A 5G-based flexible data service control system and its data diversion method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of 5G data service technology, specifically a flexible data service control system and its traffic redirection method based on 5G. The system includes a traffic control device and a user plane proxy device. The traffic control device is connected in series at the core network control plane interface. For signaling packets matching the traffic redirection strategy, the system modifies the signaling session pipeline during data service traffic redirection and synchronizes the pipeline mapping relationship with the user plane proxy device. The user plane proxy device is deployed in the network and has routing paths with network element devices. Based on the pipeline mapping relationship, it converts the pipeline and routing information of the data packets into the original packets. The advantages of this invention are: convenient and flexible system deployment; no impact on core network workflow; support for various refined traffic redirection rules, including IMSI, mobile phone number, device number, DNN, cell number, and slice; and the traffic redirection scheme can save customers' backend service construction costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of 5G data service technology, specifically a 5G-based flexible data service control system and its data diversion method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the functions and processes of 5G core network elements have been standardized and made transparent. The characteristics of core network elements or operator strategies alone cannot achieve refined data service guidance. Under the mature 5G architecture, there is a lack of relatively flexible and easy-to-deploy solutions that can meet the needs of refined data service guidance without affecting the normal business processes of the 5G core network and the user's Internet experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a system that can effectively manage data service traffic, improve data service control efficiency, and achieve refined guidance of 5G Internet access data service traffic, as well as a traffic guidance method using this system.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, a flexible data service control system based on 5G is designed, including a flow control device and a user plane proxy device. The flow control device is connected in series at the core network control plane interface. For signaling messages that match the flow guidance policy, when performing data service flow guidance, the system will modify the signaling session pipeline and synchronize the pipeline mapping relationship with the user plane proxy device. The user plane proxy device is deployed in the network and has a routing path with network element devices. According to the pipeline mapping relationship, it converts the pipeline and routing information of the data packet into the original packet and reroutes it to the real network element.

[0005] The present invention also has the following preferred technical solutions:

[0006] 1. The flow control device is connected in series on the N4 signaling link and is responsible for executing the diversion rule filtering, modifying the U-plane bearer F-TEID in the original signaling, and diverting user plane traffic to the user plane proxy device.

[0007] 2. The signaling diversion board module in the flow control device for executing diversion rules includes an access layer, which is responsible for the access and parsing of the serialized original signaling and the association with multi-interface signaling; a processing layer, which completes the diversion function; and an interface layer, which provides all external interfaces of the SPC device.

[0008] 3. The processing layer includes the following modules: a policy matching module, responsible for maintaining and matching traffic redirection rules, matching all signaling with traffic redirection rules; a traffic redirection signaling construction module, modifying the N4 signaling that hits the traffic redirection rules, mapping the tunnel information to the U-side proxy board of the traffic redirection, and constructing offline signaling; a route restoration module, restoring the route when leaving the traffic redirection area, and restoring the route when deleting the traffic redirection rule; and a hit statistics module, performing statistics and logging on the data that hit the traffic redirection strategy, and generating the data required for operation and maintenance.

[0009] 4. The user plane proxy device is deployed on the user plane link after traffic diversion, and is responsible for restoring the bearer F-TEID in the uplink and downlink U plane traffic after traffic diversion, and sending it to the user plane network element of the peer core network.

[0010] 5. The user plane proxy device includes an access layer, which is responsible for the in-line U-plane data access and GTPU parsing. When the access data contains non-GTPU data, the user plane proxy board directly forwards these data back to the link as is; a processing layer, which works with the signaling diversion board to complete the diversion function; and an interface layer, which provides all external interfaces of the UPP device.

[0011] 6. The processing layer includes the following modules: a flow control device strategy matching module: which connects to the signaling diversion board according to the agreed interface, receives, stores, and matches and queries the tunnel mapping information strategy of diverting users; and a U-face tunnel maintenance and mapping module: which maintains the U-face tunnel mapping information of diverting users sent by the signaling diversion component, modifies the diverting user face tunnel information according to the mapping information, and sends it back online.

[0012] A traffic diversion method using this system is also designed, as detailed below:

[0013] S1. The SMF sends a message to the UPF requesting the establishment of a PDU session, which is then processed via SPC pass-through.

[0014] S2. UPF responds to the request and sends a message with the UPF-side N3 F-TEID to SMF, first sending it to the flow control device;

[0015] S3. The flow control device modifies the response message, changing the N3 F-TEID to the F-TEID assigned by the SPC and sending it to the SMF;

[0016] S4. SMF receives the response message and notifies AMF; AMF sends a message to GNB carrying N3 F-TEID', thus completing the uplink channel redirection process;

[0017] S5. GNB replies to AMF with its N3 F-TEID;

[0018] S6. When the UE sends uplink data for the first time, it uses N3 F-TEID' for routing to realize the uplink data diversion;

[0019] S7. The user plane agent receives the data, restores the F-TEID to its original form, and sends it to the UPF;

[0020] S8. AMF sends a message to SMF, carrying the GNB-side N3 F-TEID;

[0021] S9. SMF sends a modification message to UPF, which first reaches the flow control device, carrying the N3 F-TEID;

[0022] S10. The flow control device modifies the message, changing the N3 F-TEID to the F-TEID' assigned by the SPC and sending it to the UPF, completing the downlink channel redirection;

[0023] S11. UPF replies with a modified response message to SMF, and the flow control device (SPC) modifies the F-TEID it carries to F-TEID';

[0024] S12. SMF replies with an update response message to AMF;

[0025] S13. The UE sends downlink data for the first time, using N3 F-TEID' for routing;

[0026] S14. The user plane agent device modifies F-TEID' to F-TEID and sends it to the GNB, which then sends it to the UE.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of this invention are:

[0028] 1. The system is easy and flexible to deploy;

[0029] 2. It does not affect the core network workflow;

[0030] 3. Supports various refined traffic redirection rules, including IMSI, mobile phone number, device number, DNN, cell number, and slice;

[0031] 4. Traffic redirection solutions can save customers on backend business development costs. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a deployment diagram of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the signaling diversion board module of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the composition of the user plane agent device of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the method of the present invention; Detailed Implementation

[0036] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The structure and principle of the invention are very clear to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0037] Example 1: A 5G-based flexible data service control system

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention flexibly deploys traffic control equipment (hereinafter referred to as SPC) and username proxy equipment (hereinafter referred to as UPP) in 5G networks to achieve refined traffic control and guidance of 5G data services by matching traffic guidance strategies.

[0039] The SPC is connected in series at the core network control plane interface. For signaling messages that match the traffic redirection policy, when executing data service traffic redirection, the system modifies the signaling session pipeline and synchronizes the pipeline mapping relationship with the UPP. The UPP is deployed in the network and has routing paths with network element devices. Based on the pipeline mapping relationship, it converts the pipeline and routing information of data packets into the original packets and reroutes them to the real network elements.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the SPC is connected in series on the signaling link of the 5G core network. It is responsible for executing traffic redirection rule filtering, modifying the U-plane bearer F-TEID in the original signaling, and redirecting user plane traffic to the UPP. The U-plane bearer is the interface used to transmit user data in a mobile communication network, and the F-TEID (Fully Qualified Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​is a unique identifier for network nodes, used to identify tunnel entrances or exits in the GTP protocol. Figure 2 As shown, the signaling redirection board module used to execute redirection rules in the SPC includes:

[0041] (1) Access layer, responsible for the access and parsing of the original signaling in series, and associated with multi-interface signaling.

[0042] (2) Processing layer, which completes the traffic diversion function, includes the following modules:

[0043] a. Strategy matching: responsible for maintaining and matching traffic redirection rules, and matching traffic redirection rules for all signaling;

[0044] b. Constructing the diversion signaling: Modify the N4 signaling that hits the diversion rule, map the tunnel information to the U-side agent board of the diversion, and construct the offline signaling;

[0045] c. Route restoration: Restore routes when leaving the traffic redirection area, and restore routes when deleting traffic redirection rules;

[0046] d. Hit Statistics: Perform statistics and logs on the data of hit traffic strategies to generate the data required for operation and maintenance.

[0047] (3) Interface layer: The interface layer provides all external interfaces of the SPC device, as described below:

[0048] a. Signaling information synchronization interface, which synchronously receives and maintains user location and other information;

[0049] bU-face proxy board control interface, used to synchronously redirect modified tunnel information to the U-face proxy board;

[0050] c. Strategy interface, responsible for receiving traffic redirection strategies;

[0051] d. Operation and maintenance interface, responsible for providing operation and maintenance information, hit statistics, log information, etc. for this device.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, UPP is deployed on the user plane link (N3) after traffic diversion, and is responsible for restoring the bearer F-TEID in the uplink and downlink U-plane traffic after diversion and sending it to the user plane network elements of the peer core network. Figure 3 As shown, UPP includes:

[0053] (1) Access layer: The access layer is responsible for the in-line U-plane data access and GTPU parsing. Supported user plane interface types include S1U, N3, N9, etc. When the access data contains non-GTPU data, the user plane proxy board directly forwards these data back to the link as is.

[0054] (2) Processing layer: The processing layer works in conjunction with the signaling diversion board to complete the diversion function, including the following modules:

[0055] a. SPC strategy matching: Connect to the signaling traffic redirection board according to the agreed interface, receive, store, and match the tunnel mapping information strategy for redirecting users;

[0056] bU-plane tunnel maintenance and mapping: Maintain the U-plane tunnel mapping information of the traffic-driving users sent by the signaling traffic-driving component, modify the traffic-driving user plane tunnel information according to the mapping information, and send it back online.

[0057] (3) Interface layer: The interface layer provides all external interfaces of the UPP device, as described below:

[0058] a. The SPC policy interface is responsible for receiving tunnel modification policies sent by the signaling diversion board;

[0059] b. Operation and maintenance interface, responsible for providing operation and maintenance information and log information for this device.

[0060] Example 2: A method for diverting traffic using a 5G-based flexible data service control system.

[0061] like Figure 4 As shown, taking the PDU session establishment process initiated by the UE as an example, the traffic redirection principle and process of this scheme are explained as follows:

[0062] S1: SMF sends an N4 Session Establishment Request message to UPF to request the establishment of a PDU session. This message passes through SPC, and SPC performs pass-through processing on the message.

[0063] S2: The UPF responds to the N4 Session Establishment Response message to the SMF, carrying the N3UPP UL F-TEID from the UPF side. This message is first sent to the signaling plane data service control equipment.

[0064] S3: The SPC modifies the N4 Session Establishment Response message, changing the N3 UPP UL F-TEID it carries to the N3 UPP UL F-TEID assigned by the SPC, and sends it to the SMF.

[0065] S4-S5: After receiving this message, SMF notifies AMF, and AMF sends an N2 PDU session request message to GNB, carrying N3 UPPUL F-TEID'. At this point, the uplink channel routing process is complete.

[0066] S6: GNB replies to the AMF with the N2 PDU session response message, carrying the N3 GNB DL F-TEID from the GNB side.

[0067] S7: After the UE sends its first uplink user plane data, the message uses 'N3 UPP UL F-TEID' to be routed to the UPP, thus realizing the redirection of uplink data.

[0068] S8: After receiving this uplink data, UPP restores N3 UPP UL F-TEID' to N3 UPP UL F-TEID and sends it to UPF.

[0069] S9: AMF sends an Nsmf pdu session update request message to SMF, carrying the N3 GNBDL F-TEID from the GNB side.

[0070] S10: SMF sends an N4 Session Modification Request message to UPF. This message first reaches SPC and carries N3 GNB DL F-TEID.

[0071] S11: The SPC modifies the N4 Session Modification Request message, changing the N3 GNB DL F-TEID it carries to its own assigned N3 GNB DL F-TEID, and sends it to the UPF. The downlink channel redirection process is now complete.

[0072] S12-S13: UPF replies with N4 Session Modification Response message to SMF. SPC queries the local F-TEID mapping table and modifies the carried N3 UPP UL F-TEID to N3UPP UL F-TEID.

[0073] S14: SMF replies to AMF with a PDU session update response message.

[0074] S15: The UE's first downlink user plane data is sent from UPF to UPP, using the N3 GNB DL F-TEID' message.

[0075] S16: UPP modifies the N3 GNB DL F-TEID carried in this downlink data to N3 GNB DL F-TEID, and then sends it to GNB, which then sends it to UE.

[0076] The following are all the English abbreviations and their corresponding Chinese terminology explanations that appear in the above method overview:

[0077] 1. PDU (Protocol Data Unit): A protocol layer data unit that encapsulates user data and control information.

[0078] 2. SMF (Session Management Function): This function is responsible for managing sessions between the UE and the core network.

[0079] 3. UPF (User Plane Function): User plane function, which handles data forwarding from user equipment to the data network.

[0080] 4. SPC (Signal Plane Controller): Signaling plane data service control equipment, responsible for flow control.

[0081] 5. UPP (User Plane Proxy): User plane proxy device, responsible for user data forwarding and processing.

[0082] 6. F-TEID (Fully Qualified Tunnel Endpoint Identifier): A fully qualified tunnel endpoint identifier used to uniquely identify an endpoint in a GTP (GPRS tunneling protocol) tunnel.

[0083] 7. AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function): This function is responsible for handling operations such as information subscription and network switching.

[0084] 8. GNB (gNodeB): gNodeB is a 5G base station that carries the access and mobility management functions between wireless communication equipment and the core network.

[0085] 9. UE (User Equipment): User equipment, such as mobile communication terminal equipment like mobile phones and tablets.

[0086] The Chinese explanations of these English abbreviations can help to better understand the key terms in the above method overview.

[0087] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the invention, but the scope of protection of the invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the invention, based on the technical solutions and novel concepts of the invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

1. A flexible data service control system based on 5G, characterized in that... It includes a flow control device and a user plane proxy device. The flow control device is connected in series at the core network control plane interface. For signaling messages that match the flow guidance policy, when performing data service flow guidance, the system will modify the signaling session pipeline and synchronize the pipeline mapping relationship with the user plane proxy device. The user plane proxy device is deployed in the network and has a routing path with network element devices. According to the pipeline mapping relationship, it converts the pipeline and routing information of the data packet into the original packet and reroutes it to the real network element. The flow control device is connected in series on the N4 signaling link and is responsible for executing the diversion rule filtering, modifying the U-plane bearer F-TEID in the original signaling, and diverting user plane traffic to the user plane proxy device. The user plane proxy device is deployed on the user plane link after traffic diversion. It is responsible for restoring the bearer F-TEID in the uplink and downlink U plane traffic after traffic diversion and sending it to the user plane network element of the peer core network.

2. The 5G-based flexible data service control system as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The signaling diversion board module in the flow control device for executing diversion rules includes: The access layer is responsible for the access and parsing of the raw signaling in series, and for associating with signaling from multiple interfaces; The processing layer completes the traffic redirection function; The interface layer provides all external interfaces for the flow control device (SPC).

3. The 5G-based flexible data service control system as described in claim 2, characterized in that... The processing layer includes the following modules: The strategy matching module is responsible for maintaining and matching traffic redirection rules, and matching traffic redirection rules for all signaling. The traffic redirection signaling construction module modifies the N4 signaling that hits the traffic redirection rule, maps the tunnel information to the user plane agent device for traffic redirection, and constructs the offline signaling. The route restoration module restores the route when leaving the traffic redirection area and when deleting a traffic redirection rule. The hit statistics module performs statistics and logs on the data of hit traffic acquisition strategies, generating the data required for operation and maintenance.

4. A flexible data service control system based on 5G as described in claim 1, characterized in that... The user plane agent device includes The access layer is responsible for the in-line U-plane data access and GTPU parsing. When the access data contains non-GTPU data, the user plane proxy board directly forwards these data back to the link as is. The processing layer, in conjunction with the signaling diversion board, completes the diversion function; The interface layer provides all external interfaces for the UPP device.

5. A flexible data service control system based on 5G as described in claim 4, characterized in that... The processing layer includes the following modules: Flow control device policy matching module: Connects to the signaling diversion board according to the agreed interface, receives, stores, and matches and queries the tunnel mapping information policy of diverting users; U-plane tunnel maintenance and mapping module: Maintains the U-plane tunnel mapping information of the users being diverted according to the signaling diversion component, modifies the user plane tunnel information of the users being diverted according to the mapping information, and forwards it to the core network user plane network element.

6. A method for diverting traffic using a flexible data service control system as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that... The specific method is as follows: S1. The SMF sends a message to the UPF requesting the establishment of a PDU session, which is then processed transparently via the flow control device SPC. S2. UPF responds to the request and sends a message with the UPF-side N3 F-TEID to SMF, first sending it to the flow control device; S3. The flow control device modifies the response message, changing the N3 F-TEID to the F-TEID' assigned by the flow control device SPC and sending it to the SMF; S4. SMF receives the response message and notifies AMF; AMF sends a message to 5G base station GNB, carrying N3 F-TEID', thus completing the uplink channel diversion process; S5. The 5G base station GNB replies with a message carrying its N3 F-TEID to the AMF; S6. When the UE sends uplink data for the first time, it uses N3 F-TEID' for routing to realize the uplink data diversion; S7. The user plane agent receives the data, restores the F-TEID to its original form, and sends it to the UPF; S8. The AMF sends a message to the SMF, carrying the N3 F-TEID from the 5G base station GNB side; S9. SMF sends a modification message to UPF, which first reaches the flow control device, carrying the N3 F-TEID; S10. The flow control device modifies the message, changing the N3 F-TEID to the F-TEID' assigned by the flow control device SPC and sending it to the UPF to complete the downlink channel redirection; S11. UPF replies with a modified response message to SMF, and the flow control device SPC modifies the carried F-TEID to F-TEID'; S12. SMF replies with an update response message to AMF; S13. The UE sends downlink data for the first time, using N3 F-TEID' for routing; S14. The user plane agent device modifies F-TEID' to F-TEID and sends it to the 5G base station GNB, which then sends it to the UE.

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