Tunnel establishment method, device, apparatus and storage medium
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-02-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-11
AI Technical Summary
现有技术中，LAN场景下(例如，5G LAN场景下)，每一个组成员UE建立协议数据单元(ProtocolData Unit，PDU)会话，会话管理功能(Session Management Function，SMF)均需对PDU会话锚点(PDU Session Anchor，PSA)进行匹配和转发规则的更新，以建立相应的数据传输隧道，这使得控制面和用户面之间需要频繁交互，消耗较多的传输资源
[0097]第十方面，本申请实施例还提供一种芯片产品，所述芯片产品中存储有计算机程序，所述计算机程序用于使芯片产品执行如上所述第一方面所述的隧道建立方法的步骤，或执行如上所述第二方面所述的隧道建立方法的步骤。
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Figure CN116669227B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a tunnel establishment method, device, apparatus and storage medium. Background Technology
[0002] 5G Local Area Network (LAN) technology is used to enable data transmission between one or more terminals (also known as User Equipment (UE)) within the same 5G Virtual Network (VN) group. In existing technologies, in LAN scenarios (e.g., 5G LAN scenarios), each member UE establishes a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. The Session Management Function (SMF) needs to match and update the forwarding rules of the PDU Session Anchor (PSA) to establish the corresponding data transmission tunnel. This requires frequent interaction between the control plane and the user plane, consuming significant transmission resources. Summary of the Invention
[0003] This application provides a tunnel establishment method, device, apparatus, and storage medium to reduce the number of interactions between the control plane and the user plane and save transmission resources.
[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a tunnel establishment method, applied to a session management function entity, including:
[0005] Send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity, wherein the N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane functional entities;
[0006] The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity.
[0007] Optionally, sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes:
[0008] Based on the target scenario, send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity;
[0009] The target scenarios include local switching scenarios and / or N19 switching scenarios.
[0010] Optionally, if the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane function entity includes the anchor user plane function entity of the local switching scenario.
[0011] Sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes:
[0012] Send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity, the N4 session establishment request message carrying the tunnel information of the anchor user plane functional entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane functional entity; or,
[0013] A group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane functional entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries information on the number of tunnels to be established, as well as tunnel information of multiple second user plane functional entities.
[0014] Optionally, before sending the N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity, the method further includes:
[0015] Tunnel information is assigned to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
[0016] Optionally, allocating tunnel information to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity includes:
[0017] If the target session is determined to be a LAN type session, tunnel information is assigned to the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity.
[0018] Optionally, the method further includes:
[0019] Tunnel information is allocated to the third user plane functional entity, which is the other user plane functional entity on the target user plane path besides the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
[0020] Optionally, sending a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity includes:
[0021] If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the second user plane function entity, a group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane function entity.
[0022] Optionally, the method further includes:
[0023] If it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start a timer.
[0024] Optionally, when the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0025] Sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes:
[0026] A group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity, the group-level N4 session modification request message carrying tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane functional entities.
[0027] Optionally, sending a group-level N4 session modification request message to the first anchor user plane functional entity includes:
[0028] If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the corresponding anchor user plane functional entity, a group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0029] Optionally, the method further includes:
[0030] If it is determined that the first terminal in the virtual network group has established a user plane path to the anchor user plane function entity corresponding to the first terminal, or if it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start the timer.
[0031] Optionally, the plurality of second anchor user plane functional entities include some or all of the anchor user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0032] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a tunnel establishment method, applied to a first user plane functional entity, including:
[0033] Receive an N4 session request message sent by a session management function entity, wherein the N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities;
[0034] The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity.
[0035] Optionally, receiving the N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity includes:
[0036] Based on the target scenario, receive the N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity;
[0037] The target scenarios include local switching scenarios and / or N19 switching scenarios.
[0038] Optionally, if the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane function entity includes the anchor user plane function entity of the local switching scenario.
[0039] The N4 session request message sent by the receiving session management function entity includes:
[0040] Receive an N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity, wherein the N4 session establishment request message carries the tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane function entity; or,
[0041] The system receives a group-level N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries information about the number of tunnels to be established, as well as tunnel information of multiple second user plane function entities.
[0042] Optionally, when the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0043] The N4 session request message sent by the receiving session management function entity includes:
[0044] Receive a group-level N4 session modification request message sent by the session management function entity, wherein the group-level N4 session modification request message carries tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane function entities.
[0045] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide a session management function entity, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:
[0046] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations:
[0047] Send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity, wherein the N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane functional entities;
[0048] The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity.
[0049] Optionally, sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes:
[0050] Based on the target scenario, send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity;
[0051] The target scenarios include local switching scenarios and / or N19 switching scenarios.
[0052] Optionally, if the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane function entity includes the anchor user plane function entity of the local switching scenario.
[0053] Sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes:
[0054] Send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity, the N4 session establishment request message carrying the tunnel information of the anchor user plane functional entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane functional entity; or,
[0055] A group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane functional entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries information on the number of tunnels to be established, as well as tunnel information of multiple second user plane functional entities.
[0056] Optionally, before sending the N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity, the operation further includes:
[0057] Tunnel information is assigned to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
[0058] Optionally, allocating tunnel information to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity includes:
[0059] If the target session is determined to be a LAN type session, tunnel information is assigned to the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity.
[0060] Optionally, the operation further includes:
[0061] Tunnel information is allocated to the third user plane functional entity, which is the other user plane functional entity on the target user plane path besides the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
[0062] Optionally, sending a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity includes:
[0063] If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the second user plane function entity, a group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane function entity.
[0064] Optionally, the operation further includes:
[0065] If it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start a timer.
[0066] Optionally, when the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0067] Sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes:
[0068] A group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity, the group-level N4 session modification request message carrying tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane functional entities.
[0069] Optionally, sending a group-level N4 session modification request message to the first anchor user plane functional entity includes:
[0070] If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the corresponding anchor user plane function entity, a group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane function entity.
[0071] Optionally, the operation further includes:
[0072] If it is determined that the first terminal in the virtual network group has established a user plane path to the anchor user plane function entity corresponding to the first terminal, or if it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start the timer.
[0073] Optionally, the plurality of second anchor user plane functional entities include some or all of the anchor user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0074] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a first user plane functional entity, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:
[0075] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations:
[0076] Receive an N4 session request message sent by a session management function entity, wherein the N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities;
[0077] The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity.
[0078] Optionally, receiving the N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity includes:
[0079] Based on the target scenario, receive the N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity;
[0080] The target scenarios include local switching scenarios and / or N19 switching scenarios.
[0081] Optionally, if the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane function entity includes the anchor user plane function entity of the local switching scenario.
[0082] The N4 session request message sent by the receiving session management function entity includes:
[0083] Receive an N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity, wherein the N4 session establishment request message carries the tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane function entity; or,
[0084] The system receives a group-level N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries information about the number of tunnels to be established, as well as tunnel information of multiple second user plane function entities.
[0085] Optionally, when the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0086] The N4 session request message sent by the receiving session management function entity includes:
[0087] Receive a group-level N4 session modification request message sent by the session management function entity, wherein the group-level N4 session modification request message carries tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane function entities.
[0088] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a tunnel establishment apparatus, applied to a session management function entity, comprising:
[0089] The sending unit is used to send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity, wherein the N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane functional entities;
[0090] The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity.
[0091] Sixthly, embodiments of this application also provide a tunnel establishing device, applied to a first user plane functional entity, comprising:
[0092] The receiving unit is used to receive an N4 session request message sent by a session management function entity, wherein the N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities.
[0093] The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity.
[0094] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to perform the steps of the tunnel establishment method described in the first aspect above, or to perform the steps of the tunnel establishment method described in the second aspect above.
[0095] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, wherein the communication device stores a computer program, the computer program being configured to cause the communication device to perform the steps of the tunnel establishment method described in the first aspect above, or to perform the steps of the tunnel establishment method described in the second aspect above.
[0096] In a ninth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a processor to perform the steps of the tunnel establishment method described in the first aspect above, or to perform the steps of the tunnel establishment method described in the second aspect above.
[0097] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a chip product, wherein the chip product stores a computer program, the computer program being used to cause the chip product to perform the steps of the tunnel establishment method described in the first aspect above, or to perform the steps of the tunnel establishment method described in the second aspect above.
[0098] The tunnel establishment method, device, apparatus, and storage medium provided in this application embodiment send an N4 session request message to a first user plane function entity through a session management function entity. The N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities, thereby completing the establishment of a tunnel between the first user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity, and reducing the number of interactions between the session management function entity and the user plane function entity, thus saving transmission resources. Attached Figure Description
[0099] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0100] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a non-roaming user plane architecture that supports 5G LAN-type services through local switching, provided by related technologies.
[0101] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the tunnel establishment process in a local switching scenario provided by related technologies;
[0102] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the non-roaming user plane architecture that supports 5G LAN-type services through the N19 tunnel, provided by related technologies.
[0103] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the tunnel establishment process in the N19 switching scenario provided by related technologies;
[0104] Figure 5 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the tunnel establishment method provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0105] Figure 6 This is a second schematic flowchart of the tunnel establishment method provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0106] Figure 7 This is one of the flowcharts of the local switching scenario tunnel establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0107] Figure 8 This is the second flowchart of the local switching scenario tunnel establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0108] Figure 9 This is the third flowchart of the local switching scenario tunnel establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0109] Figure 10This is the fourth flowchart of the local switching scenario tunnel establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0110] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the tunnel establishment process in the N19 switching scenario provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0111] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the tunnel establishment process for local switching and N19 switching scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0112] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the session management function entity provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0113] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first user plane functional entity provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0114] Figure 15 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the tunnel building device provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0115] Figure 16 This is the second structural schematic diagram of the tunnel building device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0116] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.
[0117] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.
[0118] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0119] To facilitate a clearer understanding of the embodiments of this application, some technical content related to the embodiments of this application will be introduced first.
[0120] 5G LAN technology is a technology that enables data transmission between one or more UEs within the same 5G VN group. It is divided into three transmission modes: local switching, N6 switching, and N19 switching. Among them, the N6-based transmission mode is related to the data network (DN) equipment. The following mainly introduces the session establishment process in the local switching scenario and the N19 switching scenario.
[0121] (1) Local switching scenario
[0122] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a non-roaming user plane architecture supporting 5G LAN-type services via local switching, provided for related technologies, is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, if a User Plane Function (UPF) is a common PSA UPF for different PDU sessions within the same 5G VN group, then user plane traffic is forwarded locally on this PSA. In the diagram, (R)AN refers to the Access Network (AN) or Radio Access Network (RAN) node, and I-UPF refers to the intermediate UPF.
[0123] Figure 2 A flowchart of the tunnel establishment process for local switching scenarios provided for related technologies, such as Figure 2 As shown in the figure, taking the unicast data communication process between UE1 and UE2 as an example, the process of establishing the data transmission tunnel from UE1 to UE2 mainly includes two parts: the tunnel establishment from UE1 to PSA and the tunnel establishment from UE2 to PSA.
[0124] 1. UE1 initiates a PDU session establishment request. After receiving the PDU session establishment request from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), the SMF selects UPF1 and sends a session establishment request to UPF1. UPF1 allocates its own tunnel information and sends it to the SMF. Then, the SMF sends a session establishment request to the PSA, carrying UPF1's tunnel information. The PSA allocates its own tunnel information and sends it to the SMF. Finally, the SMF informs UPF1 of the PSA's tunnel information, completing the tunnel establishment from UE1 to the PSA.
[0125] 2. UE2 initiates a PDU session establishment request. After receiving the PDU session establishment request from AMF, SMF selects UPF2 and sends a session establishment request to UPF2. UPF2 allocates its own tunnel information and sends it to SMF. Then, SMF sends a session establishment request to PSA, carrying UPF2's tunnel information. PSA allocates its own tunnel information and sends it to SMF. Finally, SMF informs UPF2 of PSA's tunnel information, completing the tunnel establishment from UE2 to PSA.
[0126] (2) N19 switching scenario
[0127] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the non-roaming user plane architecture supporting 5G LAN type services through the N19 tunnel is provided for related technologies, such as... Figure 3 As shown, during N19-based transmission, uplink / downlink traffic in 5G VN group communication is forwarded between PSAUPFs of different PDU sessions via the N19 interface. N19 is based on a shared user plane tunnel that connects different PSA UPFs within a single 5G VN group. If N19-based forwarding is required, the SMF establishes an N19 tunnel between PSA UPFs to support N19-based traffic forwarding.
[0128] Figure 4 A flowchart of the tunnel establishment process for the N19 switching scenario provided for related technologies, such as Figure 4 As shown in the figure, taking the establishment of the user plane tunnel for group members UE1 to UE3 as an example, its main process includes:
[0129] 1. UE1 initiates a PDU session establishment request;
[0130] 2. After receiving the PDU session establishment request from the AMF, the SMF selects PSA1 and sends a group-level N4 establishment request to PSA1. PSA1 allocates its own N19 tunnel information and sends it to the SMF.
[0131] 3. UE2 initiates a PDU session establishment request;
[0132] 4. After receiving the PDU session establishment request from the AMF, the SMF selects PSA2 and sends a group-level N4 establishment request to PSA2. The request carries the N19 tunnel information of PSA1. PSA2 allocates its own N19 tunnel information and sends it to the SMF.
[0133] 5. SMF sends a group-level N4 modification request to PSA1, which carries the N19 tunnel information of PSA2;
[0134] 6. UE3 initiates a PDU session establishment request;
[0135] 7. After receiving the PDU session establishment request from the AMF, the SMF selects PSA3 and sends a group-level N4 establishment request to PSA3. The request carries the N19 tunnel information of PSA1 and PSA2. PSA3 allocates its own N19 tunnel information and sends it to the SMF.
[0136] 8. SMF sends a group-level N4 modification request to PSA1, which carries the N19 tunnel information of PSA3;
[0137] 9. SMF sends a group-level N4 modification request to PSA2, which carries the N19 tunnel information of PSA3.
[0138] Currently, in LAN scenarios (e.g., 5G LAN scenarios), when each member UE establishes a PDU session, the SMF needs to match and update the PSA and forwarding rules to establish the corresponding data transmission tunnel. This requires frequent interaction between the control plane and the user plane, consuming significant transmission resources. Therefore, the embodiments of this application provide a solution to reduce the number of interactions between the control plane and the user plane, saving transmission resources.
[0139] For example, although this article uses a 5G LAN scenario as an example, other existing or future LANs or other networks that can realize the functions of a 5G LAN scenario can also be applied here, and there is no limitation on them.
[0140] Figure 5 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the tunnel establishment method provided in the embodiments of this application. This method can be applied to session management functional entities, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the method includes the following steps:
[0141] Step 500: Send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity. The N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane functional entities.
[0142] Among them, multiple user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity.
[0143] Specifically, in a 5G LAN scenario, to achieve data transmission between UEs within the same virtual network group, it is necessary to establish user plane tunnels between different UEs. In this embodiment, during the establishment of a tunnel between a first user plane functional entity and a second user plane functional entity, the session management functional entity can send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity. This N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane functional entities, including one or more second user plane functional entities. It should be noted that when the multiple user plane functional entities include a second user plane functional entity, the multiple user plane functional entities may also include other user plane functional entities, such as the first user plane functional entity. That is, the N4 session request message may carry tunnel information of a second user plane functional entity, as well as tunnel information of other entities such as the first user plane functional entity.
[0144] The aforementioned session management function entity can be an SMF or other network element with similar session management functions, and the user plane function entity can be a UPF or other network element with similar user plane functions. Taking the user plane function entity as a UPF as an example, the first user plane function entity can be a non-PSA attribute UPF (which can be understood as a regular UPF) or a PSA attribute UPF (hereinafter referred to as PSA). Correspondingly, the second user plane function entity can be a UPF that needs to establish a tunnel with the first user plane function entity, and can be a non-PSA attribute UPF or a PSA attribute UPF.
[0145] Taking a local switching scenario as an example, the first user plane functional entity can be a common PSA in the local switching scenario, such as... Figure 2 The PSA in the PSA; the second user plane function entity can be the UPF corresponding to each UE that needs to establish a tunnel with the public PSA, for example Figure 2 UPF1 corresponds to UE1, and UPF2 corresponds to UE2.
[0146] The tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment sends an N4 session request message to a first user plane function entity through a session management function entity. The N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities, thereby completing the establishment of a tunnel between the first user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity, and reducing the number of interactions between the session management function entity and the user plane function entity, thus saving transmission resources.
[0147] Optionally, an N4 session request message is sent to the first user plane functional entity, including:
[0148] Based on the target scenario, send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity;
[0149] The target scenarios include local switching scenarios and / or N19 switching scenarios.
[0150] Specifically, in this embodiment of the application, the session management function entity can send an N4 session request message to the first user plane function entity based on different target scenarios in order to complete the tunnel establishment for the corresponding scenario.
[0151] For example, the target scenario can be a local switching scenario, an N19 switching scenario, or a scenario where both local switching and N19 switching exist. If the target scenario includes both local switching and N19 switching scenarios, the session management function entity can send corresponding N4 session request messages to the first user plane function entity of the corresponding scenario for each of the two different scenarios. For a specific scenario, the tunnel establishment method for the corresponding scenario provided in the embodiments of this application can be used to complete the tunnel establishment for the corresponding scenario.
[0152] Optionally, if the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes the anchor user plane functional entity of the local switching scenario.
[0153] Send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity, including:
[0154] Send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity, the N4 session establishment request message carrying the tunnel information of the anchor user plane functional entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane functional entity; or,
[0155] Send a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries the number of tunnels to be established, as well as the tunnel information of multiple second user plane functional entities.
[0156] Specifically, the anchor user plane functional entity can be a PSA, or other user plane functional entities with similar PDU session anchor functions. Taking a PSA as an example, the anchor user plane functional entity in a local switching scenario can be understood as a common PSA in the local switching scenario, such as... Figure 2 PSA in the middle.
[0157] When the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the session management function entity can send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity of the local switching scenario. The N4 session establishment request message carries the tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane function entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the anchor user plane function entity. After receiving the N4 session establishment request message, the anchor user plane function entity can obtain the tunnel information carried therein to establish a tunnel between the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity.
[0158] In another possible implementation, when the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the session management function entity can send a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity of the local switching scenario. This group-level N4 session establishment request message carries tunnel information for multiple second user plane function entities, as well as the number of tunnels to be established. Upon receiving the group-level N4 session establishment request message, the anchor user plane function entity can obtain the tunnel information carried within and determine the number of tunnels to be established. Optionally, based on the received group-level N4 session establishment request message, the anchor user plane function entity can allocate its own tunnel information corresponding to the multiple tunnels to be established and send it to the session management function entity to establish tunnels between the anchor user plane function entity and the multiple second user plane function entities.
[0159] Optionally, before sending the N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity, the method further includes:
[0160] Assign tunnel information to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
[0161] Specifically, unlike the prior art where the user plane functional entity allocates tunnel information itself, in this embodiment, the session management functional entity can allocate tunnel information for the anchor user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity, and then send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity, carrying the tunnel information of the anchor user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity in the N4 session establishment request message.
[0162] Optionally, after allocating tunnel information to the anchor user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity, the session management functional entity may also send an N4 session establishment request message to the second user plane functional entity, carrying the tunnel information of the anchor user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity in the N4 session establishment request message.
[0163] The tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment allows the session management function entity to allocate tunnel information to the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity. Then, it sends an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity, carrying the tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity in the N4 session establishment request message. This avoids the process of instructing the user plane function entity to allocate tunnel information and then passing the tunnel information to the session management function entity, reducing the number of interactions between the session management function entity and the user plane function entity, and saving transmission resources.
[0164] Optionally, tunnel information is assigned to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity, including:
[0165] If the target session is determined to be a LAN type session, tunnel information is assigned to the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity.
[0166] Specifically, after receiving a PDU session establishment request, the session management function entity can determine that the target session to be established is a LAN type session, such as a 5G LAN type session. Then, it can allocate tunnel information to the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity corresponding to the target session, and then send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity. The N4 session establishment request message carries the tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity.
[0167] Optionally, the method further includes:
[0168] Tunnel information is assigned to the third user plane functional entity, which is any other user plane functional entity on the target user plane path other than the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
[0169] Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, the session management function entity can allocate tunnel information to the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity, and can also allocate tunnel information to the third user plane function entity. The third user plane function entity can be other user plane function entities on the target user plane path besides the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity.
[0170] The target user plane path can be understood as the user plane path corresponding to the anchor user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity. Besides the anchor user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity, there may be other intermediate user plane functional entities on this target user plane path. The session management functional entity can allocate tunnel information for these intermediate user plane functional entities. In one possible implementation, the tunnel information for all user plane functional entities on the target user plane path can be allocated by the session management functional entity.
[0171] Optionally, a group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane function entity, including:
[0172] If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the second user plane functional entity, a group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane functional entity.
[0173] Specifically, to reduce the number of interactions between the session management function entity and the user plane function entity, in this embodiment, after obtaining the tunnel information of the second user plane function entity, the session management function entity may temporarily withhold the tunnel information of the second user plane function entity from the anchor user plane function entity. Instead, it may send a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity only after determining that the timer has expired or that all UEs in the VN group have established user plane paths to the second user plane function entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries the tunnel information of the multiple second user plane function entities that have been obtained, as well as the number of tunnels to be established. The timer can be preset by the session management function entity according to different situations, and is not limited here.
[0174] The tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment allows the session management function entity to temporarily withhold the tunnel information of the second user plane function entity after obtaining it. Instead, it sends a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity only after determining that a timer has expired or that all UEs in the VN group have established user plane paths to the second user plane function entity. This group-level N4 session establishment request message carries the tunnel information of multiple second user plane function entities that have been obtained, as well as the number of tunnels to be established. By sending the tunnel information of multiple second user plane function entities to the anchor user plane function entity in a single message, the number of interactions between the session management function entity and the anchor user plane function entity is reduced, saving transmission resources.
[0175] Optionally, the method further includes:
[0176] If it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start a timer.
[0177] Specifically, in one possible implementation, the session management function entity can start a timer if it determines that there is a UE in the VN group that has not yet established a session.
[0178] For example, after a certain number of UEs (e.g., 1, 2, or other numbers) have established user plane paths to the corresponding second user plane function entity, the session management function entity can determine whether there are any UEs that have not established PDU sessions. If it is determined that there are still UEs in the VN group that have not established PDU sessions, a timer can be started.
[0179] Optionally, after the timer is started, the session management function entity can also call up the UEs that have not yet established a PDU session to establish a PDU session. Subsequently, when it is determined that the timer has expired or that all UEs in the VN group have established user plane paths to the second user plane function entity, a group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane function entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries the tunnel information of multiple second user plane function entities that have been obtained, as well as the number of tunnels that need to be established.
[0180] Optionally, when the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0181] Send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity, including:
[0182] A group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity. The group-level N4 session modification request message carries tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane functional entities.
[0183] Specifically, the anchor user plane functional entity can be a PSA, or other user plane functional entities with similar PDU session anchor functions. In cases where the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity can include the first anchor user plane functional entity. Taking a PSA as an example, the first anchor user plane functional entity can refer to any PSA within a single VN group, for example... Figure 4 The second user plane functional entity may include the second anchor point user plane functional entity, for example, assuming that PSA1, PSA2, etc. are used. Figure 4 In this context, PSA1 is the first anchor point user plane functional entity, and the second anchor point user plane functional entity can refer to... Figure 4 PSA2 and PSA3 in the middle.
[0184] In scenarios where the target scenario includes N19 switching, the session management function entity can send a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the first anchor user plane function entity, and then send a group-level N4 session modification request message to the first anchor user plane function entity. In this group-level N4 session modification request message, the session management function entity can carry tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane function entities in the group-level N4 session modification request message. After receiving the group-level N4 session modification request message, the first anchor user plane function entity can obtain the tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane function entities carried therein, so as to establish a tunnel between the first anchor user plane function entity and the multiple second anchor user plane function entities.
[0185] Optionally, the plurality of second anchor point user plane functional entities include some or all of the anchor point user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first anchor point user plane functional entity.
[0186] Optionally, a group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane function entity, including:
[0187] If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the corresponding anchor user plane functional entity, a group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0188] Specifically, to reduce the number of interactions between the session management function entity and the first anchor user plane function entity, in this embodiment, after obtaining the tunnel information of the second anchor user plane function entity, the session management function entity may temporarily not send the tunnel information of the second anchor user plane function entity to the first anchor user plane function entity. Instead, it may send a group-level N4 session modification request message to the first anchor user plane function entity only after determining that the timer has expired or that all UEs in the VN group have established user plane paths to the corresponding anchor user plane function entities. The group-level N4 session modification request message carries the tunnel information of the multiple second anchor user plane function entities that have been obtained. The timer can be preset by the session management function entity according to different situations, and there is no restriction here.
[0189] The tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment allows the session management function entity to temporarily withhold the tunnel information of the second anchor user plane function entity after obtaining it. Instead, it sends a group-level N4 session modification request message to the first anchor user plane function entity only after determining that a timer has expired or that all UEs in the VN group have established user plane paths to the corresponding anchor user plane function entities. This group-level N4 session modification request message carries the tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane function entities already obtained. By sending the tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane function entities to the first anchor user plane function entity in a single message, the number of interactions between the session management function entity and the first anchor user plane function entity is reduced, saving transmission resources.
[0190] Optionally, the method further includes:
[0191] If it is determined that the first terminal in the virtual network group has established a user plane path to the anchor user plane function entity corresponding to the first terminal, or if it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start the timer.
[0192] Specifically, the first terminal can refer to any terminal within the virtual network group, without limitation. Optionally, the first terminal can refer to the first terminal to initiate a session establishment request. In one possible implementation, the session management function entity can start a timer if it determines that the first UE initiating a session establishment request within the VN group has established a user plane path to the user plane function entity corresponding to that UE.
[0193] In another possible implementation, the session management function entity can start a timer if it determines that there is a UE in the VN group that has not yet established a session.
[0194] For example, after a certain number of UEs (e.g., 1, 2, or other numbers) have established user plane paths to the corresponding anchor user plane function entity, the session management function entity can determine whether there are any UEs that have not established a PDU session. If it is determined that there are still UEs in the VN group that have not established a PDU session, a timer can be started.
[0195] Optionally, after the timer is started, the session management function entity can also call up the UEs that have not yet established a PDU session to establish a PDU session. Subsequently, when it is determined that the timer has expired or that all UEs in the VN group have established user plane paths to the corresponding anchor user plane function entities, a group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane function entity. The group-level N4 session modification request message carries the tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane function entities that have been obtained.
[0196] Figure 6 This is a second flowchart illustrating the tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment. This method can be applied to a first user plane functional entity, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps:
[0197] Step 600: Receive the N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity. The N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities.
[0198] Among them, multiple user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity.
[0199] Specifically, in a 5G LAN scenario, in order to achieve data transmission between UEs within the same virtual network group, it is necessary to establish user plane tunnels between different UEs. In this embodiment, during the process of establishing a tunnel between a first user plane functional entity and a second user plane functional entity, a session management functional entity can send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity. The N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane functional entities, including one or more second user plane functional entities. After receiving the N4 session request message, the first user plane functional entity can obtain the tunnel information carried therein to establish a tunnel between the first user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
[0200] It should be noted that when the multiple user plane functional entities include a second user plane functional entity, the multiple user plane functional entities may also include other user plane functional entities, such as a first user plane functional entity. That is, the N4 session request message may carry tunnel information of a second user plane functional entity, as well as tunnel information of other entities such as the first user plane functional entity.
[0201] The aforementioned session management function entity can be an SMF or other network element with similar session management functions, and the user plane function entity can be a UPF or other network element with similar user plane functions. Taking the user plane function entity as a UPF as an example, the first user plane function entity can be a non-PSA attribute UPF (which can be understood as a regular UPF) or a PSA attribute UPF (hereinafter referred to as PSA). Correspondingly, the second user plane function entity can be a UPF that needs to establish a tunnel with the first user plane function entity, and can be a non-PSA attribute UPF or a PSA attribute UPF.
[0202] Taking a local switching scenario as an example, the first user plane functional entity can be a common PSA in the local switching scenario, such as... Figure 2 The PSA in the PSA; the second user plane function entity can be the UPF corresponding to each UE that needs to establish a tunnel with the public PSA, for example Figure 2 UPF1 corresponds to UE1, and UPF2 corresponds to UE2.
[0203] The tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment sends an N4 session request message to a first user plane function entity through a session management function entity. The N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities, thereby completing the establishment of a tunnel between the first user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity, and reducing the number of interactions between the session management function entity and the user plane function entity, thus saving transmission resources.
[0204] Optionally, receiving an N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity, including:
[0205] Based on the target scenario, receive the N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity;
[0206] The target scenarios include local switching scenarios and / or N19 switching scenarios.
[0207] Specifically, in this embodiment of the application, the session management function entity can send an N4 session request message to the first user plane function entity based on different target scenarios in order to complete the tunnel establishment for the corresponding scenario.
[0208] For example, the target scenario can be a local switching scenario, an N19 switching scenario, or a scenario where both local switching and N19 switching exist. If the target scenario includes both local switching and N19 switching scenarios, the session management function entity can send corresponding N4 session request messages to the first user plane function entity of the corresponding scenario for each of the two different scenarios. For a specific scenario, the tunnel establishment method for the corresponding scenario provided in the embodiments of this application can be used to complete the tunnel establishment for the corresponding scenario.
[0209] Optionally, if the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes the anchor user plane functional entity of the local switching scenario.
[0210] Receive N4 session request messages sent by the session management function entity, including:
[0211] Receive an N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity. The N4 session establishment request message carries tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and tunnel information of the second user plane function entity; or,
[0212] Receive a group-level N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries information on the number of tunnels to be established, as well as tunnel information of multiple second user plane function entities.
[0213] Specifically, the anchor user plane functional entity can be a PSA, or other user plane functional entities with similar PDU session anchor functions. Taking a PSA as an example, the anchor user plane functional entity in a local switching scenario can be understood as a common PSA in the local switching scenario, such as... Figure 2 PSA in the middle.
[0214] When the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the session management function entity can send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity of the local switching scenario. The N4 session establishment request message carries the tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane function entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the anchor user plane function entity. After receiving the N4 session establishment request message, the anchor user plane function entity can obtain the tunnel information carried therein in order to establish a tunnel between the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity.
[0215] In another possible implementation, when the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the session management function entity can send a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity of the local switching scenario. This group-level N4 session establishment request message carries tunnel information for multiple second user plane function entities, as well as the number of tunnels to be established. Upon receiving the group-level N4 session establishment request message, the anchor user plane function entity can obtain the tunnel information carried within and determine the number of tunnels to be established. Optionally, based on the received group-level N4 session establishment request message, the anchor user plane function entity can allocate its own tunnel information corresponding to the multiple tunnels to be established and send it to the session management function entity to establish tunnels between the anchor user plane function entity and the multiple second user plane function entities.
[0216] Optionally, when the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0217] Receive N4 session request messages sent by the session management function entity, including:
[0218] Receive group-level N4 session modification request messages sent by the session management function entity. The group-level N4 session modification request messages carry tunnel information of multiple second anchor point user plane function entities.
[0219] Specifically, the anchor user plane functional entity can be a PSA, or other user plane functional entities with similar PDU session anchor functions. In cases where the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity can include the first anchor user plane functional entity. Taking a PSA as an example, the first anchor user plane functional entity can refer to any PSA within a single VN group, for example... Figure 4 The second user plane functional entity may include the second anchor point user plane functional entity, for example, assuming that PSA1, PSA2, etc. are used. Figure 4In this context, PSA1 is the first anchor point user plane functional entity, and the second anchor point user plane functional entity can refer to... Figure 4 PSA2 and PSA3 in the middle.
[0220] In scenarios where the target scenario includes N19 switching, the session management function entity can send a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the first anchor user plane function entity, and then send a group-level N4 session modification request message to the first anchor user plane function entity. In this group-level N4 session modification request message, the session management function entity can carry tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane function entities in the group-level N4 session modification request message. After receiving the group-level N4 session modification request message, the first anchor user plane function entity can obtain the tunnel information of the multiple second anchor user plane function entities carried therein, so as to establish a tunnel between the first anchor user plane function entity and the multiple second anchor user plane function entities.
[0221] The methods provided in the various embodiments of this application are based on the same concept, so the implementation of each method can be referred to each other, and repeated parts will not be described again.
[0222] The methods provided in the above embodiments of this application are illustrated by specific examples below.
[0223] Example 1: Unicast Tunnel Establishment Process in Local Switching Scenario 1
[0224] Figure 7 This is one of the flowcharts for establishing a tunnel in a local switching scenario provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 7 As shown, taking the establishment of a user plane tunnel from UE1 to UE2 (selected with the same PSA) as an example, the main process is as follows:
[0225] 1. UE1 initiates the establishment of a PDU session, carrying the UE2 identifier, such as the Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI).
[0226] 2. After receiving the PDU session establishment request from the AMF, the SMF determines that the session is a 5G LAN type session based on the Data Network Name (DNN) and Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), i.e. (DNN, S-NSSAI). The SMF selects a UPF (including UPF1 and PSA) and assigns tunnel information to all selected UPFs.
[0227] 3. SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to UPF1, carrying the allocated tunnel information of UPF1 and PSA.
[0228] 4. SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to PSA, which carries the tunnel information of UPF1 and PSA.
[0229] 5. SMF determines whether UE2 has completed session establishment.
[0230] 6. If not established, the session establishment process of UE2 can be initiated using the following methods.
[0231] The process of a UE initiating a PDU session with another UE (the following embodiments can all use this method to initiate the UE's session establishment process): The calling UE initiates a data transmission process to the called UE. The calling UE needs to first perform a PDU session establishment process, carrying the mobile phone number to identify the other UE (i.e., the called UE) in the PDU session establishment request message. The SMF determines whether a path exists between the calling and called UEs. If not, the SMF sends signaling to the called UE through the AMF to trigger the called UE's session establishment process. After the called UE's session is established, an inter-satellite link is established (if any), and then the calling UE can transmit data services.
[0232] The other processes in this embodiment are the same as the existing PDU session establishment process.
[0233] The difference from existing technologies is that, in existing technologies, during the PDU session establishment process, the UPF allocates tunnel information and informs other UPFs through the SMF. In this embodiment, the SMF adds the determination of the 5G LAN type. When this is the type, the SMF allocates tunnel information for all UPFs (including PSA).
[0234] Example 2: Multicast Tunnel Establishment Process in Local Switching Scenario 1
[0235] Figure 8 This is the second flowchart of the local switching scenario tunnel establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application, as follows: Figure 8 As shown, taking the example of UE1 sending multicast data to UE2 and UE3, the main process is as follows:
[0236] Steps 1-4, 5-8, and 11-13 in the figure can be referenced from steps 1-4 of Example 1.
[0237] 1. UE1 initiates the establishment of a PDU session, carrying the identifiers of UE2 and UE3, such as GPSI.
[0238] 2. After receiving the PDU session establishment request from the AMF, the SMF determines that the session is a 5G LAN type session based on (DNN, S-NSSAI). The SMF selects a UPF (including UPF1 and PSA) and assigns tunnel information to all selected UPFs.
[0239] 3. SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to UPF1, carrying the allocated tunnel information of UPF1 and PSA.
[0240] 4. SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to PSA, which carries the tunnel information of UPF1 and PSA.
[0241] 5. UE2 initiates the establishment of a PDU session.
[0242] 6. After receiving the PDU session establishment request from the AMF, the SMF determines that the session is a 5G LAN type session based on (DNN, S-NSSAI). The SMF selects a UPF (including UPF2 and PSA) and allocates tunnel information to all selected UPFs.
[0243] 7. SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to UPF2, carrying the allocated tunnel information of UPF2 and PSA.
[0244] 8. SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to PSA, which carries the tunnel information of UPF2 and PSA.
[0245] 9. The SMF determines whether there are any UEs in the multicast group that have not yet established a PDU session.
[0246] 10. The SMF calls UE3, which has not yet established a PDU session. UE3 establishes a PDU session. This process is the same as that of UE1 and UE2. The SMF completes the allocation of tunnel information and sends the tunnel information of the local end and the peer end through the N4 establishment process to complete the tunnel establishment process.
[0247] 11. After receiving the PDU session establishment request from the AMF, the SMF determines that the session is a 5G LAN type session based on (DNN, S-NSSAI). The SMF selects a UPF (including UPF3 and PSA) and allocates tunnel information to all selected UPFs.
[0248] 12. SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to UPF3, carrying the allocated tunnel information of UPF3 and PSA.
[0249] It should be noted that the above example is UE1 sending multicast data to UE2 and UE3. In broadcast scenarios, the session establishment process for more UEs is the same as the above process.
[0250] Compared to Implementation Example 1, the difference in this implementation example is that after UE1 and UE2 complete the session establishment, the SMF confirms that there is still a UE (UE3) that has not established a session. The SMF calls up the UE3 that has not established a session, thereby triggering the session establishment request of UE3, as in steps 9-10.
[0251] Example 3: Unicast Tunnel Establishment Process in Local Switching Scenario 2
[0252] The approach in this embodiment is the same as in Embodiment 1, except that in Embodiment 1, after the SMF determines that the session is of the 5G LAN type, it allocates tunnel information to all UPFs, including UPFs that do not directly establish tunnels with the PSA. In this embodiment, the SMF may only allocate tunnel information to UPFs directly connected to the PSA and the PSA itself, while other UPFs still allocate their own tunnel information.
[0253] Example 4: Unicast Tunnel Establishment Process in Local Switching Scenario 3
[0254] Figure 9 The third flowchart of the local switching scenario tunnel establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application is as follows: Figure 9 As shown, taking the example of UE1 sending unicast data to UE2, the main process is as follows:
[0255] 1. UE1 initiates the session establishment process, carrying the UE2 identifier, such as GPSI.
[0256] 2. SMF selects the UPF corresponding to UE1 (including UPF1).
[0257] 3. The SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to all UPFs except PSA (including UPF1).
[0258] 4. If UE2 has not yet established this (DNN, S-NSSAI) PDU session, then SMF will call UE2 to establish a PDU session.
[0259] 5. The SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to all UPFs except PSA (including UPF2).
[0260] 6. The SMF determines that both UE1 and UE2 have completed the establishment of the user plane path to the UPF, initiates the group-level N4 session establishment process to the PSA, and adds the following:
[0261] a. The number of AN-side tunnels that need to be built (2 here, referring to the tunnels between PSA and UPF1 and UPF2 respectively);
[0262] b. UPF1 tunnel information;
[0263] c. UPF2 tunnel information.
[0264] 7-8. The SMF informs UPF1 and UFP2 of the tunnel information of the PSA allocated by the PSA through the N4 session modification request.
[0265] The differences between this embodiment and the prior art are: 1) Group-level N4 sessions are used in the local switching scenario; 2) The parameters shown in step 6 are added during the establishment of the group-level N4 session; 3) If UE2 has not yet established a PDU session, the call-up method described in Embodiment 1 is used to call up UE2.
[0266] Example 5: Multicast Tunnel Establishment Process in Local Switching Scenarios 2
[0267] Figure 10 The fourth flowchart of the local switching scenario tunnel establishment process provided in the embodiments of this application is as follows: Figure 10 As shown, taking the tunnel establishment process of UE1 to UE3 (same as PSA) as an example, the main process is as follows:
[0268] Steps 1-3 and 4-6 in the figure can be referred to steps 1-3 of Example 4.
[0269] 1. UE1 initiates the session establishment process, carrying the identifiers of UE2 and UE3, such as GPSI.
[0270] 2. SMF selects the UPF corresponding to UE1 (including UPF1).
[0271] 3. The SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to all UPFs except PSA (including UPF1).
[0272] 4. UE2 initiates the session establishment process.
[0273] 5. SMF selects the UPF corresponding to UE2 (including UPF2).
[0274] 6. The SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to all UPFs except PSA (including UPF2).
[0275] 7. The SMF determines whether there are any UEs that have not yet established a PDU session and starts a timer.
[0276] 8. SMF calls UE3 that has not yet established a PDU session to establish a PDU session.
[0277] 9. SMF selects the UPF corresponding to UE3 (including UPF3).
[0278] 10. SMF sends an N4 session establishment request to all UPFs except PSA (including UPF3).
[0279] 11. If the timer times out or the SMF determines that all UEs have completed the user plane path establishment to the UPF, the SMF initiates a group-level N4 session establishment procedure to the PSA, and adds the following:
[0280] a. The number of tunnels to be built (here, 3 refers to the tunnels between PSA and UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3 respectively);
[0281] b. Tunnel information for UPF1 to UPF3.
[0282] 12-14. The SMF informs UPF1, UPF2 and UPF3 of the tunnel information of the PSA assigned by the PSA through the N4 session modification request.
[0283] Example 6: Tunnel Establishment in N19 Switching Scenario
[0284] Figure 11 A flowchart illustrating the tunnel establishment process for the N19 switching scenario provided in this application embodiment is shown below. Figure 11 As shown, taking the establishment of the N19 tunnel between members UE1 to UE3 within the group as an example, the main process is as follows:
[0285] 1. UE1 establishes a tunnel to the corresponding PSA1.
[0286] 2. SMF establishes a group-level N4 session with PSA1 and instructs PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information.
[0287] 3. SMF start timer.
[0288] 4. UE2 establishes a tunnel to the corresponding PSA2.
[0289] 5. SMF establishes a group-level N4 session with PSA2 and instructs PSA2 to allocate N19 tunnel information.
[0290] 6. The SMF determines whether there are any UEs in the group that have not established a PDU session. If there are, proceed to step 7; otherwise, proceed to step 9.
[0291] 7. (Optional) SMF calls UE3, a group member whose PDU session has not yet been established.
[0292] 8. SMF sends an instruction to PSA3 to allocate PSA3 N19 tunnel information through the group-level N4 session. After allocating the tunnel information, PSA3 returns the tunnel information to SMF.
[0293] 9-10. The SMF determines that all UEs have completed user plane path establishment to the PSA or the timer has timed out. The SMF then sends N19 tunnel information for all PSAs except the one it is currently using. For example, the SMF sends N19 tunnel information for all PSAs other than PSA1 (PSA2, PSA3) to PSA1.
[0294] It should be noted that:
[0295] a. One possible implementation is that in steps 5 and 8, the group-level N4 session establishment request sent by the SMF may not carry the N19 tunnel information of the PSA; another possible implementation is that the group-level N4 session establishment request sent by the SMF in step 5 carries the N19 tunnel information of PSA1, and the group-level N4 session establishment request sent by the SMF in step 8 carries the N19 tunnel information of PSA1 and PSA2. Then, when the SMF sends the group-level N4 session modification request to each PSA in steps 9 and 10, it only carries the N19 tunnel information of other PSAs unknown to each PSA.
[0296] b. The timer can also be set after the judgment in step 6.
[0297] Example 7: Tunnel Establishment in a Local Switching + N19 Switching Scenario
[0298] Figure 12 The flowchart of the tunnel establishment process for local switching and N19 switching scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application is as follows: Figure 12 As shown, taking the establishment of a local switching scenario data transmission tunnel by UE1 to UE2 and the establishment of an N19 switching scenario data transmission tunnel by UE3 to UE4 as an example, where UE1 and UE2 correspond to the same PSA1, UE3 corresponds to PSA2, and UE4 corresponds to PSA3, the main process includes:
[0299] 1. Tunnel establishment in local switching scenarios: Same as in Example 1, Example 3 or Example 4.
[0300] 2. Tunnel establishment for N19 exchange scenario: Same as in Example 6.
[0301] It should be noted that the order of steps 1 and 2 above is not important, and they may be performed simultaneously.
[0302] The methods and apparatuses provided in the various embodiments of this application are based on the same concept. Since the methods and apparatuses solve problems in similar ways, the implementations of the apparatuses and methods can refer to each other, and repeated details will not be repeated.
[0303] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the session management function entity provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 13As shown, the session management function entity includes a memory 1320, a transceiver 1310, and a processor 1300; wherein the processor 1300 and the memory 1320 can also be physically arranged separately.
[0304] The memory 1320 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1310 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1300.
[0305] Specifically, transceiver 1310 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1300.
[0306] Among them, Figure 13 In this application, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1300 and memory represented by memory 1320 together. The bus architecture may also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1310 may be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, and other transmission media.
[0307] The processor 1300 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory 1320 can store the data used by the processor 1300 when performing operations.
[0308] The processor 1300 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.
[0309] The processor 1300 calls the computer program stored in the memory 1320 to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application according to the obtained executable instructions, such as: sending an N4 session request message to a first user plane functional entity, wherein the N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane functional entities; wherein, the multiple user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity.
[0310] Optionally, an N4 session request message is sent to the first user plane functional entity, including:
[0311] Based on the target scenario, send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity;
[0312] The target scenarios include local switching scenarios and / or N19 switching scenarios.
[0313] Optionally, if the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes the anchor user plane functional entity of the local switching scenario.
[0314] Send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity, including:
[0315] Send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity, the N4 session establishment request message carrying the tunnel information of the anchor user plane functional entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane functional entity; or,
[0316] Send a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries the number of tunnels to be established, as well as the tunnel information of multiple second user plane functional entities.
[0317] Optionally, before sending the N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity, the method further includes:
[0318] Assign tunnel information to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
[0319] Optionally, tunnel information is assigned to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity, including:
[0320] If the target session is determined to be a LAN type session, tunnel information is assigned to the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity.
[0321] Optionally, the method further includes:
[0322] Tunnel information is assigned to the third user plane functional entity, which is any other user plane functional entity on the target user plane path other than the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
[0323] Optionally, a group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane function entity, including:
[0324] If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the second user plane functional entity, a group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane functional entity.
[0325] Optionally, the method further includes:
[0326] If it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start a timer.
[0327] Optionally, when the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0328] Send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity, including:
[0329] A group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity. The group-level N4 session modification request message carries tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane functional entities.
[0330] Optionally, a group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane function entity, including:
[0331] If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the corresponding anchor user plane functional entity, a group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0332] Optionally, the method further includes:
[0333] If it is determined that the first terminal in the virtual network group has established a user plane path to the anchor user plane function entity corresponding to the first terminal, or if it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start the timer.
[0334] Optionally, the plurality of second anchor point user plane functional entities include some or all of the anchor point user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first anchor point user plane functional entity.
[0335] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first user plane functional entity provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the first user plane functional entity includes a memory 1420, a transceiver 1410, and a processor 1400; wherein the processor 1400 and the memory 1420 can also be physically arranged separately.
[0336] The memory 1420 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1410 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1400.
[0337] Specifically, transceiver 1410 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1400.
[0338] Among them, Figure 14 In this application, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1400 and memory represented by memory 1420 together. The bus architecture may also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1410 may be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, and other transmission media.
[0339] The processor 1400 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory 1420 can store the data used by the processor 1400 when performing operations.
[0340] The processor 1400 can be a CPU, ASIC, FPGA or CPLD, and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.
[0341] The processor 1400 calls a computer program stored in the memory 1420 to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application according to the obtained executable instructions, such as: receiving an N4 session request message sent by a session management function entity, wherein the N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities; wherein the multiple user plane function entities include one or more second user plane function entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane function entity.
[0342] Optionally, receiving an N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity, including:
[0343] Based on the target scenario, receive the N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity;
[0344] The target scenarios include local switching scenarios and / or N19 switching scenarios.
[0345] Optionally, if the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes the anchor user plane functional entity of the local switching scenario.
[0346] Receive N4 session request messages sent by the session management function entity, including:
[0347] Receive an N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity. The N4 session establishment request message carries tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and tunnel information of the second user plane function entity; or,
[0348] Receive a group-level N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries information on the number of tunnels to be established, as well as tunnel information of multiple second user plane function entities.
[0349] Optionally, when the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0350] Receive N4 session request messages sent by the session management function entity, including:
[0351] Receive group-level N4 session modification request messages sent by the session management function entity. The group-level N4 session modification request messages carry tunnel information of multiple second anchor point user plane function entities.
[0352] It should be noted that the session management function entity and the first user plane function entity provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.
[0353] Figure 15 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a tunnel establishment device provided in the embodiments of this application. This device can be applied to session management functional entities, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the device includes:
[0354] The sending unit 1500 is used to send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity. The N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane functional entities.
[0355] Among them, multiple user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity.
[0356] Optionally, an N4 session request message is sent to the first user plane functional entity, including:
[0357] Based on the target scenario, send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity;
[0358] The target scenarios include local switching scenarios and / or N19 switching scenarios.
[0359] Optionally, if the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes the anchor user plane functional entity of the local switching scenario.
[0360] Send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity, including:
[0361] Send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity, the N4 session establishment request message carrying the tunnel information of the anchor user plane functional entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane functional entity; or,
[0362] Send a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries the number of tunnels to be established, as well as the tunnel information of multiple second user plane functional entities.
[0363] Optionally, the device further includes:
[0364] The allocation unit 1510 is used to allocate tunnel information to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
[0365] Optionally, tunnel information is assigned to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity, including:
[0366] If the target session is determined to be a LAN type session, tunnel information is assigned to the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity.
[0367] Optionally, the allocation unit 1510 is also used for:
[0368] Tunnel information is assigned to the third user plane functional entity, which is any other user plane functional entity on the target user plane path other than the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
[0369] Optionally, a group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane function entity, including:
[0370] If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the second user plane functional entity, a group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane functional entity.
[0371] Optionally, the device further includes:
[0372] The first timing unit 1520 is used to start a timer when it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session.
[0373] Optionally, when the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0374] Send an N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity, including:
[0375] A group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity. The group-level N4 session modification request message carries tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane functional entities.
[0376] Optionally, a group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane function entity, including:
[0377] If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the corresponding anchor user plane functional entity, a group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0378] Optionally, the device further includes:
[0379] The second timing unit 1530 is used to start a timer when it is determined that a user plane path has been established to the anchor user plane function entity corresponding to the first terminal in the virtual network group, or when it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session.
[0380] Optionally, the plurality of second anchor point user plane functional entities include some or all of the anchor point user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first anchor point user plane functional entity.
[0381] Figure 16 This is a second schematic diagram of the tunnel establishment device provided in the embodiments of this application. This device can be applied to a first user plane functional entity, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the device includes:
[0382] The receiving unit 1600 is used to receive the N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity. The N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities.
[0383] Among them, multiple user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity.
[0384] Optionally, receiving an N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity, including:
[0385] Based on the target scenario, receive the N4 session request message sent by the session management function entity;
[0386] The target scenarios include local switching scenarios and / or N19 switching scenarios.
[0387] Optionally, if the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes the anchor user plane functional entity of the local switching scenario.
[0388] Receive N4 session request messages sent by the session management function entity, including:
[0389] Receive an N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity. The N4 session establishment request message carries tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and tunnel information of the second user plane function entity; or,
[0390] Receive a group-level N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries information on the number of tunnels to be established, as well as tunnel information of multiple second user plane function entities.
[0391] Optionally, when the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
[0392] Receive N4 session request messages sent by the session management function entity, including:
[0393] Receive group-level N4 session modification request messages sent by the session management function entity. The group-level N4 session modification request messages carry tunnel information of multiple second anchor point user plane function entities.
[0394] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.
[0395] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.
[0396] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.
[0397] On the other hand, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute the tunnel establishment methods provided in the above embodiments.
[0398] It should be noted that the computer-readable storage medium provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.
[0399] The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that a computer can access, including but not limited to magnetic storage (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MOs), etc.), optical storage (e.g., CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor storage (e.g., ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memory (NAND flash), solid-state drives (SSDs)).
[0400] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various systems, especially 5G systems. For example, applicable systems include Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and 5G New Radio (NR). All of these systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The systems may also include a core network component, such as Evolved Packet System (EPS) and 5G system (5GS).
[0401] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.
[0402] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.
[0403] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.
[0404] These processors can execute instructions that can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, causing a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.
[0405] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.
Claims
1. A method for establishing a tunnel, characterized in that, Entities applied to session management functionality include: Based on the target scenario, an N4 session request message is sent to the first user plane functional entity. The N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane functional entities. The target scenario includes a local switching scenario and / or an N19 switching scenario. The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity; When the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane function entity includes the anchor user plane function entity of the local switching scenario. Sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes: Send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity, the N4 session establishment request message carrying the tunnel information of the anchor user plane functional entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane functional entity; or, Send a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries the number of tunnels to be established, as well as the tunnel information of multiple second user plane functional entities. In the case where the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity. Sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes: A group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity, the group-level N4 session modification request message carrying tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane functional entities.
2. The tunnel construction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before sending the N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity, the method further includes: Tunnel information is assigned to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
3. The tunnel construction method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The allocation of tunnel information to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity includes: If the target session is determined to be a LAN type session, tunnel information is assigned to the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity.
4. The tunnel construction method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Tunnel information is allocated to the third user plane functional entity, which is the other user plane functional entity on the target user plane path besides the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
5. The tunnel construction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity includes: If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the second user plane function entity, a group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane function entity.
6. The tunnel construction method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: If it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start a timer.
7. The tunnel construction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sending a group-level N4 session modification request message to the first anchor user plane functional entity includes: If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the corresponding anchor user plane functional entity, a group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity.
8. The tunnel construction method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: If it is determined that the first terminal in the virtual network group has established a user plane path to the anchor user plane function entity corresponding to the first terminal, or if it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start the timer.
9. The tunnel construction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of second anchor user plane functional entities include some or all of the anchor user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity.
10. A method for establishing a tunnel, characterized in that, The functional entities applied to the first user plane include: Receive an N4 session request message sent by a session management function entity, wherein the N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities; The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity; The first user plane functional entity includes the anchor user plane functional entity for the local switching scenario, and the receiving of the N4 session request message sent by the session management functional entity includes: Receive an N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity, wherein the N4 session establishment request message carries the tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane function entity; or, Receive a group-level N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries information on the number of tunnels to be established, as well as tunnel information of multiple second user plane function entities. And / or, The first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity for the N19 switching scenario, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity. Receiving the N4 session request message sent by the session management functional entity includes: Receive a group-level N4 session modification request message sent by the session management function entity, wherein the group-level N4 session modification request message carries tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane function entities.
11. A session management function entity, characterized in that, Includes memory, transceiver, and processor: A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations: Based on the target scenario, an N4 session request message is sent to the first user plane functional entity. The N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane functional entities. The target scenario includes a local switching scenario and / or an N19 switching scenario. The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity; When the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane function entity includes the anchor user plane function entity of the local switching scenario. Sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes: Send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity, the N4 session establishment request message carrying the tunnel information of the anchor user plane functional entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane functional entity; or, Send a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries the number of tunnels to be established, as well as the tunnel information of multiple second user plane functional entities. In the case where the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity. Sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes: A group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity, the group-level N4 session modification request message carrying tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane functional entities.
12. The session management function entity according to claim 11, characterized in that, Before sending the N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity, the operation further includes: Tunnel information is assigned to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity.
13. The session management function entity according to claim 12, characterized in that, The allocation of tunnel information to the anchor point user plane functional entity and the second user plane functional entity includes: If the target session is determined to be a LAN type session, tunnel information is assigned to the anchor user plane function entity and the second user plane function entity.
14. The session management function entity according to claim 11, characterized in that, Sending a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane function entity includes: If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the second user plane function entity, a group-level N4 session establishment request message is sent to the anchor user plane function entity.
15. The session management function entity according to claim 14, characterized in that, The operation also includes: If it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start a timer.
16. The session management function entity according to claim 11, characterized in that, Sending a group-level N4 session modification request message to the first anchor user plane functional entity includes: If the timer expires or if all terminals in the virtual network group establish user plane paths to the corresponding anchor user plane functional entity, a group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity.
17. The session management function entity according to claim 16, characterized in that, The operation also includes: If it is determined that the first terminal in the virtual network group has established a user plane path to the anchor user plane function entity corresponding to the first terminal, or if it is determined that there are terminals in the virtual network group that have not yet established a session, start the timer.
18. A first user plane functional entity, characterized in that, Includes memory, transceiver, and processor: A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations: Receive an N4 session request message sent by a session management function entity, wherein the N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities; The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity; The first user plane functional entity includes the anchor user plane functional entity for the local switching scenario, and the receiving of the N4 session request message sent by the session management functional entity includes: Receive an N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity, wherein the N4 session establishment request message carries the tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane function entity; or, Receive a group-level N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries information on the number of tunnels to be established, as well as tunnel information of multiple second user plane function entities. And / or, The first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity for the N19 switching scenario, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity. Receiving the N4 session request message sent by the session management functional entity includes: Receive a group-level N4 session modification request message sent by the session management function entity, wherein the group-level N4 session modification request message carries tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane function entities.
19. A tunnel-building device, characterized in that, Entities applied to session management functionality include: The sending unit is used to send an N4 session request message to a first user plane functional entity based on a target scenario. The N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane functional entities. The target scenario includes a local switching scenario and / or an N19 switching scenario. The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity; When the target scenario includes a local switching scenario, the first user plane function entity includes the anchor user plane function entity of the local switching scenario. Sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes: Send an N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity, the N4 session establishment request message carrying the tunnel information of the anchor user plane functional entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane functional entity; or, Send a group-level N4 session establishment request message to the anchor user plane functional entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries the number of tunnels to be established, as well as the tunnel information of multiple second user plane functional entities. In the case where the target scenario includes an N19 switching scenario, the first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity. Sending the N4 session request message to the first user plane functional entity includes: A group-level N4 session modification request message is sent to the first anchor user plane functional entity, the group-level N4 session modification request message carrying tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane functional entities.
20. A tunnel-building device, characterized in that, The functional entities applied to the first user plane include: The receiving unit is used to receive an N4 session request message sent by a session management function entity, wherein the N4 session request message carries tunnel information of multiple user plane function entities. The plurality of user plane functional entities include one or more second user plane functional entities that need to establish a tunnel with the first user plane functional entity; The first user plane functional entity includes the anchor user plane functional entity for the local switching scenario, and the receiving of the N4 session request message sent by the session management functional entity includes: Receive an N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity, wherein the N4 session establishment request message carries the tunnel information of the anchor user plane function entity and the tunnel information of the second user plane function entity; or, Receive a group-level N4 session establishment request message sent by the session management function entity. The group-level N4 session establishment request message carries information on the number of tunnels to be established, as well as tunnel information of multiple second user plane function entities. And / or, The first user plane functional entity includes a first anchor user plane functional entity for the N19 switching scenario, and the second user plane functional entity includes a second anchor user plane functional entity that needs to establish a tunnel with the first anchor user plane functional entity. Receiving the N4 session request message sent by the session management functional entity includes: Receive a group-level N4 session modification request message sent by the session management function entity, wherein the group-level N4 session modification request message carries tunnel information of multiple second anchor user plane function entities.
21. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that enables a computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 9, or the method of claim 10.
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Patent Citations
Data usage reporting method, device and system
CN111436030A