Data forwarding methods, devices, equipment, storage media and products

Abstract

This invention discloses a data forwarding method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and product. When a network-side node receives a data packet sent by a previous node, it forwards the data packet to the next node based on the path information or path ID carried in the data packet. Since the data packet carries path information or path ID, the current node can clearly know the next node to which the data packet needs to be forwarded. This enables efficient data forwarding without the need for a PDU session. The network side does not need to maintain a PDU session, thereby eliminating the need to retain GTP-U tunnel resources between network elements and improving the resource utilization of the core network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a data forwarding method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and product. Background Technology

[0002] The 5G network architecture mainly includes devices such as RAN (Radio Access Network), SMF (Session Management Function), AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function), UPF (User Plane Function), PCF (Policy Control Function), AF (Application Function), and UDM (Unified Data Management). The 5G architecture is defined as supporting data connectivity and services, enabling deployments using technologies such as network function virtualization and software-defined networking. When using the 5G network architecture for data transmission between users and data network servers, a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session needs to be established using the aforementioned AMF, SMF, and UPF network elements. The network side needs to maintain a session at all times. Even if users do not transmit data at certain times, some network elements still need to reserve GTP-U (GPRS Tunneling Protocol for the user plane) tunnel resources, resulting in low resource utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a data forwarding method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and product that can efficiently forward data without requiring a PDU session, thereby improving the resource utilization of the core network.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention provide a first data forwarding method, applied to a network-side node, the method comprising:

[0005] Receive data packets sent by the previous node;

[0006] The data packet is forwarded to the next node based on the path information carried in the data packet.

[0007] As an improvement to the above scheme, the path information includes the IP addresses of all nodes in the path.

[0008] As an improvement to the above scheme, the path information also includes a path ID.

[0009] As an improvement to the above scheme, when the node is the first node on the network side, the method further includes:

[0010] Receive path group information and / or path information sent by mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function;

[0011] When the original data packet sent by the sending end is received, the corresponding path information is added to the original data packet;

[0012] Send the data packet carrying path information to the next node.

[0013] As an improvement to the above scheme, a path group information includes multiple path information, and one path information corresponds to one business flow.

[0014] As an improvement to the above scheme, when the first node receives path group information sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function, the step of adding path information to the original data packet includes:

[0015] The original data packet belongs to the service flow identified based on the flow description sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function;

[0016] Add path information corresponding to the service flow to the original data packet.

[0017] As an improvement to the above scheme, when the first node receives path information sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function, the step of adding path information to the original data packet includes:

[0018] For all service flows, the path information is added to the original data packet.

[0019] As an improvement to the above scheme, the node is a wireless access network, user plane function, or other user plane forwarding node.

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide a second data forwarding method, applied to a network-side node, the method comprising:

[0021] Receive data packets sent by the previous node;

[0022] The data packet is forwarded to the next node based on the path ID carried in the data packet.

[0023] As an improvement to the above scheme, before receiving the data packet sent by the previous node, the method further includes:

[0024] Receive the path ID and the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node sent by the mobility management function, the user plane selection function, or the session management function; wherein the mobility management function, the user plane selection function, or the session management function sends the path ID and the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node to all nodes along the path.

[0025] As an improvement to the above scheme, forwarding the data packet to the next node based on the path ID carried in the data packet includes:

[0026] The IP address of the corresponding next-hop node is found based on the path ID carried in the data packet, and the data packet is forwarded to the next node according to the IP address.

[0027] As an improvement to the above scheme, when the node is the first node in the path, the method further includes:

[0028] Receive path group information sent by mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function;

[0029] Upon receiving the original data packet sent by the sending end, the corresponding path ID is added to the original data packet according to the path group information;

[0030] Send the data packet carrying the path ID to the next node.

[0031] As an improvement to the above scheme, a path group information includes multiple path information, and one path information corresponds to one business flow.

[0032] As an improvement to the above scheme, when the node is the first node in the path, the method further includes:

[0033] Receive path information sent by mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function;

[0034] Upon receiving the original data packet sent by the sending end, a corresponding path ID is added to the original data packet according to the path information;

[0035] Send the data packet carrying the path ID to the next node.

[0036] As an improvement to the above scheme, the path information includes path ID, flow description, and the IP address of the next-hop node.

[0037] As an improvement to the above scheme, adding the corresponding path ID to the original data packet based on the path group information includes:

[0038] The original data packet belongs to the service flow identified based on the flow description sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function;

[0039] Based on the path group information, add the path ID corresponding to the service flow to the original data packet.

[0040] As an improvement to the above scheme, the node is a wireless access network, user plane function, or other user plane forwarding node.

[0041] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide a first data forwarding apparatus, comprising:

[0042] The data receiving module is used to receive data packets sent by the previous node;

[0043] The data forwarding module is used to forward the data packet to the next node based on the path information carried in the data packet.

[0044] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide a second data forwarding device, comprising:

[0045] The data receiving module is used to receive data packets sent by the previous node;

[0046] The data forwarding module is used to forward the data packet to the next node based on the path ID carried in the data packet.

[0047] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide a data forwarding device, including a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the data forwarding method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0048] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium including a stored computer program, wherein, when the computer program is executed, it controls the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the data forwarding method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0049] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer program product, including computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the data forwarding method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0050] Compared to existing technologies, the data forwarding method, apparatus, device, storage medium, and product disclosed in this invention, when a network-side node receives a data packet sent by a previous node, forwards the data packet to the next node based on the path information or path ID carried in the data packet. Since the data packet carries path information or path ID, the current node can clearly know the next node to which the data packet needs to be passed, and can complete efficient data forwarding without the need for a PDU session. The network side does not need to maintain a PDU session, thereby eliminating the need to retain GTP-U tunnel resources between network elements, thus improving the resource utilization of the core network. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the first data forwarding method provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of information interaction between network-side nodes provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of information interaction between network-side nodes provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the second data forwarding method provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of information interaction between network-side nodes provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of information interaction between network-side nodes provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of the first data forwarding device provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of the second data forwarding device provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of a data forwarding device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0061] See Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the first data forwarding method provided in an embodiment of the present invention, the data forwarding method comprising:

[0062] S11, Receive the data packet sent by the previous node;

[0063] S12. Based on the path information carried in the data packet, forward the data packet to the next node.

[0064] It is worth noting that the first data forwarding method described in this embodiment of the invention is implemented by a network-side node, which is a radio access network, user plane function, or other user plane forwarding node. For example, the node is a network-side device with communication capabilities, such as a base station, access point (AP), or relay station, which can access the 5G core network through a RAN (Radio Access Network). Alternatively, the node can be a UPF or other user plane forwarding node in the 5G network architecture.

[0065] For example, when a UE (User Equipment) needs to perform services with a DN (Data Network) in a 5G network architecture, the UE can forward uplink data packets to the DN through at least two network-side nodes provided in this embodiment of the invention, and the DN can also forward downlink data packets to the UE through at least two network-side nodes provided in this embodiment of the invention. Since the data packets carry path information, the current node, upon receiving the data packet, can clearly know the next node to which the data packet needs to be forwarded, enabling efficient data forwarding without the need for a PDU session. The network side does not need to maintain a PDU session, thus eliminating the need to retain GTP-U tunnel resources between network elements, thereby improving the resource utilization of the core network.

[0066] Specifically, the path information includes the IP addresses of all nodes in the path.

[0067] For example, after receiving the data packet, a node can know the IP address of the next hop node to which the data packet needs to be transmitted, and then forward the data packet carrying the path information to the next node, thereby completing the forwarding operation of the data packet between nodes until the data packet reaches its destination.

[0068] Specifically, the path information includes not only the IP addresses of all nodes in the path, but also the path ID.

[0069] For example, the path ID can be used to identify the corresponding transmission path. After receiving the data packet, the node looks up the corresponding transmission path based on the path ID in the path information, then finds the IP address of the next-hop node, and forwards the data packet carrying the path information to the next node, thereby completing the forwarding operation of the data packet between nodes until the data packet reaches its destination. It is understood that the node can receive multiple data packets, and the path ID can effectively distinguish the transmission path of each data packet, thus enabling the data packet to be accurately transmitted to its destination.

[0070] Specifically, when the node is the first node on the network side, the method further includes:

[0071] S111, Receive path information and / or path information sent by mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function;

[0072] S112. Upon receiving the original data packet sent by the sending end, add the corresponding path information to the original data packet;

[0073] S113. Send the data packet carrying path information to the next node.

[0074] Specifically, in step S111, the first node is the first node to receive a data packet after the sender transmits it. The AMF, UPSF (User Profile Server Function), or SMF (Session Management Function) pre-configures the first node and sends path group information and / or path information to it. Each path group includes multiple path information entries, and each path corresponds to a service flow. The first node pre-stores the IP addresses of all nodes along each transmission path.

[0075] Specifically, in step S112, the data carried in the original data packet includes a payload, a source IP address, and a destination IP address. The source IP address is the IP address of the sender of the data packet, such as a UE or DN. The destination IP address is the IP address of the receiver of the data packet, such as a DN or UE. When the first node receives the original data packet sent by the sender, it adds corresponding path information to the original data packet for subsequent nodes to forward. Further, the first node can add the path information to the header of the original data packet.

[0076] Specifically, in step S113, when the first node adds the corresponding path information to the original data packet, the first node sends the data packet carrying the path information to the next node.

[0077] In a first implementation, when the first node receives path group information sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function, adding path information to the original data packet includes:

[0078] S121. Identify the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function;

[0079] S122. Add path information corresponding to the service flow to the original data packet.

[0080] For example, if the AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends path group information to the first node, since the path group information contains multiple path information, in order to achieve refined operation of user mobile data traffic and avoid it becoming a mere conduit, the AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends a Packet Flow Description (PFD) to the first node. This allows the first node to detect and distinguish different types of services, and then select the path information corresponding to the service flow to which the data packet belongs for data forwarding. After receiving the original data packet sent by the sender, the first node identifies the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description, and then finds the path information matching the service flow in the path group information, thereby adding the path information to the original data packet to make the transmission path more consistent with the current service flow.

[0081] It is worth noting that a flow description refers to a set of information capable of detecting the traffic of a third-party application; the flow description is a characteristic of the data flow. For example, the flow description may include: the network protocol (Internet Protocol, IP) address, port number, etc., that transmits the data flow. As another example, the flow description may also include: characteristic fields carried by the data flow. Yet another example is that the flow description may include a 5-tuple of the data flow; the 5-tuple may be: source IP address, source port, destination IP address, destination endpoint, and transport layer protocol information, etc.

[0082] In the second implementation, when the first node receives path information sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function, adding path information to the original data packet includes:

[0083] S123. For all service flows, add the path information to the original data packet.

[0084] For example, if the AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends path information to the first node, since there is only one path at this time, the first node will directly forward all services of this user according to the path information. In this case, the first node will directly add the path information to the original data packet.

[0085] Specifically, when the node is the last node on the network side, after receiving the data packet sent by the previous node, the method further includes: stripping the path information carried in the data packet.

[0086] For example, for the last node in the transmission path, since the data packet forwarded to this node carries path information and the data packet itself carries the source IP address and destination IP address, the last node can strip the path information from the data packet and then send the data packet carrying the source IP address and destination IP address to the receiving end of the data packet according to the destination IP address, thereby completing the forwarding process of the data packet from the sending end (UE or DN) to the receiving end (DN or UE).

[0087] Furthermore, by further distinguishing between the uplink and downlink data forwarding processes for the two data forwarding methods mentioned above, we can identify two data forwarding processes as follows:

[0088] 1) The first uplink data packet is sent using the first data forwarding method. The sender is the UE and the receiver is the DN.

[0089] 2) The first downlink data packet is sent using the first data forwarding method, with the sender being the DN and the receiver being the UE;

[0090] This invention provides a detailed explanation of the data forwarding processes 1) and 2) using illustrations:

[0091] For the first type of data forwarding process, please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of information interaction between network-side nodes provided in the first embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the sending end is the UE, the receiving end is the DN, and there are a total of 4 network-side nodes. These 4 nodes are used to forward the first uplink data packet. The first node is the RAN, and the other three nodes are all UPFs, namely UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3, with UP3 being the last node. The process includes the following steps:

[0092] 1.1 The AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends path group information to the first node RAN. The path group information includes two transmission paths with path IDs 1 and 2. Each path ID corresponds to a flow description, source IP address, destination IP address, and the IP addresses of all nodes in the path except the first node (which may also include the IP address of the first node). The first node RAN stores the path group information.

[0093] 1.2 When the UE sends the original data packet (an uplink data packet, including payload, source IP address and destination IP address), the first node RAN detects the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description, adds the corresponding path information to the packet header, obtains the first uplink data packet, forwards the first uplink data packet carrying the path information to UPF1, and forwards the first uplink data packet to UPF2 via UPF1. Further, the data packet also carries the node indication information Node Left of the current path. For example, when the first uplink data packet arrives at UPF1, Node Left = 2, "2" corresponds to NodeList[2] = A3::3, and "A3::3" is the IP address of UPF1. When the first uplink data packet arrives at UPF2, Node Left = 1, "1" corresponds to Node List[1] = A4::4, and "A4::4" is the IP address of UPF2, and so on, until the first uplink data packet arrives at the last node UPF3.

[0094] 1.3 After receiving the first uplink data packet carrying the path information, the end node UPF3 strips the path information from the first uplink data packet, restores the original data format of the first uplink data packet, and sends the restored first uplink data packet to the receiving end DN according to the destination IP address.

[0095] For the second type of data forwarding process, please refer to... Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of information interaction between network-side nodes provided in the second embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the sending end is the DN, the receiving end is the UE, and there are a total of 4 network-side nodes. These 4 nodes are used to forward the first downlink data packet. The first node is UPF3, the last node is UPF, and the intermediate forwarding nodes are UPF1 and UPF2. The process includes the following steps:

[0096] 2.1. AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends path group information to the first node UPF3. The path group information includes two transmission paths with path IDs 3 and 4. Each path ID corresponds to a flow description, source IP address, destination IP address, and the IP addresses of all nodes in the path except the first node (which may also include the IP address of the first node). The first node RAN stores the path group information.

[0097] 2.2 When the DN sends the original data packet (a downlink data packet, including payload, source IP address and destination IP address), the forwarding path of this first downlink data packet is opposite to the forwarding path of the first uplink data packet. The first node UPF3 detects the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description, adds the corresponding path information to the packet header, and forwards the first downlink data packet carrying the path information to UPF2. UPF2 then forwards the first downlink data packet to UPF1 until the first downlink data packet reaches the last node RAN.

[0098] 2.3 After receiving the first downlink data packet carrying the path information, the end node RAN strips the path information from the first downlink data packet, restores the original data format of the first downlink data packet, and sends the restored first downlink data packet to the receiving UE according to the destination IP address.

[0099] See Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a second data forwarding method provided in an embodiment of the present invention, the method comprising:

[0100] S21. Receive the data packet sent by the previous node;

[0101] S22. Forward the data packet to the next node based on the path ID carried in the data packet.

[0102] It is worth noting that the second data forwarding method described in this embodiment of the invention is implemented by a network-side node, which is a wireless access network, user plane function, or other user plane forwarding node.

[0103] For example, when a UE needs to conduct services with a DN in a 5G network architecture, the UE can forward uplink data packets to the DN through at least two network-side nodes provided in this embodiment of the invention, and the DN can also forward downlink data packets to the UE through at least two network-side nodes provided in this embodiment of the invention. Since the data packets carry path IDs, the current node, upon receiving the data packet, can clearly know the next node to which the data packet needs to be forwarded, enabling efficient data forwarding without the need for a PDU session. The network side does not need to maintain PDU sessions, thus eliminating the need to retain GTP-U tunnel resources between network elements, thereby improving the resource utilization of the core network.

[0104] Specifically, before each node executes step S21, the method further includes:

[0105] S20. Receive the path ID and the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node sent by the mobility management function, the user plane selection function, or the session management function; wherein the mobility management function, the user plane selection function, or the session management function sends the path ID and the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node to all nodes along the path.

[0106] For example, before receiving a data packet from the previous node, each node needs to receive the path ID and its corresponding next-hop node's IP address from the AMF, UPSF, or SMF. Therefore, each node pre-stores the path ID and its corresponding next-hop node's IP address. Understandably, the AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends the path ID and its corresponding next-hop node's IP address to all nodes along the path.

[0107] Specifically, step S22 includes: finding the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node based on the path ID carried in the data packet, and forwarding the data packet to the next node according to the IP address.

[0108] For example, after a node receives the data packet, it finds the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node based on the path ID carried in the data packet, and then forwards the data packet carrying the path ID to the next node, thereby completing the forwarding operation of the data packet between nodes until the data packet reaches its destination.

[0109] Specifically, when the node is the first node in the path, the method further includes:

[0110] S211. Receive path group information sent by mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function;

[0111] S212. Upon receiving the original data packet sent by the sending end, add the corresponding path ID to the original data packet according to the path group information;

[0112] S213. Send the data packet carrying the path ID to the next node.

[0113] Specifically, in step S211, the first node is the first node to receive a data packet after the sender transmits it. The AMF, UPSF, or SMF pre-configures the first node and sends path group information to it. Each path group includes multiple path information entries, and each path corresponds to a service flow. The path information includes a path ID, a flow description, and the IP address of the next-hop node. The path ID identifies the corresponding transmission path. After receiving the data packet, the node looks up the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node based on the path ID and forwards the data packet carrying the path ID to the next node, thus completing the forwarding operation of the data packet between nodes until the data packet reaches its destination. It is understood that the node can receive multiple data packets, and the path ID can effectively distinguish the transmission path of each data packet, thereby ensuring accurate transmission of the data packet to its destination.

[0114] Specifically, in step S212, the data carried in the original data packet includes a payload, a source IP address, and a destination IP address. The source IP address is the IP address of the sender of the data packet, such as a UE or DN. The destination IP address is the IP address of the receiver of the data packet, such as a DN or UE. When the first node receives the original data packet sent by the sender, it adds a corresponding path ID to the original data packet for subsequent nodes to forward. Further, the first node can add the path ID to the header of the original data packet.

[0115] Specifically, in step S213, when the first node adds the corresponding path ID to the original data packet, the first node sends the data packet carrying the path ID to the next node.

[0116] Further, in step S212, adding the corresponding path ID to the original data packet according to the path group information includes:

[0117] S2121. Identify the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function;

[0118] S2122. Add the path ID corresponding to the service flow to the original data packet according to the path group information.

[0119] For example, if the AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends path group information to the first node, since the path group information contains multiple path information, in order to achieve refined operation of user mobile data traffic and avoid becoming a mere conduit, the AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends a Packet Flow Description (PFD) to the first node. This allows the first node to detect and distinguish different types of services, and then select the path ID corresponding to the service flow to which the data packet belongs for data forwarding. After receiving the original data packet sent by the sender, the first node identifies the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description, then finds the path ID matching the service flow based on the path group information, and then adds the path ID to the original data packet to make the transmission path more consistent with the current service flow.

[0120] Specifically, when the node is the first node in the path, the method further includes:

[0121] S221. Receive path information sent by mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function;

[0122] S222. Upon receiving the original data packet sent by the sending end, add the corresponding path ID to the original data packet according to the path information;

[0123] S223. Send the data packet carrying the path ID to the next node.

[0124] For example, if the AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends path information to the first node, since there is only one path at this time, the first node will directly forward all services of this user according to the path ID corresponding to the path information. In this case, the first node will directly add the path ID to the original data packet.

[0125] Specifically, when the node is the last node on the network side, after receiving the data packet sent by the previous node, the method further includes: stripping the path ID carried in the data packet.

[0126] For example, for the last node in the transmission path, since the data packet forwarded to this node carries path information and the data packet itself carries the source IP address and destination IP address, the last node can strip the path ID from the data packet and then send the data packet carrying the source IP address and destination IP address to the receiving end of the data packet according to the destination IP address, thereby completing the forwarding process of the data packet from the sending end (UE or DN) to the receiving end (DN or UE).

[0127] Furthermore, by further distinguishing between the uplink and downlink data forwarding processes for the two data forwarding methods mentioned above, we can identify two data forwarding processes as follows:

[0128] 3) The second uplink data packet is sent using the second data forwarding method, with the UE as the sender and the DN as the receiver;

[0129] 4) The second downlink data packet is sent using the second data forwarding method. The sender is DN and the receiver is UE.

[0130] For the third type of data forwarding process, please refer to... Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of information interaction between network-side nodes provided in the third embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the sending end is the UE, the receiving end is the DN, and there are a total of 4 network-side nodes. These 4 nodes are used to forward the second uplink data packet. The first node is the RAN, and the other 3 nodes are all UPFs, namely UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3. The process includes the following steps:

[0131] 3.1 The AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends path group information to the first node RAN. The path group information includes two transmission paths with path IDs 1 and 2. Each path ID corresponds to a flow description, source IP address, destination IP address, and the IP address of the next-hop node. The first node RAN stores the path group information. The AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends the path ID and the corresponding IP address of the next-hop node to UPF1, UPF2, and UPF3. For example, when path ID = 1 is assigned to UPF1, the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node is IP = A4::4. When UPF1 receives a second uplink data packet carrying path ID = 1, it queries and finds that the node to which the second uplink data packet should be forwarded is UPF2, and then forwards the second uplink data packet to UPF2.

[0132] 3.2 When the UE sends the original data packet (an uplink data packet, including the payload, source IP address and destination IP address), the first node RAN detects the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description, adds the corresponding path ID to the packet header, forwards the second uplink data packet carrying the path ID to UPF1, and then forwards the second uplink data packet to UPF2 via UPF1.

[0133] 3.3 After receiving the second uplink data packet carrying the path ID, the end node UPF3 removes the path ID from the second uplink data packet, restores the original format of the second uplink data packet, and sends the restored second uplink data packet to the receiving end DN according to the destination IP address.

[0134] For the fourth type of data forwarding process, please refer to... Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of information interaction between network-side nodes provided in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the sending end is the DN, the receiving end is the UE, and there are a total of four network-side nodes. These four nodes are used to forward the second downlink data packet. The first node is UPF3, the last node is UPF, and the intermediate forwarding nodes are UPF1 and UPF2. The process includes the following steps:

[0135] 4.1 The AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends path group information to the first node UPF3. The path group information includes two transmission paths with path IDs 3 and 4. Each path ID corresponds to a flow description, source IP address, destination IP address, and the IP address of the next-hop node. The first node RAN stores the path group information. The AMF, UPSF, or SMF sends the path ID and the corresponding IP address of the next-hop node to UPF1, UPF2, and RAN. For example, when path ID = 3 is assigned to UPF1, the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node is IP = A2::2. When UPF1 receives a second downlink data packet carrying path ID = 3, it queries the node to which the second downlink data packet should be forwarded, which is RAN, and then forwards the second downlink data packet to RAN.

[0136] 4.2 When the DN sends the original data packet (a downlink data packet, including payload, source IP address and destination IP address), the first node UPF3 detects the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description, adds the corresponding path ID to the packet header, forwards the second downlink data packet carrying the path ID to UPF2, and then forwards the second downlink data packet to UPF1 via UPF2.

[0137] 4.3 After receiving the second downlink data packet carrying the path ID, the end node RAN removes the path ID from the second downlink data packet, restores the original format of the second downlink data packet, and sends the restored second downlink data packet to the receiving UE according to the destination IP address.

[0138] Compared with existing technologies, the data forwarding method disclosed in this invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0139] 1. When a network-side node receives a data packet sent by the previous node, it forwards the data packet to the next node based on the path information or path ID carried in the data packet. Since the data packet carries path information or path ID, the current node can clearly know the next node to which the data packet needs to be passed. It can complete the efficient forwarding of data without the need for a PDU session. The network side does not need to maintain a PDU session, which means that there is no need to retain GTP-U tunnel resources between network elements, thereby improving the resource utilization of the core network.

[0140] 2. In the 5G network architecture, the AMF selects the SMF based on user location, DNN, and S-NSSAI(s). Then, the SMF selects the UPF based on the UPF location, DNN (Data Network Name), slice, weight information, etc. Therefore, the user plane selection defined in the existing technology can only rely on the AMF to select the SMF, and then the SMF to select the UPF. This results in too many factors constraining the UPF selection after layers of "filtering." For example, when dual-domain private network services are implemented, customers have service requirements such as seamless handover and roaming between large network and campus services. According to the traditional UPF selection method, a DNN can only select one UPF as an anchor point, which is difficult to fully meet the actual needs of the service. In this embodiment of the invention, the UPF required for different service paths is directly selected by the AMF or UPSF. After the first node identifies the service flow to which the data packet belongs, the corresponding UPF can be matched to complete the forwarding of the data packet, which can fully meet the service requirements.

[0141] 3. Currently, applications and networks are decoupled, allowing operators to use a crude approach to user plane scheduling and optimization. This prevents targeted optimization for specific services, hindering network value enhancement. For example, in interspersed UPF deployment scenarios, the SMF (Service Management Provider) may be unaware that the N9 interface of the campus UPF is inaccessible, leading to the misselection of the campus UPF as the I-UPF, resulting in different services. This makes it difficult to customize UPF selection based on new service elements on a general network. In this embodiment, the AMF (Application Management Provider) or UPSF (Service UPSF) directly selects the UPF for the required paths of different services, enabling customized UPF selection based on new service elements.

[0142] 4. Network deployment and business operations in each province / region are relatively independent. When a province's business involves roaming requirements, it is difficult to require all provinces to cooperate. For example, when non-specific users access local services (similar to the AM-PCF service scenario), the local service needs to support access for all users (local and roaming). It is difficult to require all provincial networks nationwide to sign up for PCC (Policy and Charging Control) policies to cooperate in carrying out this service. In this embodiment of the invention, by centrally selecting data forwarding nodes, UPSF network elements can be configured for user plane path orchestration, enabling programmable user plane based on a centralized controller.

[0143] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a first data forwarding device 100 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The data forwarding device 100 includes:

[0144] Data receiving module 11 is used to receive data packets sent by the previous node;

[0145] The data forwarding module 12 is used to forward the data packet to the next node based on the path information carried in the data packet.

[0146] Specifically, the path information includes the IP addresses of all nodes in the path.

[0147] Specifically, the path information also includes a path ID.

[0148] Specifically, when the data forwarding device 100 is the first node on the network side, the data forwarding device 100 further includes:

[0149] The configuration information receiving module is used to receive path group information and / or path information sent by mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function;

[0150] Then, the data forwarding module 12 is further configured to: when receiving the original data packet sent by the sending end, add corresponding path information to the original data packet; and send the data packet carrying the path information to the next node.

[0151] Specifically, a path group information includes multiple path information, and one path information corresponds to one business flow.

[0152] Specifically, when the first node receives path group information sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function, the data forwarding module 12 is further configured to: identify the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function; and add path information corresponding to the service flow to the original data packet.

[0153] Specifically, when the first node receives path information sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function, the data forwarding module 12 is further configured to: add the path information to the original data packet for all service flows.

[0154] Specifically, the data forwarding device 100 is a wireless access network, a user plane function, or another user plane forwarding node.

[0155] It is worth noting that the working process of each module in the data forwarding device 100 described in the embodiments of the present invention can refer to the working process of the first data forwarding method described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0156] See Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a structural block diagram of a second data forwarding device 200 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The data forwarding device 200 includes:

[0157] Data receiving module 21 is used to receive data packets sent by the previous node;

[0158] The data forwarding module 22 is used to forward the data packet to the next node based on the path ID carried in the data packet.

[0159] Specifically, the data forwarding device 200 further includes:

[0160] The configuration information receiving module is used to receive the path ID and the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node sent by the mobility management function, the user plane selection function, or the session management function; wherein, the mobility management function, the user plane selection function, or the session management function sends the path ID and the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node to all nodes along the path.

[0161] Specifically, the data forwarding module 22 is used to: find the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node based on the path ID carried in the data packet, and forward the data packet to the next node according to the IP address.

[0162] Specifically, when the node is the first node in the path, the configuration information receiving module is used to receive path group information sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function; the data forwarding module 22 is used to add the corresponding path ID to the original data packet according to the path group information when receiving the original data packet sent by the sending end; and send the data packet carrying the path ID to the next node.

[0163] Specifically, a path group information includes multiple path information, and one path information corresponds to one business flow.

[0164] Specifically, the data forwarding module 22 is used to identify the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function; and to add a path ID corresponding to the service flow to the original data packet based on the path group information.

[0165] Specifically, when the node is the first node in the path, the configuration information receiving module is used to receive path information sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function; the data forwarding module 22 is used to add the corresponding path ID to the original data packet according to the path information when receiving the original data packet sent by the sending end; and send the data packet carrying the path ID to the next node.

[0166] Specifically, the path information includes the path ID, flow description, and the IP address of the next-hop node.

[0167] Specifically, the data forwarding device 200 is a wireless access network, a user plane function, or another user plane forwarding node.

[0168] It is worth noting that the working process of each module in the data forwarding device 200 described in the embodiments of the present invention can refer to the working process of the second data forwarding method described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0169] See Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a structural block diagram of a data forwarding device 300 provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The data forwarding device 300 includes a processor 31, a memory 32, and a computer program stored in the memory 32 and executable on the processor 31. When the processor 31 executes the computer program, it implements the steps in the above-described data forwarding method embodiments, such as steps S11-S12 or steps S21-S22.

[0170] For example, the computer program may be divided into one or more modules / units, which are stored in the memory 32 and executed by the processor 31 to complete the present invention. The one or more modules / units may be a series of computer program instruction segments capable of performing a specific function, which describe the execution process of the computer program in the data forwarding device 300.

[0171] The data forwarding device 300 may include, but is not limited to, a processor 31 and a memory 32. Those skilled in the art will understand that the schematic diagram is merely an example of the data forwarding device 300 and does not constitute a limitation on the data forwarding device 300. It may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or different components. For example, the data forwarding device 300 may also include input / output devices, network access devices, buses, etc.

[0172] The processor 31 can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The processor 31 is the control center of the data forwarding device 300, connecting all parts of the data forwarding device 300 via various interfaces and lines.

[0173] The memory 32 can be used to store the computer programs and / or modules. The processor 31 implements various functions of the data forwarding device 300 by running or executing the computer programs and / or modules stored in the memory 32 and calling the data stored in the memory 32. The memory 32 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, at least one application program required for a function (such as sound playback function, image playback function, etc.), etc.; the data storage area may store data created according to the use of the mobile phone (such as audio data, phonebook, etc.). In addition, the memory 32 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as hard disk, memory, plug-in hard disk, smart media card (SMC), secure digital card (SD) card, flash card, at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device.

[0174] If the modules / units integrated in the data forwarding device 300 are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can also be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed by the processor 31, it can implement the steps of the various method embodiments described above. The computer program includes computer program code, which can be in the form of source code, object code, executable files, or certain intermediate forms. The computer-readable medium can include: any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program code, recording media, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, magnetic disks, optical disks, computer memory, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution media, etc.

[0175] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A data forwarding method, characterized in that, Applied to network-side nodes, where the network side does not need to maintain PDU sessions, the method includes: Receive data packets sent by the previous node; The data packet is forwarded to the next node based on the path information carried in the data packet; When the node is the first node in the network, the method further includes: Receive path group information sent by mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function; Upon receiving the original data packet sent by the sender, the service flow to which the original data packet belongs is identified based on the flow description sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function. Add path information corresponding to the service flow to the original data packet; Send the data packet carrying path information to the next node.

2. The data forwarding method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The path information includes the IP addresses of all nodes in the path.

3. The data forwarding method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The path information also includes the path ID.

4. The data forwarding method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A path group contains multiple path information, and each path information corresponds to a business flow.

5. The data forwarding method as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The node is a wireless access network, user plane function, or other user plane forwarding node.

6. A data forwarding method, characterized in that, Applied to network-side nodes, where the network side does not need to maintain PDU sessions, the method includes: Receive data packets sent by the previous node; The data packet is forwarded to the next node based on the path ID carried in the data packet; When the node is the first node in the path, the method further includes: Receive path group information sent by mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function; Upon receiving the original data packet sent by the sender, the service flow to which the original data packet belongs is identified based on the flow description sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function. Based on the path group information, add the path ID corresponding to the service flow to the original data packet; Send the data packet carrying the path ID to the next node.

7. The data forwarding method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, Before receiving the data packet sent by the previous node, the method further includes: Receive the path ID and the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node sent by the mobility management function, the user plane selection function, or the session management function; wherein the mobility management function, the user plane selection function, or the session management function sends the path ID and the IP address of the corresponding next-hop node to all nodes along the path.

8. The data forwarding method as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The step of forwarding the data packet to the next node based on the path ID carried in the data packet includes: The IP address of the corresponding next-hop node is found based on the path ID carried in the data packet, and the data packet is forwarded to the next node according to the IP address.

9. The data forwarding method as described in claim 6, characterized in that, A path group contains multiple path information, and each path information corresponds to a business flow.

10. The data forwarding method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that, The node is a wireless access network, user plane function, or other user plane forwarding node.

11. A data forwarding device, characterized in that, Applied to network-side nodes, eliminating the need for the network side to maintain PDU sessions, including: The data receiving module is used to receive data packets sent by the previous node; A data forwarding module is used to forward the data packet to the next node based on the path information carried in the data packet; wherein, when the data forwarding device is the first node on the network side, the data forwarding device further includes: The configuration information receiving module is used to receive path group information sent by mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function; Then, the data forwarding module is further configured to, upon receiving the original data packet sent by the sending end, identify the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function; add path information corresponding to the service flow to the original data packet; and send the data packet carrying the path information to the next node.

12. A data forwarding device, characterized in that, Applied to network-side nodes, eliminating the need for the network side to maintain PDU sessions, including: The data receiving module is used to receive data packets sent by the previous node; A data forwarding module is used to forward the data packet to the next node based on the path ID carried in the data packet; when the data forwarding device is the first node of the path, the data forwarding device further includes: The configuration information receiving module is used to receive path group information sent by mobility management function, user plane selection function or session management function; Then, the data forwarding module is further configured to, upon receiving the original data packet sent by the sending end, identify the service flow to which the original data packet belongs based on the flow description sent by the mobility management function, user plane selection function, or session management function; add a path ID corresponding to the service flow to the original data packet based on the path group information; and send the data packet carrying the path ID to the next node.

13. A data forwarding device, characterized in that, It includes a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the data forwarding method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored computer program, wherein, when the computer program is executed, it controls the device on which the computer-readable storage medium is located to perform the data forwarding method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A computer program product, characterized in that, It includes computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the data forwarding method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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