Method, apparatus and system for configuring mobile network user plane traffic routing

Abstract

The disclosure provides a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method, device and system, and relates to the technical field of mobile communication. The method comprises the following steps: an SMF entity receives a dynamic SFC rule of a user equipment sent by a PCF entity; the SMF entity sends an SFC modification request to an SFC controller; the SMF entity receives traffic steering information of a service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule returned by the SFC controller; and the SMF entity sends the traffic steering information to a UPF entity, so that the UPF entity performs forwarding processing on a data packet corresponding to a session of the user equipment according to the traffic steering information. Through the above method, the service function routing of the user plane traffic of the session granularity can be flexibly and efficiently modified according to real-time service requirements, so that the user plane traffic can be more flexibly selected when flowing out from the network side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of mobile communication technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and system for configuring user plane traffic routing in a mobile network. Background Technology

[0002] Specifications such as IETF RFC 7665 define the architecture and protocols related to Service Function Chain (SFC). However, the current 5G standard does not support the related functions of the Service Function Chain architecture in either the control plane or the user plane.

[0003] In mobile network systems, when user traffic flows out from a User Plane Function (UPF) entity that serves as an anchor point in the 5G network, it may need to pass through one or more service function entities, such as firewall devices and Network Address Translation (NAT) devices. In related technologies, these service function entities are deployed based on manual pre-configuration. In this approach, all outbound traffic from the mobile network side must pass through the same service function entities, which is detrimental to the implementation of automated, customized, and dynamic services, such as application acceleration, HTTP header enhancement, and legitimate interception, and makes it difficult to meet the various customized needs under the trend of network convergence. Furthermore, this approach requires manual routing configuration of the service function entities through which user plane traffic passes, which is time-consuming and lacks scalability and real-time performance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One of the technical problems this disclosure aims to solve is to provide a solution that can flexibly and efficiently modify service function routes for user plane traffic at the session level according to real-time business needs, so that user plane traffic can more flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains when flowing out from the network side, making the deployment, activation, and operation and maintenance of related services more flexible and automated.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a method for configuring user plane traffic routing in a mobile network is proposed, comprising: a Session Management Function (SMF) entity receiving a Dynamic Service Function Chain (SFC) rule for a user equipment (UE) sent by a Policy and Charging Function (PCF) entity; the SMF entity sending an SFC modification request to an SFC controller, wherein the SFC modification request carries the dynamic SFC rule for the UE; the SMF entity receiving an SFC modification response returned by the SFC controller, wherein the SFC modification response includes traffic redirection information for a service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule; and the SMF entity sending the traffic redirection information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule to a User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards data packets corresponding to the session of the UE according to the traffic redirection information.

[0006] In some embodiments, the SMF entity sending an SFC modification request to the SFC controller includes: the SMF entity determining whether the service function path currently serving the user equipment session can meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule; if the service function path currently serving the user equipment session does not meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule, the SMF entity sending an SFC modification request to the SFC controller.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the SMF entity determines whether it needs to reselect the UPF entity based on at least one of the following factors: SFC function support status, service function path location information.

[0008] In some embodiments, the SMF entity sending traffic redirection information of the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule to the user plane function UPF entity includes: if it is confirmed that there is no need to reselect the UPF entity, the SMF entity sends a session modification request to the UPF entity currently serving the user equipment, wherein the session modification request includes traffic redirection information of the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

[0009] In some embodiments, the SMF entity sending traffic redirection information of the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule to the user plane function UPF entity includes: if it is confirmed that a UPF entity needs to be reselected, the SMF entity reselects the UPF entity and sends a session establishment request to the reselected UPF entity, wherein the session establishment request includes traffic redirection information of the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

[0010] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the SMF entity sending the traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rule to the UPF entity, wherein the traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rule is used to instruct the UPF entity to classify the data packets corresponding to the session of the user equipment.

[0011] In some embodiments, the Session Management Function (SMF) entity receiving the User Equipment's Dynamic Service Function Chain (SFC) rules sent by the Policy and Charging Function (PCF) entity includes: the SMF entity receiving the Session Management Policy Association Modification Request sent by the PCF entity, and parsing the User Equipment's dynamic SFC rules from the Session Management Policy Association Modification Request.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the SMF entity sending a session management policy association modification response to the PCF entity.

[0013] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, another method for configuring user plane traffic routing in a mobile network is also proposed, comprising: a Service Function Chain (SFC) controller receiving an SFC modification request sent by a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, wherein the SFC modification request includes dynamic SFC rules of a user equipment; the SFC controller setting a service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment; and the SFC controller sending an SFC modification response to the SMF entity, so that the SMF entity performs session configuration on the User Plane Function (UPF) entity according to the traffic guidance information of the service function path carried in the SFC modification response.

[0014] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, another method for configuring user plane traffic routing in a mobile network is also proposed, comprising: a Session Management Function (SMF) entity receiving a Dynamic Service Function Chain (SFC) rule for a user equipment (UE) sent by a Policy and Charging Function (PCF) entity; after receiving the dynamic SFC rule from the UE, the SMF entity sends an SFC modification request to an SFC controller, wherein the SFC modification request carries the dynamic SFC rule of the UE; the SFC controller sets a service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule of the UE, and sends an SFC modification response to the SMF entity; the SMF entity sends traffic redirection information of the service function path carried in the SFC modification response to a User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards data packets corresponding to the session of the UE according to the traffic redirection information.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration device is also proposed, set in a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, comprising: a rule receiving module configured to receive dynamic Service Function Chain (SFC) rules of a user equipment sent by a Policy and Charging Function (PCF) entity; an SFC modification module configured to send an SFC modification request to an SFC controller and receive an SFC modification response returned by the SFC controller, wherein the SFC modification response includes traffic routing information of the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule; and a session configuration module configured to send the traffic routing information of the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule to a User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards data packets corresponding to the session of the user equipment according to the traffic routing information.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect of this disclosure, another mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration device is also proposed, disposed in a Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, comprising: a receiving module configured to receive an SFC modification request sent by a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, wherein the SFC modification request includes dynamic SFC rules of a user equipment; a path setting module configured to set a service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment; and a sending module configured to send an SFC modification response to the SMF entity, so that the SMF entity performs session configuration on the User Plane Function (UPF) entity according to the traffic guidance information of the service function path carried in the SFC modification response.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration system is also proposed, comprising: a Session Management Function (SMF) entity configured to receive dynamic Service Function Chain (SFC) rules of a user equipment (UE) sent by a Policy and Charging Function (PCF) entity; the SMF entity further configured to send an SFC modification request to an SFC controller after receiving the dynamic SFC rules of the UE, wherein the SFC modification request carries the dynamic SFC rules of the UE; the SFC controller configured to set a service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rules of the UE, and to send an SFC modification response to the SMF entity; the SMF entity further configured to send traffic guidance information of the service function path carried in the SFC modification response to a User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards data packets corresponding to the session of the UE according to the traffic guidance information.

[0018] According to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, another mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus is also proposed, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the above-described mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0019] According to the eighth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, having stored thereon computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method described above.

[0020] Compared with related technologies, in this embodiment, the steps of receiving dynamic SFC rules for user equipment sent by the PCF entity through the SMF entity, sending an SFC modification request to the SFC controller, receiving traffic routing information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rules returned by the SFC controller, and sending the traffic routing information to the UPF entity can flexibly and efficiently modify the service function routes for user plane traffic at the session granularity according to real-time service needs. This allows user plane traffic to more flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains when flowing out from the network side, making the deployment, activation, and operation and maintenance of related services more flexible and automated.

[0021] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0023] This disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the reference network architecture for the 5G core network in related technologies.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0034] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0035] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use.

[0036] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0037] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0038] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a reference network architecture for the 5G core network in related technologies. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the 5G core network reference network architecture includes multiple network functional entities (or "network elements"). The 5G core network achieves complete separation between the control plane and the user plane. The control plane can be centrally deployed to globally schedule forwarding resources, while the user plane can be flexibly deployed centrally or in a distributed manner as needed.

[0041] This disclosure primarily relates to user equipment 101, user plane function entity 103, session management function entity 107, and policy and charging function entity 111 in the 5G core network reference network architecture. These function entities are briefly described below.

[0042] User equipment 101, UE, such as a user's smartphone, tablet, or other terminal device. User equipment 101 forms a radio access network connection with radio access network node 102, which is connected to user plane function entity 103 via the N3 interface. User equipment 101 is also connected to access and mobility management function entity 106 via the N1 interface.

[0043] User plane function entity 103, UPF entity, is mainly responsible for forwarding data packets.

[0044] Session Management Function (SMF) entity 107 supports various functions, such as session establishment and modification, IP address allocation and management for user equipment, and user plane selection and control. The SMF entity can communicate with other core network function entities via the Nsmf interface, and can also connect to the UPF entity via the N4 interface.

[0045] Policy and Charging Function Entity 111, the PCF entity, is primarily responsible for managing network behavior based on a unified policy framework. For example, the PCF provides Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules to the SMF entity.

[0046] In related technologies, neither the control plane nor the user plane of the 5G core network supports the relevant functions in the service function chain architecture. All outbound traffic on the mobile network side must pass through the same service function entity, which is not conducive to the development of automated, customized, and diverse services, and makes it difficult to meet the various customized needs under the trend of network convergence. Moreover, in related technologies, the routing configuration of the service function entity through which user plane traffic passes needs to be done manually, which takes a long time and has poor scalability and real-time performance.

[0047] To address the shortcomings of related technologies, the inventors of this disclosure conceived of a method that, through the linkage between the mobile network control plane and the mobile network external service function chain (SFC) control plane, dynamically selects the corresponding service function path for session-level traffic based on dynamic SFC rules. This allows for flexible, efficient, and dynamic modification of service function routes for session-level user plane traffic, enabling user plane traffic to more flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains when flowing out from the network side. Consequently, the deployment, activation, and maintenance of related services become more flexible and automated.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0049] Step S210: The SMF entity receives the dynamic SFC rules for user equipment sent by the PCF entity.

[0050] The Policy and Charging Function (PCF) entity stores the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment. After a user plane session is created for the user equipment in the mobile network core network, if one or more dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment are triggered, the PCF entity will send the triggered dynamic SFC rules to the Session Management Function (SMF) entity.

[0051] In some embodiments, the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment include, but are not limited to, traffic classification information and a service function list. The traffic classification information includes, but is not limited to, a combination of one or more of the following: destination IP address range, destination port number, network protocol type, packet length, data network name (DNN), 5G QoS indicator (5QI), etc. The service function list information includes a sequence of service functions that reflects the sequential passage of traffic.

[0052] In other embodiments, the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment include traffic classification information and a service function list, as well as a traffic direction identifier. The traffic direction identifier is uplink, downlink, or both, indicating that the traffic to which the SFC rules apply is uplink traffic, downlink traffic, or both.

[0053] For example, a dynamic SFC rule for a user device includes the following information:

[0054] Traffic classification information: Type identifier = 1, Destination IP address range = 10.69.0.0, Network protocol type = [TCP,UDP], Data network name = ctnet;

[0055] Service function list information: Type identifier = 1, Service function sequence = [Firewall service, Network address translation service, Traffic acceleration service].

[0056] Flow direction indicator: Upward.

[0057] Step S220: The SMF entity sends an SFC modification request to the SFC controller.

[0058] In some embodiments, after receiving the dynamic SFC rules from the user equipment, the SMF entity directly sends an SFC modification request to the SFC controller.

[0059] In other embodiments, after receiving the dynamic SFC rule from the user equipment, the SMF entity first determines whether the Service Function Path (SFP) currently serving the user equipment session can meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule; if it does not meet the requirements, the SMF entity sends an SFC modification request to the SFC controller; if it meets the requirements, it does not send an SFC modification request to the SFC controller.

[0060] Alternatively, if the SFP currently serving the user equipment session meets the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule, a first response is returned to the PCF entity to indicate that the current SFP is able to meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule.

[0061] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by sending an SFC modification request to the SFC controller only after determining that the SFP currently serving the user equipment session does not meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule, it is possible to avoid sending unnecessary SFC modification requests to the SFC controller and reduce resource consumption in the routing configuration of mobile network user plane traffic.

[0062] The SFC modification request, also known as the Service Function Chain modification request, includes dynamic SFC rules for user equipment. Optionally, the SFC modification request may also include, but is not limited to, the following information: the location of the user equipment and the Data Network Name (DNN). By including user equipment location and DNN information in the SFC modification request, the SFC controller can select a more suitable service function path, thereby improving service function routing efficiency.

[0063] Step S230: The SMF entity receives the SFC modification response returned by the SFC controller.

[0064] The SFC modification response includes traffic redirection information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

[0065] In some embodiments, the traffic routing information for the service function path includes a Network Service Header (NSH). NSH is an encapsulation format designed for service chains. NSH includes basic header fields, service function path identifiers, and other fields.

[0066] In other embodiments, the traffic routing information for the service function path may include, in addition to NSH information, a combination of one or more of the following: transport layer protocol type, network layer protocol type, access IP address of the service function path, access port number of the service function path, etc.

[0067] For example, a traffic forwarding message might be represented as: Forwarding Info = {NSH, Trans Protocol = TCP, Network Protocol = IP}. This traffic forwarding message includes: NSH, the transport layer protocol type (specifically TCP), and the network layer protocol (specifically IP).

[0068] Step S240: The SMF entity sends the traffic guidance information to the UPF entity so that the UPF entity can forward the data packets corresponding to the user equipment session according to the traffic guidance information.

[0069] In some embodiments, step S240 includes: the SMF entity sending a session modification request to the UPF entity currently serving the user equipment, wherein the session modification request includes traffic redirection information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

[0070] In some other embodiments, step S240 includes: the SMF entity determining whether it needs to reselect a UPF entity; if it is confirmed that it does not need to reselect a UPF entity, the SMF entity sends a session modification request to the UPF entity currently serving the user equipment, wherein the session modification request includes traffic redirection information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule; if it is confirmed that it needs to reselect a UPF entity, the SMF entity reselects a UPF entity and sends a session establishment request to the reselected UPF entity, wherein the session establishment request includes traffic redirection information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

[0071] Optionally, the method in this embodiment of the disclosure further includes the following steps: the SMF entity sends the traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rule to the UPF entity, wherein the traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rule is used to instruct the UPF entity to classify the data packets corresponding to the user equipment session.

[0072] In this embodiment, the above steps enable flexible, efficient, and dynamic modification of service function routes for user plane traffic at the session level based on real-time service requirements. This allows user plane traffic to more flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains when flowing out from the network side, making related service deployment, activation, and maintenance more flexible and automated. Furthermore, by providing services on demand, it can reduce investment in high-end service hardware and software infrastructure to some extent, showing promising application prospects in future network scenarios such as 5G or 6G.

[0073] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to other embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0074] Step S310: The SFC controller receives the SFC modification request sent by the SMF entity.

[0075] A service function chain is the ability to create chains of connected service functions and link them together in a virtual chain. Service function chains generally refer to Software-Defined Networking (SDN) service chains. The service function chain architecture includes a service function chain controller, also known as the SFC controller.

[0076] In this embodiment of the disclosure, communication is established between the SMF entity in the mobile network core network and the SFC controller outside the mobile network core network. The SFC controller is capable of receiving SFC modification requests sent by the SMF entity.

[0077] The SFC modification request includes the user equipment's dynamic SFC rules. Optionally, the SFC modification request may also include one or more combinations of the following information: the location of the user equipment, the data network name (DNN), and the original SFC rules of the user plane session.

[0078] Step S320: The SFC controller sets the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment.

[0079] In some embodiments, the SFC controller selects, modifies, or creates the corresponding service function path based on the dynamic SFC rules carried in the SFC modification request.

[0080] For example, if the existing SFPs in the SFC architecture only include firewall and network address translation services, and the request is also for firewall and network address translation services, then select from the existing SFPs; if the request is for firewall, network address translation and traffic acceleration services, then create a new SFP.

[0081] In other embodiments, the SFC controller selects, modifies, or creates the corresponding service function path based on the SFC rules carried in the SFC modification request, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name.

[0082] For example, the SFC controller selects an SFP that supports the service functions requested by the dynamic SFC rules; the SFC controller selects an SFP that is closer to the user equipment based on the user equipment's location; the SFC controller selects an SFP that corresponds to the data network based on the data network name, so that traffic from different data networks does not share the same SFP.

[0083] Step S330: The SFC controller sends an SFC modification response to the SMF entity so that the SMF entity can configure the UPF entity for a session based on the traffic guidance information of the service function path carried in the SFC modification response.

[0084] After the SFC controller sets the service function path according to the SFC modification request, it generates traffic routing information for that service function path and sends the SFC modification response carrying the traffic routing information for that service function path to the SMF entity.

[0085] In some embodiments, the traffic routing information of the SFP includes a Network Service Header (NSH). The NSH is an encapsulation format designed for service chains. The NSH includes basic header fields, service function path identifiers, and other fields.

[0086] In other embodiments, the traffic routing information of the SFP may include, in addition to NSH, a combination of one or more of the following: transport layer protocol type, network layer protocol type, access IP address of the service function path, access port number of the service function path, etc.

[0087] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the above steps enable flexible, efficient, and dynamic modification of service function routes for user plane traffic at the session granularity according to real-time business needs. This allows user plane traffic to more flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains when flowing out from the network side, making the deployment, activation, and operation of related services more flexible and automated.

[0088] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0089] Step 401: The Policy and Billing Function Entity sends a Session Management Policy Association Modification Request to the Session Management Function Entity.

[0090] The Policy and Charging Function (PCF) entity stores the dynamic Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules for user equipment (UE). These dynamic PCC rules include SFC rules. After a user plane session is created for a UE in the mobile network core network, if one or more dynamic SFC rules of that UE are triggered, the PCF entity sends a session management policy association modification request to the Session Management Function (SMF) entity. This session management policy association modification request includes the UE's dynamic SFC rules.

[0091] The dynamic SFC rules for user devices stored in the PCF entity can be triggered by messages sent by the application function entity, or by the PCF entity itself when preset conditions are met. These preset conditions include, but are not limited to, preset time periods, user devices located at preset locations, and users subscribing to preset services. For example, during peak hours, dynamic SFC rules will be triggered for users who have subscribed to accelerated data packages.

[0092] The Session Management Function (SMF) entity obtains the dynamic SFC rules of the user device from the session management policy association modification request.

[0093] In some embodiments, dynamic SFC rules include: traffic classification information, a service function list, and traffic direction identifiers. The traffic classification information includes, but is not limited to, a combination of one or more of the following: destination IP address range, destination port number, network protocol type, packet length, data network name (DNN), 5G QoS indicator (5QI), etc. The service function list information includes a sequence of service functions that reflects the sequential path of the traffic.

[0094] The traffic direction identifier indicates the direction of traffic to which the SFC rule applies. For example, an uplink traffic direction identifier means that the SFC rule applies to uplink traffic.

[0095] Step 402: The session management function entity returns a new session management policy modification response to the policy and billing function entity.

[0096] In some embodiments, before performing step 403, the SMF entity sends a first new session management policy modification response to the PCF entity to indicate that the user plane session management policy can be modified.

[0097] In other embodiments, after performing steps 403 to 407, the SMF entity sends a second new session management policy modification response to the PCF entity to indicate that the user plane session management policy has been successfully modified.

[0098] In some embodiments, when the SMF entity determines that the Service Function Path (SFP) currently serving the user equipment session can meet the requirements of the user equipment's dynamic SFC rules, it sends a third New Session Management Policy Modification Response to the PCF entity to indicate that the current SFP can meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rules. In this case, steps 403 to 407 are not executed. Furthermore, in specific implementations, the above embodiments can be combined to return different responses to the PCF entity under different circumstances.

[0099] In this embodiment of the disclosure, returning a new session management policy modification response to the PCF entity helps to further optimize the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method.

[0100] Step 403: The Session Management Function Entity sends an SFC modification request to the Service Function Chain Controller.

[0101] In some embodiments, step 403 includes: the SMF entity determining whether the Service Function Path (SFP) currently serving the user equipment session can meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule; if it does not meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule, the SMF entity sends an SFC modification request to the SFC controller. If it meets the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule, it does not send an SFC modification request to the SFC controller.

[0102] In this embodiment of the disclosure, by sending an SFC modification request to the SFC controller only after determining that the SFP currently serving the user equipment session does not meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule, it is possible to avoid sending unnecessary SFC modification requests to the SFC controller and reduce resource consumption in the routing configuration of mobile network user plane traffic.

[0103] In some embodiments, the SFC modification request includes the user equipment's dynamic SFC rules, the user equipment's location, and the data network name (DNN). By including information such as the user equipment's location and DNN in the SFC modification request, the SFC controller can select a more suitable service function path, thereby improving the service function routing effect.

[0104] Step 404: Set the service function path in the service function chain controller.

[0105] In some embodiments, the SFC controller selects, modifies, or creates a corresponding service function path based on the dynamic SFC rules carried in the SFC modification request, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name.

[0106] For example, in one optional example, the SFC controller selects an SFP that can support the service functions requested by the dynamic SFC rules; the SFC controller selects an SFP that is closer to the user equipment based on the location of the user equipment; the SFC controller selects an SFP that corresponds to the data network based on the data network name, so that traffic from different data networks does not share the same SFP.

[0107] Step 405: The Service Function Chain Controller returns an SFC modification response to the Session Management Function Entity.

[0108] After setting the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule, the SFC controller generates traffic routing information for the service function path and sends the SFC modification response carrying the traffic routing information to the SMF entity.

[0109] As an example, SFP traffic routing information includes the Network Service Header (NSH) and a combination of one or more of the following: transport layer protocol type, network layer protocol type, access IP address of the service function path, access port number of the service function path, etc.

[0110] Step 406: The session management function entity sends a session establishment request or session modification request to the user plane function entity.

[0111] In some embodiments, prior to step 406, the method further includes: the SMF entity determining whether it needs to reselect the UPF entity.

[0112] As an example, the SMF entity determines whether to reselect the UPF entity based on at least one of the following: SFC functionality support and service function path location information. Optionally, in addition to considering SFC functionality support and service function path location information, the SMF entity may also consider one or more factors such as the user equipment location, mobile network topology, and service requirements to determine whether to reselect the UPF entity. Determining whether to reselect the UPF entity based on SFC functionality support and service function path location information helps select a more suitable UPF entity for user plane sessions, optimizing the effectiveness of mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration.

[0113] If it is confirmed that there is no need to reselect the UPF entity, step 406 includes: the SMF entity sending a session modification request to the UPF entity currently serving the user equipment, wherein the session modification request includes traffic redirection information of the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule and traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rule.

[0114] If it is confirmed that a new UPF entity needs to be selected, step 406 includes: the SMF entity selects a new UPF entity and sends a session establishment request to the new UPF entity, wherein the session establishment request includes traffic guidance information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule and traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rule.

[0115] In some embodiments, prior to step 406, the method further includes: the SMF entity determining whether the traffic routing information for the SFP received from the SFC controller has changed compared to the traffic routing information previously associated with the user plane session. If it has changed, step 406 is executed; otherwise, step 406 is not executed.

[0116] Step 407: The user plane functional entity returns a session establishment response or a session modification response to the session management functional entity.

[0117] In some embodiments, if it is confirmed that there is no need to reselect the UPF entity, the UPF entity currently serving the user equipment returns a session modification response to the SMF entity.

[0118] In some embodiments, if it is confirmed that a UPF entity needs to be reselected, the reselected UPF entity establishes a session and returns a session establishment response to the SMF entity.

[0119] In some embodiments, when a user equipment sends uplink traffic, the UPF entity classifies the data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rules, encapsulates different types of data packets based on traffic guidance information, for example, adding NSH to the original data packets and performing transport layer and network layer encapsulation, and then forwarding the encapsulated data packets to one or more SFPs. In specific implementations, data packets of different classifications may be forwarded to different service function paths, and data packets that do not belong to the classification in the SFC rules can be forwarded according to the standard traffic of the existing mobile network core network.

[0120] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the above processing flow can flexibly, efficiently and dynamically modify the service function routing for user plane traffic at the session granularity according to real-time business needs, so that user plane traffic can more flexibly select the automatically orchestrated service function chain when flowing out from the network side, making the deployment, activation and operation of related services more flexible and automated.

[0121] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration device of the present disclosure embodiments is disposed in a session management function entity, including: a rule receiving module 510, an SFC modification module 520, and a session configuration module 530.

[0122] The rule receiving module 510 is configured to receive dynamic SFC rules for user equipment sent by the PCF entity.

[0123] The PCF entity stores the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment. After a user plane session is created for the user equipment in the mobile network core network, if one or more dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment are triggered, the PCF entity will send the triggered dynamic SFC rules to the Session Management Function entity, i.e., the SMF entity.

[0124] In some embodiments, the SMF entity receives a session management policy association modification request sent by the PCF entity and parses the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment from the session management policy association modification request.

[0125] The dynamic SFC rules for user equipment include, but are not limited to, traffic classification information and service function lists. Traffic classification information includes, but is not limited to, combinations of one or more of the following: destination IP address range, destination port number, network protocol type, packet length, data network name (DNN), 5G QoS indicator (5QI), etc. The service function list information includes a sequence of service functions that reflect the flow of traffic.

[0126] In addition to traffic classification information and a list of service functions, dynamic SFC rules for user equipment may also include traffic direction identifiers. These traffic direction identifiers are uplink, downlink, or both, indicating whether the traffic to which the SFC rule applies is uplink, downlink, or both.

[0127] The SFC modification module 520 is configured to send an SFC modification request to the SFC controller and receive an SFC modification response returned by the SFC controller. The SFC modification response includes traffic guidance information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

[0128] In some embodiments, after receiving the dynamic SFC rules from the user equipment, the SFC modification module 520 directly sends an SFC modification request to the SFC controller.

[0129] In other embodiments, after receiving the dynamic SFC rule from the user equipment, the SFC modification module 520 first determines whether the Service Function Path (SFP) currently serving the user equipment session can meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule. If it does not meet the requirements, the SFC modification module 520 sends an SFC modification request to the SFC controller; if it does meet the requirements, the SFC modification module 520 does not send an SFC modification request to the SFC controller. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, by determining that the SFP currently serving the user equipment session does not meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule before sending an SFC modification request to the SFC controller, unnecessary SFC modification requests can be avoided, reducing resource consumption in the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration.

[0130] The SFC modification request includes dynamic SFC rules for the user equipment. Optionally, the SFC modification request may also include, but is not limited to, the following information: the location of the user equipment and the data network name (DNN). By including user equipment location and DNN information in the SFC modification request, the SFC controller can select a more suitable service function path, thereby improving the service function routing effect.

[0131] The SFC modification response includes traffic redirection information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

[0132] In some embodiments, the traffic routing information for the service function path includes a Network Service Header (NSH). NSH is an encapsulation format designed for service chains. NSH includes basic header fields, service function path identifiers, and other fields.

[0133] In other embodiments, the traffic routing information for the service function path may include, in addition to NSH information, a combination of one or more of the following: transport layer protocol type, network layer protocol type, access IP address of the service function path, access port number of the service function path, etc.

[0134] Session configuration module 530 is configured to send traffic guidance information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule to the UPF entity, so that the UPF entity can forward the data packets corresponding to the user equipment session according to the traffic guidance information.

[0135] In some embodiments, the session configuration module 530 sends a session modification request to the UPF entity currently serving the user equipment, wherein the session modification request includes traffic redirection information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

[0136] In other embodiments, the session configuration module 530 determines whether it is necessary to reselect the UPF entity; if it is confirmed that it is not necessary to reselect the UPF entity, the session configuration module 530 sends a session modification request to the UPF entity currently serving the user equipment, wherein the session modification request includes traffic redirection information of the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule; if it is confirmed that it is necessary to reselect the UPF entity, the session configuration module 530 reselects the UPF entity and sends a session establishment request to the reselected UPF entity, wherein the session establishment request includes traffic redirection information of the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

[0137] Optionally, the session configuration module 530 is also configured to send traffic classification information from the dynamic SFC rules to the UPF entity. For example, the traffic classification information from the dynamic SFC rules can be carried in a session modification request or session establishment request and sent to the UPF entity. The traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rules is used to instruct the UPF entity to classify the data packets corresponding to the user equipment's session.

[0138] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the above-mentioned device can flexibly, efficiently and dynamically modify the service function routing for user plane traffic at the session granularity according to real-time service needs, so that user plane traffic can more flexibly select the automatically orchestrated service function chain when flowing out from the network side, making the deployment, activation and operation of related services more flexible and automated.

[0139] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus according to other embodiments of the present disclosure. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus of this disclosure is disposed in an SFC controller and includes: a receiving module 610, a path setting module 620, and a sending module 630.

[0140] The receiving module 610 is configured to receive an SFC modification request sent by an SMF entity, wherein the SFC modification request includes the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment.

[0141] The SFC modification request includes the user equipment's dynamic SFC rules. Optionally, the SFC modification request may also include one or more combinations of the following information: the location of the user equipment, the data network name (DNN), and the original SFC rules of the user plane session.

[0142] The path setting module 620 is configured to set the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule of the user device.

[0143] In some embodiments, the SFC controller selects, modifies, or creates the corresponding service function path based on the dynamic SFC rules carried in the SFC modification request. For example, if the existing SFPs in the SFC architecture only contain firewall and network address translation services, and the request also involves firewall and network address translation services, then an existing SFP is selected; if the request involves firewall, network address translation, and traffic acceleration services, then a new SFP is created.

[0144] In other embodiments, the SFC controller selects, modifies, or creates a corresponding service function path based on the SFC rules carried in the SFC modification request, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name. For example, the SFC controller selects an SFP that can support the aforementioned service function based on the service function requested by the dynamic SFC rules; the SFC controller selects an SFP that is closer to the user equipment based on its location; and the SFC controller selects an SFP corresponding to the data network based on its data network name, so that traffic from different data networks does not share the same SFP.

[0145] Sending module 630 is configured to send an SFC modification response to the SMF entity so that the SMF entity can perform session configuration on the UPF entity based on the traffic guidance information of the service function path carried in the SFC modification response.

[0146] After setting the service function path according to the SFC modification request, traffic guidance information for the service function path is generated, and the SFC modification response carrying the traffic guidance information for the service function path is sent to the SMF entity through the sending module 630.

[0147] In some embodiments, the traffic routing information of the SFP includes a Network Service Header (NSH). The NSH is an encapsulation format designed for service chains. The NSH includes basic header fields, service function path identifiers, and other fields.

[0148] In other embodiments, the traffic routing information of the SFP may include, in addition to NSH, a combination of one or more of the following: transport layer protocol type, network layer protocol type, access IP address of the service function path, access port number of the service function path, etc.

[0149] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the above-mentioned device can flexibly, efficiently and dynamically modify the service function routing for user plane traffic at the session granularity according to real-time service needs, so that user plane traffic can more flexibly select the automatically orchestrated service function chain when flowing out from the network side, making the deployment, activation and operation of related services more flexible and automated.

[0150] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration system according to some embodiments of this disclosure. In this disclosure, a 5G network is used as an example for detailed description. Figure 7 As shown, the system includes: a policy and charging function entity 710, a session management function entity 720, and a user plane function entity 730 located within the 5G network; and a service function chain controller 740 located in the external network.

[0151] Policy and Charging Function Entity 710 stores the dynamic policy and charging control (PCC) rules for user equipment. These dynamic PCC rules for user equipment include SFC rules.

[0152] After a user plane session is created for a user equipment in the mobile network core network, if one or more dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment are triggered, the Policy and Charging Function Entity 710 sends a session management policy association modification request to the Session Management Function Entity 720. The session management policy association modification request includes the user equipment's dynamic SFC rules.

[0153] Session management function entity 720 obtains the dynamic SFC rules of the user device from the session management policy association modification request.

[0154] Session management function entity 720 sends an SFC modification request to service function chain controller 740.

[0155] In some embodiments, the SFC modification request includes the user equipment's dynamic SFC rules, the user equipment's location, and the data network name (DNN). By including information such as the user equipment's location and DNN in the SFC modification request, the SFC controller can select a more suitable service function path, thereby improving the service function routing effect.

[0156] The Service Function Chain Controller 740 sets the service function path according to the SFC modification request, generates traffic guidance information for the service function path, and sends the SFC modification response carrying the traffic guidance information to the Session Management Function Entity 720.

[0157] Session management function entity 720 determines whether it is necessary to reselect a UPF entity; if it is confirmed that it is not necessary to reselect a UPF entity, it sends a session modification request to the UPF entity currently serving the user equipment; if it is confirmed that it is necessary to reselect a UPF entity, it reselects a UPF entity and sends a session establishment request to the reselected UPF entity.

[0158] In one example, a session modification request includes traffic routing information for the service function path corresponding to a dynamic SFC rule, as well as traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rule; a session establishment request includes traffic routing information for the service function path corresponding to a dynamic SFC rule, as well as traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rule.

[0159] User plane function entity 730 forwards data packets corresponding to a session based on the information carried in the session establishment request or session modification request.

[0160] When a data packet is received from a user equipment, the user plane function entity 730 classifies the data packet according to the traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rule, and encapsulates and forwards the data packet that matches the corresponding classification according to the traffic guidance information of the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

[0161] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the above system can flexibly, efficiently and dynamically modify the service function routing for user plane traffic at the session granularity according to real-time service needs, so that when user plane traffic flows out from the 5G network side, it can more flexibly select the automatically orchestrated service function chain, making the deployment, activation and operation of related services more flexible and automated.

[0162] Figure 8 This is a block diagram illustrating a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0163] like Figure 8As shown, the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus 800 includes a memory 810 and a processor 820 coupled to the memory 810. The memory 810 is used to store instructions for executing embodiments of the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method. The processor 820 is configured to execute the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method in any of the embodiments of this disclosure based on the instructions stored in the memory 810.

[0164] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0165] like Figure 9 As shown, the computer system 900 can be represented in the form of a general computing device. The computer system 900 includes a memory 910, a processor 920, and a bus 930 connecting different system components.

[0166] The memory 910 may include, for example, system memory, non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, applications, a boot loader, and other programs. The system memory may include volatile storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The non-volatile storage media may store, for example, instructions for executing at least one of the corresponding embodiments of the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method. Non-volatile storage media include, but are not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, flash memory, etc.

[0167] The processor 920 can be implemented using a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete hardware components such as discrete gates or transistors. Accordingly, each module, such as the decision module and the determination module, can be implemented by executing instructions in the central processing unit (CPU) memory to perform the corresponding steps, or by implementing dedicated circuitry to perform the corresponding steps.

[0168] Bus 930 can use any of the various bus architectures. For example, bus architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0169] The computer system 900 may also include an input / output interface 940, a network interface 950, and a storage interface 960. These interfaces 940, 950, and 960, as well as the memory 910 and processor 920, can be connected via a bus 930. The input / output interface 940 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. The network interface 950 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 960 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as floppy disks, USB flash drives, and SD cards.

[0170] Various aspects of this disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0171] These computer-readable program instructions are provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable device to produce a machine, such that execution of the instructions by the processor produces means for implementing the functions specified in one or more boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0172] These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These instructions cause a computer to work in a particular manner to produce an article of manufacture, including instructions that implement the functions specified in one or more boxes in a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0173] This disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0174] The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method and apparatus in the above embodiments can flexibly and efficiently configure service function routes for user plane traffic at the session granularity, so that user plane traffic can flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains when flowing out from the mobile network side, meeting various customized needs under the trend of network convergence.

[0175] This concludes the detailed description of the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method and apparatus according to this disclosure. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

Claims

1. A method for configuring user plane traffic routing in a mobile network, comprising: Session management function (SMF) entity receives policies and charging function (PCF) entity sends dynamic service function chain (SFC) rules for user equipment; The SMF entity sends an SFC modification request to the SFC controller. The SFC modification request is sent by the SMF entity to the SFC controller when it determines that the service function path currently serving the user equipment session does not meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule. The SFC modification request carries the dynamic SFC rule of the user equipment. The SMF entity receives the SFC modification response returned by the SFC controller, wherein the SFC modification response includes traffic routing information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule; The SMF entity sends traffic routing information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards the data packets corresponding to the user equipment session according to the traffic routing information.

2. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to claim 1 further includes: An SMF entity determines whether it needs to reselect a UPF entity based on at least one of the following factors: SFC function support status and service function path location information.

3. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to claim 2, wherein, The SMF entity sends traffic redirection information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule to the user plane function UPF entity, including: If it is confirmed that there is no need to reselect the UPF entity, the SMF entity sends a session modification request to the UPF entity currently serving the user equipment, wherein the session modification request includes traffic redirection information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

4. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to claim 2, wherein, The SMF entity sends traffic redirection information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule to the user plane function UPF entity, including: If it is confirmed that a new UPF entity needs to be selected, the SMF entity selects a new UPF entity and sends a session establishment request to the new UPF entity. The session establishment request includes traffic routing information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule.

5. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to claim 1 further includes: The SMF entity sends the traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rule to the UPF entity, wherein the traffic classification information in the dynamic SFC rule is used to instruct the UPF entity to classify the data packets corresponding to the user equipment session.

6. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to claim 1, wherein, The Session Management Function (SMF) entity receives the policy and the Charging Function (PCF) entity sends the User Equipment Dynamic Service Function Chain (SFC) rules, which include: The SMF entity receives the session management policy association modification request sent by the PCF entity and parses the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment from the session management policy association modification request.

7. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to claim 6 further includes: The SMF entity sends a session management policy association modification response to the PCF entity.

8. A method for configuring user plane traffic routing in a mobile network, comprising: The Service Function Chain (SFC) controller receives an SFC modification request sent by the Session Management Function (SMF) entity. The SFC modification request includes dynamic SFC rules for the user equipment. The SFC modification request is sent by the SMF entity to the SFC controller when it determines that the service function path currently serving the user equipment session does not meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rules. The SFC controller is configured with the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment. The SFC controller sends an SFC modification response to the SMF entity, so that the SMF entity can perform session configuration on the User Plane Function (UPF) entity based on the traffic routing information of the service function path carried in the SFC modification response.

9. A method for configuring user plane traffic routing in a mobile network, comprising: Session management function (SMF) entity receives policies and charging function (PCF) entity sends dynamic service function chain (SFC) rules for user equipment; After receiving the dynamic SFC rule of the user equipment, the SMF entity sends an SFC modification request to the SFC controller. The SFC modification request is sent by the SMF entity to the SFC controller when it determines that the service function path currently serving the user equipment session does not meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule. The SFC modification request carries the dynamic SFC rule of the user equipment. The SFC controller sets the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment, and sends an SFC modification response to the SMF entity; The SMF entity sends the traffic redirection information of the service function path carried in the SFC modification response to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity can forward the data packets corresponding to the session of the user equipment according to the traffic redirection information.

10. A mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration device, configured in a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, comprising: The rule receiving module is configured to receive the dynamic service function chain (SFC) rules of user equipment sent by the Policy and Charging Function (PCF) entity. The SFC modification module is configured to send an SFC modification request to the SFC controller and receive an SFC modification response returned by the SFC controller. The SFC modification request is sent by the SMF entity to the SFC controller when it determines that the service function path currently serving the user equipment session does not meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule. The SFC modification response includes traffic redirection information for the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule. The session configuration module is configured to send traffic guidance information of the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule to the user plane function UPF entity, so that the UPF entity forwards the data packets corresponding to the session of the user equipment according to the traffic guidance information.

11. A mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration device, disposed in a Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive an SFC modification request sent by the Session Management Function (SMF) entity, wherein the SFC modification request includes dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment, and the SFC modification request is sent by the SMF entity to the SFC controller when it determines that the service function path currently serving the user equipment session does not meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rules; The path setting module is configured to set the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rule of the user equipment; The sending module is configured to send an SFC modification response to the SMF entity, so that the SMF entity performs session configuration on the User Plane Function (UPF) entity based on the traffic routing information of the service function path carried in the SFC modification response.

12. A mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration system, comprising: The Session Management Function (SMF) entity is configured to receive the User Equipment Dynamic Service Function Chain (SFC) rules sent by the Policy and Charging Function (PCF) entity. The SMF entity is also configured to send an SFC modification request to the SFC controller after receiving the dynamic SFC rule of the user equipment. The SFC modification request is sent by the SMF entity to the SFC controller when it determines that the service function path currently serving the user equipment session does not meet the requirements of the dynamic SFC rule. The SFC modification request carries the dynamic SFC rule of the user equipment. The SFC controller is configured to set the service function path corresponding to the dynamic SFC rules of the user equipment, and to send an SFC modification response to the SMF entity. The SMF entity is also configured to send traffic redirection information of the service function path carried in the SFC modification response to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity can forward the data packets corresponding to the session of the user equipment according to the traffic redirection information.

13. A mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration device, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 based on instructions stored in the memory.

14. A computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer program instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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