Method, device, electronic device and storage medium for connecting data networks DN

Abstract

The present invention provides a method, device, electronic device and computer-readable storage medium for connecting data networks DN, and relates to the field of communication technology. The method includes: the PCF network element obtains the PDU session currently corresponding to the user equipment UE according to the request message from the AF network element; the PCF network element sends the policy control and billing PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel to the SMF network element corresponding to the PDU session, so that the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element to achieve a direct connection between DN nodes. This at least solves the problem in the related art that when the MEC node of the user equipment does not change, interconnection between different MEC nodes or different DN nodes cannot be achieved. It is suitable for scenarios such as direct communication between network nodes, direct communication with the public network, and 5G network element control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, device, electronic device and computer-readable storage medium for connecting data networks (DNs). Background Art

[0002] With the deployment of 5G for industry scenarios, the User Plane Function (UPF) is gradually being moved down to the edge of the network, and combined with edge computing technology (Mobile Edge Computing, MEC) to jointly realize local business offload to User Equipment (UE). As the sinking of UPF and MEC nodes becomes more and more widespread, some industry users have cross-campus / cross-factory private network business scenarios, and there is a need for interconnection between different parks or the same application (app) deployed on different MEC nodes. For example, the content reflow scenario of CDN (Content Delivery Network) nodes deployed on different MECs and the user context data transmission scenario between the same app on different MECs.

[0003] However, in actual deployment, due to the initial investment costs of construction and the environmental limitations of some campuses, there are situations where there is no interconnection between some MEC nodes or between MEC and the public network. To address the interconnection requirements, when the UE or application moves, the existing solution will trigger the redirection of UE traffic from the first MEC to the second MEC. If the UE does not move, that is, the UE is still active within the range of the first MEC, but due to business needs, the application app needs the application data from the UE's previous activities in the surrounding MEC to assist in decision-making. At this time, the second MEC needs to transmit data to the first MEC, and then to the app in the first MEC. The existing solution cannot solve this interconnection problem. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the above-mentioned deficiencies in the prior art and provide a method, device, electronic device and computer-readable storage medium for connecting data networks DNs, so as to at least solve the problem in the related art that when the MEC node of the user equipment does not change, interconnection between different MEC nodes or different DN (Data Network) nodes cannot be achieved.

[0005] In the first aspect, the present invention provides a connection method between data networks DN, including: a policy control function PCF network element obtains a protocol data unit PDU session currently corresponding to a user equipment UE according to a request message from an application function AF network element, wherein the request message includes flow description information for establishing a user plane tunnel, and the AF network element is located on a first DN; the PCF network element sends policy control and billing PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel to a session management function SMF network element corresponding to the PDU session, so that the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element to realize a direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN.

[0006] Preferably, before the policy control function PCF network element obtains the protocol data unit PDU session currently corresponding to the user equipment UE according to the request message from the application function AF network element, the method further includes: obtaining a second UPF network element identifier.

[0007] Preferably, the flow description information includes a second DN identifier and a new service flow type that needs to be guided.

[0008] The obtaining of the second UPF network element identifier specifically includes: the PCF network element receiving a UDR notification sent by a unified data management (UDR) network element, wherein the UDR notification includes a UE identifier, an application identifier, a second DN identifier, a second UPF network element identifier, and information element parameters for establishing a user plane tunnel. The second UPF network element identifier is a request message sent by the AF network element to the network open function (NEF) network element, so that the NEF network element obtains the second UPF network element identifier corresponding to the second DN identifier from the MEC management platform, and the NEF network element sends the second UPF network element identifier and the flow description information to the UDR network element.

[0009] Preferably, the PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel includes a first DN identifier, a second DN identifier, an application identifier that triggers the establishment of a user plane tunnel, a notification indicating subscription to establish / delete a user plane tunnel, and a second UPF network element identifier.

[0010] In the second aspect, the present invention also provides a connection method between data networks DN, including: a session management function SMF network element receives policy control and billing PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel sent by a policy control function PCF network element, wherein the SMF network element is obtained by the PCF network element according to a request message from the application function AF network element. The protocol data unit PDU session currently corresponding to the user equipment UE is obtained, and then determined according to the PDU session. The request message includes flow description information for establishing a user plane tunnel, and the AF network element is located on the first DN; the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element according to the PCC rule information to realize a direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN.

[0011] Preferably, the PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel includes a first DN identifier, a second DN identifier, an application identifier that triggers the establishment of a user plane tunnel, a notification indicating subscription to establish / delete a user plane tunnel, and a second UPF network element identifier.

[0012] Preferably, the flow description information includes a second DN identifier and a new service flow type that needs to be guided. The second UPF network element identifier comes from the AF network element sending the request message to the network open function NEF network element, so that the NEF network element obtains the second UPF network element identifier corresponding to the second DN identifier from the MEC management platform, and then the NEF network element sends the second UPF network element identifier and the flow description information to the unified data management UDR network element, and the UDR network element sends a UDR notification to the PCF network element, wherein the UDR notification includes a UE identifier, an application identifier, a second DN identifier, a second UPF network element identifier, and information element parameters for establishing a user plane tunnel.

[0013] Preferably, the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element according to the PCC rule information, specifically including: the SMF network element establishes an N4 session with the second UPF network element, and obtains the second tunnel identifier of the user plane tunnel allocated by the second UPF network element; the SMF network element and the first UPF network element modify the N4 session, control the first UPF network element to allocate the first tunnel identifier of the user plane tunnel, and inform the first UPF network element of the second tunnel identifier; the SMF network element and the second UPF network element modify the N4 session, and inform the second UPF network element of the first tunnel identifier, so that the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element establish a user plane tunnel between DNs for transmitting application data.

[0014] Preferably, before the SMF network element establishes an N4 session with the second UPF network element, the method also includes: sending a PFCP session establishment request message to the second UPF network element, wherein the PFCP session establishment request message includes the packet detection rule PDR and forwarding rule FAR of the two transmission data streams between the second DN and the first DN.

[0015] Preferably, after the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element according to the PCC rule information, the method further includes: receiving a reporting message sent by the first UPF network element or the second UPF network element in response to the completion of the data flow transmission between the first DN and the second DN; and determining whether to delete the user plane tunnel based on the configuration information and the reporting message.

[0016] In a third aspect, the present invention further provides a device for connecting data networks (DNs), which is applied to a policy control function (PCF) network element and includes: an acquisition module, configured to acquire a protocol data unit (PDU) session currently corresponding to a user equipment (UE) based on a request message from an application function (AF) network element, wherein the request message includes flow description information for establishing a user plane tunnel, and the AF network element is located on a first DN; a sending module, connected to the acquisition module, configured to send PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel to a session management function (SMF) network element corresponding to the PDU session, so that the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function (UPF) network element and a second UPF network element, thereby achieving a direct connection between the DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN.

[0017] In a fourth aspect, the present invention further provides a device for connecting data networks (DNs), which is applied to a session management function (SMF) network element and includes: a receiving module configured to receive PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel from a policy control function (PCF) network element, wherein the PCF network element obtains a protocol data unit (PDU) session currently corresponding to a user equipment (UE) based on a request message from an application function (AF) network element, and then determines a session management function (SMF) network element based on the PDU session; the request message includes flow description information for establishing the user plane tunnel; and the AF network element is located on a first DN. A control module, connected to the receiving module, is configured to control the establishment of a user plane tunnel between a first user plane function (UPF) network element and a second UPF network element based on the PCC rule information, thereby achieving a direct connection between DN nodes. The first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN.

[0018] In a fifth aspect, the present invention also provides an electronic device comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to implement the connection method between data network DNs as described in the first aspect or the connection method between data network DNs as described in the second aspect.

[0019] In a sixth aspect, the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that when the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the connection method between data network DNs as described in the first aspect or the connection method between data network DNs as described in the second aspect.

[0020] The present invention provides a method, device, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium for connecting data network DNs. Based on a request message initiated by an application function AF network element, the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between a first user plane function UPF network element and a second UPF network element according to new PCC rule information, thereby achieving direct connection between DN nodes. The first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN. Thus, in a scenario where the UE's DN / MEC node and the PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session anchor point do not change (i.e., the UE is unaware of changes on the application side), interconnection and interoperability between different DN / MEC nodes can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for connecting data network DNs according to embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for connecting data network DNs according to embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for connecting data network DNs according to embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a device for connecting data network DNs according to embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of a device for connecting data network DNs according to embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a structural diagram of an electronic device according to embodiment 6 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] It should be understood that the specific embodiments and drawings described herein are only used to explain the present invention rather than to limit the present invention.

[0029] It is understood that, in the absence of conflict, the various embodiments of the present invention and the various features in the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0030] It can be understood that, for the convenience of description, the drawings of the present invention only show parts related to the present invention, while parts unrelated to the present invention are not shown in the drawings.

[0031] It can be understood that each unit and module involved in the embodiments of the present invention may correspond to only one physical structure, or may be composed of multiple physical structures, or multiple units and modules may be integrated into one physical structure.

[0032] It will be understood that, without conflict, the functions and steps marked in the flowcharts and block diagrams of the present invention may occur in an order different from that marked in the drawings.

[0033] It is understood that the flowcharts and block diagrams of the present invention illustrate the possible architectures, functions, and operations of the systems, devices, equipment, and methods according to various embodiments of the present invention. Each box in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a unit, module, program segment, or code, which contains executable instructions for implementing the specified functions. Moreover, each box or combination of boxes in the block diagram and flowchart may be implemented using a hardware-based system that implements the specified functions, or may be implemented using a combination of hardware and computer instructions.

[0034] It can be understood that the units and modules involved in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by software or hardware. For example, the units and modules can be located in a processor.

[0035] Example 1:

[0036] Since the process of reselecting the MEC node and PDU session anchor for the UE and inserting the N9 tunnel cannot be triggered if the UE's DN / MEC node and PDU session anchor do not change, the intercommunication requirements between DN / MEC nodes cannot be met. This embodiment uses 5G network relay to achieve intercommunication between multiple DN / MEC nodes and defines the relevant trigger message process and key information element parameters.

[0037] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides a method for connecting data network DNs to achieve intercommunication between multiple DN nodes. If the DN is replaced by MEC, it is used to achieve intercommunication between multiple MEC nodes. It can also be used to achieve interconnection between DN / MEC nodes and the public network. The method for connecting data network DNs includes:

[0038] Step 101, the policy control function PCF (Policy Control Function) network element obtains the protocol data unit PDU session currently corresponding to the user equipment UE according to the request message from the application function AF (Application function) network element, wherein the request message includes flow description information for establishing a user plane tunnel, and the AF network element is located on the first DN.

[0039] In this embodiment, the flow description information includes the second DN identifier and the new service flow type that needs to be guided. For example, this embodiment defines a new service flow type that needs to be guided, trafficFilters(dn2dn; (IP1, Port1, IP2, Port2, transport protocol)), and carries the DNAI (DN Access Identifier) ​​of DN2 / MEC2 (i.e., the abbreviation of the second DN / second MEC) in the traffic routing rule trafficRoutes. Dn2Dn refers to DN to DN, or first DN to second DN.

[0040] Optionally, before the policy control function PCF network element obtains the protocol data unit PDU session currently corresponding to the user equipment UE according to the request message from the application function AF network element, the method further includes: obtaining a second UPF (UserPlane Function) network element identifier.

[0041] Specifically, obtaining the second UPF network element identifier includes: the PCF network element receiving a UDR notification sent by a unified data management (UDR) network element, wherein the UDR notification includes a UE identifier, an application identifier, a second DN identifier, a second UPF network element identifier, and information element parameters for establishing a user plane tunnel. The second UPF network element identifier is a request message sent by the AF network element to the Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element, so that the NEF network element obtains the second UPF network element identifier corresponding to the second DN identifier from the MEC management platform, and the NEF network element sends the second UPF network element identifier and the flow description information to the UDR network element.

[0042] In this embodiment, the MEC management platform can be deployed in the operator's network management system or management platform, or deployed independently. The MEC management platform includes a MEC-UPF mapping module, which is used to store or maintain the MEC-UPF mapping relationship.

[0043] In step 102, the PCF network element sends policy control and billing PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel to the session management function SMF network element corresponding to the PDU session, so that the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element to realize a direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN.

[0044] In this embodiment, the PCC rule information used to establish the user plane tunnel includes a first DN identifier, a second DN identifier, an application identifier that triggers the establishment of the user plane tunnel, a notification indicating the subscription for establishing / deleting the user plane tunnel, and a second UPF network element identifier. This embodiment defines new PCC rules to control the establishment of Dn2Dn tunnels on the user plane and complete the data required for transmitting UE services between DNs and MECs. The new PCC rules are shown in Table 1-1.

[0045] Table 1-1 PCC rule information

[0046]

[0047] Among them, the specific process of the SMF network element controlling the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element includes: the SMF network element establishes an N4 session with the second UPF network element, and obtains the second tunnel identifier of the user plane tunnel allocated by the second UPF network element; the SMF network element and the first UPF network element modify the N4 session, control the first UPF network element to allocate the first tunnel identifier of the user plane tunnel, and inform the first UPF network element of the second tunnel identifier; the SMF network element and the second UPF network element modify the N4 session, and inform the second UPF network element of the first tunnel identifier, so that the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element establish a user plane tunnel between DNs for transmitting application data.

[0048] N4 refers to the interface between the SMF and the UPF, and is used to transmit information between the control plane and the user plane, including controlling the issuance of forwarding rules, QoS control rules, traffic statistics rules, etc. for the user plane, and reporting user plane information (such as application information detected by the user plane and usage monitoring information). In this embodiment, new information element parameters for establishing user plane tunnels are defined on the N4 interface. For example, the new values ​​of the information element 3GPP Interface Type IE shown in Table 1-2 identify Dn2Dn type tunnels:

[0049] Table 1-2 Interface cell parameters

[0050]

[0051] As shown in Table 1-3, the new combined information element Dn2Dn Tunnel Information IE is defined as follows:

[0052] Table 1-3 Combined cell parameters

[0053]

[0054] As shown in Table 1-4, a new composite information element, Dn2DnTunnel Report IE, is defined in the PFCP Session Report Request message:

[0055] Table 1-4 Dn2Dn Tunnel Report IE

[0056]

[0057]

[0058] For another example, a new value of the Report Type IE is defined, and the 8th bit of the 5th byte in the Report Type IE is set to the DnD tunnel flag bit (DnD).

[0059] The connection method between data network DNs provided in this embodiment is based on the request message initiated by the application function AF network element, and the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element according to the new PCC rule information to realize direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN. In this way, in the scenario where the DN / MEC node and PDU session anchor point of the UE do not change (that is, the UE does not perceive the changes on the application side), interconnection and interoperability between different DN / MEC nodes can be achieved. Furthermore, by defining a new user plane tunnel type, new PCC rule information and new cell parameters, the SMF network element is more efficient in controlling the establishment of user plane tunnels between different UPF network elements, thereby ensuring efficient content / context traffic forwarding and data transmission stability on the DN / MEC application side.

[0060] Example 2:

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for connecting data network DNs to achieve intercommunication between multiple DN nodes. If the DN is replaced by MEC, it is used to achieve intercommunication between multiple MEC nodes. It can also be used to achieve interconnection between DN / MEC nodes and the public network. The method for connecting data network DNs includes:

[0062] Step 201, the session management function SMF network element receives the PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel sent by the policy control function PCF network element, wherein the SMF network element is obtained by the PCF network element based on the request message from the application function AF network element The current corresponding protocol data unit PDU session of the user equipment UE is determined based on the PDU session, and the request message includes the flow description information for establishing the user plane tunnel, and the AF network element is located on the first DN.

[0063] In step 202, the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element according to the PCC rule information to realize a direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN.

[0064] Optionally, the PCC rule information for establishing the user plane tunnel includes a first DN identifier, a second DN identifier, an application identifier that triggers the establishment of the user plane tunnel, a notification indicating subscription to the establishment / deletion of the user plane tunnel, and a second UPF network element identifier.

[0065] Optionally, the flow description information includes a second DN identifier and a new service flow type that needs to be guided. The second UPF network element identifier comes from the AF network element sending the request message to the network open function NEF network element, so that the NEF network element obtains the second UPF network element identifier corresponding to the second DN identifier from the MEC management platform, and then the NEF network element sends the second UPF network element identifier and the flow description information to the unified data management UDR network element, and the UDR network element sends a UDR notification to the PCF network element, wherein the UDR notification includes the UE identifier, application identifier, second DN identifier, second UPF network element identifier, and information element parameters for establishing a user plane tunnel.

[0066] Optionally, the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element according to the PCC rule information, specifically including: the SMF network element establishes an N4 session with the second UPF network element, and obtains the second tunnel identifier of the user plane tunnel allocated by the second UPF network element; the SMF network element and the first UPF network element modify the N4 session, control the first UPF network element to allocate the first tunnel identifier of the user plane tunnel, and inform the first UPF network element of the second tunnel identifier; the SMF network element and the second UPF network element modify the N4 session, and inform the second UPF network element of the first tunnel identifier, so that the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element establish a user plane tunnel between DNs for transmitting application data.

[0067] Optionally, before the SMF network element establishes an N4 session with the second UPF network element, the method further includes: sending a PFCP session establishment request message to the second UPF network element, wherein the PFCP session establishment request message includes a packet detection rule PDR (Packet Detection Rule) and a forwarding rule FAR (Forward Action Rule) for the two transmission data streams between the second DN and the first DN.

[0068] Optionally, after the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element according to the PCC rule information, the method further includes: receiving a reporting message sent by the first UPF network element or the second UPF network element in response to the completion of the data flow transmission between the first DN and the second DN; and determining whether to delete the user plane tunnel based on the configuration information and the reporting message.

[0069] The connection method between data network DNs provided in this embodiment is based on the request message initiated by the application function AF network element, and the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element according to the new PCC rule information to realize direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN. In this way, in the scenario where the DN / MEC node and PDU session anchor point of the UE do not change (that is, the UE does not perceive the changes on the application side), interconnection and interoperability between different DN / MEC nodes can be achieved. Furthermore, by defining a new user plane tunnel type, new PCC rule information and new cell parameters, the SMF network element is more efficient in controlling the establishment of user plane tunnels between different UPF network elements, thereby ensuring efficient content / context traffic forwarding and data transmission stability on the DN / MEC application side.

[0070] Example 3:

[0071] SMF and UPF1 have established a PDU session for the UE and accessed the AF on DN1. When it detects that the applications deployed in the two DN / MECs need to communicate and transmit information, the application function AF in the DN / MEC node that receives the UE request triggers a request to establish a dn2dn type tunnel between the user planes for transmitting information between the two DN / MEC nodes. Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a method for connecting data network DNs, which is applied to a 5G network. The method includes:

[0072] From S1 to S2, the AF initiates a request to establish a dn2dn type user plane tunnel to relay DN / MEC side information, and calls the Nnef_TrafficInfluence service to carry flow description information in the trafficFilters parameter, including the source MEC (hereinafter referred to as MEC2), the destination MEC (hereinafter referred to as MEC1), the application identifier, the UE identifier, the IP five-tuple, and other information;

[0073] S3: After receiving the request from AF, NEF sends the request from AF to the MEC management platform. The MEC management platform maintains the deployment information of each MEC node in the network (i.e., the correspondence between MEC and UPF). The MEC management platform queries the corresponding deployed UPF node UPF2 according to the MEC2 identifier carried in the AF request. The MEC management platform returns the query result (i.e., the UPF2 identifier) ​​to the UDR.

[0074] S4, NEF sends the UE and flow description information related to the AF request to the UDR;

[0075] S5, after receiving the information, the UDR stores the information related to the AF request and associates it with the UPF2 identifier found in step S3;

[0076] S6-S7, the UDR sends a Nudr_DM_Notify notification to the PCF that subscribes to the AF request for modification. The notification carries relevant information such as UE, APP (application identifier), MEC2, UPF2, dn2dn tunnel, etc. After the PCF finds the corresponding PDU session based on the UE information, it calls the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify service and sends the PCC rule information to the SMF corresponding to the PDU session.

[0077] S8: After receiving the PCC rule information, the SMF establishes an N4 session with UPF2 and obtains the TEID2 (second tunnel identifier) ​​of the Dn2Dn tunnel assigned by UPF2. The specific cell parameters required are as follows:

[0078] The PFCP Session Create Request message sent to UPF2 contains the PDR and FAR rules for the two flows DN2->DN1 and DN1->DN2 respectively. For specific cell parameters to be included, see step S9, where:

[0079] The PDR and FAR rules for DN2->DN1 on UPF2 are similar to the DN1->DN2 rules issued by UPF1.

[0080] The PDR and FAR rules for DN1->DN2 on UPF2 are similar to the DN2->DN1 rules issued by UPF1.

[0081] S9, SMF and UPF1 initiate N4 session modification message, requesting UPF1 to allocate TEID1 (i.e., the first tunnel identifier) ​​of the Dn2Dn tunnel, and inform UPF1 of the TEID2 allocated by UPF2 in the PDR and FAR. The specific cell parameters to be included are as follows:

[0082] The PFCP Session Modification Request message sent to UPF1 contains Table 3-1:

[0083] Table 3-1 PFCP Session Modification Request message parameters

[0084]

[0085]

[0086] The following describes the defined cell parameters using the PDR and FAR rules for DN2->DN1 as an example:

[0087] Among them, as shown in Table 3-2, the PDR IE:

[0088] Table 3-2 Create PDR IE

[0089]

[0090] It should be noted that the PDR rule for DN1->DN2 does not include the Outer Header Removal IE, and the associated FAR ID is the FAR rule for DN1->DN2.

[0091] The PDI IE, as shown in Table 3-3, includes:

[0092] Table 3-3PDI IE

[0093]

[0094]

[0095] It should be noted that the PDI IE uses a newly defined combined information element to indicate the establishment of a Dn2Dn type tunnel, which is used to control the establishment of the dn2dn tunnel. This approach can improve the efficiency of establishing user plane tunnels and the stability of data transmission. It can also transmit UE application data between MEC / DN, better assisting application apps on the MEC in providing services and making decisions for UEs. For the PDR rule for DN1->DN2, the Dn2Dn Tunnel Information IE is not included, but the Application ID IE and SDFFilter IE are included. The SDFFilter IE contains: service flow destination IP information (which should be the destination IP address in DN2).

[0096] Among them, as shown in Table 3-4, the Create FAR IE:

[0097] Table 3-4Create FAR IE

[0098]

[0099] Table 3-5 shows the Forwarding Parameters IE in FAR:

[0100] Table 3-5Forwarding Parameters IE in FA

[0101]

[0102]

[0103] Note: For DN1->DN2, the Destination Interface IE should be the Dn2Dn tunnel ID assigned by UPF1. It should also include the Outer Header Creation IE, which is used to guide UPF1 to add a GTPU header to the data packets received from DN1 that need to be forwarded to the Dn2Dn tunnel. The header contains the Dn2Dn tunnel ID assigned by the peer UPF2.

[0104] S10, SMF and UPF2 initiate an N4 session modification message and inform UPF2 of the Dn2Dn tunnel TEID1 allocated by UPF1;

[0105] S11: The Dn2Dn tunnel between UPF1 and UPF2 is established, and application data between DN / MEC can be transmitted.

[0106] In step S12, when data transmission is complete (for example, when UPF1 detects no data transmission on the tunnel for a period of time), UPF1 initiates a report message to the SMF, reporting the completion of the application data transmission. The control plane then decides whether to delete the tunnel based on the configuration. Table 3-6 lists the information element parameters that should be included in the PFCP Session Report Request message.

[0107] Table 3-6 PFCP Session Report Request Element Parameters

[0108]

[0109] At the same time, the 8th bit of the 5th byte in the Report Type IE is set to the DnD tunnel flag bit (DnD). When DnD=1, it indicates that it is a DnD tunnel report.

[0110] The connection method between data network DNs in this embodiment defines a new user plane tunnel type for content / context traffic forwarding on the DN / MEC application side, defines new cell parameters for controlling the establishment of user plane tunnels, and defines the messages and processes for establishing and reporting user plane tunnels, thereby enabling interconnection between different DNs or MECs. In addition, the connection method of this embodiment can also be extended to scenarios where I-SMF and I-UPF exist. That is, the original access link of the UE may already have multiple UPFs during roaming, and a tunnel connection with the UPF of MEC2 is established on the last UPF in the access link to transmit the UE's application data.

[0111] Example 4:

[0112] like Figure 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a connection device between data networks DN, which is applied to a policy control function PCF network element, including:

[0113] The acquisition module 41 is used to obtain the protocol data unit PDU session currently corresponding to the user equipment UE according to the request message from the application function AF network element, wherein the request message includes flow description information for establishing a user plane tunnel, and the AF network element is located on the first DN.

[0114] The sending module 42 is connected to the acquisition module 41 and is used to send PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel to the session management function SMF network element corresponding to the PDU session, so that the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element to realize a direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN.

[0115] Optionally, the connection device further comprises an acquisition unit. The acquisition unit is connected to the acquisition module and is configured to acquire the second UPF network element identifier.

[0116] The flow description information includes the second DN identifier and the new service flow type that needs to be guided.

[0117] Optionally, the acquisition unit is used for the PCF network element to receive a UDR notification sent by a unified data management UDR network element, wherein the UDR notification includes a UE identifier, an application identifier, a second DN identifier, a second UPF network element identifier, and information element parameters for establishing a user plane tunnel.

[0118] Among them, the second UPF network element identifier is the AF network element sending the request message to the network open function NEF network element, so that the NEF network element obtains the second UPF network element identifier corresponding to the second DN identifier from the MEC management platform, and the NEF network element sends the second UPF network element identifier and the flow description information to the UDR network element.

[0119] Optionally, the PCC rule information for establishing the user plane tunnel includes a first DN identifier, a second DN identifier, an application identifier that triggers the establishment of the user plane tunnel, a notification indicating subscription to the establishment / deletion of the user plane tunnel, and a second UPF network element identifier.

[0120] Example 5:

[0121] like Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a connection device between data network DNs, which is applied to a session management function SMF network element, including:

[0122] The receiving module 51 is used to receive PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel sent by a policy control function PCF network element, wherein the PCF network element obtains the protocol data unit PDU session currently corresponding to the user equipment UE according to a request message from the application function AF network element, and then determines the session management function SMF network element according to the PDU session. The request message includes flow description information for establishing a user plane tunnel, and the AF network element is located on the first DN.

[0123] The control module 52 is connected to the receiving module 51 and is used to control the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element according to the PCC rule information to realize a direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN.

[0124] Optionally, the PCC rule information used to establish the user plane tunnel includes a first DN identifier, a second DN identifier, an application identifier that triggers the establishment of the user plane tunnel, a notification indicating subscription to the establishment / deletion of the user plane tunnel, and a second UPF network element identifier.

[0125] The flow description information includes the second DN identifier and the new service flow type that needs to be guided. The second UPF network element identifier comes from the AF network element sending the request message to the network open function NEF network element, so that the NEF network element obtains the second UPF network element identifier corresponding to the second DN identifier from the MEC management platform, and then the NEF network element sends the second UPF network element identifier and the flow description information to the unified data management UDR network element, and the UDR network element sends a UDR notification to the PCF network element, wherein the UDR notification includes the UE identifier, application identifier, second DN identifier, second UPF network element identifier, and the cell parameters for establishing the user plane tunnel.

[0126] Optionally, the control module is specifically used to establish an N4 session with the second UPF network element and obtain the second tunnel identifier of the user plane tunnel allocated by the second UPF network element. It is also used to modify the N4 session with the first UPF network element, control the first UPF network element to allocate the first tunnel identifier of the user plane tunnel, and inform the first UPF network element of the second tunnel identifier. As well, it is used to modify the N4 session with the second UPF network element and inform the second UPF network element of the first tunnel identifier so that the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element establish a user plane tunnel between DNs for transmitting application data.

[0127] Optionally, the control module is further used to send a PFCP session establishment request message to the second UPF network element, wherein the PFCP session establishment request message includes the packet detection rule PDR and forwarding rule FAR of the two transmission data flows between the second DN and the first DN.

[0128] Optionally, the connection device further includes a determination module.

[0129] a determination module, configured to receive a report message sent by the first UPF network element or the second UPF network element in response to completion of data stream transmission between the first DN and the second DN;

[0130] Determine whether to delete the user plane tunnel according to the configuration information and the report message.

[0131] Example 6:

[0132] like Figure 6 As shown, this embodiment provides an electronic device, including a memory 61 and a processor 62, wherein the memory 61 stores a computer program, and the processor 62 is configured to run the computer program to implement the connection method between data networks DN as described in Example 1 or Example 2.

[0133] Example 7:

[0134] This embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method for connecting data network DNs as described in Example 1 or Example 2 is implemented.

[0135] In summary, the connection method, device, electronic device and computer-readable storage medium between data network DNs provided by the embodiments of the present invention, based on the request message initiated by the application function AF network element, is controlled by the SMF network element according to the new PCC rule information to establish a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element, thereby realizing direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN. In this way, in the scenario where the DN / MEC node and PDU session anchor point of the UE do not change (that is, the UE does not perceive the changes on the application side), interconnection and interoperability between different DN / MEC nodes can be achieved. Furthermore, by defining a new user plane tunnel type, new PCC rule information and new cell parameters, the SMF network element is more efficient in controlling the establishment of user plane tunnels between different UPF network elements, thereby ensuring efficient content / context traffic forwarding and data transmission stability on the DN / MEC application side.

[0136] It will be understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments for illustrating the principles of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of the present invention, and such modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for connecting data network DNs, characterized in that: include: The policy control function PCF network element obtains the protocol data unit PDU session currently corresponding to the user equipment UE according to the request message from the application function AF network element, wherein the request message includes flow description information for establishing a user plane tunnel, and the AF network element is located on the first DN; The PCF network element sends policy control and charging PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel to the session management function SMF network element corresponding to the PDU session, so that the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element to achieve a direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN; Before the policy control function PCF network element obtains the protocol data unit PDU session currently corresponding to the user equipment UE according to the request message from the application function AF network element, the method further includes: Obtain the second UPF network element identifier; The flow description information includes the second DN identifier and the new service flow type that needs to be guided, The obtaining of the second UPF network element identifier specifically includes: The PCF network element receives a UDR notification sent by a unified data management UDR network element, wherein the UDR notification includes a UE identifier, an application identifier, a second DN identifier, a second UPF network element identifier, and information element parameters for establishing a user plane tunnel. The second UPF network element identifier is the request message sent by the AF network element to the network open function NEF network element, so that the NEF network element obtains the second UPF network element identifier corresponding to the second DN identifier from the MEC management platform, and the NEF network element sends the second UPF network element identifier and the flow description information to the UDR network element.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel includes a first DN identifier, a second DN identifier, an application identifier that triggers the establishment of a user plane tunnel, a notification indicating subscription to establish / delete a user plane tunnel, and a second UPF network element identifier.

3. A method for connecting DNs in a data network, characterized in that: include: The session management function SMF network element receives the policy control and charging PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel sent by the policy control function PCF network element, wherein the SMF network element is obtained by the PCF network element according to the request message from the application function AF network element The current corresponding protocol data unit PDU session of the user equipment UE is determined according to the PDU session, and the request message includes flow description information for establishing the user plane tunnel. The AF network element is located on the first DN; The SMF network element controls, according to the PCC rule information, to establish a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element to achieve a direct connection between the DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN; The flow description information includes the second DN identifier and the new service flow type that needs to be guided. The second UPF network element identifier comes from the AF network element sending the request message to the network open function NEF network element, so that the NEF network element obtains the second UPF network element identifier corresponding to the second DN identifier from the MEC management platform. Then the NEF network element sends the second UPF network element identifier and the flow description information to the unified data management UDR network element, and the UDR network element sends a UDR notification to the PCF network element, wherein the UDR notification includes the UE identifier, application identifier, second DN identifier, second UPF network element identifier, and the cell parameters for establishing the user plane tunnel.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel includes a first DN identifier, a second DN identifier, an application identifier that triggers the establishment of a user plane tunnel, a notification indicating subscription to establish / delete a user plane tunnel, and a second UPF network element identifier.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element according to the PCC rule information, specifically including: The SMF network element establishes an N4 session with the second UPF network element and obtains the second tunnel identifier of the user plane tunnel allocated by the second UPF network element; The SMF network element modifies the N4 session with the first UPF network element, controls the first UPF network element to allocate the first tunnel identifier of the user plane tunnel, and informs the first UPF network element of the second tunnel identifier; The SMF network element and the second UPF network element modify the N4 session and inform the second UPF network element of the first tunnel identifier so that the first UPF network element and the second UPF network element establish a user plane tunnel between DNs for transmitting application data.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that Before the SMF network element establishes an N4 session with the second UPF network element, the method further includes: A PFCP session establishment request message is sent to the second UPF network element, wherein the PFCP session establishment request message includes the packet detection rule PDR and forwarding rule FAR of the two transmission data flows between the second DN and the first DN.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that After the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element according to the PCC rule information, the method further includes: In response to completion of data stream transmission between the first DN and the second DN, receiving a report message sent by the first UPF network element or the second UPF network element; Determine whether to delete the user plane tunnel according to the configuration information and the report message.

8. A device for connecting data network DNs, applied to a policy control function (PCF) network element, characterized in that: include: an acquisition module, configured to acquire a protocol data unit PDU session currently corresponding to the user equipment UE according to a request message from an application function AF network element, wherein the request message includes flow description information for establishing a user plane tunnel, and the AF network element is located on the first DN, A sending module, connected to the acquisition module, is used to send PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel to the session management function SMF network element corresponding to the PDU session, so that the SMF network element controls the establishment of a user plane tunnel between the first user plane function UPF network element and the second UPF network element to achieve a direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is the UPF network element corresponding to the second DN; An acquisition unit, connected to the acquisition module, configured to acquire a second UPF network element identifier; The flow description information includes the second DN identifier and the new service flow type that needs to be guided, The acquisition unit is specifically configured to receive a UDR notification sent by a unified data management UDR network element, wherein the UDR notification includes a UE identifier, an application identifier, a second DN identifier, a second UPF network element identifier, and information element parameters for establishing a user plane tunnel. The second UPF network element identifier is the request message sent by the AF network element to the network open function NEF network element, so that the NEF network element obtains the second UPF network element identifier corresponding to the second DN identifier from the MEC management platform, and the NEF network element sends the second UPF network element identifier and the flow description information to the UDR network element.

9. A device for connecting data network DNs, applied to session management function (SMF) network elements, characterized in that: include: A receiving module is configured to receive PCC rule information for establishing a user plane tunnel sent by a policy control function PCF network element, wherein the PCF network element obtains a protocol data unit PDU session currently corresponding to the user equipment UE according to a request message from the application function AF network element, and then determines a session management function SMF network element according to the PDU session, wherein the request message includes flow description information for establishing the user plane tunnel, and the AF network element is located on the first DN. a control module, connected to the receiving module, configured to control, according to the PCC rule information, establishment of a user plane tunnel between a first user plane function UPF network element and a second UPF network element, so as to implement a direct connection between DN nodes, wherein the first UPF network element is a UPF network element corresponding to the first DN, and the second UPF network element is a UPF network element corresponding to the second DN; The flow description information includes the second DN identifier and the new service flow type that needs to be guided. The second UPF network element identifier comes from the AF network element sending the request message to the network open function NEF network element, so that the NEF network element obtains the second UPF network element identifier corresponding to the second DN identifier from the MEC management platform. Then the NEF network element sends the second UPF network element identifier and the flow description information to the unified data management UDR network element, and the UDR network element sends a UDR notification to the PCF network element, wherein the UDR notification includes the UE identifier, application identifier, second DN identifier, second UPF network element identifier, and the cell parameters for establishing the user plane tunnel.

10. An electronic device, characterized in that: The method comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor is configured to run the computer program to implement the method for connecting data network DNs according to claim 1 or 2 or the method for connecting data network DNs according to any one of claims 3 to 7.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the method for connecting data network DNs according to claim 1 or 2 or the method for connecting data network DNs according to any one of claims 3 to 7 is implemented.

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