Session processing method, device and storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application provides a session processing method, device and storage medium. The method includes: the session management function SMF network element determines to deactivate the multicast broadcast service MBS session, and sends an MBS session suspension request to the access network device; the SMF network element receives the MBS session suspension response of the access network device. The above process can effectively utilize network resources, avoid wasting network resources, and improve the communication quality of the system.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application with application number 2020800970389 and invention name “Session processing method, device and storage medium”. Technical Field

[0002] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a session processing method, device, and storage medium. Background Art

[0003] In the fifth generation mobile networks (5G) network system, the data network can send data to the terminal through the user plane unicast connection established between the data network and the terminal. The existing 5G network system does not support the multicast broadcast transmission mechanism. If the data network needs to send the same data to multiple terminals, it needs to use the user plane unicast connection to send the same data to a group of terminals, resulting in a waste of network resources. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a session processing method, device and storage medium to improve the utilization rate of network resources.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a session processing method, including: an access network device determines to deactivate a multicast broadcast service MBS session, and sends an MBS session suspension request to a core network device; the access network device receives an MBS session suspension response from the core network device.

[0006] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a session processing method, including: a session management function SMF network element determines to deactivate a multicast broadcast service MBS session, and sends an MBS session suspension request to an access network device; the SMF network element receives an MBS session suspension response from the access network device.

[0007] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a session processing method, including: an access network device determines to activate an MBS session, and sends an MBS session activation request to a core network device; the access network device receives an MBS session activation response from the core network device.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a session processing method, including: an SMF network element determines to activate a multicast broadcast service MBS session, and sends an MBS session activation request to an access network device; the SMF network element receives an MBS session activation response from the access network device.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an access network device, comprising: a processing module, used to determine to deactivate a multicast broadcast service MBS session; a sending module, used to send an MBS session suspension request to a core network device; and a receiving module, used to receive an MBS session suspension response from the core network device.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a session management device, comprising: a processing module, used to determine to deactivate a multicast broadcast service MBS session; a sending module, used to send an MBS session suspension request to an access network device; and a receiving module, used to receive an MBS session suspension response from the access network device.

[0011] In the seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an access network device, characterized in that it includes: a processing module for determining to activate an MBS session; a sending module for sending an MBS session activation request to a core network device; and a receiving module for receiving an MBS session activation response from the core network device.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a session management device, including: a processing module, used to determine the activation of a multicast broadcast service MBS session; a sending module, used to send an MBS session activation request to an access network device; and a receiving module, used to receive an MBS session activation response from the access network device.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an access network device, comprising: a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program from the memory, so that the processor runs the computer program to perform the method as described in any one of the first aspect or the method as described in any one of the third aspect. Optionally, the processor may be a chip.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a session management device, comprising: a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store a computer program, and the processor is used to call and run the computer program from the memory, so that the processor runs the computer program to perform the method as described in any one of the second aspects, or the method as described in any one of the fourth aspects. Optionally, the processor may be a chip.

[0015] In the eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a storage medium, wherein the storage medium includes a computer program, and the computer program is used to implement the method as described in any one of the first aspect, or the method as described in any one of the third aspect.

[0016] In the twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a storage medium, wherein the storage medium includes a computer program, and the computer program is used to implement the method as described in any one of the second aspect, or the method as described in any one of the fourth aspect.

[0017] In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, comprising an access network device as described in the ninth aspect, and a session management device as described in the tenth aspect.

[0018] The embodiment of the present application provides a session processing method, device and storage medium for improving the utilization rate of MBS session resources. The method includes: when it is determined that there is no data transmission or no UE access in an MBS session in an activated state, initiating an MBS session suspension process, and suspending the MBS session can release MBS session resources; when it is determined that there is data transmission or UE access in an MBS session in a deactivated state, initiating an MBS session activation process to activate or restart MBS session resources. MBS session resources include air interface resources and tunnel resources between access network devices and core network devices. The above-mentioned process of activating and deactivating MBS sessions can effectively utilize network resources, avoid wasting network resources, and improve system communication quality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture provided for an embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a network architecture provided for an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 5 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 6 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 7 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 8 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Fig. 9 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Fig.10 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a session management device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the structure of a session management device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Fig.16 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a session management device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0036] The terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof in the specification, claims and above-mentioned drawings of the embodiments of the present application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or apparatus.

[0037] In order to better understand a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application, the network architecture involved in the embodiment of the present application is described below. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1As shown in the figure, the 5G network architecture released by the 3GPP standard group includes: terminal (user equipment, UE), access network supporting 3GPP technology (including radio access network, RAN or access network, AN), user plane function (user plane function, UPF) network element, access and mobility management function (access and mobility management function, AMF) network element, session management function (session management function, SMF) network element, policy control function (policy control function, PCF) network element, application function (application function, AF) and data network (data network, DN).

[0038] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 1 The 5G network architecture shown in the figure does not constitute a limitation on the 5G network architecture. In specific implementation, the 5G network architecture may include more or fewer network elements than shown in the figure, or combine certain network elements, etc. It should be understood that Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present application, the access network is described as RAN by way of (R)AN.

[0039] The terminal in the embodiments of the present application may be a user equipment (UE), a handheld terminal, a laptop computer, a subscriber unit, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a wireless data card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) computer, a tablet computer, a wireless modem, a handheld device (handheld), a laptop computer, a cordless phone or a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a machine type communication (MTC) terminal, a handheld device with wireless communication function, a computing device, a processing device connected to a wireless modem, a drone, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a terminal in the Internet of Things, a virtual reality device, a terminal device in a future 5G network, a terminal in a future evolved public land mobile network (PLMN), etc.

[0040] The access network device in the embodiment of the present application is an access device that the terminal accesses to the network architecture by wireless means, and is mainly responsible for wireless resource management, quality of service (QoS) management, data compression and encryption, etc. on the air interface side. For example: base station NodeB, evolved base station eNodeB, base station in 5G mobile communication system or new generation wireless (newradio, NR) communication system, base station in future mobile communication system, etc.

[0041] UPF network elements, AMF network elements, SMF network elements, and PCF network elements are network elements of the 3GPP core network (referred to as: core network network elements). UPF network elements can be called user plane function network elements, which are mainly responsible for the transmission of user data. Other network elements can be called control plane function network elements, which are mainly responsible for authentication, authorization, registration management, session management, mobility management, and policy control, etc., to ensure reliable and stable transmission of user data.

[0042] UPF network elements can be used to forward and receive data from terminals. For example, UPF network elements can receive service data from the data network and transmit it to the terminal through the access network equipment; UPF network elements can also receive user data from the terminal through the access network equipment and forward it to the data network. Among them, the transmission resources allocated and scheduled by the UPF network element for the terminal are managed and controlled by the SMF network element. The bearer between the terminal and the UPF network element may include: the user plane connection between the UPF network element and the access network equipment, and the establishment of a channel between the access network equipment and the terminal. Among them, the user plane connection is a quality of service (QoS) flow that can be established between the UPF network element and the access network equipment to transmit data.

[0043] The AMF network element can be used to manage the terminal access to the core network, such as: terminal location update, network registration, access control, terminal mobility management, terminal attachment and detachment, etc. The AMF network element can also provide control plane storage resources for the session to store the session identifier, the SMF network element identifier associated with the session identifier, etc. while providing services for the terminal session.

[0044] SMF network elements can be used to select user plane network elements for terminals, redirect user plane network elements for terminals, allocate Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to terminals, establish bearers (also called sessions) between terminals and UPF network elements, modify and release sessions, and control QoS.

[0045] The PCF network element is used to provide policies to the AMF network element and the SMF network element, such as QoS policy and slice selection policy.

[0046] The AF network element is used to interact with the 3GPP core network elements to support application-affected data routing, access network exposure functions, and interact with the PCF network elements for policy control.

[0047] DN can provide data services to users for IP multi-media service (IMS) networks, the Internet, etc. There can be multiple application servers (AS) in DN, providing different application services, such as operator services, Internet access or third-party services, etc. AS can implement the functions of AF.

[0048] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the following new functions are added to the above-mentioned terminal, access network equipment and 5G core network NFs network element function entity:

[0049] (1) Terminals: Support policy configuration extension to multicast broadcast service (MBS); support session management (SM) extension for MBS streams; add signaling for MBS streams, such as transmitting MBS streams through SM signaling or user-plane Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP); support MBS at the application server (AS) layer.

[0050] (2) Access network equipment: Receives MBS streams through the N3 interface and transmits them to the terminal through the air interface; MBS stream transmission switches between multicast and unicast; access network equipment configures how the UE receives the MBS stream at the AS layer.

[0051] (3) UPF network element: supports packet filtering of MBS flows, supports transmission of MBS flows to RAN in point-to-point or point-to-multipoint mode; receives configuration information of 5G MBS flows from SMF network element; if the UE sends a data packet via IGMP, the UPF network element detects the IGMP data packet and notifies the SMF network element; the UPF network element can receive unicast and broadcast flows at the same time; the UPF network element is configured to transmit MBS flows using point-to-multipoint in a certain area, as well as to transmit unicast flows of certain UEs.

[0052] (4) SMF network element: controls MBS transmission according to the MBS policy received from the PCF network element; configures MBS flows and point-to-point or point-to-multipoint transmission for the UPF network element; configures MBS flows and QoS information for the RAN; configures the SM configuration of the MBS flow for the UE (i.e., the SM configuration of the MBS flow on the UE side); the SMF network element supports unicast and MBS services.

[0053] (5) PCF network element: supports multicast service policies, including QoS parameters such as 5QI (5G service quality identifier), maximum bit rate (MBR), and guaranteed bit rate (GBR); provides policy information of MBS sessions to SMF network elements; receives MBS service information from AF directly or through network exposure function (NEF) network elements.

[0054] (6) NEF network element: 5G MBS service loopholes; negotiate 5G MBS services with AF, including QoS and 5G MBS service area.

[0055] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a network architecture provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 As shown, the network architecture provided by this embodiment includes: UE, next generation access network NG-RAN, multicast / broadcast user plane function (multicast / broadcast userplane function, MB-UPF) network element, multicast access and mobility management function (multicast-access andmobility management function, M-AMF) network element, multicast / broadcast session management function (multicast / broadcast session management function, MB-SMF) network element, multicast / broadcast service function (multicast / broadcast service function, MBSF) network element, multicast / broadcast service user plane (multicast / broadcast service user plane, MBSU) network element, NEF network element and application (application).

[0056] The UE, NG-RAN and M-AMF in the embodiment of the present application all support MBS services. The MB-SMF network element and the MB-UPF network element are new functional network elements of the 5G system. The MBSF network element is a new functional network element used to process the signaling part to meet the service layer capabilities in the transmission-only mode and the full-service mode. In the transmission-only mode, the MBSF network element also provides an interface for the application server or content provider. The MBSU network element is also a new functional network element used to process the payload part to cater to the service layer capabilities.

[0057] The embodiments of the present application include existing interfaces and newly added interfaces, such as Figure 2As shown, the main interfaces include: Uu interface between UE and NG-RAN, N2 interface between NG-RAN and M-AMF (can be used to process MBS sessions), MB-N3 interface between NG-RAN and MB-UPF, Nx interface between MB-SMF and MB-UPF, Ny interface between MBSF and MBSU (this interface is a new interface and can be used to provide service layer functions in full service mode), N6MB_C interface between MB-SMF and MBSF (this interface is a new interface and is used to implement NF services), NxMB_C interface between MBSF and NEF (this interface is a new interface and is used to implement NF services), NxMB_U interface between MBSU and NEF (this interface is a new interface), and N6 interface between MB-UPF and MBSU (supporting MBS user plane).

[0058] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each network element in the network can be a network element in a hardware device, a software function running on dedicated hardware, or a virtualized function instantiated on a platform (for example, a cloud platform). Figure 1 or Figure 2 The network architecture shown is only an example of the network elements included in the entire network architecture. In the embodiment of the present application, the network elements included in the entire network architecture are not limited.

[0059] At present, the existing 5G network system does not support the transmission of MBS sessions. The embodiment of the present application proposes a session processing method, which is mainly aimed at the MBS session of the 5G network to achieve effective utilization of MBS session resources. After the MBS session is established, the MBS session will occupy a large amount of network resources and interface channels, resulting in waste of network resources and interface channels. Through the method provided by the embodiment of the present application, when no UE is interested in the MBS session, the system can suspend the active MBS session and release the resources related to the MBS session, but still maintain the MBS context information; when MBS data arrives or a UE is interested in the MBS session, the system can restore or reactivate the MBS session, and can also reallocate resources for the MBS session. Through the above method, network resources can be effectively utilized, waste of network resources can be avoided, and the communication quality of the system can be improved.

[0060] The technical solutions shown in the present application are described in detail below through specific embodiments. It should be noted that the following embodiments can exist alone or in combination with each other. For the same or similar contents, such as the explanation of terms or nouns, and the explanation of steps, etc., they can be referenced to each other in different embodiments and will not be repeated.

[0061] Combination Figures 3 to 6The session processing method shown in the embodiment describes in detail the technical solution of how to deactivate an MBS session in an activated state in a communication system.

[0062] Figure 3 This is an interactive diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0063] Step 101: An access network device determines to deactivate a multicast broadcast service MBS session.

[0064] When the MBS session is in an activated state, the access network device detects the MBS session. If there is no data transmission on the activated MBS session, or no UE receives the MBS session, the access network device determines to deactivate the MBS session.

[0065] Step 102: The access network device sends an MBS session suspension request to the core network device.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present application, the MBS session suspension request includes at least one of the identification information of the MBS session, the suspension reason, and the operation type. Among them, the identification information of the MBS session is used to uniquely identify the MBS session, and the identification of the MBS session can be represented by the ID or character string of the MBS session. The suspension reason includes that there is no data transmission on the MBS session, or no UE receives the MBS session. The operation type is used to indicate whether to release the tunnel information (tunnelinfo, or channel information) between the core network device and the access network device, that is, the access network device can instruct the core network device to release or retain the tunnel information between the core network device and the access network device through the MBS session suspension request.

[0067] Step 103: The access network device receives an MBS session suspension response from the core network device, wherein the MBS session suspension response is used to notify the access network device that the core network device has received the MBS session suspension request.

[0068] Step 104: The access network device releases the access network resources of the MBS session. The access network resources may be understood as the air interface resources allocated by the access network device for the MBS session, including time domain resources and frequency domain resources.

[0069] As an example, the access network device can save the context information of the deactivated MBS session (i.e., the suspended MBS session). The context information includes the NGAP-related context information, MBS context, and PDU session context information required to restore the MBS session. NGAP refers to the interface protocol between the access network and the core network, i.e., the NG interface application protocol. Exemplarily, the context information of the deactivated MBS session saved by the access network device Node B also includes QoS flow information, session type information (IP type, or Ethernet type), and security-related information.

[0070] Optionally, the core network device may also save the context information of the deactivated MBS session according to the indication of the MBS session suspension request of the access network device. For example, the AMF network element and SMF network element in the core network may save the context information of the deactivated MBS session.

[0071] As an example, after the access network device receives the MBS session suspension response from the core network device, the following may also be included:

[0072] Step 105: The access network device releases the tunnel information with the core network device.

[0073] In the embodiment of the present application, the access network device releases the tunnel information with the core network device, which means releasing the tunnel information between the access network device and the UPF network element in the core network. It should be noted that the execution order of the above steps 104 and 105 is not limited to Figure 3 The execution order shown can also be executed simultaneously, and this embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0074] The session processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application involves the deactivation process of the MBS session. The access network device determines to deactivate the MBS session, sends an MBS session suspension request to the core network device, instructs the core network device to suspend the MBS session, and the core network device sends an MBS session suspension response to the access network device. The access network device can release the air interface resources of the MBS session and the tunnel information between the access network device and the core network device. The above-mentioned deactivation process of the MBS session can effectively utilize network resources, avoid waste of network resources, and improve the communication quality of the system.

[0075] Optionally, in some embodiments, step 102 includes: the access network device sends an MBS session suspension request to the session management function SMF network element. Correspondingly, step 103 includes: the access network device receives an MBS session suspension response from the SMF network element. In this example, when the access network device determines that the MBS session is suspended, it sends an MBS session suspension request to the SMF network element of the core network, so that the SMF network element performs the MBS session modification process according to the MBS session suspension request. The specific process can be referred to the following embodiment.

[0076] The following is a specific example. Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment is described in detail. Figure 4 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 NG-RAN is used as the access network equipment. It consists of a group of gNBs connected to the 5G core network through the NG interface. The core network equipment includes AMF network elements, SMF network elements and UPF network elements. Figure 4 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0077] Step 201: The access network device determines to deactivate the MBS session. The manner in which the access network device determines to deactivate the MBS session is the same as that in the above embodiment, and the details can be referred to the above embodiment.

[0078] Step 202: The access network device sends an MBS session suspension request to the AMF network element.

[0079] Step 203: The AMF network element forwards the MBS session suspension request to the SMF network element.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present application, the access network device sends an MBS session suspension request to the SMF network element through the AMF network element. Specifically, the MBS session suspension request includes at least one of the identification information, suspension reason, and operation type of the MBS session. For details, please refer to the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0081] Optionally, the MBS session suspension request may be used to instruct the SMF network element to update the context information of the MBS session management SM.

[0082] Step 204: The SMF network element sends an MBS session modification request to the UPF network element.

[0083] In the embodiment of the present application, the SMF network element initiates the MBS session modification process according to the instruction of the MBS session suspension request, wherein the MBS session modification request is used to instruct the UPF network element whether to release the tunnel information between the access network device and the UPF network element.

[0084] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the MBS session is suspended, the tunnel information between the access network device and the UPF network element can also be retained. It should be noted that even if the tunnel information between the access network and the UPF network element is retained, the SMF network element still needs to send an MBS session modification request to the UPF network element so that the UPF network element is informed that the MBS session is suspended and the UPF network element no longer sends data to the UE, thereby reducing the power consumption of the UPF network element. This example retains the tunnel information between the access network device and the UPF network element. When the MBS session is converted from a deactivated state to an activated state, the access network device does not need to reallocate the tunnel information and can directly establish the MBS session based on the retained tunnel information.

[0085] Step 205: The UPF network element sends an MBS session modification response to the SMF network element.

[0086] Among them, the MBS session modification response is used to indicate that the UPF network element has received the MBS session modification request.

[0087] Step 206: The SMF network element sends an MBS session suspension response to the AMF network element.

[0088] Step 207: AMF forwards the MBS session suspension response to the access network device.

[0089] The MBS session suspension response is used to indicate to the access network device that the MBS session has been suspended.

[0090] Step 208: The access network device releases the access network resources of the MBS session.

[0091] In the embodiment of the present application, the access network device determines whether to release or retain the access network resources, and whether to release or retain the tunnel information between the access network device and the UPF network element. If the tunnel information is released, the indication information of releasing the tunnel information can be carried in the MBS session suspension request, so that the SMF network element initiates the session modification process according to the MBS session suspension request, and informs the UPF network element to release the tunnel information between the access network device and the access network device.

[0092] In the embodiment of the present application, when the access network device determines to deactivate the MBS session, it sends an MBS session suspension request to the SMF network element through the AMF network element, instructing the SMF network element to suspend the MBS session. The SMF network element can also send an MBS session modification request to the UPF network element according to the instruction of the access network device, so that the UPF network element releases the tunnel information between the access network device and the access network device. When the MBS session is suspended, the access network device can also release the air interface resources of the MBS session. The above-mentioned deactivation process of the MBS session can effectively utilize network resources, avoid waste of network resources, and improve the communication quality of the system.

[0093] Figure 5This is an interactive diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0094] Step 301: The SMF network element determines to deactivate the multicast broadcast service MBS session.

[0095] In an embodiment of the present application, when the MBS session is in an activated state, the SMF network element may determine to deactivate the MBS session based on the received indication information, or determine to deactivate the MBS session based on local policy configuration information.

[0096] As an example, the SMF network element determines to deactivate the MBS session based on the received indication information. The indication information received by the SMF network element may include at least one of the following: indication information sent by the access network device; indication information sent by the access and mobility management function AMF network element; indication information sent by the UPF network element.

[0097] The above indication information is used to indicate that there is no data transmission on the MBS session in the activated state, or no UE receives the MBS session. The SMF network element determines to initiate the MBS session suspension process according to the indication information.

[0098] As another example, if the SMF network element detects that there is no data transmission on an activated MBS session, or that no UE receives the MBS session, it may determine to deactivate the MBS session and initiate the MBS session suspension process. Optionally, if there is no activated PDU session or no PDU session related to the multicast broadcast service, the SMF network element may determine to deactivate the MBS session.

[0099] and Figure 3 , Figure 4 The difference between the illustrated embodiments is that in the embodiments of the present application, the executing entity for initiating the MBS session suspension process is the SMF network element. The SMF network element can determine whether to initiate the MBS session process based on the indication information sent by the access network device or other core network elements, or it can directly determine whether to initiate the MBS session process through detection.

[0100] Step 302: The SMF network element sends an MBS session suspension request to the access network device.

[0101] The MBS session suspension request includes at least one of the identification information of the MBS session, the suspension reason, and the operation type. For details, see Figure 3 Step 102 of the embodiment.

[0102] Step 303: The access network device releases access network resources.

[0103] As an example, upon receiving the MBS session suspension request, the access network device releases the access network resources according to the instruction of the MBS session suspension request. As another example, upon receiving the MBS session suspension request, the access network device determines whether to release the access network resources.

[0104] Step 304: The SMF network element receives an MBS session suspension response from the access network device, wherein the MBS session suspension response is used to notify the SMF network element that the access network device has received the MBS session suspension request.

[0105] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present application, the access network device receives the MBS session suspension request sent by the SMF network element through the AMF network element, and the access network device sends the MBS session suspension response to the SMF network element through the AMF network element.

[0106] As an example, after the SMF network element initiates the MBS session suspension process, the SMF network element can save the context information of the deactivated MBS session. Optionally, the access network device can also save the context information of the deactivated MBS session according to the instruction of the MBS session suspension request of the SMF network element. As another example, after receiving the MBS session suspension request, the access network device determines whether to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session. If it is necessary to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session, the access network device can carry indication information in the MBS session suspension response, and the indication information is used to instruct the SMF network element to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session.

[0107] The session processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application involves the deactivation process of the MBS session. The SMF network element determines to deactivate the MBS session, sends an MBS session suspension request to the access network device, instructs the access network device to suspend the MBS session, and the access network device sends an MBS session suspension response to the SMF network element. The access network device can release the air interface resources of the MBS session and the tunnel information between the core network device and the core network device. The above-mentioned deactivation process of the MBS session can effectively utilize network resources, avoid waste of network resources, and improve the communication quality of the system.

[0108] Optionally, in some embodiments, when the SMF network element determines to deactivate the multicast broadcast service MBS session, it also includes: the SMF network element sends an MBS session modification request to the UPF network element, and the SMF network element receives the MBS session modification response of the UPF network element. In this example, when the SMF network element determines that the MBS session is suspended, it sends an MBS session modification request to the UPF network element of the core network, so that the UPF network element releases the tunnel information between the UPF network element and the access network device according to the MBS session modification request. The specific process can be found in the following embodiments.

[0109] The following is a specific example. Figure 5 The illustrated embodiments are described in detail. Figure 6 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6 Take NG-RAN as the access network equipment and the UPF network elements as an example. Figure 6 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0110] Step 401: The SMF network element determines to deactivate the multicast broadcast service MBS session.

[0111] The method in which the SMF network element determines to deactivate the MBS session in the embodiment of the present application is the same as Figure 5 For details of the embodiment shown, please refer to the above embodiment, which will not be described again here.

[0112] In the embodiment of the present application, after determining to deactivate the MBS session, the SMF network element may determine whether to release Figure 6 The specific implementation process of the N3-end UPF includes the following two designs.

[0113] In a possible design, when the SMF network element determines to release the UPF at the N3 end (i.e. Figure 6 When N3 terminatingUPF is used, the method may include the following steps:

[0114] Step 402a: The SMF network element sends an MBS session release request to the UPF at the N3 end.

[0115] Step 402b: The UPF at N3 returns an MBS session release response to the SMF network element.

[0116] Step 403a, the SMF network element sends a data transmission to the data transmission end UPF (i.e. Figure 6 The MBS session modification request is sent by the UPF to buffer in the process.

[0117] The above design process shows that when the SMF network element determines to deactivate the MBS session, it initiates the MBS session release process and the MBS session modification process to the UPF network element. The session release process is used to instruct the UPF network element to release the tunnel information between the UPF network element and the access network device, and the MBS session modification process is used to instruct the UPF network element to update the context information of the MBS session.

[0118] Step 403b: The data transmission end UPF returns an MBS session modification request to the SMF network element.

[0119] In a possible design, when the SMF network element determines not to release the UPF at the N3 end, the method may include the following steps:

[0120] Step 404a: The SMF network element sends an MBS session modification request to the UPF at the N3 end.

[0121] Step 404b: The UPF at N3 returns an MBS session modification response to the SMF network element.

[0122] The above design process shows that when the SMF network element determines to deactivate the MBS session, it initiates the MBS session modification process to the UPF network element. The MBS session modification process can be used to instruct the UPF network element (i.e. Figure 6 The N3-side UPF in the SMF network element deletes the N3 tunnel information of the PDU session associated with the MBS session, or indicates that the N3 tunnel information of the UPF network element has been deactivated. In this case, the UPF network element may cache the downlink DL data packets of the PDU session associated with the MBS session, or discard the DL data packets of the PDU session, or forward the DL data packets of the PDU session to the SMF network element (for example, forwarding the DL data packets through the MBS session modification response) according to the indication of the MBS session modification request of the SMF network element.

[0123] As an example, in the first possible design mentioned above, the MBS session release process can also be used to instruct the UPF network element to delete the N3 tunnel information of the PDU session associated with the MBS session, or to indicate that the N3 tunnel information of the UPF network element has been disabled.

[0124] Step 405: The SMF network element sends an MBS session suspension request to the AMF network element.

[0125] Step 406: The AMF network element forwards the MBS session suspension request to the access network device.

[0126] Step 407: The access network device releases access network resources.

[0127] Step 408: The access network device sends an MBS session suspension response to the AMF network element.

[0128] Step 409: The AMF network element forwards the MBS session suspension response to the SMF network element.

[0129] It should be noted that the execution order of step 402a or step 404a and step 405 in the embodiment of the present application is not limited to Figure 6 As shown in the execution order, after determining to deactivate the MBS session, the SMF network element may execute step 402a (or step 404a) and step 405 simultaneously, or may execute step 402a (or step 404a) and step 405 sequentially, and the embodiments of the present application do not impose any limitation on this.

[0130] In the embodiment of the present application, when the SMF network element determines to deactivate the MBS session, it sends an MBS session suspension request to the access network device through the AMF network element, instructing the access network device to suspend the MBS session. The UPF network element can also release the tunnel information between the access network device and the access network device according to the instruction of the SMF network element. When the MBS session is suspended, the access network device can also release the air interface resources of the MBS session. The above-mentioned deactivation process of the MBS session can effectively utilize network resources, avoid waste of network resources, and improve the communication quality of the system.

[0131] The above embodiments illustrate the deactivation process of an activated MBS session, which releases resources related to the deactivated MBS session, avoids waste of network resources, and improves the service quality of the communication system. Figures 7 to 10 The session processing method shown in the embodiment describes in detail the technical solution of how to activate an MBS session in a deactivated state in a communication system.

[0132] Figure 7 This is an interactive diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0133] Step 501: The access network device determines to activate the MBS session.

[0134] In an embodiment of the present application, when the MBS session is in a deactivated state, the access network device may determine to activate the MBS session according to the received indication information, or determine to activate the MBS session according to the local policy configuration information.

[0135] As an example, the access network device determines to activate the MBS session according to the received indication information. The indication information received by the access network device includes at least one of the following: indication information sent by the UE; indication information sent by the access and mobility management function AMF network element; indication information sent by the session management function SMF network element.

[0136] The indication information sent by the UE may be RRC information.

[0137] The above indication information is used to indicate that there is data transmission on the MBS session in the deactivated state, or that a UE joins the MBS session. The access network device determines to initiate the MBS session activation process according to the indication information.

[0138] As another example, the access network device detects that there is data transmission on the MBS session in the deactivated state, or that a UE accesses the MBS session, and may determine to activate the MBS session and initiate the MBS session activation process.

[0139] Step 502: The access network device sends an MBS session activation request to the core network device.

[0140] The MBS session activation request includes identification information of the MBS session.

[0141] Optionally, as an example, if the access network device releases the tunnel information between the access network device and the UPF network element when deactivating the MBS session, the MBS session activation request sent by the access network device to the core network device may also include the tunnel information reallocated by the access network device for the MBS session, that is, the tunnel information between the core network device and the access network device, which is used to instruct the core network device to establish a tunnel between the access network device and the access network device.

[0142] Step 503: The core network device sends an MBS session activation response to the access network device, wherein the MBS session activation response is used to indicate that the core network device has received the MBS session activation request.

[0143] Step 504: The access network device activates or restarts the access network resources.

[0144] If the access network device releases the access network resources when deactivating the MBS session, the access network device needs to re-allocate the access network resources for the MBS session. If the access network device does not release the access network resources when deactivating the MBS session, the access network device does not need to allocate new access network resources for the MBS session.

[0145] Step 505: The access network device starts or restores the tunnel information between the access network device and the core network device.

[0146] In the embodiment of the present application, the access network device starts or restores the tunnel information with the core network device, which means starting or restoring the tunnel information between the access network device and the UPF network element in the core network. It should be noted that the execution order of the above steps 504 and 505 is not limited to Figure 7 The execution order shown can also be executed simultaneously, and this embodiment of the present application does not impose any limitation on this.

[0147] The session processing method provided in this embodiment involves the activation process of the MBS session, the access network device determines to activate the MBS session, sends an MBS session activation request to the core network device, instructs the core network device to activate the MBS session, the core network device sends an MBS session activation response to the access network device, and the access network device activates or restarts the air interface resources of the MBS session, as well as the tunnel information between the access network device and the core network device. The above process can realize the rapid establishment of the MBS session in the deactivated state, improve the utilization rate of system resources, and improve the communication quality of the system.

[0148] The following is a specific example. Figure 7The illustrated embodiment is described in detail. Figure 8 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 With NG-RAN as the access network equipment, the core network equipment includes AMF network elements, SMF network elements and UPF network elements. Figure 8 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0149] Step 601: The access network device determines to activate the MBS session. The way in which the access network device determines to activate the MBS session is the same as that in the above embodiment, and the details can be referred to the above embodiment.

[0150] Step 602: The access network device sends an MBS session activation request to the AMF network element.

[0151] Step 603: The AMF network element forwards the MBS session activation request to the SMF network element.

[0152] In an embodiment of the present application, the access network device sends an MBS session activation request to the SMF network element through the AMF network element. Specifically, the MBS session activation request includes the identification information of the MBS session, and may also include the tunnel information between the UPF network element in the core network and the access network device (which may be the tunnel information reallocated by the access network device).

[0153] Step 604: The SMF network element sends an MBS session modification request to the UPF network element.

[0154] Optionally, the MBS session modification request includes tunnel information between the UPF network element in the core network and the access network device, which is used to instruct the UPF network element to establish a tunnel with the access network device.

[0155] Step 605: The UPF network element sends an MBS session modification response to the SMF network element, wherein the MBS session modification response may be used to indicate that the UPF network element has received the MBS session modification response.

[0156] Step 606: The SMF network element sends an MBS session activation response to the AMF network element.

[0157] Step 607: The AMF network element forwards the MBS session activation response to the access network device, wherein the MBS session activation response is used to indicate that the SMF network element has received the MBS session activation request.

[0158] Step 608: The access network device activates or restarts the access network resources.

[0159] In the embodiment of the present application, when the access network device determines to activate the MBS session, it sends an MBS session activation request to the SMF network element through the AMF network element, instructing the SMF network element to activate the MBS session. The SMF network element can also initiate an MBS session modification process according to the MBS session activation request, and send an MBS session modification request to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element re-establishes the tunnel with the access network device. When the MBS session is activated, the access network device restarts or activates the air interface resources of the MBS session. The above process can realize the rapid establishment of the MBS session in the deactivated state, improve the utilization rate of system resources, and improve the system communication quality.

[0160] Fig. 9 This is an interactive diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig. 9 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0161] Step 701: The SMF network element determines to activate the MBS session.

[0162] In an embodiment of the present application, when the MBS session is in a deactivated state, the SMF network element may determine to activate the MBS session based on the received indication information, or determine to activate the MBS session based on local policy configuration information.

[0163] As an example, the SMF network element determines to activate the MBS session based on the received indication information. The indication information received by the SMF network element includes at least one of the following: indication information sent by the UE; indication information sent by the access network device; indication information sent by the AMF network element; and indication information sent by the UPF network element.

[0164] The indication information sent by the UE may be carried in NAS signaling, such as PDU session establishment. The indication information sent by the access network device may include UE information and MBS session information. The AMF network element may receive indication information from a NAS message sent by the UE (such as a service request message), or from an N2 message sent by a base station. The PDU network element may receive indication information from a base station (such as Node B) or a UE.

[0165] The above indication information is used to indicate that there is data transmission on the MBS session in the deactivated state, or that a UE joins the MBS. The SMF network element determines to initiate an MBS session activation process according to the indication information.

[0166] As another example, the SMF network element detects that there is data transmission on an MBS session in a deactivated state, or that a UE accesses the MBS session, and may determine to activate the MBS session and initiate an MBS session activation process.

[0167] Step 702: The SMF network element sends an MBS session activation request to the access network device.

[0168] The MBS session activation request includes identification information of the MBS session.

[0169] Step 703: The access network device sends an MBS session activation response to the SMF network element, wherein the MBS session activation response is used to indicate that the access network device has received the MBS session activation request.

[0170] Step 704: The access network device activates or restarts the access network resources.

[0171] Specifically, if the access network device releases the access network resources when deactivating the MBS session, the access network device needs to re-allocate the access network resources for the MBS session. If the access network device does not release the access network resources when deactivating the MBS session, the access network device does not need to allocate new access network resources for the MBS session.

[0172] Optionally, if the access network device releases the tunnel information between the access network device and the UPF network element in the core network when deactivating the MBS session, the access network device can reconfigure the tunnel information and carry the tunnel information in the MBS session activation response, so that the SMF network element initiates the MBS session modification process and informs the UPF network element of the reconfigured tunnel information. That is, the MBS session activation response of this embodiment can include the tunnel information reallocated by the access network device for the MBS session.

[0173] It should be noted that the embodiment of the present application does not limit the execution order of step 703 and step 704.

[0174] The session processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application involves the activation process of the MBS session, the SMF network element determines to activate the MBS session, sends an MBS session activation request to the access network device, instructs the access network device to activate the MBS session, the access network device sends an MBS session activation response to the SMF network element, and the access network device activates or restarts the air interface resources of the MBS session, as well as the tunnel information between the access network device and the UPF network element in the core network. The above process can realize the rapid establishment of the MBS session in the deactivated state, improve the utilization rate of system resources, and improve the communication quality of the system.

[0175] The following is a specific example. Fig. 9 The illustrated embodiment is described in detail. Fig.10 An interaction diagram of a session processing method provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.10 With NG-RAN as the access network equipment, the core network equipment includes AMF network elements, SMF network elements and UPF network elements. Fig.10 As shown, the method provided in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0176] Step 801: The SMF network element determines to activate the MBS session.

[0177] The method in which the SMF network element determines to deactivate the MBS session in the embodiment of the present application is the same as Fig. 9 For details of the embodiment shown, please refer to the above embodiment, which will not be described again here.

[0178] Step 802: The SMF network element sends an MBS session activation request to the AMF network element.

[0179] Step 803: The AMF network element forwards the MBS session activation request to the access network device.

[0180] Step 804: The access network device activates or restarts the access network resources.

[0181] Step 805: The access network device sends an MBS session activation response to the AMF network element.

[0182] Step 806: The AMF network element forwards the MBS session activation response to the SMF network element.

[0183] In the embodiment of the present application, when the SMF network element determines to activate the MBS session, it can initiate a session modification process, such as Fig.10 As shown in the figure, the session modification process includes the following two execution modes:

[0184] In a possible design, if the UPF network element does not release the tunnel information between the activated MBS session and the access network device during the deactivation process, the SMF network element directly initiates the deactivation when determining to activate the MBS session. Fig.10 In the MBS session modification process 1 shown, the UPF network element starts or restores the tunnel information between the UPF network element and the core network device according to the MBS session modification request.

[0185] In another possible design, if the UPF network element has released the tunnel information between the activated MBS session and the access network device during the deactivation process, the SMF network element can initiate the deactivation after receiving the MBS session activation response from the access network device. Fig.10 MBS session modification process 2 is shown. In this design, the access network device reconfigures the tunnel information for the reactivated MBS session and carries the tunnel information in the MBS session activation response, so that the SMF network element sends a session modification request to the UPF network element according to the MBS session activation response, and the UPF network element establishes a tunnel with the core network device according to the MBS session modification request.

[0186] Specifically, the session modification process 1 includes the following two steps: the SMF network element sends an MBS session modification request to the UPF network element, and the MBS session modification request is used to instruct the UPF network element to start or restore the tunnel information with the access network device; the SMF network element receives the MBS session modification response from the UPF network element.

[0187] Specifically, the session modification process 2 includes the following two steps: the SMF network element sends an MBS session modification request to the UPF network element, and the MBS session modification request includes the tunnel information between the UPF network element reconfigured by the access network device and the access network device; the SMF network element receives the MBS session modification response from the UPF network element.

[0188] The session processing method provided in the embodiment of the present application involves the activation process of the MBS session. The SMF network element determines to activate the MBS session, sends an MBS session activation request to the access network device through the SMF network element, instructs the access network device to activate the MBS session, and the access network device sends an MBS session activation response to the SMF network element through the AMF network element. The access network device activates or restarts the air interface resources of the MBS session, as well as the tunnel information between the access network device and the UPF network element in the core network. The above process can realize the rapid establishment of the MBS session in the deactivated state, improve the utilization rate of system resources, and improve the communication quality of the system.

[0189] The above describes in detail the session processing method provided by the embodiment of the present application. The access network device and session management device provided by the embodiment of the present application will be described below.

[0190] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.11 As shown, the access network device 1100 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes:

[0191] The processing module 1101 is used to determine to deactivate the multicast broadcast service MBS session; the sending module 1102 is used to send an MBS session suspension request to a core network device; and the receiving module 1103 is used to receive an MBS session suspension response from the core network device.

[0192] Optionally, the processing module 1101 is specifically configured to determine to deactivate an MBS session when there is no data transmission on an activated MBS session or when no UE receives the MBS session.

[0193] Optionally, the MBS session suspension request includes at least one of the identification information of the MBS session, the suspension reason, and the operation type, where the operation type is used to indicate whether to release the tunnel information between the core network device and the access network device.

[0194] Optionally, the sending module 1102 is used to send an MBS session suspension request to a session management function SMF network element; correspondingly, the receiving module 1103 is used to receive an MBS session suspension response from the SMF network element.

[0195] Optionally, the device 1100 further includes: a storage module 1104, configured to store context information of the deactivated MBS session.

[0196] Optionally, the processing module 1101 is further configured to: release tunnel information with the core network device after the receiving module receives the MBS session suspension response from the core network device.

[0197] The access network device provided in the embodiment of the present application is used to perform the above Figure 3 or Figure 4 The technical solution implemented by the access network device in the method embodiment shown has similar implementation principles and technical effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0198] Fig.12 A structural diagram of a session management device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.12 As shown, the session management device 1200 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes: a processing module 1201, used to determine to deactivate the multicast broadcast service MBS session; a sending module 1202, used to send an MBS session suspension request to an access network device; and a receiving module 1203, used to receive an MBS session suspension response from the access network device.

[0199] Optionally, the processing module 1201 is specifically used to: determine to deactivate the MBS session according to the received indication information; the indication information is used to indicate that there is no data transmission on the MBS session in the activated state, or no UE receives the MBS session.

[0200] Optionally, the indication information includes at least one of the following: indication information sent by the access network device; indication information sent by the AMF network element; indication information sent by the UPF network element.

[0201] Optionally, the processing module 1201 is specifically configured to determine to deactivate an MBS session when there is no data transmission on an activated MBS session or when no UE receives the MBS session.

[0202] Optionally, the MBS session suspension request includes at least one of the identification information of the MBS session, the suspension reason, and the operation type, where the operation type is used to indicate whether to release the tunnel information between the core network device and the access network device.

[0203] Optionally, the device 1200 further includes: a storage module 1204, configured to store context information of the deactivated MBS session.

[0204] Optionally, the sending module 1202 is further used to: send an MBS session modification request to the UPF network element when the processing module determines to deactivate the multicast broadcast service MBS session; the receiving module 1203 is further used to receive the MBS session modification response of the UPF network element.

[0205] The session management device provided in the embodiment of the present application is used to perform the above Figure 5 or Figure 6 The technical solution implemented by the AMF network element in the method embodiment shown has similar implementation principles and technical effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0206] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the structure of an access network device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.13 As shown, the access network device 1300 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes: a processing module 1301, used to determine the activation of the MBS session; a sending module 1302, used to send an MBS session activation request to the core network device; and a receiving module 1303, used to receive an MBS session activation response from the core network device.

[0207] Optionally, the processing module 1301 is specifically configured to determine to activate the MBS session according to the received indication information; the indication information is used to indicate that there is data transmission on the MBS session in the deactivated state, or that a UE has joined the MBS.

[0208] Optionally, the indication information includes at least one of the following: indication information sent by the UE; indication information sent by the AMF network element; indication information sent by the SMF network element.

[0209] Optionally, the MBS session activation request includes identification information of the MBS session.

[0210] Optionally, the MBS session activation request further includes tunnel information between the core network device and the access network device.

[0211] Optionally, the processing module 1301 is further configured to start or restore tunnel information with the core network device after the receiving module receives the MBS session activation response from the core network device.

[0212] The access network device provided in the embodiment of the present application is used to perform the above Figure 7 or Figure 8 The technical solution implemented by the access network device in the method embodiment shown has similar implementation principles and technical effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0213] Fig.14 A structural diagram of a session management device provided in an embodiment of the present application. Fig.14As shown, the session management device 1400 provided in the embodiment of the present application includes: a processing module 1401, used to determine the activation of the multicast broadcast service MBS session; a sending module 1402, used to send an MBS session activation request to the access network device; and a receiving module 1403, used to receive the MBS session activation response of the access network device.

[0214] Optionally, the processing module 1401 is specifically configured to determine to activate the MBS session according to the received indication information; the indication information is used to indicate that there is data transmission on the MBS session in the deactivated state, or that a UE has joined the MBS.

[0215] Optionally, the indication information includes at least one of the following: indication information sent by the UE; indication information sent by the access network device; indication information sent by the AMF network element; indication information sent by the UPF network element.

[0216] Optionally, the MBS session activation request includes identification information of the MBS session.

[0217] Optionally, the sending module 1402 is also used to send an MBS session modification request to the UPF network element, and the MBS session modification request is used to instruct the UPF network element to start or restore tunnel information with the access network device; the receiving module 1403 is also used to receive the MBS session modification response of the UPF network element.

[0218] Optionally, the MBS session activation response includes tunnel information reallocated by the access network device for the MBS session.

[0219] The session management device provided in the embodiment of the present application is used to perform the above Fig. 9 or Fig.10 The technical solution implemented by the AMF network element in the method embodiment shown has similar implementation principles and technical effects, which will not be repeated here.

[0220] It should be noted that it should be understood that the division of the various modules of the above terminal equipment or network equipment is only a division of logical functions. In actual implementation, they can be fully or partially integrated into one physical entity, or they can be physically separated. And these modules can all be implemented in the form of software called by processing elements; they can also be all implemented in the form of hardware; some modules can also be implemented in the form of software called by processing elements, and some modules can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, the processing module can be a separately established processing element, or it can be integrated in a chip of the above-mentioned device. In addition, it can also be stored in the memory of the above-mentioned device in the form of program code, and called and executed by a processing element of the above-mentioned device. The function of the above-mentioned module is determined. The implementation of other modules is similar. In addition, all or part of these modules can be integrated together, or they can be implemented independently. The processing element described here can be an integrated circuit with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each module above can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor element or instructions in the form of software.

[0221] For example, the above modules may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above methods, such as one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), or one or more microprocessors (digital signal processors, DSP), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), etc. For another example, when a module above is implemented in the form of a processing element scheduling program code, the processing element may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processor that can call program code. For another example, these modules may be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

[0222] In the above embodiments, it can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website site, computer, server or data center by wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) mode to another website site, computer, server or data center. The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated. The available medium may be a magnetic medium, (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state disk (SSD)), etc.

[0223] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an access network device provided in one embodiment of the present application. Fig.15 As shown, the access network device 1500 of this embodiment may include: a processor 1501, a memory 1502, and a communication interface 1503. The memory 1502 is used to store computer programs; the processor 1501 is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory 1502 to implement the method executed by the access network device in any of the above method embodiments. The communication interface 1503 is used to perform data communication or signal communication with the functional network element.

[0224] Optionally, the memory 1502 may be independent or integrated with the processor 1501. When the memory 1502 is a device independent of the processor 1501, the access network device 1500 may further include: a bus 1504 for connecting the memory 1502 and the processor 1501.

[0225] In one possible implementation, Fig.11 The processing module 1101 in the embodiment can be integrated into the processor 1501 for implementation, and the sending module 1102 and the receiving module 1103 can be integrated into the communication interface 1503 for implementation. Fig.13The processing module 1301 in the embodiment can be integrated into the processor 1501, and the sending module 1302 and the receiving module 1303 can be integrated into the communication interface 1503. In a possible implementation, the processor 1501 can be used to implement the signal processing operation of the access network device in the above method embodiment, and the communication interface 1503 can be used to implement the signal sending and receiving operation of the access network device in the above method embodiment.

[0226] The access network device provided in this embodiment can be used to execute the method executed by the access network device in any of the above method embodiments. The implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0227] An embodiment of the present application also provides a session management device, which may be an AMF network element. Fig.16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the session management device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.16 As shown, the session management device 1600 of this embodiment includes: a processor 1601, a memory 1602 and a communication interface 1603. Among them, the memory 1602 is used to store computer programs; the processor 1601 is used to execute the computer program stored in the memory 1602 to implement the method executed by the SMF network element in any of the above method embodiments. The communication interface 1603 is used to perform data communication or signal communication with the access network device or other functional network elements.

[0228] Optionally, the memory 1602 may be independent or integrated with the processor 1601. When the memory 1602 is a device independent of the processor 1601, the session management device 1600 may further include: a bus 1604 for connecting the memory 1602 and the processor 1601.

[0229] In one possible implementation, Fig.12 The processing module 1201 in the embodiment can be integrated into the processor 1601 for implementation, and the sending module 1202 and the receiving module 1203 can be integrated into the communication interface 1603 for implementation. Fig.14 The processing module 1401 in the embodiment can be integrated into the processor 1601, and the sending module 1402 and the receiving module 1403 can be integrated into the communication interface 1603. In a possible implementation, the processor 1601 can be used to implement the signal processing operation of the SMF network element in any of the above method embodiments, and the communication interface 1603 can be used to implement the signal sending and receiving operation of the SMF network element in any of the above method embodiments.

[0230] The session management device provided in this embodiment can be used to execute the method executed by the AMF network element in any of the above method embodiments. Its implementation principle and technical effects are similar and will not be repeated here.

[0231] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, they are used to implement the technical solution of the access network device in any of the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0232] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, in which computer-executable instructions are stored. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, they are used to implement the technical solution of the AMF network element in any of the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0233] The embodiment of the present application also provides a program, which, when executed by a processor, is used to execute the technical solution of the access network device in any of the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0234] An embodiment of the present application also provides a program, which, when executed by a processor, is used to execute the technical solution of the AMF network element in any of the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0235] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, including program instructions, which are used to implement the technical solution of the access network device in any of the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0236] An embodiment of the present application also provides a computer program product, including program instructions, which are used to implement the technical solution of the AMF network element in any of the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0237] The embodiment of the present application also provides a chip, including: a processing module and a communication interface, the processing module can execute the technical solution of the access network device in the above method embodiment. Further, the chip also includes a storage module (such as a memory), the storage module is used to store instructions, the processing module is used to execute the instructions stored in the storage module, and the execution of the instructions stored in the storage module enables the processing module to execute the technical solution of the access network device.

[0238] The embodiment of the present application also provides a chip, including: a processing module and a communication interface, the processing module can execute the technical solution of the AMF network element in the aforementioned method embodiment. Further, the chip also includes a storage module (such as a memory), the storage module is used to store instructions, the processing module is used to execute the instructions stored in the storage module, and the execution of the instructions stored in the storage module enables the processing module to execute the technical solution of the AMF network element.

[0239] In the present application, "at least two" means two or more, and "plurality" means two or more. "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship; in the formula, the character " / " indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in a "division" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0240] It should be understood that the various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only used for the convenience of description and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0241] It can be understood that in the embodiments of the present application, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A session processing method, characterized in that: include: The multicast broadcast session management function MB-SMF network element determines to deactivate the multicast broadcast service MBS session, and sends an MBS session suspension request to the access network device through the access and mobility management function AMF network element; The MB-SMF network element receives an MBS session suspension response from the access network device; The MB-SMF network element stores the context information of the deactivated MBS session; The MB-SMF network element determines to deactivate the multicast broadcast service MBS session, including: The MB-SMF network element determines to deactivate the MBS session according to the indication information received from the multicast broadcast user plane function MB-UPF; The indication information is used to indicate that there is no data transmission on the MBS session in the activated state; When the access network device receives the MBS session suspension request, the access network device determines whether to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session. If the context information of the deactivated MBS session needs to be saved, the access network device carries indication information in the MBS session suspension response. The indication information carried in the MBS session suspension response is used to instruct the MB-SMF network element to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The MBS session suspension request includes at least one of identification information of the MBS session, a suspension reason, and an operation type, where the operation type is used to indicate whether to release tunnel information between the core network device and the access network device.

3. A session processing method, characterized in that: include: The multicast broadcast session management function MB-SMF network element determines to activate the deactivated multicast broadcast service MBS session and sends an MBS session activation request to the access network device; The MB-SMF network element receives an MBS session activation response from the access network device; The MB-SMF network element stores the context information of the deactivated MBS session; The MB-SMF network element determining to activate the deactivated multicast broadcast service MBS session includes: The SMF network element determines to activate the MBS session according to the indication information received from the multicast broadcast user plane function MB-UPF; The indication information is used to indicate that there is data transmission on the MBS session in the deactivated state; When the access network device receives the MBS session suspension request, the access network device determines whether to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session. If the context information of the deactivated MBS session needs to be saved, the access network device carries indication information in the MBS session suspension response. The indication information carried in the MBS session suspension response is used to instruct the MB-SMF network element to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The MBS session activation request includes identification information of the MBS session.

5. A session processing method, characterized in that: include: The access and mobility management function AMF network element receives the multicast broadcast service MBS session suspension request sent by the multicast broadcast session management function MB-SMF network element, and sends the MBS session suspension request to the access network device; The AMF network element receives the MBS session suspension response sent by the access network device, and sends the session suspension response to the MB-SMF network element; The MB-SMF network element stores the context information of the deactivated MBS session; The MB-SMF network element determines to deactivate the MBS session according to indication information received from a multicast broadcast user plane function MB-UPF, where the indication information is used to indicate that there is no data transmission on the MBS session in an activated state; When the access network device receives the MBS session suspension request, the access network device determines whether to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session. If the context information of the deactivated MBS session needs to be saved, the access network device carries indication information in the MBS session suspension response. The indication information carried in the MBS session suspension response is used to instruct the MB-SMF network element to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that The MBS session suspension request includes at least one of identification information of the MBS session, a suspension reason, and an operation type, where the operation type is used to indicate whether to release tunnel information between the core network device and the access network device.

7. A session processing method, characterized in that: include: The access and mobility management function AMF network element receives the multicast broadcast service MBS session activation request sent by the multicast broadcast session management function MB-SMF network element, and sends the MBS session activation request to the access network device; The AMF network element receives the MBS session activation response sent by the access network device, and sends the MBS session activation response to the MB-SMF network element; The MB-SMF network element stores the context information of the deactivated MBS session; The MB-SMF network element determines to activate the MBS session according to the indication information received from the multicast broadcast user plane function MB-UPF; The indication information is used to indicate that there is data transmission on the MBS session in the deactivated state; When the access network device receives the MBS session suspension request, the access network device determines whether to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session. If the context information of the deactivated MBS session needs to be saved, the access network device carries indication information in the MBS session suspension response. The indication information carried in the MBS session suspension response is used to instruct the MB-SMF network element to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The MBS session activation request includes identification information of the MBS session.

9. A multicast broadcast session management function MB-SMF network element, characterized in that: include: A processing module, used for determining to deactivate a multicast broadcast service MBS session; A sending module, used for sending an MBS session suspension request to an access network device through an access and mobility management function AMF network element; A receiving module, configured to receive an MBS session suspension response from the access network device; A storage module, used to store context information of the deactivated MBS session; The processing module is used to: determine to deactivate the MBS session according to the indication information received from the multicast broadcast user plane function MB-UPF; wherein the indication information is used to indicate that there is no data transmission on the MBS session in the activated state; When the access network device receives the MBS session suspension request, the access network device determines whether to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session. If the context information of the deactivated MBS session needs to be saved, the access network device carries indication information in the MBS session suspension response. The indication information carried in the MBS session suspension response is used to instruct the MB-SMF network element to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that The MBS session suspension request includes at least one of identification information of the MBS session, a suspension reason, and an operation type, where the operation type is used to indicate whether to release tunnel information between the core network device and the access network device.

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that The sending module is further configured to: send the MBS session modification request to the UPF network element when the processing module determines to deactivate the multicast broadcast service MBS session; The receiving module is also used to receive the MBS session modification response of the UPF network element.

12. A multicast broadcast session management function MB-SMF network element, characterized in that: include: A processing module, used for determining activation or deactivation of a multicast broadcast service MBS session; A sending module, used to send an MBS session activation request to an access network device; A receiving module, configured to receive an MBS session activation response from the access network device; A storage module, used to store context information of the deactivated MBS session; The processing module is used to: determine to activate the MBS session according to the indication information received from the multicast broadcast user plane function MB-UPF; wherein the indication information is used to indicate that there is data transmission on the MBS session in the deactivated state; When the access network device receives the MBS session suspension request, the access network device determines whether to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session. If the context information of the deactivated MBS session needs to be saved, the access network device carries indication information in the MBS session suspension response. The indication information carried in the MBS session suspension response is used to instruct the MB-SMF network element to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session.

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that The MBS session activation request includes identification information of the MBS session.

14. An access network device, comprising: A module for receiving a multicast broadcast service MBS session suspension request from a multicast broadcast session management function MB-SMF network element through an access and mobility management function AMF network element, wherein the MBS session suspension request is issued in response to the MB-SMF network element determining to deactivate the MBS session; A module for sending an MBS session suspension response to the MB-SMF network element; The MB-SMF network element stores context information of the deactivated MBS session, and the MB-SMF network element determines to deactivate the MBS session according to indication information received from the multicast broadcast user plane function MB-UPF, and the indication information is used to indicate that there is no data transmission on the MBS session in the activated state; It also includes a module for performing the following functions: when the access network device receives the MBS session suspension request, determining whether to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session; if the context information of the deactivated MBS session needs to be saved, carrying indication information in the MBS session suspension response, and the indication information carried in the MBS session suspension response is used to instruct the MB-SMF network element to save the context information of the deactivated MBS session.

15. The access network device according to claim 14, wherein: The MBS session suspension request includes at least one of identification information of the MBS session, a suspension reason, and an operation type, where the operation type is used to indicate whether to release tunnel information between the core network device and the access network device.

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