Multipath transmission method, apparatus, system, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of multipath transmission method, device, system and storage medium, it is related to communication technical field.Multipath transmission method includes: remote user terminal accesses network by direct network communication path;Remote user terminal sends the first multipath PDU session establishment request carrying the information for indicating that remote user terminal has ATSSS capability on direct network communication path;In the case where remote user is not accessed network by indirect network communication path, remote user terminal executes the discovery procedure of layer three relay device, and is connected with N3IWF in network by layer three relay device;Remote user terminal sends the second multipath PDU session establishment request carrying the information for indicating that remote user terminal has ATSSS capability on indirect network communication path.The application provides the solution of realizing multipath transmission.Through multipath transmission, it can improve transmission rate and the reliability of communication.And, this scheme has less influence on the related standard of ProSe.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application number 202210948830.1, the application date of August 9, 2022, and the title of "Multipath transmission method, device, system and storage medium". TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of communication, in particular to a multipath transmission method, device, system and storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0003] Proximity Service (ProSe for short) allows terminals to directly communicate with each other using cell radio resources without going through the cellular network. This technology can improve the spectral efficiency of the communication system and reduce the system load. Moreover, since the communication distance is reduced, the terminal's transmit power can also be correspondingly reduced, saving the terminal's battery resources. SUMMARY

[0004] According to a first aspect of some embodiments of the present application, a multipath transmission method is provided, comprising: a remote user terminal accessing a network through a direct network communication path; the remote user terminal sending a first multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has access traffic steering, switching, splitting ATSSS capability through the direct network communication path; in the case where the remote user terminal does not access the network through an indirect network communication path, the remote user terminal performs a discovery process of a layer three relay device and establishes a connection with a Non-3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project, 3GPP) Interworking Function N3IWF in the network through the layer three relay device; the remote user terminal sends a second multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability through the indirect network communication path.

[0005] According to a second aspect of some embodiments of the present application, a multipath transmission method is provided, comprising: a remote user terminal performing a discovery process of a layer three relay device and establishing a connection with a N3IWF in the network through the layer three relay device to access a 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 through the indirect network communication path; in the case where the remote user terminal does not access the network through a direct network communication path, the remote user terminal 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 ATSSS capability.

[0006] In some embodiments, the direct network communication path is a path through which the remote user terminal connects to the network via a 3GPP access manner.

[0007] In some embodiments, the indirect network communication path is a path through which the remote user terminal connects to the network via a layer-three relay device.

[0008] In some embodiments, the multi-path transmission method further comprises: the remote user terminal registers in a 5G core network.

[0009] In some embodiments, the multi-path transmission method further comprises: in a process in which the remote user terminal registers, the remote user terminal obtains an indication indicating that the remote user terminal supports ATSSS.

[0010] In some embodiments, in the process in which the remote user terminal registers, the remote user terminal obtaining the indication indicating that the remote user terminal supports ATSSS comprises: in the process in which the remote user terminal registers, the remote user terminal receives a multi-path 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 a preset service of the remote user terminal is accessed via an indirect network communication path.

[0011] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal performing a discovery procedure of the layer-three relay device and establishing a connection with an N3IWF in the network via the layer-three relay device comprises: the remote user terminal performs the discovery procedure with the layer-three relay device; the remote user terminal establishes a PC5 connection with the layer-three relay device; the remote user terminal obtains an IP address or a prefix of the N3IWF from the layer-three relay device; the remote user terminal establishes a signaling IPsec tunnel based on the IP address or the prefix of the N3IWF via an IKE procedure; and the remote user terminal performs a NAS registration.

[0012] In some embodiments, in a case where the remote user does not access the network via the indirect network communication path, the remote user terminal performs the discovery procedure of the layer-three relay device and establishes the connection with the N3IWF in the network via the layer-three relay device in response to the remote user terminal determining that a preset condition is currently met or receiving an indication from a network side.

[0013] In some embodiments, in a case where the remote user terminal does not access via the direct network communication path, the remote user terminal performs a 3GPP access registration procedure in response to the remote user terminal determining that a preset condition is currently met or receiving an indication from a network side.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multi-path transmission method further comprises: receiving, by the remote user terminal, a first PDU session establishment accept message and a second PDU session establishment accept message carrying ATSSS rules.

[0015] In some embodiments, the multi-path transmission method further comprises: transmitting, by the remote user terminal, traffic data through the direct network communication path and the indirect network communication path.

[0016] According to a third aspect of some embodiments of the present application, there is provided a remote user terminal comprising: a module configured to perform any of the aforementioned multi-path transmission methods.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of some embodiments of the present application, there is provided a multi-path transmission system comprising: any of the aforementioned remote user terminals; a layer three relay device; and an N3IWF.

[0018] In some embodiments, the layer three relay device is further configured to obtain, in a registration procedure, a second terminal proximity service policy associated with the first terminal proximity service policy obtained by the remote user terminal.

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

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

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

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

[0023] According to a fifth aspect of some embodiments of the present application, there is provided an electronic device comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to perform any of the aforementioned multi-path transmission methods based on instructions stored in the memory.

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

[0025] Some embodiments of the above application have the following advantages or beneficial effects. Through the embodiments of the application, the network side establishes a first MA PDU session and a second MA PDU session for the remote user terminal, providing a solution to realize multi-path transmission. Through multi-path transmission, the transmission rate and the reliability of communication can be improved. Moreover, the scheme has less impact on the related standards of ProSe.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the present application will be made clearer by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or prior art description will be briefly introduced as follows. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor under the premise of the drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 A flowchart of a multi-path transmission method according to some embodiments of the present application is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 A flowchart of a multi-path transmission method according to some embodiments of the present application is shown.

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

[0031] Figure 4 A flowchart of a MA PDU session establishment method according to some embodiments of the present application is shown.

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

[0033] Figure 6 A structural diagram of a multi-path transmission system according to some embodiments of the present application is shown.

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

[0035] Figure 8 A structural diagram of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Clearly, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the application and not all embodiments. The descriptions of the at least one example embodiment are intended to be illustrative, and not to be limiting. Many alternatives not explicitly described can be used as is obvious to those having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope of the application. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that numerous changes can be made in the details of the embodiments of the application and its preferred embodiments without departing from the application.

[0037] The relative arrangement of parts and steps, numerical expressions, and numerical values set forth in the examples are not intended to limit the scope of the application unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0038] It should be understood, of course, that the dimensions of the various parts illustrated in the various figures are chosen for convenience only and should not be taken as a limitation on the scope of the application.

[0039] Techniques, methods, and apparatus known to the relevant art can not be discussed in detail, but should be considered as part of the specification where appropriate.

[0040] In all of the examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely illustrative and not as a limitation. Thus, other examples of the example embodiments can have different values.

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

[0042] Current 3GPP wireless communication network needs to support the scheme of direct network communication path and indirect network communication path dual transmission under ProSe scenario.

[0043] Current 3GPP ATSSS (Access Traffic Steering, Switching, Splitting) feature supports the PDU (Protocol Data Unit) exchange between the terminal (UE) and the data network using one 3GPP access path and one non-3GPP (non-3GPP) access path at the same time, and supports two independent N3 / N9 tunnels between the access network and the PDU session anchor (PSA, PDU Session Anchor). The ATSSS feature supports any access network that can establish a multi-path (Multi Access, referred to as: MA) PDU session, and the remote terminal in some scenarios has the ability to establish its own PDU session.

[0044] To further improve the transmission rate and reliability of a remote user terminal (Remote UE) in a ProSe scenario, the present application configures the remote user terminal with ATSSS features and proposes a multipath transmission solution in a ProSe relay scenario to establish a MAPDU session on a direct network communication path and an indirect network communication path respectively.

[0045] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal accesses the network through a first network communication path; in the case where 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 three relay device access, and the second network communication path is the other 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 describes embodiments of the multipath transmission method in two initial access cases with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively.

[0047] Figure 1 A flowchart of a multipath transmission method according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. In this embodiment, the remote user terminal initially accesses through a direct network path. As shown in Figure 1 , the multipath transmission method of this embodiment includes steps S102-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 through which the remote user terminal connects to the network in a 3GPP access manner.

[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 ATSSS capability on the direct network communication path. In this way, the remote user terminal establishes a first multipath PDU session with the network side.

[0051] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal can obtain an indication of whether the network supports ATSSS in the stage of registering 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 completed, the remote user terminal receives a first PDU session establishment acceptance message carrying ATSSS rules.

[0054] In step S108, in the case that the remote user does not access the network through the indirect network communication path, the remote user terminal performs a discovery procedure of a layer three relay device, and establishes a connection with a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) in the network through the layer three 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 the remote user terminal to connect to the network through a layer three relay device.

[0056] In some embodiments, the layer three relay device is a layer three UE-to-network relay with N3IWF (L3 U2N Relay with N3IWF).

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

[0058] Either of steps S104 and S108 can be performed first, or both can be performed simultaneously, and the present application 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 ATSSS capability on the indirect network communication path. In this way, the remote user terminal establishes a second multi-path 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. Thus, multi-path transmission can be achieved.

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

[0063] Through the above embodiments, the network side establishes the first MA PDU session and the second MA PDU session for the remote user terminal, and provides a solution for implementing multi-path transmission. Through multi-path transmission, the transmission rate and the reliability of communication can be improved. Moreover, the scheme has less impact on the related standards of ProSe.

[0064] Figure 2 A flowchart of a multi-path transmission method according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. In this embodiment, the remote user terminal initially accesses through an indirect network path. As shown in the figure, the multi-path transmission method of this embodiment includes steps S202-S212. Figure 2

[0065] In step S202, the remote user terminal performs a discovery process of a layer three relay device, and establishes a connection with the N3IWF in the network through the layer three 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 the remote user terminal to connect to the network through a layer three relay device.

[0067] In some embodiments, the layer three relay device is an 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 ATSSS capability on the indirect network communication path. In this way, the remote user terminal and the network side establish a second multi-path PDU session.

[0069] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal can obtain an indication of whether the network supports ATSSS in the stage of registering 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 the 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 ATSSS rules.

[0072] In step S208, in the case that 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. Thus, the remote user terminal also accesses the network through the direct network communication path.

[0073] In some embodiments, in the case that 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 in response to the remote user terminal determining that the preset condition is currently met or receiving an indication from the network side. For example, in the location where the remote user terminal is located, the signal quality of the direct network communication path is poor, and thus the remote user terminal accesses the network through the indirect network communication path first. When the remote user terminal moves to a location where the signal quality of the direct network communication path is good, the remote user terminal can further access the network through the indirect network communication path.

[0074] Either of steps S204 and S208 can be performed first, or both of them can be performed simultaneously, and the present application does not limit the execution order thereof.

[0075] In step S210, the remote user terminal transmits, on the direct network communication path, a first MA PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability. In this way, the remote user terminal and the network side establish a first multi-path PDU session.

[0076] In step S212, the remote user terminal and the network side establish a first MA PDU session. The first MA PDU session is a session on the direct network communication path. Thus, multi-path 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 the first MA session and the second MA session are both established, the remote user terminal transmits traffic data through the direct network communication path and the indirect network communication path.

[0079] Through the above embodiments, the network side establishes a first MA PDU session and a second MA PDU session for the remote user terminal, and provides a solution for achieving multi-path transmission. Through multi-path transmission, the transmission rate and the reliability of communication can be improved. Moreover, the solution has little impact on the related standards of ProSe.

[0080] Regardless of the way the remote user terminal initially accesses the network, the remote user terminal and the layer-three relay device can obtain configuration information through a registration process.

[0081] In some embodiments, in the process of the remote user terminal registering, the remote user terminal receives a multi-access PDU session support indicator (MA PDU Session Support Indicator), a first terminal proximity service policy (UE ProSe Policy), and a terminal route 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, i.e., whether it is accessed through an indirect network communication path.

[0082] In some embodiments, in the registration process, the layer-three relay device and the remote user terminal obtain a second terminal proximity service policy (UE ProSe Policy) associated with the first terminal proximity service policy.

[0083] Thus, the remote user terminal and the layer-three relay device can implement multi-path transmission based on the configuration information.

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

[0085] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for establishing a connection between a remote user terminal and an N3IWF according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. As Figure 3 shown, the method for establishing a connection includes steps S302-S310.

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

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

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

[0089] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal obtains multiple IP addresses or prefixes from the layer-three relay device and selects an N3IWF corresponding to one of the IP addresses or prefixes.

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

[0091] In step S310, the remote user terminal performs a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) registration.

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

[0093] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method for establishing a MA PDU session according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. The method is applicable to the establishment of a first MA PDU session and a second MA PDU session. As shown in the figure, the session establishment method of this embodiment includes steps S402-S412. Figure 4

[0094] In step S402, the remote user terminal sends a 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 MA PDU session.

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

[0097] In step S408, the SMF provides the PCF with the currently used Access Type and RAT Type.

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

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

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

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

[0102] The embodiments of the remote user terminal of the present application are described below. Figure 5 The embodiments of the remote user terminal of the present application are described below.

[0103] Figure 5 A structure diagram of a remote user terminal according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. As shown, the remote user terminal 500 of this embodiment includes an access module 5100 and a session establishment request module 5200. Figure 5 The access module 5100 is configured to access the network through a direct network communication path; and, in the case that the remote user terminal does not access the network through an indirect network communication path, perform a discovery procedure of a layer three relay device and establish a connection with a non-3GPP interworking function N3IWF in the network through the layer three relay device.

[0104] In some embodiments,

[0105] The access module 5100 is configured to access the network through a direct network communication path; and, in the case that the remote user terminal does not access the network through an indirect network communication path, perform a discovery procedure of a layer three relay device and establish a connection with a non-3GPP interworking function N3IWF in the network through the layer three relay device.

[0106] The session establishment request module 5200 is configured to send a first multi-path PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability on the direct network communication path; and send a second multi-path PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability on the indirect network communication path.

[0107] In some embodiments,

[0108] The access module 5100 is configured to perform a discovery procedure of a layer three relay device and establish a connection with a N3IWF in the network through the layer three relay device to access the network through an indirect network communication path; and, in the case that the remote user terminal does not access the network through a direct network communication path, perform a 3GPP access registration procedure.

[0109] The session establishment request module 5200 is configured to send a second multi-path PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability on the indirect network communication path; and send a first multi-path PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability.

[0110] In some embodiments, the direct network communication path is a path through which the remote user terminal connects to the network in a 3GPP access manner.

[0111] In some embodiments, the indirect network communication path is a path through which the remote user terminal connects to the network through a layer three relay device.

[0112] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal 500 further comprises a registration module 5300 configured to register with the 5G core network.

[0113] In some embodiments, the registration module 5300 is further configured to, in the process of the remote user terminal registering with the 5G core network, obtain an indication that the remote user terminal supports ATSSS.

[0114] In some embodiments, the registration module 5300 is further configured to, in the process of the remote user terminal registering, receive a multi-path PDU session support indication, a first terminal proximity service policy and a terminal routing policy, wherein the PDU session support indication indicates that the remote user terminal supports ATSSS, and the terminal routing policy indicates whether a preset service of the remote user terminal is accessed through an indirect network communication path.

[0115] In some embodiments, the access module 5100 is further configured to perform a discovery procedure with the layer three relay device, establish a PC5 connection with the layer three relay device, obtain an IP address or prefix of the N3IWF from the layer three relay device, establish an IPsec tunnel based on the IP address or prefix of the N3IWF through an IKE procedure, and perform a NAS registration.

[0116] In some embodiments, the access module 5100 is further configured to, in the case that the remote user terminal does not access the network through an indirect network communication path, perform a discovery procedure of the layer three relay device and establish a connection with the N3IWF in the network through the layer three relay device in response to the remote user terminal determining that a preset condition is currently met or receiving an indication from the network side.

[0117] In some embodiments, the access module 5100 is further configured to, in the case that the remote user terminal does not access the network through a direct network communication path, perform a 3GPP access registration procedure in response to the remote user terminal determining that a preset condition is currently met or receiving an indication from the network side.

[0118] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal 500 further comprises a receiving module 5400 configured to receive a first PDU session establishment accept message and a second PDU session establishment accept message carrying ATSSS rules.

[0119] In some embodiments, the remote user terminal 500 further comprises a transmitting module 5500 configured to transmit traffic data through a direct network communication path and an indirect network communication path.

[0120] Reference will now be made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 6Embodiments of a multipath transmission system are described.

[0121] Figure 6 A structural schematic diagram of a multipath transmission system according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. As shown, the multipath transmission system 60 of this embodiment includes a remote user terminal 610; a layer three relay device 620; and an N3IWF 630. Figure 6

[0122] In some embodiments, the layer three relay device 620 is further configured to, in the registration procedure, acquire a second terminal proximity service policy associated with the first terminal proximity service policy from the remote user terminal.

[0123] In some embodiments, the layer three relay device 620 is an N3IWF-based, layer three terminal network-facing relay device.

[0124] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission system 60 further includes an AMF 640 configured to, after establishing the first multipath PDU session for the first path and the second multipath PDU session for the second path on the network side, send an ATSSS rule to the remote user terminal.

[0125] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission system 60 further includes an SMF 650 configured to generate an ATSSS rule for the first multipath PDU session and the second multipath PDU session.

[0126] In some embodiments, the multipath transmission system 60 further includes a PCF 660 configured to determine whether to allow the establishment of the multipath PDU session based on an operator policy or subscription data of the remote user terminal.

[0127] Figure 7 A structural schematic diagram of an electronic device according to some embodiments of the present application is shown. As shown, the electronic device 70 of this embodiment includes a memory 710 and a processor 720 coupled to the memory 710, the processor 720 being configured to perform the multipath transmission method of any one of the preceding embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 710. Figure 7

[0128] The memory 710 may, for example, include system memory, fixed non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may, for example, store an operating system, application programs, a Boot Loader, and other programs, etc.

[0129] Figure 8 A structural schematic diagram of an electronic device according to some other embodiments of the present application is shown. As shown, the electronic device 70 of this embodiment includes a memory 710 and a processor 720 coupled to the memory 710, the processor 720 being configured to perform the multipath transmission method of any one of the preceding embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 710. Figure 8 ​​As 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, and the like. These interfaces 830, 840, 850, as well as the memory 810 and the processor 820, may be connected, for example, via a bus 860. The input / output interface 830 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, mouse, keyboard, and 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.

[0130] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is characterized in that when executed by a processor, the program implements any of the aforementioned multipath transmission methods.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Thus, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable, non-transitory storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROMs, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0132] 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 flowcharts and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of processes and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, 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 flowcharts and / or block diagrams. 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.

[0133] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to work 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 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0134] These computer program instructions can also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing devices, so that a series of operational steps are performed on the computer or other programmable data processing devices to generate computer-implemented processes, so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable data processing devices provide operational steps for implementing the functions of the flow Figure 1 one flow or a plurality of flows and / or the functions specified in a block Figure 1 one block or a plurality of blocks.

[0135] The above description is merely preferred embodiments of the present application, and not intended to limit the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

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 to the AMF over the direct network communication path, so that the remote user terminal establishes the first multipath PDU session with the network side; In a 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 further 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, 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-oriented network relay device based on the N3IWF; The remote user terminal sends a second multipath PDU session establishment request to the AMF over an indirect network communication path, carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ATSSS capability, so that the remote user terminal establishes a second multipath PDU session with the network side to achieve multipath transmission.

2. The multipath transmission method according to claim 1, wherein: In the case that the remote user does not access the network through an indirect network communication path, in response to the remote user terminal determining that the preset conditions are 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.

3. A multipath transmission method, comprising: The remote user terminal first executes a discovery process for a layer 3 relay device and establishes a connection with an N3IWF in the network through the layer 3 relay device to access the network through an indirect network communication path. The indirect network communication path is a path for the remote user terminal to connect to the network through the layer 3 relay device. The layer 3 relay device is an N3IWF-based, layer 3 terminal-facing network relay device. The remote user terminal sends a second multipath PDU session establishment request carrying information indicating that the remote user terminal has ASSSS capability to the AMF over the indirect network communication path; In a 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 ATSSS capability to the AMF over the direct network communication path.

4. The multipath transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The direct network communication path is a path for the remote user terminal to connect to the network via a 3GPP access method.

5. The multipath transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The remote user terminal is registered in the 5G core network.

6. The multipath transmission method according to claim 5, 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 ASSSS.

7. The multipath transmission method according to claim 6, wherein: During the registration process of the remote user terminal, the remote user terminal obtaining an indication indicating that the remote user terminal supports ASSSS 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.

8. The multipath transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The remote user terminal performs 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, 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.

9. The multipath transmission method according to claim 2, wherein: In the case that the remote user terminal does not use the 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 procedure.

10. The multipath transmission method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The remote user terminal receives a first PDU session establishment accept message and a second PDU session establishment accept 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 according to 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 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, wherein the processor is 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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