Traffic offloading method, apparatus, device, and storage medium

Abstract

This application discloses a service offloading method, apparatus, device, and storage medium, relating to the field of communication technology, for improving the efficiency of service offloading. It includes: receiving a service access request sent by a target user through a Session Management Function (SMF) network element in a roaming network device; based on the service access request, requesting a session policy from a Policy Control Function (PCF) network element in a home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device. The session policy includes any one of the following: a public network session policy, a private network session policy, or a hybrid public and private network session policy. The PCF network element in the home network device is used to send the session policy corresponding to the service access request to the SMF network element in the roaming network device based on the service access request; and based on the session policy, enabling the target user's service access through the SMF network element in the roaming network device. This application is applicable to scenarios where user services are offloaded.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a service offloading method, apparatus, device and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the rapid development of 5G technology, it has been widely applied in various industries. In 5G networks, users' access to both the intranet and the public network (Internet) can typically be achieved through uplink classifier (ULCL).

[0003] Existing ULCL technologies primarily rely on shared data network names (DNNs) or dedicated DNNs to trigger ULCL traffic offloading strategies. During roaming, all services accessed by the user need to return to their home location, where the user plane function (UPF) handles the routing and distribution. This causes service backhaul, resulting in higher latency and a poor user experience. Therefore, current traffic offloading is inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a service offloading method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for improving the efficiency of service offloading.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] Firstly, a service offloading method is provided, comprising: receiving a service access request sent by a target user through a Session Management Function (SMF) network element in a roaming network device; based on the service access request, requesting a session policy from a Policy Control Function (PCF) network element in a home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device, wherein the session policy includes any one of the following: a public network session policy, a private network session policy, or a hybrid public and private network session policy, wherein the PCF network element in the home network device is used to send the session policy corresponding to the service access request to the SMF network element in the roaming network device based on the service access request; and realizing the target user's service access through the SMF network element in the roaming network device based on the session policy.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the service access request includes the identifier of the target user; based on the service access request, the SMF network element in the roaming network device requests the session policy from the PCF network element in the home network device, including: determining the home network device corresponding to the target user based on the identifier of the target user included in the service access request; and sending the service access request from the SMF network element in the roaming network device to the PCF network element in the home network device to request the session policy corresponding to the service access request.

[0008] In one possible implementation, service access for the target user is achieved through the SMF network element in the roaming network device based on a session policy. This includes: when the roaming network device receives a session policy of public network policy from the PCF network element in the home network device via the SMF network element, the target user's public network service access is achieved based on the User Plane Function (UPF) network element in the roaming network device; when the roaming network device receives a session policy of private network policy from the PCF network element in the home network device via the SMF network element, the target user's private network service access is achieved based on the UPF network element in the home network device; and when the roaming network device receives a mixed public and private network session policy from the PCF network element in the home network device via the SMF network element, the target user's public network service access is achieved based on the UPF network element in the roaming network device, and the target user's private network service access is also achieved based on the UPF network element in the home network device.

[0009] In one possible implementation, when a private network session policy is received from the PCF network element in the home network device via the SMF network element in the roaming network device, the private network service access of the target user is implemented based on the UPF network element in the home network device. This includes: determining the SMF network element in the home network device; determining the UPF network element in the home network device via the SMF network element in the home network device; and implementing the private network service access of the target user based on the UPF network element in the home network device.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the service access request also includes the target user's service access destination. The method further includes: determining the service type corresponding to the service access request through the PCF network element in the home network device based on the service access destination included in the service access request. The service type includes: public network service, private network service, and mixed public and private network service. According to the service type corresponding to the service access request, the corresponding session policy is sent to the SMF network element in the roaming network device through the PCF network element in the home network device.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the method further includes: based on the target user's identifier and general data network name (DNN), subscribing to the target user's corresponding basic session policy in the PCF network element of the home network device; the session policy corresponding to the service access request is a session policy determined based on the target user's corresponding basic session policy and the service access request; the basic session policy includes at least one of the following: the network element type and triggering conditions used when accessing the service through the public network, and the network element type and triggering conditions used when accessing the service through the private network.

[0012] Secondly, a service offloading device is provided, comprising: a receiving unit, a sending unit, and a processing unit; the receiving unit is used to receive service access requests sent by target users through the Session Management Function (SMF) network element in the roaming network device; the sending unit is used to request a session policy from the Policy Control Function (PCF) network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device based on the service access request, the session policy including any one of the following: public network session policy, private network session policy, and mixed public and private network session policy, the PCF network element in the home network device is used to send the session policy corresponding to the service access request to the SMF network element in the roaming network device based on the service access request; the processing unit is used to realize the service access of the target user through the SMF network element in the roaming network device based on the session policy.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the service access request includes the identifier of the target user; the service diversion device further includes: a determining unit; the determining unit is used to determine the home network device corresponding to the target user based on the identifier of the target user included in the service access request; the sending unit is further used to send the service access request to the PCF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device, requesting to obtain the session policy corresponding to the service access request.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the processing unit is further configured to: ...

[0015] In one possible implementation, the service diversion device further includes: a determining unit; the determining unit is configured to determine the SMF network element in the home network device when a session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device is a private network session policy; the determining unit is further configured to determine the UPF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the home network device; and the processing unit is further configured to enable the target user to access private network services based on the UPF network element in the home network device.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the service access request also includes the target user's service access destination; the service diversion device further includes: a determining unit; the determining unit is used to determine the service type corresponding to the service access request through the PCF network element in the home network device based on the service access destination included in the service access request, the service type including: public network service, private network service, and mixed public and private network service; the sending unit is also used to send the corresponding session policy to the SMF network element in the roaming network device through the PCF network element in the home network device according to the service type corresponding to the service access request.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the service offloading device further includes: a subscription unit; the subscription unit is used to subscribe to the basic session policy corresponding to the target user in the PCF network element of the home network device based on the target user's identifier and general data network name (DNN). The session policy corresponding to the service access request is a session policy determined based on the basic session policy corresponding to the target user and the service access request. The basic session policy includes at least one of the following: the network element type and triggering conditions used when accessing the service through the public network, and the network element type and triggering conditions used when accessing the service through the private network.

[0018] Thirdly, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is used to store one or more programs, the one or more programs including computer-executable instructions, and when the electronic device is running, the processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored in the memory to cause the electronic device to perform a service offloading method as described in the first aspect.

[0019] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing one or more programs, the one or more programs including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform a traffic routing method as described in the first aspect.

[0020] This application provides a service offloading method, apparatus, device, and storage medium, applied in scenarios where user services are offloaded to improve the efficiency of service offloading. When a target network element initiates a service access request, the session management function (SMF) network element in the roaming network device receives the service access request sent by the target user. Based on this service access request, the SMF network element in the roaming network device requests network policies from the policy control function (PCF) network element in the home network device, enabling the SMF network element in the roaming network device to implement the target user's service access based on the session policies sent by the PCF network element. Through this method, the execution policies corresponding to different service access requests from the target user can be managed based on the home PCF network element. Different session policies can be issued and executed through the PCF network element according to different service access requests. This allows for the execution of different session policies based on different service access requests, accurately realizing the target user's service access, avoiding routing detours, thereby improving the efficiency of service offloading and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A network architecture illustration provided for embodiments of this application Figure 1 ;

[0022] Figure 2 A network architecture illustration provided for embodiments of this application Figure 2 ;

[0023] Figure 3 A network architecture illustration provided for embodiments of this application Figure 3 ;

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a service offloading system provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0025] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a service offloading system provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0026] Figure 6 A schematic flowchart of a service offloading method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart of a service offloading method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0028] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart of a service offloading method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0029] Figure 9 A schematic flowchart of a service offloading method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 4 ;

[0030] Figure 10 A schematic flowchart of a service offloading method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 5 ;

[0031] Figure 11 A schematic flowchart of a service offloading method provided for embodiments of this application. Figure 6 ;

[0032] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a service diversion device provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device structure provided for an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " means "or". For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, "at least one" and "multiple" refer to two or more. The terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the quantity or order of execution, and "first," "second," etc., do not necessarily imply differences.

[0036] Currently, with the rapid development of communication technology, 5G converged application technology, with its characteristics of high bandwidth, low latency, wide connectivity, and high security, has been widely used in various industries (such as industrial, medical, educational, and transportation sectors), playing an enabling role. It also plays an important role in the digital upgrading of traditional industries, cost reduction and efficiency improvement for enterprises, and the universalization of public services, such as the increasingly prevalent online and remote service and office models within related technologies.

[0037] Specifically, with the rapid development of mobile information technology, employees' work environment has become less dependent on office environments, working hours, computer equipment, and fixed networks, enabling them to work online using personal smart terminals. In communication-related technologies, access to enterprise or campus private networks (also known as intranets) can be achieved through virtual private networks (VPNs). However, this method is relatively complex to operate, has low speeds and poor security, and also has limitations such as the inability to simultaneously access the internet (also known as the public network or external network).

[0038] To address the aforementioned issues, a method is needed that offers high data security, a superior network experience, ease of operation, and simultaneous access to both internal and external networks. In 5G-related technologies, a 5G private network based on ULCL technology has been proposed. This network can meet users' needs for accessing both private and public networks anytime, anywhere without changing their SIM cards or phone numbers. It enables the 5G network to replace (or coordinate with) existing enterprise wireless fidelity (WIFI) networks, facilitating cross-platform integration and convergence for both consumer (2C) and business (2B) services.

[0039] In the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) protocol, the ULCL function, also known as the uplink splitter, is defined for data offloading of the 5G user plane.

[0040] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 1This diagram illustrates a 5G network architecture (ULCL offloading) provided in this application embodiment. In the ULCL architecture, the user plane function (UPF) has two forms: UPF PDU Session Anchor (PSA UPF) and UPF Uplink Classifier (ULCL UPF). The PSA UPF element is further divided into PSA1 UPF and PSA2 UPF elements. The PSA1 UPF element is used to assign a user plane IP to the UE when the UE is activated, and it is also the session anchor point for the UE to access the Internet, referred to as the primary anchor point UPF. The PSA2 UPF element is used as the PDU session anchor point when the UE accesses the local network (such as the customer's intranet), also referred to as the secondary anchor point UPF. The ULCL UPF element offloads uplink service data to the local or Internet network, and aggregates downlink data packets from the PSA1 UPF and PSA2 UPF elements, encapsulating them uniformly into a GTP tunnel on the N3 interface before transmitting them to the access network (AN) or radio access network (RAN).

[0041] To simplify network complexity, in some cases, ULCL UPF network elements, PSA1 UPF network elements, and / or PSA2UPF network elements can be configured (deployed) together.

[0042] Current ULCL solutions can be mainly implemented based on shared DNNs or dedicated DNNs.

[0043] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, in ULCL traffic offloading scenarios based on shared DNN (such as 5gscuiot) in 5G networks, the offloading policy is mainly triggered through the local session management function (SMF), and the ULCL policy is issued (usually by issuing predefined rule names) according to the subscription (predefined rules) of the policy control function (PCF). The local SMF network element and the local UPF network element match the rules according to the predefined rule names and then implement them to realize the execution of the ULCL traffic offloading policy. This can only be implemented in the local (i.e., home) scenario and does not support roaming scenarios.

[0044] In roaming scenarios, on existing 5G networks, roaming of services can only be achieved based on dedicated DNNs (such as...). Figure 2 (As shown). Specifically, in conjunction with Figure 2The ULCL policy is triggered at the home SMF and home UPF network elements, and the ULCL policy is issued and executed according to the PCF network element subscription (predefined rules). However, since there is only a dedicated DNN, international roaming is not possible. In the scenario of domestic roaming, all services of the user in the visited location (roaming location) need to return to the home location and be routed through the home UPF network element. The resulting routing detour will increase service latency and affect the user's service experience.

[0045] During the 4 / 5G convergence phase (such as...) Figure 3 As shown), combined with Figure 3 The system integrates the control plane (PGW-C) of the SMF network element and the user plane (PGW-U) of the UPF network element. In local scenarios, ULCL traffic offloading policies can be executed by the PGW-C and SMF network elements based on a shared access point name (APN) (similar to the DNN in 5G, such as 5gscuiot). However, this is only supported in local scenarios and not in roaming scenarios.

[0046] In roaming scenarios, ULCL traffic offloading policies can only be triggered based on a dedicated DNN at the home PGW-C, SMF, PGW-U, and UPF network elements. The ULCL policies are then distributed and executed according to the PCF network element subscription (predefined rules). However, since only a dedicated DNN is available, international roaming is not possible. Furthermore, in domestic roaming scenarios, all services (including internet services) of the user in the visited (roaming) location need to return to the home location and be routed through the home PGW-U and UPF network elements. The resulting routing detours increase service latency and affect the user's service experience.

[0047] The service diversion method provided in this application embodiment can be applied to a service diversion system. Figure 4 A schematic diagram of one possible structure of this service routing system is shown. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the service offloading system 40 includes: UE 41, access network (AN) 42, access and mobility management function (AMF) 43, first SMF network element 44, first UPF network element 45, PCF network element 46, second SMF network element 47, and second UPF network element 48.

[0048] like Figure 4As shown, in roaming scenarios, UE41, AN42, AMF network element 43, first SMF network element 44, and first UPF network element 45 can be deployed in the roaming location, i.e., in the location where the user access originates; PCF network element 46, second SMF network element 47, and third UPF network element 48 can be deployed in the home location, i.e., in the location where the user's identity identifier, such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), is registered.

[0049] Specifically, UE41 is a user terminal, such as a smartphone, smart computer, or other electronic device, used to access the network.

[0050] AN42 is used to enable users to access wireless access networks, such as through base stations, and to establish a connection with the network.

[0051] AMF element 43 is an access and mobility management function element used to perform registration, connection, reachability, and mobility management. For example, it provides a session management message transmission channel for UE41 and the first SMF element 44, provides authentication and authorization functions for user access, and serves as an access point for the terminal and the radio core network control plane.

[0052] The first SMF network element 44 is for session management functions, and is responsible for tunnel maintenance, Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, user plane (UP) function selection, policy enforcement and quality of service (QoS) control, billing data collection, roaming, etc.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, the first SMF network element 44 can be the SMF network element of the roaming location, used to implement functions such as tunnel maintenance, IP address allocation and management, UP function selection, QoS control, and billing data collection in the roaming location.

[0054] The first UPF network element, 45, is the UPF network element in the roaming location, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the first UPF network element 45 can be a combined UPF of ULCL UPF and PSA1 UPF.

[0055] Specifically, the ULCL UPF network element, also known as the offloading UPF network element, is a UPF network element used to implement the ULCL function. When offloading is activated, it can be inserted into the user session by the SMF network element. The ULCL UPF network element connects to the anchor UPF network element (i.e., the PSA1 UPF network element) via the N9 interface. For uplink traffic, after identification according to the offloading rules, it distinguishes and forwards the packets that need to be sent to the primary anchor UPF network element and the secondary anchor UPF network element. For downlink traffic, it aggregates the packets from the anchor UPF network element and forwards them to the base station via the N3 interface. Figure 4 (AN43 in the text).

[0056] The PSA1 UPF network element, also known as the primary anchor UPF network element, is the UPF network element that assigns an IP address to the UE when the UE activates the PDU session. It can connect to the data network (DN) through the N6 interface. During the user session, it appears as the anchor point of the PDU session, forwarding user data between the ULCL UPF network element, the primary anchor UPF network element, and the DN, and performing functions such as billing, monitoring, and service control.

[0057] It should be noted that in this embodiment of the application, the ULCL UPF network element and the PSA1 UPF network element are deployed together (i.e., the first UPF network element), which can simplify network complexity.

[0058] PCF network element 46 is a unified policy framework used to provide policy rules for control plane functions and to distribute user-subscribed policies to AMF and SMF network elements, which in turn further distribute them to the corresponding UE, UPF, and other network elements.

[0059] Optionally, PCF network element 46 can obtain user subscription policies through the unified data management (UDM) network element of the 5G core network.

[0060] The second SMF network element 47 is the home SMF network element, used to implement functions such as home tunnel maintenance, Internet Protocol, IP address allocation and management, UP function selection, QoS control, and billing data collection.

[0061] The second UPF network element is 48, such as Figure 4As shown, this can be a PSA2 UPF network element, also known as a secondary anchor UPF network element. It's a UPF network element inserted simultaneously with the ULCL UPF network element when activating service offloading (i.e., executing offloading policies). It connects to the local DN (i.e., the home DN) via the N6 interface. During a user session, it acts as the anchor point for the PDU session, forwarding user data between the ULCL UPF network element, the secondary anchor UPF network element, and the local DN, and performing functions such as billing, monitoring, and service control.

[0062] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first UPF network element 45 can be connected to the DN of the roaming location, such as a public DN, and the second UPF network element 48 can be connected to a DN that can only be accessed in the home location, such as... Figure 4 The dedicated DN connection in the network enables separate access for public network services and private network services, reducing the detours in network routing.

[0063] In one possible implementation, in conjunction with the 4G / 5G convergence phase, the service offloading method provided in this application embodiment can also be used in service offloading systems in 4G roaming scenarios. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of one possible structure of this service routing system is shown. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the service offloading system 50 includes: UE 51, radio access network (RAN) 52, network node (mobility management entity, MME) 53, serving gateway (SGW) 54, first converged network element (PGW-C / SMF) 55, second converged network element (PGW-U / UPF) 56, PCF network element 57, third converged network element (PGW-C / SMF) 58, and fourth converged network element (UPF / PGW-U) 59.

[0064] like Figure 5 As shown, in roaming scenarios, UE51, RAN52, MME53, SGW54, the first converged network element 55, and the second converged network element 56 can be deployed in the roaming location, i.e., in the location where the user access originates; PCF network element 57, the third converged network element 58, and the fourth converged network element 59 can be deployed in the home location, i.e., in the registration location of the target user's IMSI and other user identity identifiers.

[0065] It should be noted that, as Figure 5 As shown, the second fusion network element 56 can be a fusion of the roaming location's ULCL UPF network element + PSA1UPF network element + PGW-U network element, and the fourth fusion network element can be a fusion of the home location's PSA2 UPF network element + PGW-U network element.

[0066] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the function of UE51 is the same as... Figure 4 The function of UE41 is basically the same as that of RAN52. Figure 4 The function of AN42 is basically the same as that of MME53. Figure 4 The function of AMF network element 43 is basically the same as that of the first fusion network element 55, which can be used to fuse SMF with PGW-C network elements in the roaming area. Figure 4 The first SMF network element 44 has a basically the same function as the second fusion network element 56, which can be used to fuse the roaming UPF with the PGW-U network element (such as the fusion of the roaming ULCL UPF network element + PSA1 UPF network element + PGW-U network element), and... Figure 4 The function of the first UPF network element 45 is basically the same as that of the PCF network element 57. Figure 4 The PCF network element 46 has a basically the same function as the third converged network element 58, which can be the home SMF converged PGW-C network element, and is similar to... Figure 4 The second SMF network element 47 has a basically the same function as the fourth fusion network element 59, which can be used to fuse the PGW-U network element of the roaming UPF. Figure 4 The function of the second UPF network element 48 is basically the same. Therefore, the functions of each network element in this scenario will not be described in detail.

[0067] In 4G roaming scenarios, combined with the above Figure 5 After the SMF network element is integrated with PGW-C and the UPF network element is integrated with PGW-U, when a session is established, the 4G signaling messages on the SMF network element are converted into 5G messages. The roaming SMF network element requests a policy from the home PCF network element. The PCF network element issues a dynamic policy. According to the dynamic policy of the PCF network element, the roaming SMF network element selects the roaming UPF network element to perform ULCL traffic offloading and local offloading of Internet services on the PSA1 N6 interface. According to the dynamic policy issued by the PCF network element, the roaming SMF network element triggers the establishment of a dedicated DNN session through the general DNN, selects PSA2, and performs private network service routing.

[0068] It should be noted that, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, N7, N9, N11, N16, S1-U, S11, S5-U, and S5-C all refer to the relevant interface protocols, which will not be elaborated here.

[0069] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes a service diversion method provided by an embodiment of this application.

[0070] like Figure 6As shown in the figure, an embodiment of this application provides a service diversion method, including S201-S203:

[0071] S201. Receive service access requests sent by target users through the Session Management Function (SMF) network element in the roaming network device.

[0072] Optionally, network equipment can be understood as the network architecture of the core network, such as the core network elements in the roaming location and the core network elements in the home location. In the roaming location, users can send service access requests to the SMF network elements in the roaming location through the terminal equipment (i.e., UE) and AMF network elements.

[0073] Optionally, the target user can use a generic DNN to generate a service access request and send it to the AMF network element in the roaming location.

[0074] S202. Based on the service access request, request the session policy from the policy control function PCF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device.

[0075] The session policy includes any one of the following: public network session policy, private network session policy, and mixed public and private network session policy. The PCF network element in the home network device is used to send the session policy corresponding to the service access request to the SMF network element in the roaming network device based on the service access request.

[0076] It should be noted that before sending a service access request, the target user needs to sign up for multiple preset policies on the PCF network element so that the PCF network element can issue the corresponding policy for the service access request based on the target user's signed-up policies and the target user's specific service access request.

[0077] Optionally, the service access request can be identified to determine the PCF network element of the target user's home location, and then the session policy can be requested from the PCF network element of the home location through the SMF network element of the roaming location.

[0078] It should be noted that session strategy can be understood as a specific session channel, such as signal transmission channel, traffic splitting strategy, etc.

[0079] S203. Based on session policies, target users can access services through SMF network elements in roaming network devices.

[0080] Optionally, the session policy can be received through the SMF network element in the roaming location. When the SMF network element in the roaming location receives the session policy issued by the PCF network element, it can select a specific UPF network element and determine the corresponding network communication channel based on the specific session policy, so as to realize the target user's service access based on the network communication channel.

[0081] For example, the session policy can be a general DNN session policy, combined with Figure 4 When the SMF network element (first SMF network element 44) in the roaming location receives the general DNN session policy issued by the PCF network element (PCF network element 47), it can select the PSA1 UPF network element (second UPF network element 45) in the roaming location based on the general DNN drawing policy. The PSA1 UPF network element provides a public network N6 interface for the target user to access the Internet (public network) and realize the target user's business access.

[0082] It should be noted that the service diversion method in this application embodiment is applied to the scenario of diverting user services, and is mainly applied to the scenario of ULCL diversion method.

[0083] In this embodiment, when a target network element initiates a service access request, the roaming network device's Session Management Function (SMF) network element receives the service access request sent by the target user. Based on this service access request, the roaming network device's SMF network element requests network policies from the home network device's Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, enabling the roaming network device's SMF network element to implement the target user's service access based on the session policies sent by the PCF network element. Through this method, the execution policies corresponding to different service access requests from the target user can be managed based on the home network device's PCF network element. Different session policies can be issued and executed through the PCF network element according to different service access requests. This allows for the execution of different session policies based on different service access requests, accurately realizing the target user's service access, avoiding routing detours, thereby improving the efficiency of service traffic distribution and enhancing the user experience.

[0084] In one possible implementation, the business access request includes the identifier of the target user; such as Figure 7 As shown in the embodiment of this application, in a service diversion method, the above-mentioned S202 includes S301-S302:

[0085] S301. Based on the identifier of the target user included in the service access request, determine the home network device corresponding to the target user.

[0086] Optionally, the identifier of the target user, in this embodiment of the application, may refer to the communication identifier of the target user, such as the target user's IMSI, etc.

[0087] It is understandable that after generating the target user's communication identifier, such as after the target user completes account opening, the location of the target user has been determined.

[0088] Optionally, the network device in the roaming location may store a mapping table between the target user's identifier and the ancient tree location, so as to determine the home network device corresponding to the target user based on the target user's identifier included in the service access request.

[0089] S302. Send a service access request to the PCF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device, and request to obtain the session policy corresponding to the service access request.

[0090] Optionally, after determining the home location of the target user, the PCF network element in the home network device can be identified, and then the service access request can be sent to the PCF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device.

[0091] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, when the PCF network element in the home location receives a service access request from the target user, it can send the subscription policy corresponding to the service access request to the SMF network element in the roaming location based on the specific service access request of the target user.

[0092] In this embodiment, the target user's home network device is determined by the target user's identifier. Then, the SMF network element in the roaming network device sends a service access request to the PCF network element in the home network device to request the session policy corresponding to the service access request. This improves the determination efficiency of the PCF network element in the home network device and ensures user perception.

[0093] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 8 As shown, in a service diversion method provided in this application embodiment, the above-mentioned S203 includes S401-S403:

[0094] S401. When the SMF network element in the roaming network device receives a session policy of public network policy from the PCF network element in the home network device, the target user's public network service access is realized based on the UPF network element in the roaming network device.

[0095] S402. When the SMF network element in the roaming network device receives a session policy of private network policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device, the private network service access of the target user is realized based on the UPF network element in the home network device.

[0096] S403. When the public network and private network hybrid session policy is received from the PCF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device, the public network service access of the target user is realized based on the user plane function UPF network element in the roaming network device, and the private network service access of the target user is realized based on the UPF network element in the home network device.

[0097] Optionally, a public network session policy can be a session policy issued when the target user only needs to access public network services; a private network session policy can be a session policy issued when the target user only needs to access private network services; and a public and private network hybrid session policy can be a session policy issued when the target user needs to access both public and private network services.

[0098] It should be noted that the public network and private network mixed session policy can also refer to the ULCL traffic splitting policy.

[0099] Optionally, if the SMF network element in the roaming network device receives a session policy of public network session policy from the PCF network element in the home network device, the SMF network element in the roaming location can select the UPF network element in the roaming location (in the network device) as the PSA1 UPF network element based on the public network session policy, and enable the target user to access public network services through the public network N6 interface provided by the PSA1 UPF network element.

[0100] Optionally, if the SMF network element in the roaming network device receives a session policy of private network session policy from the PCF network element in the home network device, the SMF network element in the roaming location can establish a session based on the public network session policy, according to the slice and dedicated DNN where the current general DNN is located, and select the private network UPF network element corresponding to the private network service in the home network device as the PSA2 UPF network element. Then, through the private network N6 interface provided by the private network UPF network element, the private network traffic is diverted to the corresponding private network to realize the private network service access of the target user.

[0101] Optionally, when the SMF network element in the roaming network device receives a public network and private network hybrid session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device, the SMF network element in the roaming location can select the UPF network element in the roaming location as the ULCL UPF network element based on the public network and private network hybrid session policy, perform ULCL traffic splitting in the roaming location, and route public network traffic to the public network (Internet) nearby in the roaming location to enable the target user to access public network services; based on the public network and private network hybrid session policy, select the private network UPF network element in the home network device corresponding to the private network service as the PSA2 UPF network element, and route private network traffic to the corresponding private network through the private network N6 interface provided by the private network UPF network element to enable the target user to access private network services.

[0102] In one possible implementation, the session policy issued by the home network element of the UPF can also be a general DNN session policy and a ULCL traffic splitting policy.

[0103] Specifically, the home PCF network element issues a general DNN session policy to the roaming SMF network element, which can then select the roaming UPF network element as the PSA1 UPF network element. The PSA1 UPF network element provides a public N6 interface for users to access the Internet.

[0104] The PCF network element at the home location issues the ULCL traffic offloading policy to the SMF network element at the roaming location based on the triggering conditions of the ULCL traffic offloading policy. This allows the SMF network element at the roaming location to select the UPF network element at the roaming location as the ULCL UPF network element, and perform ULCL traffic offloading at the roaming location, thus diverting Internet traffic to the Internet as close as possible at the roaming location.

[0105] The PCF network element in the home location issues the ULCL traffic splitting policy to the SMF network element in the roaming location based on the trigger conditions of the ULCL traffic splitting policy, triggering the establishment of a contracted dedicated DNN session. The SMF network element in the roaming location establishes the session based on the slice where the current general DNN is located and the dedicated DNN, selects the dedicated network UPF network element in the home location as the PSA2 UPF network element, and diverts the dedicated network traffic to the industry customer's dedicated network through the dedicated network N6 interface provided by the dedicated network UPF network element.

[0106] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, the ULCL UPF network element and the PSA1 UPF network element in the roaming location can be deployed together.

[0107] In this embodiment, based on different policies issued by the UPF network element in the home network device, different traffic distribution policies are executed through the SMF network element in the roaming network device to achieve flexible distribution of data traffic. Different distribution policies are executed for different service access requests to ensure the accuracy of traffic distribution.

[0108] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 9 As shown, in a service diversion method provided in this application embodiment, the above-mentioned S402 includes S501-S502:

[0109] S501. If the SMF network element in the roaming network device receives a session policy of private network policy from the PCF network element in the home network device, the SMF network element in the home network device is identified.

[0110] S502. By identifying the SMF network element in the home network device, determine the UPF network element in the home network device, and realize the private network service access of the target user based on the UPF network element in the home network device.

[0111] It should be noted that since the SMF network element in the roaming location does not have the ability to directly establish a session with the UPF network element in the home location, in this embodiment of the application, the SMF network element in the roaming location can first establish a connection with the SMF network element in the home location, and then determine the UPF network element in the home location based on the SMF network element in the home location, so as to realize the private network service access of the target user based on the UPF network element in the home location.

[0112] It is understandable that S501 and S502 mentioned above can also be used in the process of "realizing the private network service access of the target user based on the UPF network element in the home network device" in S403 mentioned above.

[0113] Optionally, the session policy issued by the home UPF network element may include a corresponding channel identifier, such as the identifier of the home SMF network element, so that the roaming SMF network element can determine the home SMF network element based on the identifier information.

[0114] Optionally, the home SMF network element can determine the home UPF network element corresponding to the target user's service access based on the session request (such as the target user's service access request) of the roaming SMF network element, thereby establishing a session and enabling private network traffic to access the home private network DN.

[0115] In this embodiment of the application, the SMF network element in the roaming location can first establish a connection with the SMF network element in the home location, and then determine the UPF network element in the home location based on the SMF network element in the home location, so as to realize the access of user services in the home location, improve the efficiency of determining the UPF network element in the home location, and ensure the user's experience.

[0116] In one possible implementation, the business access request also includes the target user's business access destination, such as... Figure 10 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a service diversion method further includes steps S601-S602:

[0117] S601. Based on the service access destination included in the service access request, determine the service type corresponding to the service access request through the PCF network element in the home network device.

[0118] The business types include: public network services, private network services, and hybrid public and private network services.

[0119] Optionally, the business access destination can be the destination IP information accessed by the target user.

[0120] Optionally, the business type corresponding to the business access request can be determined based on the business access destination included in the business access request. This can be understood as determining the business type corresponding to the business access request based on whether the business access destination is a private network.

[0121] For example, if the destination of a service access request is a private network within an educational park, such as the library of University A, then the service type corresponding to the service access request can be identified as a private network service. If the destination of a service access request is the public network, such as a search engine, then the service type corresponding to the service access request can be identified as a public network service. If the destination of a service access request is both the public network and the private network, such as when the target user needs to access the campus library's private network while roaming, and simultaneously use a public network search engine to search for public network resources, then the service type corresponding to the service access request can be identified as a mixed public and private network service.

[0122] S602. Based on the service type corresponding to the service access request, send the corresponding session policy to the SMF network element in the roaming network device through the PCF network element in the home network device.

[0123] It is understood that, in the embodiments of this application, the above-mentioned "sending the corresponding session policy to the SMF network element in the roaming network device according to the service type corresponding to the service access request" includes: sending a public network session policy to the SMF network element in the roaming network device when it is determined that the service type corresponding to the service access request is a public network service; sending a private network session policy to the SMF network element in the roaming network device when it is determined that the service type corresponding to the service access request is a private network service; and sending a public network and private network mixed session policy to the SMF network element in the roaming network device when it is determined that the service type corresponding to the service access request is a public network and private network mixed service.

[0124] In this embodiment, the PCF network element in the home network device can determine the service type corresponding to the service access request based on the service access destination included in the service access request. Then, based on the service type of the service access, the corresponding session policy is sent to the SMF network element in the roaming area. According to the destination of the service access, the corresponding drawing policy is sent, so as to achieve accurate delivery of session policies, which is closer to the user access needs and improves the efficiency of service diversion.

[0125] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 11 As shown in the embodiment of this application, a service diversion method further includes step S701:

[0126] S701. Based on the target user's identifier and Common Data Network Name (DNN), subscribe to the basic session policy corresponding to the target user in the PCF network element of the home network device.

[0127] The session policy corresponding to the service access request is a session policy determined based on the basic session policy corresponding to the target user and the service access request. The basic session policy includes at least one of the following: the network element type and triggering conditions used when accessing the service through the public network, and the network element type and triggering conditions used when accessing the service through the private network.

[0128] Optionally, the target user's identifier, in this embodiment of the application, refers to the target user's communication identifier, such as the target user's IMSI or other identity identifier.

[0129] Optionally, the basic session policy can be understood as the policy subscribed to by the target user, used to instruct the implementation methods (such as which network elements are used to implement service access, how to establish a session, etc.) for various subsequent services (such as public network services, private network services, and hybrid public and private network services). The session policy corresponding to a service access request can be understood as the policy to be executed to implement the service access request, determined based on the basic session policy already subscribed to by the target user and combined with the current actual service access requirements (such as the specific service access destination of the service access request).

[0130] For example, a basic session policy can refer to a fully dynamic policy, including policy triggering conditions, rule names, and detailed rule content actions.

[0131] It should be noted that, based on the above fully dynamic strategy, it is possible to achieve the goal of not needing to pre-configure the SMF network elements (the SMF network elements in the roaming location and the SMF network elements in the home location) and the UPF network elements (the UPF network elements in the roaming location and the UPF network elements in the home location), but only needing to execute the dynamic strategy issued by the PCF network element.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the aforementioned basic session policy may also include a general DNN session policy (including specific rules, billing rules, etc.), a ULCL traffic splitting policy for target users using general DNN (including specific rules, billing rules, etc.), the triggering conditions of the policy, and the triggering and related policies for target users using general DNN to establish a specific DNN session.

[0133] It should be noted that the triggering and related strategies for establishing a session with a specific DNN using a general DNN can be understood as establishing an association between the general DNN and the specific DNN. In the embodiments of this application, when the target user subscribes to this strategy, it is necessary to ensure that the specific DNN has been subscribed to in the UDM network element and is subscribed to in the same slice as the general DNN.

[0134] In this embodiment, a fixed basic session policy can be pre-signed before initiating a service access request (such as when the target user opens an account). This allows for a quick response and the issuance of the corresponding session policy upon receiving a service access request from the target user, thereby further improving ULCL traffic splitting efficiency.

[0135] It should be noted that, in conjunction with the above embodiments, the service offloading method proposed in this application can not only realize the characteristics of ULCL offloading and complete the service routing between public and private networks to meet the usage needs of industry users, but also achieve offloading in roaming locations, allowing large network services (such as Internet services) to be offloaded in roaming locations without returning to the home network, thereby reducing routing detours, lowering service latency, optimizing user experience, and achieving refined network operation. This achieves the effect of flexible offloading between internal and external networks.

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the above-described service offloading method is mainly applied to scenarios involving 5G core network elements. However, in some possible implementations (such as in conjunction with the above-described service offloading system 50), the method in this embodiment can also be applied to 4G / 5G converged roaming scenarios.

[0137] This application embodiment can divide a service diversion device into functional modules based on the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into its own functional modules, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. Optionally, the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0138] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a service diversion device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 12 As shown, the service routing device 120 is used to improve the efficiency of service routing, for example, for performing... Figure 6 The present invention represents a service diversion method. The service diversion device 120 includes: a receiving unit 1201, a sending unit 1202, a processing unit 1203, a determining unit 1204, and a subscription unit 1205.

[0139] The receiving unit 1201 is used to receive service access requests sent by the target user through the session management function (SMF) network element in the roaming network device.

[0140] The sending unit 1202 is used to request a session policy from the policy control function PCF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device based on the service access request. The session policy includes any one of the following: public network session policy, private network session policy, and mixed public and private network session policy. The PCF network element in the home network device is used to send the session policy corresponding to the service access request to the SMF network element in the roaming network device based on the service access request.

[0141] Processing unit 1203 is used to enable target users to access services through SMF network elements in roaming network devices based on session policies.

[0142] In one possible implementation, the service access request includes the identifier of the target user; the determining unit 1204 is used to determine the home network device corresponding to the target user based on the identifier of the target user included in the service access request.

[0143] The sending unit 1202 is also used to send a service access request to the PCF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device, and request to obtain the session policy corresponding to the service access request.

[0144] In one possible implementation, the processing unit 1203 is further configured to enable the target user to access public network services based on the user plane function UPF network element in the roaming network device when the session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device is a public network session policy received through the SMF network element in the roaming network device.

[0145] The processing unit 1203 is also configured to enable the target user to access private network services based on the UPF network element in the home network device when the session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device is a private network session policy received through the SMF network element in the roaming network device.

[0146] The processing unit 1203 is further configured to, when receiving a public network and private network hybrid session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the roaming network device, enable the target user to access public network services based on the User Plane Function (UPF) network element in the roaming network device, and enable the target user to access private network services based on the UPF network element in the home network device.

[0147] In one possible implementation, the determining unit 1204 is used to determine the SMF network element in the home network device when the SMF network element in the roaming network device receives a private network session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device.

[0148] The determining unit 1204 is also used to determine the UPF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the home network device.

[0149] The processing unit 1203 is also used to enable the target user to access private network services based on the UPF network element in the home network device.

[0150] In one possible implementation, the service access request also includes the target user's service access destination; the determining unit 1204 is used to determine the service type corresponding to the service access request through the PCF network element in the home network device based on the service access destination included in the service access request. The service types include: public network service, private network service, and mixed public and private network service.

[0151] The sending unit 1202 is also used to send the corresponding session policy to the SMF network element in the roaming network device through the PCF network element in the home network device according to the service type corresponding to the service access request.

[0152] In one possible implementation, the signing unit 1205 is used to sign the basic session policy corresponding to the target user in the PCF network element of the home network device based on the target user's identifier and general data network name (DNN). The session policy corresponding to the service access request is a session policy determined based on the basic session policy corresponding to the target user and the service access request. The basic session policy includes at least one of the following: the network element type and triggering conditions used when accessing the service through the public network, and the network element type and triggering conditions used when accessing the service through the private network.

[0153] In the case where the functions of the integrated modules described above are implemented in hardware, this application provides a possible structural schematic diagram of the electronic device involved in the above embodiments. For example... Figure 13 As shown, an electronic device 130 is used to improve the efficiency of service routing, for example, for performing... Figure 6 This illustrates a service offloading method. The electronic device 130 includes a processor 1301, a memory 1302, and a bus 1303. The processor 1301 and the memory 1302 can be connected via the bus 1303.

[0154] Processor 1301 is the control center of the communication device. It can be a single processor or a collective term for multiple processing elements. For example, processor 1301 can be a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU) or other general-purpose processors. Among them, the general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0155] As one embodiment, processor 1301 may include one or more CPUs, for example Figure 13 CPU 0 and CPU 1 are shown in the diagram.

[0156] The memory 1302 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device capable of storing static information and instructions, random access memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device capable of storing information and instructions, or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk storage medium or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto.

[0157] As one possible implementation, the memory 1302 can exist independently of the processor 1301. The memory 1302 can be connected to the processor 1301 via the bus 1303 and is used to store instructions or program code. When the processor 1301 calls and executes the instructions or program code stored in the memory 1302, it can implement the service offloading method provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0158] In another possible implementation, the memory 1302 can also be integrated with the processor 1301.

[0159] Bus 1303 can be an industry standard architecture (ISA) bus, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, or an extended industry standard architecture (EISA) bus. This bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 13 The bus is represented by a single thick line, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0160] It should be pointed out that, Figure 13 The structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device 130. Except... Figure 13 In addition to the components shown, the electronic device 130 may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0161] As an example, combined Figure 12 The functions implemented by the receiving unit 1201, sending unit 1202, processing unit 1203, determining unit 1204, and signing unit 1205 in the service diversion device 120 are the same as those of the receiving unit 1201, sending unit 1202, processing unit 1203, determining unit 1204, and signing unit 1205. Figure 13 The processor 1301 in it has the same function.

[0162] Optional, such as Figure 13 As shown, the electronic device 130 provided in this application embodiment may also include a communication interface 1304.

[0163] Communication interface 1304 is used to connect with other devices via a communication network. This communication network can be Ethernet, a wireless access network, a wireless local area network (WLAN), etc. Communication interface 1304 may include a receiving unit for receiving data and a transmitting unit for transmitting data.

[0164] In one possible implementation, the communication interface in the electronic device provided in this application embodiment can also be integrated into the processor.

[0165] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, only the division of the above functional units is used as an example. In practical applications, the above functions can be assigned to different functional units as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different functional units to complete all or part of the functions described above. The specific working process of the system, device, and unit described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0166] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions. When a computer executes these instructions, the computer performs each step of the method flow shown in the above-described method embodiments.

[0167] Embodiments of this application provide a computer program product containing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a service routing method as described in the above method embodiments.

[0168] The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), registers, hard disks, optical fibers, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof, or any other form of computer-readable storage medium in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be a component of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In the embodiments of this application, the computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0169] Since the electronic devices, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the above methods, the technical effects they can achieve can also be referred to the above method embodiments. The embodiments of this application will not be repeated here.

[0170] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A traffic offloading method, characterized by, The method comprises: receiving, by a session management function, SMF, network element in a roaming place network device, a service access request sent by a target user; based on the service access request, requesting, by the SMF network element in the roaming place network device, a policy control function, PCF, network element in a home network device to obtain a session policy, the session policy comprising any one of the following: a public network session policy, a private network session policy, and a public and private network mixed session policy, the PCF network element in the home network device being configured to send, to the SMF network element in the roaming place network device, a session policy corresponding to the service access request based on the service access request; in a case where the session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device and received by the SMF network element in the roaming place network device is a public network session policy, enabling a public network service access of the target user based on a user plane function, UPF, network element in the roaming place network device; in a case where the session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device and received by the SMF network element in the roaming place network device is a private network session policy, enabling a private network service access of the target user based on a UPF network element in the home network device; in a case where the public and private network mixed session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device and received by the SMF network element in the roaming place network device, enabling a public network service access of the target user based on a user plane function, UPF, network element in the roaming place network device, and enabling a private network service access of the target user based on a UPF network element in the home network device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The service access request comprises an identifier of the target user; The method comprises: based on the identifier of the target user comprised in the service access request, determining the home network device corresponding to the target user; sending, by the SMF network element in the roaming place network device, the service access request to the PCF network element in the home network device to request a session policy corresponding to the service access request.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The method comprises: in a case where the session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device and received by the SMF network element in the roaming place network device is a private network session policy, determining the SMF network element in the home network device; determining, by the SMF network element in the home network device, the UPF network element in the home network device, and enabling a private network service access of the target user based on the UPF network element in the home network device.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The service access request also includes a service access destination of the target user, and the method further includes: Based on the service access destination included in the service access request, determining, by a PCF network element in the home network device, a service type corresponding to the service access request, the service type including: public network service, private network service, and mixed public and private network service; According to the service type corresponding to the service access request, sending, by the PCF network element in the home network device, a corresponding session policy to an SMF network element in the roaming network device.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, The method further includes: Based on the identifier and a data network name (DNN) of the target user, subscribing, by the PCF network element in the home network device, a basic session policy corresponding to the target user, the session policy corresponding to the service access request being a session policy determined based on the basic session policy corresponding to the target user and the service access request, and the basic session policy including at least one of: a network element type and a trigger condition used when implementing service access through a public network, and a network element type and a trigger condition used when implementing service access through a private network.

6. A traffic offloading apparatus, characterized by, The service distribution device includes: a receiving unit, a sending unit, and a processing unit. The receiving unit is configured to receive, by a session management function (SMF) network element in a roaming network device, a service access request sent by a target user. The sending unit is configured to request, by the SMF network element in the roaming network device, a policy control function (PCF) network element in a home network device to obtain a session policy based on the service access request, the session policy including any one of: a public network session policy, a private network session policy, and a mixed public and private network session policy, and the PCF network element in the home network device being configured to send, to the SMF network element in the roaming network device, a session policy corresponding to the service access request based on the service access request. The processing unit is configured to, in a case where the session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device is a public network session policy, and received by the SMF network element in the roaming network device, implement public network service access of the target user based on a user plane function (UPF) network element in the roaming network device. The processing unit is further configured to, in a case where the session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device is a private network session policy, and received by the SMF network element in the roaming network device, implement private network service access of the target user based on a UPF network element in the home network device. The processing unit is further configured to, in a case where the mixed public and private network session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device is received by the SMF network element in the roaming network device, implement public network service access of the target user based on a user plane function (UPF) network element in the roaming network device, and implement private network service access of the target user based on a UPF network element in the home network device.

7. The traffic distribution apparatus of claim 6, wherein The service access request comprises an identity of the target user; the service offloading apparatus further comprises a determination unit; The determination unit is configured to determine the home network device corresponding to the target user based on the identity of the target user comprised in the service access request; The sending unit is further configured to send the service access request to a PCF network element in the home network device through an SMF network element in the roaming network device, to request a session policy corresponding to the service access request.

8. The service distribution apparatus of claim 6, wherein The service offloading apparatus further comprises a determination unit; The determination unit is configured to determine an SMF network element in the home network device in a case where the session policy sent by the PCF network element in the home network device is received through the SMF network element in the roaming network device. The determination unit is further configured to determine a UPF network element in the home network device through the SMF network element in the home network device. The processing unit is further configured to implement the private network service access of the target user based on the UPF network element in the home network device.

9. The service distribution apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein The service access request further comprises a service access destination of the target user; the service offloading apparatus further comprises a determination unit; The determination unit is configured to determine a service type corresponding to the service access request through the PCF network element in the home network device based on the service access destination comprised in the service access request, the service type comprising a public network service, a private network service, and a hybrid public network and private network service. The sending unit is further configured to send a corresponding session policy to the SMF network element in the roaming network device through the PCF network element in the home network device according to the service type corresponding to the service access request.

10. The traffic distribution apparatus of claim 9, wherein The service offloading apparatus further comprises a subscription unit; The subscription unit is configured to subscribe to a basic session policy corresponding to the target user at the PCF network element in the home network device based on the identity of the target user and a DNN, the session policy corresponding to the service access request being a session policy determined based on the basic session policy corresponding to the target user and the service access request, the basic session policy comprising at least one of a network element type and a trigger condition used when implementing service access through a public network, and a network element type and a trigger condition used when implementing service access through a private network.

11. An electronic device, comprising: comprises: a processor and a memory; wherein the memory is configured to store one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising computer execution instructions, when the electronic device is running, the processor executes the computer execution instructions stored in the memory, so that the electronic device executes the service offloading method in any one of claims 1-5.

12. A computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs, the one or more programs comprising instructions for: The one or more programs comprise instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the service offloading method in any one of claims 1-5.

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