow between the UE and the network, the SMF network element sends at least two sets of QoS targets to the access network device.

[0800] Step S1206: The access network device detects that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met and the configuration file of the QoS flow includes a Notification control.

[0801] Step S1207: The access network device sends a first indication message to the AMF network element.

[0802] The access network device may carry the first indication information in an N2 message and send it to the AMF network element. The N2 message includes the PDU session ID and N2 SM information. The N2 SM information includes the QoS flow identifier (QFI) and the first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met.

[0803] Step S1208: The AMF network element sends a first indication message to the SMF network element.

[0804] The AMF network element can carry the first indication information in the Nsmf_PDUSessionUpdateSMContext message and send it to the SMF network element, where the message includes the QFI and the first indication information.

[0805] Step S1209: The SMF network element sends first indication information to the PCF network element.

[0806] After receiving the first indication information sent by the AMF network element, the SMF network element determines the first QoS target of the service based on the first QoS target of the QoS flow, and sends the first QoS target of the service to the PCF network element in the first indication information. The SMF network element can send the first indication information to the PCF network element in an Nsmf_EventExposure-Notify message.

[0807] Step S1210: The PCF network element starts a timer.

[0808] Step S1211: Within a second preset time, the access network device detects that a first QoS target of the QoS flow is met.

[0809] Step S1212: The access network device sends a second indication message to the AMF network element.

[0810] The second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow is met. The access network device can send the second indication information to the AMF network element in an N2 message containing the PDU session ID and N2 SM information. The N2 SM information contains the QFI and the second indication information.

[0811] Step S1213: The AMF network element sends a second indication message to the SMF network element.

[0812] The AMF network element may carry the second indication information in an Nsmf_PDUSessionUpdateSMContext message and send it to the SMF network element. The message also includes the QFI. Upon receiving the second indication message, the SMF network element deletes the timer and notifies the PCF network element of the event (i.e., the first QoS target is reached). The SMF network element deletes the status information of the operation for this QoS flow.

[0813] Step S1214: The SMF network element sends a second indication message to the PCF network element.

[0814] The second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the service is met. The SMF network element can carry the second indication information in the Nsmf_EventExposure-Notify message and send it to the PCF network element.

[0815] Step S1215: The PCF network element notifies the AF network element of the event that the first QoS target of the service is met.

[0816] When the PCF network element notifies the AF network element that the first QoS target of the service is met, it determines to modify the QoS policy rules of the service. The PCF network element then determines the second QoS target of the service. The specific method for determining the second QoS target is described in the above embodiment 10 and will not be repeated here.

[0817] Step S1216: The PCF network element sends a Session Management Policy Modification (Session Mangement Policy Modification) process (including the second QoS target of the service) to the SMF network element.

[0818] After receiving the second QoS target of the service, the SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow based on the second QoS target of the service.

[0819] Step S1217: QoS flow modification process.

[0820] Optionally, the QoS flow modification process includes the following steps (not shown in the figure):

[0821] S12170. The SMF network element sends a deletion or modification request for the QoS flow (including the second QoS target of the QoS flow) to the AMF network element.

[0822] After the SMF network element receives the second QoS of the service sent by the PCF network element, it determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow based on the second QoS target of the service. Then, the SMF network element sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF network element. The message contains the N2 SM information and the N1 SM container. The N2 SM information contains the PDU session ID, QFI, and QoS profile (second QoS target); the N1 SM container contains the PDU session ID, the QoS rule that cannot be met (including the first QoS target), and the operation of the QoS rule (such as deletion or modification).

[0823] S12171. The AMF network element sends a deletion or modification request for the QoS flow (including the second QoS target of the QoS flow) to the access network device.

[0824] The AMF network element can send a request to delete or modify a QoS flow to the access network device by carrying it in an N2 PDU session request. The request contains the N2 SM information and NAS message received from the SMF network element. The NAS message contains the PDU session ID and the N1 SM container.

[0825] S12172. The access network device executes a specific process with the UE according to the second QoS target of the QoS flow.

[0826] For example, when the UE accesses a 3GPP RAN, an RRC connection reconfiguration is performed between the UE and the access network device to modify corresponding RAN resources.

[0827] S12173. The access network device interacts with the core network device to implement the modification of the QoS flow.

[0828] The interaction process between the access network device and the core network device can adopt the existing process. This embodiment uses the network architecture using a service-based interface communication method as an example to illustrate the interaction process:

[0829] S12174. The access network device sends an N2 session response to the AMF network element.

[0830] The N session response message includes N2 SM information.

[0831] S12175. The AMF uses the Namf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service operation, which includes N2 SM information. The SMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF.

[0832] S12176. The UE sends a NAS message in response to the PDU session modification command. The NAS message includes the PDU session ID and the N1SM container. The N1SM container is determined by the PDU session modification command.

[0833] S12177. The access network device forwards the NAS message to the AMF network element.

[0834] S12178. The AMF network element forwards the N1 SM container to the SMF network element using Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext. The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF network element.

[0835] S12179, SMF network element and UPF execute the PDU session modification process.

[0836] S12180: The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify message to the PCF network element, including the affected PCC rules. The PCF network element sends a response message to the SMF network element.

[0837] S12181. The PCF network element sends an Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify message to the AF network element, including the QoS requirements of the executed service. The AF network element sends a response message to the PCF network element.

[0838] Optionally, after a period of time, when the access network device detects that the first QoS target can be met, it notifies the SMF network element so that the SMF network element can reuse the first QoS target to transmit services.

[0839] Figure 19 The flowchart of the QoS flow control method provided in the twelfth embodiment of the present application is different from the above embodiments in that when the first target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the AF network element decides to delete or modify the QoS requirements of the service corresponding to the QoS flow, thereby triggering the modification of the QoS flow. Figure 19 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0840] Step S1301: The AF network element receives first indication information sent by the PCF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first GBR.

[0841] The first QoS target of the service is determined by the SMF network element based on the first QoS target of the QoS flow of the service sent by the access network device. When the first target of the QoS flow of the service cannot be met, the access network device sends a first indication message to the SMF network element. The first indication message is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met. The first QoS target of the QoS flow includes the first GFBR.

[0842] After the SMF network element receives the first indication information sent by the access network device, it determines the first GBR of the service based on the first GFBR of the QoS flow, carries the first GBR of the service in the first indication information and sends it to the PCF network element to indicate that the first QoS target of the service cannot be met. The PCF network element sends the first indication information to the AF network element.

[0843] Step S1302: Within the first preset time, if the AF network element receives the second indication information sent by the PCF network element, and the second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target is met, the AF network element does not process the QoS requirements of the service; if the AF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the PCF network element, the AF network element deletes or modifies the QoS requirements of the service.

[0844] In this embodiment, the first preset time can be achieved by a timer, and the timing time of the timer is equal to the first preset time. After the AF network element receives the first indication information, it starts the timer. Before the timer times out, if the AF network element receives the second indication information sent by the PCF network element, the AF network element processes the QoS requirements of the service. If the AF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the PCF network element, the AF network element deletes or modifies the QoS requirements of the service. In this application, the AF network element does not process the QoS requirements of the service, which means that the AF network element does not delete or modify the QoS requirements of the service, and does not guarantee that the AF network element will not perform other possible normal processing operations.

[0845] After sending the first indication information, the access network device detects whether the first QoS target of the QoS flow can be met within the second preset time. If the first QoS target of the QoS flow can be met within the second preset time, the access network device sends a second indication information to the SMF network element. If the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met at the end of the second preset time, the access network device can optionally send a third indication information to the SMF network element, where the third indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, or the access network device does not send any message to the SMF network element. After receiving the third indication information sent by the access network device, the SMF network element determines the first QoS target of the service based on the first QoS target of the QoS flow, and sends the third indication information to the PCF network element to indicate that the first QoS target of the service cannot be met. The PCF network element sends the first indication information to the AF network element.

[0846] Optionally, within the first preset time, if the AF network element receives third indication information sent by the PCF network element, and the third indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the service cannot be met, the AF network element deletes or modifies the QoS requirement of the service. In this embodiment, modifying the QoS requirement of the service refers to modifying QoS-related content in the QoS requirement of the service, for example, modifying the GBR and MBR.

[0847] In this embodiment, if the AF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the PCF network element within the first preset time, the AF network element determines that the first target of the service cannot be met, and the AF network element deletes or modifies the QoS requirement of the service. Modification of the QoS requirement refers to modifying the first QoS target in the QoS requirement of the service to the second QoS target. The deletion process of the QoS requirement of the service can adopt the existing deletion process, and the modification process of the QoS requirement of the service can adopt the existing modification process or the modification method provided in Example 13 of the present application. Refer to the following embodiment and no further details will be given here.

[0848] Optionally, after receiving the first indication information, the AF network element determines the operation to be performed on the QoS requirements of the service based on the first indication information, and the operation is to delete or modify the QoS requirements of the service, wherein the status of the operation is a pending state. After the AF network element determines the operation to be performed on the QoS requirements of the service, it does not immediately execute the operation, but marks the status of the operation as a pending state. Within the first preset time, if the AF network element receives the second indication information sent by the PCF network element, the AF network element deletes the status information of the operation; if the AF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the PCF network element, the AF network element deletes or modifies the QoS requirements of the service.

[0849] The AF network element determines to perform a modification operation on the QoS requirement of the service, including: the AF network element determines a second QoS target of the QoS requirement. Since determining to perform a modification operation on the QoS requirement and detecting whether the second indication information is received can be parallel operations, compared to determining to perform a modification operation on the QoS requirement after the first preset time, the modification time of the QoS requirement can be shortened, thereby reducing the impact on the service.

[0850] In this embodiment, an AF network element receives first indication information sent by a PCF network element, the first indication information being used to indicate that a first QoS target for a service cannot be met, the first QoS target including a first GBR. Within a first preset time, if the AF network element receives second indication information sent by the PCF network element, the second indication information being used to indicate that the first QoS target is met, the AF network element does not process the QoS requirement of the service. If the AF network element does not receive the second indication information sent by the PCF network element, the AF network element deletes or modifies the QoS requirement of the service, thereby triggering the SMF network element to modify or delete the QoS flow of the service. In this method, when the QoS target of a QoS flow cannot be met, the AF network element does not immediately delete or modify the QoS requirement of the service corresponding to the QoS flow. Instead, the AF network element delays the deletion or modification of the QoS requirement of the service after a first preset time, and only deletes or modifies the QoS requirement of the service if the QoS target of the QoS flow still cannot be met. This avoids the problem of QoS flow services being unable to receive service or service quality being degraded due to immediate deletion or modification of the QoS flow in the event of a temporary resource shortage in an access network device.

[0851] Figure 20 This is a flowchart of the QoS flow control method provided in the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that the methods of the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments can be used alone or in combination. When the method of the twelfth embodiment is used alone, the AF network element uses the existing modification process to modify the QoS requirement after determining the modification of the QoS requirement. When the twelfth and thirteenth embodiments are combined, the AF network element uses the method of the thirteenth embodiment to modify the QoS requirement after determining the modification of the QoS requirement. Figure 20 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0852] Step S1401: The AF network element receives first indication information sent by the PCF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of a service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first GBR.

[0853] Step S1402: The AF network element determines a second QoS target for the service according to the QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR. The QoS policy information includes at least the first QoS requirement information and the second QoS requirement information.

[0854] In this embodiment, at least two types of QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information can meet the QoS requirements of the service. Therefore, the second QoS target of the service determined by the AF network element based on the QoS control information can meet the QoS requirements of the service. Compared with the existing technology, the solution of this embodiment modifies the QoS target of the service from the first QoS target to the second QoS target, which will not reduce the QoS quality of the service.

[0855] In this embodiment, the AF network element can determine the second QoS target of the service in the following ways:

[0856] In the first method, the QoS policy information also includes at least the priority information of the first QoS requirement information and the priority information of the second QoS requirement information. The AF network element determines the second QoS target of the service based on the priority information of the first QoS requirement information and the priority information of the second QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information.

[0857] For example, if the QoS policy information contains QoS requirement information with the same priority as the QoS requirement information corresponding to the first QoS target, the AF network element determines the second QoS target based on the QoS requirement information with the same priority. If the QoS policy information does not contain QoS requirement information with the same priority as the QoS requirement information corresponding to the first QoS target, the AF network element selects the QoS requirement information with a lower priority than the QoS requirement information corresponding to the first QoS target, and determines the second QoS target based on the QoS requirement information with the lower priority.

[0858] In the second manner, the AF network element determines the GBR information of the first QoS control information and the GBR information of the second QoS control information included in the QoS policy information.

[0859] When the QoS policy information includes the GBR requirement of the QoS control information, the AF network element selects the QoS requirement information with the largest GBR from the remaining QoS requirement information based on the GBR information of each QoS requirement information, and determines the second QoS target based on the QoS requirement information with the largest GBR.

[0860] In the third method, the AF network element determines at least one third QoS target based on at least two QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information. The AF network element sends the third QoS target to the PCF network element. The AF network element receives the fourth QoS target sent by the PCF network element. The fourth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element based on the QoS target that the access network device can currently meet. The AF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fourth QoS target.

[0861] The QoS target that the access network device can currently meet is the target of the QoS flow of the service. The third QoS target determined by the AF network element is the QoS target of the service. After receiving the third QoS target of the service, the SMF network element determines the third QoS target of the QoS flow based on the third QoS target of the service and sends the third QoS target of the QoS flow to the access network device. The access network device determines the fourth target of the QoS flow based on the third QoS target of the QoS flow and sends the fourth target of the QoS flow to the SMF network element. The SMF network element determines the fourth QoS target of the service based on the fourth target of the QoS flow and sends the fourth QoS target of the service to the PCF network element. The PCF network element sends the fourth QoS flow of the service to the AF network element. The AF network element determines the second QoS target of the service based on the fourth QoS of the service.

[0862] When the AF network element determines the second QoS target of the service based on the fourth QoS target of the service, it can directly use the fourth QoS target of the service as the second QoS target of the service, or it can process the fourth QoS target of the service to obtain the second QoS target of the service. For example, the GBR included in the fourth QoS target of the service can be floated up and down within a certain range as the second QoS target of the service.

[0863] In the first two methods, the AF network element determines the second QoS target of the service according to its own method, while in the third method, the AF network element and the access network device negotiate to determine the second QoS target of the service, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the service matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0864] In the fourth way, the AF network element receives the fifth QoS target sent by the PCF network element. The fifth QoS target is determined by the SMF network element according to the QoS target that the access network device can currently meet. The AF network element determines the second QoS target based on the fifth QoS target.

[0865] Among them, the QoS target that the access network device can meet refers to the QoS target that the QoS flow of the service can meet. The SMF network element determines the fifth QoS target of the service based on the QoS target that the QoS flow can meet and sends it to the AF network element.

[0866] In this method, the AF network element and the access network device negotiate to determine the second QoS target of the service. The difference from the third method is that in the third method, the AF network element triggers the access network device to send the QoS target that it can meet; in the fourth method, when the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the access network device actively reports the QoS target that it can currently meet, so that the SMF network element determines the fifth QoS target of the service based on the QoS target that the access network device can currently meet, and sends the fifth QoS target of the service to the PCF network element, thereby ensuring that the second QoS target determined for the service matches the resources of the access network device, so that the resources of the access network device can be maximized.

[0867] Step S1403: The AF network element sends the second QoS target to the PCF network element.

[0868] The AF network element sends the second QoS target of the service to the PCF network element, and the PCF network element sends the second QoS target of the service to the SMF network element. The SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow based on the second QoS target of the service, and sends the second QoS target of the QoS flow to the access network device, so that the access network device modifies the QoS flow.

[0869] In this embodiment, the AF network element receives first indication information sent by the PCF network element, where the first indication information is used to indicate that a first QoS target of the service cannot be met, where the first QoS target includes a first GBR. The AF network element determines a second QoS target for the service based on the QoS policy information, where the second QoS target includes a second GBR, where the QoS policy information includes at least first QoS requirement information and second QoS requirement information. The AF network element sends the second QoS target to the PCF network element. Since at least two types of QoS requirement information included in the QoS policy information can both meet the QoS requirements of the service, the second QoS target of the service determined based on the QoS requirement information can also meet the QoS requirements of the service. Compared to the prior art, the solution of this embodiment modifies the QoS target of the service from the first QoS target to the second QoS target, without reducing the QoS quality of the service.

[0870] Figure 21 A signaling flow chart of a QoS flow control method provided in Example 14 of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 18 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0871] Step S1501: The UE establishes a PDU session with the network.

[0872] The session establishment process can refer to the existing establishment process and will not be repeated here.

[0873] Step S1502: When the AF network element determines to establish a service for the UE, the AF network element sends service information and at least two GBR QoS requirements to the PCF network element.

[0874] The AF network element can send service information and at least two GBR QoS requirements to the PCF network element in the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization_create_service service process. The GBR QoS requirements include a notification control indication. Optionally, the service process also includes priority information for the two GBR QoS requirements.

[0875] Step S1503: The PCF network element sends at least two types of GBR QoS control information to the SMF network element.

[0876] The PCF network element may carry the at least two types of GBR QoS control information in an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify service and send it to the SMF network element. This service is sent by the PCF network element based on the service request of the AF network element. The GBR QoS control information is generated by the PCF network element based on the GBR QoS requirements sent by the AF network element. Optionally, this service also includes priority information of the GBR QoS control information.

[0877] Step S1504: The SMF network element establishes a corresponding QoS flow according to the message sent by the PCF network element.

[0878] The SMF network element can establish a corresponding QoS flow based on the service message sent by the PCF network element. During the establishment process, the SMF network element activates the corresponding QoS flow based on the priority information of the GBR QoS control information, that is, first uses the GBR QoS control information with the highest priority to establish a QoS flow, and the QoS target corresponding to the GBR QoS control information with the highest priority is the first QoS target. When the SMF network element does not obtain the priority information of the GBR QoS control information, the SMF network element determines to prioritize the use of the QoS control information with high bandwidth requirements to establish a QoS flow based on the bandwidth requirements of the GBR QoS control information, and the QoS target corresponding to the QoS control information with high bandwidth requirements is the first QoS target.

[0879] Step S1505: The UE establishes a Notification control-based QoS flow with the network.

[0880] In this embodiment, during the process of establishing a QoS flow between the UE and the network, the SMF network element sends at least two sets of QoS targets to the access network device.

[0881] Step S1506: The access network device detects that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met and the configuration file of the QoS flow includes a Notification control.

[0882] Step S1507: The access network device sends a first indication message to the AMF network element.

[0883] The access network device may carry the first indication information in an N2 message and send it to the AMF network element. The N2 message includes the PDU session ID and N2 SM information. The N2 SM information includes the QoS flow identifier (QFI) and the first indication information, where the first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met.

[0884] Step S1508: The AMF network element sends a first indication message to the SMF network element.

[0885] The AMF network element can carry the first indication information in the Nsmf_PDUSessionUpdateSMContext message and send it to the SMF network element, where the message includes the QFI and the first indication information.

[0886] Step S1509: The SMF network element sends first indication information to the PCF network element.

[0887] The first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the service cannot be met. After the SMF network element receives the first indication information sent by the AMF network element, it determines the first QoS target of the service based on the first QoS target of the QoS flow, and carries the first QoS target of the service in the first indication information and sends it to the PCF network element. The SMF network element can carry the first indication information in the Nsmf_EventExposure-Notify message and send it to the PCF network element.

[0888] Step S1510: The PCF network element sends first indication information to the AF network element.

[0889] The first indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the service cannot be met. The PCF network element can carry the first indication information in an Nsmf_EventExposure-Notify message and send it to the AF network element.

[0890] Step S1511: The AF network element starts a timer.

[0891] Step S1512: Within the second preset time, the access network device detects that the first QoS target of the QoS flow is met.

[0892] Step S1513: The access network device sends a second indication message to the AMF network element.

[0893] The second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the QoS flow is met. The access network device can send the second indication information to the AMF network element in an N2 message containing the PDU session ID and N2 SM information. The N2 SM information contains the QFI and the second indication information.

[0894] Step S1514: The AMF network element sends a second indication message to the SMF network element.

[0895] The AMF network element may carry the second indication information in an Nsmf_PDUSessionUpdateSMContext message and send it to the SMF network element. The message also includes the QFI. Upon receiving the second indication message, the SMF network element deletes the timer and notifies the PCF network element of the event (i.e., the first QoS target is reached). The SMF network element deletes the status information of the operation for this QoS flow.

[0896] Step S1515: The SMF network element sends a second indication message to the PCF network element.

[0897] The second indication information is used to indicate that the first QoS target of the service is met. The SMF network element can carry the second indication information in the Nsmf_EventExposure-Notify message and send it to the PCF network element.

[0898] Step S1516: The PCF network element sends second indication information to the AF network element.

[0899] The PCF network element may carry the second indication information in an Nsmf_EventExposure-Notify message and send it to the AF network element. The AF network element determines to modify or delete the QoS requirement of the service based on the second indication information. When the AF network element determines to modify the QoS requirement of the service, the AF network element determines a second QoS target for the service based on the at least two QoS requirements. The specific determination method is described in the above-mentioned embodiment 14 and is not repeated here.

[0900] Step S1517: The AF network element initiates a service requirement deletion or modification process (including the second QoS target of the service) to the PCF network element.

[0901] The AF network element may carry the second QoS target of the service in the Npcf-PolicyQuthorization-create-service message and send it to the PCF network element.

[0902] Step S1518: The PCF network element sends a message to the SMF network element initiating a session management policy modification process (including the second QoS target of the service).

[0903] The PCF network element can carry the second QoS target of the service in the Nsmf_EventExposure-Notify message and send it to the SMF network element. The SMF network element determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow based on the second QoS target of the service.

[0904] Step S1519: QoS flow modification process.

[0905] Optionally, the QoS flow modification process includes the following steps (not shown in the figure):

[0906] S15190. The SMF network element sends a deletion or modification request for the QoS flow (including the second QoS target of the QoS flow) to the AMF network element.

[0907] For example, after the SMF network element receives the second QoS of the service sent by the PCF network element, it determines the second QoS target of the QoS flow based on the second QoS target of the service. Then, the SMF network element sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer to the AMF network element. The message includes N2 SM information and N1 SM container. The N2 SM information includes PDU session ID, QFI and QoS profile (second QoS target); the N1 SM container includes PDU session ID, QoS rules that cannot be met (including the first QoS target) and the operation of the QoS rule (such as deletion or modification).

[0908] S15191. The AMF network element sends a deletion or modification request for the QoS flow (including the second QoS target of the QoS flow) to the access network device.

[0909] The AMF network element can send a request to delete or modify a QoS flow to the access network device by carrying it in an N2 PDU session request. The request contains the N2 SM information and NAS message received from the SMF network element. The NAS message contains the PDU session ID and the N1 SM container.

[0910] S15192. The access network device executes a specific process with the UE according to the second QoS target of the QoS flow.

[0911] For example, when the UE accesses a 3GPP RAN, an RRC connection reconfiguration is performed between the UE and the access network device to modify corresponding RAN resources.

[0912] S15193. The access network device interacts with the core network device to implement QoS flow modification.

[0913] The interaction process between the access network device and the core network device can adopt the existing process. This embodiment uses the network architecture using a service-based interface communication method as an example to illustrate the interaction process:

[0914] S15194. The access network device sends an N2 session response to the AMF network element.

[0915] The N session response message includes N2 SM information.

[0916] S15195. The AMF uses the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext service operation, which includes N2 SM information. The SMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF.

[0917] S15196. The UE sends a NAS message in response to the PDU session modification command. The NAS message includes the PDU session ID and the N1SM container. The N1SM container is determined by the PDU session modification command.

[0918] S15197. The access network device forwards the NAS message to the AMF network element.

[0919] S15198. The AMF network element uses Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext to forward the N1 SM container to the SMF network element. The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF network element.

[0920] S15199, SMF network element and UPF execute the PDU session modification process.

[0921] S15200: The SMF network element sends an Nsmf_EventExposure_Notify message to the PCF network element, including the affected PCC rules. The PCF network element sends a response message to the SMF network element.

[0922] S15201: The PCF network element sends an Npcf_EventExposure_Notify message to the AF network element, including the QoS requirements of the executed service. The AF network element sends a response message to the PCF network element.

[0923] Optionally, after a period of time, when the access network device detects that the first QoS target can be met, it notifies the SMF network element so that the SMF network element can reuse the first QoS target to transmit services.

[0924] It should be noted that when the method of the present application is applied in a roaming scenario, the PCF network element can be a PCF (v-PCF) network element in the visited location or a PCF (h-PCF) network element in the home location, and the SMF network element can also be a SMF (v-SMF) network element in the visited location or a SMF (h-SMF) network element in the home location. In addition, in the embodiments of the present application, the messages interacting between the network elements are described using an architecture based on a service-oriented interface. The above embodiments are only examples, and the names of the interactive messages in the present application can be implemented using other message names. When used for the architecture of the interface, the corresponding functions are implemented using the message names related to the corresponding interface architecture.

[0925] Embodiment 15 of the present application provides an SMF network element, which includes: a module for implementing the method executed by the SMF network element in Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 14.

[0926] Embodiment 16 of the present application provides an access network device, which includes: a module for implementing the method performed by the access network device in Embodiment 1 to Embodiment 14.

[0927] Embodiment 17 of the present application provides a PCF network element, which includes: a module for implementing the method executed by the PCF network element in Embodiments 1 to 14.

[0928] Embodiment 18 of the present application provides an AF network element, which includes: a module for implementing the method executed by the AF network element in Embodiments 1 to 14.

[0929] Figure 22 A structural diagram of an SMF network element provided in Example 19 of this application is shown as follows: Figure 22 As shown, the SMF network element includes: a processor 11, a memory 12 and a transceiver 13, the memory 12 is used to store instructions, the transceiver 13 is used to communicate with other devices, and the processor 11 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 12, so that the SMF network element executes the method steps executed by the SMF network element in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 14. The specific implementation methods and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0930] Figure 23 This is a structural diagram of an access network device provided in Example 20 of the present application, such as Figure 23As shown, the access network device includes: a processor 21, a memory 22 and a transceiver 23, the memory 22 is used to store instructions, the transceiver 23 is used to communicate with other devices, and the processor 21 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 22, so that the access network device executes the method steps executed by the access network device in the above-mentioned embodiments one to fourteen. The specific implementation methods and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0931] Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the structure of a PCF network element provided in Example 21 of the present application is shown as follows: Figure 24 As shown, the PCF network element includes: a processor 31, a memory 32 and a transceiver 33, the memory 32 is used to store instructions, the transceiver 32 is used to communicate with other devices, and the processor 31 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 32, so that the PCF network element executes the method steps executed by the PCF network element in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 14. The specific implementation methods and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0932] Figure 25 This is a structural diagram of an AF network element provided in Example 22 of the present application, such as Figure 25 As shown, the AF network element includes: a processor 41, a memory 42 and a transceiver 43, the memory 42 is used to store instructions, the transceiver 42 is used to communicate with other devices, and the processor 41 is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory 42, so that the AF network element executes the method steps executed by the AF network element in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 14. The specific implementation methods and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0933] Embodiment 23 of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used in an SMF network element. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computing device, the SMF network element executes the method steps executed by the SMF network element in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 14. The specific implementation method and technical effect are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0934] Embodiment 24 of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used in an access network device. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computing device, the access network device executes the method steps executed by the access network device in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 14. The specific implementation methods and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0935] Embodiment 25 of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used in a PCF network element. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computing device, the PCF network element executes the method steps executed by the PCF network element in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 14. The specific implementation method and technical effect are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0936] Embodiment 26 of the present application provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is used in an AF network element. The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computing device, the AF network element executes the method steps executed by the AF network element in the above-mentioned embodiments 1 to 14. The specific implementation methods and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0937] In each of the above embodiments, the processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, or discrete hardware component. The methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention may be directly implemented and executed by a hardware decoding processor, or by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a storage medium well-known in the art, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, etc. The storage medium is located in memory 1002. Processor 1001 reads instructions from memory 1002 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0938] The bus described in this application may be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus. Buses can be divided into address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, the buses in the drawings of this application are not limited to just one bus or just one type of bus.

[0939] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0940] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0941] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application may be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The aforementioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of hardware plus software functional units.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a quality of service (QoS) flow, characterized in that: include: The access network device receives at least two QoS targets of a quality of service (QoS) flow from a session management function network element; When the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the access network device determines a QoS target that can be met by the access network device based on available resources and the at least two QoS targets, where the QoS target that can be met by the access network device is included in the at least two QoS targets; The access network device reports to the session management function network element that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met and the QoS target that the access network device can meet.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The first QoS target includes a first guaranteed flow bit rate GFBR, and the QoS target that can be met by the access network device includes a second GFBR.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The QoS flow is a QoS flow with guaranteed bit rate.

4. A method for controlling quality of service (QoS) flow, characterized in that: include: The session management function network element receives at least two types of guaranteed bit rate quality of service (GBR) QoS control information of the QoS flow from the policy control function network element; The session management function network element sends the at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow to the access network device according to the at least two GBR QoS control information; The access network device receives the at least two QoS targets from the session management function network element; When the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, the access network device determines a QoS target that can be met by the access network device based on available resources and the at least two QoS targets, where the QoS target that can be met by the access network device is included in the at least two QoS targets; The access network device reports to the session management function network element that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met and the QoS target that the access network device can meet.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The first QoS target includes a first guaranteed flow bit rate GFBR, and the QoS target that can be met by the access network device includes a second GFBR.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that Also includes: The session management function network element reports to the policy control function network element that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met and that the access network device can meet the QoS target.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that Also includes: The policy control function network element sends the at least two types of GBR QoS control information to the session management function network element.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The at least two types of QoS control information are used to determine the at least two GBR QoS targets.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that Before the policy control function network element sends the at least two types of GBR QoS control information to the session management function network element, the method further includes: The policy control function network element receives at least two QoS requirements from the application function network element; The policy control function network element generates the at least two types of GBR QoS control information according to the at least two QoS requirements.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Also includes: The policy control function network element receives priority information of the at least two QoS requirements from the application function network element.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that Also includes: The application function network element sends the at least two QoS requirements to the policy control function network element.

12. A method for controlling quality of service (QoS) flow, characterized in that: include: The session management function network element receives at least two types of guaranteed bit rate quality of service (GBR) QoS control information of the QoS flow from the policy control function network element; The session management function network element sends the at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow to the access network device according to the at least two GBR QoS control information; The session management function network element receives a report from the access network device that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met and a report on the QoS target that the access network device can meet, wherein the QoS target that the access network device can meet is determined based on available resources and the at least two QoS targets, and the QoS target that the access network device can meet is included in the at least two QoS targets.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that Also includes: The session management function network element reports to the policy control function network element that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met and that the access network device can meet the QoS target.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that The first QoS target includes a first guaranteed flow bit rate GFBR, and the QoS target that can be met by the access network device includes a second GFBR.

15. A device for controlling quality of service (QoS) flow, characterized in that: The method comprises one or more modules for executing the method of any one of claims 1-3 or 13-14.

16. A device for controlling quality of service (QoS) flow, characterized in that: include: A processor, a memory and a transceiver, wherein the memory is used to store instructions, the transceiver is used to communicate with other devices, and the processor is used to execute the instructions stored in the memory, so that the apparatus is used to execute the method described in any one of claims 1-3 or 12-14.

17. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores instructions, which, when executed, enable a computer to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 12 to 14.

18. A system chip, characterized in that: It comprises a processing unit and a communication unit, wherein the processing unit is used to execute computer instructions so that the system chip executes the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 or 12 to 14.

19. A system, characterized in that: Including access network devices and session management function network elements, The session management function network element is configured to: receive at least two guaranteed bit rate quality of service (GBR) QoS control information of the QoS flow from the policy control function network element; and send at least two QoS targets of the QoS flow to the access network device according to the at least two GBR QoS control information; The access network device is configured to: receive the at least two QoS targets from the session management function network element; and when a first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met, determine a QoS target that can be met by the access network device based on available resources and the at least two QoS targets, wherein the QoS target that can be met by the access network device is included in the at least two QoS targets; Reporting to the session management function network element that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met and the QoS target that can be met by the access network device.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein: The first QoS target includes a first guaranteed flow bit rate GFBR, and the QoS target that can be met by the access network device includes a second GFBR.

21. The system according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that The session management function network element is further configured to report to the policy control function network element that the first QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met and that the access network device can meet the QoS target.

22. The system according to claim 21, wherein: Also includes: The policy control function network element is configured to send the at least two types of GBR QoS control information to the session management function network element.

23. The system according to claim 22, wherein: The at least two types of QoS control information are used to determine the at least two GBR QoS targets.

24. The system according to claim 22, wherein: The policy control function network element is further configured to: receive at least two QoS requirements from the application function network element; and generate the at least two GBRQoS control information according to the at least two QoS requirements.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein: It also includes: the application function network element, which is used to send the at least two QoS requirements to the policy control function network element.

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