Conversation control method, device and system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method, device and system for controlling a session, and to the field of communication technology. The control method comprises: sending a usage reporting signaling for a specified terminal identifier to an SMF entity through a UPF entity to trigger the SMF entity to initiate a session release process for the current session; after initiating the session release process, executing the session release of the current session through the UPF entity, so that the terminal corresponding to the specified terminal identifier goes offline. The technical solution of the present disclosure can reduce communication costs and the probability of operational errors, improve debugging efficiency, and thus improve communication performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a conversation control method, a conversation control device, a conversation control system, and a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, the PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session release of the specified terminal is implemented on the control plane network element or the terminal side. During the UPF (User plane Function) entity commissioning process, the terminal session needs to be frequently offline and then back online to verify whether the configuration is effective. Summary of the invention

[0003] The inventors of the present disclosure have found that the above-mentioned related technologies have the following problems: the control plane network elements or terminals need to frequently perform online and offline operations, which leads to high communication costs, high probability of operation errors, low debugging efficiency, and thus reduced communication performance.

[0004] In view of this, the present disclosure proposes a conversation control technology solution, which can reduce communication costs and the probability of operational errors, improve debugging efficiency, and thus improve communication performance.

[0005] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a session control method is provided, comprising: sending usage reporting signaling for a specified terminal identifier to an SMF (Session Management Function) entity through a UPF entity to trigger the SMF entity to initiate a session release process for the current session; after initiating the session release process, executing the session release of the current session through the UPF entity, so that the terminal corresponding to the specified terminal identifier goes offline.

[0006] In some embodiments, the usage reporting signaling includes a first identification field, and the first identification field is used to indicate that the SMF entity initiates a session release process.

[0007] In some embodiments, the IE (Information Element) UsageReport Trigger of the usage reporting signaling includes a TEMUR=1 field.

[0008] In some embodiments, sending the usage reporting signaling for the specified terminal identifier includes: sending the usage reporting signaling for the specified IMSI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) according to URR (Usage Reporting Rules).

[0009] In some embodiments, sending the usage reporting signaling for the designated terminal identifier includes: sending the usage reporting signaling in a quantitative manner or in a timed manner.

[0010] In some embodiments, the control method further includes: setting a button function for a designated terminal identifier through a UPF entity, wherein the button function is used to generate usage reporting signaling.

[0011] In some embodiments, after executing the session release of the current session, the control method also includes: when the UPF entity receives a session establishment request sent by the terminal through the SMF entity, a session establishment response message is sent to the SMF entity through the UPF entity, and the session establishment response message is used to indicate that the SMF entity session establishment failed.

[0012] In some embodiments, the control method also includes: after executing the session release of the current session, setting a session prohibition time period for the terminal through the UPF entity; wherein, sending a session establishment response message to the SMF entity includes: determining whether the session prohibition time period has ended; if the session prohibition time period has not ended, sending a session establishment response message to the SMF entity.

[0013] In some embodiments, the session establishment response includes a second identification field, and the second identification field is used to indicate that the session establishment of the SMF entity terminal has failed.

[0014] In some embodiments, the IE Cause of the session establishment response message is set to no available resources.

[0015] In some embodiments, the current session is a PDU session.

[0016] According to some other embodiments of the present disclosure, a session control device is provided, which is arranged in a UPF entity, including: a sending unit, used to send a usage reporting signaling for a specified terminal identifier to an SMF entity, so as to trigger the SMF entity to initiate a session release process for the current session; an execution unit, used to execute the session release of the current session after initiating the session release process, so that the terminal corresponding to the specified terminal identifier goes offline.

[0017] In some embodiments, the usage report signaling includes a first identification field, and the first identification field is used to indicate that the SMF entity initiates a session release process. In some embodiments, the IE Usage Report Trigger of the usage report signaling includes a TEMUR=1 field.

[0018] In some embodiments, the sending unit sends usage reporting signaling for a specified IMSI according to the URR.

[0019] In some embodiments, the sending unit sends the usage reporting signaling in a quantitative manner or a timed manner.

[0020] In some embodiments, the control device further includes: a setting unit, configured to set a button function for a designated terminal identifier, wherein the button function is used to generate usage reporting signaling.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the UPF entity receives a session establishment request sent by the terminal through the SMF entity, the sending unit sends a session establishment response message to the SMF entity through the UPF entity, and the session establishment response message is used to indicate that the SMF entity session establishment failed.

[0022] In some embodiments, the control device also includes: a setting unit, used to set a session prohibition time period for the terminal after executing the session release of the current session; a judgment unit, used to judge whether the session prohibition time period has ended; wherein, the sending unit sends a session establishment response message to the SMF entity if the session prohibition time period has not ended.

[0023] In some embodiments, the session establishment response includes a second identification field, and the second identification field is used to indicate that the session establishment of the SMF entity terminal has failed.

[0024] In some embodiments, the IE Cause of the session establishment response message is set to no available resources.

[0025] In some embodiments, the current session is a PDU session.

[0026] According to some further embodiments of the present disclosure, a conversation control device is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute a conversation control method in any one of the above embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory device.

[0027] According to some further embodiments of the present disclosure, a session control system is provided, including: a UPF entity, including the session control device in any one of the embodiments; and an SMF entity, used to initiate a session release process of the current session.

[0028] According to some further embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored, and when the program is executed by a processor, the method for controlling a session in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0029] In the above embodiment, the UPF entity actively triggers the release of the session, and the control plane network element does not need to frequently perform online and offline operations. In this way, the communication cost during the UPF entity debugging process is reduced, the probability of operation errors is reduced, the debugging efficiency is improved, and the communication performance is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0031] The present disclosure may be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 A flowchart showing some embodiments of the method for controlling a session of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 2 A signaling diagram showing some embodiments of the method for controlling a session of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 A signaling diagram showing other embodiments of the method for controlling a session of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 4 A block diagram showing some embodiments of a control device for a session of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 A block diagram showing some other embodiments of the control device for a session of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6 A block diagram showing some further embodiments of the control device for a session of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating some embodiments of a control system for a session of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0040] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0041] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0042] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0043] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0044] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0045] As mentioned above, the PDU session release of a specified terminal can only be implemented on the control plane network element or the terminal side, and the session deletion cannot be actively initiated through the data plane network element UPF. As a result, during the UPF commissioning process, the terminal session needs to be frequently offline and then back online to verify whether the configuration is effective. At this time, it is often necessary to seek help from the control plane network element or terminal to frequently perform online and offline operations, which has technical problems such as high communication costs and high probability of operational errors.

[0046] In response to the above technical problems, the present disclosure proposes a session control technology solution, which can realize the UPF's active release of PDU session function, reduce the communication cost during the UPF debugging process, improve the debugging efficiency, and improve the UPF operation and maintenance level.

[0047] For example, the technical solution of the present disclosure can be implemented through the following embodiments.

[0048] Figure 1 A flowchart showing some embodiments of the method for controlling a session of the present disclosure.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, in step 110, the usage reporting signaling for the specified terminal identifier is sent to the SMF entity through the UPF entity to trigger the SMF entity to initiate a session release process for the current session. For example, the current session is a PDU session.

[0050] In some embodiments, the usage report signaling includes a first identification field, and the first identification field is used to indicate that the SMF entity initiates a session release process. For example, the IE Usage Report Trigger of the usage report signaling includes a TEMUR=1 field.

[0051] In some embodiments, sending usage reporting signaling for a specified terminal identifier includes: sending usage reporting signaling for a specified IMSI according to the URR.

[0052] For example, the UPF entity simulates the URR interaction process and sends a Session Report usage reporting signaling carrying TEMUR=1 for the specified test IMSI; after the SMF entity receives the message of the usage reporting signaling, it triggers the SMF entity to initiate a Session Deletion process.

[0053] In some embodiments, the usage reporting signaling is sent in a quantitative manner or a timed manner, for example, a preset number of usage reporting signalings are sent, or a usage reporting signaling is sent once every preset time.

[0054] In some embodiments, a button function is set for a specified terminal identifier through a UPF entity, and the button function is used to generate usage reporting signaling.

[0055] For example, the usage report signaling may be a PFCP (Packet Forwarding Control Protocol) Session Report Request signaling. The UPF entity may add a button function for a certain test IMSI to generate a PFCP Session Report Request signaling for the IMSI and send it to the SMF entity. The IE "Usage Report Trigger" field of the Session Report Request signaling has TEMUR=1.

[0056] For example, when the SMF entity receives a message with parameter TEMUR=1, it considers that the current session should be terminated and initiates the Session Deletion process; the UPF entity implements the release of the user session.

[0057] In step 120, after initiating the session release process, the UPF entity executes the session release of the current session, so that the terminal corresponding to the specified terminal identifier goes offline. For example, the session is released and the terminal goes offline.

[0058] In some embodiments, after executing the session release of the current session, when the UPF entity receives a session establishment request sent by the terminal through the SMF entity, a session establishment response message is sent to the SMF entity through the UPF entity, and the session establishment response message is used to indicate that the SMF entity session establishment failed.

[0059] In some embodiments, after executing the session release of the current session, a session prohibition time period is set for the terminal through the UPF entity; it is determined whether the session prohibition time period has ended; if the session prohibition time period has not ended, a session establishment response message is sent to the SMF entity.

[0060] In some embodiments, the session establishment response includes a second identification field, and the second identification field is used to indicate that the session establishment of the SMF entity terminal has failed. For example, the IE Cause of the session establishment response message is set to no available resources.

[0061] For example, after the session is released, the UPF entity immediately triggers a timer for a preset session prohibition time period (such as 3 minutes, etc.). During the next preset session prohibition time period (such as 3 minutes), whenever the UPF entity detects a Session Establishment Request message from a test card corresponding to the preset session prohibition time period, the UPF entity sets the IE "Cause" to "No resources available" in the reply Response message.

[0062] For example, after the SMF entity receives the Response message from the UPF entity, the session establishment fails.

[0063] For example, the tester can also complete the configuration modification of the UPF entity within the session prohibition period of the Timer. For example, after the Timer expires, the session is successfully reestablished.

[0064] In some embodiments, after the test user (i.e., the terminal mentioned above) goes offline, the user will re-initiate an online request; in the Session Establishment Response message of the UPF entity reply request, the IE "Cause" is set to "No resources available"; if the SMF entity receives No resources available, the session establishment fails; a 3-minute timer is set, and the above steps of triggering the session release by the UPF entity are repeated within this time period. In this way, the re-online of the session of the test user can be achieved when the UPF entity blocks the session within the configured time.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the UPF entity actively releases the PDU session function, which reduces the communication cost during the UPF entity debugging and improves the debugging efficiency.

[0066] Figure 2 A signaling diagram showing some embodiments of the session control method of the present disclosure.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown, in event 210, the UE (User Equipment) successfully establishes a PDU session with the UPF entity.

[0068] In event 220, the UPF entity and the SMF entity establish a session-level URR. The UPF entity triggers usage reporting quantitatively or periodically based on the URR.

[0069] For example, the UPF entity simulates the URR interaction process and sends a Session Report usage reporting signaling carrying TEMUR=1 for the specified test IMSI.

[0070] In event 230, the UPF entity sends a Session Report carrying the TEMUR=1 field to the SMF entity to implement session release actively triggered by the UPF side.

[0071] For example, the UPF entity may add a button function for a certain test IMSI to generate a PFCPSession Report Request signaling of the IMSI and send it to the SMF entity. The IE "Usage Report Trigger" field TEMUR=1 of the Session Report Request signaling.

[0072] In event 240, the SMF entity and the UPF entity perform Session Deletion.

[0073] For example, after the SMF entity receives the usage reporting signaling message, it triggers the SMF entity to initiate the SessionDeletion process.

[0074] For example, when the SMF entity receives a message with parameter TEMUR=1, it considers that the current session should be terminated and initiates the Session Deletion process; the UPF entity implements the release of the user session.

[0075] In event 250, the UPF entity releases the session of the test card and the terminal goes offline.

[0076] Figure 3 Signaling diagrams showing other embodiments of the session control method of the present disclosure.

[0077] like Figure 3 As shown, in event 310, the UPF entity sets a Timer of 3 minutes.

[0078] In event 320, the SMF entity sends the UE's Session Establishment request to the UPF entity.

[0079] In event 330, the UPF entity returns a Response to the SMF entity, in which the Cause field is set to Noresources available.

[0080] For example, after the session is released, the UPF entity immediately triggers a 3-minute timer. In the next 3 minutes, whenever the UPF entity detects the Session EstablishmentRequest message of the test card corresponding to the preset session prohibited time period, the UPF entity sets the IE "Cause" to "No resources available" in the reply Response message.

[0081] For example, after the test user goes offline, the user will re-initiate an online request; in the SessionEstablishment Response message of the UPF entity's reply request, the IE "Cause" is set to "No resources available".

[0082] In event 340, the UE's PDU session establishment fails. For example, if the SMF entity receives No resources available, the session establishment fails.

[0083] For example, after the SMF entity receives the Response message from the UPF entity, the session establishment fails. The tester can also complete the configuration modification of the UPF entity within the session prohibition period of the Timer. For example, after the Timer expires, the session is successfully reestablished.

[0084] In event 350, after the timer expires, the UE's PDU session is successfully established.

[0085] For example, a 3-minute timer is set, and within this time period, the UPF entity triggers the session release step (such as Figure 2 Steps 210 to 250 in Figure 3 Steps 310 to 350 in the above are repeated. In this way, the UPF entity can block the test user's session within the configured time and then go back online.

[0086] Figure 4 A block diagram showing some embodiments of a control device for a session of the present disclosure.

[0087] like Figure 4 As shown, the control device 4 of the session is set in the UPF entity, including: a sending unit 41, used to send a usage reporting signaling for a specified terminal identifier to the SMF entity, so as to trigger the SMF entity to initiate a session release process for the current session; an execution unit 42, used to execute the session release of the current session after initiating the session release process, so that the terminal corresponding to the specified terminal identifier goes offline.

[0088] In some embodiments, the usage report signaling includes a first identification field, and the first identification field is used to indicate that the SMF entity initiates a session release process. In some embodiments, the IE Usage Report Trigger of the usage report signaling includes a TEMUR=1 field.

[0089] In some embodiments, the sending unit 41 sends usage reporting signaling for a specified IMSI according to the URR.

[0090] In some embodiments, the sending unit 41 sends the usage reporting signaling in a quantitative manner or a timed manner.

[0091] In some embodiments, the control device 4 further includes: a setting unit 43, configured to set a button function for a designated terminal identifier, wherein the button function is used to generate usage reporting signaling.

[0092] In some embodiments, when the UPF entity receives a session establishment request sent by the terminal through the SMF entity, the sending unit 41 sends a session establishment response message to the SMF entity through the UPF entity, and the session establishment response message is used to indicate that the SMF entity session establishment failed.

[0093] In some embodiments, the control device 4 also includes: a setting unit 43, which is used to set a session prohibition time period for the terminal after executing the session release of the current session; a judgment unit 44, which is used to judge whether the session prohibition time period has ended; wherein, the sending unit sends a session establishment response message to the SMF entity if the session prohibition time period has not ended.

[0094] In some embodiments, the session establishment response includes a second identification field, and the second identification field is used to indicate that the session establishment of the SMF entity terminal has failed.

[0095] In some embodiments, the IE Cause of the session establishment response message is set to no available resources.

[0096] In some embodiments, the current session is a PDU session.

[0097] Figure 5 A block diagram showing some other embodiments of the apparatus for controlling a session of the present disclosure.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the conversation control device 5 of this embodiment includes: a memory 51 and a processor 52 coupled to the memory 51, and the processor 52 is configured to execute the conversation control method in any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure based on the instructions stored in the memory 51.

[0099] The memory 51 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, a database, and other programs.

[0100] Figure 6 A block diagram showing some further embodiments of the apparatus for controlling a session of the present disclosure.

[0101] like Figure 6 As shown, the conversation control device 6 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 conversation control method in any one of the aforementioned embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 610 .

[0102] 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.

[0103] The control device 6 for the conversation 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, a touch screen, a microphone, and a speaker. 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.

[0104] Figure 7 A block diagram illustrating some embodiments of a control system for a session of the present disclosure.

[0105] like Figure 7 As shown, the session control system 7 includes: a UPF entity 71, including a session control device in any embodiment; and an SMF entity 72, used to initiate a session release process of the current session.

[0106] 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. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable non-transient storage media including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc., which contain computer-usable program code.

[0107] So far, the control method of a session, the control device of a session, the control system of a session, and the non-volatile computer-readable storage medium according to the present disclosure have been described in detail. In order to avoid obscuring the concept of the present disclosure, some details known in the art are not described. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solution disclosed herein.

[0108] The method and system of the present disclosure may be implemented in many ways. For example, the method and system of the present disclosure may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The above order of steps for the method is for illustration only, and the steps of the method of the present disclosure are not limited to the order specifically described above, unless otherwise specifically stated. In addition, in some embodiments, the present disclosure may also be implemented as a program recorded in a recording medium, which includes machine-readable instructions for implementing the method according to the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure also covers a recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to the present disclosure.

[0109] Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail by way of example, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a session, comprising: Send usage reporting signaling for a specified terminal identifier to the session management function SMF entity through the user plane function UPF entity to trigger the SMF entity to initiate a session release process for the current session; After initiating the session release process, the UPF entity executes the session release of the current session, so that the terminal corresponding to the designated terminal identifier goes offline; After executing the session release of the current session, when the UPF entity receives the session establishment request sent by the terminal through the SMF entity, a session establishment response message is sent to the SMF entity through the UPF entity, and the session establishment response message is used to indicate that the SMF entity session establishment failed; After executing the session release of the current session, setting a session prohibition time period for the terminal through the UPF entity; Wherein, sending a session establishment response message to the SMF entity includes: Determining whether the session prohibition time period has ended; When the session prohibition time period has not ended, a session establishment response message is sent to the SMF entity.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The usage reporting signaling includes a first identification field, and the first identification field is used to indicate that the SMF entity initiates a session release process.

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: The information element IE Usage Report Trigger of the usage report signaling includes a TEMUR=1 field.

4. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The sending of usage reporting signaling for a designated terminal identifier includes: According to the usage reporting rule URR, a usage reporting signaling is sent for the specified international mobile subscriber identity code IMSI.

5. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The sending of usage reporting signaling for a designated terminal identifier includes: The usage reporting signaling is sent in a quantitative manner or a timing manner.

6. The control method according to claim 1, further comprising: A button function is set for the designated terminal identifier through the UPF entity, and the button function is used to generate the usage reporting signaling.

7. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The session establishment response includes a second identification field, and the second identification field is used to indicate that the session establishment of the terminal by the SMF entity has failed.

8. The control method according to claim 7, wherein: The IE Cause of the session establishment response message is set to no available resources.

9. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The current session is a protocol data unit (PDU) session.

10. A session control device, arranged in a user plane function UPF entity, comprising: A sending unit, used to send a usage reporting signaling for a specified terminal identifier to a session management function SMF entity, so as to trigger the SMF entity to initiate a session release process of the current session; An execution unit, configured to execute session release of the current session after initiating the session release process, so that the terminal corresponding to the designated terminal identifier goes offline; Wherein, after executing the session release of the current session, the sending unit sends a session establishment response message to the SMF entity through the UPF entity when the user plane function UPF entity receives the session establishment request sent by the terminal through the SMF entity, and the session establishment response message is used to indicate that the SMF entity session establishment failed; A setting unit, configured to set a session prohibition time period for the terminal through the UPF entity after executing a session release of a current session; A judging unit, used for judging whether the session prohibition time period has ended; Wherein, when the session prohibited time period has not ended, the sending unit sends a session establishment response message to the SMF entity.

11. The control device according to claim 10, wherein: The setting unit is further used to set a button function for the designated terminal identifier, and the button function is used to generate the usage reporting signaling.

12. A conversation control device, comprising: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the session control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 based on instructions stored in the memory.

13. A conversation control system, comprising: A user plane function UPF entity, comprising the session control device according to claim 10 or 11; The session management function SMF entity is used to initiate the session release process of the current session.

14. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the program is executed by a processor, the method for controlling a session according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is implemented.

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