Base station apparatus and method of operating a base station apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure is to realize a technology (method) for guaranteeing mobility of an application server, which enables a terminal to use a data service in real time without interruption even when the application server is changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to ensuring the mobility of servers (application servers).

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0079482, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on June 29, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] 5G communication systems can accommodate as many user equipments (UEs) as possible using limited radio resources and support scenarios such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC).

[0004] Specifically, 5G defines a network architecture for supporting UE, base station (access), core and server in an end-to-end manner.

[0005] Furthermore, 5G separates control signaling functions from data transmission / reception functions, which are complexly performed by individual nodes (e.g., S-GW, P-GW, etc.) in traditional EPS networks (4G). 5G defines a network architecture that divides the network into areas for control signaling functions (control plane) and areas for data transmission / reception functions (user plane).

[0006] Recently, 5G evolution has focused on providing edge services for low-latency applications through nodes closest to the user (UE) (hereinafter referred to as edge nodes). Technologies such as cloud computing and virtualization (VMs / containers) have emerged to support this.

[0007] Due to the characteristics of recently developed applications, from the perspective of the UE, the destination IP (application server IP) changes, and therefore the service IP address changes frequently.

[0008] In particular, due to edge computing technology, there is also the need for exchange between the 5G core network and the public cloud network. Therefore, from the UE's perspective, the destination IP may change frequently.

[0009] As mentioned above, if the destination IP (application server IP) changes frequently from the UE's perspective, it becomes difficult to provide data services to the client / UE in real time, and the service quality may deteriorate.

[0010] However, according to current standards, there is no solution to guarantee data service delivery even when the destination IP changes from the UE's perspective; that is, a specific solution to guarantee the mobility of the application server.

[0011] Therefore, this disclosure provides a detailed scheme to ensure the mobility of application servers, thereby providing a service environment that can achieve improved quality of service and low-latency service. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] One aspect of this disclosure is providing a detailed scheme to ensure the mobility of application servers.

[0014] Technical solutions to the problem

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a base station apparatus may include: a change determination unit configured to determine whether the server address of the data service has changed while a session for service transmission of a data service is established between a user equipment (UE) and a server; and an information transmission unit configured to transmit address information associated with the changed server to the UE when it is determined that the server address of the data service has changed, so that the UE uses the changed server address information to perform the service transmission of the data service.

[0016] Specifically, when a node in the control plane provides a notification of a change in the server for the data service for the UE, the change determination unit is configured to compare the address information of the server based on the notification with the address information of the server used by the UE when performing service transmission of the data service, and determine whether the server address of the data service has changed.

[0017] Specifically, the address information of the server used by the UE for service transmission of the data service can be monitored based on the user plane nodes involved in the session.

[0018] Specifically, in the event of a notification from a node in the control plane regarding a change in the server providing the data service to the UE, the address information transmitted to the UE is transmitted via a message sent to the UE during a user plane reconfiguration process involving adding, removing, or rearranging user plane nodes in the session.

[0019] Specifically, the information transmission unit is configured to send destination information including address information to the UE, and the destination information may include at least one of the following: address information including at least one of the link layer (L2), internet layer (L3), transport layer (L4), and application layer (L7) addresses of the Internet Protocol group associated with the changed server; activation information associated with the time point of service transmission performed using the address information of the changed server; duration information associated with the execution period; information associated with the protocol application scheme used during execution; and information associated with the protocol processing scheme.

[0020] Specifically, the base station device may be at least one node among the nodes of the control plane.

[0021] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a UE device may include: an information receiver configured to receive, from a node in the control plane, modified server address information associated with the server of the data service while a session for service transmission for a data service is established between the UE device and a server; and an application unit configured to perform service transmission for the data service using the modified server address information upon receiving the modified server address information.

[0022] Specifically, when the address information of the server providing the data service based on a notification from the control plane is different from the address information of the server used for the service transmission of the data service in the user plane, the changed server address can be transmitted.

[0023] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an operation method of a base station apparatus may include the following steps: a change determination operation, wherein the change determination operation determines whether the server address of the data service has changed while a session for service transmission of data service is established between a UE and a server; and an information transmission operation, wherein if it is determined that the server address of the data service has changed, the information transmission operation transmits address information associated with the changed server to the UE, so that the UE uses the address information of the changed server to perform service transmission of the data service.

[0024] Specifically, the change determination operation may include the following operations: when a node in the control plane provides a notification of a change in the server for the data service for the UE, comparing the address information of the server based on the notification with the address information of the server used by the UE for service transmission of the data service; and determining whether the server address of the data service has changed based on the result of the comparison.

[0025] Specifically, the address information of the server used by the UE for service transmission of the data service can be monitored based on the user plane nodes involved in the session.

[0026] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0027] According to the embodiments of this disclosure, a detailed scheme for ensuring the mobility of the application server is implemented in such a way that the UE can immediately apply / use the changed address each time the address of the destination IP (application server IP) changes.

[0028] Therefore, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, by ensuring the mobility of the application server, the effect of providing a service environment that enables improved quality and low-latency services for customers is achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of a 5G system.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a base station apparatus (network apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a UE device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 This is an overall flowchart illustrating a scenario for ensuring the mobility of an application server according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of transmitting destination information to the UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an operation method of a base station apparatus (network apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] This disclosure relates to technologies for ensuring the mobility of servers (application servers).

[0037] 5G communication systems receive as many user equipments (UEs) as possible based on a limited number of radio resources and support scenarios such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communication (mMTC), and ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC).

[0038] Specifically, in 5G, a network architecture is defined to support UE, base station (access), core, and server in an end-to-end manner.

[0039] Furthermore, in 5G, the network architecture is defined as a structure in which the control signaling function area (control plane) and the data transmission / reception function area (user plane) are separated by the control signaling function and the data transmission / reception function, which are complexly performed by individual nodes (e.g., S-GW, P-GW, etc.) in traditional EPS networks (4G).

[0040] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of a 5G system.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the control nodes in the control plane of 5G can be defined as: Access and Mobility Function (AMF) which controls the radio part of the UE's access; Session Management Function (SMF) which manages / controls the sessions used to provide data services to each UE; Network Exposure Function (NEF) which is responsible for sharing information with external networks; Network Repository Function (NRF) which manages / controls the information associated with each node in the network; and Application Function (AF) which manages / controls application services.

[0042] In 5G, a data node in the user plane can be defined as a User Plane Function (UPF), which performs data transmission or reception between the UE and the application server based on the control of the SMF (interoperability with the SMF) via a session with the UE.

[0043] In recent years, 5G has evolved to provide low-latency services by having the architecture provide edge services from the node closest to the customer (UE) (hereinafter referred to as edge node), and technologies such as cloud and virtualization (VM / container) have emerged.

[0044] Due to the characteristics of recently developed applications, the following scenario has been observed where the destination IP (application server IP) changes from the UE's perspective, resulting in frequent changes to the service IP address.

[0045] In particular, since edge computing technology has been implemented, there is still a need for exchange between the 5G core network and the public cloud network. Therefore, from the UE's perspective, the destination IP may change frequently.

[0046] As mentioned above, if the destination IP (application server IP) changes frequently from the UE's perspective, it becomes difficult to provide data services to the client / UE in real time, which may degrade the quality for the client.

[0047] However, according to current standards, there is no solution to guarantee data service delivery even when the destination IP changes from the UE's perspective; that is, no specific solution to guarantee the mobility of application servers.

[0048] Therefore, this disclosure provides a detailed solution to ensure the mobility of application servers, thereby providing a service environment that enables improved quality and low-latency services for customers.

[0049] In brief, the technical solution provided in this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the application server mobility assurance technology) enables continuous data monitoring between the UE and the server in the core network, and allows the UE (local cache) to immediately use the changed address when the server address (destination IP) needs to be changed based on monitoring.

[0050] The following will describe a base station apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a network apparatus) embodying the application server mobility guarantee technology provided in this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 2 The configuration of the network apparatus of this disclosure is shown.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the network device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a change determination unit 110 and an information transmission unit 120.

[0053] Furthermore, the network device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a reconfiguration unit 130.

[0054] The network device 100 disclosed herein may be Figure 1 The control nodes of the control plane shown can be SMF or AMF.

[0055] The network device 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can communicate with the control plane NF (AF, NEF, etc.). When the network device 100 is an SMF, the network device 100 can communicate with the user plane NF (e.g., UPF), and when the network device 100 is an AMF, the network device 100 may further include a communication unit 140 for communicating with the (R)AN and UE on the UE side.

[0056] Therefore, the communication unit 140 can support interfaces (request / response, subscription / notification) based on inter-NF communication services defined for communication with NFs (e.g., AF, NEF, etc.) in the control plane, can support N4 interfaces defined for communication with UPF, can support N2 interfaces defined for communication with (R)AN, and can support N1 interfaces defined for communication with UE.

[0057] Given an LTE (NSA) environment, the AMF / SMF can be a 5G MME, and the SMF / UPF can be a 5G SPGW-C / SPGW-U. The network device 100 disclosed herein can correspond to either the 5G MME or the 5G SPGW-C / SPGW-U, or it can correspond to both or more of them.

[0058] In the following description, for ease of description, the network device 100 of this disclosure will be described as AMF / SMF.

[0059] The configuration of the network device 100, in whole or at least in part, can be implemented as a hardware module or a software module, or as a combination of hardware modules and software modules.

[0060] Here, a software module can be considered as instructions executed, for example, by a processor that controls the operations in network device 100, and such instructions can be contained in the memory of network device 100.

[0061] The network apparatus 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure implements the solution provided in the present disclosure through the above configuration, that is, the application server mobility guarantee technology. Hereinafter, each element of the network apparatus 100 for implementing the solution provided in the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0062] While a session for data service transmission is established between the UE and the server, the change determination unit 110 can determine whether the server address for the data service has changed.

[0063] In this case, the solution provided in this disclosure (i.e., the application server mobility assurance technology) can be operable / applicable regardless of whether the session established between the UE and the server is active or idle.

[0064] In other words, the change determination unit 110 can determine whether the server address of the data service has changed relative to the session established between the application in the UE and the corresponding application server for the data service service (regardless of whether the session is active or idle), and can determine whether the server address (e.g., destination IP) from the perspective of the UE (local cache) needs to change.

[0065] Specifically, data services between applications in the UE and the corresponding application server can be performed by distinguishing between the UE's source IP (i.e., client IP) and the server's destination IP (i.e., server IP).

[0066] In this scenario, the UE's IP can be allocated based on the IP pool in the 5G core network (Network Functions, NF), and the server IP can be an IP used in the WAN section / Internet switching and the public Internet.

[0067] From the perspective of Internet architecture, the server address used in this disclosure to determine whether it has changed may be different from the internal IP of the actual server via Network Address Translation (NAT).

[0068] However, fundamentally, from the perspective of the 5G core communication network, the server address used to determine whether it has changed in this disclosure can be the UE's IP address and the address information of the destination corresponding to the end (peer) when the corresponding UE performs service transmission (send / receive). (e.g., MAC address, IP address, transport address, application address, etc.)

[0069] The following text will describe in detail whether the server address of the data service has changed, that is, the process of determining whether the UE (local cache) needs to change the server address (e.g., destination IP).

[0070] Upon receiving a notification from a node in the control plane that is associated with a change in the server for data services for the UE, the change determination unit 110 can compare the address information of the server based on the notification with the address information of the server used by the UE for service transmission of data services, and can determine whether the server address for data services has changed.

[0071] In this case, the address information of the server used by the UE for service transmission of data services can be monitored based on the user plane nodes (that is, UPF) involved in the session.

[0072] The application server corresponding to the data server (peer) of the UE mentioned in this disclosure can be a public server in the public / cloud Internet, a cloud server, or an edge server implemented close to the customer (UE) for edge services.

[0073] According to the implementation method, it can be assumed that in the following state, a service transmission (PDD session) for data service is established between APP_1 being executed in the UE and the application server (hereinafter referred to as AS1) of the service APP_1.

[0074] In this state, the UE can use the address information of AS1 (e.g., IP) to perform service transmission for APP_1. AS1 is the application server corresponding to the end (peer) of APP_1 service.

[0075] Under this assumption in the implementation of APP_1, if an event occurs in which the destination IP (application server IP) of the APP_1 service changes while providing the APP_1 service (e.g., AS1→AS2), the AF of the control plane can directly provide the notification of the above event to the SMF, or can indirectly provide the above event to the SMF via the NEF after the AS change based on the event has been successfully completed.

[0076] In order to receive such AS change notifications, when establishing a session for a data service (APP service), the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) of this disclosure can register the receipt of notifications in the AF according to the operator policy and the customer's (UE) subscription information.

[0077] Therefore, the change determination unit 110 can receive server change notifications (e.g., AS1→AS2) associated with data services (e.g., APP_1 service) for the UE (e.g., APP_1) from the control plane node (that is, the AF mentioned above).

[0078] In addition to the scheme of providing notifications by nodes in the control plane (e.g., AF, NEF), the above-mentioned server change notifications can be received based on the monitoring of nodes in the user plane (i.e., UPF), or the above-mentioned server change notifications can be received at the time point when the change is predicted (i.e., before the application server IP changes).

[0079] In other words, in this disclosure, a notification scheme for receiving server change notifications (e.g., AS1→AS2) can be applied without limiting the notification subject, notification point, notification conditions, etc. in the core and / or public networks, and the notification scheme can be transmitted to the UE.

[0080] The network device 100 (AMF / SMF) disclosed herein can monitor the data service (data packets) between the application in the UE and the corresponding application server.

[0081] According to the implementation, when data transmission or reception is performed between the UE and the application server via a session with the UE, the UPF can identify the destination IP in the data of a pre-defined subscriber (e.g., a subscriber / APP registered by the SMF in the AF for notification reception) and can transmit the destination IP to the SMF (e.g., application detection and control (ADC) operation).

[0082] Therefore, the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) of this disclosure can continuously monitor the address information (e.g., IP) of the server used for service transmission for each application session in the UE based on the identification / transmission of the above-mentioned UPF.

[0083] To reiterate, if the change determination unit 110 receives a server change notification (e.g., AS1→AS2) from the AF in association with a session for a data service (e.g., APP_1 service) for the UE (e.g., APP_1 service), the change determination unit 110 can compare the address information (e.g., IP) of the server (e.g., AS2) based on the notification with the address information of the server (e.g., AS1) used by the UE (e.g., APP_1) for the service transmission of the data service (e.g., APP_1 service) (that is, the address information (e.g., IP) of the monitored current server (e.g., AS1)).

[0084] If the address information (e.g., IP) of the server (e.g., AS2) based on the notification from the control plane is the same as the address information (e.g., IP) of the current server (e.g., AS1) monitored in the user plane, the change determination unit 110 can determine that the server address of the data service (e.g., APP_1 service) has not changed.

[0085] Conversely, if the address information (e.g., IP) of a server (e.g., AS2) based on notifications from the control plane differs from the address information (e.g., IP) of the current server (e.g., AS1) monitored in the user plane, the change determination unit 110 can determine that the server address of the data service (e.g., APP_1 service) has changed, and can determine that the server address (e.g., destination IP) of the UE (local cache) needs to be changed.

[0086] As described above, based on predetermined identifiers such as application ID and slice ID, the change determination unit 110 can distinguish each application executed by the UE and determine whether the session (whether active or idle) for each application in the UE needs to change the server address (destination IP) of the UE (local cache).

[0087] When it is necessary to change the server address of the data service, the information transmission unit 120 can transmit the changed server address information to the UE, so that the UE can use the changed server address information to perform data service transmission.

[0088] The following description will refer to the AS1→AS2 case (that is, the case where the server for the APP_1 service is changed to AS2 while a session is being established between the UE (APP_1) and AS1 serving APP_1 for the service transmission of APP_1).

[0089] In this example, by determining that the server address of the data service (e.g., APP_1 service) has changed (e.g., AS1→AS2), the information transmission unit 120 can immediately transmit the address information (e.g., IP) of the changed server (e.g., AS2) to the corresponding UE (APP_1).

[0090] In this way, the corresponding UE (APP_1) can receive the changed server address information (e.g., AS2IP) transmitted from the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) of this disclosure. Immediately after receiving the changed server address information (e.g., AS2IP), it can use the address information (e.g., IP) of the application server corresponding to the end (peer) of the APP_1 service to perform the service transmission of the APP_1 service. Therefore, even when the application server changes, the UE (APP_1) can provide the APP_1 service in real time and seamlessly.

[0091] The following text will describe in detail the process of transmitting the changed server address information to the corresponding UE.

[0092] In the event of a report of changes to the server providing data services to the UE from a node in the control plane (e.g., the AF mentioned above), the reconfiguration unit 130 may perform user plane reconfiguration by adding, removing, or rearranging user plane nodes (i.e., UPFs) involved in the session.

[0093] The description will be provided with reference to the AS1→AS2 case (that is, the case where the server for the APP_1 service is changed to AS2 while a session for the service transmission of the APP_1 service between the UE (APP_1) and AS1 serving APP_1 is established, as described in the hypothetical implementation).

[0094] In this example, when a notification is provided from a node in the control plane (i.e., the aforementioned AF) regarding a server change (e.g., AS1→AS2) for a data service (e.g., APP_1 service) for a UE (e.g., APP_1), the reconfiguration unit 130 can be triggered by the notification to perform user plane reconfiguration of the UPF involved in the corresponding UE session (e.g., APP_1), such as adding, removing, or rearranging the UPF.

[0095] In this example, the information transmission unit 120 can immediately transmit the changed address information (e.g., IP) of the server (e.g., AS2) to the corresponding UE by utilizing the message sent to the corresponding UE (APP_1) during the user plane reconfiguration process.

[0096] For example, the information transmission unit 120 may utilize messages first sent to the corresponding UE during the user plane reconfiguration process, such as the NAS PCO's PDU session modification / update command.

[0097] In addition, the information transmission unit 120 can send destination information, including address information associated with the changed server (e.g., AS2), to the corresponding UE (APP_1).

[0098] In other words, the information transmission unit 120 can send destination information to the corresponding UE (APP_1). In addition to the changed server (e.g., AS2) address information (e.g., IP) provided via notification from the AF, the destination information also includes / includes the conditions to be applied when the corresponding UE (APP_1) uses the changed server address information (e.g., AS2IP).

[0099] Destination information may include address information, which includes at least one of the following: a link layer (L2) address, an internet layer (L3) address, a transport layer (L4) address, and an application layer (L7) address associated with the changed server.

[0100] In other words, the address information included in the destination information can be distinguished based on the destination address included in the link layer (L2), internet layer (L3), transport layer (L4), and application layer (L7) according to the Internet Protocol Group (IPG). For example, L2 can be the destination address of a MAC address, L3 can be an IP (v4 or v6) address, L4 can be a transport (TCP, UDP, SCTP, DCCP) address, and L7 can be an application (S / FTP, HTTP / S URL / URI / URN) address.

[0101] In addition, the destination information may have a configuration of at least one of the following: activation information associated with the time point when the business transmission is performed using the changed server address information, duration information associated with the execution period, information associated with the protocol application scheme at the time of execution, and information associated with the protocol processing scheme.

[0102] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of transmitting destination information to the UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Figure 5 Assume the UE is in the states APP_1, APP_2, ..., APP_N. In this disclosure, for each application session, the first address information is the address information of the monitored current server, and the second address information is the changed address information of the server transmitted to the UE.

[0104] like Figure 5 As shown, the address information of the current / changed server is not limited to the IP address mainly mentioned in the above embodiments, but can also be a port, URL or URI.

[0105] like Figure 5 As shown, the "Second Activation" information defines when a service transmission using the delivered second address information will be executed, and the "Second Duration" information defines how long the service transmission using the delivered second address information will be executed.

[0106] Additionally, the "Protocol Application Scheme" information for the second item defines which stream (e.g., the current stream, the new stream) is applied first when a service transmission using the delivered second address information is executed. The "Protocol Processing Scheme" information for the second item defines the processing scheme to be applied when a service transmission using the delivered second address information is executed (e.g., encapsulation scheme, via TCP, via UDP).

[0107] Here, activation information, duration information, and protocol application scheme information can be predicted and determined in the core and / or public networks.

[0108] For example, in the case of activation information, taking into account the time / location / processing time spent switching servers (e.g., AS1→AS2) (the time period spent in order to reach a state where AS1→AS2 is fully ready and able to receive services), the AMF / SMF can determine (including notification) and set the definition of when to execute service transmission using the delivered second address information.

[0109] Figure 5 An example of the configuration of destination information is shown, which transmits changes in server addresses in association with two sessions of APP_1 and one session of APP_2 among the sessions of APP_1, APP_2, ..., APP_N being executed in the UE.

[0110] Based on the above information, the corresponding UE can receive, for example... Figure 5 The destination information is shown. In this example, based on the received destination information, service transmission using the second address information can be performed by applying the corresponding activation information, duration information, and protocol application / processing scheme to each of the two sessions of APP_1, and service transmission using the second address information can be performed by applying the activation information, duration information, and protocol application / processing scheme to one session of APP_2.

[0111] Therefore, even when the application server changes, the UE (APP_1, APP_2) can still provide APP_1 service and APP_2 service in real time and seamlessly.

[0112] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 3 The configuration of the UE device implementing the application server mobility guarantee technology of this disclosure is described in detail.

[0113] like Figure 3 As shown, the UE device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an information receiver 210 and an application unit 220.

[0114] The UE device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a communication unit 230 for communicating with the (R)AN (that is, gNB) and AMF of the radio portion.

[0115] Therefore, the communication unit 230 can support an N2 interface for communicating with (R)AN (that is, gNB) and an N1 interface defined for communicating with AMF.

[0116] The configuration of the UE device 200, in whole or at least in part, can be implemented in the form of hardware modules or software modules, or in a combination of hardware modules and software modules.

[0117] Here, a software module can be considered as instructions executed, for example, by a processor that controls the operations in the UE device 200, and such instructions can be contained in the memory of the UE device 200.

[0118] The UE device 200 according to the embodiments of this disclosure implements the solution provided in this disclosure through the above configuration, that is, the application server mobility guarantee technology. Hereinafter, each element in the UE device 200 for implementing the solution provided in this disclosure will be described in detail.

[0119] In the state where a session for data service transmission between UE device 200 and server has been established, information receiver 210 can receive the changed server address information associated with the server providing the data service and transmitted from a node in the control plane.

[0120] Here, when the address information of a server providing data services based on a notification from the control plane differs from the address information of a server used for business transmission of data services in the user plane, the changed server address information can be transmitted.

[0121] Specifically, as described in the detailed description of network device 100, the AMF / SMF (network device 100) can continuously monitor the address information of the current server for service transmission of each APP service in the User Plane Function (UPF) for each application session in UE device 200.

[0122] In the event that the control plane (AF) provides notification of a server change (e.g., AS1→AS2) associated with a data service (e.g., APP_1 service) session with UE device 200, the AMF / SMF (network device 100) can compare the address information (e.g., IP) of the server (e.g., AS2) based on the notification from the control plane (AF) with the address information (e.g., IP) of the current server (e.g., AS1) monitored in the user plane function (UPF).

[0123] If the address information (e.g., IP) of the notification-based server (e.g., AS2) is different from the address information (e.g., IP) of the current server (e.g., AS1), the AMF / SMF (network device 100) can determine that the server address (e.g., destination IP) used for the UE device 200 needs to be changed, and can transmit the changed server address information (e.g., AS2IP) to the UE device 200.

[0124] Therefore, in the state of establishing a session for APP services for each application (e.g., APP_1, APP_2, ... APP_N) executed in UE device 200, information receiver 210 can receive the changed server address information transmitted from the node of the control plane (that is, AMF / SMF (network device 100)).

[0125] According to a more detailed implementation, the information receiver 210 can receive destination information, which includes modified server address information transmitted from the AMF / SMF (network device 100) and various conditions input through the SMF.

[0126] Upon receiving the modified server address information (more specifically, destination information), the application unit 220 can use the modified server address information (e.g., AS2IP) to perform the corresponding data service (e.g., APP service) business transmission.

[0127] For example, in the state of establishing a session for each application (e.g., APP_1, APP_2, ... APP_N) that is being executed in the UE device 200, it can be assumed that a server change event (e.g., AS1→AS2) may occur only for the application server (AS1) of service APP_1.

[0128] In this example, Figure 5In the example of destination information configuration shown, only the information associated with the session of "APP_1" (second address information, activation information, duration information, protocol application / processing scheme) can be changed in the configuration and can be transmitted / sent to the UE device 200 by the SMF.

[0129] In this example, application unit 220 (application layer) can receive destination information from the lower layer that receives destination information, and after receiving the destination information, it can immediately apply each of the activation information, duration information and protocol application / processing scheme to the session of APP_1 based on the destination information, so as to perform service transmission using the second address information (modified server address information (e.g., AS2IP)) of the application server corresponding to the end (peer) of the APP_1 service.

[0130] Therefore, even when the application server changes, the UE device 200 (APP_1) can provide APP_1 services seamlessly in real time.

[0131] Figure 4 This is an overall flowchart illustrating an example of an application server mobility guarantee scenario of the present disclosure based on the configuration of the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) and UE device 200 described above.

[0132] like Figure 4 As shown, when the UE sends (sends / receives) data services via a session, the UPF can perform data sending or receiving between the UE and the application server (AS1) via a session with the UE.

[0133] In this example, when data transmission or reception is performed between the UE and the application server (AS1), the UPF can identify the destination IP in the data and can transmit the destination IP to the SMF (e.g., application detection and control (ADC) operation).

[0134] Therefore, in operation (1), based on the identification / transmission of UPF, AMF / SMF (network device 100) can always monitor / store the address information (e.g., first address information) of the current server for the service transmission of each application session in the UE.

[0135] In the event that the destination IP (application server IP) of the service of APP_1 changes when providing the service of APP_1 due to the implementation scenario of APP_1 (e.g., AS 1→AS2 update), the AF can provide a notification to the SMF directly after successfully completing the AS change based on the occurrence of the event, or it can provide a notification to the SMF indirectly through the NEF (server address information after AS update / change (including second address information)).

[0136] Therefore, in operation (2), when a server change notification (e.g., including AS1→AS2 update, second address information) associated with the UE’s APP_1 service session is received from the AF, the AMF / SMF (network device 100) can compare the first address information and the second address information and determine whether it is necessary to change the server address (e.g., destination IP) for the UE (APP_1).

[0137] If it is determined that the server address (e.g., destination IP) for the UE (APP_1) needs to be changed because the first address information and the second address information are different from each other, the AMF / SMF (network device 100) can be triggered based on the notification from the aforementioned AF to perform user plane reconfiguration of the UPF involved in the session (e.g., APP_1) of the corresponding UE, such as adding, removing, or rearranging the session.

[0138] In this example, during operation (3), the AMF / SMF (network device 100) can immediately send the changed address information (e.g., IP) of the server (e.g., AS2) to the UE using a message sent to the UE during user plane reconfiguration (e.g., a PDU session modification / update command from the NAS PCO), that is, the second address information, more specifically, the destination information configured including this second address information (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0139] In this example, the UE can apply each of the activation information, duration information, and protocol application / processing scheme to the APP_1 session based on the destination information sent from the 5G core network (network function, NF), and perform service transmission using the second address information (modified server address information (e.g., AS2IP)) of the application server corresponding to the end (peer) of the APP_1 service.

[0140] Therefore, in operation (4), even when the application server changes, UE (APP_1) can provide APP_1 service in real time and seamlessly.

[0141] Additionally, in operation (5), even when sending destination information to the UE (see reference) Figure 5 After that, the AMF / SMF (network device 100) can also continuously monitor the address information of the server used to perform service transmission, and based on this, can transmit data based on destination information (see reference). Figure 5 The second address information (the changed server address information (e.g., AS2IP)) and the destination information (reference) Figure 5 The monitored server address information is then compared, and it can be identified whether the second address information and the server address information are the same. Therefore, based on the destination information (reference...), Figure 5 The system sends signals to identify whether the UE is operating normally.

[0142] As described above, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, a scheme can be implemented that continuously monitors the APP service between the UE and the server in the 5G core network function (NF) and determines in real time whether it is necessary to change the server address information for the UE (local cache). If it is determined that the server address information needs to be changed, a scheme can be implemented that immediately transmits relevant information (changed address information or destination information (including changed address information)) to the UE.

[0143] Therefore, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, a detailed scheme can be implemented in which the UE can immediately use the changed server address to perform the service transmission of the APP service whenever the server address (e.g., destination IP) of the APP service being used changes, that is, a detailed scheme to ensure the mobility of the application server.

[0144] Therefore, according to this disclosure, by implementing a detailed scheme to ensure the mobility of the application server, the effect of providing a service environment that enables improved quality and low-latency services for customers is achieved.

[0145] In the following text, refer to Figure 6 The present disclosure will describe a method for operating a network device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in other words, an application server mobility assurance technology (method) implemented via the method for operating the network device.

[0146] For ease of description, the implementation will be described using the reference numerals of network device 100 and using AMF and SMF among the nodes of the control plane as network device 100.

[0147] According to the application server mobility assurance technology (method) disclosed herein, in operation S10, the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) can continuously monitor the server address information (e.g., IP) for the service transmission of the session between the UE and the application server of each application based on the identification / transmission of the UPF.

[0148] According to the application server mobility assurance technology (method) disclosed herein, during operation S20, network device 100 (AMF / SMF) can receive from a node in the control plane (i.e., the aforementioned AF) a server change notification (e.g., AS1→AS2) associated with a data service (e.g., APP_1 service) for a UE (e.g., APP_1).

[0149] Therefore, according to the application server mobility assurance technology (method) of this disclosure, when a server change notification (e.g., AS1→AS2) is received in operation S20, in operation S30, the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) can compare the address information (e.g., IP) of the server (e.g., AS2) based on the notification with the address information (e.g., IP) of the server (e.g., AS1) that is currently used for service transmission of data service (e.g., APP_1 service) for UE (e.g., AP_1) (that is, the address information (e.g., IP) of the monitored current server (e.g., AS1)).

[0150] According to the application server mobility assurance technology (method) of this disclosure, if the address information (e.g., IP) of the notification-based server (AS2) is the same as the address information (e.g., IP) of the current server (e.g., AS1), the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) can determine that the server address of the data service (e.g., APP_1 service) has not changed (no in operation S30).

[0151] Conversely, according to the application server mobility assurance technology (method) of this disclosure, when the address information (e.g., IP) of the notification-based server (AS2) is different from the address information (e.g., IP) of the current server (e.g., AS1), the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) can determine that the server address of the data service (e.g., APP_1 service) has changed, and the server address (e.g., destination IP) for the UE (local cache) needs to be changed (yes in operation S30).

[0152] As described above, the application server mobility assurance technology (method) disclosed herein implements a scheme that continuously monitors the APP service between the UE and the server in the 5G core network (Network Function (NF)) and determines in real time whether it is necessary to change the server address information for the UE (local cache).

[0153] According to the application server mobility assurance technology (method) of this disclosure, when it is determined as above that the server address of the data service (e.g., APP_1 service) has changed (e.g., AS1→AS2) (yes in operation S30), in operation S40, the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) can immediately transmit the address information (e.g., IP) of the changed server (e.g., AS2) to the corresponding UE (APP_1).

[0154] Specifically, according to the application server mobility assurance technology (method) of this disclosure, during operation S40, the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) can send destination information, including the address information of the changed server (e.g., AS2), to the corresponding UE (APP_1).

[0155] In other words, the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) can send destination information to the corresponding UE (APP_1). In addition to the changed server (e.g., AS2) address information (e.g., IP) provided via notification from the AF, the destination information also includes / includes the conditions to be applied when the corresponding UE (APP_1) uses the changed server address information (e.g., AS2IP).

[0156] Destination information may include address information, which includes at least one of the following: a link layer (L2) address, an internet layer (L3) address, a transport layer (L4) address, and an application layer (L7) address associated with the changed server.

[0157] In other words, the address information included in the destination information can be distinguished based on the destination address included in the link layer (L2), internet layer (L3), transport layer (L4), and application layer (L7) according to the Internet Protocol Group (IPG). For example, L2 can be the destination address of a MAC address, L3 can be an IP (v4 or v6) address, L4 can be a transport (TCP, UDP, SCTP, DCCP) address, and L7 can be an application (S / FTP, HTTP / S URL / URI / URN) address.

[0158] In addition, the destination information may have a configuration of at least one of the following: activation information associated with the time point when the business transmission is performed using the changed server address information, duration information associated with the execution period, information associated with the protocol application scheme at the time of execution, and information associated with the protocol processing scheme.

[0159] Figure 5 This shows an example of the configuration for transmitting destination information to the UE.

[0160] Figure 5 An example of the configuration of destination information is shown, which transmits changes in server addresses in association with two sessions of APP_1 and one session of APP_2 among the sessions of APP_1, APP_2, ..., APP_N being executed in the UE.

[0161] If we assume that an event occurs where only the application server (AS1) of APP_1, one of the applications (e.g., AS1→AS2) in which the service is executed in the UE changes, as described above, then in Figure 5 In the example of destination information configuration shown, only the information associated with the session of "APP_1" (second address information, activation information, duration information, protocol application / processing scheme) changes in the configuration and can be transmitted / sent to the UE via SMF.

[0162] In operation S20, if a notification is received from the AF regarding a change in the server providing data services (e.g., APP_1 service) for the UE (e.g., AS1→AS2), the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) may be triggered by the notification to perform user plane reconfiguration of the UPF involved in the corresponding UE's session (e.g., APP_1), such as adding, removing, or rearranging the UPF.

[0163] In this example, during operation S40, network device 100 (AMF / SMF) can immediately transmit destination information, including the changed address information (e.g., IP) of the server (e.g., AS2), to the corresponding UE (APP_1) by utilizing a message (e.g., a PDU session modification / update command from the NAS PCO) sent to the corresponding UE during the aforementioned user plane reconfiguration process.

[0164] In this example, in the UE, the lower layer that receives the destination information (e.g., the UE NAS layer) transmits the destination information to the higher UE application layer. Immediately after receiving the destination information, the UE application layer can perform service transmission by applying each activation information, duration information, and protocol application / processing scheme to the APP_1 session, using the second address information (modified server address information (e.g., AS2IP)) of the application server corresponding to the end (peer) of the APP_1 service.

[0165] Therefore, when operating S50, even if the application server changes, UE (APP_1) can still provide APP_1 services in real time and seamlessly.

[0166] Furthermore, according to the application server mobility assurance technology (method) of this disclosure, during operation S60, even after sending destination information to the UE, the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) always monitors the address information of the server used for service transmission. Based on this, the network device 100 (AMF / SMF) can compare the second address information based on the destination information (the changed server address information (e.g., AS2IP)) with the server address information monitored after sending the destination information, and can identify whether the second address information and the server address information are the same. Thus, the normal operation of the UE can be identified by the transmission of destination information.

[0167] As described above, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, a scheme can be implemented that continuously monitors the APP service between the UE and the server in the 5G core network function (NF) and determines in real time whether it is necessary to change the server address information for the UE (local cache). If it is determined that the server address information needs to be changed, a scheme can be implemented that immediately transmits relevant information (changed address information or destination information (including changed address information)) to the UE.

[0168] Therefore, according to the application server mobility guarantee technology (method) disclosed herein, a scheme can be implemented in which the UE immediately uses the changed server address to perform the service transmission of the APP service whenever the server address (e.g., destination IP) of the APP service being used changes. In other words, a detailed scheme for guaranteeing the mobility of the application server can be implemented.

[0169] Therefore, by implementing a detailed scheme to ensure the mobility of the application server according to the present disclosure, a service environment capable of providing customers with improved quality and low-latency services is achieved.

[0170] As described above, the application server mobility assurance technology (method) according to embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in the form of program commands implemented by various computer devices and can be recorded in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include individual or combined program commands, data files, data structures, etc. The program commands recorded in the medium may be specifically designed or configured for this disclosure, or may be known to those skilled in the art of computer software and permitted for use. Examples of computer-readable recording media may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floppy disks; and hardware devices (such as ROMs, RAMs, flash memory, etc.) specifically configured to store and implement program commands. Furthermore, program commands may include, for example, high-level language code that can be executed in a computer using an interpreter and machine code produced by a compiler. The aforementioned hardware devices may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of this disclosure, and vice versa.

[0171] Although this disclosure has been described in detail with reference to various embodiments, it is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the technical concept of this disclosure can have such a scope that those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can make various modifications or combinations without departing from the subject matter of this disclosure as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A base station apparatus, the base station apparatus comprising: A change determination unit is configured to determine whether the server address of the data service has changed while a session for service transmission for data service is established between a user equipment (UE) and a server. as well as An information transmission unit is configured to transmit address information associated with the changed server to the UE when it is determined that the server address of the data service has changed, so that the UE uses the changed server address information to perform the service transmission of the data service. When a notification of a change in the server providing the data service to the UE is provided from a node in the control plane, the information transmission unit is configured to transmit the address information associated with the changed server via a message first sent to the UE during a user plane reconfiguration process that involves adding, removing, or rearranging user plane nodes in the session.

2. The base station apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, When a node in the control plane provides a notification of a change in the server for the data service for the UE, the change determination unit is configured to compare the address information of the server based on the notification with the address information of the server used by the UE for service transmission of the data service, and determine whether the server address of the data service has changed.

3. The base station apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The address information of the server used by the UE for service transmission of the data service is monitored based on the user plane nodes involved in the session.

4. The base station apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The information transmission unit is configured to send destination information, including address information, to the UE, and The destination information includes at least one of the following: address information based on at least one of the link layer (L2), internet layer (L3), transport layer (L4), and application layer (L7) addresses of the Internet Protocol group associated with the changed server; activation information associated with the time point at which the service transmission is performed using the address information of the changed server; duration information associated with the execution period; information associated with the protocol application scheme; and information associated with the protocol processing scheme.

5. The base station apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The base station device is at least one node in the control plane.

6. A UE device, the UE device comprising: An information receiver is configured to receive, from a node in the control plane, changed server address information associated with the server providing the data service while a session for service transmission for data services is established between the UE device and the server. as well as An application unit is configured to perform the data service transmission using the changed server address information upon receiving the changed server address information. The changed server address information is transmitted via a message first received during the process of user plane reconfiguration involving adding, removing, or rearranging user plane nodes in the session established between the UE device and the server.

7. The UE device according to claim 6, wherein, When the address information of a server providing the data service based on a notification from the control plane differs from the address information of a server used for the service transmission of the data service in the user plane, the changed server address is transmitted.

8. A method for operating a base station device, the method comprising the following steps: The change determination operation determines whether the server address of the data service has changed while a session for data service transmission is established between the UE and the server. as well as In the information transmission operation, when it is determined that the server address of the data service has changed, the information transmission operation transmits the address information associated with the changed server to the UE, so that the UE uses the changed server address information to perform the service transmission of the data service. When a notification of a change in the server providing the data service to the UE is provided from a node in the control plane, the address information associated with the changed server is transmitted via a message first sent to the UE during a user plane reconfiguration process that involves adding, removing, or rearranging user plane nodes in the session.

9. The operating method according to claim 8, wherein, The change determination operation includes: When a notification of a change in the server for the data service for the UE is provided from a node in the control plane, the address information of the server based on the notification is compared with the address information of the server used by the UE for service transmission of the data service; and The server address of the data service has changed based on the results of the comparison.

10. The operating method according to claim 9, wherein, The address information of the server used by the UE for service transmission of the data service is monitored based on the user plane nodes involved in the session.

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