A service flow processing method, a service flow processing device and a storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a service flow processing method, a service flow processing device and a storage medium. The service flow processing method is applied to an application function (AF) network element. The method comprises: sending a service flow steering policy request to a network exposure function (NEF); and the service flow steering policy request is used to provide service flow steering policy information. Through the present disclosure, flexible management of service flow steering policy information can be achieved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and particularly relates to a service flow processing method, a service flow processing device and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] For an end-to-end service, for example, a service flow is transmitted from a terminal (User Equipment, UE) to a packet data network (for example, the Internet) through a mobile network. For a mobile network operator, there are functions such as a firewall function, a network address translation (NAT), a uniform resource locator (URL) filter, a lawful inspection (LI), a deep packet inspection (DPI), an Internet Protocol (IP) tunnel endpoint, a packet classifier, application detection and control (ADC), a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) proxy, KPI monitoring, a load balancer, a code converter, application policy control, protocol and video optimization, etc. in the network during the process of transmitting the service flow from the UE to the packet data network through the mobile network. Therefore, a large number of middle boxes based on the combination of IP-based service functions are required to perform middle box processing on the service flow. The middle box processing of the service flow needs to be performed in the network area between the mobile network and the Internet to provide enhanced security and various value-added services using unique performance.

[0003] In the related art, different value-added services are provided through different service flow steering strategies. Different service functions and service function paths supported by different service flow steering strategies are different, and therefore different value-added services can be provided. However, different service flow steering strategies are pre-configured, which causes that a third party cannot dynamically manage service flow steering strategy information, that is, cannot dynamically manage service functions and service function paths. SUMMARY

[0004] To overcome the problems in the related art, the present disclosure provides a service flow processing method, a service flow processing device and a storage medium.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a service flow processing method is provided, applied to an application function (AF) network element, and the method comprises the following steps.

[0006] sending a service flow steering policy request to a network exposure function (NEF), the service flow steering policy request being used to provide service flow steering policy information.

[0007] In an implementation form, the method further comprises:

[0008] receiving a service flow steering policy response sent by the NEF, the service flow steering policy response comprising an application identifier corresponding to the service flow steering policy information, the application identifier being used to determine storing the service flow steering policy information in a data storage function (UDR).

[0009] According to a second aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a service flow processing method is provided, applied to a network exposure function (NEF) network element, the method comprising:

[0010] receiving a service flow steering policy request sent by an application function (AF), the service flow steering policy request being used by the AF to provide service flow steering policy information to the NEF.

[0011] In an implementation form, after the receiving the service flow steering policy request, the method further comprises:

[0012] determining service flow steering policy information in the service flow steering policy request.

[0013] In an implementation form, the method further comprises:

[0014] sending a data storage request to a data storage function (UDR), the data storage request being used to request storing service flow steering policy information in the UDR, wherein the UDR stores the service flow steering policy information by one or more operations of adding, deleting, or modifying.

[0015] In an implementation form, the method further comprises:

[0016] receiving a data storage response sent by the UDR, the data storage response being used to indicate that the service flow steering policy information is stored in the UDR.

[0017] In an implementation form, the method further comprises:

[0018] receiving a service flow steering policy information request sent by a session management function (SMF), the service flow steering policy information request being used by the SMF to obtain service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier from the NEF.

[0019] In an implementation form, after the receiving the service flow steering policy information request sent by the SMF, the method further comprises:

[0020] sending a service flow steering policy information obtaining request to a UDR, the service flow steering policy information obtaining request being used to obtain service flow steering policy information.

[0021] In an implementation form, after the sending the service flow steering policy information obtaining request to the UDR, the method further comprises:

[0022] receiving service flow steering policy information sent by the UDR, the service flow steering policy information being service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier.

[0023] In an implementation form, after the receiving the service flow steering policy information sent by the UDR, the method further comprises:

[0024] sending service flow steering policy information to a SMF, the service flow steering policy information being service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier.

[0025] According to a third aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a service flow processing method is provided, applied to a unified data storage function (UDR) network element, and the method comprises:

[0026] receiving a data storage request sent by a NEF, the data storage request being used to request to store service flow steering policy information in a UDR network element; and storing the service flow steering policy information, wherein the UDR storing the service flow steering policy information comprises one or more of adding, deleting, and modifying.

[0027] In an implementation form, the method further comprises:

[0028] sending a data storage response to the NEF, the data storage response being used to indicate that the service flow steering policy information is stored in the UDR network element.

[0029] In an implementation form, the method further comprises:

[0030] receiving a service flow steering policy information obtaining request sent by a NEF, the service flow steering policy information obtaining request being used to obtain service flow steering policy information.

[0031] In an implementation form, after the receiving the service flow steering policy information obtaining request sent by the NEF, the method further comprises:

[0032] sending service flow steering policy information to the NEF, the service flow steering policy information being service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a service flow processing method is provided, applied to a session management function (SMF) network element, and the method comprises:

[0034] receiving the service flow steering policy information sent by the NEF, the service flow steering policy information being service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier; and performing one or more operations of adding, deleting, or modifying a service flow steering policy for an application corresponding to the service flow steering policy information based on the service flow steering policy information.

[0035] In an embodiment, the method further includes:

[0036] sending a service flow steering policy information request to the NEF, the service flow steering policy information request being used to obtain service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier from the NEF.

[0037] In an embodiment, the set of service flow steering policy information is sent in at least one of the following cases:

[0038] determining that a cache counter expires and the UPF does not apply the service flow steering policy information;

[0039] the UPF does not have service flow steering policy information; and determining that the NEF receives a service flow steering policy request sent by the AF.

[0040] In an embodiment, the method further includes:

[0041] sending a service flow steering policy information management request to a user port function UPF, the service flow steering policy information management request being used to provide service flow steering policy information.

[0042] In an embodiment, after the service flow steering policy information management request is sent to the UPF, the method further includes:

[0043] receiving a service flow steering policy information management response sent by the UPF, the service flow steering policy information management response being used to indicate that a management operation has been performed on the service flow steering policy information.

[0044] According to a fifth aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a service flow processing method is provided, applied to a UPF network element, and the method includes:

[0045] receiving a service flow steering policy information management request sent by the SMF, the service flow steering policy information management request being used to provide service flow steering policy information; and performing one or more operations of adding, deleting, or modifying a service flow steering policy for an application corresponding to the service flow steering policy information based on the service flow steering policy information management request.

[0046] In an embodiment, the method further includes:

[0047] Send a service flow guidance policy information management response to the SMF, the service flow guidance policy information management response being used to indicate that the management operation of the service flow guidance policy information has been confirmed.

[0048] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a service flow processing apparatus is provided, applied to an application function (AF) network element, the apparatus comprising:

[0049] The sending module is used to send a service flow guidance policy request to the Network Open Function (NEF); the service flow guidance policy request is used to provide service flow guidance policy information.

[0050] In one embodiment, the device further includes: a transmitting module;

[0051] The sending module is used to receive a service flow guidance policy response sent by NEF. The service flow guidance policy response includes an application identifier corresponding to the service flow guidance policy information. The application identifier is used to determine whether to store the service flow guidance policy information in the data storage function UDR.

[0052] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a service flow processing apparatus is provided, applied to a Network Open Function (NEF) network element, the apparatus comprising:

[0053] The receiving module is used to receive a service flow guidance policy request sent by the AF, wherein the service flow guidance policy request is used by the AF to provide service flow guidance policy information to the NEF.

[0054] In one embodiment, after receiving the service flow guidance strategy request, the device further includes: a determination module;

[0055] The determination module is used to determine the business flow guidance strategy information in the business flow guidance strategy request.

[0056] In one embodiment, the device further includes: a transmitting module;

[0057] The sending module is used to send a data storage request to the data storage function UDR. The data storage request is used to request that service flow guidance strategy information be stored in the UDR. The storage of the service flow guidance strategy information in the UDR includes one or more operations such as adding, deleting, and modifying.

[0058] In one embodiment, the receiving module is configured to:

[0059] Receive a data storage response sent by the UDR, the data storage response being used to indicate that the service flow guidance policy information is stored in the UDR.

[0060] In one embodiment, the receiving module is configured to:

[0061] receive a service flow steering policy information request sent by a session management function (SMF), the service flow steering policy information request being used for the SMF to obtain service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier.

[0062] In an implementation form, after the receiving the service flow steering policy information request sent by the SMF, the sending module is configured to:

[0063] send, to a unified data repository (UDR), a service flow steering policy information obtaining request, the service flow steering policy information obtaining request being used for obtaining service flow steering policy information.

[0064] In an implementation form, after the sending the service flow steering policy information obtaining request to the UDR, the receiving module is configured to:

[0065] receive service flow steering policy information sent by the UDR, the service flow steering policy information being service flow steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier.

[0066] In an implementation form, after the receiving the service flow steering policy information sent by the UDR, the sending module is configured to:

[0067] send, to the SMF, service flow steering policy information, the service flow steering policy information being service flow steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier.

[0068] According to an eighth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a service flow processing apparatus is provided, applied to a unified data repository (UDR) network element, and the apparatus comprises:

[0069] a receiving module configured to receive a data storage request sent by a network exposure function (NEF), the data storage request being used for requesting to store service flow steering policy information in the UDR network element; and a storage module configured to store the service flow steering policy information, wherein the UDR stores the service flow steering policy information by one or more of adding, deleting, and modifying.

[0070] In an implementation form, the apparatus further comprises a sending module.

[0071] the sending module is configured to send, to the NEF, a data storage response, the data storage response being used for indicating that the service flow steering policy information is stored in the UDR network element.

[0072] In an implementation form, the receiving module is configured to:

[0073] receive a service flow steering policy information obtaining request sent by the NEF, the service flow steering policy information obtaining request being used for obtaining service flow steering policy information.

[0074] In an implementation form, the sending module is configured to:

[0075] send, to the NEF, the traffic steering policy information, the traffic steering policy information being the traffic steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier.

[0076] According to a ninth aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, a traffic processing apparatus is provided, applied to a session management function (SMF) network element, the apparatus comprising:

[0077] a receiving module configured to receive traffic steering policy information sent by a NEF, the traffic steering policy information being traffic steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier; and perform one or more operations of adding, deleting, or modifying, on an application corresponding to the traffic steering policy information, based on the traffic steering policy information.

[0078] In an implementation form, the apparatus further comprises a sending module.

[0079] the sending module is configured to send, to the NEF, a traffic steering policy information request, the traffic steering policy information request being used to acquire, from the NEF, the traffic steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier.

[0080] In an implementation form, the sending module is configured to send the set of traffic steering policy information in at least one of the following cases:

[0081] determining that a cache counter expires and that the UPF does not apply the traffic steering policy information;

[0082] the UPF does not have the traffic steering policy information; and

[0083] determining that the NEF receives a traffic steering policy request sent by an AF.

[0084] In an implementation form, the sending module is configured to:

[0085] send, to a user port function (UPF), a traffic steering policy information management request, the traffic steering policy information management request being used to provide the traffic steering policy information.

[0086] In an implementation form, the receiving module is configured to:

[0087] receive a traffic steering policy information management response sent by the UPF, the traffic steering policy information management response being used to indicate that a management operation has been performed on the traffic steering policy information.

[0088] According to a tenth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a service flow processing apparatus is provided, applied to a UPF network element, and the apparatus comprises:

[0089] a receiving module configured to receive a service flow steering policy information management request sent by an SMF, the service flow steering policy information management request being configured to provide service flow steering policy information;

[0090] a management module configured to perform one or more operations of addition, deletion, and modification on an application corresponding to the service flow steering policy information based on the service flow steering policy information management request.

[0091] In an implementation form, the apparatus further comprises a sending module.

[0092] a sending module configured to send a service flow steering policy information management response to the SMF, the service flow steering policy information management response being configured to indicate that the management operation on the service flow steering policy information has been confirmed.

[0093] According to an eleventh aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a service flow processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0094] a processor; a memory configured to store processor-executable instructions; wherein the processor is configured to execute the service flow processing method in the first aspect or any of the implementation forms of the first aspect, or execute the service flow processing method in the second aspect or any of the implementation forms of the second aspect, or execute the service flow processing method in the third aspect or any of the implementation forms of the third aspect, or execute the service flow processing method in the fourth aspect or any of the implementation forms of the fourth aspect, or execute the service flow processing method in the fifth aspect or any of the implementation forms of the fifth aspect.

[0095] According to a twelfth aspect of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, when instructions in the storage medium are executed by a processor of a mobile terminal, the mobile terminal is enabled to execute the service flow processing method in the first aspect or any of the implementation forms of the first aspect, or the mobile terminal is enabled to execute the service flow processing method in the second aspect or any of the implementation forms of the second aspect, or the mobile terminal is enabled to execute the service flow processing method in the third aspect or any of the implementation forms of the third aspect, or the mobile terminal is enabled to execute the service flow processing method in the fourth aspect or any of the implementation forms of the fourth aspect, or the mobile terminal is enabled to execute the service flow processing method in the fifth aspect or any of the implementation forms of the fifth aspect.

[0096] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide technical solutions that can include the following beneficial effects: Through the third-party application of the present disclosure, a service flow steering policy request is sent to the NEF through the AF, and a service function and a service function path applied thereto are requested to be managed. Flexible management of the service flow steering policy can be achieved.

[0097] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0098] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into the specification and constitute part of it, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0099] Figure 1 is a network device and terminal communication system architecture diagram according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0100] Figure 2 is a flexible mobile service direction overview diagram according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0101] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0102] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0103] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0104] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0105] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0106] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0107] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a service flow steering policy information storage method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0108] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0109] Figure 11FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a service flow steering policy information retrieval method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0110] Figure 12 FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0111] Figure 13 FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0112] Figure 14 FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0113] Figure 15 FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0114] Figure 16 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0115] Figure 17 FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0116] Figure 18 FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0117] Figure 19 FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a service flow steering policy information management method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0118] Figure 20 FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0119] Figure 21 FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0120] Figure 22 FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0121] Figure 23 FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0122] Figure 24 FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a service flow steering policy information management method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0123] Figure 25 FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0124] Figure 26 is a flow chart of a service flow processing method according to an example embodiment.

[0125] Figure 27 is a block diagram of a service flow processing apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0126] Figure 28 is a block diagram of a service flow processing apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0127] Figure 29 is a block diagram of a service flow processing apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0128] Figure 30 is a block diagram of a service flow processing apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0129] Figure 31 is a block diagram of a service flow processing apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0130] Figure 32 is a block diagram of a service flow processing apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0131] Figure 33 is a block diagram of a service flow processing apparatus according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0132] The example embodiments will be described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description, the same numbers are used to designate the same elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following example embodiments are not representative of all embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0133] Figure 1 is a network device and terminal communication system architecture diagram according to an example embodiment. The communication method provided by the present disclosure can be applied to Figure 1 the communication system architecture diagram shown. As Figure 1 shown, the network side device can send signaling based on Figure 1 the architecture shown.

[0134] It can be understood that Figure 1 the network device and terminal communication system shown is only illustrative, and other network devices can also be included in the wireless communication system, for example, core network devices, wireless relay devices, and wireless backhaul devices, etc., and Figure 1The network devices and the terminals included in the wireless communication system are not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0135] It can be further understood that the wireless communication system in the embodiments of the present disclosure is a network providing wireless communication function. The wireless communication system can use different communication technologies, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA), single Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA), carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA / CA). According to different network capacities, rates, time delays and other factors, the network can be divided into 2G (English: generation) network, 3G network, 4G network or future evolution network, such as 5G network. The 5G network can also be referred to as new radio network (NR). For the convenience of description, the wireless communication network in the present disclosure can be referred to as network.

[0136] Further, the network device involved in the present disclosure can also be referred to as a wireless access network device. The wireless access network device can be a base station, an evolved node B (eNB), a home base station, an access point (AP) in a wireless fidelity (WIFI) system, a wireless relay node, a wireless backhaul node, a transmission point (TP) or a transmission and reception point (TRP), etc. It can also be a gNB in the NR system, or it can also be a component or part of a device constituting a base station, etc. When it is a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system, the network device can also be a vehicle-mounted device. It should be understood that the specific technology and specific device form of the network device are not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0137] Further, the terminal involved in the present disclosure, which can also be referred to as a terminal device, a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a mobile terminal (MT), etc., is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user, such as a handheld device with a wireless connection function, a vehicle-mounted device, etc. At present, some examples of the terminal are: a mobile phone, a pocket personal computer (PPC), a palm computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a notebook computer, a tablet computer, a wearable device, or a vehicle-mounted device, etc. In addition, when it is a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication system, the terminal device can also be a vehicle-mounted device. It should be understood that the specific technology and specific device form of the terminal adopted by the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited.

[0138] For end-to-end services, see Figure 2 , Figure 2 is a flexible mobile service architecture overview diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, a traffic flow is transmitted from a UE to a packet data network (e.g., the Internet) through a mobile network. For a mobile network operator, there are functions such as firewall, NAT, URL filter, LI, DPI, IP tunnel endpoint, packet classifier, application detection and ADC, TCP proxy, KPI monitoring, load balancer, transcoder, application policy control, protocol and video optimization, etc. in the network during the process of transmitting the traffic flow from the UE to the packet data network through the mobile network, so a large number of middle boxes based on IP service function combinations are required to perform middle box processing on the traffic flow. The middle box processing of the traffic flow needs to be performed in the network area between the mobile network and the Internet to provide enhanced security and various value-added services using unique performance.

[0139] In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), it is proposed to support service function chaining in new generation communication technology. For example, service functions and service function paths; service configuration and management support of service configuration, and application programs with value-added services and their users providing service function paths to third parties, such as only provided by 5GS or provided by 5GS and third parties; continue to provide the same value-added service experience for UEs using 5G services, such as Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), AVPROD, NCIS, etc., and move between networks.

[0140] The related art defines its solution in TS 23.503, which includes that traffic control is initiated by a request triggered by a Policy Control Function (PCF), which includes control of detected service traffic matching application detection filters or service traffic flow filters in Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules. It can be understood that traffic control includes traffic matching filters provided by the PCF as described in TS 23.501 [2] section 5.6.7.

[0141] In the related art, application-specific N6 traffic control policies are used to control the traffic of a subscriber to appropriate N6 service functions deployed by an operator or third-party service provider.

[0142] The PCF uses one or more information, such as network operator's policy, user subscription, user's current application test (Oracle Real Application Testing, RAT), network load status, application identifier, time of day, UE location, DNN (related to subscriber session and application traffic) as input, as a selection traffic flow steering policy.

[0143] The PCF controls traffic control by configuring and modifying traffic control information in PCC rules. The traffic control information includes traffic description and reference to traffic control policies configured in the Session Management Function (SMF). As described below, application-specific N6 traffic control policies are used to control the traffic of a subscriber to appropriate N6 service functions deployed by an operator or third-party service provider.

[0144] The PCF uses one or more information, such as network operator's policy, user subscription, user's current RAT, network load status, application identifier, time of day, UE location, DNN (related to subscriber session and application traffic) as input, to select traffic steering policy.

[0145] The PCF controls traffic control by configuring and modifying traffic control information in PCC rules. The traffic control information includes traffic description and reference to traffic control policy configured in SMF.

[0146] The SMF instructs the User Plane Function (UPF) to perform necessary operations to enforce the traffic control policy referenced by the PCF. Actual traffic steering applies to the UPF. To enforce the redirection policy, the UPF can support other standard organization defined functionalities related to traffic flow redirection. The mechanism for routing traffic over N6 is out of 3GPP scope.

[0147] In the related art, the content of the traffic steering policy is pre-configured in the SMF, which prevents third-party AS from dynamically updating the service function and service function path of its application.

[0148] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a traffic flow processing method, which can delete, modify and add the content of the traffic steering policy. Flexible management of the N6 LAN traffic control policy is achieved.

[0149] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a traffic flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 3 The method is used in an application function (AF) network element, and includes the following steps.

[0150] In step S11, a traffic flow steering policy request is sent to a network exposure function (NEF).

[0151] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the traffic flow steering policy request is used to provide traffic flow steering policy information. The traffic flow steering policy information can be the service function and service function path of the third-party application. The third-party application sends the traffic flow steering policy request to the NEF through the AF, and requests to manage the service function and service function path of its application. The management includes one or more of deletion, update, addition, etc.

[0152] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a traffic flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 4As shown, the method is used in an AF network element, and includes the following steps.

[0153] In step S21, a service flow steering policy response sent by the NEF is received.

[0154] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the service flow steering policy response includes an application identifier corresponding to the service flow steering policy information, and the application identifier is used to determine that the service flow steering policy information is stored in a data storage function, i.e., a unified data repository (UDR). After the NEF receives the service flow steering policy request sent by the AF, the service flow steering policy information in the service flow steering policy request is stored in the UDR, and a service flow steering policy response is sent to the AF to inform the AF that the service flow steering policy information is stored in the UDR.

[0155] Based on the same / similar concept, the embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a service flow processing method.

[0156] Figure 5 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the method is used in an NEF network element, and includes the following steps. Figure 5 As shown, the method is used in an NEF network element, and includes the following steps.

[0157] In step S31, a service flow steering policy request sent by the AF is received.

[0158] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, as described above, the service flow steering policy information can be service functions and service function paths of a third-party application.

[0159] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the method is used in an NEF network element, and includes the following steps. Figure 6 As shown, the method is used in an NEF network element, and includes the following steps.

[0160] In step S41, service flow steering policy information in the service flow steering policy request is determined.

[0161] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the NEF determines the service flow steering policy information provided by its application according to the received service flow steering policy request. That is, the service functions and service function paths of its application are determined to be managed. The management includes one or more of deletion, update, and addition.

[0162] Figure 7 FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the method is used in an NEF network element, and includes the following steps. Figure 7 As shown, the method is used in an NEF network element, and includes the following steps.

[0163] In step S51, a data storage request is sent to the UDR.

[0164] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the data storage request is used to request to store the traffic steering policy information in the UDR, wherein the UDR stores the traffic steering policy information including one or more operations of adding, deleting, and modifying.

[0165] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a traffic processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 8 The method is used in a NEF network element, including the following steps.

[0166] In step S61, a data storage response sent by the UDR is received.

[0167] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the data storage response is used to indicate that the traffic steering policy information is stored in the UDR. Figure 9 is a flowchart of a traffic steering policy information storage method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 9 The AF sends a traffic steering policy request (The AF invokes the Nnef_N6LANTSPManagement_Create / Update / Delete service) to the NEF. The NEF processes the traffic steering policy request, determines the traffic steering policy information, and sends a data storage request to the UDR. After receiving the data storage request, the UDR performs N6 LAN TSP processing and sends a data storage response to the NEF. After receiving the data storage response, the NEF sends a traffic steering policy response to the AF.

[0168] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a traffic processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 10 The method is used in a NEF network element, including the following steps.

[0169] In step S71, a traffic steering policy information request sent by the SMF is received.

[0170] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the traffic steering policy information request is used for the SMF to obtain the traffic steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier from the NEF. The NEF receives the traffic steering policy information request sent by the SMF, retrieves the traffic steering policy information from the UDR, and caches the N6 LAN traffic steering policy information retrieved for the application identifier in the NEF in the SMF. The SMF maintains a cache timer associated with the N6 LAN traffic steering policy information to control the time during which the N6 LAN traffic control policy information is valid.

[0171] Figure 11is a flowchart of a service flow steering policy information retrieval method according to an exemplary embodiment. It includes the following steps.

[0172] Figure 12 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 12 , the method is used in a NEF network element, including the following steps.

[0173] In step S81, a service flow steering policy information acquisition request is sent to the UDR.

[0174] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the service flow steering policy information acquisition request is used to acquire service flow steering policy information. The NEF checks whether there is service flow steering policy information for application identifier retrieval in the NEF, and if available, the NEF sends the service flow steering policy information to the SMF. Otherwise, the NEF invokes the application identifier (Nudr_DM_Query) to retrieve the service flow steering policy information therefrom.

[0175] The NEF will retrieve service flow steering policy information for each application identifier from the UDR and distribute it to SMFs that can access these applications. The NEF can be configured with a list of SMFs, where service functions and service function paths should be distributed.

[0176] Figure 13 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 13 , the method is used in a NEF network element, including the following steps.

[0177] In step S91, the service flow steering policy information sent by the UDR is received.

[0178] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the service flow steering policy information is service flow steering policy information retrieved based on application identifier. The UDR provides the service flow steering policy information (Nudr_DM_Query) response to the NEF, and the service flow steering policy information response includes the service flow steering policy information.

[0179] Figure 14 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 14 , the method is used in a NEF network element, including the following steps.

[0180] In step S101, the service flow steering policy information is sent to the SMF.

[0181] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the service flow guidance policy information is service flow guidance policy information retrieved based on the application identifier. The NEF replies to the SMF with the application identifier and the service flow guidance policy information (Nnef_N6LANTSPManagement_Fetch) (e.g., N6LANTSP).

[0182] Based on the same / similar concept, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a business flow processing method.

[0183] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating a business flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 15 As shown, the method is used in UDR network elements and includes the following steps.

[0184] In step S111, a data storage request sent by NEF is received.

[0185] In step S112, the service flow guidance strategy information is stored.

[0186] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the data storage request is used to request that service flow guidance policy information be stored in the UDR, wherein storing service flow guidance policy information in the UDR includes one or more operations such as adding, deleting, and modifying.

[0187] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating a business flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 16 As shown, the method is used in UDR network elements and includes the following steps.

[0188] In step S121, a data storage response is sent to NEF.

[0189] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the data storage response is used to indicate that the service flow guidance strategy information is stored in the data storage function UDR.

[0190] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a business flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 17 As shown, the method is used in UDR network elements and includes the following steps.

[0191] In step S131, a request to obtain service flow guidance strategy information from NEF is received.

[0192] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the service flow guidance strategy information acquisition request is used to acquire service flow guidance strategy information.

[0193] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a business flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. For example... Figure 18 As shown, the method is used in UDR network elements and includes the following steps.

[0194] In step S141, the service flow steering policy information is sent to the NEF.

[0195] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the service flow steering policy information is service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier.

[0196] Based on the same / similar concept, the embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a service flow processing method.

[0197] Figure 19 FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a service flow steering policy information management method according to an exemplary embodiment. It includes the following steps.

[0198] Figure 20 FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the method is used in an SMF network element and includes the following steps. Figure 20

[0199] In step S151, the service flow steering policy information sent by the NEF is received.

[0200] In step S152, based on the service flow steering policy information, one or more operations of addition, deletion, and modification are performed on the application program corresponding to the service flow steering policy information.

[0201] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the service flow steering policy information is service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier. The NEF calls the application identifier, the service flow steering policy information (for example, N6LANTSP), and the N6LANTSP operation (Nnef_N6LANTSP_Management_Notify) to the SMF to which the service flow steering policy information should be provided.

[0202] Figure 21 FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the method is used in an SMF network element and includes the following steps. Figure 21

[0203] In step S161, a service flow steering policy information request is sent to the NEF.

[0204] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the service flow steering policy information request is used to obtain service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier from the NEF.

[0205] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the service flow steering policy information set is sent in at least one of the following cases:

[0206] It is determined that the cache counter expires and the UPF does not apply the service flow steering policy information.​​

[0207] The UPF does not have service flow steering policy information; and

[0208] The NEF determines that the NEF receives a service flow steering policy request sent by the AF.

[0209] When the PCC rule with this application identifier is provided / activated and the service flow steering policy information provided by the NEF is not available on the SMF, this procedure enables the SMF to retrieve the service flow steering policy information from the NEF. In addition, when the cache timer for the application identifier has expired and the PCC rule for this application identifier is still active, this procedure enables the SMF to retrieve the service flow steering policy information from the NEF. Unless the NEF has the NEF already, the NEF retrieves the service flow steering policy information from the UDR.

[0210] Figure 22 is a flow chart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 22 the method is used in an SMF network element, and includes the following steps.

[0211] In step S171, a service flow steering policy information management request is sent to a user port function UPF.

[0212] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the service flow steering policy information management request is used to provide service flow steering policy information. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the N6 LAN traffic control policy includes information for packet marking:

[0213] N6 LAN traffic control policy identification

[0214] a list of service functions and their IP addresses; and

[0215] the order of service functions

[0216] The N6 LAN traffic control policy is stored in the UDR in the form of a data set "application data" and a data subset "N6 LAN traffic control policy", and the data key is "application ID".

[0217] Figure 23 is a flow chart of a service flow processing method according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in Figure 23 the method is used in an SMF network element, and includes the following steps.

[0218] In step S181, a service flow steering policy information management response sent by the UPF is received.

[0219] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the service flow steering policy information management response is used to indicate that the management operation has been performed on the service flow steering policy information.Figure 24 is a flow chart of a service flow steering policy information management method according to an example embodiment. The SMF is triggered to provide or delete a service flow steering policy information set belonging to an Application ID. When a cache timer expires and there is no active PCC rule referencing the corresponding application identifier, the SMF informs the UPF to delete the service flow steering policy information identified by the application ID. When a PCC rule is provided for an application ID corresponding to an N6 LAN TS that has not been provided to the UPF, the SMF shall provide the service flow steering policy information to the UPF (if there is no cached service flow steering policy information, the SMF retrieves them from the NEF. When receiving any update of the service flow steering policy information from the NEF, there is still an active PCC rule in the UPF for the application ID. The SMF sends a service flow steering policy information management request to the UPF to provide / delete the service flow steering policy information corresponding to the application ID. The UPF updates the service flow steering policy information according to the request and confirms by sending a response service flow steering policy information management response message.

[0220] Based on the same / similar concept, the disclosure embodiments also provide a service flow processing method.

[0221] Figure 25 is a flow chart of a service flow processing method according to an example embodiment. As shown in Figure 25 , the method is used in a UPF network element, including the following steps.

[0222] In step S191, a service flow steering policy information management request sent by the SMF is received.

[0223] In step S192, based on the service flow steering policy information management request, one or more of the following operations are performed on the application corresponding to the service flow steering policy information: addition, deletion, and modification of service flow steering policy.

[0224] In the disclosure embodiments, the service flow steering policy information management request is used to provide service flow steering policy information.

[0225] Figure 26 is a flow chart of a service flow processing method according to an example embodiment. As shown in Figure 26 , the method is used in a UPF network element, including the following steps.

[0226] In step S201, a service flow steering policy information management response is sent to the SMF.

[0227] In the disclosure embodiments, the service flow steering policy information management response is used to indicate that the service flow steering policy information has been managed and confirmed.

[0228] Based on the same concept, the embodiment of the disclosure further provides a service flow processing apparatus.

[0229] It can be understood that the service flow processing apparatus provided by the embodiment of the disclosure comprises a hardware structure and / or a software module corresponding to the execution of each function in order to realize the above functions. In combination with the units and algorithm steps of each example disclosed in the embodiment of the disclosure, the embodiment of the disclosure can be realized in the form of hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a certain function is realized by hardware or computer software driven hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to realize the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the technical solution of the embodiment of the disclosure.

[0230] Figure 27 is a block diagram of a service flow processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to Figure 27 , applied to an application function AF network element, the apparatus 100 comprises a sending module 101.

[0231] The sending module 101 is configured to send a service flow steering policy request to a network exposure function NEF. The service flow steering policy request is configured to provide service flow steering policy information.

[0232] In the embodiment of the disclosure, the apparatus further comprises a receiving module 102.

[0233] The receiving module 102 is configured to receive a service flow steering policy response sent by the NEF, the service flow steering policy response comprising an application identifier corresponding to the service flow steering policy information, the application identifier being configured to determine that the service flow steering policy information is stored in a data storage function UDR.

[0234] Figure 28 is a block diagram of a service flow processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to Figure 28 , applied to a network exposure function NEF network element, the apparatus 200 comprises a receiving module 201.

[0235] The receiving module 201 is configured to receive a service flow steering policy request sent by the AF, the service flow steering policy request being configured to provide service flow steering policy information by the AF to the NEF.

[0236] In the embodiment of the disclosure, after receiving the service flow steering policy request, the apparatus further comprises a determining module 202.

[0237] The determining module 202 is configured to determine the service flow steering policy information in the service flow steering policy request.

[0238] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a sending module 203.

[0239] The sending module 203 is configured to send a data storage request to a data storage function UDR, where the data storage request is used to request to store the traffic steering policy information in the UDR.

[0240] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the receiving module 201 is configured to receive a data storage response sent by the UDR, where the data storage response is used to indicate that the traffic steering policy information is stored in the UDR.

[0241] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the receiving module 201 is configured to receive a traffic steering policy information request sent by a session management function SMF, where the traffic steering policy information request is used for the SMF to obtain, based on an application identifier, the traffic steering policy information retrieved by the NEF.

[0242] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after receiving the traffic steering policy information request sent by the SMF, the sending module 203 is configured to send a traffic steering policy information obtaining request to the UDR, where the traffic steering policy information obtaining request is used to obtain the traffic steering policy information.

[0243] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after sending the traffic steering policy information obtaining request to the UDR, the receiving module 201 is configured to receive traffic steering policy information sent by the UDR, where the traffic steering policy information is the traffic steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier.

[0244] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after receiving the traffic steering policy information sent by the UDR, the sending module is configured to:

[0245] send the traffic steering policy information to the SMF, where the traffic steering policy information is the traffic steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier.

[0246] Figure 29 FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a traffic processing apparatus according to an example embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the apparatus 300 is applied to a unified data storage function (UDR) network element, and the apparatus 300 includes a receiving module 301. Figure 29

[0247] The receiving module 301 is configured to receive a data storage request sent by the NEF, where the data storage request is used to request to store the traffic steering policy information in the UDR network element. The storage module 302 is configured to store the traffic steering policy information.

[0248] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a sending module 303.

[0249] ​The sending module is configured to send, to the NEF, a data storage response, where the data storage response is used to indicate that the traffic steering policy information is stored in a data storage function, UDR, network element.

[0250] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the receiving module 301 is configured to receive a traffic steering policy information obtaining request sent by the NEF, where the traffic steering policy information obtaining request is used to obtain the traffic steering policy information.

[0251] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving the traffic steering policy information obtaining request sent by the NEF, the sending module 303 is configured to send, to the NEF, the traffic steering policy information, where the traffic steering policy information is the traffic steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier.

[0252] Figure 30 is a block diagram of a traffic processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. Referring to Figure 30 , the apparatus 400 is applied to a session management function, SMF, network element, and includes a receiving module 401 and a management module 402.

[0253] The receiving module 401 is configured to receive traffic steering policy information sent by the NEF, where the traffic steering policy information is the traffic steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier. The management module 402 is configured to perform one or more operations of addition, deletion, and modification on an application program corresponding to the traffic steering policy information based on the traffic steering policy information.

[0254] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a sending module 403.

[0255] The sending module is configured to send, to the NEF, a traffic steering policy information request, where the traffic steering policy information request is used to obtain, from the NEF, the traffic steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier.

[0256] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the set of traffic steering policy information is sent in at least one of the following cases:

[0257] It is determined that the cache counter expires and the UPF does not apply the traffic steering policy information.

[0258] The UPF does not have the traffic steering policy information.

[0259] It is determined that the NEF receives a traffic steering request sent by the AF.

[0260] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the sending module 403 is configured to:

[0261] The service flow steering policy information management request is sent to a user plane function (UPF). The service flow steering policy information management request is used to provide service flow steering policy information.

[0262] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after the service flow steering policy information management request is sent to the UPF, the receiving module is configured to:

[0263] The service flow steering policy information management response sent by the UPF is received. The service flow steering policy information management response is used to indicate that the service flow steering policy information has been managed.

[0264] Figure 31 is a block diagram of a service flow processing apparatus according to an example embodiment. Referring to Figure 31 , the apparatus 500 applied to a UPF network element includes a receiving module 501.

[0265] The receiving module 501 is configured to receive a service flow steering policy information management request sent by an SMF. The service flow steering policy information management request is used to provide service flow steering policy information.

[0266] The management module 502 is configured to perform one or more operations of adding, deleting, or modifying on an application corresponding to the service flow steering policy information based on the service flow steering policy information management request.

[0267] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus further includes a sending module 503.

[0268] The sending module 503 is configured to send a service flow steering policy information management response to the SMF. The service flow steering policy information management response is used to indicate that the service flow steering policy information has been managed.

[0269] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manners in which the various modules perform operations have been described in detail in the embodiments of the method, and will not be described in detail here.

[0270] Figure 32 is a block diagram of an apparatus 600 for service flow processing according to an example embodiment. For example, the apparatus 600 can be a mobile phone, a computer, a digital broadcast terminal, a messaging device, a game console, a tablet device, a medical device, a fitness device, a personal digital assistant, and the like.

[0271] Referring to Figure 32 , the apparatus 600 can include one or more of the following components: a processing component 602, a memory 604, a power supply component 606, a multimedia component 608, an audio component 610, an input / output (I / O) interface 612, a sensor component 614, and a communication component 616.

[0272] The processing component 602 generally controls the overall operations of the device 600, such as operations associated with display, phone calls, data communications, camera operations, and recording operations. The processing component 602 can include one or more processors 620 to execute instructions

[0273] The memory 604 is configured to store various types of data to support operations of the device 600. Examples of such data include instructions for any applications or methods operating on the device 600, contact data, phonebook data, messages, pictures, videos, and so on. The memory 604 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage devices or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk or optical disk.

[0274] The power component 606 supplies electrical power for the various components of the device 600. The power component 606 can include a power supply management system, one or more power sources, and other components associated with generating, managing and distributing electrical power for the device 600.

[0275] The multimedia component 608 includes a screen providing an output interface between the device 600 and a user. In some embodiments, the screen can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a touch panel (TP). If the screen includes the touch panel, the screen can be implemented as a touch screen to receive an input signal from a user. The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense a touch, a slide and a gesture on the touch panel. The touch sensors can not only sense a boundary of a touching or sliding action, but also detect duration and pressure related to the touching or sliding action. In some embodiments, the multimedia component 608 includes a front camera and / or a rear camera. When the device 600 is in an operation mode, such as a shooting mode or a video mode, the front camera and / or the rear camera can receive external multimedia data. Each of the front and rear cameras can be a fixed optical lens system or have a focal length and optical zoom capability.

[0276] The audio component 610 is configured to output and / or input audio signals. For example, the audio component 610 includes a microphone (MIC) that is configured to receive an external audio signal when the device 600 is in an operation mode, such as a call mode, a recording mode, and a voice recognition mode. The received audio signal can be further stored in the memory 604 or transmitted via the communication component 616. In some embodiments, the audio component 610 also includes a speaker for outputting audio signals.

[0277] The I / O interface 612 provides an interface between the processing component 602 and peripheral interface modules, which can be a keypad, a click wheel, buttons, and the like. The buttons can include, but are not limited to, a home button, a volume button, a start button, and a lock button.

[0278] The sensor component 614 includes one or more sensors for providing status assessments of various aspects of the device 600. For example, the sensor component 614 can detect an open / closed position of the device 600, relative positioning of components, such as a display and a keypad of the device 600, a change of position of the device 600 or a component of the device 600, presence or absence of user contact with the device 600, changes in orientation or acceleration / deceleration

[0279] The communication component 616 is configured to facilitate wired or wireless communication between the device 600 and other devices. The device 600 can access a wireless network based on a corresponding communication standard, such as WiFi, 2G, or 3G, or a combination thereof. In an example embodiment, the communication component 616 receives broadcast signals or broadcast-related information from external broadcast management systems via a broadcast channel. In an example embodiment, the communication component 616 also includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) module to promote short-range communication. For example, the NFC module can be implemented based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) techniques, infrared data association (IrDA) techniques, ultra-wideband (UWB) techniques, Bluetooth (BT) techniques, and other techniques.

[0280] In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 600 can be implemented using one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors or other electronic devices, to perform the above methods.

[0281] In exemplary embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium including instructions, such as the memory 604 including instructions, is also provided, which can be executed by the processor 620 of the apparatus 600 to complete the above methods. For example, the non-transitory computer readable storage medium can be a ROM, a random access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, and an optical data storage device, etc.

[0282] Figure 33 is a block diagram of an apparatus 700 for service flow processing according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, the apparatus 700 can be provided as a server. Referring to Figure 33 , the apparatus 700 includes a processing component 722, which further includes one or more processors, and a memory resource represented by the memory 732, for storing instructions executable by the processing component 722, such as an application program. The application program stored in the memory 732 can include one or more than one module each corresponding to a set of instructions. In addition, the processing component 722 is configured to execute the instructions to perform the above methods.

[0283] The apparatus 700 can also include a power supply component 726 configured to perform power management of the apparatus 700, a wired or wireless network interface 750 configured to connect the apparatus 700 to a network, and an input / output (I / O) interface 758. The apparatus 700 can operate based on an operating system stored in the memory 732, such as Windows ServerTM, Mac OS XTM, UnixTM, LinuxTM, FreeBSDTM or the like.

[0284] It can be further understood that "multiple" in the present disclosure means two or more, and other quantifiers are similar. The association relationship of "and / or" describing the associated objects means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can mean that A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone. The character " / " generally represents that the associated objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. The singular form of "a", "said" and "the" is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0285] It will be further understood that the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various information but should not be construed as requiring these pieces of information to be in a particular order. The terms are merely used to differentiate one piece of information from another piece of information of the same type, and do not imply a particular chronological or chronological order or importance. In fact, the expressions "first", "second", etc. can be used interchangeably. For example, the first information can also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information can also be referred to as the first information without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0286] It will be further understood that, although the operations of the present embodiments are described in a particular, sequential order, this should not be understood as a requirement and that one embodiment can be

[0287] It will be further understood that the methods described in the present embodiments can be performed independently or in a combined manner, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0288] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses or adaptations of the present disclosure following, in general, the principles of the present disclosure and including such departures from the present disclosure that come within known

[0289] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the precise structures as already described and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the present disclosure is only limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of service flow processing, the method comprising: The method applied to an application function (AF) network element comprises the following steps: sending a service flow steering policy request to a network exposure function (NEF), wherein the service flow steering policy request is used to provide service flow steering policy information; wherein the service flow steering policy information comprises at least one of a service function and a service function path of a third-party application; receiving a service flow steering policy response sent by the NEF, wherein the service flow steering policy response comprises an application identifier corresponding to the service flow steering policy information, and the application identifier is used to determine that the service flow steering policy information is stored in a unified data repository (UDR), and the UDR stores the service flow steering policy information by performing one or more operations of adding, deleting or modifying.

2. A service flow processing method, characterized by, The method applied to a network exposure function (NEF) network element comprises the following steps: receiving a service flow steering policy request sent by an application function (AF), wherein the service flow steering policy request is used for the AF to provide service flow steering policy information to the NEF; wherein the service flow steering policy information comprises at least one of a service function and a service function path of a third-party application; sending a data storage request to a unified data repository (UDR), wherein the data storage request is used to request that the service flow steering policy information is stored in the UDR, and the UDR stores the service flow steering policy information by performing one or more operations of adding, deleting or modifying.

3. The traffic flow processing method of claim 2, wherein, After the service flow steering policy request is received, the method further comprises the following steps: determining the service flow steering policy information in the service flow steering policy request.

4. The traffic flow processing method of claim 2, wherein, The method further comprises the following steps: receiving a data storage response sent by the UDR, wherein the data storage response is used to indicate that the service flow steering policy information is stored in the UDR.

5. The method of service flow processing according to claim 3, wherein, The method further comprises the following steps: receiving a service flow steering policy information request sent by a session management function (SMF), wherein the service flow steering policy information request is used for the SMF to obtain the service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier.

6. The traffic flow processing method of claim 5, wherein, After the service flow steering policy information request sent by the SMF is received, the method further comprises the following steps: sending a service flow steering policy information obtaining request to the UDR, wherein the service flow steering policy information obtaining request is used to obtain the service flow steering policy information.

7. The traffic flow processing method of claim 6, wherein, After the service flow steering policy information obtaining request is sent to the UDR, the method further comprises the following steps: receiving service flow steering policy information sent by the UDR, wherein the service flow steering policy information is the service flow steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier.

8. The traffic flow processing method of claim 7, wherein, After the service flow steering policy information sent by the UDR is received, the method further comprises the following steps: sending service flow steering policy information to the SMF, wherein the service flow steering policy information is the service flow steering policy information retrieved based on the application identifier.

9. A service flow processing method, characterized by, The method applied to a unified data repository (UDR) network element comprises the following steps: receiving a data storage request sent by the NEF, the data storage request being used to request storing service flow steering policy information in a UDR network element, wherein the NEF is used to receive a service flow steering policy request sent by an application function, the service flow steering policy request being used for the AF to provide the NEF with service flow steering policy information; storing the service flow steering policy information, wherein the UDR storing the service flow steering policy information comprises one or more of adding, deleting, and modifying; wherein the service flow steering policy information comprises at least one of a service function and a service function path of a third-party application.

10. The traffic flow processing method of claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a data storage response to the NEF, the data storage response being used to indicate that the service flow steering policy information is stored in the UDR network element.

11. The traffic flow processing method of claim 9, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a service flow steering policy information acquisition request sent by the NEF, the service flow steering policy information acquisition request being used to acquire service flow steering policy information.

12. The traffic flow processing method of claim 11, wherein, After receiving the service flow steering policy information acquisition request sent by the NEF, the method further comprises: sending service flow steering policy information to the NEF, the service flow steering policy information being service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier.

13. A service flow processing method, characterized by, The method applied to a session management function (SMF) network element, the method comprising: receiving service flow steering policy information sent by the NEF, the service flow steering policy information being service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier, wherein the NEF is used to receive a service flow steering policy request sent by an application function and send a data storage request to a data storage function (UDR), the data storage request being used to request storing service flow steering policy information in the UDR, wherein the service flow steering policy request is used for the AF to provide the NEF with service flow steering policy information, and the UDR storing the service flow steering policy information comprises one or more of adding, deleting, and modifying; based on the service flow steering policy information, performing one or more of adding, deleting, and modifying on an application program corresponding to the service flow steering policy information; wherein the service flow steering policy information comprises at least one of a service function and a service function path of a third-party application.

14. The traffic flow processing method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a service flow steering policy information request to the NEF, the service flow steering policy information request being used to acquire service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier from the NEF.

15. The method of service flow processing according to claim 13, wherein, The set of service flow steering policy information is sent in at least one of the following cases: determining that a cache counter expires and the UPF does not apply the service flow steering policy information; the UPF does not have service flow steering policy information; determining that the NEF receives a service flow steering policy request sent by the AF.

16. The method of service flow processing according to claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises: sending a service flow steering policy information management request to a user plane processing function (UPF), the service flow steering policy information management request being used to provide service flow steering policy information.

17. The traffic flow processing method of claim 16, wherein, After sending the service flow steering policy information management request to the UPF, the method further comprises: The system receives a service flow guidance policy information management response sent by the UPF, which indicates that the management operation of the service flow guidance policy information has been confirmed.

18. A service flow processing method, characterized by, Applied to UPF network elements, the method includes: The system receives a service flow guidance policy information management request sent by the Service Flow Guidance Policy (SMF). This request provides service flow guidance policy information. The SMF receives service flow guidance policy information sent by the Service Flow Guidance Policy (NEF). This service flow guidance policy information is retrieved based on an application identifier. The NEF receives the service flow guidance policy request sent by the application function and sends a data storage request to the Data Storage Function (UDR). This data storage request requests that the service flow guidance policy information be stored in the UDR. The service flow guidance policy request is used by the Application Function (AF) to provide the service flow guidance policy information to the NEF. The storage of the service flow guidance policy information in the UDR includes one or more operations such as adding, deleting, and modifying. Based on the business flow guidance strategy information management request, perform one or more operations such as adding, deleting, and modifying business flow guidance strategy execution on the application corresponding to the business flow guidance strategy information; The business flow guidance strategy information includes at least one of the service functions and service function paths of the third-party application.

19. The method of service flow processing according to claim 18, wherein, The method further includes: Send a service flow guidance policy information management response to the SMF, the service flow guidance policy information management response being used to indicate that the management operation of the service flow guidance policy information has been confirmed.

20. A service flow processing apparatus, characterized by comprising: The device, applied to application function AF network elements, includes: The sending module is used to send a service flow guidance policy request to the Network Open Function (NEF), wherein the service flow guidance policy request is used to provide service flow guidance policy information; The receiving module is used to receive a service flow guidance policy response sent by NEF. The service flow guidance policy response includes an application identifier corresponding to the service flow guidance policy information. The application identifier is used to determine whether to store the service flow guidance policy information in the data storage function UDR. The UDR stores service flow guidance policy information in the UDR based on the data storage request sent by NEF. The storage of the service flow guidance policy information in the UDR includes one or more operations such as adding, deleting, and modifying. The business flow guidance strategy information includes at least one of the service functions and service function paths of the third-party application.

21. A service flow processing apparatus, characterized by comprising: The device, applied to Network Open Function (NEF) network elements, includes: The receiving module is used to receive a service flow guidance policy request sent by the AF, wherein the service flow guidance policy request is used by the AF to provide service flow guidance policy information to the NEF; The sending module is used to send a data storage request to the data storage function UDR, wherein the data storage request is used to request that the service flow guidance strategy information be stored in the UDR; The UDR stores the service flow guidance strategy information, including one or more operations such as adding, deleting, and modifying. The service flow steering policy information includes at least one of a service function and a service function path of the third-party application.

22. A service flow processing apparatus, characterized by comprising: The device is applied to a data storage function UDR network element, and the device comprises: A receiving module is configured to receive a data storage request sent by the NEF, the data storage request being used to request to store the service flow steering policy information in the UDR; The service flow steering policy information is stored; The NEF is configured to receive a service flow steering policy request sent by an application function, the service flow steering policy request being used for the AF to provide the NEF with the service flow steering policy information; The UDR stores the service flow steering policy information by performing one or more operations of adding, deleting, or modifying; The service flow steering policy information includes at least one of a service function and a service function path of the third-party application.

23. A service flow processing apparatus, characterized by comprising: The device is applied to a session management function SMF network element, and the device comprises: A receiving module is configured to receive service flow steering policy information sent by the NEF, the service flow steering policy information being service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier; A management module is configured to perform one or more operations of adding, deleting, or modifying on an application program corresponding to the service flow steering policy information based on the service flow steering policy information; The NEF is configured to receive a service flow steering policy request sent by an application function and send a data storage request to a data storage function UDR, the data storage request being used to request to store the service flow steering policy information in the UDR, wherein the service flow steering policy request is used for the AF to provide the NEF with the service flow steering policy information, and the UDR stores the service flow steering policy information by performing one or more operations of adding, deleting, or modifying; The service flow steering policy information includes at least one of a service function and a service function path of the third-party application.

24. A service flow processing apparatus, characterized by comprising: The device is applied to a UPF network element, and the device comprises: A receiving module is configured to receive a service flow steering policy information management request sent by the SMF, the service flow steering policy information management request being used to provide the service flow steering policy information; A management module is configured to perform one or more operations of adding, deleting, or modifying on an application program corresponding to the service flow steering policy information based on the service flow steering policy information management request; The SMF is configured to receive service flow steering policy information sent by the NEF, the service flow steering policy information being service flow steering policy information retrieved based on an application identifier, wherein the NEF is configured to receive a service flow steering policy request sent by an application function and send a data storage request to a data storage function UDR, the data storage request being used to request to store the service flow steering policy information in the UDR, wherein the service flow steering policy request is used for the AF to provide the NEF with the service flow steering policy information, and the UDR stores the service flow steering policy information by performing one or more operations of adding, deleting, or modifying; The service flow steering policy information includes at least one of a service function and a service function path of the third-party application.

25. A service flow processing apparatus, characterized by comprising: Comprise: a processor; a memory for storing processor-executable instructions; wherein the processor is configured to execute the service flow processing method of claim 1, or the service flow processing method of any one of claims 2-8, or the service flow processing method of any one of claims 9-12, or the service flow processing method of any one of claims 13-17, or the service flow processing method of any one of claims 18-19. 26.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, when instructions in the storage medium are executed by a processor, is capable of executing the service flow processing method of claim 1, or the service flow processing method of any one of claims 2-8, or the service flow processing method of any one of claims 9-12, or the service flow processing method of any one of claims 13-17, or the service flow processing method of any one of claims 18-19.

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