A method, apparatus, and communication system for processing quality of service.

Abstract

A method, apparatus, and communication system for processing Quality of Service (QoS) are disclosed. The method includes: a session management network element receiving a first rule from a policy control network element. The first rule includes direction information and QoS notification control information. The direction information indicates the direction of a first service flow, and the QoS notification control information is used to indicate that when the QoS of the first service flow meets preset reporting conditions, it sends notification information to the policy control network element; the session management network element sends the direction information and QoS notification control information to an access network device; the session management network element receives QoS notification information for a first direction from the access network device; and the session management network element sends information about the first direction and the first service flow to the policy control network element. This method enables the QoS of a service flow to meet the corresponding target QoS and reduces the signaling interactions involved in the QoS processing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and communication system for processing quality of service. Background Technology

[0002] In fifth-generation mobile communication systems, a service flow-based quality of service (QoS) model is used to guarantee end-to-end service quality. This QoS guarantee can be achieved using notification control information. For example, after receiving notification control information, the access network device (OND) inspects the service flow. If the OND finds that the service flow's QoS does not meet the target QoS, the OND sends a notification to the session management function (SMF) element. This notification informs the SMF element that the service flow does not meet the target QoS, prompting the SMF element to initiate a specific processing procedure to the policy control function (PCF) element. This procedure updates the service flow's QoS parameters, ultimately allowing the OND to use the updated service flow and ensuring end-to-end QoS.

[0003] However, if the quality of service of the current business flow cannot be met, the update of the quality of service parameters of the business flow depends on the re-execution of the above process. Therefore, the above method is inefficient and will lead to an increase in signaling interaction. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A method, apparatus, and communication system for processing quality of service (QoS) are disclosed. The method can accurately process the QoS of a service flow, thereby ensuring that the QoS of the service flow meets the corresponding target QoS.

[0005] Firstly, this application provides a first method for processing Quality of Service (QoS). This method can be executed by a session management network element (SLE) or by a chip within the SLE, without limitation. Specifically, it includes the following steps: The SLE receives a first rule from a policy control network element (PCN). The first rule includes direction information and QoS notification control information. The direction information indicates the direction of a first service flow, including an uplink direction and / or a downlink direction. The QoS notification control information is used to indicate that when the QoS of the first service flow meets preset reporting conditions, it sends notification information to the PCN. The SLE sends the direction information and the notification control information to an access network device. The SLE receives QoS notification information for a first direction from the access network device. The QoS notification information for the first direction is used to notify that the QoS of the first service flow in the first direction meets the preset reporting conditions. The first direction includes at least one of the direction information. The SLE sends information about the first direction and the first service flow to the PCN.

[0006] The session management network element receives a first rule from the policy control network element and sends the direction information and quality of service (QoS) notification control information included in the first rule to the access network device. The QoS notification control information is used to indicate that when the QoS of the first service flow meets the preset reporting conditions, a notification message is sent to the policy control network element. When the access network device detects that the QoS of the first service flow in the first direction meets the preset reporting conditions, the access network device sends the QoS notification information of the first direction to the session management network element. After receiving the QoS notification information of the first direction, the session management network element sends the information of the first direction and the first service flow to the policy control network element, so that the policy control network element can accurately process the QoS of the first service flow in the first direction, ensuring that the QoS of the first service flow in the first direction can meet the first target QoS. Furthermore, the direction information is carried in the information transmitted during the QoS processing, eliminating the need for additional interaction of direction information transmission, thereby reducing the additional overhead in the QoS processing process.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the preset reporting conditions include: the service quality of the current service flow does not meet or meets the target service quality in the corresponding direction. For example, meeting the target service quality of the first service flow can mean re-meeting the target service quality of the first service flow; that is, the state of the first service flow changes from not meeting the target service quality of the first service flow to meeting the target service quality of the first service flow.

[0008] This implementation method clarifies the conditions that the service quality of the current service flow must meet to report notification information to the policy control network element, thereby effectively updating the service quality of the current service flow.

[0009] In one possible implementation, before the session management network element sends direction information and the service quality notification control information to the access network device, the method further includes: the session management network element binding the first rule to the first service flow.

[0010] In this implementation, before sending direction information and quality of service (QoS) notification control information to the access network device, the session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow. This ensures that the direction information sent by the session management network element to the access network device is consistent with the direction of the first service flow. When the access network device determines that the first service flow in the first direction does not meet or needs to meet the first target QoS again, it sends QoS notification information in the first direction to the session management network element without needing to send direction information, thus reducing the overhead of transmitting information. It should be understood that this binding step is optional; the session management network element can perform the binding or not as needed, and this application does not impose specific limitations.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow, including: the first service flow is a currently existing service flow; the session management network element determines that the direction information of the first service flow is the same as the direction information in the first rule, and the service quality notification control information of the first service flow is the same as the service quality notification control information in the first rule; the session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow, and the bound first rule corresponds to the first service flow.

[0012] In this implementation, the session management network element determines that a first service flow exists, the direction information of which is consistent with the direction information in the first rule, and the service quality notification control information of the first service flow is also the same as the service quality notification control information in the first rule. At this point, the session management network element can accurately bind the first rule to the first service flow, ensuring that the bound first rule corresponds to the first service flow. Therefore, when the session management network element receives service quality notification information sent by the access network device, it can automatically determine the direction information corresponding to the service quality notification information, thereby reducing the additional overhead caused by transmitting direction information.

[0013] It is important to note that when the session management network element accurately binds the first rule to the first service flow, it also needs to ensure that the other parameters of the first service flow are the same as the corresponding parameters of the first rule.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the session management network element binds the first rule to the service flow, including: the session management network element creates the first service flow, the direction information of the first service flow is the same as the direction information in the first rule, and the service quality notification control information of the first service flow is the same as the service quality notification control information in the first rule; the session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow, and the bound first rule corresponds to the first service flow.

[0015] In this implementation, when the session management network element determines that a first service flow does not currently exist, it can create a first service flow. The direction information of this created first service flow is consistent with the direction information in the first rule, and the service quality notification control information of this first service flow is also the same as the service quality notification control information in the first rule. Then, the session management network element binds the created first service flow to the first rule, making the created first service flow correspond to the first rule. Therefore, when the session management network element receives service quality notification information sent by the access network device, it can automatically determine the direction information corresponding to the service quality notification information, thereby reducing the additional overhead caused by transmitting direction information.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the session management network element sending a first message to the access network device, the first message including the identification information of the first service flow and the direction corresponding to the first service flow.

[0017] In this implementation method, after creating the first service flow, the session management network element needs to inform the access network device of the identification information and direction information of the first service flow. When the access network device detects the service quality of the first service flow, it can accurately know the information of the first service flow, thereby scheduling the service flow and ensuring the service quality.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the service quality notification information for the first direction includes information about the first direction and the first service flow.

[0019] In this implementation, if the session management network element does not bind the first rule to the first service flow before sending direction information and the service quality notification control information to the access network device, then when the access network device determines that the service quality of the service flow in the first direction does not meet or needs to meet the first target service quality again, the service quality notification information for the first direction sent to the session management network element includes the information of the first service flow and also needs to include the first direction. This is to ensure that the session management network element can know the direction corresponding to the information of the first service flow after receiving the service quality notification information for the first direction.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the session management network element receiving a second rule from the policy control network element, the second rule including the first direction and a second quality of service parameter of the service flow in the first direction, the second quality of service parameter being used to indicate the quality of service of the updated service flow in the first direction;

[0021] The session management network element sends the first direction and the second quality of service parameters to the access network device.

[0022] In this implementation, the session management network element receives a second rule from the policy control network element. The second rule includes the service quality parameters of the first direction and the updated service quality parameters of the first direction service flow, i.e., the second service quality parameters. The session management network element then sends the updated service quality parameters of the first direction and the first direction service flow to the access network device, thereby ensuring that the service quality of the communication network using the updated service flow of the first direction can meet the first target service quality.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the session management network element sending a second quality of service parameter of the first direction and the service flow of the first direction to the terminal device.

[0024] In this implementation, the session management network element also needs to send the updated quality of service parameters of the first direction and the first direction service flow to the terminal device to ensure that the service quality of the communication network using the updated first direction service flow can meet the target service quality of the direction.

[0025] In one possible implementation, after the session management network element receives the second rule from the policy control network element, it further includes: the session management network element binding the second rule to the second service flow.

[0026] Through this implementation, after receiving the second rule from the policy control network element, the session management network element can bind the second rule to the second service flow, so that the second rule corresponds to the second service flow. It should be understood that this binding step is optional, and the session management network element can perform the binding or not perform the binding according to actual needs, and this application does not limit it.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow, including: the second service flow is a currently existing service flow; the session management network element determines that the direction of the second service flow is the first direction; and the quality of service parameters of the second service flow are the same as the second quality of service parameters in the second rule; the session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow, and the bound second rule corresponds to the second service flow.

[0028] Through this implementation method, the session management network element determines that the second service flow currently exists, the direction information of the second service flow is consistent with the direction information in the second rule, and the service quality parameters of the second service flow are also the same as the second service quality parameters in the second rule. At this time, the session management network element can accurately bind the second rule to the second service flow, so that the bound second rule corresponds to the second service flow.

[0029] It should be noted that when the session management network element accurately binds the second rule to the second service flow, it also needs to ensure that the other parameters of the second service flow are the same as the corresponding parameters of the second rule.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow, including: the session management network element creates the second service flow, the direction of the second service flow is the first direction, and the quality of service parameters of the second service flow are the same as the second quality of service parameters in the second rule; the session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow, and the bound second rule corresponds to the second service flow.

[0031] In this implementation, when the session management network element determines that there is no second service flow, it can create a second service flow. The direction information of the created second service flow is consistent with the direction information in the second rule, and the service quality parameters of the second service flow are also the same as the second service quality parameters in the second rule. Then, the session management network element binds the created second service flow to the second rule, so that the created second service flow corresponds to the second rule.

[0032] It is important to note that when the session management network element accurately binds the second rule to the created second service flow, it also needs to ensure that the other parameters of the created second service flow are the same as the corresponding parameters of the second rule.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the session management network element sending a second message to the access network device, the second message including the identification information of the second service flow and the direction corresponding to the second service flow.

[0034] In this implementation method, after creating a second service flow, the session management network element needs to inform the access network device of the identification information and direction information of the second service flow, so that the access network device can also determine the information of the second service flow when using it.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the quality of service parameter includes one or more of the following: priority level, packet delay budget, maximum data burst size, quality of service identifier, and notification control information.

[0036] Through this implementation method, the solution can flexibly adjust the quality of service (QoS) parameters for different service flows according to actual needs, thereby ensuring that the QoS of the service flows used for network transmission meets actual requirements.

[0037] Secondly, this application provides another service quality processing method, which can be executed by an access network device or by a chip within the access network device, without limitation. Specifically, it includes the following steps: the access network device receives a set of service quality parameters for a service flow in a first direction from a session management network element, wherein the first direction includes an uplink direction and / or a downlink direction; the access network device receives a first service flow in the first direction; the access network device determines that a first service quality parameter of the first service flow does not meet the target service quality parameter for that direction; the access network device selects a second service quality parameter for the first service flow from the set of service quality parameters, wherein the second service quality parameter is the updated service quality parameter for the first service flow.

[0038] The access network device receives a set of service quality parameters for a service flow in a first direction from the session management network element. When the access network device receives the first service flow in the first direction and determines that the service quality parameters of the first service flow do not meet the target service quality parameters for that first direction, it can select a second service quality parameter from the set of service quality parameters as the updated service quality parameters for the first service flow in the first direction. In this method, when the access network device detects that a service flow in a certain direction does not meet the target service quality for that direction, it can automatically update the service quality parameters of the service flow in that direction. This not only ensures that the service quality of the service flow in that direction meets the target requirements but also reduces the system overhead of processing the service quality in that direction.

[0039] In one possible implementation, one or more service quality parameters in the set of service quality parameters have priority.

[0040] In this implementation, one or more service quality parameters in the service quality parameter set have priorities, so that when the access network device determines that the service flow in the first direction does not meet the target service quality, it can select new service quality parameters according to the priorities of the service quality parameters to ensure that the service quality of the first service flow in the first direction meets the target service quality.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the access network device selects a second quality of service parameter for the first service flow from a set of quality of service parameters, including: the access network device selecting the highest priority quality of service parameter from the set of quality of service parameters as the second quality of service parameter; or the access network device selecting one or more quality of service parameters with a lower priority than the first quality of service parameter from the set of quality of service parameters, and using the highest priority quality of service parameter among the one or more quality of service parameters as the second quality of service parameter.

[0042] In this implementation, when the access network device determines that the first service flow in the first direction does not meet the target quality of service for that direction, it first selects a set of quality of service parameters consistent with the direction of the first service flow from the set of quality of service parameters for the first service flow. Further, the access network device can use the highest priority quality of service parameter in the set as the updated quality of service parameter for the first service flow, or it can select one or more quality of service parameters with lower priority than the first quality of service parameter from the set, with the highest priority among them, as the updated quality of service parameter for the first service flow. This method can effectively update the quality of service parameters of the first service flow in the first direction, so that the quality of service of the first service flow meets the corresponding target quality of service.

[0043] In one possible implementation, the access network device sends the second quality of service parameters of the first direction and the first service flow of the first direction to the session management network element.

[0044] Through this implementation method, after the access network device reselects the quality of service parameters for the first service flow in the first direction, it also sends the first direction and the second quality of service parameters to the session management network element. This allows the network side to know the updated quality of service parameters for the first service flow in the first direction, and also ensures that the network's quality of service meets the target requirements.

[0045] In one possible implementation, the quality of service parameter includes one or more of the following: priority level, packet delay budget, maximum data burst size, quality of service identifier, and notification control information.

[0046] Through this implementation method, the access network device can flexibly adjust the quality of service parameters of the current service flow according to actual needs and different service quality parameters of the current service flow, so that the quality of service of the current service flow can meet the actual needs.

[0047] Thirdly, this application provides another service quality processing method. This method is a system method and can be executed by a session management network element and an access network device, or by a chip within the session management network element and the access network device, without limitation. Specifically, it includes the following steps: the session management network element receives a set of service quality parameters for a service flow in a first direction from a policy control network element, wherein the first direction includes an uplink direction and / or a downlink direction; the session management network element sends the set of service quality parameters to the access network device; the access network device receives the first service flow in the first direction; the access network device determines that the first service quality parameter of the first service flow does not meet the target service quality parameter for that direction; the access network device selects a second service quality parameter for the first service flow from the set of service quality parameters, wherein the second service quality parameter is the updated service quality parameter for the first service flow.

[0048] The session management network element receives a set of service quality parameters for the service flow in the first direction from the policy control network element and sends this set of service quality parameters to the access network device. When the access network device receives the first service flow in the first direction, if it determines that the service quality parameters of the first service flow in the first direction do not meet the target service quality parameters of the first service flow, it can select a second service quality parameter from the set of service quality parameters as the updated service quality parameters for the first service flow. Therefore, in this method, when the access network device detects that the service quality of a service flow in a certain direction does not meet the target service quality for that direction, it can update the service quality parameters of the service flow in that direction itself. This not only ensures that the service quality of the service flow in that direction meets the target requirements but also reduces the system overhead of processing the service quality in that direction.

[0049] In one possible implementation, one or more service quality parameters in the set of service quality parameters have priority.

[0050] In this implementation method, each service quality parameter in the service quality parameter set has a priority. When the access network device determines that a service flow in a certain direction does not meet the target service quality of the service flow in that direction, it can effectively select a new service quality parameter from the service quality parameter set according to the priority of the service quality parameter, thereby ensuring that the service quality of the service flow in that direction meets the target service quality.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the access network device selects a second quality of service parameter for the first service flow from a set of quality of service parameters, including: the access network device selecting the highest priority quality of service parameter from the set of quality of service parameters as the second quality of service parameter; or the access network device selecting one or more quality of service parameters with a lower priority than the first quality of service parameter from the set of quality of service parameters, and using the highest priority quality of service parameter among the one or more quality of service parameters as the second quality of service parameter.

[0052] In this implementation, when the access network device determines that the first service flow in the first direction does not meet the target quality of service for that direction, it first selects a set of quality of service parameters consistent with the direction of the first service flow from the set of quality of service parameters for the service flow in the first direction. Further, the access network device can use the highest priority quality of service parameter in the set as the updated quality of service parameter for the first service flow, or it can select one or more quality of service parameters with lower priority than the first quality of service parameter from the set, with the highest priority quality of service parameter being used as the updated quality of service parameter for the first service flow. Therefore, the access network device can effectively update the quality of service parameters for the first service flow in the first direction so that the quality of service for the first service flow in the first direction meets the corresponding target quality of service.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: the session management network element receiving second quality of service parameters for the first direction and the first service flow of the first direction from the access network device.

[0054] Through this implementation, after the access network device reselects the quality of service parameters for the first service flow in the first direction, the session management network element receives the first and second quality of service parameters from the access network device, so that the network side knows the updated quality of service parameters for the first service flow in the first direction, ensuring that the network's quality of service meets the target requirements.

[0055] In one possible implementation, the quality of service parameter includes one or more of the following: priority level, packet delay budget, maximum data burst size, quality of service identifier, and notification control information.

[0056] Through this implementation method, the access network device can flexibly adjust the quality of service parameters of the current service flow according to actual needs and different service quality parameters of the current service flow, so that the quality of service of the current service flow can meet the actual needs.

[0057] Fourthly, this application provides another method for processing quality of service (QoS). This method can be executed by an access network device or by a chip within the access network device, without limitation. Specifically, it includes the following steps: the access network device receives direction information and QoS notification control information from a session management network element; the access network device determines that the QoS of the first service flow in the first direction meets the preset reporting conditions; and the access network device sends the QoS notification information for the first direction to the session management network element.

[0058] In this implementation, the access network device receives direction information and quality of service notification control information issued by the policy control element from the session management element. When the access network device detects that the quality of service of the first service flow in the first direction does not meet the first target quality of service or needs to meet the first target quality of service again, it reports the quality of service notification information of the first direction through the session management element. Thus, the policy control element can process the service flow in that direction to ensure that the quality of service of the communication network meets the actual target requirements.

[0059] Fifthly, this application provides a quality of service (QoS) processing apparatus. This apparatus can be applied to a session management network element and has the function of implementing the first aspect or any possible implementation thereof; or, the apparatus can be applied to an access network device and has the function of implementing the second aspect or any possible design method thereof, or has the function of implementing the fourth aspect thereof. The hardware or software includes one or more units corresponding to the above functions, such as a receiving unit, a processing unit, and a transmitting unit.

[0060] Sixthly, this application also provides a quality of service processing apparatus, which can be applied to a session management network element and has the function of implementing the first aspect or any possible implementation of the first aspect; or, the apparatus can be applied to an access network device and has the function of implementing the second aspect or any possible design method of the second aspect, or has the function of implementing the method of the fourth aspect. The apparatus may include: a receiving module, a processing module, and a transmitting module.

[0061] In a seventh aspect, this application also provides a communication system, the system comprising a session management network element for performing the method provided in the first aspect, and a policy control network element. The policy control network element is configured to send a first rule to the session management network element, the first rule including direction information and quality of service (QoS) notification control information. The direction information indicates the direction of a first service flow, including an uplink direction and / or a downlink direction. The QoS notification control information is configured to send notification information to the policy control network element when the QoS of the first service flow meets preset reporting conditions. The policy control network element is also configured to receive information about the first direction and the first service flow from the session management network element.

[0062] One possible system further includes an access network device for performing the method provided in the fourth aspect above.

[0063] Eighthly, this application also provides a communication system comprising an access network device for performing the method provided in the second aspect above, a policy control network element, and a session management network element. The policy control network element is configured to send a first rule to the session management network element, the first rule including a first direction and a set of quality of service parameters for service flows in the first direction, the first direction including an uplink direction and / or a downlink direction. The session management network element is configured to receive the first rule from the policy control network element. The session management network element is configured to send the set of quality of service parameters for service flows in the first direction to the access network device.

[0064] Ninthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer storage medium storing a software program that, when read and executed by one or more processors, can implement the method provided in the first aspect or any of the possible implementations described above, or implement the method provided in the second aspect or any of the possible implementations described above; or, when read and executed by one or more processors, the software program can implement the method provided in the third aspect or any of the possible implementations described above, or implement the method provided in the fourth aspect described above.

[0065] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the method provided in the first aspect or any of the possible implementations therein to be executed, or cause the method provided in the second aspect or any of the possible implementations therein to be executed; or, when run on a computer, cause the method provided in the third aspect or any of the possible implementations therein to be executed, or cause the method provided in the fourth aspect to be executed.

[0066] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application also provide a chip system, the chip system including a processor, for supporting session management network elements to implement the functions involved in the first aspect above; or for supporting access network devices to implement the functions involved in the second aspect above; or for supporting session management network elements or access network devices to implement the functions involved in the third aspect above.

[0067] In one possible design, the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data to be executed by the loading device. The chip system may consist of chips or may include chips and other discrete components. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Figure 1A This application provides a reference point-based 5G system architecture.

[0069] Figure 1B This is another reference point-based 5G system architecture provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0070] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a service quality notification control process provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 3 This is a 5G QoS model applicable to a quality of service processing method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0072] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a service quality processing method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 5 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of a service quality processing method provided in this application embodiment;

[0074] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another service quality processing method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0075] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of another service quality processing method provided in this application embodiment;

[0076] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating yet another service quality processing method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0077] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another service quality processing method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0078] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a service quality processing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0079] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a service quality processing device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0080] This application provides a service quality processing method and apparatus. The method and apparatus are based on the same or similar technical concepts. Since the principles of the method and apparatus in solving the problem are similar, the implementation of the apparatus and method can refer to each other, and repeated parts will not be described again.

[0081] The following section will first explain some of the terms used in the embodiments of this application so that those skilled in the art can understand them.

[0082] 1) The session management network element involved in the embodiments of this application can be an SMF network element in the communication system architecture, which is responsible for tunnel maintenance, IP address allocation and management, UP function selection, policy implementation and QoS control, billing data collection, roaming, etc.

[0083] The execution entity in this application embodiment can be a session management network element or a chip corresponding to the session management network element. The session management network element in this application embodiment can be a physical entity network element or a virtual network element. This application does not limit the specific form of the session management network element.

[0084] 2) The access network equipment involved in this application embodiment can be a device that provides access for terminal devices, including Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment and AN equipment. RAN equipment is mainly 3GPP network radio network equipment, while AN can be a non-3GPP defined access network device. RAN equipment is responsible for functions such as radio resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression, and encryption on the air interface side. This RAN equipment can include various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, etc. In systems using different radio access technologies, the name of the equipment with base station functions may differ. For example, in 5th generation (5G) systems, it is called RAN or gNB (5G NodeB); in LTE systems, it is called evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB); in 3rd generation (3G) systems, it is called Node B, etc. This application does not limit the specific form of the access network equipment.

[0085] 3) The policy control network element involved in this application embodiment can be a PCF network element in the communication system architecture, used to provide policy rules to network entities for implementation, and can support a unified policy framework to manage network behavior and access subscription information of unified data storage. For example, the policy control network element in this application embodiment is used to issue rules to the session management network element, and is also used to manage service flows, that is, to modify or delete the service quality parameters of service flows.

[0086] The execution entity in this application embodiment can be a policy control network element or a chip corresponding to the policy control network element. The policy control network element in this application can be a physical entity network element or a virtual network element. This application does not limit the specific form of the policy control network element.

[0087] 4) The Quality of Service (QoS) involved in the embodiments of this application can generally represent the sum of the characteristics and properties of a service that can meet the specified and potential requirements, that is, the degree to which the service can meet the needs of the service recipient.

[0088] In this application, Quality of Service (QoS) can be represented as a technology for effectively managing network resources, providing end-to-end QoS guarantees for various services with different needs. Specifically, a network can utilize various underlying technologies to provide better service capabilities for specified network communications, thereby avoiding problems such as network latency and congestion. Moreover, for networks with limited capacity, especially for streaming multimedia applications such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and Interactive Personality TV (IPTV), ensuring QoS is crucial because these media applications require fixed transmission rates and are sensitive to latency.

[0089] In summary, QoS can be used to measure the overall performance of services experienced by network users. For example, it can be measured by measuring relevant aspects of services such as packet loss rate, bit rate, throughput, transmission latency, availability, and jitter to measure the quality of network services.

[0090] 5) The service quality parameters of the service flows involved in this application embodiment can be service quality parameters / attribute information of the service flows. That is, the service quality of the service flows is measured by a series of measurable service quality parameters / attributes. The network can configure the corresponding service flows according to the service quality parameters / attribute information, so that the service flows can provide better service quality for the specified network communication. Specifically, the service quality parameters / attributes may include, but are not limited to: priority level, packet delay budget, maximum data burst size, service quality identifier, and notification control information, wherein the service quality identifier can be 5QI.

[0091] 6) The Policy and Charging Control Rule (PCC Rule) involved in the embodiments of this application can be represented as a collection of a series of related information and a series of related operations. The related information can mainly include the following three types of information: 1) Service data flow inspection information, 2) Policy control information, and 3) Charging related information.

[0092] PCC rules can be used to detect Service Data Flows (SDFs) and to define a set of rules for policy control and billing of these SDFs. Therefore, the specific functions of PCC rules can include, but are not limited to, detecting which service data flow a data packet (such as an IP packet) belongs to and identifying the service data flow to provide policy control.

[0093] Furthermore, PCC rules can generally be divided into dynamic PCC rules and static predefined PCC rules. For dynamic PCC rules, the Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) unit's interface Gx sends the PCC rule to the Policy and Charging Enforcement Function (PCEF) unit, which then executes it. During this process, the PCRF unit can not only create such rules but also modify and delete them. It should be noted that in 5G communication, the Policy Control Function (PCF) unit sends PCC rules to the Session Management Function (SMF) unit through the N7 interface, which then executes them. For static predefined PCC rules, the PCEF unit pre-configures them, and the PCRF unit can only reference these rules.

[0094] It should be noted that in this application, the PCC rules are at the SDF granularity, while the 5G QoS model is at the QoS flow granularity. That is, the access device RAN performs scheduling based on the QoS flow granularity. Therefore, it is necessary to map the service data flow SDF to the QoS flow in order to achieve QoS control or processing.

[0095] 7) The binding process involved in this application embodiment can be a process of associating a service data flow (i.e., defined in the PCC rule through the SDF template) with a service flow that is a transmission service data flow. The binding mechanism can specifically include three steps: Step 1: Session binding, mapping application function sessions (AF sessions) and PDU sessions one-to-one; Step 2: The PCF network element authorizes the PCC rule and assigns QoS parameters to the PCC rule; Step 3: The SMF network element binds the PCC rule to the service flow QoS flow, making the PCC rule correspond to the QoS flow. When the PCF network element provides a PCC rule, the SMF network element should evaluate whether there is a QoS flow whose QoS parameters are the same as the parameters of the bound PCC rule. If no such QoS flow exists, the SMF network element uses the parameters in the PCC rule to derive the QoS parameters of a new QoS flow and binds the PCC rule to that QoS flow. Of course, there are some special cases where the SMF network element needs to bind the PCC rule to the default QoS flow or a separate QoS flow, for example, when there is an Alternative QoS parameter Set(s) in the PCC rule. It should be noted that the business flow in this application can also be understood as a quality of service flow, or the quality of service flow may include one or more business flows, and this application does not limit this.

[0096] Additionally, when binding PCC rules to QoS flows within a PDU session, the following parameters / attributes can be used: 5QI, Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP), QoS Notification Control (QNC), Priority Level, Average Window, and Maximum Data Burst Volume. It's important to note that different PCC rules with the above parameters / attributes can be bound to different QoS flows.

[0097] The service quality processing method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to a reference point-based non-roaming 5G system architecture, such as... Figure 1A and 1B As shown, two reference-point-based non-roaming 5G system architectures are illustrated. Furthermore, the quality of service processing method provided in this application embodiment can also be applied to service-based 5G system architectures, and this application does not specifically limit its application in this regard.

[0098] The following section provides a detailed introduction to the specific network elements / modules in the 5G system architecture.

[0099] The 5G system mainly includes: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) network elements, Network Exposure Function (NEF) network elements, Network Repository Function (NRF) network elements, Policy Control Function (PCF) network elements, Unified Data Management (UDM) network elements, Application Function (AF) network elements, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) network elements, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network elements, Session Management Function (SMF) network elements, User Equipment (UE) equipment, (Radio)Access Network ((R)AN) equipment, User Plane Function (UPF) network elements, and Data Network (DN). For ease of description, the Policy Control Function network element can be simply referred to as the PCF network element, and the other network elements are similarly described and will not be elaborated further.

[0100] refer to Figure 1A As shown, Nnnsf, Nnef, Nausf, Nnrf, Namf, Npcf, Nsmf, Nudm, and Naf represent the service-based interfaces exhibited by NSSF, NEF, AUSF, NRF, SMF, PCF, SMF, UDM, and AF, respectively; (See reference) Figure 1B As shown, N1 is the reference point between the UE and the AMF, N2 is the reference point between the (R)AN and the AMF, N3 is the reference point between the (R)AN and the UPF, N4 is the reference point between the SMF and the UPF, N6 is the reference point between the UPF and the DN, and so on. N7, N8, etc., all represent the reference points between the corresponding connected network elements, which will not be elaborated here.

[0101] PCF network elements: used to provide policy rules for network entities to implement, and can support a unified policy framework to manage network behavior and access subscription information of the Unified Data Store (UDR).

[0102] UDM network elements are used for unified management of user data, storage of authentication certificates / authentication parameters, and storage and management of permanent user IDs (or UE permanent identifiers (SUbscription Permanent Identifier, SUPI)) of the 5G system, as well as the registration and management of user service network elements (such as AMF, SMF, etc., which currently provide services to terminals).

[0103] AF (Application Element) network elements: These provide various services at the application layer. They can be internal applications of the operator or third-party AF network elements (such as video servers and game servers). If it is an internal AF of the operator, it is in the same trusted domain as other NFs and can directly interact and access other NF network elements such as PCF network elements. However, third-party AF network elements must access other NFs through NEF.

[0104] AMF network element: Used to perform registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management. It provides session management message transmission channels for UE and SMF network elements, and provides authentication and authorization functions for user access. It is the core network control plane access point for terminals and radio, and can be compared with the 4G Mobility Management Entity (MME) entity.

[0105] SMF network elements are responsible for tunnel maintenance, IP address allocation and management, UP function selection, policy implementation and QoS control, billing data collection, roaming, etc.

[0106] UE: This refers to a handheld terminal, laptop computer, subscriber unit, cellular phone, smartphone, wireless data card, personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, tablet computer, wireless modem, handheld device, laptop computer, cordless phone, wireless local loop (WLL) station, machine type communication (MTC) terminal, or other device capable of accessing the network. The terminal device communicates with the access network equipment using some form of air interface technology.

[0107] (R)AN equipment: Equipment that provides access for terminal devices, including RAN equipment and AN equipment. RAN equipment is mainly 3GPP network wireless network equipment, while AN can be access network equipment defined outside of 3GPP. Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment: Primarily responsible for functions such as air interface-side radio resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression, and encryption. The RAN equipment can include various forms of base stations, such as macro base stations, micro base stations (also known as small stations), relay stations, access points, etc. In systems employing different radio access technologies, the names of equipment with base station functions may differ. For example, in 5th generation (5G) systems, it is called RAN or gNB (5G NodeB); in LTE systems, it is called evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB); and in 3rd generation (3G) systems, it is called Node B, etc.

[0108] UPF (User Packet Protection) elements are used for routing and forwarding user data packets, data interaction with external data networks (DNs), QoS processing in the user plane, and implementation of flow control rules (e.g., gating, redirection, traffic redirection). Data networks (DNs) refer to the service network that provides data transmission services to users, such as IMS (IP Multimedia Service), the Internet, etc. Examples include carrier services, Internet services, or third-party services. The UE accesses the data network (DN) through a PDU (Packet Data Unit) session established between the UE and the DN.

[0109] It should be noted that the proposed solution is applicable not only to the aforementioned 5G system architecture, but also to, but not limited to, long term evolution (LTE) communication systems, as well as various future wireless communication systems.

[0110] Furthermore, in 5G systems, to ensure end-to-end service quality, the 5G QoS model architecture applicable to the service quality processing method provided in this application embodiment can be referred to... Figure 2 As shown. Typically, a terminal device (UE) can establish one or more Packet Data Unit (PDU) sessions with a 5G system, and each PDU session can establish one or more Quality of Service (QoS) flows. Each QoS flow can be identified by a Quality of Service Flow Identifier (QFI).

[0111] This 5G QoS model supports two types of QoS flows: one with guaranteed bit rate (GBR QoS flow) and the other without guaranteed bit rate (Non-GBR QoS flow). It can also determine whether the current service flow QoS flow is a GBR QoS flow or a Non-GBR QoS flow based on the corresponding QoS profile, i.e., the QoS configuration file.

[0112] For a GBR QoS flow, its corresponding QoS profile may include the following QoS parameters: 5QI, Allocation and Reservation Priority (ARP), Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate (GFBR), and Maximum Flow Bit Rate (MFBR). Since this QoS profile may also include notification control, GBR QoS flows can be further categorized into GBR QoS flows using notification control and GBR QoS flows not using notification control, depending on whether notification control is included in the QoS profile.

[0113] It is important to note that for GRB QoS flows using Notification control, if the Radio Access Network (RAN) device detects that the corresponding QoS flow resources cannot be satisfied or need to be satisfied again, the RAN device can notify the Session Management Function (SMF) element, which can then initiate a QoS flow deletion or modification process.

[0114] For Non-GBR QoS flows, the corresponding QoS profile may include the following QoS parameters: 5QI, allocation and reservation priority ARP; it may also include the Reflective QoS Attribute (RQA).

[0115] The following is a detailed introduction to the QoS parameters mentioned above:

[0116] (1) 5QI: This is a scalar value that can be used to index the corresponding 5G QoS features. 5QI can include standardized 5QI, pre-configured 5QI, and dynamically allocated 5QI. Among them, standardized 5QI can correspond one-to-one with a set of standardized 5G QoS feature values; the 5G QoS feature values ​​corresponding to pre-configured 5QI are pre-configured in the access network node (AN); the 5G QoS features corresponding to dynamically allocated 5QI are included in the QoS configuration file and sent to the access network node (AN).

[0117] (2) Allocation and reservation of priority ARP: can include priority level, preemption ability and preemption ability.

[0118] (3) Inverted QoS Attribute (RQA): Used to indicate that services using the corresponding QoS flow use inverted QoS;

[0119] (4) Notification control: Used to instruct the RAN whether to notify the network when the GFBR cannot meet the QoS flow usage period;

[0120] (5) Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate GFBR: can represent the bit rate expected to be provided to the GBR QoS flow;

[0121] (6) Maximum Flow Bit Rate (MFBR): This limits the bit rate provided to the GBR QoS flow, i.e., the maximum bit rate provided to the GBR QoS flow. If this bit rate is exceeded, the data packet can be dropped.

[0122] The following section provides a detailed description of the control flow of the GRB QoS flow using Notification control. (Refer to...) Figure 3 As shown, the specific steps may include:

[0123] S300: The terminal UE establishes a PDU session with the network side.

[0124] S301: The UE establishes a GRB QoS flow with the network side using Notification control (the PCF network element can issue PCC rules to the SMF network element, and the SMF network element can send indication information to the Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment according to the PCC rules).

[0125] S302: After a period of time has elapsed since the establishment of the GBR QoS flow, if the RAN device detects that the QoS target of the GBR QoS flow cannot be met, that is, the QoS of the actual guaranteed bit rate service flow does not reach the target QoS, and the configuration file of the GBR QoS flow contains notification control.

[0126] S303: The RAN device sends an N2 message to the Access and Mobility Management (AMF) network element. The N2 message contains the identity ID of the PDU session and N2 SM information. The N2 SM information contains the Quality of Service (QoS) flow identifier (QFI) and is used to indicate that the QoS target of the QoS flow cannot be met.

[0127] S304: The AMF network element sends a request Nsmf_PDUSessionUpdateSMContext to the SMF network element to update the session management context. This request contains the Quality of Service Flow identifier (QFI) and notification.

[0128] S305: After receiving the request, if the SMF network element determines that the dynamic PCC rules can be used for the PDU session, and the GBR QoS flow subscribed to by the PCF network element cannot be satisfied, it needs to indicate this event to the PCF network element. The SMF network element will then execute the session management policy modification procedure and report the event. If the SMF network element determines that the dynamic PCC rules cannot be used for the DNN, the SMF network element can initiate a session modification procedure based on its local policy.

[0129] The process for SMF network elements to modify session management policies may include the following:

[0130] S306: The SMF network element sends Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer to the AMF network element. The message contains N2 SM information and N1 SM container.

[0131] When an SMF network element determines to delete a GBR QoS flow, the N2 SM information contains the PDU session ID and the QoS flow identifier QFI, while the N1 SM container contains the PDU session ID, the affected QoS rules, and the corresponding QoS rule operation (i.e., deletion).

[0132] When an SMF network element determines to modify a GBR QoS flow, the N2 SM information includes the PDU session ID, the QoS flow identifier QFI, and the QoS configuration file; the N1 SM container contains the PDU session ID, the affected QoS rules, and the corresponding QoS rule operations (such as deletion or modification).

[0133] S307: The AMF network element sends an N2 PDU session request to the RAN device. The request includes the N2 SM information mentioned above, as well as an N2 NAS message. The NAS message contains the PDU session ID and the N1 SM container.

[0134] S308: The RAN device can execute (R)AN-specific signaling procedures with the UE based on the information sent by the SMF network element. If the current access is a 3GPP RAN, the UE and AN will perform RRC connection reconfiguration to modify the corresponding RAN device resources.

[0135] S309: The RAN device sends a response message for the N2 session to the AMF network element. This response message contains N2 SM information.

[0136] S310a: The AMF network element sends an Nsmf_PDU Session_Update SM Context service operation to the SMF network element, which includes N2 SM information.

[0137] S310b: The SMF network element returns an Nsmf_PDU Session_Update SM Context response to the AMF network element.

[0138] S311: The UE sends a confirmation message for the PDU session modification command to the RAN device. This message contains the PDU session ID and the N1SM container, wherein the N1SM container is determined by the PDU session modification command.

[0139] S312: The RAN network element forwards the N2 NAS message to the AMF network element.

[0140] S313a: The AMF network element sends a request to the SMF network element to update the session management context, Nsmf_PDU Session_Update SM Context.

[0141] S313b: The SMF network element returns the Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response to the AMF network element.

[0142] The process of modifying a PDU session between an SMF network element and a UPF network element may include steps S314a and S314b.

[0143] S314a: The SMF network element sends a session modification request (N4) to the UPF network element.

[0144] S314b: The UPF network element returns a session modification response (N4) to the SMF network element.

[0145] S315: The SMF network element and the PCF network element execute the session management policy modification process, that is, the SMF network element will notify the PCF network element whether the corresponding PCC rule is executed.

[0146] If the SMF network element has received a notification that "GFBR can no longer be guaranteed", and the NG-RAN equipment determines that GFBR can be guaranteed again, the NG-RAN equipment should send a notification to the SMF network element, such as a notification that "GFBR can be guaranteed again".

[0147] It is important to note that for the control of other QoS flows (i.e., non-GBR QoS flows and GBR QoS flows that do not require notification control), when the RAN device detects that resources cannot be met, it will directly initiate the process of deleting the QoS flow to the SMF network element, rather than reporting indication information, and the SMF network element will determine the control of the QoS flow.

[0148] For example, the service quality flow in the above process can also be called the business flow.

[0149] In summary, for GBR QoS flows that use notification control information, once the GBR QoS flow is established, if the RAN device detects at any time that the QoS of the corresponding GBR QoS flow does not meet the target quality of service, it sends an indication message to the Session Management Function (SMF) network element. The SMF network element can then initiate a process to modify or delete the QoS parameters / attributes of the GBR QoS flow based on this indication message, which is the process of processing the quality of service parameters of the QoS flow.

[0150] However, in the prior art, when (R)AN devices process the QoS parameters / attributes of QoS flow, additional signaling interaction is usually required to accurately process the QoS parameters / attributes, which leads to low efficiency in processing the QoS parameters / attributes of QoS flow.

[0151] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a service quality processing method that can accurately process the service quality of business flows, ensuring that the service quality of business flows meets the corresponding target service quality, and also reducing the signaling interactions involved in the processing.

[0152] This application provides a service quality processing method, which can be applied to, but is not limited to, other methods. Figure 1A-Figure 1B The method describes a 5G system architecture and can be executed by the network element involved in this application or by the chip corresponding to the network element involved. The network element in this application can be a physical entity or a virtual network element. This application does not specifically limit the form of the network element involved.

[0153] See Figure 4 As shown in the figure, this is a flowchart of a specific implementation method provided in an embodiment of this application. The specific method may include the following steps:

[0154] S401: The session management network element receives the first rule from the policy control network element.

[0155] Specifically, the first rule includes direction information and service quality notification control information. The direction information indicates the direction of the first service flow, including uplink and / or downlink directions. The service quality notification control information is used to indicate that when the service quality of the first service flow meets the preset reporting conditions, a notification information is sent to the policy control network element. The first target service quality corresponds to the first service flow.

[0156] Optionally, the preset reporting conditions may include: the service quality of the first business flow does not meet the target service quality of the first business flow, or meets the target service quality of the first business flow. For example, meeting the target service quality of the first business flow can mean re-meeting the target service quality of the first business flow, that is, the state of the first business flow changes from not meeting the target service quality of the first business flow to meeting the target service quality of the first business flow.

[0157] It is important to note that the policy control network element sends the direction information in the first rule to the access network device through the session management network element. This information can be used to instruct the access network device to report the service quality notification information for the corresponding direction, so that the network side can adjust the service quality parameters of the service flow in the corresponding direction. It can also be used as a parameter for the session management network element to bind the rule to the service flow. For example, when the session management network element binds the first rule to the service flow, it needs to consider whether the direction information of the service flow is the same as the direction information in the first rule.

[0158] S402: The session management network element sends direction information and quality of service notification and control information to the access network equipment.

[0159] Optionally, before the session management network element sends direction information and quality of service notification control information to the access network device, the method further includes: the session management network element binding the first rule with the first service flow based on the direction information and quality of service notification control information.

[0160] Specifically, the session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow based on the direction information and quality of service notification control information. This can be implemented in ways including, but not limited to, the following two methods:

[0161] The first implementation method is as follows: The first service flow can be an existing service flow; the session management network element determines that the direction information of the first service flow is the same as the direction information in the first rule, and the service quality notification control information of the first service flow is the same as the service quality notification control information in the first rule; the session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow, and the bound first rule corresponds to the first service flow.

[0162] The second implementation method is as follows: The session management network element creates a first service flow. The direction information of the first service flow is the same as the direction information in the first rule, and the service quality notification control information of the first service flow is the same as the service quality notification control information in the first rule. The session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow, and the bound first rule corresponds to the first service flow.

[0163] Based on this second implementation method, the session management network element sends a first message to the access network device. The first message includes the identification information of the first service flow and the direction corresponding to the first service flow. Through this step, the session management network element informs the access network device of the identification information and direction of the first service flow created by the access network session management network element by sending the first message.

[0164] It should be noted that when executing the above two binding methods, the first rule may also include other information, such as setting parameters / attributes. In this case, the parameters / attributes of this type in the first business flow must be the same as the corresponding parameters / attributes included in the first rule. This application does not make specific restrictions on these other information.

[0165] Furthermore, the step of binding the first rule to the first service flow according to the direction information by the session management network element is an optional step; that is, this step can be executed or not. If the session management network element does not execute this step, it binds the first rule to the first service flow in the manner described in the background technology. If the session management network element executes this binding step, the direction information included in the information of the first service flow sent by the session management network element to the access network device is the same as the direction information included in the first rule. If the session management network element does not execute this binding step, the direction information included in the information of the first service flow sent by the session management network element to the access network device can be the direction information from all PCC rules bound to the service flow. For example, when multiple PCC rules are bound to the same service flow, and the direction information contained in these multiple PCC rules is different, the session management network element needs to issue multiple different directions for the service flow.

[0166] S403: The access network device determines that the service quality of the first service flow in the first direction meets the above-preset reporting conditions, and the first direction includes at least one of the above-mentioned direction information.

[0167] For example, the access network determines that the current uplink stream bit rate does not meet or needs to meet the guaranteed uplink stream bit rate GFBR again.

[0168] S404: The access network device sends a service quality notification message in the first direction to the session management network element.

[0169] The service quality notification information for the first direction is used to notify the first business flow in the first direction that the service quality does not meet the first target service quality or needs to meet the first target service quality again.

[0170] Specifically, the following situations may occur when performing step S404:

[0171] In the first scenario, the session management network element only subscribes to unidirectional quality of service (QoS) notification and control information, such as the QoS notification and control information for the first direction. After the access network device receives this unidirectional information (i.e., uplink or downlink) and the QoS notification and control information from the session management network element, it will only perform QoS testing for that direction. When the access network device determines that the QoS for that direction does not meet or needs to meet the target QoS for the corresponding direction again, it can simply send the QoS notification information to the session management network element without sending the direction information. After receiving the QoS notification information, the session management network element can identify it as the QoS notification information for the first direction.

[0172] The second scenario: The session management network element subscribes to bidirectional service quality notification and control information, namely, service quality notification and control information for the uplink and downlink directions. After the access network device receives the direction information and service quality notification and control information from the session management network element, if the access network device detects that the service quality in a certain direction, such as the service quality in the first direction, does not meet the target service quality for that direction, it needs to send the service quality notification information for the first direction and that direction to the session management network element. The session management network element receives the service quality notification information for the first direction and that direction.

[0173] S405: The session management network element sends information about the first direction and the first service flow to the policy control network element.

[0174] Specifically, the information of the first service flow may include the ID of the service data flow, and may also include indication information of "not satisfied or re-satisfied". Since the information of the first service flow can be used to inform the policy control network element that the service quality parameters of the service flow corresponding to the information of the first service flow need to be adjusted, this application does not specifically limit the information of the first service flow.

[0175] S406: The session management network element receives the second rule from the policy control network element.

[0176] Specifically, the second rule includes a first direction and a second quality of service parameter for the service flow in the first direction. The second quality of service parameter is used to indicate the current quality of service of the service flow in the first direction. The second quality of service parameter is obtained by the policy control network element updating the first quality of service parameter of the service flow in the first direction after receiving the information of the first direction and the first service flow.

[0177] Optionally, the service quality parameters in this application scheme include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: priority level, packet delay budget, maximum data burst, 5G service quality identifier 5QI, and notification control information.

[0178] It should be understood that before executing step S406, since the service quality parameters of the service flow in the first direction already exist on the policy control network element side, i.e., the first service quality parameters, after receiving the information of the first direction and the first service flow sent by the session management network element, the policy control network element determines that the service quality of the first service flow does not meet or needs to meet the first target service quality again. Then, it modifies the first service quality parameter of the first service flow in that direction to the second service quality parameter to ensure that the service quality of the first service flow meets the first target service quality.

[0179] In one implementation, after the session management network element receives the second rule from the policy control network element, the method further includes: the session management network element binding the second rule to the second service flow according to the first direction and the second quality of service parameters.

[0180] Specifically, the session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow based on the first direction and the second quality of service parameters, including but not limited to the following two implementation methods:

[0181] The first implementation method is as follows: the second service flow is a service flow existing in the session management network element. The session management network element determines the direction of the second service flow as the first direction, and the service quality parameters of the second service flow are the same as the second service quality parameters in the second rule. The session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow, and the bound second rule corresponds to the second service flow.

[0182] The second implementation method is as follows: The session management network element creates a second service flow, the direction of the second service flow is the first direction, and the service quality parameters of the second service flow are the same as the second service quality parameters in the second rule; the session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow, and the bound second rule corresponds to the second service flow.

[0183] Based on this second implementation, the session management network element sends a second message to the access network device. This second message includes the identification information of the second service flow and the direction corresponding to the second service flow. Through this step, the session management network element informs the access network device of the identification information and direction of the second service flow created by the access network session management network element by sending the second message.

[0184] It should be noted that when executing the above two binding methods, it is also necessary to determine other information of the second business flow, such as parameters / attributes, which must be the same as the parameters / attributes included in the second rule. This application does not make specific restrictions on parameters / attributes.

[0185] Optionally, the rules mentioned above can be, but are not limited to, PCC rules.

[0186] S407: The session management network element sends the first direction and second quality of service parameters to the access network equipment.

[0187] The second quality of service parameter is the second quality of service parameter for the first business flow.

[0188] In one implementation, the session management network element also needs to send the second quality of service parameters for the first direction and the first service flow to the terminal device.

[0189] It should be understood that the session management network element can simultaneously send the second quality of service parameters of the first direction and the first service flow to the access network device and the terminal respectively, or it can choose not to send the second quality of service parameters of the first direction and the first service flow to the access network device and the terminal respectively.

[0190] It should be noted that before performing all the above-described quality of service processing steps in this application, i.e., before the terminal device interacts or communicates with the network side, a session connection, such as a PDU session, has already been established between the terminal and the network side. Furthermore, since the PCF network element can adjust parameter / attribute values ​​in a specific direction without relying solely on QNC, steps S406-S407 can be executed separately from steps S401-S405; that is, steps S406-S407 can be performed independently.

[0191] In summary, Figure 4 In one specific implementation method, the session management network element receives a first rule from the policy control network element and sends the direction information and quality of service (QoS) notification control information included in the first rule to the access network device. This QoS notification control information is used to indicate when the QoS of a first service flow does not meet the first target QoS or needs to be restored to meet the first target QoS, and then sends notification information to the policy control network element. When the access network device detects that the QoS of the first service flow in the first direction does not meet the first target QoS or needs to be restored to meet the first target QoS, the access network device sends the QoS notification information for the first direction to the session management network element. After receiving the QoS notification information for the first direction, the session management network element sends information about the first direction and the first service flow to the policy control network element. Thus, the policy control network element can accurately process the first service flow in the first direction based on the information about the first direction and the first service flow, so that the QoS of the first service flow in the first direction can meet the first target QoS. Furthermore, the information transmitted during the QoS processing carries direction information, eliminating the need for additional direction information transmission interactions, thereby reducing additional signaling interactions during the QoS processing.

[0192] Based on the specific implementation method provided in the above embodiments, the method of this application will be described in detail below with reference to a specific embodiment. (Reference) Figure 5 As shown, the network-side execution object involved in this embodiment is a network element, and the PCF network element in this embodiment is the aforementioned Figure 4 The strategy control network element in this embodiment, the SMF network element is as described above. Figure 4 The session management network element in this embodiment, the AN device is the one described above. Figure 4 The specific implementation process of this embodiment for the access network equipment is as follows:

[0193] S500: The UE establishes a PDU session with the network side.

[0194] The terminal UE establishes a PDU session with the network side. For details, please refer to existing technical solutions. This application will not provide specific details.

[0195] It should be understood that the network side mainly involves, but is not limited to: access network equipment, SMF network elements, and PCF network elements.

[0196] S501: The PCF network element sends the first PCC rule to the SMF network element.

[0197] For example, the first PCC rule includes direction information and QNC information.

[0198] Accordingly, the SMF network element receives the first PCC rule.

[0199] Specifically, the direction information indicates the direction of the first service flow, including the uplink and / or downlink directions. The QNC information is used to indicate when the service quality of the first service flow does not meet the first target service quality or when it meets the first target service quality again, and sends a notification to the PCF network element. The first target service quality corresponds to the first service flow.

[0200] For example, if the direction information in the first PCC rule includes the uplink direction, then the QNC information can be used to indicate when the service quality of the current uplink traffic flow does not meet or needs to meet the target service quality for the corresponding direction, and send a notification to the PCF network element. If the direction information in the first PCC rule includes the downlink direction, then the QNC information can be used to indicate when the service quality of the current downlink traffic flow does not meet or needs to meet the target service quality for the corresponding direction, and send a notification to the PCF network element.

[0201] It should be noted that step S501 corresponds to step S401 above and can be referred to each other.

[0202] Furthermore, the QNC information and corresponding direction information included in the first PCC rule can be set to QNC + direction information, or it can be set to a single parameter. That is, a single parameter can indicate that QNC information is required in the uplink direction, and another single parameter can indicate that QNC information is required in the downlink direction. This application does not specifically limit how the parameters are set. For example, if the QNC information and corresponding direction information included in the first PCC rule can be set to A, it can indicate that when the service quality of the uplink service flow does not meet or re-meets the target service quality of the corresponding direction, a notification message can be sent to the PCF network element; if the QNC information and corresponding direction information included in the first PCC rule can be set to B, it can indicate that when the service quality of the downlink service flow does not meet or re-meets the target service quality of the corresponding direction, a notification message can be sent to the PCF network element.

[0203] S502: The SMF network element binds the first PCC rule to the first service flow.

[0204] For example, a service flow can be a QoS flow.

[0205] Specifically, after receiving the first PCC rule, the SMF network element determines whether a first service flow already exists in the SMF. The direction information of the first service flow is the same as the direction information included in the first PCC rule, and the quality of service notification control (QNC) information of the first service flow is the same as the quality of service notification control (QNC) information included in the first PCC rule.

[0206] It should be understood that other parameters of the first business flow must also be the same as the corresponding parameters included in the first PCC rule. This application does not specifically limit the specific parameter types.

[0207] If the first service flow already exists in the SMF network element, the SMF network element binds the first PCC rule to the first service flow; if the first service flow does not exist in the SMF network element, the SMF network element creates the first service flow, then binds the first PCC rule to the created first service flow, and the SMF network element sends a first message to the AN device, the first message including the identification information of the first service flow and the direction corresponding to the first service flow.

[0208] It should be understood that the direction information of the first service flow created by the SMF network element is the same as the direction information in the first PCC rule, and the QNC information of the created first service flow is the same as the QNC information in the first PCC rule. In addition, other parameters of the first service flow created by the SMF network element are also the same as the corresponding parameters included in the first PCC rule. This application does not specifically limit the specific parameter types.

[0209] It should be noted that step S502 corresponds to the binding process in step S402 above and can be referred to each other. Furthermore, step S502 is optional; the SMF network element may or may not perform this step, and this application embodiment does not specify a particular requirement.

[0210] S503: The SMF network element sends direction information and QNC information to the AN device.

[0211] Accordingly, the AN device receives the direction information and QNC information.

[0212] Specifically, the direction information and QNC information can be carried in a first quality of service file, such as a QoS Profile, and sent by the SMF network element to the AN device.

[0213] It should be noted that step S503 corresponds to step S402 above and can be referred to interchangeably. Furthermore, if the SMF network element has already performed the binding step in step S502, the direction information sent by the SMF network element to the AN device includes the direction of the first service flow. If the SMF network element has not performed the binding step in step S502, the direction information sent by the SMF network element to the AN device is the same as the direction information included in the first PCC rule.

[0214] S504: The AN device sends a service quality notification message in the first direction to the SMF network element. The service quality notification message in the first direction is used to notify that the service quality of the first service flow in the first direction does not meet the first target service quality or to meet the first target service quality again. The first direction includes at least one of the above-mentioned direction information.

[0215] Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives the service quality notification information in the first direction.

[0216] Specifically, after the AN device receives the QoS Profile carrying direction information and QNC information, based on the direction information included in the QoS Profile, such as the first direction, if the AN device determines that the service quality of the service flow in the first direction does not meet or needs to meet the target service quality of that direction again, the AN device sends the service quality notification information of the first direction to the SMF network element.

[0217] It is important to note that if the SMF network element only subscribes to unidirectional QNC information, or has already performed the binding in step S502 above (i.e., unidirectional binding), the AN device does not need to send direction information to the SMF network element. The SMF network element can determine the corresponding direction itself after receiving the quality of service notification information. However, if the SMF network element subscribes to bidirectional QNC information and has not performed the binding in step S502 above, then when the AN device sends the quality of service notification information to the SMF network element, it also needs to send the corresponding direction information, i.e., the information for the first direction. Only then can the SMF network element determine that the parameters / attributes of the quality of service in the corresponding direction need to be updated and further report this to the PCF network element.

[0218] It should be noted that step S504 corresponds to steps S403 and S404 above and can be referred to each other.

[0219] S505: The SMF network element sends a service quality notification message in the first direction to the PCF network element.

[0220] Correspondingly, the PCF network element receives the service quality notification information in the first direction.

[0221] Specifically, the service quality notification information in the first direction sent by the SMF network element to the PCF network element in step S505 is the same as the service quality notification information in the first direction received by the SMF network element from the AN device in step S504 above. This service quality notification information in the first direction is used to notify that the service quality of the first service flow in the first direction does not meet the first target service quality or needs to meet the first target service quality again. It can also instruct the PCF network element to adjust the service quality parameters / attributes of the service flow in the first direction, i.e., the service quality parameters of the service quality.

[0222] Optionally, service quality parameters / attributes may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: priority level, packet delay budget, maximum data burst size, service quality identifier, and notification control information.

[0223] It should be noted that step S505 corresponds to step S405 above and can be referred to each other.

[0224] S506: The PCF network element updates the first PCC rule based on the service quality notification information in the first direction, and obtains the second PCC rule.

[0225] Specifically, after receiving the service quality notification information for the first direction, the PCF network element updates or adjusts the service quality parameters / attributes for the service flow in the first direction, thus obtaining updated service quality parameters / attributes for the service flow in the first direction. This application does not specifically limit the method used by the PCF network element to update or adjust the service quality parameters / attributes for the service flow in this direction.

[0226] It should be noted that after the PCF network element receives the service quality notification information in the first direction from the SMF network element, the PCF network element can further send the service quality notification information in the first direction to the AF network element.

[0227] S507: The PCF network element sends a second PCC rule to the SMF network element. The second PCC rule includes the service quality parameters / attributes of the service flow in the first direction and the updated first direction.

[0228] It should be noted that step S507 corresponds to step S406 above and can be referred to each other.

[0229] S508: The SMF network element binds the second PCC rule to the second service flow.

[0230] Specifically, after receiving the second PCC rule, the SMF network element determines whether a second service flow already exists in the SMF. The direction information of the second service flow is the same as the direction information included in the second PCC rule, and the quality of service parameters / attributes of the second service flow are the same as the quality of service parameters / attributes of the updated first-direction service flow included in the second PCC rule.

[0231] If the second service flow already exists in the SMF network element, the SMF network element will bind the second PCC rule to the second service flow, and the bound second PCC rule will correspond to the second service flow.

[0232] If the second service flow does not exist in the SMF network element, the SMF network element creates the second service flow and binds the second PCC rule to it. Additionally, the SMF network element sends a second message to the AN device, which includes the identifier information of the second service flow created by the SMF network element and the direction corresponding to the second service flow.

[0233] It should be noted that this second service flow is different from the first service flow in step S502 above.

[0234] It should be noted that step S508 corresponds to the binding process in step S406 above, and they can be referred to each other.

[0235] S509: The SMF network element sends the first direction and updated first direction service flow quality parameters / attributes to the AN device.

[0236] Accordingly, the AN device receives the quality of service parameters / attributes of the service flow in the first direction and the updated first direction.

[0237] Optionally, the SMF network element can send the quality of service parameters / attributes of the first-direction and updated first-direction service flows to the AN device, which can be carried in a second quality of service file, such as a QoS Profile.

[0238] It should be noted that step S509 corresponds to step S407 above and can be referred to in each other.

[0239] S510: The SMF network element sends first-direction information and updated first-direction QoS parameters / attributes to the UE.

[0240] Optionally, the SMF can send the first-direction information and the updated first-direction QoS parameters / attributes to the UE in the first-direction QoS rules.

[0241] It should be understood that the SMF network element can perform the above steps S509 and S510 simultaneously, or it can perform the above steps S509 and S510 separately. This application does not make any specific limitations.

[0242] It should be noted that since PCF network elements can adjust the quality of service parameters / attribute values ​​of a service flow in a certain direction not only based on QNC, the above steps S507-S510 can also be executed separately from the above steps S501-S506, that is, S507-S510 can be executed as a separate instance.

[0243] In summary, this Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the network side can send uplink and / or downlink direction information, as well as service quality (SQM) notification and control information, to the access network device. The access network device can detect the SQM of the current service flow. If it is determined that the SQM of a service flow in a certain direction does not meet the target SQM for that direction, it can send SQM notification information for that direction to the SMF network element. The SMF network element further sends the SQM notification information for that direction to the PCF network element, thereby allowing the PCF network element to adjust the SQM parameters / attributes of the service flow in that direction. Therefore, this scheme can ensure that the SQM of the service flows used by the network can meet the corresponding target SQM, while also reducing the signaling overhead in the process of processing the SQM parameters / attributes of the service flows.

[0244] See Figure 6 As shown in the figure, this is a flowchart of another specific implementation method provided by an embodiment of this application. The specific method may include the following steps:

[0245] S601: The session management network element receives the first rule from the policy control network element.

[0246] Specifically, the first rule includes service quality notification control information, such as QNC. This service quality notification control information is used to indicate when the service quality of the uplink or downlink service flow meets the preset reporting conditions and sends a notification to the policy control network element.

[0247] Optionally, the preset reporting conditions include: the service quality parameters of the current business flow in the uplink and downlink directions are different, and the service quality of the first direction does not meet or re-meets the target quality of that direction.

[0248] It should be noted that this first rule only includes service quality notification control information and does not include directional information.

[0249] S602: The session management network element sends service quality notification and control information to the access network equipment.

[0250] Correspondingly, the access network equipment receives the service quality notification and control information.

[0251] Step S602 can be referred to step S402 above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0252] It should be noted that the session management network element only sends service quality notification and control information to the access network equipment, and does not send direction information.

[0253] Optionally, before the session management network element sends the quality of service notification control information to the access network device, the method further includes: the session management network element binding the first rule to the first service flow based on the quality of service notification control information. The specific binding method can be found in step S402 above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0254] S603: The access network device determines that the service quality of the service flow in the first direction meets the preset reporting conditions, and the first direction is either the uplink direction or the downlink direction.

[0255] Specifically, after receiving the service quality notification control information, if the access network device determines that the service quality parameters of the current service flow in the uplink and downlink directions are different, and determines that the service quality in the first direction does not meet or needs to meet the target quality in that direction again, then it executes the following step S604.

[0256] S604: The access network device sends information and quality of service notification information in the first direction to the session management network element. The quality of service notification information is used to indicate that the quality of service of the service flow in the first direction does not meet or needs to be re-met the target quality of the direction.

[0257] S605: The session management network element sends notification information about the service flow in the first direction to the policy control network element.

[0258] Step S605 can be referred to step S405 above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0259] S606: The session management network element receives the second rule from the policy control network element.

[0260] Step S606 can be referred to step S406 above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0261] S607: The session management network element sends information in the first direction and the second quality of service parameter of the first direction to the access network device.

[0262] Step S607 can be referred to step S407 above, and will not be described in detail here.

[0263] S608: The session management network element sends information in the first direction and the second quality of service parameter of the first direction to the terminal device.

[0264] It should be understood that the above steps S607 and S608 can be performed simultaneously or not simultaneously, and this application does not make specific limitations in this regard.

[0265] It should be noted that since PCF network elements can adjust the parameter / attribute values ​​in a certain direction without relying on QNC, the above steps S606-S608 can be executed separately from the above steps S601-S605, that is, steps S606-S608 can be executed independently.

[0266] In summary, Figure 6 In another specific implementation method shown, the session management network element receives a first rule from the policy control network element, and then sends the service quality notification control information included in the first rule to the access network device. This service quality notification control information is used to indicate when the service quality of the first service flow does not meet the first target service quality or needs to be restored to meet the first target service quality, and sends notification information to the policy control network element. When the access network device detects an asymmetry between the current uplink and downlink service flows, and the service quality of the service flow in the first direction does not meet or needs to be restored to meet the target quality for that direction, the access network device sends the service quality notification information for the first direction and the first direction to the session management network element. After receiving the service quality notification information and the first direction, the session management network element sends the information of the first service flow in the first direction to the policy control network element. This allows the policy control network element to accurately process the first service flow in the first direction so that the service quality of the first service flow in the first direction can meet the first target service quality.

[0267] Based on another specific implementation method provided in the above embodiments, the method of this application will be described in detail below with reference to a specific embodiment. (Reference) Figure 7 As shown, the network-side execution object involved in this embodiment is a network element, and the PCF network element in this embodiment is the aforementioned Figure 6 The strategy control network element in this embodiment, the SMF network element is as described above. Figure 6 The session management network element in this embodiment, the AN device is the one described above. Figure 6 The specific implementation process of this embodiment for the access network equipment is as follows:

[0268] S700: The UE establishes a PDU session with the network side.

[0269] The UE establishes a PDU session with the network side. For details, please refer to existing technical solutions. This application will not provide specific details.

[0270] It should be understood that the network side mainly involves, but is not limited to: access network equipment, SMF network elements, and PCF network elements.

[0271] S701: The PCF network element sends a first PCC rule to the SMF network element. The first PCC rule includes QNC information. The QNC information is used to indicate when the service quality of a service flow does not meet or needs to meet the corresponding target service quality again.

[0272] It should be noted that step S701 corresponds to step S601 above and can be referred to each other.

[0273] S702: The SMF network element binds the first PCC rule to the first service flow.

[0274] Specifically, after receiving the first PCC rule, the SMF network element determines whether the first service flow already exists in the SMF network element. The QNC information of the first service flow is the same as the QNC information included in the first PCC rule, and the other parameters of the first service flow must also be the same as the corresponding parameters included in the first PCC rule. This application does not specifically limit the parameter type.

[0275] If the first service flow already exists in the SMF network element, the SMF network element binds the first PCC rule to the first service flow; if the first service flow does not exist in the SMF network element, the SMF network element creates the first service flow, binds the first PCC rule to the first service flow, and sends a first message to the AN device. The first message includes the identification information of the first service flow created by the SMF network element and the direction corresponding to the identification information of the first service flow.

[0276] It should be understood that the Quality of Service (QNC) information and other parameters of the first service flow created by the SMF network element are the same as the Quality of Service Notification Control (QNC) information and other parameters included in the first PCC rule.

[0277] It should be noted that step S702 corresponds to the binding process in step S602 above, and they can be referred to each other.

[0278] S703: The SMF network element sends QNC information to the AN device.

[0279] Accordingly, the AN device receives the QNC information.

[0280] Optionally, the SMF network element can carry QNC information in a first quality of service file, such as a QoS Profile, and send it to the AN device.

[0281] It should be understood that the QNC information sent by the SMF network element to the AN device is the same as the QNC information in the first PCC rule.

[0282] It should be noted that step S703 corresponds to step S602 above and can be referred to in each other.

[0283] S704: The AN device sends first-direction information and first-direction quality of service notification information to the SMF network element.

[0284] Correspondingly, the SMF network element receives first-direction information and first-direction service quality notification information.

[0285] Optionally, the AN device can carry the first-direction information and the first-direction quality of service notification information in the N2 signaling and send them to the SMF network element.

[0286] Specifically, after receiving the QNC information, the AN device determines that the value of the service quality parameter / attribute in the current uplink direction is different from the value of the service quality parameter / attribute in the downlink direction, and the service quality of the service flow in the first direction does not meet or needs to meet the target service quality in that direction again. In this case, the first direction can be either uplink or downlink. The AN device can send the information of the first direction and the service quality notification information of the first direction to the SMF network element according to the service quality notification control QNC information.

[0287] It should be understood that since the SMF network element cannot determine the direction information, when the AN device determines that the service quality of the service flow in the uplink or downlink direction does not meet or needs to meet the target service quality for the corresponding direction, the AN device also needs to send the corresponding direction information when sending the service quality notification information to the SMF network. Thus, the SMF network element can determine which direction's service quality parameters / attributes need to be adjusted based on the service quality notification information and the corresponding direction information, and then report it to the PCF network element for execution.

[0288] Optionally, service quality parameters / attributes may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: priority level, packet delay budget, maximum data burst size, service quality identifier, and notification control information.

[0289] It should be noted that step S704 corresponds to steps S603 and S604 above and can be referred to each other.

[0290] S705: The SMF network element sends a service quality notification message in the first direction to the PCF network element.

[0291] It should be noted that step S705 corresponds to step S605 above and can be referred to each other.

[0292] S706: The PCF network element updates the first PCC rule based on the service quality notification information in the first direction to obtain the second PCC rule.

[0293] Specifically, after receiving the QoS notification information for the first direction, the PCF network element determines the QoS parameters / attributes of the first-direction service flow based on the information for the first direction included in the notification. Then, it updates or adjusts the QoS parameters / attributes to obtain the updated QoS parameters / attributes of the first-direction service flow.

[0294] It should be noted that after the PCF receives the service quality notification information in the first direction reported by the SMF network element, the PCF network element can further report this information to the AF network element.

[0295] S707: The PCF network element sends a second PCC rule to the SMF network element. The second PCC rule includes information for the first direction and updated service quality parameters / attributes for the first direction service flow.

[0296] Accordingly, the SMF network element receives the second PCC rule.

[0297] It should be noted that step S707 corresponds to step S606 above and can be referred to each other.

[0298] S708: The SMF network element binds the second PCC rule to the second service flow.

[0299] This step S708 corresponds to the binding process in step S607 above, and they can be referenced together.

[0300] S709: The SMF network element sends information for the first direction and updated service quality parameters / attributes for the first direction service flow to the AN device.

[0301] It should be noted that step S709 corresponds to step S607 above and can be referred to in each other.

[0302] S710: The SMF network element sends information for the first direction and updated service quality parameters / attributes for the first direction service flow to the UE.

[0303] It should be noted that step S710 corresponds to step S608 above and can be referred to in each other.

[0304] It should be understood that the SMF network element can execute the above steps S709 and S710 simultaneously, or it can execute the above steps S709 and S710 separately. This application does not make any specific limitations.

[0305] It should be noted that PCF network elements can adjust parameter / attribute values ​​in a certain direction not only based on QNC. Therefore, the above steps S707-S710 can be executed separately from the above steps S701-S706, that is, S707-S710 can be executed as a separate instance.

[0306] In summary, this Figure 7 In the implementation shown, after receiving the QNC information from the network side, the AN device determines that the service quality parameters / attribute values ​​of the current service flow are different in the uplink and downlink directions. If the service quality of the service flow in the first direction does not meet the target service quality for that direction, the AN device needs to send information about the first direction and service quality notification information to the SMF network element. This information is then further sent to the PCF network element, allowing the PCF to know which direction's service quality parameters / attributes need adjustment and to perform that adjustment. Therefore, this scheme ensures that the service quality of the network-used service flows meets the corresponding target service quality while reducing signaling overhead during the processing of service quality parameters / attributes.

[0307] See Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of another specific implementation method provided in this application, which may include the following steps:

[0308] S801: The session management network element receives the first rule from the policy control network element.

[0309] In one implementation, before the session management network element receives the first rule from the policy control network element, the process further includes: the policy control network element receiving service flow demand information from the application function network element, the demand information being used to instruct the policy control network element to send the first rule to the session management network element.

[0310] Specifically, the first rule includes direction information and a set of service quality parameters for the service flow; wherein, the direction information includes uplink and / or downlink directions, and the set of service quality parameters for the service flow includes a first set of service quality parameters and / or a second set of service quality parameters, the first set of service quality parameters including uplink service quality parameters, and the second set of service quality parameters including downlink service quality parameters. For example, the set of service quality parameters for the service flow can be alternative QoS parameters (AQP).

[0311] In one implementation, one or more service quality parameters in the first set of service quality parameters have priority, and one or more service quality parameters in the second set of service quality parameters have priority.

[0312] For example, the service quality parameter set of the above-mentioned business flow can be obtained in, but is not limited to, the following ways:

[0313] First, the acquired service quality parameters are divided into two sets according to two directions: uplink and downlink: a first service quality parameter set and a second service quality parameter set. The first service quality parameter set includes uplink service quality parameters, and the second service quality parameter set includes downlink service quality parameters. Second, for each service quality parameter set, the service quality parameters can be arranged according to their priority level, either from high to low or from low to high, to represent the service quality parameters corresponding to different priorities.

[0314] Referring to Table 1, the Quality of Service (QoS) parameters, taking Packet Delay Budget (PDB) and Guaranteed Stream Bit Rate (GFBR) as examples, are divided into two groups according to uplink and downlink directions. These groups are: a first set of QoS parameters for the uplink direction and a second set for the downlink direction. Each group is arranged according to priority from highest to lowest; that is, priority number 1 is higher than priority number 2, priority number 2 is higher than priority number 3, and so on. In implementation, priorities can also be expressed in the order of arrangement, without needing explicit priority values.

[0315] Table 1

[0316] Priority First set of service quality parameters Second set of service quality parameters 1 PDB1, GFBR1 PDB3, GFBR3 2 PDB2, GFBR1 PDB4, GFBR4 3 PDB2, GFBR2 PDB5, GFBR5 … … …

[0317] It should be noted that the policy control network element can obtain the set of service quality parameters for the aforementioned service flows, and then send this set of service quality parameters, along with the first rule, to the session management network element. Therefore, this application does not specifically limit which network element performs the above division.

[0318] S802: The session management network element sends direction information and a set of quality of service parameters to the access network equipment.

[0319] Correspondingly, the access network device receives the service quality parameter set for this direction information and service quality.

[0320] Optionally, before the session management network element sends the service quality parameter set to the access network device, it further includes: the session management network element binding the first rule to the service flow based on the direction information and the service quality parameter set of the service flow.

[0321] Specifically, the session management network element binds the first rule to the service flow based on the direction information and the service quality parameter set of the service flow. This can be implemented in ways including but not limited to the following two methods:

[0322] The first implementation method is as follows: The session management network element determines that there is a first service flow in the session management network element, the direction information of the first service flow is the same as the uplink direction information in the direction information, and the first service quality parameter set contains the service quality parameters of the first service flow. The session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow; or the session management network element determines that the direction information of the first service flow is the same as the downlink direction information in the first rule, and the second service quality parameter set contains the service quality parameters of the first service flow. The session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow.

[0323] For example, the direction information of the first business flow is the same as the direction information in the first rule, and both are uplink direction information. The first service quality parameter set includes the service quality parameters of the first business flow.

[0324] The second implementation method is as follows: The session management network element creates a first service flow, the direction information of which is the same as the uplink direction information in the direction information, and the first service quality parameter set contains the service quality parameters of the first service flow. The session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow; or the direction information of the first service flow is the same as the downlink direction information in the first rule, and the second service quality parameter set contains the service quality parameters of the first service flow. The session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow.

[0325] In addition, the session management network element also sends a first message to the access network device. The first message includes the identification information of the first service flow created by the session management network element and the direction corresponding to the first service flow.

[0326] Of course, in implementation, the session management network element can also bind the first rule, which contains the set of service quality parameters, to a separate service flow, i.e., there are no other rules bound to that service flow.

[0327] S803: The access network device determines that the service quality of the first service flow in the first direction does not meet the target service quality of the first service flow in the first direction, where the first direction includes the uplink direction and / or the downlink direction.

[0328] Specifically, when the access network device receives the first service flow in the first direction, it detects and determines that the first quality of service parameter of the first service flow in the first direction does not meet the target quality of service parameter of the first service flow in the first direction.

[0329] For example, the access network determines that the current uplink stream bit rate does not meet the guaranteed uplink stream bit rate GFBR.

[0330] S804: The access network device selects a second quality of service parameter from the set of quality of service parameters. The second quality of service parameter is the updated quality of service parameter of the first service flow in the first direction.

[0331] In one implementation, the access network device selects a second quality of service (QoS) parameter based on the QoS parameter set of the first direction and the service flow. Specifically, this includes: first, the access network device selects a set of QoS parameters consistent with the first direction from the QoS parameter set of the service flow; then, the access network device selects the QoS parameter with the highest priority from the QoS parameter set as the second QoS parameter; or, if the first QoS parameter is one of the QoS parameter sets, the access network device selects one or more QoS parameters with a lower priority than the first QoS parameter from the QoS parameter set, and selects the QoS parameter with the highest priority among these one or more QoS parameters as the second QoS parameter.

[0332] It should be understood that the first service quality parameter is the service quality parameter of the business flow in the first direction before the update.

[0333] For example, when the access network device determines that the service quality in the current uplink direction does not meet or needs to meet the target service quality in the uplink direction again, referring to Table 1 above, the access network device can select the service quality parameter with the highest priority from the first service quality parameter set as the service quality parameter of the current uplink traffic flow; or if the service quality parameter of the current uplink traffic flow corresponds to priority 3, then the access network device selects one or more service quality parameters with a priority lower than 3 from the first service quality parameter set, and then selects the service quality parameter with the highest priority from the one or more service quality parameters with a priority lower than 3 as the service quality parameter of the current uplink traffic flow.

[0334] Optionally, the rules mentioned above may be, but are not limited to, PCC rules.

[0335] It should be understood that before all steps of quality of service processing are performed in this application, i.e. before the UE interacts or communicates with the network side, the terminal has already established a session connection with the network side, such as a PDU session.

[0336] After executing step S804, the access network device sends the updated second quality of service parameter for the first direction to the session management network element to modify the session, such as the PDU session.

[0337] In summary, Figure 8In another specific implementation method shown, the access network device receives a set of service quality parameters for the service flow from the session management network element. When the access network device determines that the service quality of the service flow in the first direction does not meet the target service quality of the service flow in that direction, it can select a second service quality parameter as the updated service quality parameter for the service flow in the first direction based on the first direction and the service quality parameter set for that service flow. In this method, when the access network device detects that the service flow in a certain direction does not meet the target service quality of the service flow in that direction, it can update the service quality parameter of the service flow in that direction itself. This not only ensures that the service quality of the service flow in that direction meets the target requirements, but also reduces the system overhead of processing the service quality of that direction.

[0338] Based on the specific implementation method provided in the above embodiments, the method of this application will be described in detail below with reference to a specific embodiment. (Reference) Figure 9 As shown, the network-side execution object involved in this embodiment is a network element, and the PCF network element in this embodiment is the aforementioned Figure 8 The strategy control network element in this embodiment, the SMF network element is as described above. Figure 8 The session management network element in this embodiment, the AN device is the one described above. Figure 8 The specific implementation process of this embodiment for the access network equipment is as follows:

[0339] S900: The UE establishes a PDU session with the network side.

[0340] The UE establishes a PDU session with the network side. For details, please refer to existing technical solutions. This application will not provide specific details.

[0341] It should be understood that the network side mainly involves, but is not limited to: access network equipment, SMF network elements, and PCF network elements.

[0342] S901: The PCF network element sends the first PCC rule to the SMF network element.

[0343] Specifically, the first PCC rule includes direction information and AQP, i.e., a set of service quality parameters / attributes. When executing step S901, if the first PCC rule includes AQP, the set of service quality parameters / attributes for the service flow can be obtained in the following ways:

[0344] Based on the uplink and downlink directions, the service quality parameters / attributes of the corresponding business flows are divided into two groups: a first set including uplink service quality parameters / attributes and a second set including downlink service quality parameters / attributes. Each set is arranged according to the priority value of the business flow, either in ascending order or descending order, as shown in Table 1 (in ascending order, the smaller the priority value, the higher the level). However, in implementation, priority can also be expressed according to the order of arrangement, without needing to explicitly display priority values.

[0345] It should be noted that step S901 corresponds to step S801 above and can be referred to each other.

[0346] Furthermore, before executing step S901, the PCF network element has already performed the aforementioned partitioning for use in subsequent steps; among these, the quality of service parameters / attributes include, but are not limited to, the packet delay budget (PDB) and guaranteed flow bit rate (GFBR) in Table 1 above. Additionally, other quality of service parameters / attributes besides AQP may exist in the PCC rules. It is generally considered that quality of service parameters / attributes other than AQP should be used first, and those within AQP should only be used if they cannot be satisfied.

[0347] S902: The SMF network element binds the first PCC rule to the service flow.

[0348] Step S902 is an optional step. For details, please refer to the binding process described in step S802. It will not be described in detail here.

[0349] S903: The SMF network element sends direction information and AQP to the AN device.

[0350] For example, the AQP is a set of service quality parameters / attributes.

[0351] Optionally, the SMF carries the direction information and AQP in a first quality of service file, such as a QoS Profile or an Alternative QoS Profile, and sends it to the AN device. Multiple Alternative QoS Profiles can be included.

[0352] It should be noted that step S903 corresponds to step S802 above and can be referred to each other.

[0353] S904: When the AN device determines that the service quality of the service flow in the first direction cannot meet the target service quality of the corresponding direction, it reselects the service quality parameters / attributes of the first direction according to the service quality parameter / attribute set, and the first direction is either the uplink direction or the downlink direction.

[0354] It should be noted that step S904 corresponds to step S803 above and can be referred to each other.

[0355] Specifically, after receiving the direction information and AQP, if the AN device determines that the service quality of the service flow in the first direction cannot meet the target service quality of the corresponding direction, firstly, the AN device determines a set consistent with the first direction from the service quality parameter / attribute set. From this set, the service quality parameter / attribute with the highest priority is used as the service quality parameter / attribute of the service flow in the first direction. Alternatively, the AN device selects one or more service quality parameters / attributes with higher priority than the service quality parameter / attribute of the first direction from this set, and then selects the service quality parameter / attribute with the highest priority from these one or more service quality parameters / attributes as the service quality parameter / attribute of the service flow in the first direction.

[0356] For example, when the AN device determines that the GFBR1 in the current uplink direction cannot meet the target GFBR in the uplink direction, the AN device updates the GFBR1 in the current uplink direction to the GFBR with the highest priority in the first set corresponding to the uplink direction. Alternatively, if the priority of the current uplink GFBR1 is 3, the AN device selects one or more GFBRs with a priority less than 3 from the first set, and then updates the GFBR1 in the current uplink direction to the GFBR with the highest priority among the one or more GFBRs.

[0357] According to step S904 above, if the AN device determines that the service quality of the service flow in the first direction still cannot meet the target service quality of the corresponding direction, it can continue to make adjustments or changes by referring to step S904 above, so as to ultimately ensure that the service quality of the current service flow in the first direction meets the target service quality of the corresponding direction.

[0358] In a more specific implementation, if the AN device determines that the service quality of the first-direction traffic flow cannot meet the service quality profile requirements, taking GFBR as an example, the AN device should send a notification to the SMF network element stating "The first-direction GFBR can no longer be guaranteed." Before sending the notification to the SMF network element, the AN device should check (in order of priority for the first direction) whether there is a corresponding GFBR that can satisfy the Alternative QoS Profile. If so, the AN device should instruct the use of the highest priority match to replace the QoS profile and notify the SMF network element; if not, the AN device should send a notification to the SMF network element stating "The first-direction GFBR can no longer be guaranteed" to indicate that the lowest priority Alternative QoS Profile cannot be satisfied (unless specific conditions on the access network side require the release of access network resource QoS flows for this purpose, such as due to radio link failure or internal congestion).

[0359] If the AN device has sent a notification to the SMF network element that "GFBR in the first direction can no longer be guaranteed", and the AN device determines that the QoS requirements currently met in that direction, such as GFBR, PDB, or PER, are different from those indicated in the last notification, i.e., they have improved or deteriorated, then the AN device should send a notification to the SMF network element that "GFBR in the first direction can be guaranteed again" or "GFBR in the first direction can no longer be guaranteed" to indicate the current situation, unless specific conditions on the access network side require the release of access network resource QoS flows for this purpose, such as due to radio link failure or internal congestion.

[0360] AN devices should always attempt to satisfy the quality of service profile, such as the QoS Profile. If this is not possible, they should use a higher-priority match from the Alternative QoS Profile to replace the current quality of service profile. That is, they should use the higher-priority quality of service parameters / attributes in the current direction from the AQP to replace the current quality of service parameters / attributes.

[0361] S905: The AN device sends information for the first direction and the modified QoS parameters / attributes of the service flow in the first direction to the SMF network element to modify the PDU session. The SMF network element can further notify the PCF network element. If the PCF network element has no other instructions, the SMF network element updates the QoS parameters / attributes on the UE. It should be noted that step S905 is optional.

[0362] In summary, this Figure 9In the illustrated embodiment, the PCF network element sends a first set of service quality parameters / attributes for the uplink direction and / or a second set of service quality parameters / attributes for the downlink direction to the AN device via the SMF network element. After obtaining the first or second set, when the AN device determines that the service quality in the first direction does not meet the target service quality for the corresponding direction, it can, according to priority, select service quality parameters / attributes corresponding to other priorities from the first or second set as service quality parameters / attributes for the current direction. This allows for adjustment of the service quality in the current first direction, ensuring that the service quality in the current first direction reaches the corresponding target service quality as much as possible. Moreover, since the service quality attributes / parameters in this embodiment are grouped according to direction information, compared to methods that do not distinguish between directions, the AN device in this application can adjust the service quality attributes / parameters for the current direction more efficiently.

[0363] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application provide a service quality processing apparatus. This apparatus may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the session management network element of the first method embodiment described above. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software implementation. The apparatus may have the following characteristics: Figure 10 The structure shown.

[0364] like Figure 10 As shown, the session management network element 1000 may include a receiving unit 1001, a processing unit 1002, and a sending unit 1003. The specific details of each unit are described below. The receiving unit 1001 is used to receive a first rule from the policy control network element. The first rule includes direction information and quality of service (QoS) notification control information. The direction information indicates the direction of a first service flow, including an uplink direction and / or a downlink direction. The QoS notification control information is used to instruct the policy control network element to send notification information when the QoS of the first service flow meets preset reporting conditions. The sending unit 1003 is used to send the direction information and the notification control information to the access network device. The receiving unit 1001 is used to receive QoS notification information for a first direction from the access network device. The QoS notification information for the first direction is used to notify that the QoS of the first service flow in the first direction meets the preset reporting conditions. The first direction includes at least one of the direction information. The sending unit 1003 is used to send information about the first direction and the first service flow to the policy control network element.

[0365] In one possible implementation, the preset reporting conditions include: the service quality of the first service flow does not meet or is re-met the target service quality in the corresponding direction.

[0366] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1002 can be used to bind the first rule to the first service flow.

[0367] In one possible implementation, when binding the first rule to the first service flow, the processing unit 1002 may specifically be used to: bind the first rule to the existing first service flow, wherein the bound first rule corresponds to the first service flow, the direction information of the first service flow is the same as the direction information in the first rule, and the service quality notification control information of the first service flow is the same as the service quality notification control information in the first rule.

[0368] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1002, when binding the first rule to the service flow, may specifically be used to: create the first service flow, wherein the direction information of the first service flow is the same as the direction information in the first rule, and the service quality notification control information of the first service flow is the same as the service quality notification control information in the first rule; bind the first rule to the first service flow, wherein the bound first rule corresponds to the first service flow.

[0369] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 1003 is further configured to: send a first message to the access network device, the first message including the identification information of the first service flow and the direction corresponding to the first service flow.

[0370] In one possible implementation, the service quality notification information for the first direction includes information about the first direction and the first service flow.

[0371] In one possible implementation, the receiving unit 1001 is further configured to receive a second rule from the policy control network element, the second rule including the first direction and a second quality of service parameter of the service flow in the first direction, the second quality of service parameter being used to indicate the updated quality of service of the service flow in the first direction; the sending unit 1003 is further configured to send the first direction and the second quality of service parameter to the access network device.

[0372] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 1003 is further configured to send the second quality of service parameters of the first direction and the service flow of the first direction to the terminal device.

[0373] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1002 can also be used to bind the second rule to the second business flow.

[0374] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1002, when binding the second rule to the second service flow, may specifically be used to: determine that the second service flow is a currently existing service flow, determine that the direction of the second service flow is the first direction, and that the service quality parameters of the second service flow are the same as the second service quality parameters in the second rule; bind the second rule to the second service flow, and the bound second rule corresponds to the second service flow.

[0375] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1002, when binding the second rule to the second service flow, may specifically be used to: create the second service flow, wherein the direction of the second service flow is the first direction, and the service quality parameters of the second service flow are the same as the second service quality parameters in the second rule; bind the second rule to the second service flow, wherein the bound second rule corresponds to the second service flow.

[0376] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 1003 is further configured to send a second message to the access network device, the second message including the identification information of the second service flow and the direction corresponding to the second service flow.

[0377] In one possible implementation, the quality of service parameters include one or more of the following: priority level, packet delay budget, maximum data burst size, quality of service identifier, and notification control information.

[0378] Based on the same technical concept, embodiments of this application provide a service quality processing apparatus. This apparatus may include modules or units corresponding to the methods / operations / steps / actions described in the above method embodiment of the access network device. These modules or units may be hardware circuits, software, or a combination of hardware circuits and software. The apparatus may also have, for example,... Figure 10 The structure shown, that is, the access network device, may also include a receiving unit 1001, a processing unit 1002, and a transmitting unit 1003.

[0379] The receiving unit 1001 is configured to receive a set of service quality parameters for a service flow in a first direction from a session management network element, wherein the first direction includes an uplink direction and / or a downlink direction; and is also configured to receive a first service flow in the first direction; the processing unit 1002 is configured to determine that the first service quality parameter of the first service flow does not meet the target service quality parameter for that direction; the processing unit 1002 can also be configured to select a second service quality parameter for the first service flow from the set of service quality parameters, wherein the second service quality parameter is an updated service quality parameter for the first service flow.

[0380] In one possible implementation, one or more service quality parameters in the set of service quality parameters have priority.

[0381] In one possible implementation, when the access network device selects a second service quality parameter for the first service flow from the service quality parameter set, the processing unit 1002 is specifically configured to: select the service quality parameter with the highest priority from the service quality parameter set as the second service quality parameter; or select one or more service quality parameters with a lower priority than the first service quality parameter from the service quality parameter set, and use the service quality parameter with the highest priority among the one or more service quality parameters as the second service quality parameter.

[0382] In one possible implementation, the sending unit 1003 can also be used to send the second quality of service parameters of the first direction and the service flow of the first direction to the session management network element.

[0383] In one possible implementation, the quality of service parameters include one or more of the following: priority level, packet delay budget, maximum data burst size, quality of service identifier, and notification control information.

[0384] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of this application also provide a service quality processing device, which employs... Figures 4-9 The steps performed by the session management network element in the method provided in the corresponding embodiment can be the same as those performed by the session management network element in the method provided in the corresponding embodiment. Figure 10 The service quality processing device shown is the same as the 1000 shown. (See also...) Figure 11 As shown, the quality of service processing device 1100 includes a transceiver 1101, a processor 1102, and a memory 1103. The transceiver 1101, processor 1102, and memory 1103 are connected via a bus 1104 to enable data exchange.

[0385] It should be understood that the transceiver 1101 in the quality of service processing device 1100 includes the functions of the sending unit 1001 and the receiving unit 1003 in the quality of service processing apparatus 1000 described above. The transceiver 1101 supports the sending and receiving of information and data between the quality of service processing apparatus 1100 and the access network equipment and policy control network elements in the above embodiments. The memory 1103 stores the program code and data of the quality of service processing apparatus 1100. The processor 1102 calls the program code and data stored in the memory 1103 and executes it. Figures 4-9 The method shown involves the processing of session management network elements and / or other processes used in the technology described in this application.

[0386] In addition, the quality of service processing device 1100 may also include other interfaces, such as fiber optic link interfaces, Ethernet interfaces, microwave link interfaces, copper wire interfaces, etc., to enable the quality of service processing device 1100 to interact with other devices (e.g., access network devices, policy control network elements).

[0387] Optionally, the processor 1102 may be a central processing unit, ASIC, FPGA, or CPLD.

[0388] It should be noted that, Figure 11 The quality of service processing device 1100 shown includes only one transceiver 1101, one processor 1102, and one memory 1103. In actual implementation, the number of transceivers 1101, processors 1102, and memory 1103 can be one or more.

[0389] The same applies. Figure 11 The service quality processing device 1100 shown can also achieve this. Figures 4-9 The method executed by the access network device in the corresponding embodiment can also be the same as... Figure 10 The service quality processing apparatus 1000 shown is the same device. Therefore, the implementation of the service quality processing apparatus 1100, which is not described in detail, can be referred to... Figures 4-9 The relevant descriptions in the methods provided in the corresponding embodiments or Figure 10 The relevant description in the service quality processing device 1000 shown.

[0390] Based on the same concept as the above-described method embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing some instructions. When these instructions are invoked and executed by a computer, the computer can perform the methods involved in any possible design of the above-described method embodiments. In this application, the computer-readable storage medium is not limited; for example, it can be RAM (random-access memory), ROM (read-only memory), etc.

[0391] Based on the same concept as the above method embodiments, this application also provides a computer program product that, when executed by a computer, can perform the methods involved in the method embodiments and any possible designs of the above method embodiments.

[0392] Based on the same concept as the above method embodiments, this application also provides a chip, which may include a processor and an interface circuit, for performing the methods involved in any possible implementation of the above method embodiments, wherein "coupling" means that two components are directly or indirectly combined with each other, and such combination may be fixed or movable, and such combination may allow fluid, electricity, electrical signals or other types of signals to communicate between the two components.

[0393] It should be noted that the "at least one" in the embodiments of this application includes one or more; wherein, "more" means two or more. Furthermore, it should be understood that in the description of this application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, nor as indicating or implying order.

[0394] The terminology used in the following embodiments is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. As used in the specification and appended claims of this application, the singular expressions “a,” “the,” “the,” “the,” and “this” are intended to also include expressions such as “one or more,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this application, “one or more” means one or more (including two); “and / or” describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character “ / ” generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an “or” relationship.

[0395] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0396] The module division in this embodiment is illustrative and represents only one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in each embodiment of this application can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0397] This application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program including instructions for performing the above-described method embodiments.

[0398] This application provides a computer program product containing instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute the above-described method embodiments.

[0399] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. When implemented in software, the above functions can be stored in a computer-readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, wherein communication media include any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a computer. For example, but not limited to, computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, magnetic disk storage media, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible to a computer. Furthermore, any connection can suitably be a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of the medium. As used in embodiments of this application, disks and discs include compact discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital video discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, wherein disks typically magnetically copy data, while discs optically copy data using lasers. The combinations above should also be included within the scope of protection for computer-readable media.

[0400] In summary, the above descriptions are merely embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made based on the disclosure of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A method for processing service quality, characterized in that, include: The session management network element receives a first rule from the policy control network element. The first rule includes direction information and quality of service notification control information. The direction information indicates the direction of the first service flow, including uplink and / or downlink directions. The quality of service notification control information is used to indicate that when the quality of service of the first service flow meets the preset reporting conditions, a notification information is sent to the policy control network element. The session management network element sends the direction information and the notification control information to the access network device; The session management network element receives service quality notification information in the first direction from the access network device. The service quality notification information in the first direction is used to notify that the service quality of the first service flow in the first direction meets the preset reporting conditions. The first direction includes at least one of the direction information. The session management network element sends information about the first direction and the first service flow to the policy control network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset reporting conditions include: the service quality of the first service flow does not meet the target service quality of the first service flow or meets the target service quality of the first service flow.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: the session management network element binding the first rule to the first service flow.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow, including: The session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow. The bound first rule corresponds to the first service flow. The direction information of the first service flow is the same as the direction information in the first rule, and the service quality notification control information of the first service flow is the same as the service quality notification control information in the first rule.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The session management network element binds the first rule to the service flow, including: The session management network element creates the first service flow, the direction information of the first service flow is the same as the direction information in the first rule, and the service quality notification control information of the first service flow is the same as the service quality notification control information in the first rule. The session management network element binds the first rule to the first service flow, and the bound first rule corresponds to the first service flow.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: the session management network element sending a first message to the access network device, the first message including the identification information of the first service flow and the direction corresponding to the first service flow.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The service quality notification information for the first direction includes information about the first direction and the first service flow.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The session management network element receives a second rule from the policy control network element. The second rule includes a second quality of service parameter for the first direction and the service flow in the first direction. The second quality of service parameter is used to indicate the quality of service of the updated service flow in the first direction. The session management network element sends the first direction and the second quality of service parameters to the access network device.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: the session management network element sending the second quality of service parameters of the first direction and the service flow of the first direction to the terminal device.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow, including: The second service flow is the currently existing service flow, the session management network element determines the direction of the second service flow to be the first direction, and the quality of service parameters of the second service flow are the same as the second quality of service parameters in the second rule; The session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow, and the bound second rule corresponds to the second service flow.

12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow, including: The session management network element creates the second service flow, the direction of the second service flow is the first direction, and the quality of service parameters of the second service flow are the same as the second quality of service parameters in the second rule; The session management network element binds the second rule to the second service flow, and the bound second rule corresponds to the second service flow.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: the session management network element sending a second message to the access network device, the second message including the identification information of the second service flow and the direction corresponding to the second service flow.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8-13, characterized in that, The service quality parameters include one or more of the following: priority level, package delay budget, maximum data burst size, service quality identifier, and notification control information.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that, Also includes: The access network device receives the direction information and the quality of service notification control information from the session management network element; The access network device determines that the service quality of the first service flow in the first direction meets the preset reporting conditions, and then sends a service quality notification message for the first direction to the session management network element.

16. A service quality processing apparatus, characterized in that, Including the processor; The processor is configured to read from memory and run a program to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-14, or to implement the method as described in claim 15.

17. A communication system, characterized in that, include: Policy control network elements and session management network elements; The session management network element is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-14; The policy control network element is used to send a first rule to the session management network element. The first rule includes direction information and quality of service notification control information. The direction information indicates the direction of the first service flow, including uplink and / or downlink directions. The quality of service notification control information is used to indicate that when the quality of service of the first service flow meets the preset reporting conditions, a notification information is sent to the policy control network element. The policy control network element is also used to receive information about the first direction and the first service flow from the session management network element.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The system further includes an access network device for performing the method of claim 15.

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