Communication method and communication system for routing subnets

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method and a communication system for routing subnets. The method comprises: a SMF obtaining a first subnet characteristic of a first routing subnet corresponding to a first user equipment in a group, the first subnet characteristic comprising a first IP address segment of the first routing subnet; the SMF synchronizing context information of a corresponding user equipment session to a first UPF and a second UPF in the process of establishing a user level session and a group level session, wherein the context information of the first user equipment session contains the first subnet characteristic, and respectively issuing a forwarding policy to the first UPF and the second UPF, the forwarding policy containing a routing matching policy based on the first IP address segment, the first user equipment and a second user equipment belonging to the same group; and establishing group communication according to the user level session and the group level session.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, in particular to a communication method and a communication system for routing a subnet. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) provides a new networking mode: 5G virtual network networking, which enables 5G terminals to form layer 2 or layer 3 virtual network communication, and has great demand in the application of manufacturing, power, mining and other industries.

[0003] The above-mentioned networking has the following problems in application: industry-specific terminals implanted with 5G communication chips need to be modified, so industry terminals often access through 5G CPE (Customer Premise Equipment), which shows the demand for subnet access; from the perspective of security, enterprises often require internal subnet routing mode three-layer access and remote site to form 5G virtual network, but the current 5G virtual network networking does not support customer network routing mode access.

[0004] 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) will start the enhancement project of 5G VN (Virtual Network) in the r18 standardization stage, and may consider the demand of three-layer networking, but the current r18 has not entered the demand confirmation stage, and has not started the related technical research project. In the current network scheme, CPE is equivalent to the end user, and the session context only has CPE / UE (User Equipment, 5G UE is the granularity of 5G network that can implement mobility management and session management) address; SMF (Session Management Function, which is the network function of 5G core network to implement user plane management and session management) associates different UPF (User Plane Function, which is the network function of 5G core network to execute user plane policy and forward user data) and UE session through CPE / UE IP (Internet Protocol) address in the group, and cannot see the routing information behind the UE. The three-layer networking is terminated at the UE, here, the UE is a UE with routing subnet, such as CPE. 5G CPE is a kind of 5G UE, which is usually used as an enterprise and home access gateway. SUMMARY

[0005] One technical problem solved by the present disclosure is to provide a communication method for routing subnets, so that a 5G virtual network can be extended to a routing subnet behind a user equipment.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a communication method for routing subnets is provided, comprising: a session management function (SMF) obtaining a first subnet characteristic of a first routing subnet corresponding to a first user equipment in a group, the first subnet characteristic comprising a first Internet Protocol (IP) address segment of the first routing subnet; the SMF synchronizing context information of corresponding user equipment sessions to a first user plane function (UPF) corresponding to the first user equipment and a second UPF corresponding to a second user equipment in a process of establishing a user-level session for the first user equipment and the second user equipment respectively and establishing a group-level session for the first UPF and the second UPF, wherein the context information of the first user equipment session comprises the first subnet characteristic, and issuing a forwarding policy to the first UPF and the second UPF respectively, the forwarding policy comprising a routing matching policy based on the first IP address segment, the first user equipment and the second user equipment belonging to the same group; and establishing group communication according to the user-level session and the group-level session.

[0007] In some embodiments, in the process of obtaining the first subnet characteristic, the SMF further obtains a second subnet characteristic of a second routing subnet corresponding to the second user equipment, the second subnet characteristic comprising a second IP address segment of the second routing subnet; the context information of the second user equipment session comprises the second subnet characteristic, and the forwarding policy further comprises a routing matching policy based on the second IP address segment; the step of establishing group communication according to the user-level session and the group-level session comprises: establishing group communication between a first terminal in the first routing subnet and a second terminal in the second routing subnet according to the user-level session and the group-level session.

[0008] In some embodiments, the step of establishing the group communication between the first terminal and the second terminal comprises: the first user equipment receiving a group communication data message sent by the first terminal, and forwarding the group communication data message to the first UPF through a corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data message contains a target address, and the target address is an IP address of the second terminal; the first UPF determining, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data message, that the next hop routing is the second UPF, and forwarding the group communication data message to the second UPF through a group-level session corresponding to the second UPF; the second UPF determining, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data message, that the next hop routing is the second user equipment, and forwarding the group communication data message to the second user equipment through a user-level session corresponding to the second user equipment; and the second user equipment, after receiving the group communication data message, forwarding the group communication data message to the second terminal by addressing to the second terminal in the second routing subnet, thereby establishing the group communication between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the step of obtaining the first subnet feature and the second subnet feature by the SMF comprises: the first user equipment and the second user equipment respectively initiating a group session establishment request, the group session establishment request carrying a user equipment identifier and a group identifier; and the SMF, after receiving the group session establishment request, reading subscription data and group information of the user equipment from a unified data management unit (UDM) according to the user equipment identifier and the group identifier, wherein the UDM pre-stores the subscription data and the group information of the user equipment, the subscription data including the first subnet feature and the second subnet feature, and the group information containing a group identifier, a group session identifier, and group members.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first subnet feature further comprises a first virtual local area network identifier (VLAN ID) of the first routing subnet, and the second subnet feature further comprises a second VLAN ID of the second routing subnet; and the forwarding policy further contains an operation instruction of performing VLAN ID replacement or addition on a core network export side of the UPF.

[0011] In some embodiments, in the process of forwarding the group communication data message to the second user equipment, the second UPF replaces or adds the VLAN information of the group communication data message with or to the second VLAN ID based on the operation instruction of performing VLAN ID replacement or addition on the core network export side of the second UPF in the forwarding policy.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first user equipment is a first customer premises equipment (CPE), and the second user equipment is a second CPE.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first routing subnet includes a first terminal, and the second user equipment is a second terminal; the step of establishing group communication according to the user-level session and the group-level session includes: the second terminal forwarding the group communication data packet to the second UPF through the corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data packet includes a target address, and the target address is an IP address of the first terminal; the second UPF determines, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop routing is the first UPF, and forwards the group communication data packet to the first UPF through the group-level session corresponding to the first UPF; the first UPF determines, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop routing is the first user equipment, and forwards the group communication data packet to the first user equipment through the user-level session corresponding to the first user equipment; and the first user equipment, after receiving the group communication data packet, forwards the group communication data packet to the first terminal by addressing to the first terminal within the first routing subnet, thereby establishing group communication between the second terminal and the first terminal.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first user equipment is a first CPE, and the second user equipment is a second terminal.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a communication system for a routing subnet is provided, including: an SMF, configured to obtain a first subnet feature of a first routing subnet corresponding to a first user equipment within a group, the first subnet feature including a first IP address segment of the first routing subnet, and further configured to synchronize, in a process of establishing a user-level session for the first user equipment and a second user equipment, and establishing a group-level session for a first UPF corresponding to the first user equipment and a second UPF corresponding to the second user equipment, context information of the corresponding user equipment session to the first UPF and the second UPF, wherein the context information of the first user equipment session includes the first subnet feature, and further configured to respectively issue a forwarding policy to the first UPF and the second UPF, the forwarding policy including a routing matching policy based on the first IP address segment, and the first user equipment and the second user equipment belong to the same group; and a group communication establishment subsystem, configured to establish group communication according to the user-level session and the group-level session.

[0016] In some embodiments, the SMF is further configured to, in the process of obtaining the first subnet feature, obtain a second subnet feature of a second routing subnet corresponding to the second user equipment, the second subnet feature comprising a second IP address segment of the second routing subnet; the context information of the second user equipment session comprises the second subnet feature, the forwarding policy further comprises a routing matching policy based on the second IP address segment; and the group communication establishment subsystem is configured to establish the group communication between the first terminal in the first routing subnet and the second terminal in the second routing subnet according to the user-level session and the group-level session.

[0017] In some embodiments, the group communication establishment subsystem comprises: the first user equipment, configured to receive a group communication data message sent by the first terminal, and forward the group communication data message to the first UPF through a corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data message comprises a target address, and the target address is an IP address of the second terminal; the first UPF, configured to determine, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data message, that the next hop routing is the second UPF, and forward the group communication data message to the second UPF through a group-level session corresponding to the second UPF; the second UPF, configured to determine, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data message, that the next hop routing is the second user equipment, and forward the group communication data message to the second user equipment through a user-level session corresponding to the second user equipment; and the second user equipment, configured to, after receiving the group communication data message, forward the group communication data message to the second terminal by addressing the second terminal in the second routing subnet, so as to establish the group communication between the first terminal and the second terminal.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first user equipment and the second user equipment are respectively configured to initiate a group session establishment request, the group session establishment request carrying a user equipment identifier and a group identifier; and the SMF is configured to, after receiving the group session establishment request, read subscription data and group information of the user equipment from a unified data management unit (UDM) according to the user equipment identifier and the group identifier, wherein the UDM pre-stores the subscription data and the group information of the user equipment, the subscription data comprising the first subnet feature and the second subnet feature, and the group information comprising a group identifier, a group session identifier, and group members.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first subnet feature further comprises a first VLAN ID of the first routing subnet, and the second subnet feature further comprises a second VLAN ID of the second routing subnet; and the forwarding policy further comprises an operation instruction of performing VLAN ID replacement or addition at a core network egress side of the UPF.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second UPF is further configured to, in forwarding the group communication data packet to the second user equipment, replace or add, based on the operation instruction of performing VLAN ID replacement or addition at the core network egress side of the second UPF in the forwarding policy, the VLAN information of the group communication data packet with the second VLAN ID.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first user equipment is a first CPE, and the second user equipment is a second CPE.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first routing subnet comprises a first terminal, and the second user equipment is a second terminal; and the group communication establishment subsystem comprises: the second terminal, configured to forward the group communication data packet to the second UPF through a corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data packet comprises a target address, and the target address is an IP address of the first terminal; the second UPF, configured to determine, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data packet, that a next hop routing is the first UPF, and forward the group communication data packet to the first UPF through a group-level session corresponding to the first UPF; the first UPF, configured to determine, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data packet, that a next hop routing is the first user equipment, and forward the group communication data packet to the first user equipment through a user-level session corresponding to the first user equipment; and the first user equipment, configured to, after receiving the group communication data packet, forward the group communication data packet to the first terminal within the first routing subnet and addressed to the first terminal, thereby establishing group communication between the second terminal and the first terminal.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first user equipment is a first CPE, and the second user equipment is a second terminal.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a communication system for a routing subnet, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform the method as previously described based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon computer program instructions which, when executed by a processor, implement the method as previously described.

[0026] The method achieves that the 5G virtual network is extended to the routing subnet carried by the user equipment, so that the demand of three-layer interworking between the existing intranet of the enterprise and the 5G virtual network can be met.

[0027] Other features of the present disclosure, and their advantages, will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0029] The present disclosure can be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method for a routing subnet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method for a routing subnet according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method for a routing subnet according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method for a routing subnet according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication system for a routing subnet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication system for a routing subnet according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication system for a routing subnet according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and numerical values of components and steps set forth in these embodiments are not limiting to the scope of the present disclosure, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0038] It should be understood, of course, that the dimensions of the various elements shown in the figures are chosen primarily to facilitate recognition of the various components, and that actual

[0039] The following description of at least one example embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0040] Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art can not be discussed in detail herein. However, where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and apparatus can be considered part of the present disclosure.

[0041] In all of the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Thus, other examples of the example embodiments can have different values.

[0042] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and thus, once an item is defined in one figure, it is not necessary to discuss it further in subsequent figures.

[0043] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating a communication method for routing subnets according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1 the method includes steps S102-S106.

[0044] At step S102, the SMF obtains a first subnet feature of a first routing subnet corresponding to a first user equipment within a group, the first subnet feature including a first IP address segment of the first routing subnet.

[0045] For example, a group communication demander (e.g., an enterprise manager) provides a subnet feature of a subnet carried by a user device (e.g., a CPE) when providing subscription data and group information. The demander can provide the relevant information through UDM subscription or capability exposure (e.g., an AF invokes network capability through a NEF (Network Exposure Function)), so that the UDM obtains and stores the subscription data and group information in advance, the subscription data including the subnet feature of each routing subnet. The group information includes group identification, group session identification, and group members (i.e., user devices included in the group). Here, the NEF is a means for implementing exposure of network capability to the AF and providing a policy request, parameter configuration, and management. Next, a first user device (e.g., a first CPE) initiates a group session establishment request carrying the group identification of the group. After receiving the group session establishment request, the SMF reads the subscription data and group information of the group from the UDM according to the group identification. In this way, the SMF obtains the first subnet feature.

[0046] In step S104, the SMF synchronizes the context information of the corresponding user device session to the first UPF and the second UPF in the process of establishing a user-level session for the first user device and the second user device and establishing a group-level session for the first UPF corresponding to the first user device and the second UPF corresponding to the second user device, wherein the context information of the first user device session includes the first subnet feature, and respectively issues a forwarding policy to the first UPF and the second UPF, the forwarding policy including a routing matching policy based on the first IP address segment, the first user device and the second user device belonging to the same group.

[0047] In step S106, a group communication is established according to the user-level session and the group-level session.

[0048] So far, a communication method for routing subnets according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. In the communication method, the first user device carries a routing subnet; the second user device can carry a routing subnet or can not carry a routing subnet. The method realizes the extension of a 5G virtual network to the routing subnet carried by the user device, so as to meet the demand of three-layer interworking between the existing intranet of an enterprise and the 5G virtual network.

[0049] In some cases, the first user device carries a routing subnet, and the second user device does not carry a routing subnet. For such a case, the first routing subnet includes a first terminal, and the second user device is a second terminal.

[0050] In this case, the step of establishing the group communication according to the user-level session and the group-level session comprises: the second terminal forwarding the group communication data packet to the second UPF through the corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data packet contains a target address, and the target address is the IP address of the first terminal; the second UPF determining, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop route is the first UPF, and forwarding the group communication data packet to the first UPF through the group-level session corresponding to the first UPF; the first UPF determining, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop route is the first user equipment, and forwarding the group communication data packet to the first user equipment through the user-level session corresponding to the first user equipment; and the first user equipment, after receiving the group communication data packet, forwarding the group communication data packet to the first terminal in the first routing subnet, so as to establish the group communication between the second terminal and the first terminal (for example, the group communication from the second terminal to the first terminal). For example, the first user equipment is a first CPE.

[0051] In some cases, the first user equipment and the second user equipment are both provided with routing subnets.

[0052] In this way, in some embodiments, in the process of obtaining the first subnet feature, the SMF also obtains a second subnet feature of a second routing subnet corresponding to the second user equipment, and the second subnet feature comprises a second IP address segment of the second routing subnet.

[0053] In some embodiments, the context information can also contain the second subnet feature, and the forwarding policy can also contain a routing matching policy based on the second IP address segment.

[0054] In some embodiments, the step S106 can comprise: establishing the group communication between the first terminal in the first routing subnet and the second terminal in the second routing subnet according to the user-level session and the group-level session.

[0055] The communication method in the case where the first user equipment and the second user equipment are both provided with routing subnets is described below.

[0056] Firstly, the SMF obtains a first subnet feature of a first routing subnet corresponding to a first user equipment in a group and a second subnet feature of a second routing subnet corresponding to a second user equipment, and the first subnet feature comprises a first IP address segment of the first routing subnet, and the second subnet feature comprises a second IP address segment of the second routing subnet. For example, the first user equipment is a first CPE, and the second user equipment is a second CPE.

[0057] In some embodiments, the step of obtaining the first subnet feature and the second subnet feature by the SMF comprises: the first user equipment and the second user equipment respectively initiate a group session establishment request, the group session establishment request carrying a user equipment identifier and a group identifier; and the SMF reads the subscription data and the group information of the user equipment from a UDM (Universal Data Management, a unit for implementing the management of user subscription data (including group information and group management information)) according to the user equipment identifier and the group identifier after receiving the group session establishment request, wherein the UDM pre-stores the subscription data and the group information of the user equipment. The subscription data includes the first subnet feature and the second subnet feature. The group information includes the group identifier, the group session identifier and the group members.

[0058] For example, when the group communication demander (such as an enterprise manager) provides the subscription data and the group information, the demander provides the subnet features of the subnet carried by the user equipment (such as a CPE). The demander can provide the relevant information through UDM subscription or capability exposure (such as AF calling network capability through NEF), so that the UDM pre-obtains and stores the subscription data and the group information, the subscription data including the subnet features of each routing subnet. The group information includes the group identifier, the group session identifier and the group members. Next, the first user equipment (such as a first CPE) and the second user equipment (such as a second CPE) respectively initiate a group session establishment request, the group session establishment request carrying the group identifier of the group. The SMF reads the subscription data and the group information of the group from the UDM according to the group identifier after receiving the group session establishment request. In this way, the SMF obtains the first subnet feature and the second subnet feature.

[0059] In addition, it should be noted that the IP address segment of the routing subnet includes the IP addresses of all terminals in the routing subnet.

[0060] Next, the SMF synchronizes the context information of the corresponding user equipment session to the first UPF and the second UPF in the process of establishing a user-level session for the first user equipment and the second user equipment respectively, and establishing a group-level session for the first UPF corresponding to the first user equipment and the second UPF corresponding to the second user equipment, the context information of the first user equipment session including the first subnet feature, the context information of the second user equipment session including the second subnet feature, and respectively issuing a forwarding policy to the first UPF and the second UPF, the forwarding policy including a routing matching policy based on the first IP address segment and / or the second IP address segment.

[0061] Next, the group communication between the first terminal in the first routing subnet and the second terminal in the second routing subnet is established according to the user-level session and the group-level session.

[0062] In some embodiments, the step of establishing the group communication between the first terminal and the second terminal comprises: the first user equipment receiving a group communication data message sent by the first terminal, and forwarding the group communication data message to the first UPF through a corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data message contains a target address, which is an IP address of the second terminal; the first UPF determining, based on a forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data message, that the next hop route is the second UPF, and forwarding the group communication data message to the second UPF through a group-level session corresponding to the second UPF; the second UPF determining, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data message, that the next hop route is the second user equipment, and forwarding the group communication data message to the second user equipment through a user-level session corresponding to the second user equipment; and the second user equipment, after receiving the group communication data message, forwarding the group communication data message to the second terminal by addressing to the second terminal within the second routing subnet, thereby establishing the group communication between the first terminal and the second terminal. In this way, the 5G virtual network is extended to the routing subnet carried by the user equipment, and the demand for three-layer interworking between the existing intranet of an enterprise and the 5G virtual network can be met.

[0063] Thus, a communication method for a routing subnet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The method comprises: a SMF obtaining a first subnet feature of a first routing subnet corresponding to a first user equipment in a group and a second subnet feature of a second routing subnet corresponding to a second user equipment, the first subnet feature comprising a first IP address segment of the first routing subnet, and the second subnet feature comprising a second IP address segment of the second routing subnet; the SMF synchronizing context information of a corresponding user equipment session to a first UPF and a second UPF in a process of establishing a user-level session for the first user equipment and the second user equipment respectively, and establishing a group-level session for the first UPF corresponding to the first user equipment and the second UPF corresponding to the second user equipment, the context information of the first user equipment session containing the first subnet feature, and the context information of the second user equipment session containing the second subnet feature, and respectively issuing a forwarding policy to the first UPF and the second UPF, the forwarding policy containing a routing matching policy based on the first IP address segment and / or the second IP address segment; and establishing a group communication between a first terminal in the first routing subnet and a second terminal in the second routing subnet according to the user-level session and the group-level session. In this way, the 5G virtual network is extended to the routing subnet carried by the user equipment, thereby meeting the demand for three-layer interworking between the existing intranet of an enterprise and the 5G virtual network.

[0064] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method for a routing subnet according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. Here, the CPE is taken as an example of the user equipment. As an example, Figure 2 A routing method taking the IP address segment as the subnet feature is shown.

[0065] As Figure 2 shown, it is assumed that CPE1 (first CPE) and CPE2 (second CPE) belong to the same group and have both registered in the 5G network. The subnet feature is IP address segment. For example, in the subnet feature of CPE1, the IP address segment of the first routing subnet is IPA; in the subnet feature of CPE2, the IP address segment of the second routing subnet is IPB. For example, the first routing subnet contains two terminals A1 and A2, wherein the IP address of terminal A1 is IPa1 and the IP address of terminal A2 is IPa2. For example, the second routing subnet contains two terminals B1 and B2, wherein the IP address of terminal B1 is IPb1 and the IP address of terminal B2 is IPb2.

[0066] CPE1 and CPE2 establish a group session respectively, in the process of establishing the session, the SMF reads the subscription data and group information from the UDM, which includes the subnet feature.

[0067] The SMF binds the IP address segment with the session context information of the UE and synchronizes it to the UPF (including UPF1 and UPF2) when constructing the user-level session (such as UE N4 session) and group-level N4 session, and adds the judgment related to the IP address segment in the forwarding policy of the UPF. For example, the forwarding policy is shown in Table 1 and Table 2. The forwarding policy can include forwarding logic and session binding logic.

[0068] Table 1 UPF1 forwarding logic

[0069] Target address Target network segment Perform action IPb1 IPB Forward to UPF2 IPb2 IPB Forward to UPF2 … … …

[0070] Table 2 UPF2 session binding logic

[0071] Target address Target network segment Perform action IPb1 IPB Forward to CPE2 IPb2 IPB Forward to CPE2 … … …

[0072] After receiving the group communication data message initiated by the first terminal A1, the UPF1 determines the next hop as UPF2 through the analysis of the target address IPb1 (IPb1 belongs to the IPB address segment, corresponding to the subnet feature of CPE2, and CPE2 is anchored on UPF2) and forwards it to UPF2 through the group-level session connection (N19 tunnel) with UPF2. After receiving the data message forwarded by the N19 tunnel, the UPF2 determines the next hop as CPE2 through the analysis of the target address IPb1 (IPb1 belongs to the IPB address segment, corresponding to the subnet feature of CPE2) and forwards it to CPE2 through the PDU (Protocol Data Unit, PDU) session of CPE2. After receiving the data message, CPE2 can address the second terminal B1 (IPb1) through intra-subnet routing, thereby realizing the group communication from the first terminal A1 to the second terminal B1.

[0073] It should be noted that N4 is an interface between SMF and UPF, and is used for implementing policy, rule delivery, synchronization of session context, and reporting of user plane events, etc. The SMF implements management of the UPF through the N4 interface. N19 is a group communication interface between UPFs.

[0074] Thus, a communication method for routing subnets according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The method can introduce a subnet feature binding terminal session, thereby realizing a three-layer networking scheme of subnet routing access after CPE. The method realizes extension of a 5G virtual network to a routing subnet carried by a user equipment, thereby meeting the demand for three-layer interworking between an existing internal network of an enterprise and a 5G virtual network.

[0075] In the above method, the subnet feature can be configured by an AF (e.g., a group communication demander) in a capability exposure manner, or be subscribed on a UDM.

[0076] In some embodiments, the first subnet feature further includes a first VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) ID (Identity) of the first routing subnet, and the second subnet feature further includes a second VLAN ID of the second routing subnet. The forwarding policy further includes an operation instruction of performing VLAN ID replacement or addition on a core network export side of the UPF.

[0077] In some embodiments, in the process of forwarding the group communication data packet to the second user equipment, the second UPF replaces (i.e., overwrites) or adds (i.e., fills in) the VLAN information of the group communication data packet to the second VLAN ID based on the operation instruction of performing VLAN ID replacement or addition on the core network export side of the second UPF in the forwarding policy.

[0078] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating a communication method for routing subnets according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. The following will be described in combination with Figure 3 The detailed description takes “IP address segment + VLAN ID” as a routing method in the subnet feature.

[0079] It is assumed that CPE1 and CPE2 belong to the same group and have both registered in the 5G network. The subnet characteristics are IP address segment and VLAN ID. For example, in the subnet characteristics of CPE1, the IP address segment of the first routing subnet is IPA, and the VLAN ID of the first routing subnet is VALN1; in the subnet characteristics of CPE2, the IP address segment of the second routing subnet is IPB, and the VLAN ID of the second routing subnet is VLAN2. For example, the first routing subnet contains two terminals A1 and A2, wherein the IP address of terminal A1 is IPa1, and the IP address of terminal A2 is IPa2. For example, the second routing subnet contains two terminals B1 and B2, wherein the IP address of terminal B1 is IPb1, and the IP address of terminal B2 is IPb2.

[0080] CPE1 and CPE2 establish a group session respectively, and in the process of establishing the session, the SMF obtains the subscription data and group information from the UDM, which includes the subnet characteristics.

[0081] The SMF binds the IP address segment with the session context of the UE and synchronizes it to the UPF (including UPF1 and UPF2) when constructing the user-level session (such as UE N4 session) and group-level N4 session, adds the judgment related to the IP address segment in the forwarding policy of the UPF and the operation indication of the VLAN ID replacement on the core network export side of the UPF. For example, the forwarding policy is shown in Table 3 and Table 4. The forwarding policy can include forwarding logic and core network export logic.

[0082] Table 3 UPF1 forwarding logic

[0083] Target address Target network segment Perform action IPb1 IPB Forward to UPF2 IPb2 IPB Forward to UPF2 … … …

[0084] Table 4 UPF2 core network export logic

[0085]

[0086] UPF1 receives the group communication data packet initiated by the first terminal A1, and determines that the next hop is UPF2 and forwards to UPF2 through the group level session connection (N19 tunnel) with UPF2 by analyzing the target address IPb1 (IPb1 belongs to the IPB address segment, corresponding to the subnet characteristics of CPE2, and CPE2 is anchored on UPF2). UPF2 receives the data packet forwarded by the N19 tunnel, and determines that the next hop is CPE2 by analyzing the target address IPb1 (IPb1 belongs to the IPB address segment, corresponding to the subnet characteristics of CPE2). Since the forwarding policy has an operation instruction of replacing the VLAN ID, UPF2 rewrites or fills the VLAN bit of the data packet to the subnet characteristics VLAN2 of CPE2, and further forwards the data packet to CPE2. CPE2 receives the data packet and addresses to the second terminal B1 (IPb1) through intra-subnet routing, thereby realizing the group communication from the first terminal A1 to the second terminal B1.

[0087] Thus, a communication method for routing a subnet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is provided. The method introduces subnet characteristic binding terminal session, thereby realizing a three-layer networking scheme of CPE after subnet routing access. The method realizes the expansion of a 5G virtual network to a routing subnet carried by a user equipment, thereby meeting the demand for three-layer interworking between an existing enterprise intranet and a 5G virtual network. The method can support VLAN rewriting, thereby realizing communication between different VLANs.

[0088] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a communication method for routing a subnet according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 4 , the method includes steps S401-S412.

[0089] In step S401, as a pre-condition, the group communication demander provides group management information (group members), group data, etc. through capability exposure or subscription on UDM, which contains each group member (subnet characteristics of user equipment (such as CPE), and group related data is managed by UDM.

[0090] In Figure 4 , steps S402 and S402' can be performed synchronously, steps S403 and S403' can be performed synchronously, and steps S403 and S403' can be performed synchronously.

[0091] At steps S402 and S402', the CPE initiates a request for establishing a group session, which carries a group session identifier (e.g., a combination of a Data Network Name (DNN) and a Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI)).

[0092] At steps S403 and S403', the SMF reads group-related data from the UDM, which includes subnet characteristics.

[0093] At steps S404 and S404', the SMF establishes a user-level PDU session for the CPE and synchronizes context information (which includes subnet characteristics) to the UPF.

[0094] At step S405, if a group-level N4 session for the group is not established between UPF1 and UPF2, the SMF establishes a group-level N4 session and an N19 connection and issues a forwarding policy related to the opposite subnet in UPF1 and UPF2.

[0095] At step S406, if terminal A1 in the CPE1 subnet needs to communicate with terminal B1 in the CPE2 subnet, A1 sends a data packet with the target IP address IPb1 of B1.

[0096] At step S407, CPE1 forwards the data to UPF1 through its PDU session.

[0097] At step S408, UPF1 detects the subnet where the target address is located, performs subnet characteristic matching, and matches the N19-based forwarding.

[0098] At step S409, UPF1 further performs forwarding of the data packet to an N19 tunnel according to its forwarding policy (e.g., N19 routing policy).

[0099] At step S410, UPF2 detects the subnet where the target address is located, performs subnet characteristic matching, and matches the CPE2 PDU session; if the group session rule contains a VLAN ID rewriting operation, UPF2 fills the VLAN bit in the data packet with the VLAN value (e.g., VLAN2) corresponding to the subnet characteristics of CPE2 before forwarding the data.

[0100] At step S411, UPF2 further forwards the data to CPE2 through the PDU session of CPE2.

[0101] At step S412, CPE2 finally routes the data to terminal device B1 with IP address IPb1 according to the routing within the subnet, thereby completing the data transmission from terminal device A1 in the routing subnet to terminal device B1 in the other routing subnet.

[0102] So far, a communication method for a routing subnet is provided according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method realizes the routing subnet access of the 5G virtual network. The method comprises: in the 5GC (i.e. 5G core network), subscribing / configuring the subnet features (IP address segment, VLAN ID, etc.) of the CPE with the routing subnet. The SMF delivers the subnet features as the context information bound with the UPF and the UE session, group session to the UPF when establishing the group level session, and delivers the forwarding strategy (PDR->FAR) based on the subnet feature detection, so that the group communication can be correctly addressed to the target UPF and target session; if the subnet features contain the VLAN ID, the UPF can replace the VLAN ID according to the user's needs before sending the packet to the core network. The target UPF CPE receives the data and then addresses it within the subnet according to the target address. Through the above method, the 5G virtual network can be extended to the routing subnet behind the CPE, meeting the demand of the three-layer interconnection between the existing intranet and the 5G virtual network of enterprises.

[0103] Here, PDR (Packet Detection Rule) is the logic that should be followed when the UPF performs the policy; FAR (Forwarding Action Rule) is the specific operation of the UPF to implement packet forwarding on the basis of meeting the conditions.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a group communication demander provides subnet features of a subnet carried by a user equipment (e.g., a CPE) while providing subscription data and group information. The demander can provide the relevant information through UDM subscription or capability exposure (AF invokes network capabilities through NEF). The subnet features are communication features of the subnet, including three-layer addressing information such as IP addresses. In addition to IP addresses, the subnet features can additionally include VLAN IDs or other routing labels. The SMF, when establishing a session, delivers the subnet features as context information bound to the UPF (group-level session connection endpoint) and the UE session and group session to the UPF, and delivers forwarding policies (PDR->FAR) based on subnet feature detection, so that the group communication can be correctly addressed to the target UPF and target PDU session. When the user equipment (UE / CPE) moves, the subnet features associated with the UPF will be modified with the update of the session due to the change of the anchoring relationship, and the forwarding policy will also change. If the subnet features include VLAN IDs, the UPF can replace the VLAN IDs according to user needs before sending packets to the core network. The target UPF CPE receives data and then addresses in the subnet according to the target address. This method can support the transmission of group management data and related policies by enhancing related network functions and interfaces such as SMF, UDM, and UPF. The UPF can support subnet feature-related detection and judgment when executing the policy.

[0105] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a communication system for routing subnets according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5 , the system includes an SMF 510 and a group communication establishment subsystem 520.

[0106] The SMF 510 is configured to obtain first subnet features of a first routing subnet corresponding to a first user equipment 522 in a group, the first subnet features including a first IP address segment of the first routing subnet, and is further configured to, in a process of establishing a user-level session for the first user equipment and a second user equipment 525 respectively, and establishing a group-level session for a first UPF 523 corresponding to the first user equipment and a second UPF 524 corresponding to the second user equipment, synchronize context information of the corresponding user equipment sessions to the first UPF and the second UPF, wherein the context information of the first user equipment session contains the first subnet features, and respectively deliver forwarding policies to the first UPF and the second UPF, the forwarding policies containing routing matching policies based on the first IP address segment. The first user equipment and the second user equipment belong to the same group.

[0107] The group communication establishment subsystem 520 is configured to establish a group communication according to the user-level session and the group-level session.

[0108] Thus, a communication system for routing subnets is provided according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The system can implement 5G virtual network extension to the routing subnets carried by user equipment, and can meet the demand of three-layer interworking between existing enterprise intranet and 5G virtual network.

[0109] In some embodiments, the SMF 510 can be further configured to, in the process of obtaining the first subnet feature, also obtain a second subnet feature of a second routing subnet corresponding to a second user equipment, the second subnet feature comprising a second IP address segment of the second routing subnet.

[0110] In some embodiments, the context information of the second user equipment session comprises the second subnet feature, and the forwarding policy further comprises a routing matching policy based on the second IP address segment.

[0111] For example, the SMF 510 is configured to obtain a first subnet feature of a first routing subnet corresponding to a first user equipment 522 in a group and a second subnet feature of a second routing subnet corresponding to a second user equipment 525, the first subnet feature comprising a first IP address segment of the first routing subnet, and the second subnet feature comprising a second IP address segment of the second routing subnet. The SMF 510 is further configured to, in the process of establishing a user-level session for the first user equipment and the second user equipment respectively, and establishing a group-level session for a first UPF 523 corresponding to the first user equipment and a second UPF 524 corresponding to the second user equipment, synchronize context information to the first UPF 523 and the second UPF 524, the context information comprising the first subnet feature and the second subnet feature, and issue a forwarding policy to the first UPF and the second UPF respectively, the forwarding policy comprising a routing matching policy based on the first IP address segment and / or the second IP address segment.

[0112] In some embodiments, the group communication establishing subsystem 520 can be configured to establish a group communication between a first terminal 531 in the first routing subnet and a second terminal 532 in the second routing subnet according to the user-level session and the group-level session.

[0113] In some embodiments, the group communication establishing subsystem comprises the first user equipment 522, the first UPF 523, the second UPF 524, and the second user equipment 525. For example, the first user equipment 522 is a first CPE, and the second user equipment 525 is a second CPE.

[0114] The first user equipment 522 is configured to receive a group communication data message from the first terminal 531, and forward the group communication data message to the first UPF 523 through a corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data message comprises a target address, the target address being an IP address of the second terminal 532.

[0115] The first UPF 523 is configured to determine, based on the forwarding policy and a target address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop routing is the second UPF 524, and forward the group communication data packet to the second UPF through a group-level session corresponding to the second UPF.

[0116] The second UPF 524 is configured to determine, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop routing is the second user equipment 525, and forward the group communication data packet to the second user equipment through a user-level session corresponding to the second user equipment.

[0117] The second user equipment 525 is configured to, after receiving the group communication data packet, forward the group communication data packet to the second terminal 532 within the second routing subnet, so as to establish the group communication from the first terminal 531 to the second terminal 532.

[0118] So far, a communication system for routing subnets is provided according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The system can implement 5G virtual network extension to the routing subnet carried by the user equipment, and can meet the demand for three-layer interworking between the existing intranet and the 5G virtual network of the enterprise.

[0119] In some embodiments, the first user equipment 522 and the second user equipment 525 are respectively configured to initiate a group session establishment request, and the group session establishment request carries a user equipment identifier and a group identifier. The SMF 510 is configured to read, after receiving the group session establishment request, subscription data of the user equipment and group information from a UDM according to the user equipment identifier and the group identifier, wherein the UDM pre-stores the subscription data of the user equipment and the group information, the subscription data includes first subnet characteristics and second subnet characteristics, and the group information includes the group identifier, a group session identifier, and group members.

[0120] In some embodiments, the first subnet characteristics further include a first VLAN ID of the first routing subnet, and the second subnet characteristics further include a second VLAN ID of the second routing subnet. The forwarding policy can further include an operation instruction of performing VLAN ID replacement or addition at a core network export side of the UPF.

[0121] In some embodiments, the second UPF can be further configured to, in the process of forwarding the group communication data packet to the second user equipment, replace or add, based on the operation instruction of performing VLAN ID replacement or addition at the core network export side of the second UPF in the forwarding policy, the VLAN information of the group communication data packet with the second VLAN ID.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first routing subnet includes the first terminal, and the second user equipment is the second terminal.

[0123] In some embodiments, the group communication establishment subsystem comprises: a second terminal, a second UPF, a first UPF and a first user equipment.

[0124] In some embodiments, the second terminal is configured to forward the group communication data packet to the second UPF through a corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data packet contains a target address, and the target address is an IP address of the first terminal.

[0125] In some embodiments, the second UPF is configured to determine, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop routing is the first UPF, and forward the group communication data packet to the first UPF through a group-level session corresponding to the first UPF.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first UPF is configured to determine, based on the forwarding policy and the target address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop routing is the first user equipment, and forward the group communication data packet to the first user equipment through a user-level session corresponding to the first user equipment.

[0127] In some embodiments, the first user equipment is configured to, after receiving the group communication data packet, forward the group communication data packet to the first terminal for addressing the first terminal within the first routing subnet, thereby establishing the group communication between the second terminal and the first terminal.

[0128] In some embodiments, the first user equipment is a first CPE, and the second user equipment is a second terminal.

[0129] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a structural schematic diagram illustrating a communication system for a routing subnet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication system comprises a memory 610 and a processor 620. Wherein:

[0130] The memory 610 can be a disk, a flash memory or any other non-volatile storage medium. The memory is configured to store Figure 1 to Figure 4 instructions corresponding to at least one of the embodiments.

[0131] The processor 620 is coupled to the memory 610 and can be implemented as one or more integrated circuits, such as a microprocessor or a microcontroller. The processor 620 is configured to execute the instructions stored in the memory, and can implement the extension of the 5G virtual network to the routing subnet carried by the user equipment.

[0132] It should be noted that the communication system can comprise a plurality of memories 610 and a plurality of processors 620, which can be disposed in different devices, units or systems in a matched manner.

[0133] In some embodiments, the communication system can also be configured to perform the method as shown in Figure 7As shown, the communication system 700 includes a memory 710 and a processor 720. The processor 720 is coupled to the memory 710 through a BUS 730. The communication system 700 can also be connected to an external storage device 750 through a storage interface 740 to invoke external data, and can also be connected to a network or another computer system (not shown) through a network interface 760, which will not be described in detail here.

[0134] In this embodiment, the data instruction is stored by the memory, and the above instruction is processed by the processor, so that the 5G virtual network is extended to the routing subnet carried by the user equipment.

[0135] It should be noted that the communication system can include multiple memories 710, multiple processors 720, multiple BUS buses 730, multiple storage interfaces 740, multiple external storage devices 750, and multiple network interfaces 760. The multiple memories 710, the multiple processors 720, the multiple BUS buses 730, the multiple storage interfaces 740, the multiple external storage devices 750, and the multiple network interfaces 760 can be provided in different devices, units, or systems.

[0136] In some embodiments, the present disclosure also provides a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon computer program instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the steps of the method in at least one of the embodiments. Figure 1 to Figure 4 Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be provided as a method, device, or computer program product. Therefore, the present disclosure can take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Moreover, the present disclosure can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0137] The present disclosure is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus produce a device that implements the functions specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 The flowcharts and / or block diagrams can include one or more flows and / or blocks that implement the functions specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams. Figure 1 The flowcharts and / or block diagrams can include one or more flows and / or blocks that implement the functions specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0138] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer- readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the Figure 1 function specified in the flow or flows and / or blocks Figure 1 of the block or blocks.

[0139] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions that are executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the Figure 1 function specified in the flow or flows and / or blocks Figure 1 of the block or blocks.

[0140] Thus far, the present disclosure has been described in detail. In order to avoid obscuring the idea of the present disclosure, some details well-known in the art are not described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein according to the above description.

[0141] Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail through examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are only for illustration, not for limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments can be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication method for a routing subnet, comprising: The session management function SMF obtains a first subnet characteristic of a first routing subnet corresponding to a first user equipment in the group, where the first subnet characteristic includes a first Internet Protocol IP address segment of the first routing subnet; The SMF, in the process of establishing user-level sessions for the first user equipment and the second user equipment, respectively, and establishing a group-level session for the first user plane function UPF corresponding to the first user equipment and the second UPF corresponding to the second user equipment, synchronizes the context information of the corresponding user equipment session to the first UPF and the second UPF, wherein the context information of the first user equipment session includes the first subnet feature, and issues a forwarding policy to the first UPF and the second UPF, respectively, wherein the forwarding policy includes a route matching policy based on the first IP address segment, and the first user equipment and the second user equipment belong to the same group; and establishing a group communication based on the user-level session and the group-level session; In the process of obtaining the first subnet characteristic, the SMF also obtains the second subnet characteristic of the second routing subnet corresponding to the second user equipment, where the second subnet characteristic includes the second IP address segment of the second routing subnet; The context information of the second user equipment session includes the second subnet feature, and the forwarding strategy further includes a route matching strategy based on the second IP address segment; The step of establishing group communication according to the user-level session and the group-level session includes establishing group communication between a first terminal in the first routing subnet and a second terminal in the second routing subnet according to the user-level session and the group-level session.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The step of establishing group communication between the first terminal and the second terminal includes: The first user equipment receives the group communication data packet sent by the first terminal, and forwards the group communication data packet to the first UPF through the corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data packet includes a target address, and the target address is the IP address of the second terminal; The first UPF determines, based on the forwarding policy and the destination address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop route is the second UPF, and forwards the group communication data packet to the second UPF through the group-level session corresponding to the second UPF; The second UPF determines, based on the forwarding policy and the destination address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop route is a second user equipment, and forwards the group communication data packet to the second user equipment through a user-level session corresponding to the second user equipment; and After receiving the group communication data message, the second user equipment addresses the second terminal in the second routing subnet and forwards the group communication data message to the second terminal, thereby establishing group communication from the first terminal to the second terminal.

3. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The step of the SMF obtaining the first subnet characteristic and the second subnet characteristic comprises: The first user equipment and the second user equipment respectively initiate a group session establishment request, where the group session establishment request carries a user equipment identifier and a group identifier; and After receiving the group session establishment request, the SMF reads the subscription data and group information of the user device from the unified data management unit UDM according to the user device identifier and the group identifier, wherein the UDM pre-stores the subscription data and group information of the user device, the subscription data includes the first subnet characteristics and the second subnet characteristics, and the group information includes the group identifier, the group session identifier and the group members.

4. The communication method according to claim 2, wherein: The first subnet characteristic further includes a first virtual local area network identifier (VLAN ID) of the first routing subnet, and the second subnet characteristic further includes a second VLAN ID of the second routing subnet; The forwarding strategy also includes an operation instruction to replace or add a VLAN ID on the core network egress side of the UPF. The communication method according to claim 4 , wherein: In the process of forwarding the group communication data message to the second user equipment, the second UPF replaces or adds the VLAN information of the group communication data message with the second VLAN ID based on the operation instruction of replacing or adding the VLAN ID on the core network egress side of the second UPF in the forwarding strategy. The communication method according to claim 1 , wherein: The first user equipment is a first customer premises equipment (CPE), and the second user equipment is a second CPE.

7. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein: The first routing subnet includes a first terminal, and the second user equipment is a second terminal; The step of establishing group communication according to the user-level session and the group-level session includes: The second terminal forwards the group communication data message to the second UPF through the corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data message includes a target address, and the target address is the IP address of the first terminal; The second UPF determines, based on the forwarding policy and the destination address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop route is the first UPF, and forwards the group communication data packet to the first UPF through the group-level session corresponding to the first UPF; The first UPF determines, based on the forwarding policy and the destination address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop route is the first user equipment, and forwards the group communication data packet to the first user equipment through a user-level session corresponding to the first user equipment; and After receiving the group communication data message, the first user equipment addresses the first terminal in the first routing subnet and forwards the group communication data message to the first terminal, thereby establishing group communication between the second terminal and the first terminal. The communication method according to claim 1 , wherein: The first user equipment is a first CPE, and the second user equipment is a second terminal.

9. A communication system for a routing subnet, comprising: an SMF configured to obtain a first subnet characteristic of a first routing subnet corresponding to a first user device in a group, the first subnet characteristic including a first IP address segment of the first routing subnet, and to synchronize context information of the corresponding user device session to the first UPF and the second UPF during the process of establishing a user-level session for the first user device and the second user device, respectively, and establishing a group-level session for a first UPF corresponding to the first user device and a second UPF corresponding to the second user device, wherein the context information of the first user device session includes the first subnet characteristic, and to issue a forwarding policy to the first UPF and the second UPF, respectively, the forwarding policy including a route matching policy based on the first IP address segment, and the first user device and the second user device belonging to the same group; and a group communication establishing subsystem, configured to establish group communication according to the user-level session and the group-level session; The SMF is further configured to obtain, in the process of obtaining the first subnet characteristic, a second subnet characteristic of the second routing subnet corresponding to the second user equipment, wherein the second subnet characteristic includes a second IP address segment of the second routing subnet; The context information of the second user equipment session includes the second subnet feature, and the forwarding strategy further includes a route matching strategy based on the second IP address segment; The group communication establishing subsystem is used to establish group communication between a first terminal in the first routing subnet and a second terminal in the second routing subnet according to the user-level session and the group-level session.

10. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein: The group communication establishment subsystem includes: The first user equipment is configured to receive a group communication data message sent by the first terminal, and forward the group communication data message to the first UPF through a corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data message includes a target address, and the target address is the IP address of the second terminal; The first UPF is configured to determine the next hop route as the second UPF based on the forwarding policy and the destination address of the group communication data packet, and forward the group communication data packet to the second UPF through the group-level session corresponding to the second UPF; the second UPF is configured to determine, based on the forwarding policy and the destination address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop route is a second user equipment, and forward the group communication data packet to the second user equipment through a user-level session corresponding to the second user equipment; and The second user equipment is configured to, after receiving the group communication data message, address the second terminal in the second routing subnet and forward the group communication data message to the second terminal, thereby establishing group communication from the first terminal to the second terminal.

11. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein: The first user equipment and the second user equipment are respectively used to initiate a group session establishment request, where the group session establishment request carries a user equipment identifier and a group identifier; as well as The SMF is used to read the subscription data and group information of the user device from the unified data management unit UDM according to the user device identifier and the group identifier after receiving the group session establishment request, wherein the UDM pre-stores the subscription data and group information of the user device, the subscription data includes the first subnet characteristics and the second subnet characteristics, and the group information includes the group identifier, the group session identifier and the group members.

12. The communication system according to claim 10, wherein: The first subnet characteristic further includes a first VLAN ID of the first routing subnet, and the second subnet characteristic further includes a second VLAN ID of the second routing subnet; The forwarding strategy also includes an operation instruction to replace or add a VLAN ID on the core network egress side of the UPF.

13. The communication system according to claim 12, wherein: The second UPF is also used to replace or add the VLAN information of the group communication data message with the second VLAN ID based on the operation indication of replacing or adding the VLAN ID on the core network egress side of the second UPF in the forwarding strategy during the process of forwarding the group communication data message to the second user equipment.

14. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein: The first user equipment is a first CPE, and the second user equipment is a second CPE.

15. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein: The first routing subnet includes a first terminal, and the second user equipment is a second terminal; The group communication establishment subsystem includes: The second terminal is configured to forward the group communication data message to the second UPF through a corresponding user-level session, wherein the group communication data message includes a target address, and the target address is the IP address of the first terminal; The second UPF is configured to determine the next hop route as the first UPF based on the forwarding policy and the destination address of the group communication data message, and forward the group communication data message to the first UPF through the group-level session corresponding to the first UPF; The first UPF is configured to determine, based on the forwarding policy and the destination address of the group communication data packet, that the next hop route is the first user equipment, and forward the group communication data packet to the first user equipment through a user-level session corresponding to the first user equipment; and The first user equipment is configured to, after receiving the group communication data message, address the first terminal in the first routing subnet and forward the group communication data message to the first terminal, thereby establishing group communication between the second terminal and the first terminal.

16. The communication system according to claim 9, wherein: The first user equipment is a first CPE, and the second user equipment is a second terminal.

17. A communication system for a routing subnet, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 based on instructions stored in the memory.

18. A computer-readable storage medium having computer program instructions stored thereon, wherein the computer program instructions implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 when executed by a processor.

Images