Method for controlling transmission of media streaming service and electronic device

Abstract

Provided are a method of controlling transmission of media stream service, an electronic device, a user terminal for controlling transmission of media stream service, a network node in a data network and a network node in a core network, a system for controlling transmission of media stream service, and a nonvolatile computer readable storage medium. In embodiments of the present disclosure, by receiving a policy template with continuity characteristics from a device on the network side, the user terminal can use a PDU session with appropriate continuity characteristics to carry the service of the media stream when moving.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on September 30, 2020, with application number 202011064131.8 and the invention title "Method and Electronic Device for Controlling Media Stream Service Transmission". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication, and more specifically to a method for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, an electronic device, a user terminal for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, a network node in a data network and a network node in a core network, a system for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, and a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0003] Compared to traditional communication systems, 5G systems offer many new features, such as mobile broadband connections with high bit rates and low latency, network slicing, distributed and mobile edge computing, which can improve the quality and efficiency of audio and video streaming services and provide new services beyond traditional 2D video (such as virtual reality and mixed reality), which presents new opportunities in both technology and business.

[0004] Currently, the 5G Media Streaming Architecture (5GMSA) offers a simpler and more modular design, enabling third-party content service providers, broadcasters, and mobile network operators to collaborate to varying degrees. Its focus is on leveraging the concept of capability exposure to provide external service providers with a simple way to interact with 5G network and device capabilities, and to utilize the features offered by 5G to deliver better media services.

[0005] The current Third Generation Partnership Project Technical Specification (3GPP TS) provides the 5G Media Streaming System (5GMS) for media streaming transmission. The 5GMS system is a collection of application functions, application servers, terminal devices, and interfaces within the 5G media streaming architecture, supporting downlink media streaming services, uplink media streaming services, or both. Different continuity modes are set up for Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions to provide different continuity for different PDU sessions.

[0006] However, the current 5GMS system's control over media stream data transmission is still not granular enough. For example, the network-side equipment in the current 5GMS system cannot distinguish between multiple media stream service data with the same IP address and port number. Furthermore, the interaction between the network-side equipment and the application server in the current 5GMS system does not take into account the continuity requirements of different types of media stream services, thus failing to achieve the interaction and negotiation of service continuity requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To overcome the deficiencies in the prior art, this disclosure proposes a method for controlling media stream service transmission executed by a user terminal, a method for controlling media stream service transmission executed by a network node in a data network, a method for controlling media stream service transmission executed by a network node in a core network, a method for controlling media stream service transmission, and corresponding electronic devices and non-volatile computer-readable storage media.

[0008] This disclosure provides a method for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service. The method includes: receiving policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service from a network node in a data network, wherein the policy template information includes continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; determining the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service to be initiated based on the media streaming service to be initiated and the policy template information; determining whether a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session capable of carrying the media streaming service to be initiated exists, wherein the PDU session possesses the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; if the PDU session exists, binding the media streaming service to be initiated to the PDU session; if the PDU session does not exist, establishing a PDU session possessing the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service. The network node in the data network includes a service server. The policy template information can be considered a local policy of a user terminal.

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for controlling the transmission of media streaming services. The method includes: receiving policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming services and at least one service identifier corresponding to the policy template information from a network node in a data network, wherein the service identifier is used to distinguish media streaming services of different service types within the media streaming services; determining, based on the policy template information and the at least one service identifier, a service identifier corresponding to a media streaming service of a service type among the media streaming services to be initiated; and binding the media streaming service of the service type to a Quality of Service (QoS) stream in the PDU session corresponding to the service identifier based on the service identifier. The network node in the data network includes a service server. The policy template information can be considered a local policy of a user terminal.

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a method for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service. The method includes: sending at least one continuity request for a media streaming service to a network node in a core network; receiving continuity characteristics of the media streaming service from the network node in the core network; determining policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; and sending the policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service to a user terminal.

[0011] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for controlling the transmission of media streaming services. The method includes: sending a service identifier for the media streaming service to a network node in a core network, the service identifier being used to distinguish different service types of media streaming services; receiving, from the network node in the core network, a service identifier confirmed by the network node in the core network; determining policy template information for controlling the transmission of media streaming services corresponding to the confirmed service identifier; and sending the policy template information for controlling the transmission of media streaming services and the confirmed service identifier to a user terminal.

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for controlling the transmission of media streaming services. The method includes: sending a service flow type identifier of the media streaming service to a network node in a core network, the service flow type identifier describing different functions of the media streaming services; receiving a service distinguisher of the media streaming service from a network node in the core network, the service distinguisher corresponding to the service flow type identifier; determining policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service corresponding to the confirmed service distinguisher; and sending the policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service and the confirmed service distinguisher to a user terminal. Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for controlling the transmission of media streaming services executed by a network node in a core network. The method includes: receiving a continuity requirement for at least one media streaming service from a network node in a data network; determining continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service based on the continuity requirement; and sending the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service to a network node in the data network. The network node in the data network includes a service server.

[0013] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service. The method includes: receiving a service identifier for the media streaming service from a network node in a data network; determining a service identifier for the media streaming service based on the service identifier and a local configuration; and sending the service identifier for the media streaming service to the network node in the data network. The network node in the data network includes a service server.

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service. The method includes: receiving a service flow type identifier for the media streaming service from a network node in a data network; determining a service distinguisher for the media streaming service based on the service flow type identifier and a local configuration; and sending the service distinguisher for the media streaming service to the network node in the data network. The network node in the data network includes a service server.

[0015] This disclosure provides a method for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service. The method includes: a network node in a data network sending at least one continuity request for a media streaming service to a network node in a core network; the network node in the core network determining continuity characteristics of the media streaming service based on the continuity request; the network node in the core network sending the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service to the network node in the data network; the network node in the data network determining policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; and the network node in the data network sending information to a user terminal for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service. The process involves: 1) determining the policy template information; 2) the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated based on the proposed media stream service and the policy template information; 3) determining whether a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session exists capable of carrying the proposed media stream service, wherein the PDU session possesses the continuity characteristics of the media stream service; 4) binding the proposed media stream service to the PDU session if the PDU session exists; and 5) establishing a PDU session with the continuity characteristics of the media stream service if the PDU session does not exist. The network nodes in the data network include service servers.

[0016] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, implement the above-described method.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product or computer program is provided, comprising computer instructions stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the computer device to perform the methods provided in the foregoing aspects or various alternative implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0018] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an electronic device, including: a processor; and a memory, wherein the memory stores a computer-executable program, and when the processor executes the computer-executable program, the above-described method is performed.

[0019] This disclosure provides an embodiment of a user terminal for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service. The user terminal includes: a memory; and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory. The memory and the one or more processors are configured to: receive policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service from a network node in a data network, wherein the policy template information includes continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; determine the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service to be initiated based on the media streaming service to be initiated and the policy template information; determine whether a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session capable of carrying the media streaming service to be initiated exists, wherein the PDU session possesses the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; if the PDU session exists, bind the media streaming service to be initiated to the PDU session; if the PDU session does not exist, establish a PDU session possessing the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service. The network node in the data network includes a service server.

[0020] This disclosure provides an embodiment of a user terminal for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service. The user terminal includes: a receiving unit configured to receive policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service from a network node in a data network, wherein the policy template information includes continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; a first determining unit configured to determine the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service to be initiated based on the media streaming service to be initiated and the policy template information; a second determining unit configured to determine whether a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session capable of carrying the media streaming service to be initiated exists, wherein the PDU session possesses the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; and a session unit configured to bind the media streaming service to be initiated to the PDU session if the PDU session exists, and establish a PDU session possessing the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service if the PDU session does not exist. The network node in the data network includes a service server.

[0021] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a network node in a data network for controlling the transmission of media streaming services. The network node in the data network includes a service server. The network node in the data network includes: a memory; and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory, the memory and the one or more processors being configured to: send at least one continuity request for a media streaming service to a network node in a core network; receive continuity characteristics of the media streaming service from the network node in the core network; determine policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; and send the policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service to a user terminal.

[0022] This disclosure provides an embodiment of a network node in a data network for controlling the transmission of media streaming services. The network node in the data network includes: a first sending unit configured to send at least one continuity request for a media streaming service to a network node in a core network; a receiving unit configured to receive the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service from the network node in the core network; a determining unit configured to determine policy template information for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; and a second sending unit configured to send the policy template information for controlling the transmission of media streaming services to a user terminal. The network node in the data network includes a service server.

[0023] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a network node in a core network for controlling media streaming service transmission, comprising: a memory; and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory, the memory and the one or more processors being configured to: receive continuity requests for at least one media streaming service from network nodes in a data network; determine continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service based on the continuity requests; and send the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service to network nodes in the data network. The network nodes in the data network include service servers.

[0024] This disclosure provides an embodiment of a network node in a core network for controlling media streaming service transmission, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive at least one media streaming service continuity request from a network node in a data network; a determining unit configured to determine the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service based on the continuity request; and a sending unit configured to send the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service to the network node in the data network. The network node in the data network includes a service server.

[0025] This disclosure provides an embodiment of a system for controlling media streaming service transmission, including a user terminal, network nodes in a data network, and network nodes in a core network. The network nodes in the data network are configured to: send at least one media streaming service continuity request to the network nodes in the core network; receive continuity characteristics of the media streaming service from the network nodes in the core network; determine policy template information for controlling media streaming transmission, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; and send the policy template information for controlling media streaming service transmission to the user terminal. The network nodes in the core network are configured to: receive at least one media streaming service continuity request from the network nodes in the data network; determine the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service based on the continuity requirements of the at least one media streaming service; and send the policy template information for controlling media streaming service transmission to the user terminal. The user terminal is configured to: receive policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media stream service from a network node in the data network, wherein the policy template information includes the continuity characteristics of the media stream service; determine the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated based on the media stream service to be initiated and the policy template information; determine whether there exists a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session capable of carrying the media stream service to be initiated, wherein the PDU session possesses the continuity characteristics of the media stream service; bind the media stream service to be initiated to the PDU session if the PDU session exists; and establish a PDU session possessing the continuity characteristics of the media stream service if the PDU session does not exist. The network node in the data network includes a service server.

[0026] In the embodiments of this disclosure, by receiving a policy template with continuity characteristics from a network-side device, a user terminal can use a PDU session with appropriate continuity characteristics to carry the media stream service when initiating or changing the media stream service. This enables the user terminal to achieve continuity control of the media stream service during mobility. This solves the problem in the prior art where mobile network-side devices cannot configure corresponding service continuity for specific types of media stream services for user terminals according to the actual needs of the service.

[0027] In the embodiments of this disclosure, by receiving a service distinguisher from the network-side device, the user terminal can divide a media stream service into different types of service streams when initiating or changing the service of the media stream, and carry these service streams using different QoS (Quality of Service) streams in the same PDU session, so as to more finely control the transmission of media stream data streams by the current 5GMS system.

[0028] In embodiments of this disclosure, network nodes of the data network (DN) can negotiate with network nodes of the core network (CN) the continuity characteristics of media streaming services or at least one type of media streaming service, thereby enabling the network side to control service continuity when transmitting media streaming services.

[0029] In the embodiments of this disclosure, network-side devices and user terminals can use service distinguishers to identify the sub-types of media stream services, and use service stream type distinguishers to further divide media stream services with the same service distinguishers, thereby achieving more refined quality of service (QoS) control and service continuity control for media stream services. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0031] Figure 1 An architecture of a communication system in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0032] Figure 2A A flowchart is shown of a method executed by a user terminal for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2B A schematic diagram is shown of a method for controlling media streaming service transmission executed by a user terminal, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3A A flowchart is shown of a method for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, performed by a network node in a data network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 3B A schematic diagram is shown of a method for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, performed by a network node in a data network, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 A flowchart is shown of a method for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, performed by a network node in a data network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for controlling media streaming service transmission according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0038] Figure 6 An architecture of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] In the current 5GMS system, the control strategies for media stream services sent by network-side devices to user terminals do not consider the service continuity issue of media streams. Furthermore, the stream descriptors related to the control strategies sent by the network side to user terminals only include the following information: IP stream direction information (e.g., whether the IP stream belongs to the uplink or downlink), source IP address, destination IP address, IP protocol, source IP port, and destination IP port. Media stream services can also be further extended to broader Internet data services.

[0041] Therefore, current 5GMS network-side equipment cannot distinguish between data from multiple media stream service types that share the same IP address and port number. Furthermore, during the interaction between current 5GMS network-side equipment and user terminals, the 5GMS network-side equipment does not configure corresponding service continuity for media stream services based on the actual service continuity requirements of multimedia services.

[0042] To overcome the deficiencies in the prior art, this disclosure proposes a method for controlling media stream service transmission executed by a user terminal, a method for controlling media stream service transmission executed by a network node in a data network, a method for controlling media stream service transmission executed by a network node in a core network, a method for controlling media stream service transmission, and corresponding electronic devices and non-volatile computer-readable storage media.

[0043] In the embodiments of this disclosure, by receiving a policy template with continuity characteristics from a network-side device, a user terminal can use a PDU session with appropriate continuity characteristics to carry the media stream service when initiating or changing the media stream service. This enables the user terminal to achieve continuity control of the media stream service during mobility. This solves the problem in the prior art where network-side devices cannot configure corresponding service continuity for specific types of media stream services on the user terminal according to the actual service continuity requirements of multimedia services.

[0044] In embodiments of this disclosure, network nodes of the data network (DN) can negotiate at least one continuity feature of a media stream service with network nodes of the core network (CN), thereby enabling the network side to control service continuity when transmitting media stream services.

[0045] In the embodiments of this disclosure, network-side devices and user terminals can use service distinguishers to identify the sub-types of media stream services, and use service stream type identifiers to further divide media stream services with the same service distinguisher, thereby achieving more refined QoS control and service continuity control for media stream services.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 This document describes the architecture of a communication system in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied. The communication system may include a 5G system, or any other type of wireless communication system, such as a 6G communication system. In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated using a 5G system as an example; however, it should be understood that the following description is also applicable to other types of wireless communication systems.

[0047] Figure 1 A communication system architecture in which methods of embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied is illustrated.

[0048] The following is a brief description Figure 1 The various entities within.

[0049] UE 101 (also known as User Equipment) is a device that provides voice and / or data connectivity to a user. UE 101 can communicate with one or more service servers via a Radio Access Network (RAN). UE 101 can be a mobile terminal, such as a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and a computer with a mobile terminal. For example, UE 101 can be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device, such as a Subscriber Unit, Subscriber Station, Mobile Station, Mobile, Remote Station, Access Point, Remote Terminal, Access Terminal, User Terminal, User Agent, or User Device.

[0050] UE 101 and (Radio)Access Network ((R)AN) 102 (hereinafter referred to as (R)AN102) establish a wireless connection through a radio interface. Optionally, this radio interface is a 5G standard-based radio interface, such as NR; or, the radio interface may also be a radio interface based on a next-generation mobile communication network technology standard (e.g., 6G) based on 5G. In addition to the radio access network, the access network may also include access technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, UE 101 includes multiple modules or circuits to implement various functions in the 5G communication system. UE 101 includes a 5GMS Client 1011 and a 5GMS Aware Application 1012.

[0052] Among them, 5GMS-aware application 1012 is a functional entity provided by the 5GMS application provider and installed on the UE side. It is mainly used to implement functions other than 5GMS client 1011 (e.g., transmission of untrusted data or non-media-related functions). 5GMS-aware application 1012 can access interfaces defined in the 5GMS architecture (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The M8 interface in the network interacts with the 5GMS application provider 1023 on the network side, or through the application programming interface (API) (e.g., Figure 1 The M6 ​​and M7 interfaces in the system interact with the 5GMS client.

[0053] The 5GMS client 1011 is another functional entity in UE 101 used to control 5G media stream transmission. It can be used for downlink, uplink, or both. The 5GMS client can be controlled by internal or external media applications, such as applications that implement application or content service provider-specific logic and allow the establishment of media sessions. The 5GMS client 1011 may include a 5G media stream processing device 10112 and a 5G media session processing device 10111.

[0054] The 5G media session processing device 10111 can communicate with the 5GMS AF 1021 to establish, control, and support the transmission of media sessions. The media session processing device 10111 can provide an application programming interface M6 that can be used by the 5GMS-aware application 1012 and the media stream processing device 10112. The main functions of the media session processing device 10111 include: session-level control of streaming media communication, collection and reporting of performance metrics, usage reporting, providing network auxiliary functions, configuring media control interfaces for interaction with different UE media functions, configuring media control interfaces for media session management, and configuring control interfaces for performance metric collection and reporting.

[0055] The 5G media stream processing device 10112 can transmit media stream content and provide an application programming interface (API) M7 for media playback to the 5GMS sensing application 1012, and an API M7 for media stream session control to the media session processing device 10111. That is, the API M7 can interact with both the 5GMS sensing application 1012 and the media session processing device 10111.

[0056] The network side of the 5GMS system can include Figure 1 The data network (DN) 102 and the core network (CN) 103 are included.

[0057] CN 103 is a core network that can be used for 5G communication. CN 103 includes NEF (Network Node for Network Open Functions) 1031 and PCF (Network Node for Policy and Charging Rules Functions) 1032. Those skilled in the art will understand that CN103 can also support later-generation communication networks, such as 6G.

[0058] DN 102 is the network responsible for providing data services to terminals. For example, some network nodes in DN 102 are service servers that provide Internet access functionality for UE 101, while other network nodes in DN 102 are service servers that provide SMS functionality for UE 101, and so on. DN 102 mainly includes 5GMS AF (5G network node for controlling media streaming service functions) 1021, 5GMS AS (5G streaming media dedicated application server) 1022, and 5G application provider 1023.

[0059] 5GMS AF 1021 is a network node in DN 102 dedicated to controlling media streaming functions. For example... Figure 1As described above, for 5G media streaming services, the 5GMS AF 1021 can provide media streaming session configuration information to the media session processing device 10111 through interface M5 to realize media streaming session processing and control, and assist in the transmission of media streaming content. For example, the 5GMS AF 1021 can provide server address, traffic reporting strategy, performance indicator reporting strategy, network auxiliary information related configurations, etc.

[0060] The 5GMS AF 1021 can send policy templates and other information to the media session processing device 10111 through the M5 interface to control the implementation of media stream service functions.

[0061] The 5GMS AS 1022 can send or receive media stream service related data to or from the media stream processing device 10112 via interface M4.

[0062] The 5GMS AF 1021 can be directly connected to the NEF (Network Opening Function) 1031 and PCF (Policy and Charging Rules Function) 1032 of CN 103 through interfaces N5 and N33 respectively to support network capability opening and policy and charging rule related functions.

[0063] NEF 1031 is a network node in the 5G core network used to provide frameworks, authentication, and interfaces related to network capability openness, and to transmit information between 5G system network functions and other network functions. 5GMS AF 1021 sends information such as application deployment location, traffic splitting rules, and routing rules to NEF via interface N33. This information is then sent to SMF (a network node used for session management functions, not shown) after passing through network functions such as the Policy Control Function (PCF). SMF uses this information to select the Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) and User Plane Function (UPF), and to set traffic splitting and routing rules.

[0064] PCF 1032 interacts with 5GMS AF1021 via interface N5. Its main function is to execute policy control in the 5G core network, similar to the policy and charging rules function (PCRF) network node in LTE. PCF 1032 is mainly responsible for policy authorization, quality of service, and the generation of charging rules, and then distributes the corresponding rules to UPF (User Plane Function) network nodes through SMF network elements to complete the installation of the corresponding policies and rules.

[0065] NEF 1031, PCF 1032, or a combination of both, or a combination of both with any other network node, are referred to in this paper as network nodes in the core network.

[0066] Figure 2A A flowchart is shown of a method 200 executed by a user terminal for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied. Figure 2B A schematic diagram is shown of a method 200 executed by a user terminal for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0067] Figure 2A and Figure 2B The described method can be derived from Figure 1 The following explanation uses UE 101 to execute method 200 as an example.

[0068] In step S201, UE 101 receives policy template information for controlling media stream transmission from a network node in the data network, wherein the policy template information includes the continuity characteristics of the media stream service.

[0069] Optionally, such as Figure 2B As shown, network nodes in a data network can be Figure 1 The 5GMS AF 1011 in UE 101 is used to receive policy template information. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that UE 101 can also use other built-in or external modules to receive policy template information.

[0070] Policy template information includes a set of parameters (also referred to as assets) negotiated between network nodes in the core network (NEF 1031, PCF1032, or a combination of both) and 5GMS AF 1011. These parameters define the Quality of Service (QoS) and related charging policies for media streaming services. 5GMS AF 1011 can create, acquire, update, and delete relevant policy template resources during the negotiation process with network nodes in the core network by creating a data model of the policy template. Therefore, policy template information can also be referred to as policy template, policy template resource, policy template resource information, policy template data, etc. This disclosure uses the naming convention of policy template information as an example, but the name of policy template information is not limited.

[0071] Specifically, upon receiving the policy template, UE 101 can use it as its local configuration information. When UE 101 does not support a user equipment routing selection policy (URSP), or is not provided with an URSP, or the URSP does not contain requirements for service continuity, the information in the policy template is used to bind the media stream service to a specific PDU session, or to determine whether to initiate a new PDU session. The URSP defines service-level configuration and management policies, generated by network nodes in the core network and sent to the user terminal through the network control plane.

[0072] Normally, when UE 101 supports and is provided with URSP, UE 101 can bind media streaming services to a specific PDU session based on the URSP, or decide whether to initiate a new PDU session. However, in many cases, UE 101 may not support or be provided with URSP. In this case, UE 101 can bind the media streaming service to a specific PDU session based on its local configuration, or decide whether to initiate a new PDU session.

[0073] Optionally, the media streaming service includes at least one type of media streaming service. For example, an application may provide different traffic characteristics, each of which can correspond to a different service type. For instance, for instant messaging software, it may include media streaming services for voice calls, media streaming services for text transmission, and so on. Alternatively, for instant messaging software, it may also include media streaming services requiring high quality of service (QoS) transmission, media streaming services with normal QoS transmission, media streaming services with high service continuity requirements, and media streaming services without service continuity requirements. Media streaming services can also be further extended to broadly defined Internet data services.

[0074] Optionally, a service differential can be used to indicate the service type and matching characteristics of a media stream service. Optionally, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the service type of the media stream and the service differential. The service differential is information that describes the service type using at least one of numbers, characters, and symbols. This service differential may also be called a service difference, service identifier, service type, or other names. This disclosure uses the naming convention of the service differential as an example, but the name of the service differential is not limited. The service differential is used to identify the service type of traffic in an application. That is, the service differential is used to identify the category of data packets in the application. The service differential can be determined through negotiation between the 5GMS AF1021 or network nodes in the core network (NEF 1031, PCF 1032, or a combination of both). Service differentials are typically different between different applications. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that different applications can also have the same service differential.

[0075] Optionally, UE 101 can receive at least one service distinguisher corresponding to the policy template information from a network node in the data network. The service distinguisher is used to distinguish media stream services of different service types in the media stream service. Based on the at least one service distinguisher corresponding to the policy template information, UE 101 determines the service distinguisher corresponding to a media stream service of a certain service type in the media stream service. Based on the service distinguisher, UE 101 binds the media stream service of the service type to the Quality of Service (QoS) stream in the PDU session corresponding to the service distinguisher.

[0076] Optionally, UE 101 can receive dynamic policy resources from 5GMS AF 1021. The flow descriptors in the dynamic policy resources include service distinguishers.

[0077] For example, the improved dynamic policy resources in the embodiments of this disclosure can be shown in Table 1 below.

[0078] Table 1 - Dynamic Strategy Resources

[0079]

[0080] For example, business distinguishers can be added to dynamic policy resource limits as a subset of flow descriptors.

[0081] Therefore, policy template information can be associated with service distinguishers through dynamic policy resources, thereby indicating the session characteristics of media streaming services of at least one media streaming service type, including service continuity characteristics.

[0082] For example, suppose a policy template information has a policy template identifier (policyTemplateId): policyTemplateId-1. In the dynamic policy resource, the service distinguisher included in the flow descriptor corresponding to policyTemplateId-1 is SD-1. This policy template information includes the continuity feature CF1 of the media stream service. Since the service distinguisher SD-1 and the continuity feature CF1 of the media stream service are associated through the policy template identifier policyTemplateId-1, UE 101 can infer that the service distinguisher SD-1 and the continuity feature CF1 of the media stream service are associated. That is, the media stream service corresponding to the flow descriptor containing the service distinguisher SD-1 should have the continuity feature CF1 of the media stream service.

[0083] Alternatively, the dynamic policy resource can store service distinguishers and policy template identifiers as key-value pairs to establish an association between them, and further determine the correlation between the service distinguisher and the continuity characteristics of the media stream service through this association. For example, using the stream descriptor of the service distinguisher as the key and the policy template identifier as the value, the following key-value pairs can be constructed: <stream descriptor corresponding to service distinguisher SD-1, policy template identifier policyTemplateId-1>, <stream descriptor corresponding to service distinguisher SD-2, policy template identifier policyTemplateId-2>, <stream descriptor corresponding to service distinguisher SD-3, policy template identifier policyTemplateId-3>, etc. For example, the dynamic policy resource can also construct key-value pairs using the policy template identifier as the key and the stream descriptor of the service distinguisher as the value. For example, the dynamic policy resource can also construct key-value pairs using the policy template identifier as the key and the service distinguisher as the value. This disclosure does not further limit the way the service distinguisher and policy template identifier are associated.

[0084] Optionally, multiple service distinguishers can correspond to one policy template identifier, multiple policy template identifiers can also correspond to one service distinguisher, and multiple service distinguishers can also correspond to multiple policy template identifiers. This disclosure does not impose any restrictions in this regard.

[0085] Optionally, the policy template information may also include a service distinguisher. The policy template information indicates the continuity characteristic of at least one media streaming service type by associating the service distinguisher with the continuity characteristic. Optionally, the service distinguisher is sent to the user terminal from a network node in the data network as an asset of the policy template resource along with the policy template information.

[0086] For example, suppose a policy template information has a policy template identifier (policyTemplateId): policyTemplateId-1. This policy template information includes a service distinguisher SD-1 and a media stream service continuity feature CF1. Since both the service distinguisher SD-1 and the media stream service continuity feature CF1 are located in the policy template information with the policy template identifier policyTemplateId-1, UE 101 can infer that the service distinguisher SD-1 and the media stream service continuity feature CF1 are related. That is, the media stream service corresponding to the service distinguisher SD-1 should have the media stream service continuity feature CF1.

[0087] Alternatively, the strategy template information can also store service distinguishers and media streaming service continuity characteristics as key-value pairs to establish the association between the service distinguishers and the media streaming service continuity characteristics. For example, key-value pairs can be constructed using the service distinguisher as the key and the media streaming service continuity characteristic as the value, such as: <service distinguisher SD-1, media streaming service continuity characteristic CF1>, <service distinguisher SD-2, media streaming service continuity characteristic CF2>, <service distinguisher SD-3, media streaming service continuity characteristic CF1>, etc. This disclosure does not further limit the method of associating service distinguishers and media streaming service continuity characteristics.

[0088] Optionally, the aforementioned service distinguisher information includes at least one of the following: Type of Service (TOS) information for IPv4, Traffic class information for IPv6, Flow identification information for IPv6, and Packet filtering direction information.

[0089] The TOS (Title of Service) is a field in the IP header using the IPv4 protocol that defines the service level of the packet. Optionally, the TOS also includes the DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point), which defines different priorities for the packet, such as network control, internetwork control, critical, high-speed, fast, quick, priority, and normal. Different DSCP values ​​typically correspond to different types of services; for example, fast typically corresponds to the transmission of voice media streams, while quick typically corresponds to the transmission of video media streams.

[0090] IPv6 IP addresses are 128 bits long, while IPv4 IP addresses are 32 bits long. Therefore, more fields can be used to characterize the type of media streaming service for IPv6.

[0091] Traffic class is a field in the IP header that uses the IPv6 protocol to identify the type of communication flow in IPv6, or priority level. Its function is similar to the ToS (Type of Service) field in IPv4.

[0092] Flow Label is another field in the IP header using the IPv6 protocol. It is used to mark the data flow type of a packet, so that different packets can be distinguished at the network layer, facilitating QoS (Quality of Service) processing for specific service flows.

[0093] Packet filter direction information indicates whether the packet belongs to the uplink or downlink. This allows for different continuity services to be configured based on the packet's transmission direction.

[0094] Optionally, the flow descriptor information may include not only the service distinguisher but also the IP 5-tuple. The IP 5-tuple includes the source IP address, source port, destination IP address, destination port, and transport layer protocol.

[0095] Optionally, the continuity feature of the media streaming service is a Session and Service Continuity Mode (SSC mode), and the Session and Service Continuity Mode is in the form of a policy template resource asset, which is sent from the network node in the data network to the user terminal along with the policy template information.

[0096] In embodiments of this disclosure, the SSC mode can be used to characterize the session and service continuity features of a media stream. Those skilled in the art will understand that other parameters can also be used to characterize the continuity features of a media stream.

[0097] Specifically, the SSC mode is associated with a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session and remains unchanged throughout the PDU session. The 5G network defines the following three SSC modes:

[0098] -SSC Mode 1: The network will not change the PDU session anchor point for the terminal to access the service, and will ensure that the IP address remains unchanged when the UE accesses the service.

[0099] -SSC Mode 2: The network may establish a new PDU session anchor point for the UE to access the service, and before the new PDU session anchor point is established, the network will release the old PDU session anchor point for the UE to access the service.

[0100] -SSC Mode 3: The network will release the previous PDU session anchor after the new PDU session anchor is established, thereby ensuring service continuity.

[0101] Schematic, Table 1 provides an example of policy template information, which exemplarily illustrates a portion of the parameters of the policy template. In Table 1, the SSC mode is sent to UE 101 from 5GMSAF1021 as an asset of the policy template resource along with the policy template information.

[0102] Table 2 - Strategy Template Information

[0103]

[0104]

[0105] Optionally, the session and service continuity mode is transmitted from the network node in the data network to the user terminal in the form of parameters in the application session context of the policy template resource, along with the policy template information.

[0106] Schematic, Table 3 provides another example of policy template information, which exemplarily illustrates a portion of the policy template parameters. In Table 2, the service distinguisher is sent to UE 101 from 5GMSAF1021 as an asset of the policy template resource along with the policy template information. The SSC mode is sent to the user terminal from a network node in the data network as a parameter in the application session context of the policy template resource along with the policy template information.

[0107] Table 3 - Strategy Template Information

[0108]

[0109]

[0110] Those skilled in the art will understand that the SSC mode and service distinguisher can also be sent to the user terminal from a network node (e.g., 5GMS AF 1012) in the data network in other ways. For example, the SSC mode and service distinguisher can be sent together with the policy template information from 5GMS AF 1012 to UE 101 as parameters in the application session context of the policy template resource. This disclosure does not limit the method of obtaining the SSC mode and service distinguisher.

[0111] In step S202, UE 101 determines the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated based on the media stream service to be initiated and the policy template information.

[0112] For example, suppose the policy template information indicates that all media streaming services of application A need to be carried using a PDU session with SSC mode 1. Then, when UE 101 initiates a media streaming service for application A, it can determine that the continuity feature required by the media streaming service of application A is SSC mode 1.

[0113] For example, suppose the policy template information and the flow descriptor jointly indicate that data packets with a TOS value of x in the media stream service of application A need to be carried using a PDU session with SSC mode 1, while data packets with a TOS value of x in the media stream service of application A need to be carried using a PDU session with SSC mode 2. Then, when UE 101 initiates a media stream service with a TOS value of x in application A, it can determine that the continuity characteristic of the media stream service with a TOS value of x in application A is SSC mode 1. Therefore, when UE 101 initiates a media stream service with a TOS value of y in application A, it can determine that the continuity characteristic of the media stream service with a TOS value of y in application A is SSC mode 2.

[0114] Furthermore, if the policy template information includes a service distinguisher, UE 101 can search for an SSC pattern in the policy template information that matches the service type of the media stream to be initiated, thereby determining the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated.

[0115] In step S203, UE 101 determines whether there exists a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session capable of carrying the media stream service to be initiated, wherein the Protocol Data Unit session has the continuity feature of the media stream service.

[0116] In step S204, if the protocol data unit session exists, UE 101 binds the media stream service to be initiated to the protocol data unit session; if the protocol data unit session does not exist, a protocol data unit session with the continuity characteristics of the media stream service is established.

[0117] Since the SSC mode of a PDU session remains unchanged during its existence, if a PDU session exists that matches the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated, UE 101 can bind the media stream service to that PDU session, thereby enabling the PDU session to carry the media stream service to be initiated. Of course, if no PDU session exists that matches the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated, UE 101 needs to establish a PDU session that meets the continuity requirements of the media stream service to be initiated (i.e., a PDU session with a specific SSC mode).

[0118] By receiving a policy template with SSC mode from 5GMS AF 1021, UE 101 can use a PDU session with an appropriate SSC mode to carry the media stream service when initiating or changing the media stream service. This enables UE 101 to achieve continuity control of the media stream service during mobility. This solves the problem in existing technologies where data networks cannot configure service continuity for media stream services to user terminals.

[0119] A PDU session can include different QoS flows. Optionally, UE 101 can also bind a media stream service of a specific service type to a Quality of Service (QoS) flow in the PDU session corresponding to the service identifier based on a service distinguisher. For example, the media stream service used for payment in application A's media stream service can be carried by a service flow with a higher QoS level in the PDU session, while the media stream service used for traffic reporting in application A's media stream service can be carried by a service flow with a normal QoS level in the PDU session. Alternatively, the media stream service in application A's media stream service using a TOS value of x can be carried by a service flow with a higher QoS level in the PDU session, while the media stream service in application A's media stream service using a TOS value of y can be carried by a service flow with a normal QoS level in the PDU session.

[0120] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for controlling media stream service transmission executed by a user terminal. The method includes: receiving from a network node in a data network policy template information for controlling the media stream service transmission and at least one service identifier corresponding to the policy template information, the service identifier being used to distinguish media stream services of different service types within the media stream service; determining, based on the policy template information and the at least one service identifier, a service identifier corresponding to a media stream service of a service type to be initiated within the media stream service to be initiated; and binding the media stream service of the service type to a Quality of Service (QoS) stream in the PDU session corresponding to the service identifier based on the service identifier. The policy template information can be considered a local policy of the user terminal.

[0121] This enables media stream services of specific service types to be transmitted through different QoS streams within the same PDU session, or enables specific service streams to be transmitted through different PDU sessions. These different PDU sessions can have at least one different parameter among the three parameters: service continuity, network slicing, and DNN.

[0122] Optionally, if user terminal 101 supports URSP, the user terminal can also receive at least one service identifier from a network node in the core network. This service identifier is used to distinguish media stream services of different service types within the media stream service. Then, based on the at least one service identifier, the user terminal determines the service identifier corresponding to a certain service type of media stream service in the media stream service to be initiated, and binds the media stream service of that service type to the Quality of Service (QoS) stream corresponding to the service identifier in the PDU session based on the service identifier.

[0123] For example, the service identifier can be sent from PCF 1032 to user terminal 101 via URSP. The service identifier can be determined through negotiation between 5GMS AF 1021 and NEF / PCF. The URSP generated by PCF includes the service identifier determined through negotiation between 5GMS AF 1021 and NEF / PCF.

[0124] Optionally, if the user terminal supports URSP, the user terminal can also receive the continuity characteristics of the media stream service from a network node in the core network; determine the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated based on the continuity characteristics; and bind the media stream service to the PDU session with the continuity characteristics based on the continuity characteristics.

[0125] For example, when the service continuity characteristic is SSC mode, the SSC mode can also be sent from PCF 1032 to user terminal 101 via URSP. The SSC mode can be determined through negotiation between 5GMS AF 1021 and NEF / PCF. The URSP generated by PCF includes the SSC mode determined through negotiation between 5GMS AF 1021 and NEF / PCF.

[0126] Of course, if the user terminal 101 supports URSP, the user terminal can also receive both the service distinguisher and the SSC mode from the network nodes in the core network.

[0127] If UE 101 receives both a policy template with SSC mode and a service distinguisher corresponding to that policy template from 5GMS AF 1021, it can use a PDU session with an appropriate SSC mode to carry a media stream service of a specific service type. This allows UE 101 to achieve continuity control for a specific type of media stream service during mobility. This solves the problem in existing technologies where data networks cannot configure service continuity for a specific type of media stream service to user terminals.

[0128] Figure 3AA flowchart is shown of a method 300 for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, performed by a network node in a data network. Figure 3B A schematic diagram is shown of a method 300 performed by a network node in a data network to control the transmission of media streaming services, in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0129] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The described method can be derived from Figure 1 The following explanation uses 5GMS AF1021 to execute method 300 as an example.

[0130] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, in step S301, 5GMS AF 1021 sends at least one media streaming service continuity request to a network node in the core network (e.g., NEF 1031 or PCF 1032, or a combination of both).

[0131] Optionally, the at least one media stream service corresponds to at least one media stream service type. Therefore, the 5GMSAF 1021 sends the continuity request of at least one media stream service type to network nodes in the core network (e.g., NEF 1031 or PCF 1032, or a combination of both).

[0132] For example, 5GMS AF 1021 sends continuity requests for media streaming services of application A and application B to network nodes in the core network (e.g., NEF 1031 or PCF 1032, or a combination of both). The media streaming service of application A may include a first media streaming service with a TOS value of x and a second media streaming service with a TOS value of y. The media streaming service of application B may include a third media streaming service with first stream identification information and a fourth media streaming service with second stream identification information. The first, second, third, and fourth media streaming services may have different or the same continuity requests.

[0133] Therefore, 5GMS AF 1021 sends continuity requests for media stream services of application A and / or application B to network nodes in the core network (e.g., NEF 1031 or PCF 1032, or a combination of both). 5GMS AF 1021 may also send continuity requests for media stream services identified by flow identification information only to network nodes in the core network (e.g., NEF 1031 or PCF 1032, or a combination of both). For example, 5GMS AF 1021 sends a request to network nodes in the core network to request that the core network nodes set a certain continuity characteristic for all media stream services possessing first flow identification information. This disclosure does not impose any limitations on this.

[0134] Optionally, the continuity requirement of at least one media streaming service can be described in multiple ways. For example, the continuity requirement of at least one media streaming service can be described in text: "This service needs to ensure service continuity while maintaining the UE's IP address," or "The UE's IP address can change during the execution of this service, but the service will not be interrupted," etc. The continuity requirement of at least one media streaming service can also be described directly using an SSC mode identifier (e.g., if SSC mode 1 is used, the identifier "1" can be used directly), which indicates that the media streaming service requires a certain SSC mode. This disclosure does not limit the form of the continuity requirement.

[0135] The network nodes in the core network include network nodes for controlling network open functions (e.g., NEF1031) or network nodes for controlling network policy and charging rule functions (e.g., PCF 1032) or a combination of both.

[0136] For example, 5GMS AF 1021 may need to transmit a certain media streaming session (e.g., video conferencing) with UE 101 using a 5G media streaming network. This media streaming service has certain continuity requirements; for example, it requires the IP address to remain unchanged during the session to ensure the continuity of the media streaming session service. To this end, the 5G core network nodes (e.g., NEF 1031 or PCF 1032, or a combination of both) will determine the corresponding service continuity characteristics (e.g., SSC mode) for this part of the service based on the requirements proposed by 5GMS AF1021, and can set the corresponding rate for the media streaming service based on the determined service continuity characteristics.

[0137] Optionally, the 5GMS AF 1021 can locally look up the service type of at least one media stream corresponding to the media stream service and send the service type of at least one media stream corresponding to the media stream service to network nodes in the core network (e.g., NEF 1031, PCF 1032, or a combination of both). Network nodes in the core network (e.g., NEF 1031, PCF 1032, or a combination of both) can also determine the service distinguisher of the service type of at least one media stream corresponding to the media stream service based on the network protocol or convention related to the media stream service.

[0138] Optionally, in order to enable network nodes in the core network to set service continuity characteristics (e.g., SSC mode) for media stream services more accurately and precisely, 5GMS AF 1021 can also send a service distinguisher corresponding to the at least one media stream service to the network nodes in the core network to indicate at least one service type corresponding to the media stream service.

[0139] The aforementioned service distinguisher information includes at least one of the following: Type of Service (TOS) information for IPv4, Traffic class information for IPv6, Flow identification information for IPv6, and Packet filtering direction information.

[0140] The different service identifiers mentioned herein refer to any difference in any of the following included in the service identifier: Type of Service (TOS) for IPv4, Traffic class for IPv6, Flow Identification for IPv6, or Packet Filtering Direction Information. Those skilled in the art will understand that the service identifier may also include various other fields, which may also lead to differences in the service identifier; this disclosure does not limit such differences.

[0141] Based on this, network nodes in the core network (such as NEF, PCF, or both) can set service continuity characteristics (e.g., SSC mode) for the media stream service according to the requirements proposed in 5GMS AF1021. Optionally, network nodes in the core network can also determine different service continuity characteristics (e.g., SSC mode) for different media stream service types within the media stream service.

[0142] Optionally, a specific media streaming service (e.g., the media streaming service of application A) may correspond to multiple service stream types (e.g., media streaming services with different functions). For example, a video media streaming session includes uplink video media streaming data transmission, downlink video media streaming data transmission, uplink video media streaming control data transmission, downlink video media streaming control data transmission, and so on. Different service stream types may also correspond to different service continuity characteristics.

[0143] For example, optionally, 5GMS AF 1021 can also send service flow type identifiers to network nodes in the core network. These service flow type identifiers describe different functions of media flow services. Alternatively, the service flow type identifier can also indicate the characteristics of a media flow service type. For example, the service flow type identifier can indicate that a certain media flow service is one of the following: media plane data, network auxiliary information, usage reporting information, etc. Thus, service flows implementing different functions of media flow can be distinguished by the service flow type identifier. Since media flow services of different service flow types can be carried using service flows with different QoS (Quality of Service) values, the 5G core network nodes can indicate to 5GMS AF 1021 the service distinguishers required for different media flow service types based on the service flow type identifier. This allows specific service flow types to be transmitted as different QoS flows within the same PDU session by setting network-negotiated service distinguishers; or allows specific service flows to be transmitted using different PDU sessions.

[0144] Optionally, 5GMS AF 1021 can also send other service requirements and related information concerning media streaming services to network nodes (e.g., NEF 1031, PCF 1032, or both) in the core network (e.g., CN 103). This assists the network nodes in the core network CN 103 in setting more accurate network policies for the media streaming service that are more in line with the network protocol signed between the user and the core network, based on the requirements proposed by 5GMS AF 1021 (i.e., the policy template subsequently issued by 5GMS AF 1021 to UE 101). For example, 5GMS AF 1021 can also send the identification information of 5GMS AF 1021, the identification information of 5GMS application provider 1023, QoS (Quality of Service) requirement information, network slicing requirement information, etc., to the network nodes in the core network. This disclosure does not limit the information sent by 5GMS AF 1021 to the network nodes in the core network, as long as it helps the core network and 5GMS AF negotiate service transmission policies.

[0145] In step S302, the continuity characteristics of the media stream service are received from the network nodes in the core network.

[0146] Optionally, if 5GMS AF 1021 does not send the service distinguisher corresponding to the at least one media stream service type to the network nodes in the core network CN 103, the network nodes in the core network will determine the corresponding service distinguisher for the media stream service type based on their network policies or local configuration information. This ensures that the configuration of the service distinguisher on the service server side (e.g., 5GMS AF 1021) is consistent with its configuration in the user plane and URSP in CN 103.

[0147] Optionally, when 5GMS AF 1021 sends a service identifier corresponding to the at least one media stream service to a network node in the core network CN 103, the network node in the core network CN 103 will check whether the service identifier conforms to its network policy or local configuration information. If it does, the network node in the core network can confirm the service identifier corresponding to the at least one media stream service type and return it to 5GMS AF 1021. If it does not conform, the network node in the core network can modify or update the service identifier sent by 5GMS AF 1021 based on the network policy or local configuration information and return it to 5GMS AF 1021.

[0148] Optionally, when 5GMS AF 1021 sends a service flow type identifier to the network nodes in the core network in step S302, 5GMS AF 1021 can also receive the continuity characteristics of the media stream service type corresponding to the service flow type identifier from the network nodes in the core network. Alternatively, the network nodes in the core network will determine the service distinguisher corresponding to the service flow type identifier based on local configuration and network policies. Then, they will return the service distinguisher and the corresponding continuity characteristics to 5GMS AF 1021.

[0149] In step S303, policy template information for controlling media stream transmission is determined, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media stream service.

[0150] The 5GMS AF1021 can determine the policy template information for controlling media stream transmission based on information received from network nodes in the core network.

[0151] For example, suppose a network node in the core network sends the service distinguisher, SSC mode, and service flow type identifier as shown in Table 4 below to 5GMS AF1021. The information in the same row represents a set of associations.

[0152] Table 4 - Correspondence of Continuity in Network Node Feedback for Determining Media Streams

[0153]

[0154]

[0155] For example, 5GMS AF1021 can populate policy template information based on the above information. For example, policy template information for usage reporting data and / or information for dynamic policy resources. For example, 5GMS AF can determine the policy template information shown in Table 5 below:

[0156] Table 5 - Strategy Template Information

[0157]

[0158] For example, 5GMS AF1021 can also populate policy template information based on the above information. For example, for policy template information of media plane data, 5GMS AF1021 can determine the policy template information shown in Table 6 below:

[0159] Table 6 - Strategy Template Information

[0160]

[0161] The “…” in Tables 5 and 6 represent assets not shown and their corresponding values. This disclosure does not restrict the content and form of other fields in the strategy template information.

[0162] In step S304, 5GMS AF1021 sends policy template information for controlling media stream transmission to the user terminal.

[0163] Through method 300, 5GMS AF 1021 can negotiate at least one continuity characteristic of a media stream service with the network nodes of the core network, thereby enabling the network side to control service continuity during media stream service transmission according to service requirements. 5GMS AF 1021 can also negotiate at least one service distinguisher for a media stream service with the network nodes of the core network, thereby achieving more granular QoS control of the media stream service.

[0164] By receiving a policy template with SSC mode from 5GMS AF 1021, UE 101 can use a PDU session with appropriate SSC mode to carry the media stream service when initiating or changing the media stream service. This enables UE 101 to achieve continuity control of the media stream service when initiating or changing it.

[0165] Specifically, this policy template can serve as local configuration information for the UE. When the UE does not support URSP rules, the information in this policy template is used to bind the media stream service to a specific PDU session, or to determine whether to initiate a new PDU session. This solves the problems in existing technologies where network-side devices cannot determine the service continuity of a service based on the service provider's service continuity requirements, and where devices in the data network cannot configure policy templates with specific service continuity for the UE.

[0166] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, executed by a network node in a data network. The method includes: sending a service identifier for the media streaming service to a network node in a core network, the service identifier being used to distinguish different service types of media streaming services; receiving a service identifier confirmed by a network node in the core network; determining policy template information for controlling the transmission of media streaming services corresponding to the confirmed service identifier; and sending the policy template information for controlling the transmission of media streaming services and the confirmed service identifier to a user terminal.

[0167] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure enable the differentiation of media streams with different functions and types using service distinguishers. Since media stream services with different service distinguishers can be carried using service streams with different QoS (Quality of Service) values, the 5G core network nodes can indicate to the 5GMS AF 1021 the different service distinguishers required for different media stream service types. This allows specific service types to be transmitted as different QoS streams within the same PDU session by setting network-negotiated service distinguishers; or it allows specific service streams to be transmitted using different PDU sessions.

[0168] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service, executed by a network node in a data network. The method includes: sending a service flow type identifier of the media streaming service to a network node in a core network, the service flow type identifier describing different functions of the media streaming service; receiving a service distinguisher of the media streaming service from a network node in the core network, the service distinguisher corresponding to the service flow type identifier; determining policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service corresponding to the confirmed service distinguisher; and sending the policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service and the confirmed service distinguisher to a user terminal.

[0169] Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure enable the differentiation of media stream services with different functions using service distinguishers. Since media stream services of different service types can be carried using service streams with different QoS (Quality of Service) values, 5G core network nodes can indicate to the 5GMS AF 1021 the service distinguishers required for different media stream service types. This allows specific service types to be transmitted as different QoS streams within the same PDU session by setting network-negotiated service distinguishers; or it allows specific service streams to be transmitted using different PDU sessions.

[0170] Figure 4 A flowchart is shown of a method 400 for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, performed by a network node in a data network.

[0171] Figure 4 The described method can be derived from Figure 1 It is executed by NEF 1031, PCF 1032, or a combination of the two. NEF1031, PCF 1032, or a combination of the two can also be referred to as network nodes in the core network.

[0172] like Figure 4 As shown, in step S401, a network node in the core network CN 103 receives at least one media stream service continuity request from a network node in the data network.

[0173] Optionally, the at least one media stream service may also correspond to at least one media stream service type.

[0174] Network nodes in the core network CN 103 can set corresponding service continuity characteristics (such as SSC mode) for media stream services based on the service continuity requirements related to media stream services proposed in 5GMS AF1021, and set corresponding rates for the media stream services based on the set service continuity characteristics.

[0175] Optionally, media streaming services may correspond to multiple service types. For example, a video media streaming session includes uplink video media streaming data transmission, downlink video media streaming data transmission, uplink video media streaming control data transmission, downlink video media streaming control data transmission, and so on. Different media streaming service types can correspond to different QoS requirements.

[0176] In step S402, network nodes in the core network determine the continuity characteristics of the at least one media stream service based on the continuity requirements of the at least one media stream service.

[0177] 5GMS AF 1021 can locally look up at least one service type corresponding to the media stream service and send at least one service type (e.g., send service distinguisher) corresponding to the media stream service to network nodes in the core network CN 103 (e.g., NEF 1031, or PCF 1032, or a combination of both).

[0178] Network nodes in the core network CN 103 (e.g., NEF 1031, or PCF 1032, or a combination thereof) can also determine at least one service type (e.g., service distinguisher) corresponding to the media streaming service based on the network protocol signed with the user related to the media streaming service.

[0179] For example, 5GMS AF 1021 may require the media streaming service to have specific service continuity requirements. Network nodes in the core network CN103 will look up their agreements with users. If they find that the user has not paid for the service with specific continuity requirements, the core network CN103 will reject the 5GMS AF 1021 requirement and only set basic service continuity requirements for the media streaming service.

[0180] Optionally, in order to enable network nodes in the core network to set QoS for media stream services more accurately and precisely, network nodes in the core network CN 103 may also receive service distinguishers corresponding to the at least one media stream service from network nodes in the data network DN 102, wherein the service distinguishers are used to distinguish media stream services of different service types in the media stream service.

[0181] The aforementioned service distinguisher information includes at least one of the following: Type of Service (TOS) information for IPv4, Traffic class information for IPv6, Flow identification information for IPv6, and Packet filtering direction information.

[0182] The different service identifiers mentioned herein refer to any one of the following: Type of Service (TOS) information for IPv4, Traffic class information for IPv6, Flow Identifier information for IPv6, or Packet Filtering Direction information. Those skilled in the art will understand that the service identifier may also include various other fields, which may also lead to differences in the service identifier; this disclosure does not limit such differences.

[0183] Network nodes in the core network can determine the continuity characteristics of the media stream service (or at least one media stream service type) based on the media stream service (or at least one service identifier corresponding to a specific media stream service type) and continuity requirements. That is, network nodes in the core network can indicate the continuity characteristics of at least one media stream service type by associating the service identifier with the continuity characteristics.

[0184] Optionally, when a network node in the core network receives a service identifier corresponding to at least one media stream service from the 5GMS AF 1021, the network node in the core network will check whether the service identifier conforms to its network policy or local configuration information. If it does, the network node in the core network can determine the corresponding service identifier for the media stream service according to the network policy and return it to the 5GMS AF 1021. If it does not conform, the network node in the core network can modify or update the service identifier sent by the 5GMS AF 1021 according to the network policy or local configuration information and return it to the 5GMS AF 1021.

[0185] Optionally, if 5GMS AF 1021 does not send the service identifier corresponding to the at least one media stream service to the network nodes in the core network, the network nodes in the core network will determine the at least one service identifier corresponding to the media stream service type based on their network policies or local configuration information. This ensures that the configuration of the service identifier on the service server side (e.g., 5GMS AF 1021), the URSP rules sent to the UE on the network side, and the configuration of the user plane in the core network CN 103 remain consistent.

[0186] Optionally, network nodes in the core network can also receive service flow type identifiers from the 5GMS AF1021. These service flow type identifiers indicate the characteristics or functional features of the at least one media flow service type. For example, a service flow type identifier can indicate that a media flow service is one of the following: media plane data, network auxiliary information, usage reporting information, etc. 5G core network nodes can assign specific service distinguishers to data flows of that service type based on the service flow type identifier, and indicate the service distinguishers corresponding to different service flow type identifiers to the 5GMS AF1021. This enables the service server to set specific service distinguishers for service flows of specific service types, allowing service flows of specific service types to be transmitted through different QoS flows within the same PDU session, or allowing service flows of specific service types to be transmitted through different PDU sessions, thus providing fine-grained QoS assurance and service continuity assurance.

[0187] For example, network nodes in the core network can set the correspondence between SSC mode, service distinguisher, and service flow type identifier as shown in Table 6 below, based on the continuity requirements and service flow type identifier of at least one media stream service sent by 5GMS AF1021, and according to their local network policies or configuration information. The information in the same row of Table 6 represents a set of associations.

[0188] Table 6 - Correspondence between SSC mode, service distinguisher, and service flow type identifier

[0189] Business Distinguishing Character Business Flow Type Specifier SSC mode SD1 Media data SSC Mode 1 SD1 Dosage reporting information SSC Mode 2 SD2 Indicator reporting information SSC Mode 3

[0190] In step S403, network nodes in the core network send the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service to network nodes in the data network.

[0191] For example, network nodes in the core network can report the relationships in Table 6 back to 5GMS AF1021.

[0192] Through method 400, 5GMS AF 1021 can negotiate at least one continuity characteristic of a media stream service with the network nodes of the core network, thereby enabling the network side to control service continuity during media stream service transmission according to service requirements. 5GMS AF 1021 can also negotiate at least one service distinguisher for a media stream service with the network nodes of the core network, thereby achieving more granular QoS control of the media stream service.

[0193] By receiving a policy template with SSC mode and / or service distinguisher from 5GMS AF 1021, UE 101 can use a PDU session with an appropriate SSC mode to carry the service of a media stream when initiating or changing the service of the media stream. This enables UE 101 to achieve continuity control of the media stream service when initiating or changing it.

[0194] Specifically, this policy template can serve as local configuration information for the UE. When the UE does not support URSP rules, the information in this policy template is used to bind the media stream service to a specific PDU session, or to determine whether to initiate a new PDU session. This solves the problem in existing technologies where network-side devices cannot determine service continuity based on the service provider's requirements.

[0195] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service, performed by a network node in a core network. The method includes: receiving a service identifier for the media streaming service from a network node in a data network; determining a service identifier for the media streaming service based on the service identifier and a local configuration; and sending the service identifier for the media streaming service to the network node in the data network.

[0196] Optionally, network nodes in the core network can also receive the service identifier of the media stream service from network nodes in the data network; determine the service identifier of the media stream service based on the service identifier of the media stream service and local configuration; and send the service identifier of the media stream service to the user terminal. For example, the service identifier can be sent from PCF 1032 to user terminal 101 via URSP. The URSP generated in PCF includes the service identifier determined by 5GMS AF 1021 and NEF / PCF negotiation.

[0197] Embodiments of this disclosure also provide a method for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service, executed by a network node in a core network. The method includes: receiving a service flow type identifier for the media streaming service from a network node in a data network; determining a service distinguisher for the media streaming service based on the service flow type identifier and a local configuration; and sending the service distinguisher for the media streaming service to the network node in the data network.

[0198] Optionally, network nodes in the core network may also receive the service flow type identifier of the media stream service from network nodes in the data network; determine the service distinguisher of the media stream service based on the service flow type identifier of the media stream service and local configuration; and send the service distinguisher of the media stream service to the user terminal.

[0199] For example, the service identifier can be sent from PCF 1032 to user terminal 101 via URSP. The URSP generated by PCF includes the service identifier determined by 5GMS AF 1021 and NEF / PCF negotiation.

[0200] Optionally, network nodes in the core network may also receive at least one service continuity requirement for a media streaming service from network nodes in the data network; determine the service continuity characteristics of the media streaming service based on the service continuity requirement; and send the service continuity characteristics to the user terminal.

[0201] For example, this service continuity feature can be sent from PCF 1032 to user terminal 101 via URSP. For example, the service continuity feature is in SSC mode. The URSP generated by PCF includes 5GMS AF 1021 and the SSC mode determined by NEF / PCF negotiation.

[0202] Figure 5 It shows the result of Figure 1 The flowchart of the method 500 for controlling the transmission of media stream services executed by the communication system in the process.

[0203] Figure 5 The individual steps in the described method can be derived from... Figure 1 UE 101, 5GMS AF 1021, NEF 1031, and PCF 1032 (or a combination of NEF 1031 and PCF 1032) in the core network execute the commands respectively. NEF 1031, PCF 1032, or a combination of the two can also be referred to as network nodes in the core network.

[0204] In step S501, a network node in the data network (e.g., 5GMS AF 1021) sends a continuity request for at least one media streaming service to a network node in the core network (e.g., NEF 1031, PCF 1032, or a combination of NEF 1031 and PCF 1032).

[0205] Optionally, the at least one media streaming service corresponds to at least one media streaming service type. Therefore, a network node in the data network (e.g., 5GMS AF 1021) can also send a continuity request for at least one service type of media streaming service to a network node in the core network (e.g., NEF 1031, PCF 1032, or a combination of NEF 1031 and PCF 1032). Alternatively, this can be achieved by sending a continuity request for at least one media streaming service from a network node in the data network (e.g., 5GMS AF 1021) to a network node in the core network (e.g., NEF 1031, PCF 1032, or a combination of NEF 1031 and PCF 1032).

[0206] For example, 5GMS AF 1021 may need to transmit a certain media streaming session (e.g., video conferencing) with UE 101 using a 5G media streaming network. This media streaming service has certain continuity requirements; for example, it requires the UE's IP address to remain unchanged to ensure the continuity of the media streaming session. Therefore, the 5G core network nodes carrying this media streaming service (e.g., network nodes in the core network, such as NEF and PCF) will set corresponding service continuity characteristics (e.g., SSC mode) for this service based on the requirements proposed by 5GMS AF1021, and may set corresponding rates for the media streaming service based on the set service continuity characteristics.

[0207] Optionally, the continuity requirement of at least one media streaming service can be described in multiple ways. For example, the continuity requirement of at least one media streaming service can be described in text: "This service requires the UE's IP address to remain unchanged," etc. The continuity requirement of at least one media streaming service can also be described directly using an SSC mode identifier (e.g., if SSC mode 1 is used, the identifier "1" can be used directly), which indicates that the media streaming service requires a certain SSC mode. This disclosure does not limit the form of the continuity requirement.

[0208] In step S502, network nodes in the core network determine the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service based on the continuity requirements of the media streaming service.

[0209] For example, the SSC pattern can be used to characterize the session and service continuity features of a media stream. Those skilled in the art will understand that other parameters can also be used to characterize the continuity features of a media stream.

[0210] A media streaming service may encompass multiple media streaming service types. For example, a video media streaming session includes uplink video media streaming data transmission, downlink video media streaming data transmission, uplink video media streaming control data transmission, downlink video media streaming control data transmission, and so on. Different media streaming service types can correspond to different service continuity characteristics.

[0211] Network nodes in the core network can set different QoS for different media stream service types within at least one media stream service, so it is necessary to distinguish between different service types.

[0212] In step S503, the network node in the core network (e.g., NEF 1031, PCF 1032, or a combination of NEF 1031 and PCF 1032) sends the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service to the network node in the data network (e.g., 5GMS AF 1021).

[0213] In step S504, a network node (e.g., 5GMS AF 1021) in the data network determines policy template information for controlling media stream transmission, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media stream service.

[0214] Policy template information includes a set of parameters negotiated between network nodes in the core network CN 103 and 5GMS AF 1011. 5GMS AF 1011 can create, acquire, update, and delete relevant policy template resources during the negotiation process with network nodes in the core network by creating a data model of the policy template. Therefore, policy template information can also be referred to as policy template, policy template resource, policy template resource information, policy template data, etc. This disclosure uses the naming convention of policy template information as an example, but the name of policy template information is not limited.

[0215] Optionally, the policy template information further includes a service differentiator, which is used to distinguish media stream services of different service types within the media stream service. The policy template information indicates a session policy for at least one media stream service type by associating the service differentiator with a policy in the policy template. Optionally, the policy template information indicates the attributes of a PDU session for at least one media stream service type by associating the service differentiator with existing network characteristics.

[0216] For example, suppose a policy template information has a policy template identifier (policyTemplateId): policyTemplateId-1. This policy template information includes a service distinguisher SD-1 and a media stream service continuity feature CF1. Since both the service distinguisher SD-1 and the media stream service continuity feature CF1 are located in the policy template information with the policy template identifier policyTemplateId-1, UE 101 can infer that the service distinguisher SD-1 and the media stream service continuity feature CF1 are related.

[0217] In other words, the media stream service corresponding to the stream descriptor containing the service distinguisher SD-1 should have the continuity feature CF1 of the media stream service.

[0218] Alternatively, the dynamic policy resource can store service distinguishers and policy template identifiers as key-value pairs to establish an association between the service distinguishers and policy template identifiers, and further determine the association between the service distinguishers and the continuity characteristics of the media stream service through this association. For example, the following key-value pairs can be constructed using the stream descriptor of the service distinguisher as the key and the policy template identifier as the value: <stream descriptor of service distinguisher SD-1, policy template identifier policyTemplateId-1>, <stream descriptor of service distinguisher SD-2, policy template identifier policyTemplateId-2>, <stream descriptor of service distinguisher SD-3, policy template identifier policyTemplateId-3>, etc. For example, the dynamic policy resource can also construct key-value pairs using the policy template identifier as the key and the stream descriptor of the service distinguisher as the value. For example, the dynamic policy resource can also construct key-value pairs using the policy template identifier as the key and the service distinguisher as the value. This disclosure does not further limit the way the service distinguisher and policy template identifier are associated. In embodiments of this disclosure, the SSC mode can be used to characterize the session and service continuity features of a media stream. Those skilled in the art will understand that other parameters can also be used to characterize the continuity features of a media stream. Specifically, the SSC mode is associated with a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session and remains unchanged throughout the duration of the PDU session.

[0219] In step S505, a network node (e.g., 5GMS AF 1021) in the data network sends policy template information for controlling media stream transmission to the user terminal (e.g., UE101).

[0220] In step S506, the user terminal (e.g., UE101) determines the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated based on the media stream service to be initiated and the policy template information.

[0221] In step S507, the user terminal (e.g., UE101) determines whether there exists a protocol data unit session capable of carrying the media stream service to be initiated, wherein the protocol data unit session has the continuity feature of the media stream service.

[0222] In step S508, if the protocol data unit session exists, the user terminal binds the media stream service to be initiated to the protocol data unit session; if the protocol data unit session does not exist, the user terminal establishes a protocol data unit session with the continuity characteristics of the media stream service.

[0223] Since the SSC mode of a PDU session remains unchanged during its existence, if a PDU session exists that matches the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated, UE 101 can bind the media stream service to that PDU session, thereby enabling the PDU session to carry the media stream service to be initiated. Of course, if no PDU session exists that matches the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated, UE 101 needs to establish a PDU session that meets the continuity requirements of the media stream service to be initiated (i.e., a PDU session with a specific SSC mode).

[0224] In method 500, by receiving a policy template with continuity characteristics from the network-side device, the user terminal can use a PDU session with appropriate continuity characteristics to carry the media stream service while moving. This enables the user terminal to achieve continuity control of the media stream service while moving. This solves the problem in the prior art where the network-side device cannot configure the service continuity corresponding to the media stream service for the user terminal.

[0225] In method 500, network nodes of the data network (DN) can negotiate at least one continuity feature of media stream services with network nodes of the core network (CN), thereby enabling the network side to control service continuity when transmitting media stream services according to the needs of the service provider.

[0226] In method 500, network-side devices and user terminals can also use service distinguishers to identify the sub-types of media stream services, and use service stream type identifiers to further divide media stream services with the same service distinguisher, thereby achieving more refined QoS control and service continuity control for media stream services.

[0227] Figure 6 The architecture of an electronic device 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0228] The device according to embodiments of this disclosure (e.g., a user terminal, a network node in a core network, a network node in a data network, etc.) can also be used by means of Figure 6 The architecture of the electronic device shown is used to implement this. Figure 6 The architecture of the computing device is shown. For example... Figure 6As shown, computing device 600 may include a bus 610, one or more CPUs 620, read-only memory (ROM) 630, random access memory (RAM) 640, a communication port 650 connected to a network, input / output components 660, a hard disk 670, etc. Storage devices in computing device 600, such as ROM 630 or hard disk 660, can store various data or files used for computer processing and / or communication, as well as program instructions executed by the CPU. Computing device 600 may also include a user interface 680. Of course, Figure 6 The architecture shown is merely exemplary and can be omitted as needed when implementing different devices. Figure 6 One or more components in the computing device shown.

[0229] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a user terminal for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service. The user terminal includes: a memory; and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory, the memory and the one or more processors being configured to: receive policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service from a network node in a data network, wherein the policy template information includes continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; determine the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service to be initiated based on the media streaming service to be initiated and the policy template information; determine whether a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session capable of carrying the media streaming service to be initiated exists, wherein the PDU session possesses the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; if the PDU session exists, bind the media streaming service to be initiated to the PDU session; if the PDU session does not exist, establish a PDU session possessing the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service.

[0230] This disclosure provides an embodiment of a user terminal for controlling the transmission of a media streaming service. The user terminal includes: a receiving unit configured to receive policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service from a network node in a data network, wherein the policy template information includes continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; a first determining unit configured to determine the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service to be initiated based on the media streaming service to be initiated and the policy template information; a second determining unit configured to determine whether a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session capable of carrying the media streaming service to be initiated exists, wherein the PDU session possesses the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; and a session unit configured to: bind the media streaming service to be initiated to the PDU session if the PDU session exists; and establish a PDU session possessing the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service if the PDU session does not exist.

[0231] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a network node in a data network for controlling the transmission of media streaming services. The network node in the data network includes: a memory; and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory, the memory and the one or more processors being configured to: send at least one continuity request for a media streaming service to a network node in a core network; receive continuity characteristics of the media streaming service from the network node in the core network; determine policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; and send the policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service to a user terminal.

[0232] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a network node in a data network for controlling the transmission of media streaming services. The network node in the data network includes: a first sending unit configured to send at least one continuity request for a media streaming service to a network node in a core network; a receiving unit configured to receive the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service from the network node in the core network; a determining unit configured to determine policy template information for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; and a second sending unit configured to send the policy template information for controlling the transmission of media streaming services to a user terminal.

[0233] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a network node in a core network for controlling media streaming service transmission, comprising: a memory; and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory, the memory and the one or more processors being configured to: receive at least one media streaming service continuity requirement from a network node in a data network; determine continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service based on the continuity requirement; and transmit the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service to the network node in the data network.

[0234] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a network node in a core network for controlling the transmission of media streaming services, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive at least one continuity requirement of a media streaming service from a network node in a data network; a determining unit configured to determine continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service based on the continuity requirement of the at least one media streaming service; and a sending unit configured to send the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service to the network node in the data network.

[0235] This disclosure provides an embodiment of a system for controlling media streaming service transmission, including a user terminal, network nodes in a data network, and network nodes in a core network. The network nodes in the data network are configured to: send at least one media streaming service continuity request to the network nodes in the core network; receive continuity characteristics of the media streaming service from the network nodes in the core network; determine policy template information for controlling media streaming transmission, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service; and send the policy template information for controlling media streaming service transmission to the user terminal. The network nodes in the core network are configured to: receive at least one media streaming service continuity request from the network nodes in the data network; determine the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service based on the continuity requirements of the at least one media streaming service; and send the policy template information for controlling media streaming service transmission to the user terminal. The user terminal is configured to: receive policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media stream service from a network node in the data network, wherein the policy template information includes the continuity characteristics of the media stream service; determine the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated based on the media stream service to be initiated and the policy template information; determine whether there exists a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session capable of carrying the media stream service to be initiated, wherein the PDU session possesses the continuity characteristics of the media stream service; bind the media stream service to be initiated to the PDU session if the PDU session exists; and establish a PDU session possessing the continuity characteristics of the media stream service if the PDU session does not exist.

[0236] The embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented as a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable instructions are stored on the non-volatile computer-readable storage medium according to embodiments of this disclosure. When the computer-readable instructions are executed by a processor, the methods described with reference to the above-drawn figures according to embodiments of this disclosure can be performed. The non-volatile computer-readable storage medium includes, but is not limited to, volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may, for example, include random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory, etc. The non-volatile memory may, for example, include read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc.

[0237] The embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented as a computer program product or computer program, which includes computer instructions stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable medium, executes the computer instructions, and causes the computer device to perform the methods provided in the foregoing aspects or various alternative implementations of the foregoing aspects.

[0238] Those skilled in the art will understand that the contents disclosed herein can be varied and modified in many ways. For example, the various devices or components described above can be implemented in hardware, or in software, firmware, or a combination of some or all of the three.

[0239] Furthermore, as shown in this disclosure and the claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" are not specifically singular and may include plural forms. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "comprising" or "including" and similar terms mean that the element or object preceding the word covers the element or object listed following the word and its equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. The terms "connected" or "linked" and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0240] Furthermore, flowcharts are used in this disclosure to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that the preceding or following operations are not necessarily performed in exact order. Instead, various steps can be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. Additionally, other operations can be added to these processes, or one or more steps can be removed from them.

[0241] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in a common dictionary shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as having an idealized or highly formalized meaning, unless expressly defined herein.

[0242] The present disclosure has been described in detail above; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present disclosure can be implemented in modified and altered ways without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the claims. Therefore, the description herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be restrictive.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the transmission of media stream services, characterized in that, include: The system receives policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media stream service from network nodes in the data network. The policy template information includes the continuity characteristics of the media stream service and is determined through negotiation between network nodes in the data network and network nodes in the core network. The network nodes in the data network include service servers. Based on the media stream service to be initiated and the policy template information, the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated are determined; Determine whether there exists a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session capable of carrying the media streaming service to be initiated, wherein the Protocol Data Unit session possesses the continuity characteristic of the media streaming service; If the protocol data unit session exists, the media stream service to be initiated will be bound to the protocol data unit session; In the absence of the aforementioned protocol data unit session, a protocol data unit session with the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service is established.

2. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The continuity feature of the media streaming service is Session and Service Continuity (SSC) mode, and The session and business continuity mode is in the form of policy template resources as an asset, sent from network nodes in the data network to user terminals along with policy template information.

3. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The continuity feature of the media streaming service is Session and Service Continuity (SSC) mode, and The session and service continuity modes are presented as parameters in the application session context of the policy template resource, sent from network nodes in the data network to user terminals along with policy template information.

4. The method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The media streaming service includes at least one type of media streaming service, and the method further includes: Receive at least one service distinguisher corresponding to the policy template information from a network node in the data network. The service distinguisher is used to distinguish media stream services of different service types in the media stream service. Based on at least one service distinguisher corresponding to the strategy template information, determine the service distinguisher corresponding to a media stream service of a certain service type in the media stream service; Based on the service distinguisher, the media stream service of the service type is bound to the Quality of Service (QoS) stream in the PDU session corresponding to the service distinguisher.

5. A method for controlling the transmission of media stream services, characterized in that, include: The continuity requirement of at least one media stream service is sent from a network node in the data network to a network node in the core network. The continuity feature of receiving the media streaming service from network nodes in the core network by network nodes in the data network; The network nodes in the data network determine policy template information for controlling media stream transmission, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media stream service; The network nodes in the data network send policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media streaming service to the user terminal. The network nodes in the data network include service servers used to control media streaming service functions.

6. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Send at least one service distinguisher corresponding to the at least one media stream service to network nodes in the core network, wherein the service distinguisher is used to distinguish media stream services of different service types in the media stream service; The service distinguisher information includes at least one of the following: Type of Service (TOS) information for IPv4, Traffic class information for IPv6, Flow Identifier information for IPv6, and Packet Filtering Direction information.

7. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Send a service flow type identifier corresponding to the at least one media stream service to the network nodes in the core network. The service flow type identifier is used to describe the media stream services with different functions in the media stream service. The continuity feature of receiving the media stream service from network nodes in the core network further includes: Receive the continuity characteristics of the media stream service corresponding to the service flow type symbol from the network nodes in the core network.

8. The method as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Receive at least one service distinguisher from network nodes in the core network, the service distinguisher being used to distinguish media stream services of different service types in the media stream service; The service distinguisher includes at least one of the following: Type of Service (TOS) for IPv4, Trafficclass for IPv6, Flow Identifier for IPv6, and Packet Filtering Direction Information. The service distinguisher is determined by the network nodes in the core network based on their network policies or local configuration information.

9. A method for controlling the transmission of media stream services, characterized in that, include: A network node in the core network receives at least one media streaming service continuity request from a network node in the data network, wherein the network node in the data network includes a service server for controlling media streaming service functions. The continuity characteristics of the at least one media stream service are determined by network nodes in the core network based on the continuity requirements of the at least one media stream service. The continuity characteristics of the at least one media stream service are sent from network nodes in the core network to network nodes in the data network.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The determination of the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service based on the continuity requirements of the at least one media streaming service further includes: Receive at least one service distinguisher corresponding to the at least one media stream service from network nodes in the data network. The service distinguisher is used to distinguish media stream services of different service types within the media stream service. The service distinguisher information includes at least one of the following: Type of Service (TOS) information for IPv4, Traffic class information for IPv6, Flow Identifier information for IPv6, and Packet Filtering Direction information. Based on the at least one service distinguisher and continuity requirements, determine the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service of the at least one service type.

11. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The determination of the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service based on the continuity requirements of the at least one media streaming service further includes: Based on network policies or local configuration information, at least one service distinguisher is determined for the at least one media stream service, wherein the service distinguisher is used to distinguish media stream services of different service types in the media stream service, and the service distinguisher information includes at least one of the following: Type of Service (TOS) information for Protocol Version 4 (IPv4), Traffic class information for Protocol Version 6 (IPv6), Flow identification information for Protocol Version 6 (IPv6), and Packet filtering direction information; Based on the at least one service distinguisher and continuity requirements, determine the continuity characteristics of the at least one media stream service type.

12. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The determination of the continuity characteristics of the at least one media streaming service based on the continuity requirements of the at least one media streaming service further includes: The network node in the data network receives a service flow type identifier corresponding to the function of the at least one media stream service, the service flow type identifier being used to describe different functions of the media stream service. Based on the service flow type identifier and continuity requirements, determine the service distinguisher corresponding to the function of the at least one media flow service and the continuity feature corresponding to the service distinguisher.

13. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The network nodes in the core network include network nodes for controlling network open functions and network nodes for controlling network policies and billing rules.

14. A method for controlling the transmission of media stream services, characterized in that, include: A continuity request for at least one media streaming service is sent from a network node in the data network to a network node in the core network, wherein the network node in the data network includes a service server; The continuity characteristics of the media streaming service are determined by network nodes in the core network based on the continuity requirements of the media streaming service. The continuity feature of the media streaming service being sent from network nodes in the core network to network nodes in the data network; The network nodes in the data network determine policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media stream service, the policy template information including the continuity characteristics of the media stream service; The network nodes in the data network send policy template information for controlling the transmission of the media stream service to the user terminal; The user terminal determines the continuity characteristics of the media stream service to be initiated based on the media stream service to be initiated and the policy template information. The user terminal determines whether there is a protocol data unit session capable of carrying the media streaming service to be initiated, wherein the protocol data unit session has the continuity characteristic of the media streaming service; In the presence of the protocol data unit session, the user terminal binds the media stream service to be initiated to the protocol data unit session; In the absence of the aforementioned protocol data unit session, the user terminal establishes a protocol data unit session that possesses the continuity characteristics of the media streaming service.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: processor; as well as A memory, wherein the memory stores a computer-executable program, which, when executed by the processor, performs the method of any one of claims 1-14.

16. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the method described in any one of claims 1-14.

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