Broadcast message transmission method and apparatus, network function, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a method and device for transmitting broadcast messages, a network function and a storage medium, wherein the method comprises: a first SMF creates and / or revises and / or releases a first group of MBS sessions for a first VN group; wherein the first MBS session is used to send groupcast messages and / or broadcast messages in the first VN group to at least one first terminal; and the first terminal represents a terminal in the first VN group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus, network function, and storage medium for transmitting broadcast messages. Background Technology

[0002] Among related technologies, the Multicast and Broadcast Service (MBS) scheme transmits external broadcast data and cannot achieve broadcasting between terminals within a 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) Local Area Network (LAN). Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the related technical issues, embodiments of this application provide a method, apparatus, network function, and storage medium for transmitting broadcast messages.

[0004] The technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0005] This application provides a method for transmitting broadcast messages, applied to a first session management function (SMF), the method comprising:

[0006] Perform a first operation for a first virtual network (VN) group; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0007] Create the first MBS session;

[0008] Revise the first MBS session;

[0009] Release the first MBS session;

[0010] Delete the first MBS session

[0011] Disable the first MBS session; wherein,

[0012] The first MBS session is used to send multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group to at least one first terminal; the first terminal represents a terminal within the first VN group.

[0013] In the above scheme, the multicast messages and / or broadcast messages in the first VN group include some or all broadcast messages and / or some or all multicast messages from the internal interface of the first VN group.

[0014] In the above scheme, broadcast messages and / or multicast messages within the first VN group are sent to the first base station by the first user plane function (UPF) serving the first VN group through the first MBS session, and then the first base station sends them to the first terminal via point-to-point (PTP) or point-to-multipoint (PTM) methods; wherein,

[0015] The first base station represents the base station connected to the first UPF and serves the first VN group.

[0016] In the above scheme, the first SMF determines to create the first MBS session based on at least one of the following: the subscription information of the first VN group, the local configuration information of the first VN group, the capability of the first UPF serving the first VN group, the capability of the first SMF, the number of terminals accessed by the first UPF, and a first indication of the first network function; the first indication is used to instruct the first SMF to create an MBS session for the first VN group.

[0017] In the above scheme, performing the first operation on the first VN group includes:

[0018] Perform a first operation on at least one first UPF for the first VN group; wherein...

[0019] The first UPF characterization serves the UPF of the first VN group.

[0020] In the above scheme, performing the first operation on the first VN group includes:

[0021] Send the first request to the first UPF; where,

[0022] The first request is used to request the creation of the first MBS session, and the first request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session.

[0023] In the above scheme, the first request also carries at least one of the following information about the first MBS session:

[0024] First Packet Detection Rule (PDR);

[0025] First Forwarding Action Rule (FAR).

[0026] The method in the above scheme further includes:

[0027] Send a second request to the first Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); wherein,

[0028] The first AMF represents the AMF corresponding to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session of the first terminal in the first VN group serving the first UPF; the second request is used to request the establishment of session resources for the first MBS session, and the second request carries the first identifier and the first information; the first information represents the PDU session information of the terminal in the VN group associated with the first AMF.

[0029] In the above scheme, performing the first operation on the first VN group includes:

[0030] Send a third request to the first UPF; where,

[0031] The third request is used to request revision or disable the first MBS session, and the third request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session and a first PDR and / or a first FAR for the first MBS session.

[0032] In the above scheme, performing the first operation on the first VN group includes:

[0033] A fourth request is sent to the first UPF; wherein,

[0034] The fourth request is used to request the release or deletion of the first MBS session, and the fourth request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session.

[0035] In the above scheme, creating the first MBS session for the first VN group includes:

[0036] Send a fifth request to the first UPF; wherein,

[0037] The fifth request is used to request the establishment or revision of a PDU session for the first terminal; the fifth request does not carry the PDR and / or FAR of downlink multicast messages and / or broadcast messages.

[0038] The method in the above scheme further includes:

[0039] The sixth request is transmitted to the Radio Access Network (RAN) via the first AMF; wherein,

[0040] The sixth request is used to request the creation of a first context for the first MBS session, and / or to request the establishment of a mapping between the first context and a second context for the first PDU session, and / or to request the allocation of N3 interface tunnel resources for the first MBS session.

[0041] In the above scheme, broadcast messages and / or multicast messages on the internal interface of the first VN group are matched and forwarded as downlink data packets in the first PDR and / or first FAR of the first MBS session.

[0042] In the above scheme, the source interface of the first PDR includes the internal interface of the first VN group, and the destination address of the first PDR includes the broadcast address and / or the multicast address; the first FAR is used to instruct the broadcast message and / or multicast message matched by the first PDR to be forwarded through the N3 interface tunnel of the first MBS session, and / or to instruct the broadcast message and / or multicast message matched by the first PDR to be forwarded through the N9 interface tunnel of the first MBS session.

[0043] In the above scheme, the second PDR and / or second FAR of the PDU session of the first terminal does not support the matching of downlink broadcast messages and / or multicast messages, and does not support the forwarding of downlink broadcast messages and / or multicast messages.

[0044] This application also provides a broadcast message transmission device, including:

[0045] The session management unit is used to create and / or revise and / or release the first MBS session for the first VN group; wherein,

[0046] The first MBS session is used to send multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group to at least one first terminal; the first terminal represents a terminal within the first VN group.

[0047] This application also provides a first SMF, including: a first processor and a first communication interface; wherein,

[0048] The first communication interface is used to create and / or revise and / or release a first MBS session for a first VN group; wherein,

[0049] The first MBS session is used to send multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group to at least one first terminal; the first terminal represents a terminal within the first VN group.

[0050] This application also provides a first SMF, including: a first processor and a first memory for storing a computer program capable of running on the processor.

[0051] Wherein, when the first processor is used to run the computer program, it performs the steps of any of the methods described above.

[0052] This application also provides a storage medium storing a computer program thereon, characterized in that the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of any of the methods described above.

[0053] In the broadcast message transmission method, apparatus, network function, and storage medium provided in this application embodiment, a first SMF creates and / or modifies and / or releases a first MBS session for a first VN group; wherein, the first MBS session is used to send multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group to at least one first terminal; the first terminal represents a terminal within the first VN group. Based on the above scheme, multicast messages and / or broadcast messages can be transmitted in a LAN, thereby saving N3 interface and air interface bandwidth, thus reducing service latency and improving the reliability of data transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a method for sending broadcast messages according to an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a session management implementation according to an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of a broadcast message sending method according to an application embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating another implementation of session management in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the interaction flow of another method for sending broadcast messages according to an application embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the broadcast message sending device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first SMF structure according to an embodiment of this application; Detailed Implementation

[0061] In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard, 5G LAN provides broadcast functionality between terminals. When a terminal sends a broadcast message, or receives a broadcast message from the N6 or N19 interface, the UPF, according to the broadcast forwarding principle, copies the broadcast data and sends the broadcast message to other terminals through the sessions of all currently accessed 5G VN group members. When broadcast data is transmitted within the 5G LAN, there is repeated transmission of the same data packets between the NG-RAN and the UPF, and between the NG-RAN and the terminal. If the number of terminals is large, this will significantly consume the N3 interface and air interface bandwidth at the same time. Furthermore, if the terminal services have high requirements for latency and reliability, the large amount of concurrent broadcast data will also affect network performance.

[0062] In related technologies, an MBS scheme has been proposed for broadcast messages. This scheme is for transmitting external broadcast data. However, broadcast messages in 5G LAN may be sent by the terminal or received from the N6 / N19 interface. In addition, the data forwarding rules of 5G LAN are also based on the internal interface of 5G VN. Therefore, this MBS scheme cannot be applied to 5G LAN.

[0063] Based on this, in various embodiments of this application, the first SMF creates and / or modifies and / or releases the first MBS session for the first VN group; wherein, the first MBS session is used to send multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group to at least one first terminal; the first terminal represents a terminal within the first VN group. Based on the above scheme, the transmission of multicast messages and / or broadcast messages in the LAN can be realized, thereby saving N3 interface and air interface bandwidth, thereby reducing service latency and improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0064] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0065] This application provides a method for transmitting broadcast messages, applied to a first SMF, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0066] Step 101: Perform a first operation for the first VN group; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0067] Create the first MBS session;

[0068] Revise the first MBS session;

[0069] Release the first MBS session;

[0070] Delete the first MBS session

[0071] Disable the first MBS session.

[0072] The first MBS session is used to send multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group to at least one first terminal; the first terminal represents a terminal within the first VN group.

[0073] Here, the first SMF can be an SMF that supports the creation of MBS sessions. An MBS session can refer to a session of multicast and / or broadcast services, or a session of multicast and / or broadcast services.

[0074] In practical applications, the first SMF determines to create the first MBS session based on at least one of the following: the subscription information of the first VN group, the local configuration information of the first VN group, the capability of the first UPF serving the first VN group, the capability of the first SMF, the number of terminals accessed by the first UPF, and a first indication of the first network function; the first indication is used to instruct the first SMF to create an MBS session for the first VN group.

[0075] The subscription information for the first VN group includes the subscription information of the first terminal within the first VN group on the operator's network. This can be an indicator indicating that the first VN group needs to transmit multicast and / or broadcast data through an MBS session. The local configuration information for the first VN group includes the local configuration information of the first terminal within the first VN group. The capabilities of the UPF or SMF include whether it supports the creation of SMF sessions. Here, the first UPF refers to the UPF serving the first VN group; typically, a VN group can be served by one or more UPFs. The first indicator can be, for example, a policy issued by a 5G core network function such as the Policy Control Function (PCF) or Unified Data Management (UDM) to the first SMF, with the corresponding policy content instructing the first SMF to create an MBS session for the 5G VN group.

[0076] In one embodiment, the multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group include some or all broadcast messages and / or some or all multicast messages originating from the internal interface of the first VN group.

[0077] In other words, the solution in this application is for transmitting endogenous broadcast data, meaning that multicast messages and / or broadcast messages originate from the internal interface of the LAN. For example, the internal interface of the first VN group can be a 5G VN internal interface.

[0078] In one embodiment, broadcast messages and / or multicast messages within the first VN group are sent from the first UPF serving the first VN group to the first base station via the first MBS session, and then sent from the first base station to the first terminal via PTP or PTM; wherein,

[0079] The first base station represents the base station connected to the first UPF and serves the first VN group.

[0080] Specifically, the multicast messages and / or broadcast messages sent to the first terminal are sent by the UPF serving the first terminal in the first VN group to the first base station of the first terminal through the first MBS session, and then sent to the first terminal by the first base station through PTP or PTM.

[0081] Furthermore, from a data plane perspective, broadcast messages and / or multicast messages on the internal interface of the first VN group are matched and forwarded as downlink data packets in the first PDR and / or first FAR of the first MBS session.

[0082] In one embodiment, performing the first operation for the first VN group includes:

[0083] Perform a first operation on at least one first UPF for the first VN group; wherein...

[0084] The first UPF characterization serves the UPF of the first VN group.

[0085] In practical applications, creating an MBS session for a VN group involves two scenarios. Scenario 1: One or more UPFs serving the VN group have already provided PDU session services to one or more terminals within the VN group, but the VN group has not yet created an MBS session. In this case, an MBS session is created for the VN group on one or more UPFs serving the VN group. Scenario 2: Along with the PDU session initiation process of terminals within the VN group, the first MBS session is created for the VN group on the UPF serving the VN group.

[0086] Regarding the above-mentioned situation one, in one embodiment, performing the first operation for the first VN group includes:

[0087] Send the first request to the first UPF.

[0088] The first request is used to request the creation of the first MBS session, and the first request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session, such as the MBS session ID.

[0089] Here, the first identifier is used to identify the first MBS session during the entire process of creating, revising, and releasing the session.

[0090] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the first request also carries at least one of the following information about the first MBS session:

[0091] First PDR;

[0092] First FAR.

[0093] Here, the first PDR is used to detect broadcast messages and / or multicast messages within the downlink VN group, i.e., the downlink PDR. Specifically, the source interface of the first PDR includes the internal interface of the first VN group. For example, in the downlink PDR detecting broadcast messages and / or multicast messages within the downlink 5G VN group, the source interface is set to "5G VN internal". The destination address of the first PDR includes the broadcast address and / or multicast address.

[0094] The first FAR is used to send broadcast messages and / or multicast messages to the terminal via the first MBS session in a broadcast and / or multicast manner. The first FAR corresponds to the first PDR. Specifically, it is used to instruct the broadcast messages and / or multicast messages matched by the first PDR to be forwarded through the N3 interface tunnel of the first MBS session, and / or to instruct the broadcast messages and / or multicast messages matched by the first PDR to be forwarded through the N9 interface tunnel of the first MBS session. Specifically, the first FAR is used to indicate that the destination interface is an access plane, and optionally, to indicate the N3 interface and / or N9 tunnel information related to the first MBS session. The information synchronization method for the N3 interface and / or N9 tunnel interface can adopt the current 3GPP standard of multicast transport used over N3mb or N19mb or unicast transport over N3mb or N9mb.

[0095] In this embodiment, it is also supported to revise or disable MBS sessions for created VN groups. In one embodiment, performing the first operation for the first VN group includes:

[0096] Send a third request to the first UPF.

[0097] The third request is used to request revision or disable the first MBS session, and the third request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session and a first PDR and / or a first FAR for the first MBS session.

[0098] In this embodiment, the release or deletion of MBS sessions for created VN groups is also supported. In one embodiment, performing the first operation on the first VN group includes:

[0099] Send the fourth request to the first UPF.

[0100] The fourth request is used to request the release or deletion of the first MBS session, and the fourth request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session.

[0101] Furthermore, after creating the first MBS session on the first UPF, session resources also need to be established for the first MBS session. Therefore, in one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0102] Send a second request to the first AMF.

[0103] Wherein, the first AMF represents the AMF corresponding to the PDU session of the first terminal of the first UPF service; the second request is used to request the establishment of session resources for the first MBS session, and the second request carries the first identifier and the first information; the first information represents the PDU session information of the terminal in the VN group associated with the first AMF.

[0104] Here, after receiving the second request, the first AMF then requests session resources from the RAN to create the first MBS session. In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0105] The sixth request is transmitted to the RAN via the first AMF.

[0106] The sixth request is used to request the creation of a first context for the first MBS session, and / or to request the establishment of a mapping between the first context and a second context for the first PDU session, and / or to request the allocation of N3 interface tunnel resources for the first MBS session.

[0107] Here, the sixth request can be an N2 message request. Specifically, the first SMF can call the AMF's Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service, carrying the first terminal's PDU session identifier and the MBS session's session identifier in the call request. After completing the request content of the N2 message request, the RAN replies to the AMF with an N2 message response.

[0108] The following combination Figure 2 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of MBS session management. Figure 3 Here's an example of the interaction flow to further illustrate scenario one for creating an MBS session:

[0109] See Figure 3 The UPF1 has already provided PDU session services for multiple terminals in the 5G LAN, but has not yet created MBS sessions on the UPF1 for the 5G VN group consisting of these multiple terminals (in Figure 2 In the example, this MBS session is referred to as a LAN-MBS session. If the SMF decides to create an MBS session for this 5G VN group on UPF1, then:

[0110] Step 1: SMF initiates a LAN-MBS session establishment request to UPF1, carrying the LAN-MBS session session ID and the PDR and / or FAR information related to the LAN-MBS session.

[0111] Here, UPF1 is the UPF that serves this 5G VN group.

[0112] Step 2: UPF1 returns a LAN-MBS session establishment response to SMF.

[0113] Step 3: SMF initiates a LAN-MBS session resource establishment request to AMF1, carrying the session ID of the LAN-MBS session and the PDU session information of the 5G VN group terminal associated with AMF1.

[0114] Here, AMF1 is the AMF corresponding to the PDU session of the terminal in the 5G VN group served by UPF1.

[0115] Step 4: AMF1 sends an N2 message request to NG-RAN: 1. Request / notify NG-RAN to create a LAN-MBS session context; 2. Request / notify NG-RAN to map the relationship between the LAN-MBS session context and the context corresponding to the PDU session information of the 5G VN group terminal; 3. Request NG-RAN to allocate a DL Tunnel Infor for the N3mb interface.

[0116] Step 5: NG-RAN replies to AMF1 with the N2 message request. If NG-RAN uses unicast transport over N3mb, it carries the DL Tunnel Information of the N3mb interface.

[0117] Step 6: AMF1 sends a LAN-MBS session resource establishment request response to SMF.

[0118] Step 7: SMF initiates a LAN-MBS session revision request to UPF1, carrying the LAN-MBS session ID and the PDR and / or FAR information related to the LAN-MBS session.

[0119] Here, if NG-RAN uses unicast transport over N3mb or N9mb, then the FAR instructs the N3 / N9 tunnel information related to the LAN-MBS session to be forwarded for data.

[0120] Step 8: UPF1 returns a session revision response to SMF.

[0121] Step 9: SMF sends a session revision request to UPF1, requesting the release, deletion, or disabling of PDR and / or FAR information related to the LAN-MBS session.

[0122] Step 10: UPF1 returns a session revision response to SMF.

[0123] Regarding the second scenario described above, in one embodiment, performing the first operation on the first VN group includes:

[0124] Send the fifth request to the first UPF.

[0125] The fifth request is used to request the establishment or revision of a PDU session for the first terminal; the fifth request does not carry the PDR and / or FAR of downlink multicast messages and / or broadcast messages.

[0126] In one embodiment, the second PDR and / or second FAR of the PDU session of the first terminal does not support the matching of downlink broadcast messages and / or multicast messages, and does not support the forwarding of downlink broadcast messages and / or multicast messages.

[0127] Since the request to establish or revise a PDU session does not carry the PDR and / or FAR of downlink multicast messages and / or broadcast messages, broadcast data and / or multicast data will no longer be forwarded on the PDR and / or FAR of the relevant terminal PDU sessions. As a result, broadcast data and / or multicast data destined for the corresponding terminal will be sent to the terminal through the MBS session.

[0128] The following combination Figure 4 The diagram shown illustrates the principle of MBS session management. Figure 5 Here's an example of the interaction flow to further illustrate scenario one for creating an MBS session:

[0129] Steps 1-4: The 5G VN group terminal initiates a 5G LAN session establishment request. SMF obtains the terminal's subscription data.

[0130] Optionally, the terminal's subscription data may carry the characteristics of the 5G LAN, requiring LAN-MBS sessions for broadcast and / or multicast transmission.

[0131] Step 5: SMF sends a PDU session establishment request to UPF1. The PDR / FAR rules do not include broadcast / multicast related PDR / FAR information.

[0132] Step 6: UPF1 returns a PDU session establishment response to SMF.

[0133] Step 7: The SMF calls the AMF's Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer service, carrying the UE's PDU session ID and MBS session ID. This way, if the MBS session context has not yet been created on the NG-RAN, it requests the NG-RAN to create it; and it informs the NG-RAN of the relationship between this MBS session context and the UE's PDU session context, and performs the mapping.

[0134] Step 8: The AMF sends an N2 PDU session request to the NG-RAN, carrying the current terminal's PDU session ID and MBS session ID. It requests / notifies the NG-RAN to create an MBS session context; 2. It requests / notifies the NG-RAN to map the MBS session context to the current UE's PDU session context.

[0135] Step 9: The NG-RAN establishes a radio connection with the UE for the MBS session.

[0136] Steps 10-14: Refer to the standard PDU session establishment process.

[0137] Based on the above solution, multicast and / or broadcast messages can be transmitted in the LAN. By aggregating multicast and / or broadcast messages, the bandwidth of the N3 interface and air interface can be saved, thereby reducing service latency and improving the reliability of data transmission.

[0138] To implement the broadcast message transmission method of this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides a broadcast message transmission device, disposed on a first SMF, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the device includes:

[0139] Session management unit 601 is configured to perform a first operation for a first VN group; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0140] Create the first MBS session;

[0141] Revise the first MBS session;

[0142] Release the first MBS session;

[0143] Delete the first MBS session

[0144] Disable the first MBS session; wherein,

[0145] The first MBS session is used to send multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group to at least one first terminal; the first terminal represents a terminal within the first VN group.

[0146] In one embodiment, the multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group include some or all broadcast messages and / or some or all multicast messages originating from the internal interface of the first VN group.

[0147] In one embodiment, broadcast messages and / or multicast messages within the first VN group are sent to the first base station by the first user plane function (UPF) serving the first VN group through the first MBS session, and then sent to the first terminal by the first base station via PTP or PTM; wherein,

[0148] The first base station represents the base station connected to the first UPF and serves the first VN group.

[0149] In one embodiment, the first SMF determines to create the first MBS session based on at least one of the following: subscription information of the first VN group, local configuration information of the first VN group, the capability of the first UPF serving the first VN group, the capability of the first SMF, the number of terminals accessed by the first UPF, and a first indication of the first network function; the first indication is used to instruct the first SMF to create an MBS session for the first VN group.

[0150] In one embodiment, the session management unit 601 is used for:

[0151] Perform a first operation on at least one first UPF for the first VN group; wherein...

[0152] The first UPF characterization serves the UPF of the first VN group.

[0153] In one embodiment, the session management unit 601 is used for:

[0154] Send the first request to the first UPF; where,

[0155] The first request is used to request the creation of the first MBS session, and the first request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session.

[0156] In one embodiment, the first request also carries at least one of the following information about the first MBS session:

[0157] First PDR;

[0158] First FAR.

[0159] In one embodiment, the session management unit 601 is further configured to:

[0160] Send a second request to the first AMF; wherein,

[0161] The first AMF represents the AMF corresponding to the PDU session of the first terminal of the first UPF service; the second request is used to request the establishment of session resources for the first MBS session, and the second request carries the first identifier and the first information; the first information represents the PDU session information of the terminal in the VN group associated with the first AMF.

[0162] In one embodiment, the session management unit 601 is used for:

[0163] Send a third request to the first UPF; where,

[0164] The third request is used to request revision or disable the first MBS session, and the third request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session and a first PDR and / or a first FAR for the first MBS session.

[0165] In one embodiment, the session management unit 601 is used for:

[0166] Send a fourth request to the first UPF; where,

[0167] The fourth request is used to request the release or deletion of the first MBS session, and the fourth request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session.

[0168] In one embodiment, the session management unit 601 is used for:

[0169] Send a fifth request to the first UPF; wherein,

[0170] The fifth request is used to request the establishment or revision of a PDU session for the first terminal; the fifth request does not carry the PDR and / or FAR of downlink multicast messages and / or broadcast messages.

[0171] In one embodiment, the session management unit 601 is further configured to:

[0172] The sixth request is transmitted to the RAN via the first AMF; wherein...

[0173] The sixth request is used to request the creation of a first context for the first MBS session, and / or to request the establishment of a mapping between the first context and a second context for the first PDU session, and / or to request the allocation of N3 interface tunnel resources for the first MBS session.

[0174] In one embodiment, broadcast messages and / or multicast messages on the internal interface of the first VN group are matched and forwarded as downlink data packets in the first PDR and / or first FAR of the first MBS session.

[0175] In one embodiment, the source interface of the first PDR includes the internal interface of the first VN group, and the destination address of the first PDR includes a broadcast address and / or a multicast address; the first FAR is used to instruct the broadcast message and / or multicast message matched by the first PDR to be forwarded through the N3 interface tunnel of the first MBS session, and / or to instruct the broadcast message and / or multicast message matched by the first PDR to be forwarded through the N9 interface tunnel of the first MBS session.

[0176] In one embodiment, the second PDR and / or second FAR of the PDU session of the first terminal does not support the matching of downlink broadcast messages and / or multicast messages, and does not support the forwarding of downlink broadcast messages and / or multicast messages.

[0177] In practical applications, the session management unit 601 can be implemented by the communication interface in the broadcast message transmission device.

[0178] It should be noted that the broadcast message transmission device provided in the above embodiments is only illustrated by the division of the above program modules. In actual applications, the above processing can be assigned to different program modules as needed, that is, the internal structure of the device can be divided into different program modules to complete all or part of the processing described above. In addition, the broadcast message transmission device and the broadcast message transmission method embodiments provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0179] Based on the hardware implementation of the above program modules, and in order to implement the method on the first SMF side of the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application also provide a first SMF, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the first SMF700 includes:

[0180] The first communication interface 701 is capable of exchanging information with other network nodes;

[0181] The first processor 702 is connected to the first communication interface 701 to enable information interaction with other network nodes. When running a computer program, it executes the methods provided by one or more technical solutions on the first SMF side. The computer program is stored in the first memory 703.

[0182] Specifically, the first communication interface 701 is used for:

[0183] For the creation of the first VN group, a first operation is performed; the first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0184] Create the first MBS session;

[0185] Revise the first MBS session;

[0186] Release the first MBS session;

[0187] Delete the first MBS session

[0188] Disable the first MBS session; wherein,

[0189] The first MBS session is used to send multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group to at least one first terminal; the first terminal represents a terminal within the first VN group.

[0190] In one embodiment, the multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group include some or all broadcast messages and / or some or all multicast messages originating from the internal interface of the first VN group.

[0191] In one embodiment, broadcast messages and / or multicast messages within the first VN group are sent to the first base station by the first user plane function (UPF) serving the first VN group through the first MBS session, and then sent to the first terminal by the first base station via PTP or PTM; wherein,

[0192] The first base station represents the base station connected to the first UPF and serves the first VN group.

[0193] In one embodiment, the first SMF determines to create the first MBS session based on at least one of the following: subscription information of the first VN group, local configuration information of the first VN group, the capability of the first UPF serving the first VN group, the capability of the first SMF, the number of terminals accessed by the first UPF, and a first indication of the first network function; the first indication is used to instruct the first SMF to create an MBS session for the first VN group.

[0194] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 701 is used for:

[0195] Perform a first operation on at least one first UPF for the first VN group; wherein...

[0196] The first UPF characterization serves the UPF of the first VN group.

[0197] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 701 is used for:

[0198] Send the first request to the first UPF; where,

[0199] The first request is used to request the creation of the first MBS session, and the first request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session.

[0200] In one embodiment, the first request also carries at least one of the following information about the first MBS session:

[0201] First PDR;

[0202] First FAR.

[0203] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 701 is further configured to:

[0204] Send a second request to the first AMF; wherein,

[0205] The first AMF represents the AMF corresponding to the PDU session of the first terminal of the first UPF service; the second request is used to request the establishment of session resources for the first MBS session, and the second request carries the first identifier and the first information; the first information represents the PDU session information of the terminal in the VN group associated with the first AMF.

[0206] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 701 is used for:

[0207] Send a third request to the first UPF; where,

[0208] The third request is used to request revision or disable the first MBS session, and the third request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session and a first PDR and / or a first FAR for the first MBS session.

[0209] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 701 is used for:

[0210] Send a fourth request to the first UPF; where,

[0211] The fourth request is used to request the release or deletion of the first MBS session, and the fourth request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session.

[0212] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 701 is used for:

[0213] Send a fifth request to the first UPF; wherein,

[0214] The fifth request is used to request the establishment or revision of a PDU session for the first terminal; the fifth request does not carry the PDR and / or FAR of downlink multicast messages and / or broadcast messages.

[0215] In one embodiment, the first communication interface 701 is further configured to:

[0216] The sixth request is transmitted to the RAN via the first AMF; wherein...

[0217] The sixth request is used to request the creation of a first context for the first MBS session, and / or to request the establishment of a mapping between the first context and a second context for the first PDU session, and / or to request the allocation of N3 interface tunnel resources for the first MBS session.

[0218] In one embodiment, broadcast messages and / or multicast messages on the internal interface of the first VN group are matched and forwarded as downlink data packets in the first PDR and / or first FAR of the first MBS session.

[0219] In one embodiment, the source interface of the first PDR includes the internal interface of the first VN group, and the destination address of the first PDR includes a broadcast address and / or a multicast address; the first FAR is used to instruct the broadcast message and / or multicast message matched by the first PDR to be forwarded through the N3 interface tunnel of the first MBS session, and / or to instruct the broadcast message and / or multicast message matched by the first PDR to be forwarded through the N9 interface tunnel of the first MBS session.

[0220] In one embodiment, the second PDR and / or second FAR of the PDU session of the first terminal does not support the matching of downlink broadcast messages and / or multicast messages, and does not support the forwarding of downlink broadcast messages and / or multicast messages.

[0221] It should be noted that the specific processing procedures of the first processor 702 and the first communication interface 701 can be understood by referring to the above method.

[0222] Of course, in practical applications, the various components in the first SMF700 are coupled together through the bus system 704. It can be understood that the bus system 704 is used to implement communication between these components. In addition to the data bus, the bus system 704 also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. However, for clarity, in... Figure 7 The general designated all buses as Bus System 704.

[0223] The first memory 703 in this embodiment is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the first SMF 700. Examples of such data include any computer program used to operate on the first SMF 700.

[0224] The methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be applied to the first processor 702, or implemented by the first processor 702. The first processor 702 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuit of the hardware or by instructions in the form of software in the first processor 702. The first processor 702 may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The first processor 702 can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly reflected as being executed by a hardware decoding processor, or being executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may be located in a storage medium, which is located in the first memory 703. The first processor 702 reads the information in the first memory 703 and completes the steps of the aforementioned method in combination with its hardware.

[0225] In an exemplary embodiment, the first SMF700 may be implemented by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), general-purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers (MCUs), microprocessors, or other electronic components to perform the aforementioned method.

[0226] It is understood that the memory (first memory 703) in the embodiments of this application can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. Non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), ferromagnetic random access memory (FRAM), flash memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM); magnetic surface memory can be disk storage or magnetic tape storage. Volatile memory can be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example, but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Synchronous Static Random Access Memory (SSRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDRSDRAM), Enhanced Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (ESDRAM), SyncLink Dynamic Random Access Memory (SLDRAM), and Direct Rambus Random Access Memory (DRRAM).The memories described in the embodiments of this application are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

[0227] In an exemplary embodiment, this application also provides a storage medium, namely a computer storage medium, specifically a computer-readable storage medium, such as a first memory 703 storing a computer program, which can be executed by a first processor 702 of a first SMF 700 to complete the steps described in the aforementioned first SMF-side method. The computer-readable storage medium may be a memory such as FRAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash Memory, magnetic surface memory, optical disc, or CD-ROM.

[0228] It should be noted that terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0229] In this document, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, the term "at least one" in this document means any combination of at least two of any one or more elements. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C can mean including any one or more elements selected from the set consisting of A, B, and C.

[0230] Furthermore, the technical solutions described in the embodiments of this application can be combined arbitrarily without conflict.

[0231] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A method for transmitting broadcast messages, characterized in that, Applied to the first session management function (SMF), the method includes: Perform a first operation for a first virtual network (VN) group; the first operation includes at least one of the following: Create the first multicast broadcast service (MBS) session; Revise the first MBS session; Release the first MBS session; Delete the first MBS session; Disable the first MBS session; wherein, The first MBS session is used to send multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group to at least one first terminal; the first terminal represents a terminal within the first VN group; the multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group include some or all broadcast messages and / or some or all multicast messages originating from the internal interface of the first VN group. Broadcast messages and / or multicast messages within the first VN group are sent to the first base station by the first user plane function (UPF) serving the first VN group through the first MBS session, and then sent to the first terminal by the first base station via point-to-point PTP or point-to-multipoint PTM; wherein, the first base station represents the base station connected to the first UPF and serving the first VN group.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first SMF determines to create the first MBS session based on at least one of the following: the subscription information of the first VN group, the local configuration information of the first VN group, the capability of the first UPF serving the first VN group, the capability of the first SMF, the number of terminals accessed by the first UPF, and a first indication of the first network function; the first indication is used to instruct the first SMF to create an MBS session for the first VN group.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The first operation performed on the first VN group includes: Perform a first operation on at least one first UPF for the first VN group; wherein... The first UPF characterization serves the UPF of the first VN group.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first operation performed on the first VN group includes: Send the first request to the first UPF; where, The first request is used to request the creation of the first MBS session, and the first request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first request also carries at least one of the following information about the first MBS session: First Packet Inspection Rule (PDR); First forwarding behavior rule (FAR).

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: A second request is sent to the first Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); wherein, The first AMF represents the AMF corresponding to the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session of the first terminal of the first UPF service; the second request is used to request the establishment of session resources for the first MBS session, and the second request carries the first identifier and the first information; the first information represents the PDU session information of the terminal in the VN group associated with the first AMF.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first operation performed on the first VN group includes: sending a third request to the first UPF; wherein... The third request is used to request revision or disable the first MBS session, and the third request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session and a first PDR and / or a first FAR for the first MBS session.

8. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first operation performed on the first VN group includes: Send a fourth request to the first UPF; where, The fourth request is used to request the release or deletion of the first MBS session, and the fourth request carries a first identifier for identifying the first MBS session.

9. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first operation performed on the first VN group includes: Send the fifth request to the first UPF; where, The fifth request is used to request the establishment or revision of a PDU session for the first terminal; the fifth request does not carry the PDR and / or FAR of downlink multicast messages and / or broadcast messages.

10. The method according to claim 4 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: The sixth request is transmitted to the Radio Access Network (RAN) via the first AMF; wherein... The sixth request is used to request the creation of a first context for the first MBS session, and / or to request the establishment of a mapping between the first context and a second context for the first PDU session, and / or to request the allocation of N3 interface tunnel resources for the first MBS session.

11. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The broadcast messages and / or multicast messages on the internal interface of the first VN group are matched and forwarded as downlink data packets in the first PDR and / or first FAR of the first MBS session.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The source interface of the first PDR includes the internal interface of the first VN group, and the destination address of the first PDR includes a broadcast address and / or a multicast address; the first FAR is used to instruct the broadcast message and / or multicast message matched by the first PDR to be forwarded through the N3 interface tunnel of the first MBS session, and / or to instruct the broadcast message and / or multicast message matched by the first PDR to be forwarded through the N9 interface tunnel of the first MBS session.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second PDR and / or second FAR of the PDU session of the first terminal do not support the matching of downlink broadcast messages and / or multicast messages, and do not support the forwarding of downlink broadcast messages and / or multicast messages.

14. A device for transmitting broadcast messages, characterized in that, include: The session management unit is configured to perform a first operation for a first VN group; the first operation includes at least one of the following: Create the first MBS session; Revise the first MBS session; Release the first MBS session; Delete the first MBS session Disable the first MBS session; wherein, The first MBS session is used to send multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group to at least one first terminal; the first terminal represents a terminal within the first VN group; the multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group include some or all broadcast messages and / or some or all multicast messages originating from the internal interface of the first VN group. Broadcast messages and / or multicast messages within the first VN group are sent from the first UPF serving the first VN group to the first base station through the first MBS session, and then sent from the first base station to the first terminal via PTP or PTM; wherein, the first base station represents the base station connected to the first UPF and serving the first VN group.

15. A first SMF, characterized in that, include: A first processor and a first communication interface; wherein... The first communication interface is used to perform a first operation for a first VN group; the first operation includes at least one of the following: Create the first MBS session; Revise the first MBS session; Release the first MBS session; Delete the first MBS session Disable the first MBS session; wherein, The first MBS session is used to send multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group to at least one first terminal; the first terminal represents a terminal within the first VN group; the multicast messages and / or broadcast messages within the first VN group include some or all broadcast messages and / or some or all multicast messages originating from the internal interface of the first VN group. Broadcast messages and / or multicast messages within the first VN group are sent from the first UPF serving the first VN group to the first base station through the first MBS session, and then sent from the first base station to the first terminal via PTP or PTM; wherein, the first base station represents the base station connected to the first UPF and serving the first VN group.

16. A first SMF, characterized in that, include: A first processor and a first memory for storing computer programs capable of running on the processor. Wherein, when the first processor is used to run the computer program, it performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

17. A storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images