Routing scheduling method and system, PCF network element and SMF network element

Abstract

The present disclosure proposes a routing scheduling method and system as well as a PCF network element and an SMF network element, which relate to the field of communications. The PCF network element receives a routing policy issued by an AF network element, including data flows from any user device with specified conditions to the server of a specified application to be diverted through a local UPF network element; the PCF network element sends subscription events required by the routing policy to the SMF network element, including detection events of specified applications, so that the SMF network element sends corresponding subscription events to corresponding network elements; the PCF network element determines whether the specified conditions are met and whether the detection event of the specified application occurs based on the feedback of the subscription event; when the specified conditions are met and the detection event of the specified application occurs, the PCF network element sends an action indication corresponding to the diversion policy to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element inserts or deletes the local UPF and diversion UPF network elements. Inserting and deleting local UPF and diversion UPF on demand can greatly save the resources of local UPF and diversion UPF.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a routing scheduling method and system, a PCF network element, and an SMF network element. Background Art

[0002] The 5G specification stipulates the function of routing scheduling for any user. An application X has an application server deployed in the local network / edge node Y, which can issue a routing policy to indicate that the user data flow related to application X within the coverage of Y should be diverted from the local UPF (User Plane Function) outlet to the application server of application X, thereby reducing latency and improving application experience.

[0003] However, although the user is in the set area, he or she is not necessarily using application X. According to the above scheduling method, even if application X is not used, it still needs to be filtered by the uplink classifier (UL CL) or branching point (BP) of the local UPF. These unnecessary processes will consume a large amount of UL CL / BP resources and affect the performance of users who do not use application X to a certain extent. Summary of the invention

[0004] The disclosed embodiment proposes a routing scheduling method, which inserts and deletes local UPF and UL CL / BP and other diversion UPFs on demand. The local UPF and diversion UPF are inserted only when the user uses the designated application. After the designated application stops being used, the local UPF and diversion UPF are deleted in time to reduce unnecessary processing, greatly save the resources of the local UPF and diversion UPF, and reduce the performance impact on users who do not use the designated application.

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a routing scheduling method, including:

[0006] The PCF network element receives the routing policy issued by the AF network element, including the data flow from any user equipment with specified conditions to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element;

[0007] The PCF network element sends the subscription events required by the routing strategy to the SMF network element, including the detection events of the specified application, so that the SMF network element sends the corresponding subscription events to the corresponding network element;

[0008] The PCF network element determines whether the specified condition is met and whether the detection event of the specified application occurs according to the feedback of the subscription event;

[0009] When the specified conditions are met and the detection event of the specified application occurs, the PCF network element sends an action indication corresponding to the diversion strategy to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element inserts or deletes the local UPF network element and its diversion UPF network element.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0011] The PCF network element receives the routing policy issued by the AF network element, including that the data flow from any user equipment in the specified area to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element;

[0012] The PCF network element sends the subscription events required by the routing strategy to the SMF network element, including location subscription events, specified application data flow start detection events, and specified application data flow end detection events, so that the SMF network element sends location subscription events to the AMF network element, and sends specified application data flow start detection events and specified application data flow end detection events to the central UPF network element;

[0013] The PCF network element determines whether the user equipment enters the specified area and whether the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted based on the feedback of the AMF network element and the central UPF network element on the subscription event;

[0014] The PCF network element does not process when the user equipment enters the designated area but the designated application data flow has not started to be transmitted;

[0015] When the user equipment enters the designated area and the designated application data flow starts to be transmitted, the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to execute the diversion strategy, so that the SMF network element inserts the local UPF network element and its diversion UPF network element, and sends the designated application data flow start detection event and the designated application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element.

[0016] In some embodiments, the PCF network element determines whether the user device leaves the designated area and whether the transmission of the designated application data flow is terminated based on the feedback of the AMF network element and the local UPF network element on the subscription event; when the user device leaves the designated area or the transmission of the designated application data flow is terminated, the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion policy to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element deletes the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element.

[0017] In some embodiments, the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion strategy to the SMF network element when the transmission of the specified application data flow ends and the end transmission state lasts for a preset time.

[0018] In some embodiments, the feedback of the AMF network element, the central UPF network element, and the local UPF network element on the subscription event includes: the AMF network element reports that the user device enters the designated area when the user device enters the designated area, and reports that the user device leaves the designated area when the user device leaves the designated area; the central UPF network element reports that the transmission of the designated application data flow starts when the designated application data flow of the user device is detected; the local UPF network element reports that the transmission of the designated application data flow ends when the designated application data flow of the user device cannot be detected.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0020] The PCF network element receives the routing policy issued by the AF network element, including the data flow from any user device to the server of the specified application at a specified time being diverted through the local UPF network element;

[0021] The PCF network element sends the subscription events required by the routing strategy to the SMF network element, including the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event, so that the SMF network element sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the central UPF network element;

[0022] The PCF network element determines whether the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted within the specified time and based on the feedback of the central UPF network element on the subscription event;

[0023] Within the specified time and when the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted, the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to execute the diversion strategy, so that the SMF network element inserts the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element, and sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element.

[0024] In some embodiments, the PCF network element determines whether to terminate the transmission of the specified application data flow within the specified time and whether to terminate the transmission of the specified application data flow based on the feedback of the local UPF network element on the subscription event; when the PCF network element terminates the transmission of the specified application data flow outside the specified time, the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion policy to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element deletes the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element.

[0025] In some embodiments, the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion strategy to the SMF network element when the transmission of the specified application data flow ends and the end transmission state lasts for a preset time.

[0026] In some embodiments, the feedback of the central UPF network element and the local UPF network element on the subscription event includes: when the central UPF network element detects the specified application data stream of the user device, it reports that the specified application data stream starts to be transmitted; when the local UPF network element cannot detect the specified application data stream of the user device, it reports that the specified application data stream ends to be transmitted.

[0027] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a routing scheduling method, including:

[0028] The SMF network element receives the subscription events required by the routing policy issued by the PCF network element. The routing policy includes the data flow from any user equipment with specified conditions to the server of the specified application to be diverted through the local UPF network element. The subscription events include the detection events of the specified application.

[0029] The SMF network element sends the corresponding subscription event to the corresponding network element, so that the PCF network element sends the corresponding action indication of the diversion strategy to the SMF network element according to the feedback of the subscription event, when the specified condition is met and the detection event of the specified application occurs;

[0030] The SMF network element inserts or deletes the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element according to the action instructions corresponding to the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0032] The SMF network element receives the subscription events required by the routing policy issued by the PCF network element. The routing policy includes the data flow from any user equipment in the specified area to the server of the specified application being diverted through the local UPF network element. The subscription events include location subscription events, specified application data flow start detection events, and specified application data flow end detection events.

[0033] The SMF network element sends a location subscription event to the AMF network element, and sends a specified application data flow start detection event and a specified application data flow end detection event to the central UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to execute the diversion strategy based on the feedback of the AMF network element and the central UPF network element on the subscription event, when the user equipment enters the specified area and the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted;

[0034] The SMF network element inserts the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element according to the instructions for executing the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

[0035] In some embodiments, the SMF network element sends a specified application data flow start detection event and a specified application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion policy to the SMF network element based on the feedback of the AMF network element and the local UPF network element on the subscription event when the user equipment leaves the specified area or the specified application data flow ends transmission; the SMF network element deletes the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element based on the instruction to delete the diversion policy sent by the PCF network element.

[0036] In some embodiments, the method comprises:

[0037] The SMF network element receives the subscription events required by the routing policy issued by the PCF network element. The routing policy includes that the data flow from any user device to the server of the specified application at the specified time is diverted through the local UPF network element. The subscription events include the start detection event of the specified application data flow and the end detection event of the specified application data flow;

[0038] The SMF network element sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the central UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to execute the diversion strategy within the specified time and when the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted according to the feedback of the central UPF network element on the subscription event;

[0039] The SMF network element inserts the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element according to the instructions for executing the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

[0040] In some embodiments, the SMF network element sends a specified application data flow start detection event and a specified application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion strategy to the SMF network element based on the feedback of the local UPF network element on the subscription event within a non-specified time or when the specified application data flow ends transmission; the SMF network element deletes the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element based on the instruction to delete the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

[0041] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a PCF network element, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute a routing scheduling method based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0042] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an SMF network element, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute a routing scheduling method based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0043] Some embodiments of the present disclosure propose a routing scheduling system, including: a PCF network element and an SMF network element.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least one of the following network elements is also included:

[0045] The AMF network element is configured to report that the user equipment enters the designated area when the user equipment enters the designated area, and report that the user equipment leaves the designated area when the user equipment leaves the designated area;

[0046] The central UPF network element is configured to report the start of transmission of the specified application data flow when detecting the specified application data flow of the user equipment;

[0047] The local UPF network element is configured to report the end of transmission of the specified application data flow when the specified application data flow of the user equipment cannot be detected.

[0048] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which implements the steps of a routing scheduling method when executed by a processor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. The present disclosure can be more clearly understood according to the following detailed description with reference to the drawings.

[0050] Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative work.

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture of some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Figure 2 A flowchart of a routing scheduling method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] Figure 3 A flowchart of a routing scheduling method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Figure 4 A flowchart of a routing scheduling method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a routing scheduling system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a PCF network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an SMF network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] Unless otherwise specified, descriptions such as “first” and “second” in the present disclosure are used to distinguish different objects and are not used to indicate meanings such as size or time sequence.

[0060] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture of some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, the network architecture includes the following devices.

[0062] AF (Application Function) devices, third-party or self-operated business platform devices, issue routing strategies based on users, regions or time according to business conditions.

[0063] NEF (Network Exposure Function) network element serves as the entry and agent for third-party AF to call 5G network capabilities.

[0064] The PCF (Policy Control Function) network element receives policy information from the AF / NEF and decides whether to send session-related policies such as routing scheduling or subscription location and other related events to the SMF based on user location, user subscription, service configuration, etc.

[0065] The SMF (Session Management Function) network element issues routing and other policies according to the PCF instructions, and returns relevant reporting events according to the PCF subscription requirements.

[0066] AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) network element is used in the present disclosure to perform location monitoring and reporting.

[0067] ULCL (Uplink Classifier) / BP (Branching Point) / UPF (User Plane Function) are all user plane functional network elements, which are used to transmit user plane data flows and perform data flow filtering and routing according to SMF instructions. Among them, UPF includes core UPF deployed on the core network side and local UPF deployed at the edge or local, depending on the deployment location. ULCL / BP is called diversion UPF.

[0068] RAN (Radio Access Network) equipment, such as wireless base stations.

[0069] UE (User Equipment), such as 5G terminal.

[0070] The routing scheduling method based on the above network architecture mainly includes: (1) AF sends a routing policy based on an area or time period through NEF, and transmits it to PCF through UDR (Unified Data Repository) and the like; (2) PCF sends the required subscription events to SMF according to the policy information, and adds application detection events in addition to the original location subscription; (3) SMF sends application detection events (start and end) to UPF in addition to sending location subscription events to AMF; (4) AMF reports to SMF that UE enters a specified area; UPF reports to SMF that a specified application data flow starts to be transmitted; (5) PCF determines that UE enters a specified area (or a set time period) and application data flow starts to be transmitted, and then sends a diversion policy to SMF; (6) SMF inserts ULCL / BP and local UPF, and subscribes to application detection events; (7) If PCF receives an event report that UE leaves a specified area (or is not within the set time) or an event report that application data flow stops transmitting, it sends a policy to SMF to instruct to delete ULCL / BP and local UPF.

[0071] Figure 2 A flowchart of a routing scheduling method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the routing scheduling method of this embodiment includes the following steps.

[0073] In step 210, the PCF network element receives the routing policy sent by the AF network element, including that the data flow from any user equipment with specified conditions to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element.

[0074] The routing strategy includes that the data flow from any user device in the specified area to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element; or the routing strategy includes that the data flow from any user device to the server of the specified application at a specified time is diverted through the local UPF network element. The routing scheduling methods under the two specific routing strategies are described later.

[0075] In step 220, the PCF network element sends the subscription events required by the routing policy to the SMF network element, including the detection events of the specified application, so that the SMF network element sends the corresponding subscription events to the corresponding network element.

[0076] In step 230, the SMF network element receives the subscription events required by the routing policy sent by the PCF network element. The routing policy includes that the data flow from any user device with specified conditions to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element, and the subscription events include the detection events of the specified application.

[0077] In step 240, the SMF network element sends the corresponding subscription event to the corresponding network element, so that the PCF network element sends the corresponding action indication of the diversion strategy to the SMF network element based on the feedback of the subscription event when the specified condition is met and the detection event of the specified application occurs.

[0078] In step 250, the PCF network element determines whether the specified condition is satisfied and whether the detection event of the specified application occurs according to the feedback of the subscription event.

[0079] In step 260, when the specified condition is met and the detection event of the specified application occurs, the PCF network element sends an action indication corresponding to the diversion strategy to the SMF network element.

[0080] In step 270, the SMF network element inserts or deletes the local UPF and diversion UPF network elements according to the action instructions corresponding to the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

[0081] Therefore, local UPF and diversion UPFs such as UL CL / BP are inserted and deleted on demand. Local UPF and diversion UPF are inserted only when the user uses the designated application. After the designated application stops being used, local UPF and diversion UPF are deleted in time to reduce unnecessary processing, greatly save the resources of local UPF and diversion UPF, and reduce the performance impact on users who do not use the designated application.

[0082] Figure 3 A flowchart of a routing scheduling method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0083] like Figure 3 As shown, the routing scheduling method of this embodiment includes the following steps.

[0084] In step 310, the AF sends a routing policy to the PCF through the NEF, including that the data flow from any user equipment in the specified area to the server of the specified application X is diverted through the local UPF network element;

[0085] In step 320, the PCF network element receives the routing policy issued by the AF network element, and the PCF issues the PCC (Policy and Charging Control) rules to the SMF, subscribes to the session-related policies, and subscribes to new events such as "Application X Data Flow Start" and "Application X Data Flow End" in addition to the location area.

[0086] In step 330, SMF initiates location area subscription to AMF;

[0087] In step 340, the SMF sends a subscription for the application X data flow start / end detection event to the central UPF of the default service;

[0088] In step 350, when the UE enters the designated area, the AMF reports to the PCF via the SMF;

[0089] In step 360, the PCF determines that although the UE enters the designated area, it does not use application X, and does not perform any processing;

[0090] In step 370, the UE initiates an application X data flow, and the application X data flow flows through the central UPF;

[0091] In step 380, the central UPF detects that the relevant application X starts, and reports the event to the SMF;

[0092] In step 390, SMF reports the start of application X to PCF;

[0093] In step 3100, the PCF determines that the UE not only enters the designated area but also starts to use application X, and then decides to issue a diversion strategy;

[0094] In step 3110, the PCF sends a diversion policy to the SMF, specifying that the application X data flow is exported from the local UPF;

[0095] In step 3120, the SMF indicates the insertion of ULCL / BP / local UPF, and carries the application X detection reporting rule (reporting the start / end of application X);

[0096] At step 3130, the UE initiates the application X data flow via the UL CL, wherein the application X data flow is exported from the local UPF, and other application data flows continue to be transmitted to the central UPF export;

[0097] In step 3140a, when the user no longer uses application X, the local UPF reports it to the PCF;

[0098] In step 3140b, when the UE leaves the designated area, the AMF reports to the PCF;

[0099] In step 3150, the PCF determines that any one of the conditions 3140a or 3140b is met, and decides to delete the diversion strategy; in order to avoid frequent insertion and deletion of ULCL / BP / local UPF, the PCF can set a timer, and if no "application x data flow start" notification is received within a period of time, the deletion of the diversion strategy is triggered.

[0100] In step 3160, the PCF sends a traffic diversion policy deletion to the SMF;

[0101] In step 3170, the SMF deletes the ULCL / BP / local UPF.

[0102] In the above-mentioned embodiment, during the routing scheduling process, the judgment logic for sending routing policies is optimized, the start and end of the application data flow is added, and a comprehensive judgment is made in combination with location and other strategies to realize the on-demand insertion and deletion of local UPF and shunt UPFs such as ULCL / BP. When the user uses the specified application, the local UPF and shunt UPF will be inserted. After the specified application stops being used, the local UPF and shunt UPF will be deleted in a timely manner to reduce unnecessary processing, greatly save the resources of local UPF and shunt UPF, and reduce the performance impact on users who do not use the specified application. In addition, a timer for sending routing policies is set to avoid frequent routing policy changes. The judgment mechanism and optimization are added on the basis of the standard process, which has little impact on the original functions and processes; it has no impact on third-party AF and business servers.

[0103] Figure 4 A flowchart of a routing scheduling method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0104] like Figure 4 As shown, the routing scheduling method of this embodiment includes the following steps.

[0105] In step 410, the AF sends a routing policy to the PCF through the NEF, including that the data flow from any user equipment to the server of the specified application X at the specified time is diverted through the local UPF network element;

[0106] In step 420, the PCF network element receives the routing policy issued by the AF network element, and the PCF issues PCC (Policy and Charging Control) rules to the SMF, subscribes to session-related policies, and newly subscribes to events such as "Application X Data Flow Start" and "Application X Data Flow End";

[0107] In step 430, the SMF sends a subscription for the application X data flow start / end detection event to the central UPF of the default service;

[0108] In step 440, the UE initiates an application X data flow, and the application X data flow flows through the central UPF;

[0109] In step 450, the central UPF detects that the relevant application X starts, and reports the event to the SMF;

[0110] In step 460, the SMF reports the start of application X to the PCF;

[0111] In step 470, the PCF determines that the UE starts to use application X and enters the specified time, and then decides to issue a diversion strategy;

[0112] In step 480, the PCF sends a diversion policy to the SMF, specifying that the application X data flow is exported from the local UPF;

[0113] In step 490, the SMF indicates the insertion of ULCL / BP / local UPF and carries the application X detection reporting rule (reporting the start / end of application X);

[0114] At step 4100, the UE initiates the application X data flow via the UL CL, wherein the application X data flow is exported from the local UPF, and other application data flows continue to be transmitted to the central UPF export;

[0115] In step 4110, when the user no longer uses application X, the local UPF reports it to the PCF;

[0116] In step 4120, when the PCF receives a notification that the application x data flow has stopped or the specified time period has ended, the PCF deletes the diversion strategy. To avoid frequent insertion and deletion of ULCL / BP / local UPF, the PCF may set a timer. If the PCF does not receive a notification that the application x data flow has started within a period of time, the PCF triggers the deletion of the diversion strategy.

[0117] In step 4130, the PCF sends a traffic diversion policy deletion to the SMF;

[0118] In step 4140, the SMF deletes the ULCL / BP / local UPF.

[0119] In the above embodiment, during the routing scheduling process, the judgment logic for sending routing policies is optimized, the start and end of the application data flow is added, and a comprehensive judgment is made in combination with time and other strategies to realize the on-demand insertion and deletion of local UPF and shunt UPFs such as ULCL / BP. When the user uses the specified application, the local UPF and shunt UPF will be inserted. After the specified application stops being used, the local UPF and shunt UPF will be deleted in a timely manner, reducing unnecessary processing, greatly saving the resources of local UPF and shunt UPF, and reducing the performance impact on users who do not use the specified application. In addition, a timer for sending routing policies is set to avoid frequent routing policy changes. The judgment mechanism and optimization are added on the basis of the standard process, which has little impact on the original functions and processes; it has no impact on third-party AF and business servers.

[0120] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing a routing scheduling system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0121] like Figure 5 As shown, the routing scheduling system 500 of this embodiment includes a PCF network element 600 and an SMF network element 700.

[0122] In addition, the system 500 further includes at least one of the following network elements:

[0123] The AMF network element is configured to report that the user equipment enters the designated area when the user equipment enters the designated area, and report that the user equipment leaves the designated area when the user equipment leaves the designated area;

[0124] The central UPF network element is configured to report the start of transmission of the specified application data flow when detecting the specified application data flow of the user equipment;

[0125] The local UPF network element is configured to report the end of transmission of the specified application data flow when the specified application data flow of the user equipment cannot be detected.

[0126] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a PCF network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0127] like Figure 6 As shown, the PCF network element 600 of this embodiment includes: a memory 610 and a processor 620 coupled to the memory 610 , and the processor 620 is configured to execute the routing scheduling method in any of the aforementioned embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 610 .

[0128] For example, the PCF network element receives the routing policy issued by the AF network element, including that the data flow from any user device with specified conditions to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element; the PCF network element sends the subscription events required by the routing policy to the SMF network element, including the detection events of the specified application, so that the SMF network element sends the corresponding subscription events to the corresponding network elements; the PCF network element determines whether the specified conditions are met and whether the detection event of the specified application occurs based on the feedback of the subscription event; when the specified conditions are met and the detection event of the specified application occurs, the PCF network element sends the corresponding action indication of the diversion policy to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element inserts or deletes the local UPF and the diversion UPF network element.

[0129] For another example, the PCF network element receives the routing policy sent by the AF network element, including that the data flow from any user device in the specified area to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element; the PCF network element sends the subscription events required by the routing policy to the SMF network element, including the location subscription event, the start detection event of the specified application data flow, and the end detection event of the specified application data flow, so that the SMF network element sends the location subscription event to the AMF network element, and sends the start detection event of the specified application data flow and the end detection event of the specified application data flow to the central UPF network element; the PCF network element sends the subscription event required by the AMF network element according to the AMF network element. and the feedback of the central UPF network element on the subscription event to determine whether the user equipment has entered the designated area and whether the designated application data flow has started to be transmitted; the PCF network element does not process when the user equipment enters the designated area but the designated application data flow has not started to be transmitted; when the user equipment enters the designated area and the designated application data flow starts to be transmitted, the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to execute the diversion strategy, so that the SMF network element inserts the local UPF and the diversion UPF network element, and sends the designated application data flow start detection event and the designated application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element.

[0130] Among them, the PCF network element determines whether the user equipment leaves the designated area and whether the transmission of the designated application data flow is terminated based on the feedback of the AMF network element and the local UPF network element on the subscription event; when the user equipment leaves the designated area or the transmission of the designated application data flow is terminated, the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion strategy to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element deletes the local UPF and the diversion UPF network element.

[0131] Among them, the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion strategy to the SMF network element when the transmission of the specified application data flow is completed and the end transmission state lasts for a preset time.

[0132] Among them, the feedback of the AMF network element, the central UPF network element, and the local UPF network element on the subscription events includes: the AMF network element reports that the user equipment enters the designated area when the user equipment enters the designated area, and reports that the user equipment leaves the designated area when the user equipment leaves the designated area; the central UPF network element reports that the designated application data flow starts to be transmitted when the designated application data flow of the user equipment is detected; the local UPF network element reports that the designated application data flow ends to be transmitted when the designated application data flow of the user equipment cannot be detected.

[0133] For another example, the PCF network element receives the routing policy issued by the AF network element, including that the data flow from any user device to the server of the specified application at a specified time is diverted through the local UPF network element; the PCF network element sends the subscription events required by the routing policy to the SMF network element, including the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event, so that the SMF network element sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the central UPF network element; the PCF network element determines whether the specified application data flow is transmitted within the specified time and whether the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted based on the feedback of the central UPF network element on the subscription event; the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to execute the diversion strategy within the specified time and when the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted, so that the SMF network element inserts the local UPF and the diversion UPF network element, and sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element.

[0134] Among them, the PCF network element determines whether the transmission of the specified application data flow is completed within the specified time and whether the transmission of the specified application data flow is completed based on the feedback of the local UPF network element on the subscription event; when the PCF network element is not within the specified time or the transmission of the specified application data flow is completed, the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion strategy to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element deletes the local UPF and the diversion UPF network element.

[0135] Among them, the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion strategy to the SMF network element when the transmission of the specified application data flow is completed and the end transmission state lasts for a preset time.

[0136] Among them, the feedback of the central UPF network element and the local UPF network element on the subscription event includes: the central UPF network element reports the start of transmission of the specified application data flow when detecting the specified application data flow of the user device; the local UPF network element reports the end of transmission of the specified application data flow when failing to detect the specified application data flow of the user device.

[0137] The memory 610 may include, for example, a system memory, a fixed non-volatile storage medium, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, an application program, a boot loader, and other programs.

[0138] The PCF network element 600 may also include an input / output interface 630, a network interface 640, a storage interface 650, etc. These interfaces 630, 640, 650, the memory 610, and the processor 620 may be connected, for example, via a bus 660. The input / output interface 630 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch screen. The network interface 640 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 650 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as an SD card and a USB flash drive.

[0139] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an SMF network element according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0140] like Figure 7 As shown, the SMF network element 700 of this embodiment includes: a memory 710 and a processor 720 coupled to the memory 710, and the processor 720 is configured to execute the routing scheduling method in any of the aforementioned embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 710.

[0141] For example, the SMF network element receives the subscription events required by the routing policy issued by the PCF network element, and the routing policy includes that the data flow from any user device to the server of the specified application under the specified conditions is diverted through the local UPF network element, and the subscription event includes the detection event of the specified application; the SMF network element sends the corresponding subscription event to the corresponding network element, so that the PCF network element sends the corresponding action indication of the diversion policy to the SMF network element based on the feedback of the subscription event, when the specified conditions are met and the detection event of the specified application occurs; the SMF network element inserts or deletes the local UPF and the diversion UPF network element according to the corresponding action indication of the diversion policy sent by the PCF network element.

[0142] For example, the SMF network element receives the subscription events required by the routing policy sent by the PCF network element. The routing policy includes that the data flow from any user device in the specified area to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element, and the subscription events include location subscription events, specified application data flow start detection events, and specified application data flow end detection events; the SMF network element sends location subscription events to the AMF network element, and sends specified application data flow start detection events and specified application data flow end detection events to the central UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to execute the diversion strategy to the SMF network element based on the feedback of the AMF network element and the central UPF network element on the subscription events when the user device enters the specified area and the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted; the SMF network element inserts the local UPF and the diversion UPF network element according to the instruction to execute the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

[0143] Among them, the SMF network element sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion strategy to the SMF network element based on the feedback of the AMF network element and the local UPF network element on the subscription event, when the user equipment leaves the specified area or the specified application data flow ends the transmission; the SMF network element deletes the local UPF and the diversion UPF network element according to the instruction to delete the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

[0144] For example, the SMF network element receives the subscription events required by the routing policy sent by the PCF network element. The routing policy includes that the data flow from any user device to the server of the specified application at a specified time is diverted through the local UPF network element, and the subscription events include the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event; the SMF network element sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the central UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to execute the diversion strategy to the SMF network element within the specified time and when the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted based on the feedback of the central UPF network element on the subscription event; the SMF network element inserts the local UPF and diversion UPF network element according to the instruction to execute the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

[0145] Among them, the SMF network element sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion strategy to the SMF network element based on the feedback of the local UPF network element on the subscription event within a non-specified time or when the specified application data flow ends transmission; the SMF network element deletes the local UPF and the diversion UPF network element according to the instruction to delete the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

[0146] The memory 710 may include, for example, a system memory, a fixed non-volatile storage medium, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, an application program, a boot loader, and other programs.

[0147] The PCF network element 700 may also include an input / output interface 730, a network interface 740, a storage interface 750, etc. These interfaces 730, 740, 750, the memory 710, and the processor 720 may be connected, for example, via a bus 760. The input / output interface 730 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch screen. The network interface 740 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 750 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as an SD card and a USB flash drive.

[0148] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor, the steps of the routing scheduling method of each embodiment are implemented.

[0149] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more non-transient computer-readable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer program code.

[0150] The present disclosure is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0151] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0152] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for implementing the process. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0153] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present disclosure should be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A routing scheduling method, characterized in that: include: The PCF network element receives the routing policy issued by the AF network element, including that the data flow from any user device under the specified conditions to the server of the specified application is shunted through the local UPF network element, and the data flow from any user device under the specified conditions to the server of the specified application is shunted through the local UPF network element, including: the data flow from any user device in the specified area to the server of the specified application is shunted through the local UPF network element, or the data flow from any user device at a specified time to the server of the specified application is shunted through the local UPF network element; The PCF network element sends the subscription events required by the routing policy to the SMF network element, including the detection events of the specified application, so that the SMF network element sends the corresponding subscription events to the corresponding network element, wherein, for the case where the routing policy is that the data flow from any user device in the specified area to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element, the subscription event includes a location subscription event, a specified application data flow start detection event, and a specified application data flow end detection event, so that the SMF network element sends the location subscription event to the AMF network element, and sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the central UPF network element; for the case where the routing policy is that the data flow from any user device to the server of the specified application at a specified time is diverted through the local UPF network element, the subscription event includes a specified application data flow start detection event and a specified application data flow end detection event, so that the SMF network element sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the central UPF network element; The PCF network element determines whether the specified condition is met and whether the detection event of the specified application occurs according to the feedback of the subscription event; When the specified conditions are met and the detection event of the specified application occurs, the PCF network element sends an action indication corresponding to the diversion strategy to the SMF network element, so that the SMF network element inserts or deletes the local UPF network element and its diversion UPF network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: For the case where the routing policy is that the data flow from any user device in the specified area to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element, including: The PCF network element determines whether the user equipment enters the specified area and whether the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted based on the feedback of the AMF network element and the central UPF network element on the subscription event; The PCF network element does not process when the user equipment enters the designated area but the designated application data flow has not started to be transmitted; When the user equipment enters the designated area and the designated application data flow starts to be transmitted, the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to execute the diversion strategy, so that the SMF network element inserts the local UPF network element and its diversion UPF network element, and sends the designated application data flow start detection event and the designated application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The PCF network element determines whether the user equipment leaves the specified area and whether the specified application data flow ends transmission based on the feedback of the AMF network element and the local UPF network element on the subscription event; When the user equipment leaves the designated area or the designated application data flow stops transmitting, the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to delete the diversion strategy, so that the SMF network element deletes the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that When the transmission of the specified application data flow ends and the transmission end state lasts for a preset time, the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to delete the diversion strategy.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: Feedback from AMF network elements, central UPF network elements, and local UPF network elements on subscription events includes: The AMF network element reports that the user equipment enters the designated area when the user equipment enters the designated area, and reports that the user equipment leaves the designated area when the user equipment leaves the designated area; The central UPF network element reports the start of transmission of the specified application data flow when detecting the specified application data flow of the user equipment; When the local UPF network element cannot detect the specified application data flow of the user equipment, it reports that the specified application data flow has ended transmission.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that For the case where the routing policy is that the data flow from any user device to the server of a specified application at a specified time is diverted through the local UPF network element, including: The PCF network element determines whether the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted within the specified time and based on the feedback of the central UPF network element on the subscription event; Within the specified time and when the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted, the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to execute the diversion strategy, so that the SMF network element inserts the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element, and sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that The PCF network element determines whether the transmission of the specified application data flow has ended within the specified time and based on the feedback of the local UPF network element on the subscription event; The PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to delete the diversion strategy within an unspecified time or when the transmission of the specified application data flow ends, so that the SMF network element deletes the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that When the transmission of the specified application data flow ends and the transmission end state lasts for a preset time, the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to delete the diversion strategy.

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The feedback of the central UPF network element and the local UPF network element on the subscription event includes: The central UPF network element reports the start of transmission of the specified application data flow when detecting the specified application data flow of the user equipment; When the local UPF network element cannot detect the specified application data flow of the user equipment, it reports that the specified application data flow has ended transmission.

10. A routing scheduling method, characterized in that: include: The SMF network element receives the subscription events required by the routing policy issued by the PCF network element. The routing policy includes that the data flow from any user device under the specified conditions to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element. The subscription event includes the detection event of the specified application. The data flow from any user device under the specified conditions to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element, including: the data flow from any user device in the specified area to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element, or the data flow from any user device at a specified time to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element; for the routing policy, the data flow from any user device in the specified area to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element. In the case of element diversion, the subscription event includes a location subscription event, a specified application data flow start detection event, and a specified application data flow end detection event, so that the SMF network element sends a location subscription event to the AMF network element, and sends a specified application data flow start detection event and a specified application data flow end detection event to the central UPF network element; for the case where the routing policy is that the data flow from any user device to the server of the specified application at a specified time is diverted through the local UPF network element, the subscription event includes a specified application data flow start detection event and a specified application data flow end detection event, so that the SMF network element sends a specified application data flow start detection event and a specified application data flow end detection event to the central UPF network element; The SMF network element sends the corresponding subscription event to the corresponding network element, so that the PCF network element sends the corresponding action indication of the diversion strategy to the SMF network element according to the feedback of the subscription event, when the specified condition is met and the detection event of the specified application occurs; The SMF network element inserts or deletes the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element according to the action instructions corresponding to the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that For the case where the routing policy is that the data flow from any user device in the specified area to the server of the specified application is diverted through the local UPF network element, including: The SMF network element receives the subscription events required by the routing policy issued by the PCF network element. The routing policy includes the data flow from any user equipment in the specified area to the server of the specified application being diverted through the local UPF network element. The subscription events include location subscription events, specified application data flow start detection events, and specified application data flow end detection events. The SMF network element sends a location subscription event to the AMF network element, and sends a specified application data flow start detection event and a specified application data flow end detection event to the central UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to execute the diversion strategy based on the feedback of the AMF network element and the central UPF network element on the subscription event, when the user equipment enters the specified area and the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted; The SMF network element inserts the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element according to the instructions for executing the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The SMF network element sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion strategy to the SMF network element based on the feedback of the AMF network element and the local UPF network element on the subscription event when the user equipment leaves the specified area or the specified application data flow ends transmission; The SMF network element deletes the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element according to the instruction to delete the diversion policy sent by the PCF network element.

13. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that For the case where the routing policy is that the data flow from any user device to the server of a specified application at a specified time is diverted through the local UPF network element, including: The SMF network element receives the subscription events required by the routing policy issued by the PCF network element. The routing policy includes that the data flow from any user device to the server of the specified application at the specified time is diverted through the local UPF network element. The subscription events include the start detection event of the specified application data flow and the end detection event of the specified application data flow; The SMF network element sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the central UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to the SMF network element to execute the diversion strategy within the specified time and when the specified application data flow starts to be transmitted according to the feedback of the central UPF network element on the subscription event; The SMF network element inserts the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element according to the instructions for executing the diversion strategy sent by the PCF network element.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The SMF network element sends the specified application data flow start detection event and the specified application data flow end detection event to the local UPF network element, so that the PCF network element sends an instruction to delete the diversion strategy to the SMF network element within a non-specified time or when the specified application data flow ends transmission according to the feedback of the local UPF network element on the subscription event; The SMF network element deletes the local UPF network element and the diversion UPF network element according to the instruction to delete the diversion policy sent by the PCF network element.

15. A PCF network element, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the routing scheduling method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 based on instructions stored in the memory.

16. A SMF network element, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the routing scheduling method according to any one of claims 10 to 14 based on instructions stored in the memory.

17. A routing scheduling system, comprising: The PCF network element of claim 15, and The SMF network element as described in claim 16.

18. The system according to claim 17, further comprising at least one of the following network elements: The AMF network element is configured to report that the user equipment enters the designated area when the user equipment enters the designated area, and report that the user equipment leaves the designated area when the user equipment leaves the designated area; The central UPF network element is configured to report the start of transmission of the specified application data flow when detecting the specified application data flow of the user equipment; The local UPF network element is configured to report the end of transmission of the specified application data flow when the specified application data flow of the user equipment cannot be detected.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the program is executed by a processor, the steps of the routing scheduling method according to any one of claims 1 to 14 are implemented.

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