Method, device and storage medium for transmitting network data packet

Abstract

The application discloses a network data packet transmission method and device, and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: determining that the obtained network data packet is a non-initial data packet corresponding to an established session; deleting a target field in the non-initial data packet based on a pre-stored correspondence relationship between the established session and the target field of the network data packet; and sending the non-initial data packet after the target field is deleted to a second network device based on the established session. According to the pre-stored correspondence relationship between the established session and the target field of the network data packet, the non-initial data packet corresponding to the established session can be processed for optimized transmission, so that transmission resources consumed by network data packet transmission can be saved, and the transmission efficiency of the network data packet can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communications, and more particularly to a method, apparatus and storage medium for transmitting network data packets. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, it is often necessary to transmit network data packets that meet preset protocols via wireless networks. Taking Time Aware Network (TAN) data packets as an example, TAN data packets are a novel time-based industrial communication technology. By introducing clock synchronization technology within the TAN system and encapsulating a TAN frame header before the standard Ethernet frame header field, it processes data by identifying the destination switch, source switch, data priority, data sequence number, and various time identifiers. Because TAN technology encapsulates standard Ethernet frames, it has good compatibility with various industrial protocols currently used in industrial networks. Based on the observability of TAN data packets—that is, the network can know the data source, data destination, data content, and data time—TAN technology has been well applied in various fields of the Industrial Internet, such as synchronous transmission of control commands, data redundancy backup, and data monitoring.

[0003] In related technologies, the architecture that integrates TAN and wireless communication networks is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, most of the control information in the TAN system is transmitted between TAN switches through the TAN header field. The TAN switches differentiate and schedule data based on their own algorithms and the TAN header field. However, in wireless deployment scenarios, such as when TAN is integrated with 5G (fifth-generation mobile communication) networks, the implementation mechanism for transmitting TAN frames in the 5G network is to encapsulate the TAN frame within an IP (Internet Protocol) packet or use an Ethernet session to transmit the TAN packet. This means encapsulating the TAN packet as the payload of an IP message within an IP packet, or encapsulating the TAN packet as the payload of an Ethernet frame within an Ethernet frame. This increases the amount of data transmitted and consumes 5G transmission resources. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a method, device, and storage medium for transmitting network data packets, aiming to save transmission resources consumed in transmitting network data packets.

[0005] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for transmitting network data packets, applied to a first network device, the method comprising:

[0007] It was determined that the acquired network data packets were non-initial data packets corresponding to an established session;

[0008] Based on the pre-stored correspondence between the established session and the target field of the network data packet, the target field in the non-initial data packet is deleted.

[0009] The non-initial data packet after deleting the target field is sent to the second network device based on the established session.

[0010] The method in the above scheme further includes:

[0011] The acquired network data packets were determined to be the initial data packets for establishing a new session;

[0012] Create a new session for transmitting the initial data packet;

[0013] Store the correspondence between the target fields of the initial data packet and the new session;

[0014] The initial data packet is sent to the second network device based on the new session.

[0015] In the above scheme, creating a new session for transmitting the initial data packet includes:

[0016] A new session is created based on the source device identifier and destination device identifier of the initial data packet; or,

[0017] A new session is created based on the source device identifier, destination device identifier, and at least one field in the header field of the initial data packet.

[0018] In the above scheme, before storing the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session, the method further includes:

[0019] Based on the processing strategy, determine whether network data packets need to be optimized for transmission; if so, store the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session.

[0020] In the above scheme, determining that the acquired network data packet is a non-initial data packet corresponding to an established session includes:

[0021] If the acquired network data packet is a data packet that has been successfully transmitted a set number of times in the established session, then the network data packet is determined to be a non-initial data packet of the established session.

[0022] In the above scheme, after storing the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session, the method further includes:

[0023] Generate and send the context identifier header field of the network data packet to the second network device;

[0024] The second network device receives confirmation information, which indicates that the second network device has received the header context identifier and the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session.

[0025] Accordingly, determining that the acquired network data packet is a non-initial data packet corresponding to an established session includes:

[0026] If the acquired network data packet is a data packet received after the confirmation information was received, then the network data packet is determined to be a non-initial data packet of the established session.

[0027] The method in the above scheme further includes:

[0028] Receive a non-initial data packet sent by the second network device based on an established session after deleting the target field;

[0029] Based on the pre-stored correspondence between the established session and the target field of the network data packet, the target field of the non-initial data packet is restored.

[0030] The method in the above scheme further includes:

[0031] Receive the initial data packet sent by the second network device based on the newly created session;

[0032] Store the correspondence between the target fields of the initial data packet and the new session.

[0033] In the above scheme, the network data packet is a Time-Clear Network (TAN) data packet, and the target field includes at least one of the following: source TAN switching device identifier, destination TAN switching device identifier, reserved bit, path information, switch device hop count, static checksum, source MAC address and destination MAC address of the MAC (Media Access Control) packet header in the TAN load, data frame type and data frame identifier.

[0034] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a network data packet transmission apparatus, applied to a first network device, the apparatus comprising:

[0035] The determination module is used to determine whether the acquired network data packet is a non-initial data packet corresponding to an established session;

[0036] The data packet processing module is used to delete the target field in the non-initial data packet based on the pre-stored correspondence between the established session and the target field of the network data packet;

[0037] The sending module is used to send the non-initial data packet after deleting the target field to the second network device based on the established session.

[0038] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a first network device, including: a processor and a memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor, wherein the processor, when running the computer program, executes the steps of the method described in embodiments of this application.

[0039] In the above scheme, the first network device is a user equipment, and correspondingly, the second network device is a core network device; or, the first network device is a core network device, and correspondingly, the second network device is a user equipment.

[0040] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in embodiments of this application.

[0041] The technical solution provided in this application embodiment determines that the acquired network data packet is a non-initial data packet corresponding to an established session; based on a pre-stored correspondence between established sessions and target fields of network data packets, the target fields in the non-initial data packet are deleted; and the non-initial data packet after deleting the target fields is sent to a second network device based on the established session. This application embodiment can optimize the transmission processing of non-initial data packets corresponding to established sessions based on the pre-stored correspondence between established sessions and target fields of network data packets, thereby saving transmission resources consumed in network data packet transmission and improving network data packet transmission efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture for the integration of TAN and wireless communication networks in related technologies;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the network data packet transmission method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the TAN protocol data unit in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of trimming and compensating uplink TAN data packets between the UE and UPF in an application embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of trimming and compensating downlink TAN data packets between the UE and UPF in an application embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a network data packet transmission device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the result of the first network device in the embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0050] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0051] This application provides a method for transmitting network data packets, applied to a first network device, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method includes:

[0052] Step 201: Determine that the acquired network data packet is a non-initial data packet corresponding to an established session;

[0053] Step 202: Based on the pre-stored correspondence between the established session and the target field of the network data packet, delete the target field in the non-initial data packet;

[0054] Step 203: Send the non-initial data packet after deleting the target field to the second network device based on the established session.

[0055] It is understood that the first network device can be a user equipment, and correspondingly, the second network device is a core network device; or, the first network device can be a core network device, and correspondingly, the second network device is a user equipment.

[0056] It is understandable that network data packets can be business data packets that meet a preset communication protocol, such as, but not limited to, TAN data packets.

[0057] For example, the first network device and the second network device can transmit the aforementioned network data packets in the form of IP data packets or MAC data packets. That is, the network data packets are encapsulated in IP data packets as the payload of IP messages or TAN data packets are encapsulated in Ethernet frames as the payload of Ethernet frames for transmission.

[0058] This application embodiment can optimize the transmission of non-initial data packets corresponding to established sessions based on a pre-stored correspondence between established sessions and target fields of network data packets. This saves transmission resources consumed in network data packet transmission and improves transmission efficiency. Furthermore, optimizing network data packet transmission at the session level, compared to data transmission optimization based on the source and destination devices, greatly enhances the flexibility of optimization during network data packet transmission and better meets the actual needs of business processing.

[0059] For example, the transmission method further includes:

[0060] The acquired network data packets were determined to be the initial data packets for establishing a new session;

[0061] Create a new session for transmitting the initial data packet;

[0062] Store the correspondence between the target fields of the initial data packet and the new session;

[0063] The initial data packet is sent to the second network device based on the new session.

[0064] Understandably, for a network data packet that serves as the initial data packet, a new session needs to be created between the first network device and the second network device to transmit that initial data packet. Here, the initial data packet can be understood as a session between the first network device and the second network device that has not yet been established to match the initial data packet.

[0065] Understandably, for the initial data packet, the first network device can store the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session, and completely encapsulate the initial data packet into an IP packet or Ethernet frame, and then send it to the second network device based on the new session. The second network device can extract the initial data packet based on the received IP packet or Ethernet frame, and store the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session on the second network device side, thereby facilitating the restoration of the target field for subsequently received non-initial data packets.

[0066] For example, creating a new session for transmitting the initial data packet includes:

[0067] A new session is created based on the source device identifier and destination device identifier of the initial data packet; or,

[0068] A new session is created based on the source device identifier, destination device identifier, and at least one field in the header field of the initial data packet.

[0069] Understandably, creating a new session between the first and second network devices based on the above conditions can result in a greater number of identical fields in the headers of network packets within the same session. For example, if the created session corresponds to the same source device identifier and destination device identifier, then the network packets corresponding to the same session are packets between the same source and destination devices. If the created session, in addition to having the same source and destination device identifiers, also has the condition that at least one field in the header field of the network packets is identical—for example, the data frame type is the same—then the network packets corresponding to the same session are packets of the same type between the same source and destination devices. It is understandable that the more identical fields in the header field, the more common attributes there are between the network packets of the corresponding session, and thus the more target fields can be identified, which helps reduce the amount of data transmitted in subsequent non-initial packets.

[0070] For example, before storing the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session, the transmission method further includes:

[0071] Based on the processing strategy, determine whether network data packets need to be optimized for transmission; if so, store the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session.

[0072] It is understood that the processing strategy can be a strategy pre-configured on the first network device and the second network device, or it can be a strategy sent to the first network device and the second network device over the network.

[0073] For example, the processing strategy can be determined based on at least one of the following conditions: session type, transmission period, network resource status, etc., so as to determine whether the current network data packet needs to be optimized for transmission. If so, the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session is stored; if not, the network data packet is transmitted according to the normal processing logic, skipping the step of storing the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session.

[0074] For example, determining that the acquired network data packet is a non-initial data packet corresponding to an established session includes:

[0075] If the acquired network data packet is a data packet that has been successfully transmitted a set number of data packets corresponding to an established session, then the network data packet is determined to be a non-initial data packet of the established session.

[0076] Here, the number can be determined based on the aforementioned processing strategy. For example, after a new session successfully transmits one or more data packets, it can switch to the stage of processing non-initial data packets.

[0077] For example, after storing the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session, the transmission method further includes:

[0078] Generate and send the context identifier header field of the network data packet to the second network device;

[0079] The second network device receives confirmation information, which indicates that the second network device has received the header context identifier and the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session.

[0080] Accordingly, determining that the acquired network data packet is a non-initial data packet corresponding to an established session includes:

[0081] If the acquired network data packet is a data packet received after the confirmation information was received, then the network data packet is determined to be a non-initial data packet of the established session.

[0082] Understandably, if the first network device determines that the acquired network data packet is a non-initial data packet, it can delete the target field in the non-initial data packet based on the pre-stored correspondence between the session and the target field of the network data packet, and encapsulate the non-initial data packet after deleting the target field into an IP data packet or Ethernet frame and transmit it to the second network device. In this way, transmission resources, especially air interface resources, can be saved, and the transmission efficiency of network data packets can also be improved.

[0083] For example, the transmission method further includes:

[0084] Receive a non-initial data packet sent by the second network device based on an established session after deleting the target field;

[0085] Based on the pre-stored correspondence between the established session and the target field of the network data packet, the target field of the non-initial data packet is restored.

[0086] It is understood that the first network device can receive a non-initial data packet sent by the second network device based on an established session after deleting the target field. That is, if the second network device determines that the network data packet it receives is a non-initial data packet, it can delete the target field in the non-initial data packet and encapsulate the non-initial data packet after deleting the target field into an IP packet or Ethernet frame, and then send it to the first network device based on the session. The first network device can restore the target field of the non-initial data packet based on the pre-stored correspondence between the established session and the target field of the network data packet, that is, complete the target field deleted by the second network device.

[0087] For example, the transmission method further includes:

[0088] Receive the initial data packet sent by the second network device based on the newly created session;

[0089] Store the correspondence between the target fields of the initial data packet and the new session.

[0090] Understandably, after a new session is successfully established between the first and second network devices, if the second network device sends an initial data packet to the first network device based on this new session, for example, the second network device can store the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session, and completely encapsulate the initial data packet into an IP packet or Ethernet frame, and then send it to the first network device based on the new session. At this time, the first network device can extract the initial data packet based on the received IP packet or Ethernet frame, and store the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session on its side. This facilitates the restoration of the target field for subsequent non-initial data packets received from the second network device, or the deletion of the target field for non-initial data packets to be sent by the first network device.

[0091] For example, the network data packet is a Time-Clear Network (TAN) data packet, and the target field includes at least one of the following: source TAN switching device identifier, destination TAN switching device identifier, reserved bit, path information, switch device hop count, static checksum, source MAC address and destination MAC address in the MAC header of the TAN load, data frame type and data frame identifier.

[0092] For example, TAN PDU (Protocol Data Unit) is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, a TAN PDU consists of a TAN header and a standard GB / T 15629.3 PDU. The TAN header comprises the source TAN switching device ID, destination TAN switching device ID, reservation information, path information, data frame type, reservation information, data frame ID, TAN PDU length, packet break identifier, packet break sequence number, switching device hop count, time information, static checksum, and dynamic checksum. The TAN header itself is 16 bytes long.

[0093] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to application examples.

[0094] In this application embodiment, when transmitting TAN data packets using a 5G network, it can be determined whether TAN data packets need to be optimized for transmission based on the TAN header field information and the MAC header in the TAN payload. By maintaining the correspondence between the PDU session and the target field of the TAN data packets on the UE (User Equipment) and UPF (User Plane Function), the uplink and downlink TAN data packets are trimmed and compensated to reduce the data size of IP packets or Ethernet packets, thereby saving network transmission resources.

[0095] It is understood that in other application examples, the wireless network can also be a 3G, 4G, or other network. Accordingly, the first network device and the second network device can be other data processing nodes, such as a base station or a 4G PGW. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0096] The following description uses the first network device as the UE and the second network device as the UPF to illustrate the process of trimming and compensating uplink TAN data packets between the UE and the UPF, and the process of trimming and compensating downlink TAN data packets between the UE and the UPF in this application embodiment.

[0097] For example, taking the upstream TAN data packet as an example, the transmission method may include:

[0098] 1. The UE establishes the same session for TAN data packets exchanged between the same source TAN switch and the destination TAN switch, and for TAN data packets of the same type exchanged between the same source TAN switch and the destination TAN switch, including or having multiple header fields identical in the TAN packets (including TAN data header fields and MAC packet header fields in the TAN payload). The purpose is to ensure that there are more identical fields in the TAN packet header within the same session.

[0099] 2. The UE determines whether the session requires TAN packet processing. This header field processing rule can be sent by the network to network elements such as the UE and UPF, or pre-configured on the UE and UPF. Implementation methods include the PCF (Policy Control Function) obtaining service information (including TAN service identification information, such as header field characteristics; TAN service transmission quality requirements, such as latency, jitter, and reliability) through the AF (Application Function). The PCF then sends the processing policy to the UE, RAN (Radio Access Network), and UPF through the SMF (Session Management Function). This processing policy can be used to determine whether TAN header field processing is required for this session and the processing period.

[0100] 3. During the initial uplink data packet processing, after receiving the TAN data packet, the UE records the correspondence between the target field of the TAN data packet and the PDU session, and encapsulates the received TAN data packet in the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame and sends it to the UPF via the 5G network. In this way, the context of the TAN data packet can be determined at the session level.

[0101] 4. In uplink non-initial data packet processing, after receiving a TAN data packet, the UE, based on the recorded correspondence between the target field of the TAN data packet and the PDU session, removes the target field from the received TAN data packet and encapsulates it in the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame, then sends it to the UPF via the 5G network. This optimizes TAN data packet processing and saves transmission resources, especially air interface resources.

[0102] 5. During uplink non-initial data packet processing, the UPF, based on the correspondence between the target field of the TAN data packet and the PDU session, removes the IP packet header or Ethernet frame header, replenishes the target field of the TAN data packet removed by the UE, restores the TAN data packet, and sends the complete TAN PDU to the TAN switch.

[0103] The specific process of trimming and compensating uplink TAN data packets between the UE and UPF can be described as follows: Figure 4 As shown, it may include: processing strategy configuration process, initial data packet processing process and non-initial data packet processing process.

[0104] Processing strategy configuration process:

[0105] The processing policy configuration process is used to configure the processing policy on the UE and UPF sides regarding whether TAN data packets need to be optimized for transmission. This policy can be sent from the network to network elements such as the UE and UPF, or pre-configured on the UE and UPF. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the processing strategy configuration process may include:

[0106] Step 401: Identify uplink and downlink TAN service information and determine whether to perform header processing strategy.

[0107] Here, PCF can obtain TAN service identification information (such as header field characteristics) and header processing strategies (e.g., TAN service transmission quality requirements, such as latency, latency jitter, reliability, etc.; TAN packet processing strategies, such as the TAN packet header including the MAC header processing strategy in the TAN payload, and the session transitioning from initial packet processing to non-initial packet processing after one or more set packets are successfully transmitted at the start of the session).

[0108] Step 402, Strategy Information.

[0109] Here, the PCF sends the processing strategy to the SMF.

[0110] Step 403: Identify uplink and downlink TAN service information and determine whether to perform header processing strategy.

[0111] Here, the SMF sends the processing policy to the UE, RAN, UPF, etc.

[0112] Initial packet processing procedure:

[0113] This process can be understood as the initial transmission of one or more pre-defined data packets. During the initial data packet processing, the UE can establish the same IP or Ethernet session for TAN data exchanged between the same source and destination TAN switches, TAN data of the same type exchanged between the same source and destination TAN switches, or TAN data exchanged between the same source and destination TAN switches where multiple header fields, including multiple identical fields in the MAC header of the payload, are present. The received TAN data packets are then encapsulated within the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame. Specifically, for TAN data exchanged between the same source and destination TAN switches, the source and destination TAN switch ID fields in the TAN frame header must be identical. For TAN data of the same type exchanged between the same source and destination TAN switches, the source and destination TAN switch ID fields in the TAN frame header, as well as fields in the TAN header indicating data type or priority (such as data frame type), must be identical.

[0114] The UE can determine whether to optimize TAN packets based on the TAN packet processing policy. If not, the UE treats the TAN packet as a regular application layer packet; if so, after receiving the TAN data, the UE records the correspondence between the TAN header and the MAC header in the TAN payload and the PDU session, and encapsulates the received TAN data in the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame, sending it to the UPF via the 5G network. The UPF records the correspondence between the TAN header and the MAC header in the TAN payload and the PDU session, removes the IP packet header or Ethernet frame header, and sends the TAN PDU to the TAN switch.

[0115] like Figure 4 As shown, the initial packet processing procedure may include:

[0116] Step 411: Generate data and send it.

[0117] Host A generates MAC data and sends it to the source TAN switch.

[0118] Step 412: The TAN switch constructs a TAN frame based on the received data.

[0119] After receiving the MAC data, the source TAN switch constructs a TAN PDU and sends it to the UE.

[0120] Step 413: The UE receives the TAN frame and constructs an IP packet (according to the policy, the correspondence between the TAN frame header and the PDU session is recorded).

[0121] Here, the UE determines whether to use an existing PDU session or create a new PDU session based on the TAN PDU. For example, if the source TAN switch ID, destination TAN switch ID, and data frame type fields indicate that a corresponding session has already been established, the existing session will be used (entering the non-initial data packet processing process); otherwise, a new PDU session will be created (entering the initial data packet processing process).

[0122] During the initial packet processing, after receiving TAN data, the UE records the correspondence between the TAN frame header and specific fields (i.e. target fields) of the TAN packet and the PDU session according to the session's TAN packet processing strategy. The UE then encapsulates the received TAN data in the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame and sends it to the UPF through the 5G network.

[0123] Step 414: UPF constructs a TAN frame based on the received IP packet and indication information (removing the IP packet header field and recording the correspondence between the TAN frame header and the PDU session).

[0124] UPF records the correspondence between the TAN frame header and specific fields of the TAN packet and the PDU session, removes the IP packet header or Ethernet frame header, and sends the TAN PDU to the destination TAN switch.

[0125] Step 415: The TAN switch removes the TAN frame header and sends the data packet.

[0126] After receiving the TAN PDU, the destination TAN switch removes the TAN header field and sends the data to Host B.

[0127] Step 416, data packet received.

[0128] Host B received a MAC packet.

[0129] Non-initial packet processing procedure:

[0130] This process can be understood as the transmission of other data packets after the initial data packet transmission.

[0131] During non-initial packet processing, after receiving a TAN packet, the UE, based on the recorded mapping between the MAC header and PDU session in the TAN header and TAN payload, removes specific fields from the received TAN packet and encapsulates it in the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame, then sends it to the UPF via the 5G network. The UPF, based on the recorded mapping between specific fields in the TAN packet and the PDU session, removes the IP header or Ethernet frame header, adds the specific fields removed by the UE, and then sends the complete TAN PDU to the TAN switch.

[0132] The specific fields removed from the TAN data packet by the UE include header fields that do not change or change according to a specific pattern during transmission within the same 5G PDU session. Examples of TAN data packet characteristic fields that do not change include: source TAN switching device ID, destination TAN switching device ID, reserved bits, path information, switch hop count, static checksum, source MAC address and destination MAC address in the MAC header of the TAN payload, etc.; examples of header fields that change according to a specific pattern include: data frame ID. Fields that may change irregularly in each TAN data transmission within the same 5G PDU session are retained in the TAN header field, such as TAN PDU length, time information, dynamic checksum, etc.

[0133] It is understandable that when a UE establishes the same session for TAN data exchanged between the same source TAN switch and the same destination TAN switch, the data frame type field, which is a field that does not change regularly in this session, needs to be retained in the TAN header field; when a UE establishes the same session for the same type of TAN data exchanged between the same source TAN switch and the same destination TAN switch, the data frame type field is a field that will not change in this session, that is, the data frame type field can be used as the target field.

[0134] like Figure 4 As shown, the non-initial packet processing procedure may include:

[0135] Step 421: Generate data and send it.

[0136] Host A generates MAC data and sends it to the source TAN switch.

[0137] Step 422: The TAN switch constructs a TAN frame based on the received data.

[0138] After receiving the MAC data, the source TAN switch constructs a TAN PDU and sends it to the UE.

[0139] Step 423: The UE receives the TAN frame and constructs an IP packet (removing the TAN frame header).

[0140] The UE determines whether to use an existing PDU session or create a new PDU session based on the TAN PDU. If the source TAN switch ID, destination TAN switch ID, data frame type, and other fields indicate that a corresponding session has already been established, the existing session is used (entering the non-initial packet processing procedure); otherwise, a new PDU session is created (entering the initial packet processing procedure).

[0141] During non-initial packet processing, the UE encapsulates the received TAN data in the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame, and removes specific fields from the TAN header field, including header field fields that do not change or change according to a specific pattern during transmission within the same 5G PDU session, and sends them to the UPF through the 5G network.

[0142] Step 424: UPF constructs a TAN frame based on the received IP packet and indication information (removing the IP packet header field and supplementing the TAN frame header).

[0143] UPF removes the IP packet header or Ethernet frame header based on the PDU session correspondence, adds the specific fields of the TAN header field that were removed by the UE in step 423, and sends the complete TAN PDU to the destination TAN switch.

[0144] Step 425: The TAN switch removes the TAN frame header and sends the data packet.

[0145] After receiving the TAN PDU, the destination TAN switch removes the TAN header field and sends the data to Host B.

[0146] Step 426, data packet received.

[0147] Host B received a MAC packet.

[0148] For example, the method for switching between initial packet processing and non-initial packet processing procedures may include:

[0149] Method 1): The session transitions from initial packet processing to non-initial packet processing after one or more packets are successfully transmitted, as determined by a policy issued by the network. For example, after the UE or UPF successfully sends or receives n packets since the session was established, it transitions from the initial packet processing to the non-initial packet processing.

[0150] Method 2): After the UE records the correspondence between specific fields of the TAN data packet and the PDU session, it generates a TAN data context identifier and sends it to the UPF through the user plane (UE->UPF) or control plane (such as UE->SMF->UPF). After receiving the TAN data context identifier and the complete TAN data packet, the UPF records the correspondence between specific fields of the TAN data packet and the PDU session and sends an ACK message back to the UE, indicating that the TAN frame header has been recorded and is ready to be processed in the TAN header field during the non-initial data packet processing.

[0151] The specific process of trimming and compensating downlink TAN data packets between the UE and UPF can be described as follows: Figure 5 As shown, it may include: processing strategy configuration process, initial data packet processing process and non-initial data packet processing process.

[0152] Processing strategy configuration process:

[0153] The processing policy configuration process is used to configure the processing policy on the UE and UPF sides regarding whether TAN data packets need to be optimized for transmission. This policy can be sent from the network to network elements such as the UE and UPF, or pre-configured on the UE and UPF. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the processing strategy configuration process may include:

[0154] Step 501: TAN service identification information and whether to perform header processing strategy.

[0155] Here, PCF can obtain TAN service identification information (such as header field characteristics) and header processing strategies (e.g., TAN service transmission quality requirements, such as latency, latency jitter, reliability, etc.; TAN packet processing strategies, such as the TAN packet header including the MAC header processing strategy in the TAN payload, and the session transitioning from initial packet processing to non-initial packet processing after one or more set packets are successfully transmitted at the start of the session).

[0156] Step 502, Strategy Information.

[0157] Here, the PCF sends the processing strategy to the SMF.

[0158] Step 503: Identify uplink and downlink TAN service information and determine whether to perform header processing strategy.

[0159] Here, the SMF sends the processing policy to the UE, RAN, UPF, etc.

[0160] Initial packet processing procedure:

[0161] This process can be understood as the initial transmission of one or more pre-defined data packets. During the initial data packet processing, the UPF can send indication information to the UE, triggering the UE to establish the same IP or Ethernet type session for data packets with multiple identical fields in the MAC header, including those exchanged between the same source TAN switch and the destination TAN switch, or those exchanged between the same source TAN switch and the destination TAN switch, or those exchanged between the same source TAN switch and the destination TAN switch. The UE then encapsulates the received TAN data packets in the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame. Specifically, for TAN data exchanged between the same source TAN switch and the destination TAN switch, the source TAN switch ID field and the destination TAN switch ID field in the TAN frame header must be identical. For TAN data of the same type exchanged between the same source TAN switch and the destination TAN switch, the source TAN switch ID field and the destination TAN switch ID field in the TAN frame header, as well as the fields in the TAN header indicating data type or data priority (such as data frame type), must be identical.

[0162] UPF can determine whether to optimize TAN packets based on the TAN packet processing policy. If not, UPF treats TAN packets as ordinary application layer packets; if so, after receiving TAN data, UPF records the correspondence between the TAN header and the MAC header in the TAN payload and the PDU session, and encapsulates the received TAN data in the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame and sends it to the UE through the 5G network. The UE records the correspondence between the TAN header and the MAC header in the TAN payload and the PDU session, removes the IP packet header or Ethernet frame header, and sends the TAN PDU to the TAN switch.

[0163] After recording the correspondence between specific fields of the TAN data packet and the PDU session, the UPF generates a TAN header field context identifier and sends it to the UE through the user plane or control plane (such as UPF->SMF->UE). After receiving the TAN header field context identifier and the complete TAN data packet, the UE records the correspondence between specific fields of the TAN data packet and the PDU session and sends an ACK message back to the UPF, indicating that the TAN frame header has been recorded and is ready to be processed in the TAN header field during the non-initial data packet processing.

[0164] like Figure 5 As shown, the initial packet processing procedure may include:

[0165] Step 511: Generate data and send it.

[0166] Host B generates MAC data and sends it to the source TAN switch.

[0167] Step 512: The TAN switch constructs a TAN frame based on the received data.

[0168] After receiving MAC data, the source TAN switch constructs a TAN PDU and sends it to the UPF.

[0169] Step 513: UPF receives TAN frame and constructs IP packet (according to policy, records the correspondence between TAN frame header and PDU session).

[0170] Here, the UPF determines whether to use an existing PDU session or create a new PDU session based on the TAN PDU. For example, if the source TAN switch ID, destination TAN switch ID, and data frame type fields indicate that a corresponding session has already been established, the existing session will be used (entering the non-initial packet processing process); otherwise, a new PDU session will be created (entering the initial packet processing process).

[0171] During the initial packet processing, after receiving TAN data, the UPF records the correspondence between the TAN frame header and specific fields (i.e., target fields) of the TAN packet and the PDU session according to the session's TAN packet processing strategy. The UPF then encapsulates the received TAN data in the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame and sends it to the UE through the 5G network.

[0172] Step 514: The UE constructs a TAN frame based on the received IP packet and indication information (removing the IP packet header field and recording the correspondence between the TAN frame header and the PDU session).

[0173] The UE records the correspondence between the TAN frame header and specific fields of the TAN data packet and the PDU session, removes the IP packet header or Ethernet frame header, and sends the TAN PDU to the destination TAN switch.

[0174] Step 515: The TAN switch removes the TAN frame header and sends the data packet.

[0175] After receiving the TAN PDU, the destination TAN switch removes the TAN header field and sends the data to Host A.

[0176] Step 516: Data packet received.

[0177] Host A received a MAC packet.

[0178] Non-initial packet processing procedure:

[0179] This process can be understood as the transmission of other data packets after the initial data packet transmission.

[0180] During non-initial packet processing, after receiving a TAN packet, the UPF, based on the recorded mapping between the TAN header and the MAC header in the TAN payload and the PDU session, removes specific fields from the received TAN packet and encapsulates it in the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame, then sends it to the UE via the 5G network. The UE, based on the recorded mapping between specific fields in the TAN packet and the PDU session, removes the IP packet header or Ethernet frame header, adds the specific fields removed by the UE, and then sends the complete TAN PDU to the TAN switch.

[0181] The specific fields removed from the TAN data packet in the UPF include header fields that do not change or change according to a specific pattern during transmission within the same 5G PDU session. Examples of TAN data packet characteristic fields that do not change include: source TAN switching device ID, destination TAN switching device ID, reserved bits, path information, switch hop count, static checksum, source MAC address and destination MAC address in the MAC header of the TAN payload, etc.; examples of header fields that change according to a specific pattern include: data frame ID. Fields that may change irregularly in each TAN data transmission within the same 5G PDU session are retained in the TAN header field, such as TAN PDU length, time information, dynamic checksum, etc.

[0182] It is understandable that when a UE establishes the same session for TAN data exchanged between the same source TAN switch and the same destination TAN switch, the data frame type field, which is a field that does not change regularly in this session, needs to be retained in the TAN header field; when a UE establishes the same session for the same type of TAN data exchanged between the same source TAN switch and the same destination TAN switch, the data frame type field is a field that will not change in this session, that is, the data frame type field can be used as the target field.

[0183] like Figure 5 As shown, the non-initial packet processing procedure may include:

[0184] Step 521: Generate data and send it.

[0185] Host B generates MAC data and sends it to the source TAN switch.

[0186] Step 522: The TAN switch constructs a TAN frame based on the received data.

[0187] After receiving MAC data, the source TAN switch constructs a TAN PDU and sends it to the UPF.

[0188] Step 523: UPF receives the TAN frame and constructs an IP packet (removing the TAN frame header).

[0189] UPF determines whether to use an existing PDU session or create a new one based on the TAN PDU. If the source TAN switch ID, destination TAN switch ID, and data frame type indicate that a corresponding session has already been established, the existing session is used (entering the non-initial packet processing procedure); otherwise, a new PDU session is created (entering the initial packet processing procedure).

[0190] During non-initial packet processing, the UPF encapsulates the received TAN data in the payload of an IP packet or Ethernet frame, and removes specific fields from the TAN header field, including header field fields that do not change or change according to a specific pattern during transmission within the same 5G PDU session, and sends them to the UE through the 5G network.

[0191] Step 524: The UE constructs a TAN frame based on the received IP packet and indication information (removing the IP packet header field and supplementing the TAN frame header).

[0192] Based on the PDU session correspondence, the UE removes the IP packet header or Ethernet frame header, adds the specific fields of the TAN header field that were removed by the UE in step 523, and sends the complete TAN PDU to the destination TAN switch.

[0193] Step 525: The TAN switch removes the TAN frame header and sends the data packet.

[0194] After receiving the TAN PDU, the destination TAN switch removes the TAN header field and sends the data to HostA.

[0195] Step 526: Data packet received.

[0196] Host A received a MAC packet.

[0197] For example, the method for switching between initial packet processing and non-initial packet processing procedures may include:

[0198] Method 1): The session transitions from initial packet processing to non-initial packet processing after one or more packets are successfully transmitted, as determined by a policy issued by the network. For example, after the UE or UPF successfully sends or receives n packets since the session was established, it transitions from the initial packet processing to the non-initial packet processing.

[0199] Method 2): After recording the correspondence between specific fields of the TAN data packet and the PDU session, the UPF generates a TAN header field context identifier and sends it to the UE through the user plane (UPF->UE) or control plane (UPF->SMF->AMF->UE). After receiving the TAN header field context identifier and the complete TAN data packet, the UE records the correspondence between specific fields of the TAN data packet and the PDU session and sends an ACK message back to the UPF, indicating that the TAN frame header has been recorded and is ready to be processed in the TAN header field during the non-initial data packet processing.

[0200] To implement the method of this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides a network data packet transmission apparatus, applied to a first network device. This network data packet transmission apparatus corresponds to the aforementioned network data packet transmission method, and the steps in the aforementioned network data packet transmission method embodiment are also fully applicable to this network data packet transmission apparatus embodiment.

[0201] like Figure 6 As shown, the network data packet transmission device includes: a determination module 601, a data packet processing module 602, and a sending module 603.

[0202] The determining module 601 is used to determine that the acquired network data packet is a non-initial data packet corresponding to an established session; the data packet processing module 602 is used to delete the target field in the non-initial data packet based on the pre-stored correspondence between the established session and the target field of the network data packet; the sending module 603 is used to send the non-initial data packet after deleting the target field to the second network device based on the established session.

[0203] For example, if the determining module 601 determines that the acquired network data packet is an initial data packet for which a new session needs to be established, the data packet processing module 602 is further configured to create a new session for transmitting the initial data packet and store the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session, and the sending module 603 is further configured to send the initial data packet to the second network device based on the new session.

[0204] For example, the packet processing module 602 creates a new session for transmitting the initial packet, including:

[0205] A new session is created based on the source device identifier and destination device identifier of the initial data packet; or,

[0206] A new session is created based on the source device identifier, destination device identifier, and at least one field in the header field of the initial data packet.

[0207] For example, the packet processing module 602 is further configured to: determine whether network packets need to be optimized for transmission based on a processing strategy; if so, store the correspondence between the target field of the initial packet and the new session.

[0208] For example, the determining module 601 is specifically used for:

[0209] If the acquired network data packet is a data packet that has been successfully transmitted a set number of data packets corresponding to an established session, then the network data packet is determined to be a non-initial data packet of the established session.

[0210] For example, the packet processing module 602 is further configured to: generate a header context identifier for a network packet; the sending module 603 is further configured to: send the header context identifier for a network packet to the second network device; the packet processing module 602 is further configured to: receive confirmation information from the second network device, the confirmation information indicating that the second network device has received the header context identifier and the correspondence between the target field of the initial packet and the new session; correspondingly, the determining module 601 is specifically configured to: if the acquired network packet is a packet after receiving the confirmation information, then determine that the network packet is a non-initial packet of the established session.

[0211] For example, the packet processing module 602 is further configured to: receive a non-initial packet sent by the second network device based on an established session after deleting the target field; and restore the target field of the non-initial packet based on a pre-stored correspondence between the established session and the target field of the network packet.

[0212] For example, the packet processing module 602 is further configured to: receive an initial packet sent by the second network device based on a newly created session; and store the correspondence between the target field of the initial packet and the new session.

[0213] For example, the network data packet is a Time-Clear Network (TAN) data packet, and the target field includes at least one of the following: source TAN switching device identifier, destination TAN switching device identifier, reserved bit, path information, switch device hop count, static checksum, source MAC address and destination MAC address in the MAC header of the TAN load, data frame type and data frame identifier.

[0214] In practical applications, the determining module 601, the data packet processing module 602, and the sending module 603 can be implemented by the processor in the network data packet transmission device. Of course, the processor needs to run the computer program in memory to implement its functions.

[0215] It should be noted that the network data packet transmission device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above program modules. In practical applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the network data packet transmission device and the network data packet transmission method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and the specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0216] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a first network device. Figure 7 Only an exemplary structure of the first network device is shown, not the entire structure; implementation is possible as needed. Figure 7 The structure shown may be part or all of the structure.

[0217] like Figure 7 As shown, the first network device 700 provided in this embodiment includes at least one processor 701, a memory 702, a user interface 703, and at least one network interface 704. The various components in the first network device 700 are coupled together via a bus system 705. It can be understood that the bus system 705 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, the bus system 705 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 7 The general labeled all buses as Bus System 705.

[0218] The user interface 703 may include a monitor, keyboard, mouse, trackball, click wheel, buttons, touchpad, or touch screen.

[0219] The memory 702 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the first network device. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the first network device.

[0220] The network data packet transmission method disclosed in this application embodiment can be applied to, or implemented by, processor 701. Processor 701 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. During implementation, each step of the network data packet transmission method can be completed by integrated logic circuits in the hardware of processor 701 or by instructions in software form. The processor 701 can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. Processor 701 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware decoding processor, or execution by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules can be located in a storage medium, specifically memory 702. Processor 701 reads information from memory 702 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the network data packet transmission method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0221] In an exemplary embodiment, the first network device may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0222] For example, the first network device is a user equipment (UE), and correspondingly, the second network device is a core network device; or, the first network device is a core network device, and correspondingly, the second network device is a user equipment (UE). Taking a 5G network as an example, the first network device can be a user equipment (UE), and correspondingly, the second network device can be a user network application (UPF).

[0223] It is understood that memory 702 can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); magnetic surface memory can be disk storage or magnetic tape storage. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM).The memories described in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0224] In an exemplary embodiment, this application also provides a storage medium, namely a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium, such as a memory 702 that stores a computer program. The computer program can be executed by the processor 701 of the first network device to complete the steps described in the method of this application embodiment. The computer-readable storage medium can be a ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or CD-ROM, etc.

[0225] It should be noted that terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0226] Furthermore, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0227] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting network data packets, characterized in that, Applied to a first network device, the method includes: It was determined that the acquired network data packets were non-initial data packets corresponding to an established session; Based on the pre-stored correspondence between the established session and the target field of the network data packet, the target field in the non-initial data packet is deleted. The non-initial data packet after deleting the target field is encapsulated in an IP packet or Ethernet frame and sent to the second network device based on the established session. The method further includes: determining that the acquired network data packet is the initial data packet for which a new session needs to be established; Create a new session for transmitting the initial data packet; Store the correspondence between the target fields of the initial data packet and the new session; The initial data packet is encapsulated in an IP packet or Ethernet frame and sent to the second network device based on the new session; The method further includes: A processing strategy is configured; the processing strategy is obtained by the PCF network element through the AF network element, the PCF network element sends the processing strategy to the SMF network element, and the SMF network element sends the processing strategy to the first network device and the second network device; wherein, the network data packet is a TAN data packet exchanged between the source time-clarified network TAN switch and the destination TAN switch; the target field includes the fields of the TAN header of the TAN data packet; the processing strategy is used to determine whether the TAN data packet needs to be optimized for transmission, including: TAN service identification information and header processing strategy; the first network device is a user equipment, and correspondingly, the second network device is a core network device; or, the first network device is a core network device, and correspondingly, the second network device is a user equipment.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Creating a new session for transmitting the initial data packet includes: A new session is created based on the source device identifier and destination device identifier of the initial data packet; or, A new session is created based on the source device identifier, destination device identifier, and at least one field in the header field of the initial data packet.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before storing the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session, the method further includes: Based on the processing strategy, determine whether network data packets need to be optimized for transmission; if so, store the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination that the acquired network data packets are non-initial data packets corresponding to established sessions includes: If the acquired network data packet is a data packet that has been successfully transmitted a set number of times in the established session, then the network data packet is determined to be a non-initial data packet of the established session.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After storing the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session, the method further includes: Generate and send the context identifier header field of the network data packet to the second network device; The second network device receives confirmation information, which indicates that the second network device has received the header context identifier and the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session. Accordingly, determining that the acquired network data packet is a non-initial data packet corresponding to an established session includes: If the acquired network data packet is a data packet received after the confirmation information was received, then the network data packet is determined to be a non-initial data packet of the established session.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive a non-initial data packet sent by the second network device based on an established session after deleting the target field; Based on the pre-stored correspondence between the established session and the target field of the network data packet, the target field of the non-initial data packet is restored.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the initial data packet sent by the second network device based on the newly created session; Store the correspondence between the target fields of the initial data packet and the new session.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The target fields include at least one of the following: source TAN switching device identifier, destination TAN switching device identifier, reserved bit, path information, switch device hop count, static checksum, source MAC address and destination MAC address in the MAC header of the TAN load, data frame type and data frame identifier.

9. A network data packet transmission device, characterized in that, Applied to a first network device, the device includes: The determination module is used to determine whether the acquired network data packet is a non-initial data packet corresponding to an established session; The data packet processing module is used to delete the target field in the non-initial data packet based on the pre-stored correspondence between the established session and the target field of the network data packet; The sending module is used to encapsulate the non-initial data packet after deleting the target field into an IP data packet or an Ethernet frame, and send it to the second network device based on the established session. The determining module is further configured to: determine that the acquired network data packet is the initial data packet for which a new session needs to be established; The data packet processing module is further configured to: create a new session for transmitting the initial data packet; and store the correspondence between the target field of the initial data packet and the new session; The sending module is further configured to: encapsulate the initial data packet in an IP data packet or an Ethernet frame and send it to the second network device based on the new session; The determining module is further configured to: configure a processing strategy; the processing strategy is obtained by the PCF network element through the AF network element, the PCF network element sends the processing strategy to the SMF network element, and the SMF network element sends the processing strategy to the first network device and the second network device; Wherein, the network data packet is a TAN data packet exchanged between the source time-clarified network TAN switch and the destination TAN switch; the target field includes the fields of the TAN header of the TAN data packet; the processing strategy is used to determine whether the TAN data packet needs to be optimized for transmission, including: TAN service identification information and header processing strategy; the first network device is a user equipment, and correspondingly, the second network device is a core network device; or, the first network device is a core network device, and correspondingly, the second network device is a user equipment.

10. A first network device, characterized in that, include: The processor and memory for storing computer programs that can run on the processor, wherein, The processor, when running a computer program, executes the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8; Wherein, the first network device is a user equipment, and correspondingly, the second network device is a core network device; Alternatively, the first network device may be a core network device, and correspondingly, the second network device may be a user equipment.

11. A storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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