N19 tunnel establishment method, device, apparatus and storage medium

Abstract

This application provides an N19 tunnel establishment method, device, apparatus, and storage medium, applied to a first session management function network element. The method includes: determining that a selected first anchor user plane function network element has already been allocated N19 tunnel information within a virtual network group; sending the Internet Protocol (IP) address information of a first terminal to a second session management function network element, instructing the second anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information; and updating the Packet Detection Rule (PDR) and Packet Forwarding Rule (FAR) based on the IP address information of the first terminal. This reduces redundant tunnel information during N19 tunnel establishment, reduces redundant N19 tunnels, and saves tunnel resources between PSAs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to an N19 tunnel establishment method, device, apparatus and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] The 5G Virtual Network (VN) group consists of a group of terminals (also known as User Equipment, UE) that use dedicated communication for 5G Local Area Network (LAN) type services.

[0003] Currently, in the same VN group terminal communication scenario across Session Management Functions (SMFs), when different SMFs select the same Protocol Data Unit Session Anchor (PSA), these SMFs will allocate different tunnel information for this same PSA, and establish multiple different N19 tunnels between different tunnel endpoints within the PSA and between the PSA and any other PSA in the same group. These redundant N19 tunnels result in a waste of tunnel resources between PSAs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides an N19 tunnel establishment method, device, apparatus, and storage medium to reduce redundant tunnel information during the establishment of N19 tunnels across SMFs and save tunnel resources between PSAs.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide an N19 tunnel establishment method, applied to a first session management function network element, including:

[0006] Determine that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group;

[0007] Send the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal to the second session management function network element, instructing the second anchor point user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal;

[0008] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and the second session management function network element includes other session management function network elements in the virtual network group other than the first session management function network element.

[0009] Optionally, after determining that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, the method further includes:

[0010] The IP address information of the first terminal is sent to the first anchor user plane function network element to instruct the first anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information and update the PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0011] Optionally, determining that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group includes:

[0012] Query the anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element;

[0013] Based on the query results, it was determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element had already been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

[0014] Optionally, the querying of anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element includes:

[0015] Query the anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element or group session management function network element.

[0016] Optionally, determining that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group includes:

[0017] The registration message sent to the group session management function network element carries the identification information of the selected first anchor point user plane function network element;

[0018] The notification message sent by the group session management function network element according to the identification information of the first anchor user plane function network element is received. The notification message includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the first anchor user plane function network element has been selected by other session management function network elements in the virtual network group.

[0019] Based on the first instruction information, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

[0020] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide an N19 tunnel establishment method, applied to a second session management function network element, including:

[0021] Receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the first session management function network element;

[0022] Send the IP address information of the first terminal to the second anchor user plane function network element under its management, so as to instruct the second anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0023] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0024] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide an N19 tunnel establishment method, applied to anchor point user plane functional network elements, including:

[0025] Receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first terminal sent by the session management function network element;

[0026] Based on the IP address information of the first terminal, it is determined that the existing N19 tunnel information can be reused, and the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR are updated.

[0027] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0028] The anchor user plane function network element is either the first anchor user plane function network element or the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0029] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a first session management function network element, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0030] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations:

[0031] Determine that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group;

[0032] Send the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal to the second session management function network element, instructing the second anchor point user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal;

[0033] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and the second session management function network element includes other session management function network elements in the virtual network group other than the first session management function network element.

[0034] Optionally, after determining that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, the operation further includes:

[0035] The IP address information of the first terminal is sent to the first anchor user plane function network element to instruct the first anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information and update the PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0036] Optionally, determining that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group includes:

[0037] Query the anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element;

[0038] Based on the query results, it was determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element had already been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

[0039] Optionally, the querying of anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element includes:

[0040] Query the anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element or group session management function network element.

[0041] Optionally, determining that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group includes:

[0042] The registration message sent to the group session management function network element carries the identification information of the selected first anchor point user plane function network element;

[0043] The notification message sent by the group session management function network element according to the identification information of the first anchor user plane function network element is received. The notification message includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the first anchor user plane function network element has been selected by other session management function network elements in the virtual network group.

[0044] Based on the first instruction information, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

[0045] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a second session management function network element, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0046] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations:

[0047] Receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the first session management function network element;

[0048] Send the IP address information of the first terminal to the second anchor user plane function network element under its management, so as to instruct the second anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0049] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0050] Sixthly, embodiments of this application also provide an anchor point user plane function network element, including a memory, a transceiver, and a processor:

[0051] A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations:

[0052] Receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first terminal sent by the session management function network element;

[0053] Based on the IP address information of the first terminal, it is determined that the existing N19 tunnel information can be reused, and the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR are updated.

[0054] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0055] The anchor user plane function network element is either the first anchor user plane function network element or the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0056] Seventhly, embodiments of this application also provide an N19 tunnel establishment device, applied to a first session management function network element, including:

[0057] The determining unit is used to determine whether the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group;

[0058] The first sending unit is used to send the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal to the second session management function network element, and to instruct the second anchor point user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and to update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0059] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and the second session management function network element includes other session management function network elements in the virtual network group other than the first session management function network element.

[0060] Eighthly, embodiments of this application also provide an N19 tunnel establishment device, applied to a second session management function network element, including:

[0061] The second receiving unit is used to receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the first session management function network element;

[0062] The second sending unit is used to send the IP address information of the first terminal to the managed second anchor user plane function network element, and to instruct the second anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and to update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0063] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0064] Ninthly, embodiments of this application also provide an N19 tunnel establishment device, applied to an anchor point user plane functional network element, comprising:

[0065] The third receiving unit is used to receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the session management function network element;

[0066] The update unit is used to determine the reuse of existing N19 tunnel information based on the IP address information of the first terminal, and update the packet detection rule (PDR) and packet forwarding rule (FAR).

[0067] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0068] The anchor user plane function network element is either the first anchor user plane function network element or the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0069] In a tenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program configured to cause a computer to perform the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the first aspect, or the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the second aspect, or the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the third aspect.

[0070] Eleventhly, embodiments of this application also provide a communication device, wherein the communication device stores a computer program, the computer program being used to cause the communication device to execute the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the first aspect above, or to execute the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the second aspect above, or to execute the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the third aspect above.

[0071] In a twelfth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a processor-readable storage medium storing a computer program configured to cause a processor to execute the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the first aspect, or the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the second aspect, or the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the third aspect.

[0072] In a thirteenth aspect, embodiments of this application also provide a chip product, wherein the chip product stores a computer program, the computer program being configured to cause the chip product to execute the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the first aspect above, or to execute the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the second aspect above, or to execute the N19 tunnel establishment method described in the third aspect above.

[0073] The N19 tunnel establishment method, device, apparatus, and storage medium provided in this application embodiment allow the first session management function network element to send the IP address information of the first terminal to the second session management function network element without sending any N19 tunnel information after determining that the selected first anchor user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the VN group. This instructs the second anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element not to allocate new N19 tunnel information, but to reuse existing N19 tunnel information and update the PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal. This reduces redundant tunnel information during the N19 tunnel establishment process, reduces redundant N19 tunnels, and saves tunnel resources between PSAs. Attached Figure Description

[0074] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or related technologies of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0075] Figure 1 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the N19 tunnel establishment process provided by related technologies;

[0076] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the N19 tunnel provided by relevant technologies;

[0077] Figure 3 This is the second flowchart of the N19 tunnel establishment process provided by related technologies;

[0078] Figure 4 This is the third flowchart of the N19 tunnel establishment process provided by related technologies;

[0079] Figure 5 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0080] Figure 6 This is the second flowchart illustrating the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0081] Figure 7 This is the third flowchart illustrating the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment;

[0082] Figure 8 This is one of the schematic diagrams illustrating the implementation of the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application.

[0083] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the N19 tunnel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0084] Figure 10 This is the second schematic diagram of the implementation of the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0085] Figure 11 This is the third schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application.

[0086] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first session management function network element provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0087] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second session management function network element provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0088] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anchor point user plane functional network element provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0089] Figure 15 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the N19 tunnel establishment device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0090] Figure 16 This is the second schematic diagram of the N19 tunnel establishment device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0091] Figure 17 This is the third structural schematic diagram of the N19 tunnel establishment device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0092] In the embodiments of this application, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between associated 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. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following associated objects have an "or" relationship.

[0093] In the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0094] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0095] To facilitate a clearer understanding of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this application, some technical content related to the various embodiments of this application will be introduced first.

[0096] Related technology 1: During the establishment of N19 tunnels across SMF VN groups, the Network Repository Function (NRF) is used to register or update the group information of SMF services in the NRF in the form of a Network Function Profile (NF profile).

[0097] Figure 1 One of the flowcharts illustrating the N19 tunnel establishment process provided for related technologies, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the N19 tunnel establishment process for different SMFs within the same VN group that have selected the same PSA is described below. In Related Technology 1, the N19 tunnel establishment process is explained using the example of SMF1, SMF2, and SMF3 serving UE1, UE2, and UE3 respectively, with SMF1 to SMF3 all selecting PSA1, and SMF4 (corresponding to UE4) selecting PSA2. Related Technologies 2 and 3, as well as subsequent embodiments of this application, can all be described using the example of "SMF1, SMF2, and SMF3 serving UE1, UE2, and UE3 respectively, with SMF1 to SMF3 all selecting PSA1, and SMF4 (corresponding to UE4) selecting PSA2," and will not be repeated hereafter.

[0098] Figure 1 The main steps are explained below:

[0099] 1. SMF1 receives a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session establishment request. Based on the information in the request, namely the Data Network Name (DNN) or Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), SMF1 knows that this PDU session is for a VN group.

[0100] 2. SMF1 updates or registers its NF profile with NRF and provides the identifier for the 5G VN group.

[0101] 3. SMF1 performs SMF discovery with the NRF using the service's 5G VN group identifier. The NRF only returns SMF1 in the response.

[0102] 4. SMF1 sends an N4 session request to PSA1 to configure packet detection rule (PDR) and packet forwarding action rule (FAR) for the PDU session.

[0103] The relevant PDR and FAR are as follows:

[0104] Upward:

[0105] PDR: source interface=access side; local F-TEID=N3 / N9 CN Tunnel info;

[0106] FAR: apply action=forward; Destination interface=5G VN internal;

[0107] Downward:

[0108] PDR: source interface=N19; local F-TEID=N19 Tunnel info;

[0109] FAR: apply action=forward; Destination interface=5G VN internal;

[0110] 5G VN internal:

[0111] (1) Unicast scenario

[0112] PDR: source interface=5G VN internal; Destination IP=UE1 IP;

[0113] FAR: apply action=forward; Destination interface=access side; OuterHeader Creation=UE1 N3 / N9 CN tunnel info;

[0114] (2) Broadcast copying

[0115] PDR: source interface = 5G VN internal; UE IP = broadcast address; Packetreplication skip information = source UE IP;

[0116] FAR: apply action=forward; Destination interface=access side; OuterHeader Creation=Each UE N3 / N9 CN tunnel info.

[0117] 5. SMF4 receives a PDU session establishment request. Based on the information in the request, namely DNN / S-NSSAI, SMF4 knows that this PDU session is for the VN group.

[0118] 6. SMF4 updates or registers its NF profile with NRF and provides a 5G VN group identifier.

[0119] 7. SMF4 performs SMF discovery with the NRF using the service's 5G VN group identifier. The NRF only returns SMF1 and SMF4 in the response.

[0120] 8. SMF4 sends an N4 session request to PSA2 to configure PDR / FAR for this PDU session. (Not N19)

[0121] 8.1. SMF4 sends an N4 session request to PSA2, requesting PSA2 to allocate N19 tunnel resource information (also known as tunnel endpoint information or tunnel info) (such as the Tunnel Endpoint Identifier (TEID)). (N19)

[0122] 9. SMF4 sends a VN Session Request to SMF1, which includes the N19 tunnel information of PSA2 (assigned by SMF4).

[0123] 10. SMF1 sends the N19 tunnel information received from PSA2 to PSA1 and requests PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information (such as TEID) in PSA1.

[0124] The PDR and FAR configured in this step are as follows:

[0125] Upward:

[0126] PDR: source interface=access side; local F-TEID=N3 / N9 CN Tunnel info;

[0127] FAR: apply action=forward; Destination interface=5G VN internal;

[0128] 5G VN internal:

[0129] (1) Unicast scenario

[0130] PDR: source interface = 5G VN Internal; destination IP = UE4 IP;

[0131] FAR: apply action = forward; Destination interface = core side; OuterHeader Creation = PSA4 N19 CN tunnel info;

[0132] (2) Broadcast scenario

[0133] PDR: source interface = 5G VN Internal; destination IP = broadcast address;

[0134] FAR: apply action = forward; Destination interface = core side; OuterHeader Creation = PSAN19 CN tunnel info;

[0135] Downlink:

[0136] (1) Unicast scenario

[0137] PDR: source interface = core side; local F-TEID = N19 CN Tunnel info;

[0138] FAR: apply action = forward; Destination interface = 5G VN internal;

[0139] 5G VN internal:

[0140] PDR: source interface = 5G VN Internal; destination = UE1 IP;

[0141] FAR: apply action = forward; destination interface = access side; OuterHeader Creation = UE1 N3 / N9 CN Tunnel info;

[0142] (2) Broadcast scenario

[0143] PDR: source interface=core side; local F-TEID=N19 CN Tunnel info;

[0144] FAR: apply action=forward; Destination interface=5G VN internal;

[0145] 5G VN internal:

[0146] PDR: source interface = 5G VN Internal; destination = broadcast address;

[0147] FAR: apply action=forward; destination interface=access side; OuterHeader Creation=each UE N3 / N9 CN Tunnel info.

[0148] 11. SMF1 sends a VN Session Response to SMF4, in which the N19 tunnel information of PSA1 is included.

[0149] 12. SMF4 sends an N4 session request to PSA2, informing PSA1 of the N19 tunnel information.

[0150] After step 12, the N19 tunnel between PSA1 and PSA2 is established.

[0151] 13. Upon receiving the same PDU session establishment request as SMF2, SMF2 executes the same steps 1 to 4 as SMF1.

[0152] 14-15. SMF2 registers / updates its NF profile with the NRF and obtains information about other SMFs in the same group, namely SMF1, SMF2 and SMF4.

[0153] 15.1SMF2 instructs PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information.

[0154] 16. SMF2 sends a VN session establishment request to SMF1, carrying the N19 tunnel information of PSA1 (assigned by SMF2).

[0155] 17. SMF1 sends the N19 tunnel information received from PSA1 to PSA1 and requests PSA1 to allocate new N19 tunnel information on PSA1.

[0156] 18. SMF1 sends a VN session response to SMF2, in which SMF1 indicates that the new N19 tunnel information of the allocated PSA1 is included.

[0157] 19. SMF2 sends the N19 tunnel information received from PSA1 to PSA1.

[0158] At this point, the N19 tunnel between PSA1 and PSA2 is complete, and the two sets of tunnel information for this tunnel are assigned by SMF1 and SMF2 respectively.

[0159] 20-23. PSA1 and PSA2 establish a new N19 tunnel, with tunnel information at both ends of the tunnel being assigned by SMF2 and SMF4 respectively.

[0160] 24. Complete the establishment of two new N19 tunnels from PSA1 to PSA1 (SMF3 and SMF1 respectively indicate the N19 tunnel information allocated to PSA1, and SMF3 and SMF2 respectively indicate the N19 tunnel information allocated to PSA1) and the establishment of a new N19 tunnel between PSA1 and PSA2.

[0161] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the N19 tunnel provided for related technologies, such as Figure 2 As shown, multiple N19 tunnels were established between PSA1 and PSA2 using the aforementioned related technology 1.

[0162] Related Technology 2: The Group Session Management Function (GSMF) is used during the establishment of N19 tunnels in VN groups across SMFs. This network element stores the information of each SMF. The SMF information of each VN group can be registered in the network element GSMF, and the information of other network elements can be obtained from the GSMF. SMFs can communicate directly or indirectly through the GSMF.

[0163] Figure 3 The second flowchart illustrating the N19 tunnel establishment process provided for related technologies, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the process of establishing N19 tunnels for different SMFs that selected the same PSA within the same VN group is described below.

[0164] Figure 3 The main steps are explained below:

[0165] 1. UE1 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE1 is served by SMF1 and PSA1.

[0166] 2. SMF1 reports / registers UE1's 5G VN group identifier (which can be identified by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF1 identifier to GSMF. If UE1's address is further registered with GSMF in this step, then this step will be performed for every new PDU session to 5G VN in SMF1.

[0167] 3. In order to enable communication between group members served by different SMFs, SMF1 can subscribe to 5G VN group change events from GSMF (e.g., when another SMF serves the same 5G VN group or another SMF stops serving the 5G VN group).

[0168] 4. UE4 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE4 is served by SMF4 and PSA2.

[0169] 5. SMF4 reports / registers UE4's 5G VN group identifier (which can be identified by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF4 identifier to GSMF.

[0170] 6. SMF4 can subscribe to 5G VN group change events from GSMF (e.g., when another SMF provides service for the same 5G VN group or another SMF stops providing service for that 5G VN group).

[0171] 7. SMF1 retrieved information from other SMF(s) and obtained information from SMF4.

[0172] 8. SMF1 instructs PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information to establish an N19 tunnel between PSA2 and SMF4.

[0173] 9. A session is established between SMF1 and SMF4 to transmit the N19 tunnel information of PSA1 (assigned by SMF1).

[0174] 10. After receiving the N19 tunnel information from PSA1, SMF4 informs PSA2 of the N19 tunnel information from PSA1 and instructs PSA2 to allocate the N19 tunnel information.

[0175] 11. SMF4 returns the N19 tunnel information of PSA2 to SMF1.

[0176] 12. SMF1 informs PSA1 of the N19 tunnel information received from PSA2. At this point, the N19 tunnel between PSA1 and PSA2 is established.

[0177] 13. UE2 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE2 is served by SMF2 and PSA1.

[0178] 14. SMF2 reports / registers UE2's 5G VN group identifier (which can be identified by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF2 identifier to GSMF, and subscribes to 5G VN group change events from GSMF. SMF2 retrieves other SMF(s) information and obtains information about SMF1 and SMF4.

[0179] 15. SMF2 instructs PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information.

[0180] 16. A session is established between SMF2 and SMF4 to transmit N19 tunnel information of PSA1 (assigned by SMF2).

[0181] 17. After receiving the N19 tunnel information from PSA1, SMF4 informs PSA2 of the N19 tunnel information from PSA1 and instructs PSA2 to allocate new N19 tunnel information.

[0182] 18. SMF4 returns the new N19 tunnel information of PSA2 to SMF2.

[0183] 19. SMF2 will inform PSA1 of the new N19 tunnel information received from PSA2. At this point, the new N19 tunnel between PSA1 and PSA2 is established.

[0184] 20-24. SMF2 and SMF1 then instruct PSA1 to allocate new N19 tunnel information and establish the N19 tunnel from PSA1(SMF1) to PSA1(SMF2).

[0185] 25. UE3 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE3 is served by SMF3 and PSA1. By performing the same steps as SMF2 described above, the N19 tunnels of PSA1(SMF1)-PSA1(SMF3), PSA1(SMF2)-PSA1(SMF3), and PSA1(SMF3)-PSA2(SMF4) are established.

[0186] The multiple N19 tunnels established using the aforementioned related technology 2 are the same as those using related technology 1, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0187] Related technology 3: GSMF is used in the N19 tunnel establishment process of VN group across SMF. This network element stores the information of each SMF. The SMF information of each VN group can be registered in the network element GSMF and can obtain the information of other network elements from the GSMF. SMFs can communicate directly or indirectly through GSMF.

[0188] Figure 4 The third flowchart illustrating the N19 tunnel establishment process provided for related technologies, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the process of establishing N19 tunnels for different SMFs that selected the same PSA within the same VN group is described below.

[0189] Figure 4 The main steps are explained below:

[0190] 1. UE1 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE1 is served by SMF1 and PSA1.

[0191] 2. SMF1 reports / registers UE1's 5G VN group identifier (which can be identified by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF1 identifier to GSMF. If UE1's address is further registered with GSMF in this step, then this step will be performed for every new PDU session to 5G VN in SMF1.

[0192] 3. In order to enable communication between group members served by different SMFs, SMF1 can subscribe to 5G VN group change events from GSMF (e.g., when another SMF serves the same 5G VN group or another SMF stops serving the 5G VN group).

[0193] 4. UE4 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE4 is served by SMF4 and PSA2.

[0194] 5. SMF4 reports / registers UE4's 5G VN group identifier (which can be identified by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF4 identifier to GSMF.

[0195] 6. SMF4 can subscribe to 5G VN group change events from GSMF (e.g., when another SMF provides service for the same 5G VN group or another SMF stops providing service for that 5G VN group).

[0196] 7. SMF1 retrieved information from other SMF(s) and obtained information from SMF4.

[0197] 8. SMF1 instructs PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information to establish an N19 tunnel between PSA2 and SMF4.

[0198] 9. SMF1 sends an N19 tunnel establishment request (carrying the 5G VN group identifier, PSA1's N19 tunnel information, and UE1's IP address information) to SMF4 via GSMF. Upon receiving the request from SMF1, GSMF stores this information and forwards the request to SMF4.

[0199] 10. SMF4 initiates an N4 session modification for each PSA in the same 5G VN group controlled by SMF4. Taking PSA2 in the diagram as an example, this step includes:

[0200] (1) SMF4 installs N4 rules on PSA2 (e.g., PDR and FAR related to UE1 above).

[0201] (2) PSA2 provides tunnel information to SMF4.

[0202] 11. SMF4 sends a response message to SMF1 via GSMF, which includes PSA tunnel information (list) and the IP address (es) of the corresponding UE provided by PSA2.

[0203] 12. SMF1 initiates N4 session modification for each PSA in the same 5G VN group controlled by SMF1 and installs N4 rules (such as PDR and FAR related to UE4) on the PSA. PSA1 is used as an example in the figure.

[0204] 13. UE2 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE2 is served by SMF2 and PSA1.

[0205] 14. SMF2 reports / registers UE2's 5G VN group identifier (which can be identified by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF2 identifier to GSMF, and subscribes to 5G VN group change events from GSMF. SMF2 retrieves other SMF(s) information and obtains information about SMF1 and SMF4.

[0206] 15. SMF2 instructs PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information.

[0207] 16. SMF2 sends an N19 tunnel establishment request (carrying the 5G VN group identifier, PSA1's N19 tunnel information, and UE2's IP address information) to SMF4 via GSMF. Upon receiving the request from SMF2, GSMF stores this information and forwards the request to SMF4.

[0208] 17. SMF4 initiates an N4 session modification for each PSA in the same 5G VN group controlled by SMF4. Taking PSA2 in the diagram as an example, this step includes:

[0209] (1) SMF4 installs N4 rules on PSA2 (e.g., PDR and FAR related to UE2 mentioned above).

[0210] (2) PSA2 provides tunnel information to SMF4.

[0211] 18. SMF4 sends a response message to SMF2 via GSMF, which includes PSA tunnel information (list) and the IP address (es) of the corresponding UE provided by PSA2.

[0212] 19. SMF2 initiates N4 session modification for each PSA in the same 5G VN group controlled by SMF2, and installs N4 rules (such as PDR and FAR related to UE4) on the PSA. PSA1 is used as an example in the figure.

[0213] 20.SMF2 instructs PSA1 to allocate new N19 tunnel information.

[0214] 21. SMF2 sends an N19 tunnel establishment request to SMF1 via GSMF (carrying the 5G VN group identifier, the new PSA1 N19 tunnel information, and UE2's IP address information). Upon receiving the request from SMF2, GSMF stores this information and forwards the request to SMF1.

[0215] 22. SMF1 initiates an N4 session modification to each PSA in the same 5G VN group controlled by SMF1. Taking PSA1 in the diagram as an example, this step includes:

[0216] (1) SMF1 installs N4 rules on PSA1 (e.g., PDR and FAR related to UE2 mentioned above).

[0217] (2) PSA1 provides tunnel information to SMF1.

[0218] 23. SMF1 sends a response message to SMF2 via GSMF. This response message includes PSA tunnel information (list) and the IP address (es) of the corresponding UE provided by PSA1.

[0219] 24. SMF2 initiates N4 session modification for each PSA in the same 5G VN group controlled by SMF2, and installs N4 rules (such as PDR and FAR related to UE1) on the PSA. PSA1 is used as an example in the figure.

[0220] 25. UE3 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE3 is served by SMF3 and PSA1. By performing the same steps as SMF2 described above, the N19 tunnels of PSA1(SMF1)-PSA1(SMF3), PSA1(SMF2)-PSA1(SMF3), and PSA1(SMF3)-PSA2(SMF4) are established.

[0221] The multiple N19 tunnels established using the aforementioned related technology 3 are the same as those using related technology 1, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0222] As can be seen, in the scenario of cross-SMF terminal communication within the same VN group, when different SMFs select the same PSA, these SMFs will allocate different tunnel information for this same PSA, and establish multiple different N19 tunnels between different tunnel endpoints within the PSA and between the PSA and any other PSA in the same group. These redundant N19 tunnels will cause a waste of tunnel resources between PSAs.

[0223] To address the aforementioned issues, the embodiments of this application provide a solution. The main idea is that during terminal communication within the same VN group, if different SMFs select the same PSA, these SMFs share the N19 tunnel information on the PSA side. That is, only one N19 tunnel is retained between any two PSAs in the same VN group. This reduces redundant tunnel information during the N19 tunnel establishment process, saves tunnel resources between PSAs, and reduces signaling interaction steps.

[0224] For example, although this article uses the 5G VN group scenario as an example for illustration, other existing or future VN groups that can realize the 5G VN group scenario function can also be applied here, without limitation.

[0225] Figure 5 This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment. The method is applied to a first session management function network element, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0226] Step 500: Determine that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

[0227] Step 501: Send the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal to the second session management function network element, instructing the second anchor point user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0228] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor point user plane function network element, and the second session management function network element includes other session management function network elements in the virtual network group other than the first session management function network element.

[0229] Specifically, in each embodiment of this application, the session management function network element can be an SMF or other network elements with similar session management functions. For ease of discussion, each embodiment of this application uses an SMF as an example for illustration.

[0230] In the various embodiments of this application, the anchor user plane function network element can be PSA or other network elements with similar PDU session anchor functions. For ease of discussion, PSA is used as an example in the various embodiments of this application.

[0231] The first session management function network element can be any session management function network element that serves terminals within the VN group. For example, the first session management function network element can be... Figures 1-4 SMF2 and SMF3.

[0232] by Figures 1-4 The following example illustrates the concept of SMF2. However, it should be understood that the technical solution of this application embodiment differs from the related technologies 1 to 3 mentioned above. In this application embodiment, it is assumed that SMF2 selects PSA1 (which can be understood as the first anchor user plane function network element) for the PDU session of terminal UE2 in the VN group. SMF2 determines that the selected PSA1 has been allocated N19 tunnel information in the VN group. For example, SMF1 has selected PSA1 and has allocated or instructed PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information.

[0233] After SMF2 determines that the selected PSA1 has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the VN group, in order to avoid wasting tunnel resources between PSAs, it can choose to reuse the existing N19 tunnel between PSA1 and other PSAs, instead of creating a new N19 tunnel between PSA1 and other PSAs.

[0234] For example, SMF2 can send a session message to other SMFs (i.e., the second session management function network element) in the VN group. The session message carries UE2's IP address information but does not carry any N19 tunnel information. After receiving the session message containing UE2's IP address information sent by SMF2, other SMFs are triggered to send an N4 session modification request to the PSA they manage. The N4 session modification request carries UE2's IP address information but does not carry any N19 tunnel information, instructing the PSA they manage not to allocate new N19 tunnel information, but to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the PDR and FAR based on the received UE2's IP address information, that is, to supplement the matching forwarding rules related to UE2. For example, it can be set that when the PSA receives data forwarded to UE2, it forwards it to the N19 tunnel of PSA1.

[0235] Optionally, SMF2 can send session messages to other SMFs within the VN group, either directly (e.g., VN session request or PDU session creation request) or indirectly through a third-party network element (e.g., GSMF) (e.g., N19 tunnel establishment request).

[0236] Optionally, if one or more SMFs do not manage other PSAs within the VN group besides the PSA1 selected by SMF2, then SMF2 may not send the aforementioned session messages to these SMFs.

[0237] The N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment allows the first session management function network element to send the IP address information of the first terminal to the second session management function network element without sending any N19 tunnel information after determining that the selected first anchor user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the VN group. This instructs the second anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element not to allocate new N19 tunnel information, but to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information and update the PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal. This reduces redundant tunnel information during the N19 tunnel establishment process, reduces redundant N19 tunnels, and saves tunnel resources between PSAs.

[0238] Optionally, after determining that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, the method further includes:

[0239] Send the IP address information of the first terminal to the first anchor user plane function network element to instruct the first anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0240] Specifically, taking SMF2 as an example again, in this embodiment of the application, after determining that the selected PSA1 has been allocated N19 tunnel information in the VN group, SMF2 may no longer instruct PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information, but instead send an N4 session request to PSA1, carrying the IP address information of UE2 in the N4 session request, so as to instruct PSA1 to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update PDR and FAR based on the received IP address information of UE2, that is, to supplement the matching and forwarding rules related to UE2.

[0241] Optionally, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, including:

[0242] Query the anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element;

[0243] Based on the query results, it was determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element had already been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

[0244] Specifically, taking SMF2 as an example again, in this embodiment of the application, SMF2 can determine whether other SMFs have selected PSA1 by querying the PSA information managed by other SMFs, and thus determine whether the selected PSA1 has been allocated N19 tunnel information in the VN group.

[0245] For example, SMF2 can query which PSAs are managed by other SMFs, and determine whether other SMFs have selected PSA1 by checking if PSA1 exists in the PSA list.

[0246] For example, SMF2 can send the PSA1 identifier to the query object (such as SMF1, SMF4, etc.) to perform a query. The query object can indicate whether PSA1 has been selected by returning the "yes" or "no" identifier information.

[0247] Optionally, query the anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element, including:

[0248] Query the anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element or group session management function network element.

[0249] Specifically, taking SMF2 as an example again, in this embodiment of the application, SMF2 can query other SMFs for the PSA information managed by each other. For example, it can query SMF1 for the PSA information managed by SMF1, query SMF4 for the PSA information managed by SMF4, and so on.

[0250] Since GSMF can store PSA information managed by SMF, SMF2 can also query GSMF for PSA information managed by other SMFs.

[0251] Optionally, when SMF2 queries other SMFs or GSMFs, it may carry the identifier of the selected PSA1.

[0252] Optionally, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, including:

[0253] The registration message sent to the group session management function network element carries the identification information of the selected first anchor point user plane function network element;

[0254] The receiving group session management function network element sends a notification message based on the identification information of the first anchor user plane function network element. The notification message includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the first anchor user plane function network element has been selected by other session management function network elements in the virtual network group.

[0255] Based on the first instruction information, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

[0256] Specifically, taking SMF2 as an example again, in this embodiment of the application, SMF2 can determine whether its selected PSA1 has been allocated N19 tunnel information in the VN group through GSMF.

[0257] SMF2 can first carry the identification information of the selected PSA1 in the registration message sent to GSMF, and then subscribe to VN group change events from GSMF. Thus, when GSMF sends a VN group change event notification message to SMF2, it can carry first indication information in the notification message to indicate whether PSA1 has been selected by other SMFs in the VN group.

[0258] For example, GSMF can use the PSA1 identifier carried in the SMF2 registration information to check whether other SMFs have selected this PSA1. If other SMFs have selected this PSA1, the GSMF will return a "yes" identifier in the VN group change event notification message, indicating that the PSA1 selected by SMF2 has been selected by other SMFs in the same VN group. Thus, SMF2 can determine that the PSA1 it selected has been allocated N19 tunnel information in the VN group.

[0259] Figure 6 This is the second flowchart illustrating the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment. This method is applied to the second session management function network element, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0260] Step 600: Receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the first session management function network element.

[0261] Step 601: Send the IP address information of the first terminal to the managed second anchor user plane function network element, instructing the second anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0262] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0263] Specifically, in each embodiment of this application, the session management function network element can be an SMF or other network elements with similar session management functions. For ease of discussion, each embodiment of this application uses an SMF as an example for illustration.

[0264] In the various embodiments of this application, the anchor user plane function network element can be PSA or other network elements with similar PDU session anchor functions. For ease of discussion, PSA is used as an example in the various embodiments of this application.

[0265] The first session management function network element can be any session management function network element that serves terminals within the VN group. For example, the first session management function network element can be... Figures 1-4 SMF2 and SMF3.

[0266] The second session management function network element may include other session management function network elements within the VN group besides the first session management function network element.

[0267] by Figures 1-4 The following example illustrates the concept of SMF2. However, it should be understood that the technical solution of this application embodiment differs from the related technologies 1 to 3 mentioned above. In this application embodiment, it is assumed that SMF2 selects PSA1 (which can be understood as the first anchor user plane function network element) for the PDU session of terminal UE2 in the VN group. SMF2 determines that the selected PSA1 has been allocated N19 tunnel information in the VN group. For example, SMF1 has selected PSA1 and has allocated or instructed PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information.

[0268] After SMF2 determines that the selected PSA1 has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the VN group, in order to avoid wasting tunnel resources between PSAs, it can choose to reuse the existing N19 tunnel between PSA1 and other PSAs, instead of creating a new N19 tunnel between PSA1 and other PSAs.

[0269] For example, SMF2 can send a session message to other SMFs (i.e., the second session management function network element) in the VN group. The session message carries UE2's IP address information but does not carry any N19 tunnel information. After receiving the session message containing UE2's IP address information sent by SMF2, other SMFs are triggered to send an N4 session modification request to the PSA they manage. The N4 session modification request carries UE2's IP address information but does not carry any N19 tunnel information, instructing the PSA they manage not to allocate new N19 tunnel information, but to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the PDR and FAR based on the received UE2's IP address information, that is, to supplement the matching forwarding rules related to UE2. For example, it can be set that when the PSA receives data forwarded to UE2, it forwards it to the N19 tunnel of PSA1.

[0270] Optionally, SMF2 can send session messages to other SMFs within the VN group, either directly (e.g., VN session request or PDU session creation request) or indirectly through a third-party network element (e.g., GSMF) (e.g., N19 tunnel establishment request).

[0271] The N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment allows the second session management function network element to instruct the second anchor point user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element to reuse existing N19 tunnel information and no longer allocate new N19 tunnel information after receiving the IP address information of the first terminal sent by the first session management function network element. The second session management function network element updates the PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal, thereby reducing redundant tunnel information during the N19 tunnel establishment process, reducing redundant N19 tunnels, and saving PSA tunnel resources.

[0272] Figure 7 This is the third flowchart illustrating the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment. This method is applied to anchor point user plane functional network elements, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0273] Step 700: Receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the session management function network element.

[0274] Step 701: Based on the IP address information of the first terminal, determine the reuse of existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR;

[0275] Among them, the first terminal is the terminal served by the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0276] The anchor user plane function element is either the first anchor user plane function element or the second anchor user plane function element.

[0277] Specifically, in each embodiment of this application, the session management function network element can be an SMF or other network elements with similar session management functions. For ease of discussion, each embodiment of this application uses an SMF as an example for illustration.

[0278] In the various embodiments of this application, the anchor user plane function network element can be PSA or other network elements with similar PDU session anchor functions. For ease of discussion, PSA is used as an example in the various embodiments of this application.

[0279] In this embodiment of the application, the anchor user plane function network element can be a first anchor user plane function network element or a second anchor user plane function network element. The first anchor user plane function network element is the anchor user plane function network element selected by the first session management function network element, and the second session management function network element is the anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element.

[0280] The first or second session management function network element can send an N4 session request to its corresponding anchor user plane function network element. The N4 session request carries the IP address information of the first terminal but does not carry any N19 tunnel information.

[0281] After receiving an N4 session request containing the IP address information of the first terminal from its corresponding session management function network element, the first anchor user plane function network element or the second anchor user plane function network element can determine that it is not necessary to allocate new N19 tunnel information, but to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal, that is, to supplement the matching and forwarding rules related to the first terminal.

[0282] The N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment allows the anchor user plane function network element to, after receiving the IP address information of the first terminal sent by the session management function network element, no longer allocate new N19 tunnel information, but reuse existing N19 tunnel information and update PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal. This reduces redundant tunnel information during the N19 tunnel establishment process, reduces redundant N19 tunnels, and saves tunnel resources between PSAs.

[0283] The methods provided in the various embodiments of this application are based on the same concept, so the implementation of each method can be referred to each other, and repeated parts will not be described again.

[0284] The methods provided in the above embodiments of this application are illustrated below through specific application scenarios.

[0285] Example 1: Figure 8 This is one of the schematic diagrams illustrating the implementation of the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment, such as... Figure 8 As shown, its main process is as follows:

[0286] 1. SMF1 receives a PDU session establishment request. Based on the information in the request, namely DNN / S-NSSAI, SMF1 knows that this PDU session is for the VN group.

[0287] 2. SMF1 updates or registers its NF profile with NRF and provides the identifier for the 5G VN group.

[0288] 3. SMF1 performs SMF discovery with the NRF using the service's 5G VN group identifier. The NRF returns only SMF1 in the response.

[0289] 4. SMF1 sends an N4 session request to PSA1 to configure PDR and FAR for the PDU session. The specific details of the relevant PDR and FAR are the same as step 4 in related technology 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0290] 5. SMF4 receives a PDU session establishment request. Based on the information in the request, namely DNN / S-NSSAI, SMF4 knows that this PDU session is for the VN group.

[0291] 6. SMF4 updates or registers its NF profile with NRF and provides a 5G VN group identifier.

[0292] 7. SMF4 performs SMF discovery with the NRF using the service's 5G VN group identifier. The NRF only returns SMF1 and SMF4 in the response.

[0293] 8. SMF4 sends an N4 session request to PSA2 to configure PDR / FAR for this PDU session. (Not N19)

[0294] 8.1. SMF4 sends an N4 session request to PSA2, requesting PSA2 to allocate N19 tunnel resource information (also known as tunnel endpoint information or tunnel info) (such as the Tunnel Endpoint Identifier (TEID)). (N19)

[0295] 9. SMF4 sends a VN session request to SMF1, which includes the N19 tunnel information of PSA2 (assigned by SMF4).

[0296] 10. SMF1 sends the received N19 tunnel information from PSA2 to PSA1 and requests PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information (such as TEID) in PSA1. The PDR and FAR configured in this step are the same as step 10 in related technology 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0297] 11. SMF1 sends a VN session response to SMF4, in which the N19 tunnel information of PSA1 is included.

[0298] 12. SMF4 sends an N4 session request to PSA2, informing PSA1 of the N19 tunnel information.

[0299] After step 12, the N19 tunnel between PSA1 and PSA2 is established.

[0300] 13. Upon receiving the same PDU session establishment request as SMF2, SMF2 executes the same steps 1 to 4 as SMF1.

[0301] 14-15. SMF2 registers / updates its NF profile with the NRF and obtains information about other SMFs in the same group, namely SMF1, SMF2 and SMF4.

[0302] 16-18. SMF2 requests PSA information from SMF1 and SMF4 respectively, or SMF2 carries PSA1 information to query whether PSA1 information exists in SMF1 and SMF4. Here, it is found that SMF1 also selected PSA1.

[0303] Note: The difference from related technology 1 is that in related technology 1, SMF2 only queries the NRF for SMF information of other services in the same VN group, and then instructs the establishment of each N19 tunnel through inter-SMF interaction. This N19 tunnel is at the SMF granularity. In this embodiment, when a UE session of a new SMF is established, the new SMF first queries the NRF for information of other SMFs in the same group, and then queries other SMFs in the same group to determine whether the PSA selected by this SMF has been selected by other SMFs in the same VN group.

[0304] 19-21. SMF2 informs SMF4 of the IP address information of the new UE (i.e., UE2) through a VN session request. SMF4 only updates PDR and FAR to PSA2 (i.e., updates UE2's IP address information and sets it to forward data to the N19 tunnel of PSA1 when PSA2 receives data forwarded to UE2). SMF4 returns a VN session response to SMF2.

[0305] 22. SMF2 requests PSA1 via N4 session to inform PSA1 of the IP address information of the new UE (i.e., UE2) and updates PDR and FAR to PSA1.

[0306] Note 1: The PDR and FAR of UE2 are the same as those of UE1 in related technology 1.

[0307] Note 2: The difference from related technology 1 is that in related technology 1, the new SMF interacts with other SMFs in the same VN group in steps 19 to 21 to instruct each SMF to allocate N19 tunnel information; in this embodiment, SMF2 determines in step 18 that the PSA1 selected by SMF2 has been selected by SMF1, so it directly updates the PDR and FAR on PSA1 and PSA2, that is, it supplements the matching and forwarding rules related to UE2 of SMF2.

[0308] Note: In this implementation, steps 19-21 and step 22 are not distinguished by their order.

[0309] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the N19 tunnel provided in the embodiments of this application is shown below. Figure 9 As shown in the above embodiment 1, only one N19 tunnel was established between PSA1 and PSA2.

[0310] Example 2: Figure 10 This is the second schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application embodiment, as shown below. Figure 10 As shown, its main process is as follows:

[0311] 1. UE1 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE1 is served by SMF1 and PSA1.

[0312] 2. SMF1 reports / registers UE1's 5G VN group identifier (which can be identified by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF1 identifier to GSMF, along with the identifier of its selected PSA1. If UE1's address is further registered with GSMF in this step, then this step will be performed for every new PDU session to 5G VN in SMF1.

[0313] 3. In order to enable communication between group members served by different SMFs, SMF1 can subscribe to 5G VN group change events from GSMF (e.g., when another SMF serves the same 5G VN group or another SMF stops serving the 5G VN group).

[0314] 4. UE4 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE4 is served by SMF4 and PSA2.

[0315] 5. SMF4 reports / registers UE4’s 5G VN group identifier (which can be identified by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF4 identifier to GSMF, and carries the identifier of its selected PSA2.

[0316] 6. SMF4 can subscribe to 5G VN group change events from GSMF (e.g., when another SMF provides service for the same 5G VN group or another SMF stops providing service for that 5G VN group).

[0317] 7a. GSMF searches for the PSA1 identifier carried in the SMF1 registration information to see if any other SMFs have selected this PSA1, and returns the presence / absence identifier in the VN group change event notification message. In this embodiment, step 7a returns "No", indicating that no other SMF has selected PSA1.

[0318] 7b. SMF1 retrieved information from other SMF(s) and obtained information from SMF4.

[0319] 8. SMF1 instructs PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information to establish an N19 tunnel between PSA2 and SMF4.

[0320] 9. A session is established between SMF1 and SMF4 to transmit the N19 tunnel information of PSA1 (assigned by SMF1).

[0321] 10. After receiving the N19 tunnel information from PSA1, SMF4 informs PSA2 of the N19 tunnel information from PSA1 and instructs PSA2 to allocate the N19 tunnel information.

[0322] 11. SMF4 returns the N19 tunnel information of PSA2 to SMF1.

[0323] 12. SMF1 informs PSA1 of the N19 tunnel information received from PSA2. At this point, the N19 tunnel between PSA1 and PSA2 is established.

[0324] 13. UE2 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE2 is served by SMF2 and PSA1.

[0325] 14. SMF2 reports / registers UE2's 5G VN group identifier (identifiable by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF2 identifier to GSMF, along with the identifier of its selected PSA1. It subscribes to 5G VN group change events from GSMF. GSMF searches for the PSA1 identifier carried in SMF2's registration information to see if any other SMF has selected this PSA1, returning "Yes" in the VN group change event notification message, indicating that the PSA1 selected by SMF2 has already been selected by another SMF in the same group. SMF2 retrieves information on other SMF(s), obtaining information on SMF1 and SMF4.

[0326] 15. SMF2 sends a session establishment request to SMF4, carrying the IP address information of the UEs related to the VN group served by SMF2 (such as the IP address information of UE2).

[0327] Note: The difference from related technology 2 is that related technology 2 carries the tunnel information allocated by PSA1 to SMF2 (UE2) and instructs SMF4 to configure PDR and FAR on PSA2 for UE2. In this embodiment, it only instructs SMF4 to configure PDR and FAR on PSA2 for UE2.

[0328] 16. SMF4 updates the IP address information of VN group UEs (such as UE2) of SMF2 to PSA2 (update PDR / FAR).

[0329] 17. SMF4 returns a session response to SMF2.

[0330] 18. SMF2 updates the relevant PDR / FAR of UE (such as UE2) to PSA1.

[0331] Note: The difference from related technology 2 is that in related technology 2, this step carries the N19 tunnel information of PSA2 and instructs PSA1 to configure the PDR and FAR of UE2; in this embodiment, only PSA1 is instructed to configure the PDR and FAR of UE2.

[0332] 19-20. If SMF1 has selected other PSAs besides PSA1, then update all PDRs / FARs related to the new UE (such as UE2) of SMF2 on all PSAs.

[0333] 23. UE3 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE3 is served by SMF3 and PSA1. By performing the same steps as SMF2 described above, the PDR / FAR associated with the new UE (such as UE3) in SMF3 is updated on each PSA.

[0334] The N19 tunnel established through Example 2 is the same as that in Example 1, such as... Figure 9 As shown.

[0335] Example 3: Figure 11 This is the third schematic diagram illustrating the implementation of the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in this application. Figure 11 As shown, its main process is as follows:

[0336] 1. UE1 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE1 is served by SMF1 and PSA1.

[0337] 2. SMF1 reports / registers UE1's 5G VN group identifier (which can be identified by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF1 identifier to GSMF. If UE1's address is further registered with GSMF in this step, then this step will be performed for every new PDU session to 5G VN in SMF1.

[0338] 3. In order to enable communication between group members served by different SMFs, SMF1 can subscribe to 5G VN group change events from GSMF (e.g., when another SMF serves the same 5G VN group or another SMF stops serving the 5G VN group).

[0339] 4. UE4 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE4 is served by SMF4 and PSA2.

[0340] 5. SMF4 reports / registers UE4's 5G VN group identifier (which can be identified by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF4 identifier to GSMF.

[0341] 6. SMF4 can subscribe to 5G VN group change events from GSMF (e.g., when another SMF provides service for the same 5G VN group or another SMF stops providing service for that 5G VN group).

[0342] 7. SMF1 retrieved information from other SMF(s), obtained information from SMF4, and learned that no other SMF had selected PSA1.

[0343] 8. SMF1 instructs PSA1 to allocate N19 tunnel information to establish an N19 tunnel between PSA2 and SMF4.

[0344] 9–11. SMF1 sends an N19 tunnel establishment request (carrying the 5G VN group identifier, PSA1's N19 tunnel information, and UE1's IP address information) to SMF4 via GSMF. Upon receiving the request from SMF1, GSMF stores this information and checks if any other PSA has allocated N19 tunnel information for this VN group. If so, it informs SMF4 of this information. SMF4 instructs PSA2 to allocate N19 tunnel information and sends the N19 tunnel information allocated by PSA2 to GSMF. GSMF then informs SMF1.

[0345] 12. SMF1 sends N4 session modification to PSA1, carrying N19 tunnel information of PSA2.

[0346] 13. UE2 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE2 is served by SMF2 and PSA1.

[0347] 14. SMF2 reports / registers UE2's 5G VN group identifier (which can be identified by DNN and S-NSSAI) and SMF2 identifier to GSMF. It subscribes to 5G VN group change events from GSMF. SMF2 retrieves information from other SMF(s), obtaining information on SMF1 and SMF4, and learns that SMF1 has selected PSA1.

[0348] 15-17. SMF2 sends an N19 tunnel establishment request (carrying the 5G VN group identifier and UE2's IP address information) to SMF4 via GSMF. Upon receiving the request from SMF2, GSMF stores this information and checks if any other PSA has already allocated N19 tunnel information for this VN group. If so, it informs SMF4 of this information, and SMF4 updates UE2's IP address information to PSA2 (updating PDR / FAR). SMF4 then returns an N19 tunnel establishment response to SMF2 via GSMF.

[0349] 18. SMF2 updates UE2-related PDR / FAR to PSA1.

[0350] Note: In steps 15 and 16, since PSA2 has already been allocated N19 tunnel information by SMF4, in step 16, PSA2 is no longer instructed to allocate new N19 tunnel information. Instead, the N19 tunnel information of PSA2 in tunnel 1 is reused. Therefore, only the PDR / FAR related to UE2 on PSA2 is modified.

[0351] 19. UE3 establishes a PDU session to gain access to the 5G VN group. In this diagram, UE3 is served by SMF3 and PSA1. By performing the same steps as SMF2 described above, the PDR / FAR associated with the new UE (such as UE3) in SMF3 is updated on each PSA.

[0352] Note: Unlike related technology 3, this embodiment no longer instructs the existing PSA in the same VN group to allocate N19 tunnel information.

[0353] The N19 tunnel established through Example 3 is the same as that in Example 1, such as... Figure 9 As shown.

[0354] The methods and apparatuses provided in the various embodiments of this application are based on the same concept. Since the methods and apparatuses solve problems in similar ways, the implementations of the apparatuses and methods can refer to each other, and repeated details will not be repeated.

[0355] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of the first session management function network element provided in the embodiments of this application is shown below. Figure 12 As shown, the first session management function network element includes a memory 1220, a transceiver 1210, and a processor 1200; wherein the processor 1200 and the memory 1220 can also be physically arranged separately.

[0356] The memory 1220 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1210 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1200.

[0357] Specifically, transceiver 1210 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1200.

[0358] Among them, Figure 12 In this application, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1200 and memory represented by memory 1220 together. The bus architecture may also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1210 may be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, and other transmission media.

[0359] The processor 1200 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory 1220 can store the data used by the processor 1200 when performing operations.

[0360] The processor 1200 can be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). The processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0361] The processor 1200 calls a computer program stored in the memory 1220 to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application according to the obtained executable instructions. For example, it determines that the selected first anchor user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group; sends the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal to the second session management function network element to instruct the second anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and updates the packet detection rule (PDR) and packet forwarding rule (FAR) based on the IP address information of the first terminal; wherein, the first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and the second session management function network element includes other session management function network elements within the virtual network group other than the first session management function network element.

[0362] Optionally, after determining that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, the method further includes:

[0363] Send the IP address information of the first terminal to the first anchor user plane function network element to instruct the first anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0364] Optionally, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, including:

[0365] Query the anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element;

[0366] Based on the query results, it was determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element had already been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

[0367] Optionally, query the anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element, including:

[0368] Query the anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element or group session management function network element.

[0369] Optionally, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, including:

[0370] The registration message sent to the group session management function network element carries the identification information of the selected first anchor point user plane function network element;

[0371] The receiving group session management function network element sends a notification message based on the identification information of the first anchor user plane function network element. The notification message includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the first anchor user plane function network element has been selected by other session management function network elements in the virtual network group.

[0372] Based on the first instruction information, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

[0373] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second session management function network element provided in the embodiments of this application, as shown below. Figure 13 As shown, the second session management function network element includes a memory 1320, a transceiver 1310, and a processor 1300; wherein the processor 1300 and the memory 1320 can also be physically arranged separately.

[0374] The memory 1320 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1310 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1300.

[0375] Specifically, transceiver 1310 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1300.

[0376] Among them, Figure 13 In this application, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1300 and memory represented by memory 1320 together. The bus architecture may also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1310 may be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, and other transmission media.

[0377] The processor 1300 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory 1320 can store the data used by the processor 1300 when performing operations.

[0378] The processor 1300 can be a CPU, ASIC, FPGA or CPLD, and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0379] The processor 1300 calls a computer program stored in the memory 1320 to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application according to the obtained executable instructions. For example, it receives the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the first session management function network element; sends the IP address information of the first terminal to the managed second anchor user plane function network element to instruct the second anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and updates the packet detection rule (PDR) and packet forwarding rule (FAR) based on the IP address information of the first terminal; wherein the first terminal is a terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0380] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the anchor point user plane functional network element provided in the embodiments of this application, such as... Figure 14 As shown, the anchor point user plane function network element includes a memory 1420, a transceiver 1410, and a processor 1400; wherein, the processor 1400 and the memory 1420 can also be physically arranged separately.

[0381] The memory 1420 is used to store computer programs; the transceiver 1410 is used to send and receive data under the control of the processor 1400.

[0382] Specifically, transceiver 1410 is used to receive and send data under the control of processor 1400.

[0383] Among them, Figure 14 In this application, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically linking various circuits of one or more processors represented by processor 1400 and memory represented by memory 1420 together. The bus architecture may also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1410 may be multiple elements, including a transmitter and a receiver, providing a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium, including wireless channels, wired channels, optical fibers, and other transmission media.

[0384] The processor 1400 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, while the memory 1420 can store the data used by the processor 1400 when performing operations.

[0385] The processor 1400 can be a CPU, ASIC, FPGA or CPLD, and the processor can also adopt a multi-core architecture.

[0386] The processor 1400 calls a computer program stored in the memory 1420 to execute any of the methods provided in the embodiments of this application according to the obtained executable instructions, such as: receiving Internet Protocol IP address information of a first terminal sent by a session management function network element; determining the reuse of existing N19 tunnel information based on the IP address information of the first terminal, and updating the packet detection rule (PDR) and packet forwarding rule (FAR); wherein, the first terminal is a terminal served by a first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element; the anchor user plane function network element is either the first anchor user plane function network element or the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0387] It should be noted that the first session management function network element, the second session management function network element, and the anchor user plane function network element provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0388] Figure 15 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the N19 tunnel establishment device provided in the embodiments of this application. The device is applied to the first session management function network element, such as... Figure 15 As shown, the device includes:

[0389] The determination unit 1500 is used to determine whether the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group;

[0390] The first sending unit 1510 is used to send the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal to the second session management function network element, and to instruct the second anchor point user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0391] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor point user plane function network element, and the second session management function network element includes other session management function network elements in the virtual network group other than the first session management function network element.

[0392] Optionally, the first transmitting unit 1510 is further configured to:

[0393] Send the IP address information of the first terminal to the first anchor user plane function network element to instruct the first anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0394] Optionally, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, including:

[0395] Query the anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element;

[0396] Based on the query results, it was determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element had already been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

[0397] Optionally, query the anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element, including:

[0398] Query the anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element or group session management function network element.

[0399] Optionally, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, including:

[0400] The registration message sent to the group session management function network element carries the identification information of the selected first anchor point user plane function network element;

[0401] The receiving group session management function network element sends a notification message based on the identification information of the first anchor user plane function network element. The notification message includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the first anchor user plane function network element has been selected by other session management function network elements in the virtual network group.

[0402] Based on the first instruction information, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

[0403] Figure 16 This is the second schematic diagram of the N19 tunnel establishment device provided in the embodiments of this application. This device is applied to the second session management function network element, such as... Figure 16 As shown, the device includes:

[0404] The second receiving unit 1600 is used to receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the first session management function network element;

[0405] The second sending unit 1610 is used to send the IP address information of the first terminal to the managed second anchor user plane function network element, and to instruct the second anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and to update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

[0406] The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0407] Figure 17 This is the third schematic diagram of the N19 tunnel establishment device provided in the embodiments of this application. This device is applied to the anchor point user plane functional network element, such as... Figure 17 As shown, the device includes:

[0408] The third receiving unit 1700 is used to receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the session management function network element;

[0409] The update unit 1710 is used to determine the reuse of existing N19 tunnel information based on the IP address information of the first terminal, and to update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR.

[0410] Among them, the first terminal is the terminal served by the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

[0411] The anchor user plane function element is either the first anchor user plane function element or the second anchor user plane function element.

[0412] It should be noted that the division of units in the embodiments of this application is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used. Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated units described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional units.

[0413] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a processor-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0414] It should be noted that the apparatus provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0415] On the other hand, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program for causing a computer to execute the N19 tunnel establishment method provided in the above embodiments.

[0416] It should be noted that the computer-readable storage medium provided in this application embodiment can implement all the method steps implemented in the above method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. Here, the parts that are the same as those in the method embodiment and the beneficial effects will not be described in detail.

[0417] The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium or data storage device that a computer can access, including but not limited to magnetic storage (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks (MOs), etc.), optical storage (e.g., CDs, DVDs, BDs, HVDs, etc.), and semiconductor storage (e.g., ROMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, non-volatile memory (NAND flash), solid-state drives (SSDs)).

[0418] The technical solutions provided in this application can be applied to various systems, especially 5G systems. For example, applicable systems include Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and 5G New Radio (NR). All of these systems include terminal equipment and network equipment. The systems may also include a core network component, such as Evolved Packet System (EPS) and 5G system (5GS).

[0419] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage and optical storage) containing computer-usable program code.

[0420] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0421] These processor-executable instructions may also be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0422] These processors can execute instructions that can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device, causing a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable device for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0423] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application also intends to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for establishing an N19 tunnel, characterized in that, Applied to network elements for the first session management function, including: Determine that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group; Send the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal to the second session management function network element, instructing the second anchor point user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal; The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and the second session management function network element includes other session management function network elements in the virtual network group other than the first session management function network element.

2. The method for establishing the N19 tunnel according to claim 1, characterized in that, After determining that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, the method further includes: The IP address information of the first terminal is sent to the first anchor user plane function network element to instruct the first anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information and update the PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

3. The method for establishing the N19 tunnel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The determination that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group includes: Query the anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element; Based on the query results, it was determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element had already been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

4. The method for establishing the N19 tunnel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The query of anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element includes: Query the anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element or group session management function network element.

5. The method for establishing the N19 tunnel according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The determination that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group includes: The registration message sent to the group session management function network element carries the identification information of the selected first anchor point user plane function network element; The notification message sent by the group session management function network element according to the identification information of the first anchor user plane function network element is received. The notification message includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the first anchor user plane function network element has been selected by other session management function network elements in the virtual network group. Based on the first instruction information, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

6. A method for establishing an N19 tunnel, characterized in that, Network elements used in the second session management function include: Receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the first session management function network element; Send the IP address information of the first terminal to the second anchor user plane function network element under its management, so as to instruct the second anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal. The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

7. A method for establishing an N19 tunnel, characterized in that, Applied to anchor point user plane function network elements, including: Receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first terminal sent by the session management function network element; Based on the IP address information of the first terminal, it is determined that the existing N19 tunnel information can be reused, and the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR are updated. The first terminal is the terminal served by the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element. The anchor user plane function network element is either the first anchor user plane function network element or the second anchor user plane function network element.

8. A network element for first session management function, characterized in that, Includes memory, transceiver, and processor: A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations: Determine that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group; Send the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal to the second session management function network element, instructing the second anchor point user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal; The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and the second session management function network element includes other session management function network elements in the virtual network group other than the first session management function network element.

9. The first session management function network element according to claim 8, characterized in that, After determining that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group, the operation further includes: The IP address information of the first terminal is sent to the first anchor user plane function network element to instruct the first anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information and update the PDR and FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal.

10. The first session management function network element according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The determination that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group includes: Query the anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element; Based on the query results, it was determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element had already been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

11. The first session management function network element according to claim 10, characterized in that, The query of anchor user plane function network element information managed by the second session management function network element includes: Query the anchor user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element or group session management function network element.

12. The first session management function network element according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The determination that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group includes: The registration message sent to the group session management function network element carries the identification information of the selected first anchor point user plane function network element; The notification message sent by the group session management function network element according to the identification information of the first anchor user plane function network element is received. The notification message includes first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the first anchor user plane function network element has been selected by other session management function network elements in the virtual network group. Based on the first instruction information, it is determined that the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been assigned N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group.

13. A second session management function network element, characterized in that, Includes memory, transceiver, and processor: A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations: Receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the first session management function network element; Send the IP address information of the first terminal to the second anchor user plane function network element under its management, so as to instruct the second anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal. The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

14. A user plane functional network element with anchor point, characterized in that, Includes memory, transceiver, and processor: A memory for storing computer programs; a transceiver for sending and receiving data under the control of the processor; and a processor for reading the computer programs from the memory and performing the following operations: Receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address information of the first terminal sent by the session management function network element; Based on the IP address information of the first terminal, it is determined that the existing N19 tunnel information can be reused, and the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR are updated. The first terminal is the terminal served by the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element. The anchor user plane function network element is either the first anchor user plane function network element or the second anchor user plane function network element.

15. An N19 tunnel construction device, characterized in that, Applied to network elements for the first session management function, including: The determining unit is used to determine whether the selected first anchor point user plane function network element has been allocated N19 tunnel information within the virtual network group; The first sending unit is used to send the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal to the second session management function network element, and to instruct the second anchor point user plane function network element managed by the second session management function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and to update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal. The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and the second session management function network element includes other session management function network elements in the virtual network group other than the first session management function network element.

16. An N19 tunnel establishing device, characterized in that, Network elements used in the second session management function include: The second receiving unit is used to receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the first session management function network element; The second sending unit is used to send the IP address information of the first terminal to the managed second anchor user plane function network element, and to instruct the second anchor user plane function network element to reuse the existing N19 tunnel information, and to update the packet detection rule PDR and packet forwarding rule FAR based on the IP address information of the first terminal. The first terminal is the terminal served by the first session management function network element and the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element.

17. An N19 tunnel construction device, characterized in that, Applied to anchor point user plane function network elements, including: The third receiving unit is used to receive the Internet Protocol IP address information of the first terminal sent by the session management function network element; The update unit is used to determine the reuse of existing N19 tunnel information based on the IP address information of the first terminal, and update the packet detection rule (PDR) and packet forwarding rule (FAR). The first terminal is the terminal served by the first anchor user plane function network element, and an N19 tunnel has been established between the first anchor user plane function network element and the second anchor user plane function network element. The anchor user plane function network element is either the first anchor user plane function network element or the second anchor user plane function network element.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that causes a computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 5, or the method of claim 6, or the method of claim 7.

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