A method for on-board data and processing separation

Abstract

The application provides a satellite data and processing separation method, comprising the following steps: S1: arranging a data storage processing function; when a core network is on a satellite, a new network function, i.e. a data storage processing function, is arranged on a suitable satellite, which is used for saving and processing data in a network, such as user equipment context information created by a network function in a signaling interaction process; S2: other core network network functions are arranged on some suitable satellites, which are used for signaling processing; wherein the data storage processing function is used for saving and processing data in a network, including user equipment context information and other information; S3: after a source network function completes a signaling process of a user equipment, the created user equipment context information, including a state, is sent to the data storage processing function; and S4: when the source network function cannot serve the user equipment, a new network function is selected to serve the user equipment, and the selected new network function acquires user equipment context information from the data storage processing function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention is applied to the core network design of satellite communication and space-ground integrated communication technology systems. Background Technology

[0002] B5G (Beyond 5G) or 6G (sixth-generation mobile communication standard) is a converged network supporting full coverage across air, space, and ground. Compared to terrestrial mobile communication networks, satellite communication utilizes high, medium, and low Earth orbit satellites to achieve wide-area or even global coverage, providing seamless communication services to users worldwide. In core network satellite scenarios, because satellites are in motion, a situation may arise where a connected UE (User Equipment) requires the new core network functions located on the satellite to provide services. In this scenario, how to fully utilize satellite resources and ensure seamless handover of core network functions to the user equipment is a key consideration.

[0003] Currently, when satellite terminals access services, they do so through the onboard Access Network (AN) (transparent forwarding or regeneration processing) to access the terrestrial 5G core network. In 3GPP R18 (3rd Generation Partnership Project Release 18), some core network elements, such as the User Plane Function (UPF), are deployed onboard. To save latency overhead, edge computing (EC) is also deployed onboard to achieve onboard service processing.

[0004] Therefore, in 6G or future mobile communication networks, it is a trend for satellite networks to support core network ascent, meaning that signaling and service processing are handled by network elements on the satellite.

[0005] In current 5G core networks, which are deployed on the ground, network functions store user equipment context information. When a user equipment's location changes or a core network function needs to be replaced, the new network function requires the source network function to send a request message to obtain the user equipment's context information, and the user equipment's participation is also required. In scenarios where the core network is satellite-based, if a connected user equipment needs to switch to a new core network function for its service, the existing approach would require frequent user equipment intervention, potentially impacting the user equipment's current service experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention provides a method for separating on-board data and processing, which can reduce the number of interactions between user equipment and the core network, thereby reducing the frequency of satellite-to-ground interactions and improving the user equipment service experience.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following solution:

[0008] When users access the network and access services, signaling processing is required. The data generated during signaling processing is then placed elsewhere, namely a network function within the network.

[0009] Signaling processing functions include network functions such as session management and access mobility management.

[0010] The generated data is stored in a network function, such as session management, access mobility management, data storage management, or other network functions that can store and process data.

[0011] This invention provides a method for separating on-board data and processing, comprising the following steps:

[0012] S1: Deploy data storage and processing functions: When the core network is launched, select a suitable satellite to deploy a new network function, namely data storage and processing function, to save and process data in the network, such as user equipment context information created by the network function during signaling interaction;

[0013] S2: Deploy other core network functions (such as session management functions, access mobility management functions, etc.) on suitable satellites for signaling processing (user equipment context information created by network functions during signaling interaction, such as the MM (Mobility Management) context information generated by the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) after UE registration; and the SM (Session Management) context information generated by the SMF (Session Management Function) after UE registration). The data storage processing function is used to store and process data in the network, including user equipment context information.

[0014] S3: After the source network function (such as source session management function, access mobility management function, UDM and other network functions) finishes processing the signaling process of the user equipment (such as the registration process, session establishment process, handover process, etc., during which AMF and SMF may both create or modify UE context information), it sends the created user equipment context information (such as the context information created by AMF during the registration process) including the state (such as connected state, idle state) to the data storage and processing function.

[0015] S4: When the source network function cannot serve the user equipment, a new non-source network function is selected to serve the user equipment. The selected new network function obtains the user equipment context information from the data storage and processing function (such as a new AMF, which only has processing capabilities and needs to obtain the UE context information from the network function that stores the context data when providing services).

[0016] In some embodiments, the present invention further includes the following technical features:

[0017] It also includes step S5:

[0018] If the state of a user device changes during service (such as during a network function like AMF service) (e.g., from connected to idle; or from active to deactive), the data storage and processing function is notified promptly to update the user device context information.

[0019] In step S4, the selection of a new non-source network function to serve the user equipment is based on information such as network function load, service duration, and service range.

[0020] In step S4, when selecting a new non-source network function, the following logic is followed: if the service duration is the same, select the network function with a lighter load; if the load is similar, select the network function with a longer service duration.

[0021] In step S1, a suitable satellite is selected based on the satellite's resource availability or orbital conditions.

[0022] In step S1, a suitable satellite can be a medium-low orbit satellite, a high orbit satellite, or a medium orbit satellite with abundant resources.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0024] 1. Reduce UE involvement, i.e., make it seamless for the UE.

[0025] 2. Improve the user experience for UEs.

[0026] 3. Data and processing were separated. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the technical solutions and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0038] (1) Technical problems to be solved

[0039] In satellite-based core network scenarios, when connected user equipment (UE) needs to switch to a new core network function, the terrestrial UE and the satellite-based core network require frequent information exchange. When the UE is moving and the Active Mobile Function (AMF) needs to be replaced (i.e., when the new AMF provides service to the UE), the UE needs to initiate a mobile registration update. The new AMF assigns new registration area, 5G-GUTI, and other information. Because the frequency of AMF replacement is relatively high in satellite network scenarios due to satellite movement, the increased number of satellite-to-terrestrial transmissions will increase signaling latency, raise the cumulative packet error rate at the air interface, and negatively impact the user equipment's service experience.

[0040] This patent proposes a method for separating on-board data and processing, which can reduce the number of interactions between user equipment and the core network, thereby reducing the frequency of satellite-to-ground interactions and improving the user equipment service experience.

[0041] (2) Technical solution

[0042] When the core network is launched, based on satellite resource availability and orbital conditions, a suitable satellite is selected to deploy a new network function, namely a data storage and processing function, to store user equipment context information created during signaling interactions. Simultaneously, other core network functions are deployed on suitable satellites for signaling processing. The data storage and processing function is used to store and process data within the network, including user equipment context information.

[0043] After the source network function finishes processing the signaling of the user equipment, it sends the created user equipment context information, including its status, to the data plane network function, i.e., the data storage and processing function. When the source network function cannot serve the user equipment, a new network function is selected to serve the user equipment based on information such as the network function's load, service duration, and service range. The selected new network function needs to obtain the user equipment context information from the data storage and processing function. If the user equipment's status changes during the service period, the data storage and processing unit is notified in a timely manner to update the user equipment context information.

[0044] A new network function, namely data storage and processing function, is deployed on the satellite. It is used to save and process data in the network, including information such as user equipment context. The deployment location can be selected from a suitable satellite based on the satellite's resources, orbit, or network deployment.

[0045] (3) Beneficial effects

[0046] 1. Reduce user device involvement, i.e., make the user device unaware of the process.

[0047] 2. Improve the user experience on user devices.

[0048] 3. Data and processing were separated.

[0049] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes some specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0050] Example 1: User Equipment Registering to the Network

[0051] Example: 1.1

[0052] The flowchart of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 As shown.

[0053] Step 1. After receiving the registration request from the user device, the access and mobility management function executes the registration process. This step is omitted here as it is not the focus of this patent.

[0054] Step 2. After completing the user equipment registration process, the access and mobility management function sends a user equipment context information creation request to the data storage and processing function to complete the saving of user equipment context information, including information such as the user equipment status.

[0055] Step 3. After the data storage processing function successfully saves the data, it sends a response message to the access and mobility management function.

[0056] Step 4. After completing the user equipment registration, the access and mobility management function sends a registration acceptance message to the user equipment.

[0057] Example: 1.2

[0058] The flowchart of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 2 As shown.

[0059] The difference from Embodiment 1.1 is that the access and mobility management function sends a registration acceptance message to the user equipment before performing steps 2 and 3.

[0060] Example 2: Session Establishment

[0061] Example 2.1:

[0062] The flowchart of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0063] Step 1. After receiving the session request from the user device, the session management function executes the session establishment process, which is omitted here as it is not the focus of this patent.

[0064] Step 2. After completing the user device session establishment process, the session management function sends a user device session context information creation request to the data storage and processing function to complete the saving of user device session context information, including information such as the status of the user device session.

[0065] Step 3. After the data storage processing function successfully saves the data, it sends a response message to the session management function.

[0066] Step 4. After the session management function completes the establishment of the user equipment session, it sends a session acceptance message to the user equipment.

[0067] Example 2.2

[0068] The flowchart of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0069] The difference from Example 2.1 is that the session management function sends a session establishment acceptance message to the user equipment before performing steps 2 and 3.

[0070] Example 3: Change in User Equipment Status

[0071] Example 3.1:

[0072] The flowchart of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 5 As shown.

[0073] Step 1. When the access and mobility management function receives a message indicating a change in the status or parameters of a user equipment, it executes the user equipment status change process, which is omitted here.

[0074] Step 2. After the access and mobility management function performs the user equipment state change process, it sends a user equipment context information modification / deletion request to the data storage processing function to complete the user equipment context information modification / deletion.

[0075] Step 3. After the data storage processing function completes the modification / deletion of the user device context information, it sends a response message.

[0076] Example 3.2:

[0077] The flowchart of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

[0078] Step 1. When the session management function receives a message indicating changes in the status or parameters of a user device session, it executes the user device session status change process, which is omitted here.

[0079] Step 2. After the session management function executes the user equipment session state change process, it sends a user equipment session context information modification / deletion request to the data storage processing function to complete the user equipment session context information modification / deletion.

[0080] Step 3. After the data storage processing function completes the modification / deletion of the user device session context information, it sends a response message.

[0081] Example 4: Changes in the access and mobility management functions of service user equipment

[0082] The flowchart of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 7 As shown.

[0083] Step 1. When the access and mobility management function of the currently serving user equipment cannot serve the user equipment, but the RAN (Radio Access Network) can still continue to serve the user equipment, the source access and mobility management function needs to select a target access and mobility management function to serve the user equipment.

[0084] Step 2. The source access and mobility management function sends a service switching request to the target access and mobility management function, carrying information such as the list of user devices to be switched and data storage and processing function information.

[0085] Step 3. The target access and mobility management function obtains user equipment context information, including information about the serving RAN and the status of the user equipment, based on the above information from the corresponding data storage and processing function.

[0086] Step 4. The data storage and processing function will send the necessary information to the target access and mobility management function via response messages.

[0087] Step 5. The Target Access and Mobility Management function sends a User Equipment Connection Update Request to the RAN based on the message in the response. After the RAN connection is established, a response message is sent.

[0088] Example 5: Changes in the session management function of the serving user equipment—RAN and session management function can communicate directly.

[0089] The flowchart of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 8 As shown.

[0090] Step 1. When the session management function of the currently serving user equipment cannot serve the user equipment, but the RAN can still continue to serve the user equipment, the source session management function needs to select a target session management function to serve the user equipment.

[0091] Step 2. The source session management function sends a service switching request to the target session management function, carrying information such as the list of user device sessions to be switched and data storage and processing function information.

[0092] Step 3. Based on the above information, the target session management function obtains the user equipment session context information from the corresponding data storage and processing function, including information such as the serving RAN and the status of the user equipment.

[0093] Step 4. The data storage processing function will send the necessary information to the target session management function via a response message.

[0094] Step 5. Based on the messages in the response, the target session management function sends a user equipment connection update request to the RAN. After the RAN connection update is completed, it sends a response message.

[0095] Example 6: Changes in the session management function of the serving user equipment---RAN and session management function can no longer communicate directly.

[0096] The flowchart of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 9 As shown.

[0097] Step 1. When the session management function of the currently serving user equipment cannot serve the user equipment, but the access and mobility management function can continue to serve the user equipment, the source session management function needs to select a target session management function to serve the user equipment.

[0098] Step 2. The source session management function sends a service switching request to the target session management function, carrying information such as the list of user device sessions to be switched and data storage and processing function information.

[0099] Step 3. Based on the above information, the target session management function obtains user device session context information from the corresponding data storage and processing function, including information on service access and mobility management functions, and information on the status of the user device.

[0100] Step 4. The data storage processing function will send the necessary information to the target session management function via a response message.

[0101] Step 5. Based on the message in the response, the target session management function sends a session management update request to the access and mobility management function. After the access and mobility management function completes the session management update, it sends a response message.

[0102] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment" and "example" refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms are not necessarily intended to refer to corresponding embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0103] It must be pointed out that the above description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the invention but only to help understand the core idea of ​​the invention. For those skilled in the art, any improvements to the invention and equivalent alternatives made to the invention without departing from the principle of the invention are also within the scope of protection of the claims of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for separating on-board data and processing, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Deploy data storage and processing function: When the core network is launched, select a satellite to deploy a new network function, namely data storage and processing function, to save and process data in the network. The data includes user equipment context information created by the network function during signaling interaction. S2: Deploy other core network functions on the satellite for signaling processing, wherein the data storage processing function is used to store and process data in the network, including user equipment context information; S3: After the source network function finishes processing the signaling process of the user equipment, it sends the created user equipment context information, including its status, to the data storage processing function. S4: When the source network function cannot serve the user equipment, a new non-source network function is selected to serve the user equipment, and the selected new network function obtains the user equipment context information from the data storage and processing function.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes step S5: If the state of the user device changes during service, the data storage and processing function will be notified in a timely manner to update the user device context information.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S4, the selection of a new non-source network function to serve the user equipment is based on the network function's load, service duration, and service range.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, In step S4, when selecting a new non-source network function, the following logic is followed: if the service duration is the same, select the network function with a lighter load; if the load is similar, select the network function with a longer service duration.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, a suitable satellite is selected based on the satellite's resource availability or orbital conditions.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, In step S1, the satellite is a medium-low orbit satellite, a high orbit satellite, or a medium orbit satellite with abundant resources.

Images