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 sends an SFC access request to an SFC controller; the SMF entity receives an SFC access response returned by the SFC controller, wherein the SFC access response comprises traffic steering information of a service function path; and the SMF entity sends a session establishment request to a UPF entity, so that the UPF entity performs forwarding processing on data packets corresponding to a session according to the traffic steering information carried in the session establishment request. Through the above method, the service function routing of the session granularity user plane traffic can be flexibly and efficiently configured, so that the user plane traffic can be flexibly selected when flowing out from the mobile 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 configure service function routing for user plane traffic at the session level, so that user plane traffic can flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains when flowing out from the mobile network side, thereby meeting various customized needs under the trend of network convergence.

[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 sending an SFC access request to a Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, wherein the SFC access request includes SFC rules of a user equipment (UE); the SMF entity receiving an SFC access response returned by the SFC controller, wherein the SFC access response includes traffic routing information for a service function path; and the SMF entity sending a session establishment request to a User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic routing information for the service function path carried in the session establishment request.

[0006] In some embodiments, before sending an SFC access request to the Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, the method further includes: the SMF entity sending a New Session Management Policy Query Request to the Policy and Charging Function (PCF) entity; the SMF entity receiving the New Session Management Policy Query Response returned by the PCF entity, and obtaining the SFC rules of the user equipment from the New Session Management Policy Query Response.

[0007] In some embodiments, before the SMF entity sends a session establishment request to the User Plane Function UPF entity, the method further includes: the SMF entity selecting a UPF entity from multiple UPF entities based on at least one of the following factors: SFC function support status and service function path location information.

[0008] In some embodiments, the session establishment request also carries traffic classification information, which is used to instruct the UPF entity to classify the data packets corresponding to the session.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method further includes: the SMF entity receiving a session establishment response returned by the UPF entity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the traffic routing information includes Network Service Header (NSH) information.

[0011] In some embodiments, the SFC access request may further include: the location of the user equipment and the data network name.

[0012] 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 access request sent by a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, wherein the SFC access request includes SFC rules of a user equipment (UE); the SFC controller setting a service function path corresponding to the SFC rules of the UE; and the SFC controller sending an SFC access 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 access response.

[0013] In some embodiments, the SFC access request may also include the location of the user equipment and the data network name.

[0014] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, another method for configuring user plane traffic routing in a mobile network is proposed, comprising: a Session Management Function (SMF) entity sending an SFC access request to a Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, wherein the SFC access request includes SFC rules of a user equipment (UE); upon receiving the SFC access request, the SFC controller sets a service function path corresponding to the SFC rules of the UE and returns an SFC access response to the SMF entity, wherein the SFC access response includes traffic routing information of the service function path; upon receiving the SFC access response, the SMF entity sending a session establishment request to a User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic routing information of the service function path carried in the session establishment request.

[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: an access request sending module configured to send an SFC access request to a Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, wherein the SFC access request includes SFC rules of the user equipment; an access response receiving module configured to receive an SFC access response returned by the SFC controller, wherein the SFC access response includes traffic routing information of the service function path; and a session configuration module configured to send a session establishment request to a User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic routing information of the service function path carried in the session establishment request.

[0016] In some embodiments, the system further includes: an acquisition module configured to send a new session management policy query request to a policy and charging function (PCF) entity, receive a new session management policy query response returned by the PCF entity, and acquire the SFC rules of the user equipment from the new session management policy query response.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system further includes a selection module configured to select a UPF entity from a plurality of UPF entities based on at least one of the following factors: SFC function support status and service function path location information.

[0018] In some embodiments, the session establishment request also carries traffic classification information, which is used to instruct the UPF entity to classify the data packets corresponding to the session.

[0019] In some embodiments, the session configuration module is further configured to receive a session establishment response returned by the UPF entity.

[0020] In some embodiments, the SFC access request may also include the location of the user equipment and the data network name.

[0021] 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 access request sent by a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, wherein the SFC access request includes SFC rules of a user equipment; a path setting module configured to set a service function path corresponding to the SFC rules of the user equipment; and a sending module configured to send an SFC access 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 access response.

[0022] In some embodiments, the path setting module is configured to: set a service function path corresponding to the SFC rule of the user equipment based on the SFC rule of the user equipment carried in the SFC access request, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name.

[0023] 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 send an SFC access request to a Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, wherein the SFC access request includes SFC rules of a user equipment (UE); an SFC controller configured to, upon receiving the SFC access request, set a service function path corresponding to the SFC rules of the UE, and return an SFC access response to the SMF entity, wherein the SFC access response includes traffic routing information of the service function path; and the SMF entity further configured to, upon receiving the SFC access response, send a session establishment request to a User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic routing information of the service function path carried in the session establishment request.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Compared with related technologies, in this embodiment, the Session Management Function (SFC) entity sends an SFC access request to the Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, receives traffic routing information for the service function path returned by the SFC controller, and sends a session establishment request to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity. This allows the UPF entity to forward the data packets corresponding to the session based on the traffic routing information for the service function path carried in the session establishment request. This enables flexible and efficient configuration of service function routes for user plane traffic at the session level, allowing user plane traffic flowing out from the mobile network side to flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains, meeting various customized needs under the trend of network convergence. Furthermore, since services are provided on demand, investment in high-end service hardware and software infrastructure can be reduced to some extent, showing good application prospects in future network scenarios such as 5G or 6G.

[0027] 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

[0028] 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.

[0029] This disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the reference network architecture for the 5G core network in related technologies.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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 the present disclosure.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] User plane function entity 103, UPF entity, is mainly responsible for forwarding data packets.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] In view of the shortcomings of the related technologies, the inventors of this disclosure have come up with the idea that by linking the mobile network control plane and the mobile network external service function chain (SFC) control plane, the appropriate service function path can be selected for session-level traffic based on SFC rules. This enables flexible and efficient configuration of service function routes for session-level user plane traffic, allowing user plane traffic to flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains when flowing out from the mobile network side.

[0054] 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 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0055] Step S210: The SMF entity sends an SFC access request to the SFC controller.

[0056] In this embodiment of the disclosure, communication is established between the Session Management Function (SMF) entity and the Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, i.e., communication between the SMF entity and the SFC controller. During the communication process, the SMF entity sends an SFC access request to the SFC controller.

[0057] The SFC access request, also known as a service function link request, includes the user equipment's SFC rules. As an example, the SFC rules carried in the SFC access request are the user equipment's default SFC rules. Default SFC rules can be understood as predefined SFC rules.

[0058] In some embodiments, SFC rules 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 path of the traffic.

[0059] In other embodiments, the SFC rule also includes a traffic direction identifier. This traffic direction identifier is uplink, downlink, or both, indicating that the traffic to which the SFC rule applies is uplink traffic, downlink traffic, or both.

[0060] For example, a certain SFC rule includes the following information:

[0061] Traffic classification information: Type identifier = 1, Destination IP address range = 10.69.0.0, Network protocol type = [TCP,UDP], Data network name = ctnet;

[0062] Service function list information: Type identifier = 1, Service function sequence = [Firewall service, Network address translation service, Traffic acceleration service].

[0063] Flow direction indicator: Upward.

[0064] Optionally, the SFC access request may also include the following information: user equipment location and data network name (DNN). By including user equipment location and DNN information in the SFC access request, the SFC controller can select a more suitable service function path, thereby improving the service function routing effect.

[0065] Furthermore, prior to step S210, the process includes: the SMF entity obtaining the SFC rules of the user equipment. During the initial session creation process, the SMF entity obtains the SFC rules of the user equipment from the Policy and Charging Function entity, or the SMF entity obtains the locally configured SFC rules.

[0066] Step S220: The SMF entity receives the SFC access response returned by the SFC controller.

[0067] The SFC access response includes traffic redirection information for the Service Function Path (SFP).

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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).

[0071] Step S230: The SMF entity sends a session establishment request to the UPF entity, so that the UPF entity forwards the data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic guidance information of the service function path carried in the session establishment request.

[0072] For example, in a 5G core network, the SMF entity sends a session establishment request to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity through the N4 interface. The session establishment request includes traffic routing information for the service function path corresponding to the SFC rule of the user equipment. This traffic routing information instructs the UPF entity to forward the data packets corresponding to the user plane session to the corresponding service function path.

[0073] In some embodiments, the session establishment request also includes SFC rule parameters, such as traffic classification information in the SFC rule, which instructs the UPF entity to classify the data packets corresponding to the session. When the user equipment sends uplink traffic, the UPF entity classifies the data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic classification information in the SFC rule, encapsulates different data packets based on traffic guidance information, for example, by adding NSH to the original data packets and performing transport layer and network layer encapsulation, and then forwards the encapsulated data packets to one or more SFPs.

[0074] In this embodiment, based on the SFC rules of the user equipment, appropriate service function chains are selected for session-level traffic. Through communication between the session management entity in the mobile network and the service function chain controller in the external network, service function routing can be flexibly and efficiently configured for session-level user plane traffic. This allows user plane traffic flowing out of the mobile network to flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains, providing a refined and automated management method for users' customized needs. Furthermore, since services are provided on demand, investment in high-end service hardware and software infrastructure can be reduced to some extent, showing promising application prospects in future network scenarios such as 5G or 6G.

[0075] 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:

[0076] Step S310: The SFC controller receives the SFC access request sent by the SMF entity.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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 access requests sent by the SMF entity.

[0079] The SFC access request includes the SFC rules of the user equipment. Optionally, the SFC access request may also include the following information: the location of the user equipment and the data network name (DNN).

[0080] Step S320: The SFC controller sets the service function path corresponding to the SFC rule of the user equipment.

[0081] In some embodiments, the SFC controller selects, modifies, or creates the corresponding service function path based on the SFC rules carried in the SFC access request.

[0082] For example, if an existing SFP only contains firewall and network address translation services, and the request also requires firewall and network address translation services, then an existing SFP will be selected. If the request requires firewall, network address translation, and traffic acceleration services, then a new SFP will be created.

[0083] In other embodiments, the SFC controller selects, modifies, or creates a corresponding service function path based on the SFC rules carried in the SFC access request, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name.

[0084] For example, the SFC controller selects an SFP that supports the service functions requested by the 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.

[0085] Step S330: The SFC controller sends an SFC access 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 access response.

[0086] After the SFC controller sets the service function path according to the SFC access request, it generates traffic guidance information for the service function path and sends the SFC access response carrying the traffic guidance information for the service function path to the SMF entity.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the above steps enable flexible and efficient configuration of service function routes for user plane traffic at the session granularity, allowing user plane traffic to flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains when flowing out from the mobile network side, thus meeting various customized needs under the trend of network convergence.

[0090] Figure 4This 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:

[0091] Step 401: The session management function entity sends a new session management policy query request to the policy and billing function entity.

[0092] During the process of creating a session for a user equipment, the session management entity sends a new session management policy query request to the policy and charging entity to query the policy and charging control (PCC) rules for that user equipment.

[0093] Step 402: The Policy and Billing Function Entity returns a New Session Management Policy Query Response to the Session Management Function Entity.

[0094] Upon receiving a new session management policy query request, the Policy and Charging Function Entity retrieves the PCC rules of the user equipment and sends these PCC rules to the Session Management Function Entity along with the new session management policy query response. If the user equipment's PCC rules contain one or more SFC rules, the Policy and Charging Function Entity will include the SFC rules when issuing the PCC rules.

[0095] In some embodiments, an SFC rule includes: traffic classification information, service function list information, and traffic direction identifier. 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 reflect the sequential path of the traffic; and the traffic direction identifier indicates the direction of traffic to which the SFC rule applies. For example, an uplink traffic direction identifier indicates that the SFC rule applies to uplink traffic.

[0096] After the session management function entity receives the response to the new session management policy query, it retrieves the PCC rules of the user equipment from the response. If the PCC rules of the user equipment include SFC rules, steps 403 to 407 are executed; if the PCC rules of the user equipment do not include SFC rules, the standard procedure for creating a session for the user equipment in the prior art can be followed.

[0097] Step 403: The Session Management Function Entity sends an SFC access request to the Service Function Chain Controller.

[0098] In this step, the session management function entity establishes a communication connection with the service function chain controller outside the mobile network core network and sends an SFC access request to the service function chain controller.

[0099] Step 404: Set the service function path in the service function chain controller.

[0100] In some embodiments, the SFC access request includes: the SFC rule of the user equipment, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name (DNN). The service function chain controller sets up the corresponding service function path based on the information carried in the SFC access request and generates traffic redirection information for the service function path.

[0101] As an example, traffic bootstrapping information for a Service Function Path (SFP) includes NSH information. NSH is an encapsulation format designed for service chains. NSH includes basic header fields, Service Function Path identifier, and other fields. In addition to NSH, SFP traffic bootstrapping information may also include one or more of the following: transport layer protocol type, network layer protocol type, access IP address of the Service Function Path, and access port number of the Service Function Path.

[0102] Step 405: The Service Function Chain Controller returns an SFC access response to the user plane function entity.

[0103] The SFC access response carries traffic guidance information for the service function path corresponding to the SFC rule of the user equipment.

[0104] Step 406: The session management function entity sends a session establishment request to the user plane function entity.

[0105] In some embodiments, the session establishment request includes traffic classification information from the SFC rule and traffic routing information for the service function path. The user plane function entity establishes a session based on this information carried in the session establishment request.

[0106] In some embodiments, prior to step 406, the method further includes: the session management function entity selecting, based on at least one factor from multiple user plane function (UPF) entities, the UPF entity to be associated with the session, according to the SFC function support information and the service function path location information, so as to subsequently send a session establishment request to the selected UPF entity. Selecting the UPF entity based on the SFC function support information and the service function path location information helps optimize the routing of user plane traffic services.

[0107] Optionally, in addition to considering SFC function support and service function path location information, the SMF entity may also comprehensively consider one or more factors such as the location of the user equipment, mobile network topology, and service requirements to select the UPF entity that needs to be associated with the session.

[0108] For example, the SMF entity first selects UPF entities that support the SFC function from multiple UPF entities to construct a first set, and then selects the UPF entity closest to the user device from the first set as the UPF entity that needs to be associated with the session.

[0109] Step 407: The user plane functional entity returns a session establishment response to the session management functional entity.

[0110] After creating a session, the UPF entity returns a session establishment response to the SMF entity. This response may include an identifier indicating successful session establishment.

[0111] 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 SFC rules. Based on the traffic guidance information, it encapsulates different categories of data packets. For example, it adds NSH to the original data packets and performs transport layer and network layer encapsulation. Then, the encapsulated data packets are forwarded to one or more SFPs. In practice, data packets of different classifications may be forwarded to different service function paths. Data packets that do not belong to the classification in the SFC rules can be forwarded according to the standard procedures of the existing mobile network core network.

[0112] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the above processing flow enables flexible and efficient configuration of service function routes for user plane traffic at the session granularity, allowing user plane traffic to flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains when flowing out from the mobile network side, thus meeting various customized needs under the trend of network convergence.

[0113] 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: an access request sending module 510, an access response receiving module 520, and a session configuration module 530.

[0114] The access request sending module 510 is configured to send an SFC access request to the SFC controller.

[0115] Among them, the SFC access request includes the SFC rules of the user equipment.

[0116] In some embodiments, SFC rules 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 path of the traffic.

[0117] In other embodiments, the SFC rule also includes a traffic direction identifier. This traffic direction identifier is uplink, downlink, or both, indicating that the traffic to which the SFC rule applies is uplink traffic, downlink traffic, or both.

[0118] Optionally, the SFC access request may also include the following information: user equipment location and data network name (DNN). By including user equipment location and DNN information in the SFC access request, the SFC controller can select a more suitable service function path, thereby improving the service function routing effect.

[0119] In some embodiments, the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus further includes an acquisition module. The acquisition module is configured to send a new session management policy query request to a PCF entity before the access request sending module sends an SFC access request to the SFC controller, receive a new session management policy query response returned by the PCF entity, and acquire the SFC rules of the user equipment from the new session management policy query response.

[0120] The access response receiving module 520 is configured to receive the SFC access response returned by the SFC controller.

[0121] The SFC access response includes traffic routing information for the Service Function Path (SFP). In some embodiments, the SFP traffic routing information includes a Network Service Header (NSH). NSH is an encapsulation format designed for service chains. NSH includes basic header fields, Service Function Path identifier, and other fields. In other embodiments, in addition to NSH, the SFP traffic routing information may also include 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, and access port number of the Service Function Path.

[0122] The session configuration module 530 is configured to send a session establishment request to the UPF entity so that the UPF entity forwards the data packets corresponding to the session according to the SFP traffic guidance information carried in the session establishment request.

[0123] In some embodiments, the session establishment request includes not only SFP traffic guidance information but also SFC rule parameters, such as traffic classification information in the SFC rule, which is used to instruct the UPF entity to classify the data packets corresponding to the session.

[0124] The UPF entity creates a session based on the information carried in the session establishment request. When the user equipment sends uplink traffic, the UPF entity classifies the data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic classification information in the SFC rules, and encapsulates different data packets based on the traffic guidance information. For example, it adds NSH to the original data packets and performs transport layer and network layer encapsulation. Then, it forwards the encapsulated data packets to one or more SPFs.

[0125] In some embodiments, the session configuration module 530 is further configured to receive a session establishment response sent by the UPF entity.

[0126] In some embodiments, the mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus further includes a selection module. The selection module is configured to select a UPF entity from a plurality of UPF entities based on at least one factor, namely, SFC function support and service function path location information, before the session configuration module sends a session establishment request to the UPF entity.

[0127] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the above-mentioned device can flexibly and efficiently configure service function routes for user plane traffic at the session granularity, so that when user plane traffic flows out from the mobile network side, it can flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains to meet various customized needs under the trend of network convergence.

[0128] Figure 6 This 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.

[0129] The receiving module 610 is configured to receive SFC access requests sent by the SMF entity.

[0130] The SFC access request includes the SFC rules of the user equipment. Optionally, the SFC access request may also include the following information: the location of the user equipment and the data network name (DNN).

[0131] The path setting module 620 is configured to set the service function path corresponding to the SFC rule of the user device.

[0132] In some embodiments, the SFC controller selects, modifies, or creates a corresponding service function path based on the SFC rules carried in the SFC access request, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name.

[0133] The sending module 630 is configured to send an SFC access response to the SMF entity so that the SMF entity can perform session configuration on the UPF entity based on the SFP traffic guidance information carried in the SFC access response.

[0134] In some embodiments, the traffic routing information of the SFP includes Network Service Header (NSH) information. NSH is an encapsulation format designed for service chains. NSH includes basic header fields, service function path identifiers, and other fields.

[0135] 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.

[0136] In the embodiments of this disclosure, the above-mentioned device can flexibly and efficiently configure service function routes for user plane traffic at the session granularity, so that when user plane traffic flows out from the mobile network side, it can flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains to meet various customized needs under the trend of network convergence.

[0137] 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 illustration. 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.

[0138] When creating a session for a user equipment in the 5G network core network, the session management function entity 720 sends a new session management policy query request to the policy and charging function entity 710.

[0139] After receiving a new session management policy query request, the Policy and Charging Function Entity 710 sends the user equipment's PCC rules in the new session management policy query response to the Session Management Function Entity 720. If the user equipment's PCC rules include SFC rules, the SFC rules are included in the response returned to the SMF entity.

[0140] Session management function entity 720 obtains the SFC rules of the user device from the new session management policy query response.

[0141] Session management function entity 720 sends an SFC access request to service function chain controller 740. In some embodiments, the SFC access request includes the user equipment's SFC rules, user equipment location, and data network name.

[0142] The Service Function Chain Controller 740 sets the service function path according to the SFC access request, generates traffic guidance information for the service function path, and sends the SFC access response carrying the traffic guidance information to the Session Management Function Entity 720.

[0143] Session management function entity 720 sends a session establishment request to user plane function entity 730, the request carrying SFC rule parameters and traffic redirection information.

[0144] User plane function entity 730 establishes a session based on SFC rule parameters and traffic guidance information. When it receives a data packet from a user equipment, user plane function entity 730 classifies the data packet according to the traffic classification information in the SFC rule parameters, and encapsulates and forwards the data packets that match the corresponding classification according to the traffic guidance information.

[0145] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the above system enables 5G user plane traffic to flexibly select automatically orchestrated service function chains when flowing out from the network side, thereby achieving linkage between the mobile network and the external network service function chains when deploying service functions such as application acceleration and HTTP header enhancement, making the deployment, activation and operation of related services more flexible and automated.

[0146] 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.

[0147] like Figure 8 As 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.

[0148] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0149] 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.

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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.

[0157] This disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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: The Session Management Function (SMF) entity sends an SFC access request to the Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, wherein the SFC access request includes the SFC rules of the user equipment, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name; The SMF entity receives the SFC access response returned by the SFC controller, wherein the SFC access response includes traffic routing information for the service function path; The SMF entity sends a session establishment request to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards the data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic guidance information of the service function path carried in the session establishment request.

2. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to claim 1, further comprising, before sending the SFC access request to the Service Function Chain (SFC) controller: The SMF entity sends a new session management policy query request to the Policy and Accounting Function (PCF) entity. The SMF entity receives the new session management policy query response returned by the PCF entity and obtains the SFC rules of the user equipment from the new session management policy query response.

3. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to claim 1, further comprising, before the SMF entity sends a session establishment request to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity: An SMF entity selects a UPF entity from multiple UPF entities based on at least one of the following factors: SFC function support status and service function path location information.

4. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to claim 1, wherein, The session establishment request also carries traffic classification information, which is used to instruct the UPF entity to classify the data packets corresponding to the session.

5. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to claim 1 further includes: The SMF entity receives the session establishment response returned by the UPF entity.

6. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration method according to claim 1, wherein, The traffic redirection information includes the Network Service Header (NSH) information.

7. A method for configuring user plane traffic routing in a mobile network, comprising: The Service Function Chain (SFC) controller receives an SFC access request sent by the Session Management Function (SMF) entity, wherein the SFC access request includes the SFC rules of the user equipment, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name; The SFC controller is configured with the service function path corresponding to the SFC rules of the user equipment. The SFC controller sends an SFC access 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 guidance information of the service function path carried in the SFC access response.

8. A method for configuring user plane traffic routing in a mobile network, comprising: The Session Management Function (SMF) entity sends an SFC access request to the Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, wherein the SFC access request includes the SFC rules of the user equipment, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name; After receiving the SFC access request, the SFC controller sets the service function path corresponding to the SFC rule of the user equipment and returns an SFC access response to the SMF entity. The SFC access response includes traffic routing information for the service function path. After receiving the SFC access response, the SMF entity sends a session establishment request to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards the data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic guidance information of the service function path carried in the session establishment request.

9. A mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration device, configured in a Session Management Function (SMF) entity, comprising: The access request sending module is configured to send an SFC access request to the Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, wherein the SFC access request includes the SFC rules of the user equipment, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name; The access response receiving module is configured to receive the SFC access response returned by the SFC controller, wherein the SFC access response includes traffic guidance information for the service function path; The session configuration module is configured to send a session establishment request to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity, so that the UPF entity forwards the data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic guidance information of the service function path carried in the session establishment request.

10. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: The acquisition module is configured to send a new session management policy query request to the Policy and Accounting Function (PCF) entity, receive a new session management policy query response returned by the PCF entity, and obtain the SFC rules of the user equipment from the new session management policy query response.

11. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration device according to claim 9, further comprising: The selection module is configured to select a UPF entity from multiple UPF entities based on at least one of the following factors: SFC function support status, service function path location information.

12. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration device according to claim 9, wherein, The session establishment request also carries traffic classification information, which is used to instruct the UPF entity to classify the data packets corresponding to the session.

13. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration device according to claim 9, wherein, The session configuration module is also configured as follows: Receive the session establishment response returned by the UPF entity.

14. 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 access request sent by the Session Management Function (SMF) entity, wherein the SFC access request includes the SFC rules of the user equipment, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name; The path setting module is configured to set the service function path corresponding to the SFC rule of the user equipment; The sending module is configured to send an SFC access response to the SMF entity, so that the SMF entity performs session configuration on the User Plane Function (UPF) entity based on the traffic guidance information of the service function path carried in the SFC access response.

15. The mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, The path setting module is configured as follows: Based on the SFC rules of the user equipment, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name carried in the SFC access request, set the service function path corresponding to the SFC rules of the user equipment.

16. A mobile network user plane traffic routing configuration system, comprising: The Session Management Function (SMF) entity is configured to send an SFC access request to the Service Function Chain (SFC) controller, wherein the SFC access request includes the SFC rules of the user equipment, the location of the user equipment, and the data network name; The SFC controller is configured to, upon receiving the SFC access request, set a service function path corresponding to the SFC rule of the user equipment, and return an SFC access response to the SMF entity, wherein the SFC access response includes traffic routing information for the service function path. The SMF entity is also configured to send a session establishment request to the User Plane Function (UPF) entity after receiving the SFC access response, so that the UPF entity forwards the data packets corresponding to the session according to the traffic guidance information of the service function path carried in the session establishment request.

17. 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 8 based on instructions stored in the memory.

18. 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 8.

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