Multipath transmission method, device and system and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a multipath transmission method, device and system and a storage medium, and relates to the technical field of communication. The multipath transmission method comprises the following steps: a remote user terminal accesses a network through a direct network communication path; the far-end user terminal sends a first multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information used for indicating that the far-end user terminal has the ATSSS capability in the direct network communication path; under the condition that the far-end user does not access the network through the indirect network communication path, the far-end user terminal executes the discovery process of the layer 3 relay equipment and establishes connection with the N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay equipment; and the far-end user terminal sends a second multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information used for indicating that the far-end user terminal has the ATSSS capability in the indirect network communication path. The invention provides a solution for realizing multipath transmission. Through multipath transmission, the transmission rate and the communication reliability can be improved. In addition, the scheme has little influence on related standards of ProSe.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of August 9, 2022, application number 202210948830.1, and name “Multipath transmission method, device, system and storage medium”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a multipath transmission method, device, system and storage medium. Background Art

[0003] Proximity Service (ProSe) allows terminals to communicate directly using cell radio resources without going through the cellular network. This technology can improve the spectrum efficiency of the communication system and reduce the system load. In addition, since the communication distance is reduced, the terminal's transmission power can also be reduced accordingly, saving the terminal's battery resources. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, a multipath transmission method is provided, including: a remote user terminal accesses a network through a direct network communication path; the remote user terminal sends a first multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has access traffic steering, conversion, and splitting ATSSS capabilities on the direct network communication path; when the remote user does not access the network through an indirect network communication path, the remote user terminal executes a discovery process of a layer 3 relay device, and establishes a connection with a non-3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) interworking function N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device; the remote user terminal sends a second multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ASSSS capabilities on the indirect network communication path.

[0005] According to a second aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, a multipath transmission method is provided, including: a remote user terminal executes a discovery process of a layer 3 relay device, and establishes a connection with an N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device, so as to access the network through an indirect network communication path; the remote user terminal sends a second multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability on the indirect network communication path; when the remote user terminal does not access the network through a direct network communication path, the remote user terminal executes a 3GPP access registration process; the remote user terminal sends a first multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ASSSS capability.

[0006] In some embodiments, the direct network communication path is a path for a remote user terminal to connect to the network via a 3GPP access method.

[0007] In some embodiments, the indirect network communication path is a path in which a remote user terminal is connected to the network via a layer 3 relay device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission method also includes: the remote user registers in the 5G core network.

[0009] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission method also includes: during the process of the remote user terminal registering in the 5G core network, the remote user terminal obtains an indication indicating that the remote user terminal supports ATSSS.

[0010] In some embodiments, during the registration process of the remote user terminal, the remote user terminal obtains an indication indicating that the remote user terminal supports ASSSS, including: during the registration process of the remote user terminal, the remote user terminal receives a multipath PDU session support indication, a first terminal proximity service policy, and a terminal routing selection policy, wherein the PDU session support indication indicates that the remote user terminal supports ASSSS, and the terminal routing selection policy indicates whether the preset service of the remote user terminal is accessed through an indirect network communication path.

[0011] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal executes a discovery process of a layer 3 relay device and establishes a connection with the N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device, including: the remote user terminal executes a discovery process with the layer 3 relay device; the remote user terminal establishes a direct communication interface PC5 connection with the layer 3 relay device; the remote user terminal obtains the IP address or prefix of the N3IWF from the layer 3 relay device; the remote user terminal establishes a signaling Internet Protocol security IPsec tunnel based on the IP address or prefix of the N3IWF through the key exchange protocol IKE process; the remote user terminal performs non-access layer NAS registration.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the remote user does not access the network through an indirect network communication path, in response to the remote user terminal determining that a preset condition is currently met or receiving an instruction from the network side, the remote user terminal executes a discovery process of a layer 3 relay device and establishes a connection with the N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device.

[0013] In some embodiments, when the remote user terminal does not use a direct network communication path, in response to the remote user terminal determining that a preset condition is currently satisfied or receiving an instruction from the network side, the remote user terminal performs a 3GPP access registration process.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission method further includes: the remote user terminal receives a first PDU session establishment acceptance message and a second PDU session establishment acceptance message carrying the ASSS rule.

[0015] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission method further includes: the remote user terminal transmits traffic data via a direct network communication path and an indirect network communication path.

[0016] According to a third aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a remote user terminal, comprising: a module for executing any one of the aforementioned multipath transmission methods.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a multipath transmission system, comprising: any one of the aforementioned remote user terminals; a layer 3 relay device; and an N3IWF.

[0018] In some embodiments, the layer 3 relay device is further configured to associate the second terminal proximity service policy with the first terminal proximity service policy acquired by the remote user terminal during the registration process.

[0019] In some embodiments, the layer 3 relay device is a N3IWF-based, layer 3 terminal-facing network relay device.

[0020] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission system further includes: an AMF configured to send ATSSS rules to a remote user terminal after establishing a first multipath PDU session for the first path and a second multipath PDU session for the second path on the network side.

[0021] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission system further includes: an SMF configured to generate ATSSS rules for the first multipath PDU session and the second multipath PDU session.

[0022] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission system further includes: a PCF configured to determine whether to allow establishment of a multipath PDU session based on an operator policy or subscription data of a remote user terminal.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein the processor is configured to execute any one of the aforementioned multipath transmission methods based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0024] According to a sixth aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the program, when executed by a processor, implements any of the aforementioned multipath transmission methods.

[0025] Some embodiments of the above invention have the following advantages or beneficial effects. Through the embodiments of the present invention, the network side establishes a first MA PDU session and a second MA PDU session for a remote user terminal, providing a solution for implementing multipath transmission. Through multipath transmission, the transmission rate and communication reliability can be improved. In addition, the solution has little impact on the relevant standards of ProSe.

[0026] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative labor.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic flow chart of a multipath transmission method according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic flow chart of a multipath transmission method according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 3 A flow chart of a method for establishing a connection between a remote user terminal and an N3IWF according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic flow chart of a method for establishing an MA PDU session according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a remote user terminal according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a multipath transmission system according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 8 The schematic diagrams of structures of electronic devices according to other embodiments of the present invention are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is by no means intended to limit the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] The relative arrangement of components and steps, the numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0038] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0039] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered as part of the specification.

[0040] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0041] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0042] The current 3GPP wireless communication network needs to support a dual-path transmission solution of a direct network communication path and an indirect network communication path in a ProSe scenario.

[0043] The current 3GPP ATSSS (Access Traffic Steering, Switching, Splitting) feature supports the use of a 3GPP access path and a non-3GPP access path to exchange PDUs (Protocol Data Units) between the terminal (UE) and the data network, and supports two independent N3 / N9 tunnels between the access network and the PDU Session Anchor (PSA). The ATSSS feature supports any access network that can establish a multi-path (Multi Access, MA) PDU session, and the remote terminal in some scenarios has the ability to establish its own PDU session.

[0044] In order to further improve the transmission rate and reliability of the remote user terminal (Remote UE) in the ProSe scenario, the present invention configures the ATSSS feature for the remote user terminal and proposes a multipath transmission solution in the ProSe relay scenario to establish MA PDU sessions on the direct network communication path and the indirect network communication path respectively.

[0045] In some embodiments, a remote user terminal accesses a network through a first network communication path; when the remote user terminal accesses the network through the first network communication path but does not access the network through a second network communication path, the remote user terminal establishes a connection with the network through the second network communication path, wherein the first network communication path is one of a direct path based on 3GPP access and an indirect path based on layer 3 relay device access, and the second network communication path is another path; the remote user terminal sends a multipath PDU session request through the first network communication path and the second network communication path respectively, so that the network side establishes a first multipath PDU session for the first path and a second multipath PDU session for the second path.

[0046] The following are references Figure 1 and Figure 2 , describing embodiments of a multipath transmission method in two initial access situations.

[0047] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a multipath transmission method according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, a remote user terminal initially accesses the network through a direct network path. Figure 1 As shown, the multipath transmission method of this embodiment includes steps S102 to S112.

[0048] In step S102, the remote user terminal accesses the network through a direct network communication path.

[0049] The direct network communication path is a communication path that does not access the network through a relay device. In some embodiments, the direct network communication path is a path for a remote user terminal to connect to the network through a 3GPP access method.

[0050] In step S104, the remote user terminal sends a first multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ASSSS capability in the direct network communication path, so that the remote user terminal can establish a first multipath PDU session with the network side.

[0051] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal may obtain an indication of whether the network supports ASSS during the registration phase with the core network.

[0052] In step S106, the remote user terminal establishes a first MA PDU session with the network side. The first MA PDU session is a session on a direct network communication path.

[0053] In some embodiments, after the first MA PDU session is established, the remote user terminal receives a first PDU session establishment accept message carrying the ASSS rule.

[0054] In step S108, when the remote user does not access the network through the indirect network communication path, the remote user terminal executes the layer 3 relay device discovery process and establishes a connection with the non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF: Non-3GPP Interworking Function) in the network through the layer 3 relay device.

[0055] The indirect network communication path is a communication path for accessing the network through a relay device. In some embodiments, the indirect network communication path is a path for a remote user terminal to connect to the network through a layer 3 relay device.

[0056] In some embodiments, the layer 3 relay device is a layer 3 terminal-to-network relay device based on N3IWF (Layer-3 UE-to-Network Relay with N3IWF, abbreviated as: L3 U2N Relay with N3IWF).

[0057] In some embodiments, when the remote user does not access the network through the indirect network communication path, in response to the remote user terminal determining that the preset condition is currently met or receiving an instruction from the network side, the remote user terminal executes the discovery process of the layer 3 relay device and establishes a connection with the N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device. For example, the remote user terminal initially accesses the network through a direct network path, and when the network quality of the current direct network path is low, it can access the network through an indirect network communication path.

[0058] Any one of steps S104 and S108 may be executed first, or both may be executed simultaneously, and the present invention does not limit the execution order.

[0059] In step S110, the remote user terminal sends a second MA PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ASSS capability over the indirect network communication path, so that the remote user terminal can establish a second multipath PDU session with the network side.

[0060] In step S112, the remote user terminal establishes a second MA PDU session with the network side. The second MA PDU session is a session on an indirect network communication path, thereby enabling multipath transmission.

[0061] In some embodiments, after the second MA PDU session is established, the remote user terminal receives a second PDU session establishment accept message carrying updated ATSSS rules.

[0062] In some embodiments, after both the first MA session and the second MA session are established, the remote user terminal transmits traffic data through the direct network communication path and the indirect network communication path.

[0063] Through the above embodiment, the network side establishes a first MA PDU session and a second MA PDU session for the remote user terminal, providing a solution for implementing multipath transmission. Through multipath transmission, the transmission rate and communication reliability can be improved. In addition, the solution has little impact on the relevant standards of ProSe.

[0064] Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a multipath transmission method according to some embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, a remote user terminal initially accesses via an indirect network path. Figure 2 As shown, the multipath transmission method of this embodiment includes steps S202 to S212.

[0065] In step S202, the remote user terminal executes the discovery process of the layer 3 relay device and establishes a connection with the N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device to access the network through an indirect network communication path.

[0066] The indirect network communication path is a communication path for accessing the network through a relay device. In some embodiments, the indirect network communication path is a path for a remote user terminal to connect to the network through a layer 3 relay device.

[0067] In some embodiments, the layer 3 relay device is a L3 U2N Relay with N3IWF.

[0068] In step S204, the remote user terminal sends a second MA PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ASSS capability over the indirect network communication path, so that the remote user terminal can establish a second multipath PDU session with the network side.

[0069] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal may obtain an indication of whether the network supports ASSS during the registration phase with the core network.

[0070] In step S206, the remote user terminal establishes a second MA PDU session with the network side. The second MA PDU session is a session on an indirect network communication path.

[0071] In some embodiments, after the second MA PDU session is established, the remote user terminal receives a second PDU session establishment accept message carrying the ATSSS rule.

[0072] In step S208, when the remote user terminal does not access the network through the direct network communication path, the remote user terminal performs a 3GPP access registration process, thereby the remote user terminal also accesses the network through the direct network communication path.

[0073] In some embodiments, when the remote user terminal does not access the network through the direct network communication path, in response to the remote user terminal determining that the preset condition is currently met or receiving an instruction from the network side, the remote user terminal performs a 3GPP access registration process. For example, at the location of the remote user terminal, the signal quality of the direct network communication path is poor, so the remote user terminal first accesses the network through the indirect network communication path. When the remote user terminal moves to a location where the signal quality of the direct network communication path is better, it can further access the network through the indirect network communication path.

[0074] Any one of steps S204 and S208 may be executed first, or both may be executed simultaneously, and the present invention does not limit the execution order.

[0075] In step S210, the remote user terminal sends a first MA PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ASSSS capability in the direct network communication path, so that the remote user terminal can establish a first multipath PDU session with the network side.

[0076] In step S212, the remote user terminal establishes a first MA PDU session with the network side. The first MA PDU session is a session on a direct network communication path. Thus, multipath transmission can be achieved.

[0077] In some embodiments, after the first MA PDU session is established, the remote user terminal receives a first PDU session establishment accept message carrying updated ATSSS rules.

[0078] In some embodiments, after both the first MA session and the second MA session are established, the remote user terminal transmits traffic data through the direct network communication path and the indirect network communication path.

[0079] Through the above embodiment, the network side establishes a first MA PDU session and a second MA PDU session for the remote user terminal, providing a solution for implementing multipath transmission. Through multipath transmission, the transmission rate and communication reliability can be improved. In addition, the solution has little impact on the relevant standards of ProSe.

[0080] Regardless of the method by which the remote user terminal initially accesses the network, the remote user terminal and the layer 3 relay device can obtain configuration information through the registration process.

[0081] In some embodiments, during the registration process of the remote user terminal, the remote user terminal receives a multipath PDU session support indication (MA PDU Session Support Indicator), a first terminal proximity service policy (UE ProSePolicy) and a terminal routing selection policy (URSP Rule), wherein the MA PDU Session Support Indicator indicates that the remote user terminal supports ATSSS, and the URSP Rule indicates whether the preset service of the remote user terminal is accessed through a PDU session, that is, whether it is accessed through an indirect network communication path.

[0082] In some embodiments, during the registration process, the layer 3 relay device associates a second UE ProSe Policy with a first UE ProSe Policy acquired by the remote user terminal.

[0083] Thus, the remote user terminal and the layer 3 relay device can implement multipath transmission based on the configuration information.

[0084] Reference below Figure 3 The method for establishing a connection between a remote user terminal and an N3IWF in some embodiments of the present invention is described.

[0085] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a method for establishing a connection between a remote user terminal and an N3IWF according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the method for establishing a connection includes steps S302 to S310.

[0086] In step S302, the remote user terminal performs a discovery process with the layer 3 relay device.

[0087] In step S304, the remote user terminal establishes a PC5 (direct communication interface) connection with the layer 3 relay device.

[0088] In step S306, the remote user terminal obtains the IP address or prefix of the N3IWF from the layer 3 relay device.

[0089] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal obtains multiple IP addresses or prefixes from a layer 3 relay device, and selects a N3IWF corresponding to an IP address or prefix.

[0090] In step S308, the remote user terminal establishes an IPSec (Internet Protocol Security) tunnel through an IKE (Internet Key Exchange) process based on the IP address or prefix of the N3IWF.

[0091] In step S310, the remote user terminal performs non-access stratum (NAS) registration.

[0092] Through the above embodiment, the remote user terminal can establish a connection with the N3IWF.

[0093] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method for establishing an MA PDU session according to some embodiments of the present invention. The method is applicable to establishing a first MA PDU session and a second MA PDU session. Figure 4 As shown, the session establishment method of this embodiment includes steps S402 to S412.

[0094] In step S402, the remote user terminal sends an MA PDU session establishment request to the AMF, wherein the request carries information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability.

[0095] In step S404, the AMF selects an SMF that supports the MA PDU session.

[0096] In step S406, the AMF declares to the selected SMF that the request is an MA PDU session request, and whether the remote user terminal is registered on the direct network communication path and the indirect network communication path.

[0097] In step S408, the SMF provides the PCF with the currently used access type (Access Type) and radio access technology type (RAT Type).

[0098] In step S410, the PCF determines whether to allow the path to establish an MA PDU session based on the operator policy or subscription data.

[0099] In step S412, the SMF establishes user plane resources for the current path.

[0100] For example, SMF returns an indication to AMF that the MA PDU session is accepted; AMF marks the PDU session as an MA PDU session based on the indication; AMF sends a PDU session establishment acceptance message for the current path to the remote user terminal, which includes the ATSSS rules of the MA PDU session generated by SMF.

[0101] Thus, the network side can establish an MA PDU session between the remote user terminal and the network side, and return corresponding ATSSS rules to the remote user terminal.

[0102] Reference below Figure 5 An embodiment of a remote user terminal of the present invention is described.

[0103] Figure 5 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a remote user terminal according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 As shown, the remote user terminal 500 of this embodiment includes an access module 5100 and a session establishment request module 5200 . In some embodiments:

[0104] The access module 5100 is configured to access the network through a direct network communication path; and, when the remote user does not access the network through an indirect network communication path, perform a discovery process of a layer 3 relay device and establish a connection with a non-3GPP interworking function N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device;

[0105] The session establishment request module 5200 is configured to send a first multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability in a direct network communication path; and to send a second multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability in an indirect network communication path. In some embodiments,

[0106] The access module 5100 is configured to execute a discovery process of a layer 3 relay device and establish a connection with an N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device to access the network through an indirect network communication path; and, if the remote user terminal does not access the network through a direct network communication path, execute a 3GPP access registration process;

[0107] The session establishment request module 5200 is configured to send a second multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability in an indirect network communication path; and send a first multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability.

[0108] In some embodiments, the direct network communication path is a path for a remote user terminal to connect to the network via a 3GPP access method.

[0109] In some embodiments, the indirect network communication path is a path in which a remote user terminal is connected to the network via a layer 3 relay device.

[0110] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal 500 also includes a registration module 5300 configured to register in the 5G core network.

[0111] In some embodiments, the registration module 5300 is further configured to, during the process of the remote user terminal registering in the 5G core network, enable the remote user terminal to obtain an indication indicating that the remote user terminal supports ATSSS.

[0112] In some embodiments, the registration module 5300 is further configured to receive a multipath PDU session support indication, a first terminal proximity service policy and a terminal routing selection policy during the registration process of the remote user terminal, wherein the PDU session support indication indicates that the remote user terminal supports ATSSS, and the terminal routing selection policy indicates whether the preset service of the remote user terminal is accessed through an indirect network communication path.

[0113] In some embodiments, the access module 5100 is further configured to execute a discovery process with a layer 3 relay device; establish a direct communication interface PC5 connection with the layer 3 relay device; obtain the IP address or prefix of the N3IWF from the layer 3 relay device; establish a signaling Internet Protocol security IPsec tunnel based on the IP address or prefix of the N3IWF through a key exchange protocol IKE process; and perform non-access layer NAS registration.

[0114] In some embodiments, when the remote user has not accessed the network through an indirect network communication path, the access module 5100 is further configured to, in response to the remote user terminal determining that a preset condition is currently met or receiving an instruction from the network side, execute a discovery process of a layer 3 relay device and establish a connection with the N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device.

[0115] In some embodiments, the access module 5100 is further configured to perform a 3GPP access registration process in response to the remote user terminal determining that a preset condition is currently met or receiving an instruction from the network side when the remote user terminal does not pass through a direct network communication path.

[0116] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal 500 further includes: a receiving module 5400 configured to receive a first PDU session establishment acceptance message and a second PDU session establishment acceptance message carrying the ASSS rule.

[0117] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal 500 further includes a transmission module 5500 configured to transmit traffic data through a direct network communication path and an indirect network communication path.

[0118] Reference below Figure 6 An embodiment of a multipath transmission system of the present invention is described.

[0119] Figure 6 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a multipath transmission system according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, the multipath transmission system 60 of this embodiment includes a remote user terminal 610; a layer 3 relay device 620; and an N3IWF 630.

[0120] In some embodiments, the layer 3 relay device 620 is further configured to associate the second terminal proximity service policy with the first terminal proximity service policy acquired by the remote user terminal during the registration process.

[0121] In some embodiments, the layer 3 relay device 620 is a N3IWF-based, layer 3 terminal-facing network relay device.

[0122] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission system 60 further includes: an AMF 640 configured to send ATSSS rules to a remote user terminal after establishing a first multipath PDU session for the first path and a second multipath PDU session for the second path on the network side.

[0123] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission system 60 further includes: an SMF 650 configured to generate ATSSS rules for the first multipath PDU session and the second multipath PDU session.

[0124] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission system 60 further includes: a PCF 660 configured to determine whether to allow the establishment of a multipath PDU session based on an operator policy or subscription data of a remote user terminal.

[0125] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figure 7 As shown, the electronic device 70 of this embodiment includes: a memory 710 and a processor 720 coupled to the memory 710 , and the processor 720 is configured to execute the multipath transmission method in any one of the aforementioned embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 710 .

[0126] The memory 710 may include, for example, a system memory, a fixed non-volatile storage medium, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, an application program, a boot loader, and other programs.

[0127] Figure 8 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device according to some other embodiments of the present invention. Figure 8As shown, the electronic device 80 of this embodiment includes: a memory 810 and a processor 820, and may also include an input / output interface 830, a network interface 840, a storage interface 850, etc. These interfaces 830, 840, 850 and the memory 810 and the processor 820 may be connected, for example, via a bus 860. Among them, the input / output interface 830 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch screen. The network interface 840 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 850 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives.

[0128] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the program implements any of the aforementioned multipath transmission methods when executed by a processor.

[0129] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present invention may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable non-transient storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0130] The present invention is described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that each process and / or block in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of processes and / or blocks in the flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate instructions for implementing the processes in the flowchart and / or block diagram. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in a block or multiple blocks.

[0131] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture comprising an instruction device, which implements the process Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A function specified in one or more boxes.

[0132] These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions for implementing the process. Figure 1 A process or multiple processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps for the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0133] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multipath transmission method, comprising: The remote user terminal first accesses the network through a direct network communication path; The remote user terminal sends a first multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has access traffic steering, conversion, and ATSSS splitting capabilities on the direct network communication path; In the case where the remote user accesses the network through the direct network communication path and does not access the network through the indirect network communication path, the remote user terminal then performs a discovery process of a layer 3 relay device, and establishes a connection with a non-3GPP interworking function N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device, the indirect network communication path is a path for the remote user terminal to connect to the network through the layer 3 relay device, and the layer 3 relay device is a layer 3 terminal-oriented network relay device based on N3IWF; The remote user terminal sends a second multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ASSS capability over the indirect network communication path.

2. A multipath transmission method, comprising: The remote user terminal first executes the discovery process of the layer 3 relay device, and establishes a connection with the N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device, so as to access the network through an indirect network communication path, wherein the indirect network communication path is a path for the remote user terminal to connect to the network through the layer 3 relay device, and the layer 3 relay device is a layer 3 terminal network-oriented relay device based on N3IWF; The remote user terminal sends a second multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ASSS capability over the indirect network communication path; In the case where the remote user terminal accesses the network through the indirect network communication path and does not access the network through the direct network communication path, the remote user terminal further performs a 3GPP access registration process; The remote user terminal sends a first multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ASSS capability over the direct network communication path.

3. The multipath transmission method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The direct network communication path is a path for the remote user terminal to connect to the network via a 3GPP access method.

4. The multipath transmission method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The remote user terminal is registered in the 5G core network.

5. The multipath transmission method according to claim 4, further comprising: During the process of the remote user terminal registering in the 5G core network, the remote user terminal obtains an indication indicating that the remote user terminal supports ASSS.

6. The multipath transmission method according to claim 5, wherein: During the registration process of the remote user terminal, the remote user terminal obtaining an indication indicating that the remote user terminal supports ASSS includes: During the registration process of the remote user terminal, the remote user terminal receives a multipath PDU session support indication, a first terminal proximity service policy and a terminal routing selection policy, wherein the PDU session support indication indicates that the remote user terminal supports ATSSS, and the terminal routing selection policy indicates whether the preset service of the remote user terminal is accessed through the indirect network communication path.

7. The multipath transmission method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The remote user terminal executes the discovery process of the layer 3 relay device and establishes a connection with the N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device, including: The remote user terminal performs a discovery process with the layer 3 relay device; The remote user terminal establishes a direct communication interface PC5 connection with the layer 3 relay device; The remote user terminal obtains the IP address or prefix of the N3IWF from the layer 3 relay device; The remote user terminal establishes a signaling Internet Protocol security IPsec tunnel through a key exchange protocol IKE process based on the IP address or prefix of the N3IWF; The remote user terminal performs non-access stratum NAS registration.

8. The multipath transmission method according to claim 1, wherein: When the remote user does not access the network through an indirect network communication path, in response to the remote user terminal determining that a preset condition is currently met or receiving an instruction from the network side, the remote user terminal executes a discovery process of a layer 3 relay device and establishes a connection with the N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device.

9. The multipath transmission method according to claim 2, wherein: In the case that the remote user terminal does not use a direct network communication path, in response to the remote user terminal determining that a preset condition is currently satisfied or receiving an instruction from the network side, the remote user terminal performs a 3GPP access registration process.

10. The multipath transmission method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The remote user terminal receives a first PDU session establishment acceptance message and a second PDU session establishment acceptance message carrying the ATSSS rule.

11. The multipath transmission method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The remote user terminal transmits traffic data through the direct network communication path and the indirect network communication path.

12. A remote user terminal, comprising: A module for executing the multipath transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A multipath transmission system, comprising: The remote user terminal as claimed in claim 12; Layer 3 relay equipment; as well as N3IWF.

14. The multipath transmission system according to claim 13, wherein: The layer 3 relay device is further configured to obtain, during a registration process, a second proximity service policy associated with the first proximity service policy obtained by the remote user terminal.

15. The multipath transmission system according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising: The AMF is configured to send the ATSSS rule to the remote user terminal after establishing a first multipath PDU session for the first path and a second multipath PDU session for the second path on the network side.

16. The multipath transmission system according to claim 15, further comprising: The SMF is configured to generate ASSS rules for the first multipath PDU session and the second multipath PDU session.

17. The multipath transmission system according to claim 15, further comprising: The PCF is configured to determine whether to allow the establishment of a multipath PDU session based on an operator policy or subscription data of the remote user terminal.

18. An electronic device, comprising: Memory; as well as A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the multipath transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 based on instructions stored in the memory.

19. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the program is executed by a processor, the multipath transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 11 is implemented.

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