Method and device for activating user plane transmission channel, equipment and medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a method, device and equipment for activating a user plane transmission channel and a medium, and relates to the technical field of communication. The method comprises the following steps: when a first downlink data packet is received, firstly determining a target data transmission channel of the first downlink data packet, and then generating a second downlink data packet comprising identification information of the target data transmission channel; then, the UPF entity sends the second downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the data forwarding tunnel, and compared with the prior art, the identification information can be used for assisting the SMF entity to accurately activate the target data transmission channel used for transmitting the downlink data packet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method, device, equipment and medium for activating a user plane transmission channel. Background Art

[0002] The access traffic steering, switching, splitting (ATSSS) function in the 5G system supports the multi-connection protocol data unit (MAPDU) session service. It can use a 3GPP access network and a non-3GPP access network at the same time, and establish two independent N3 / N9 tunnels between the PDU session anchor (PSA) and the radio access network (RAN) or access network (AN) to send PDUs between user equipment (UE) and the data network. MA PDU connection service is realized by establishing MA PDU session, that is, a PDU session can have user plane resources in two access networks. The main process is as follows:

[0003] When the UE is registered on both 3GPP and non-3GPP accesses, or when the UE is registered via only one access, the UE can request an MA PDU session; after establishing the MA PDU session, and when there are user plane resources on both access networks, the UE applies the ATSSS rules provided by the network and considers local conditions (e.g., network interface availability, signal loss, user preference settings, etc.) to decide how to allocate uplink data between the two access networks. Similarly, the user plane function (UPF) anchor of the MA PDU session applies the N4 rules provided by the network and the feedback information received from the user equipment through the user plane (e.g., whether the access network is available or not) to decide how to allocate downlink data between the two N3 / N9 tunnels and the two access networks. It can be seen that the strategies applied by the UE and UPF (such as ATSSS rules and N4 rules) are associated with the transmission quality parameters of the data flow. For example, when the ATSSS rules and / or N4 rules contain the minimum delay threshold (Small Delay), round-trip time and packet loss rate threshold, when the transmission quality of the data packet in the data transmission channel on this side is lower or higher than the threshold, it can be switched to the data transmission channel on the other side; for another example, to ensure transmission reliability, the UE and UPF can start redundant transmission under the condition of meeting a certain data packet transmission quality, that is, the same data packet is transmitted on both the 3GPP and non-3GPP sides.

[0004] In the actual transmission process, if the UPF does not have the tunnel information of the access network, the downlink data packet (also called downlink data) will not be sent normally when it reaches the UPF. In order to solve this problem, the main technical means currently used are as follows: Figure 1 As shown in the figure: when UPF receives a downlink data packet and finds that there is no tunnel information of the access network, UPF sends a data notification to the Session Management Function (SMF); when SMF receives the data notification, it returns a data notification response to UPF; after receiving the data notification response, UPF forwards the cached downlink data packet to the SMF; after SMF receives the data packet, it sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the Authentication Management Function (AMF); after receiving the message, AMF feeds back a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message response to SMF, and sends a paging message to the UE via the (R)AN, or sends a non-access stratum (NAS) notification message to the UE; if the user is in a connected state and the user plane is activated, the UE initiates a service request process, and waits for the activation of a data transmission channel that matches the access technology type, and UPF sends the downlink data packet to the UE through the data transmission channel.

[0005] Because the current protocol defines that UE and UPF determine the data transmission channel of the downlink data packet according to the ATSSS rules and data transmission performance, but when passing through the SMF, the SMF cannot directly perceive the current data transmission channel of the downlink data packet. Using the above method, for the MA PDU session, when the downlink data packet reaches the UPF and forwards the downlink data packet to the SMF, the SMF cannot perceive which side of the data transmission channel is activated, and thus cannot accurately notify the AMF which side of the data transmission channel is activated. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present application provides a method, apparatus, device and medium for activating a user plane transmission channel, which is used to accurately activate a data transmission channel for transmitting a downlink data packet when there is no access tunnel information stored and a downlink data packet cannot be sent to a UE.

[0007] In a first aspect, a method for activating a user plane transmission channel is provided, comprising:

[0008] The UPF entity receives a first downlink data packet and determines a target data transmission channel for the first downlink data packet;

[0009] The UPF entity generates a second downlink data packet including identification information of the target data transmission channel;

[0010] The UPF entity sends the second downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the second downlink data packet.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, when a downlink data packet is received, the target data transmission channel of the first downlink data packet is first determined, and a second downlink data packet including identification information of the target data transmission channel is generated; then, the UPF entity sends the second downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the data forwarding tunnel. Compared with the prior art, the identification information can be used to assist the SMF entity in accurately activating the target data transmission channel for transmitting the downlink data packet.

[0012] Optionally, the identification information is any one of an access technology type, an enumeration value, and access network equipment information.

[0013] Through the above method, by adding identification information indicating the target transmission channel in the second downlink data packet, the SMF entity can determine which side of the data transmission channel needs to be activated when receiving the data packet, thereby facilitating accurate and targeted initiation of the process of activating the target data transmission channel.

[0014] Optionally, the identification information is located in a data packet header of the second downlink data packet.

[0015] In a second aspect, a method for activating a user plane transmission channel is provided, including:

[0016] The UPF entity receives the downlink data packet;

[0017] The UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

[0018] Through the above method, data forwarding tunnels of different protocols are established between the UPF entity and the SMF entity. When the UPF entity sends a downlink data packet to the SMF entity, it can be sent to the data forwarding tunnel corresponding to the access technology type of the downlink data packet. The SMF entity can determine which side of the data transmission tunnel to restore based on the downlink data packet received through the data forwarding tunnel, thereby facilitating the accurate and targeted initiation of the process of activating the target data transmission channel.

[0019] Optionally, the at least one data forwarding tunnel includes a first data forwarding tunnel and / or a second data forwarding tunnel.

[0020] Optionally, when the target data transmission channel is a first data transmission channel, the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to a session management function SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including:

[0021] The UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel.

[0022] Optionally, when the target data transmission channel is a second data transmission channel, the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including:

[0023] The UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the second data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the second data transmission channel.

[0024] Optionally, when the target data transmission channel includes a first data transmission channel and a second data transmission channel, the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including:

[0025] The UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel and the second data forwarding tunnel respectively, so that the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel.

[0026] Optionally, the at least one data forwarding tunnel is a redundant forwarding tunnel, and the redundant forwarding tunnel is a tunnel established for redundantly transmitted downlink data packets.

[0027] Optionally, when the target data transmission channel is the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel, the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including:

[0028] The UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the redundant forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel.

[0029] In a third aspect, a method for activating a user plane transmission channel is provided, including:

[0030] The SMF entity receives a second downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through the data forwarding tunnel; wherein the second downlink data packet includes identification information of a target data transmission channel, and the target data transmission channel is determined by the UPF entity based on the received first downlink data packet;

[0031] The SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel according to the second downlink data packet.

[0032] Optionally, the identification information is any one of an access technology type, an enumeration value, and access network equipment information.

[0033] Optionally, the identification information is located in a data packet header of the second downlink data packet.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, a method for activating a user plane transmission channel is provided, including:

[0035] The SMF entity receives a downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel;

[0036] The SMF entity activates a target data transmission channel for the downlink data packet according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

[0037] Optionally, the at least one data forwarding tunnel includes a first data forwarding tunnel and / or a second data forwarding tunnel.

[0038] Optionally, the SMF entity activates a target data transmission channel according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including:

[0039] When the SMF entity receives a downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel, the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel according to the first data forwarding tunnel.

[0040] Optionally, the SMF entity activates a target data transmission channel according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including:

[0041] When the SMF entity receives the second downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through the second data forwarding tunnel, the SMF entity activates the second data transmission channel according to the second data forwarding tunnel.

[0042] Optionally, the SMF entity activates a target data transmission channel according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including:

[0043] When the SMF entity receives downlink data packets sent by the UPF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel and the second data forwarding tunnel respectively, the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel according to the first data forwarding tunnel, and activates the second data transmission channel according to the second data forwarding tunnel.

[0044] Optionally, the at least one data forwarding tunnel is a redundant forwarding tunnel, and the redundant forwarding tunnel is a tunnel established for redundantly transmitted downlink data packets.

[0045] Optionally, the SMF entity activates a target data transmission channel according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including:

[0046] When the SMF entity receives a downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through the redundant forwarding tunnel, the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel according to the redundant forwarding tunnel.

[0047] In a fifth aspect, a UPF entity is provided, including:

[0048] A determination module, configured to receive a first downlink data packet and determine a target data transmission channel for the first downlink data packet;

[0049] A generating module, used to generate a second downlink data packet including identification information of the target data transmission channel;

[0050] A forwarding module is used to send the second downlink data packet to the SMF entity through a data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the second downlink data packet.

[0051] In a sixth aspect, a UPF entity is provided, including:

[0052] A receiving module, used for receiving downlink data packets;

[0053] The forwarding module is used to send the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

[0054] In a seventh aspect, a SMF entity is provided, including:

[0055] A receiving module, configured to receive a second downlink data packet sent by a UPF entity through a data forwarding tunnel; wherein the second downlink data packet includes identification information of a target data transmission channel, and the target data transmission channel is determined by the UPF entity based on the received first downlink data packet;

[0056] A channel activation initiating module is used to activate the target data transmission channel according to the second downlink data packet.

[0057] In an eighth aspect, a SMF entity is provided, including:

[0058] A receiving module, configured to receive a downlink data packet sent by a UPF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel;

[0059] The channel activation initiating module activates the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

[0060] In a ninth aspect, an electronic device is provided, including:

[0061] A memory for storing a computer program; a processor for implementing the method steps described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect when executing the computer program stored in the memory.

[0062] In a tenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein a computer program is stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the method steps described in any one of the first aspect or the second aspect are implemented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of signaling interaction for the current method of activating a user plane transmission channel;

[0064] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an application scenario applicable to the embodiment of the present application;

[0065] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for activating a user plane transmission channel based on the UPF side provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0066] Figure 4 A flowchart of another method for activating a user plane transmission channel based on the UPF side provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0067] Figure 5 A graphical representation diagram of a forwarding tunnel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0068] Figure 6 A graphical representation diagram of another forwarding tunnel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0069] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for activating a user plane transmission channel based on the SMF side provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 8 A flowchart of another method for activating a user plane transmission channel based on the SMF side provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0071] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of signaling interaction for activating a user plane transmission channel based on a forwarding tunnel provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0072] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a UPF entity provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of the structure of another UPF entity provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0074] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of an SMF entity provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0075] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of the structure of another SMF entity provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0076] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The specific operating methods in the method embodiments can also be applied to device embodiments or system embodiments. It should be noted that in the description of the present application, "multiple" is understood as "at least two". "And / or" describes the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. A is connected to B, which can represent: A is directly connected to B and A is connected to B through C. In addition, in the description of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, nor can they be understood as indicating or implying order.

[0078] In order to better understand the embodiments of the present application, the technical terms involved in the embodiments of the present application are first explained below.

[0079] (1) Data Network can be defined as a network consisting of various data communication devices, including but not limited to routers, switches, firewalls, network access controllers, load balancers, network management devices, base stations, servers, etc.

[0080] (2) Non-3GPP InterWorking Function (N3IWF) is responsible for connecting untrusted non-3GPP access networks to the 5G core network. The UE must establish an IPSec tunnel with the N3IWF to connect to the 5G core network through untrusted non-3GPP access.

[0081] The following is a brief introduction to the application scenarios to which the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application can be applied. It should be noted that the application scenarios introduced below are only used to illustrate the embodiments of the present application and are not limited. In specific implementation, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application can be flexibly applied according to actual needs.

[0082] Figure 2 The following is a schematic diagram of an application scenario applicable to the embodiment of the present application. The scenario mainly includes a UPF entity 201, an SMF entity 202, an AMF entity 203, and a UE 204. Among them, the UPF entity 201 can exchange information with the SMF entity 202 and the UE 204 respectively, and the AMF entity 203 can exchange information with the SMF entity 202 and the UE 204 respectively. The communication mode of the information interaction may include: a wireless communication mode and a wired communication mode. The above devices will be introduced one by one below.

[0083] The UPF entity 201 can be used to receive a downlink data packet (also called downlink data) sent from the data network. If the downlink data packet can be sent normally, it can be transmitted through a corresponding data transmission channel (such as Figure 2The 3GPP data transmission channel (3GPP Access) 205 and / or non-3GPP data transmission channel (non-3GPP Access) 206 shown in the figure) sends the downlink data packet to the UE 204; if the downlink data packet cannot be sent, the UPF entity 201 can determine the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet, and generate a downlink data packet including the identification information of the target data transmission channel, and then send the downlink data packet including the identification information to the SMF entity 202, so that the SMF entity 202 initiates the process of activating the target data transmission channel via the AMF entity 203 based on the identification information. The process of activating the target data transmission channel can also be referred to as restoring the target data transmission channel, and the same treatment is used throughout the text. In other embodiments, the existing data forwarding tunnel is enhanced, and different data forwarding tunnels can be established between the UPF entity 201 and the SMF entity 202 for data transmission channels of different protocols. If the downlink data packet cannot be sent, the UPF entity 201 sends the downlink data packets of the data transmission channels of different protocols to the SMF entity through different data forwarding tunnels, so that the SMF entity determines to activate the corresponding target data transmission channel based on the enhanced data forwarding tunnel.

[0084] After the SMF entity 202 receives the downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity 201, it can initiate the process of activating the target data transmission channel through the AMF entity 203.

[0085] The AMF entity 203 can receive the message sent by the SMF entity 202 for activating the target data transmission channel, and based on the message, perform information exchange with the UE 204 to activate the data transmission channel, thereby triggering the UE 20 to initiate a service request process; after activating the data transmission channel corresponding to the downlink data packet, the UPF entity 201 sends the downlink data packet to the UE 204 through the activated target data transmission channel.

[0086] UE 204 may be a smart phone, a computer, a tablet, etc., and this embodiment of the present application does not limit this.

[0087] To further illustrate the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application, this is described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods. Although the embodiment of the present application provides the method operation steps shown in the following embodiments or drawings, more or fewer operation steps may be included in the method based on routine or no creative labor. In the steps where there is no necessary causal relationship logically, the execution order of these steps is not limited to the execution order provided by the embodiment of the present application. The method may be executed or executed in parallel in the actual processing process or when the system is executed according to the method sequence shown in the embodiment or drawings.

[0088] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for activating a user plane transmission channel based on the UPF side is provided for the implementation of this application. The process can be performed by a UPF entity (such as Figure 2 The UPF entity 201 shown in the figure is used to accurately activate the data transmission channel for transmitting the data packet when there is no access tunnel information stored and the downlink data packet cannot be sent to the UE. Figure 3 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0089] 301: The UPF entity receives a first downlink data packet and determines a target data transmission channel for the first downlink data packet.

[0090] Optionally, the target data transmission channel mode for determining the first downlink data packet may be determined based on the transmission quality of the data transmission channel or based on a set access transmission rule, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present application.

[0091] 302: The UPF entity generates a second downlink data packet including identification information of the target data transmission channel.

[0092] Optionally, if the GTP tunnel is used to transmit data packets between the SMF entity and the UPF entity, a data packet header (GTP data packet header) is added outside the first data packet. When the data packet is transmitted to the SMF entity, in order to clarify the target data transmission channel corresponding to the data packet, identification information including identification information for identifying the target data transmission channel is added to the data packet header. This data packet with added identification information belongs to the second downlink data packet, and the identification information may specifically include the following forms of expression:

[0093] 1. A label of the access technology type can be added to the data packet header, such as "3GPP" or "Non-3GPP". For example, if the access technology type added to the downlink data packet is "3GPP", it indicates the 3GPP access technology type; if the access technology type added to the downlink data packet is "non-3GPP", it indicates the non-3GPP access technology type.

[0094] Second: an enumeration value can be added to the data packet header, such as "0" represents the 3GPP access technology type, and "1" represents the non-3GPP access technology type.

[0095] 3. Access network equipment information can be added to the data packet header, such as "3GPP-RAN IP address information" and "non-3GPP interworking function IP address information". The 3GPP-RAN IP address represents the 3GPP access technology type, N3IWF (such as Figure 2 The IP address of N3IWP) shown represents the non-3GPP access technology type.

[0096] In other embodiments, when it is determined that the first downlink data packet is a redundantly transmitted data packet, the UPF entity may also add redundant transmission indication information in the data packet. The specific form of the indication information is not limited and may be an enumeration value or information in English (such as Redundant indication).

[0097] It should be noted that the above-mentioned several forms of identification information are only examples and can be expanded and modified according to actual scenarios. For example, identification information representing other protocols can also be added to the second downlink data packet, and the embodiments of the present application are not limited here.

[0098] 303: The UPF entity sends the second downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the second downlink data packet.

[0099] Optionally, for the above-mentioned second downlink data packet, the UPF entity sends the second downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the data forwarding tunnel. Specifically, it can be: a data forwarding tunnel is established between the UPF entity and the SMF entity, and the UPF entity sends the second downlink data packet including identification information to the SMF entity through the data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the corresponding target data transmission channel based on the second downlink data packet.

[0100] For example, assuming that the identification information in the second downlink data packet is "3GPP", the SMF entity initiates the process of activating the 3GPP data transmission channel based on the "3GPP"; for another example, assuming that the identification information in the second downlink data packet is "1", the SMF entity initiates the process of activating the non-3GPP data transmission channel based on the "1"; for another example, assuming that the identification information in the second downlink data packet is "3GPP-RAN IP address information", the SMF entity initiates the process of activating the 3GPP data transmission channel based on the "3GPP-RAN IP address information"; for another example, assuming that the identification information in the second downlink data packet is "0" and "1", the SMF entity initiates the process of activating the 3GPP data transmission channel based on the "0", and initiates the process of activating the non-3GPP data transmission channel based on the "1".

[0101] Through the above Figure 3 The method shown adds identification information containing an identifier representing the target transmission channel in the second downlink data packet, so that the SMF entity can determine which side of the data transmission channel needs to be activated when receiving the data packet, thereby facilitating accurate and targeted initiation of the process of activating the target data transmission channel.

[0102] In another embodiment, in addition to the above Figure 3The method shown can also enhance the existing data forwarding tunnels, that is, different data forwarding tunnels are established for different data transmission channels, so that downlink data packets of different data transmission channels can be sent to the SMF entity through different data forwarding tunnels, so that the SMF entity determines to activate the corresponding target data transmission channel based on different data forwarding tunnels.

[0103] Figure 4 A flowchart of another method for activating a user plane transmission channel based on the UPF side provided in an embodiment of the present application. The process can be performed by a UPF entity (such as Figure 2 The UPF entity 201 shown in the figure is used to accurately activate the data transmission channel for transmitting the data packet when there is no access tunnel information stored and the downlink data packet cannot be sent to the UE. Figure 4 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0104] 401: The UPF entity receives a downlink data packet.

[0105] In this step, when the UPF entity receives the downlink data packet, if the GTP tunnel is used to transmit the data packet between the SMF entity and the UPF entity, a data packet header (GTP data packet header) may be added outside the downlink data packet, and the data packet header may include the tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID) of the SMF entity.

[0106] 402: The UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

[0107] Optionally, at least one data forwarding tunnel may include the following examples:

[0108] Example 1: A first data forwarding tunnel and / or a second data forwarding tunnel are established between a UPF entity and an SMF entity. For example, if a multi-access PDU session includes a first data transmission channel, a first data forwarding tunnel is established; if a multi-access PDU session includes a second data transmission channel, a second data forwarding tunnel is established; if a multi-access PDU session includes a first data transmission channel and a second data transmission channel, the first data forwarding tunnel and the second data forwarding tunnel are established.

[0109] Example 2: For redundantly transmitted data packets, a redundant forwarding tunnel can be established between the UPF entity and the SMF entity, that is, if the multi-access PDU session includes transmissions over a first data transmission channel and a second data transmission channel, a redundant forwarding tunnel can also be established.

[0110] It should be noted that the first data transmission channel can be the above Figure 2 The 3GPP data transmission channel shown may also be other types of data transmission channels. Similarly, the second data transmission channel may be the above-mentioned Figure 2 The non-3GPP data transmission channel shown may also be other types of data transmission channels, which are not limited in the present application embodiment. Further, when the downlink data packet is sent to the SMF entity, a forwarding tunnel may be selected for forwarding, as follows:

[0111] When the target data transmission channel is the first data transmission channel, the UPF entity transmits the second downlink data packet through the first data forwarding tunnel (such as Figure 5 The first data forwarding tunnel 501 shown is sent to the SMF entity so that the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel.

[0112] When the target data transmission channel is the second data transmission channel, the UPF entity transmits the second downlink data packet through the second data forwarding tunnel (such as Figure 5 The second data forwarding tunnel 502 shown is sent to the SMF entity so that the SMF entity activates the second data transmission channel.

[0113] When the target data transmission channel includes the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel, the UPF entity transmits the second downlink data packet through the first data forwarding tunnel (such as Figure 5 The first data forwarding tunnel 501 shown in FIG. Figure 5 The second data forwarding tunnel 502 shown is sent to the SMF entity so that the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel.

[0114] In some other embodiments, for redundantly transmitted data packets, that is, downlink data packets are sent to the UE through the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel, the UPF entity transmits the downlink data packets through the following channels: Figure 6 The redundant forwarding tunnel 601 shown is sent to the SMF entity so that the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel.

[0115] Optionally, for the above-mentioned downlink data packet, before the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the data forwarding tunnel, the UPF entity may also perform a session establishment process with the SMF entity, which may specifically include the following process:

[0116] First, the UPF entity receives the SMF entity (such as Figure 2The SMF entity 202 shown in the figure sends a session establishment request message, which includes a first destination address information, and the first destination address information is used to characterize the destination address information when the UPF entity sends a downlink data packet to the SMF entity, including but not limited to the IP address and tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID) corresponding to the SMF entity when performing data transmission for 3GPP and / or non-3GPP; for example, when the first data forwarding tunnel is a forwarding tunnel established for 3GPP, and / or the second data forwarding tunnel is a forwarding tunnel established for non-3GPP, the first destination address information includes 3GPP tunnel information such as the tunnel endpoint identifier and IP address of 3GPP on the SMF entity side, and / or non-3GPP tunnel information such as the tunnel endpoint identifier and IP address of non-3GPP, so that after the UPF entity determines the target data transmission channel based on the downlink data packet, it can send the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the corresponding data forwarding tunnel based on the first destination address information.

[0117] In some embodiments, the session establishment request message may further include indication information for indicating the access technology type corresponding to the first destination address information (eg, indication information about 3GPP and / or indication information about non-3GPP).

[0118] In some other embodiments, in a redundant transmission scenario, the session establishment request message may further include redundant transmission related indication information and the like.

[0119] Secondly, the UPF entity sends a session establishment request response message to the SMF entity; wherein the session establishment request response message includes a second destination address information, and the second destination address information is used to characterize the destination address information when the SMF entity sends a downlink data packet to the UPF entity, including but not limited to the IP address and TEID corresponding to the UPF entity when performing data transmission for 3GPP and / or non-3GPP. For example, when the first data forwarding tunnel is a forwarding tunnel established for 3GPP, and / or when the second data forwarding tunnel is a forwarding tunnel established for non-3GPP, the second destination address information includes 3GPP tunnel information such as the tunnel endpoint identifier and IP address of 3GPP on the UPF entity side, and / or non-3GPP tunnel information such as the tunnel endpoint identifier and IP address of non-3GPP, so that the SMF entity receives the downlink data packet based on different data forwarding tunnels, and after targetedly initiating the restoration of the corresponding target data transmission channel, based on the second destination address information, the SMF entity forwards the data flow of the activated target data transmission channel to the UPF entity, so that the UPF entity can send the downlink data packet to the UE through the activated data transmission channel.

[0120] In some embodiments, the session establishment request response message may also include indication information for indicating the access technology type corresponding to the second destination address information (eg, indication information about 3GPP and / or non-3GPP).

[0121] In some other embodiments, in a redundant transmission scenario, the session establishment request response message may further include redundant transmission related indication information and the like.

[0122] It should be noted that the above-mentioned first data forwarding tunnel, second data forwarding tunnel or redundant forwarding tunnel can be established when a session is established between the UPF entity and the SMF entity, or can be established after the UPF entity receives a downlink data packet and notifies the SMF entity to establish it. The embodiments of the present application are not limited here.

[0123] In the present application embodiment, through the above Figure 4 The method shown establishes data forwarding tunnels of different protocols between the UPF entity and the SMF entity. When the UPF entity sends a downlink data packet to the SMF entity, it can be sent to the data forwarding tunnel corresponding to the access technology type of the downlink data packet. This makes it easy for the SMF entity to determine which side of the data transmission tunnel to restore based on the downlink data packet received through the data forwarding tunnel, thereby facilitating accurate and targeted initiation of the process of activating the target data transmission channel.

[0124] Based on the above Figure 3 , Figure 7 A flowchart of a method for activating a user plane transmission channel based on the SMF side is provided for the implementation of this application. The process can be performed by an SMF entity (such as Figure 2 The SMF entity 202 shown in FIG. 1 is used to accurately activate the data transmission channel for transmitting the downlink data packet when the downlink data packet cannot be sent to the UE. Figure 7 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0125] 701: The SMF entity receives the second downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through the data forwarding tunnel.

[0126] The second downlink data packet includes identification information of a target data transmission channel, and the target data transmission channel is determined by the UPF entity based on the received first downlink data packet.

[0127] It should be noted that the second downlink data packet and the interpretation of the identification information can refer to the above Figure 3 The related description shown will not be repeated here.

[0128] 702: The SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel according to the second downlink data packet.

[0129] Optionally, for the above-mentioned second downlink data packet, the SMF entity may activate the target data transmission channel based on the second downlink data packet, specifically: the SMF entity sends an AMF entity (such as Figure 2 The AMF entity 203 shown in the figure sends a transfer message (such as Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message), which carries information indicating the access technology type (such as the access technology type of 3GPP). When the AMF entity receives the transfer message, it can initiate activation of the 3GPP data transmission channel (such as the access technology type of 3GPP) based on the transfer message. Figure 2 The process of the 3GPP data transmission channel 205 shown in the figure ensures that the UPF entity can accurately send the downlink data packet to the UE.

[0130] In this step, Figure 3 Since the second downlink data packet contains identification information for identifying the target data transmission channel, the SMF entity can receive the second downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through the existing first data forwarding tunnel (such as the N4 interface), and can also enable the SMF entity to determine which side of the data transmission channel needs to be activated.

[0131] Based on the above Figure 4 , Figure 8 A flowchart of another method for activating a user plane transmission channel based on the SMF side is provided for the implementation of this application. The process can be performed by an SMF entity (such as Figure 2 The SMF entity 202 shown in FIG. 1 is used to accurately activate the data transmission channel for transmitting the downlink data packet when the downlink data packet cannot be sent to the UE. Figure 8 As shown, the process includes the following steps:

[0132] 801: The SMF entity receives a downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel.

[0133] The downlink data packet and at least one data forwarding tunnel are explained in detail in Figure 4 The relevant description in will not be repeated here.

[0134] In some embodiments, before the SMF entity receives the downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity, it can also establish a session, which can be specifically: the SMF entity sends a session establishment request message to the UPF entity; wherein the session establishment request message includes first destination address information, and the first destination address information is used to represent the destination address information when the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity; the SMF entity receives a session establishment request response message sent by the UPF entity; wherein the session establishment request response message includes second destination address information, and the second destination address information is used to represent the destination address information when the UPF entity receives the downlink data packet sent by the SMF entity.

[0135] For a detailed explanation of the first destination address information and the second destination address information, please refer to the above Figure 4 802: The SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

[0136] Optionally, for the above downlink data packet, the SMF entity may activate the target data transmission channel based on the improved data forwarding tunnel, which may be:

[0137] When the SMF passes through the first data forwarding tunnel (such as Figure 5 When the first data forwarding tunnel 501 shown in the figure receives a downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity, according to the tunnel information of the first data forwarding tunnel (such as the tunnel endpoint identifier for 3GPP in the second destination address information and / or the access technology type information of the second data forwarding tunnel), it can be determined to activate the 3GPP data transmission channel on the 3GPP side, and then send the 3GPP data transmission channel to the AMF entity (such as Figure 2 The AMF entity 203 shown in the figure sends a transfer message (such as Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message). For example, the transfer message carries information indicating the type of 3GPP access technology. When the AMF entity receives the transfer message, it can initiate activation of the 3GPP data transmission channel (such as Figure 2 The process of the 3GPP data transmission channel 205 shown in the figure ensures that the UPF entity can accurately send the downlink data packet to the UE.

[0138] When the SMF entity passes through the second data forwarding tunnel (such as Figure 5 When the second data forwarding tunnel 502 shown in the figure receives a downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity, according to the tunnel information of the second data forwarding tunnel (such as the tunnel endpoint identifier for the non-3GPP in the second destination address information), it can be determined that the target data transmission channel on the non-3GPP side needs to be activated, and then the AMF entity (such as Figure 2The AMF entity 203 shown in the figure sends a transfer message (such as Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message). For example, the transfer message carries information indicating the type of non-3GPP access technology. When the AMF entity receives the transfer message, it can initiate activation of the non-3GPP data transmission channel (such as Figure 2 The process of the non-3GPP data transmission channel 206) is performed to ensure that the UPF entity can accurately send the downlink data packet to the UE.

[0139] When the SMF entity receives the downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel and the second data forwarding tunnel respectively, it determines that the 3GPP data transmission channel and the non-3GPP data transmission channel need to be activated according to the tunnel information of each data forwarding tunnel (for example, the tunnel endpoint identifier, IP address, and indication information about 3GPP and non-3GPP in the second destination address information), and then sends a message to the AMF entity (such as Figure 2 The AMF entity 203 shown in the figure sends a transfer message (such as Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message). For example, the transfer message carries information indicating the non-3GPP access technology type and the 3GPP access technology type. When the AMF entity receives the transfer message, it can initiate activation of the 3GPP data transmission channel and the non-3GPP data transmission channel (such as Figure 2 The process of the 3GPP data transmission channel 205 and the non-3GPP data transmission channel 206) shown in the figure ensures that the UPF entity can accurately send the downlink data packet to the UE.

[0140] In other embodiments, when the SMF entity passes through a redundant forwarding tunnel (such as Figure 6 When the redundant forwarding tunnel 601 shown in the figure receives a downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity, according to the tunnel information of the redundant data forwarding tunnel (for example, the tunnel endpoint identifier, IP address, indication information about 3GPP and non-3GPP in the second destination address information, and indication information related to redundant transmission), it can be determined that the 3GPP data transmission channel and the non-3GPP data transmission channel need to be activated, and then the AMF entity (such as Figure 2 The AMF entity 203 shown in the figure sends a transfer message (such as Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message). For example, the transfer message carries information indicating the non-3GPP access technology type and the 3GPP access technology type. When the AMF entity receives the transfer message, it can initiate activation of the 3GPP data transmission channel and the non-3GPP data transmission channel (such as Figure 2 The process of the 3GPP data transmission channel 205 and the non-3GPP data transmission channel 206) shown in the figure ensures that the UPF entity can accurately send the downlink data packet to the UE.

[0141] In this step, the SMF entity can receive the downlink data packets sent by the UPF entity through an improved data forwarding tunnel (i.e., the first data forwarding tunnel and / or the second data forwarding tunnel, or a redundant forwarding tunnel), so that the SMF entity can activate the data transmission channel in a targeted manner based on the downlink data packets received through different data forwarding tunnels.

[0142] Based on the establishment of the above improved data forwarding tunnels (such as the first data forwarding tunnel and the second data forwarding tunnel), Fig. 9 A signaling interaction diagram for activating a user plane transmission channel based on a forwarding tunnel is provided in an embodiment of the present application. Taking the access technology type of the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet as 3GPP as an example, Fig. 9 As shown, it mainly includes the following steps:

[0143] 901: The SMF entity sends a session establishment request message to the UPF entity.

[0144] The session establishment request message may include the first destination address information of the SMF entity, and the SMF entity may specifically be Figure 2 The SMF entity 202 shown in the figure may be specifically Figure 2 The UPF entity 201 is shown.

[0145] The first destination address information may specifically be the IP address, tunnel endpoint identifier, etc. corresponding to the first data forwarding tunnel (corresponding to the 3GPP data forwarding tunnel) when the SMF entity transmits data with the UPF entity, and the IP address, tunnel endpoint identifier, etc. corresponding to the second data forwarding tunnel (corresponding to the non-3GPP data forwarding tunnel) when the SMF entity transmits data with the UPF entity. Optionally, it may also include indication information for indicating the access technology type corresponding to the first destination address information, that is, including indication information indicating the access technology type of the first data forwarding tunnel and the second data forwarding tunnel.

[0146] 902: After receiving the session establishment request message sent by the SMF entity, the UPF entity sends a session establishment request response message to the SMF entity.

[0147] The session establishment request response message may include the second destination address information of the UPF entity. The second destination address information may specifically be the IP address, tunnel endpoint identifier, etc. corresponding to the UPF entity when transmitting data with the SMF entity for the first data forwarding tunnel (corresponding to the 3GPP data forwarding tunnel), and the IP address, tunnel endpoint identifier, etc. corresponding to the UPF entity when transmitting data with the SMF entity for the second data forwarding tunnel (corresponding to the non-3GPP data forwarding tunnel). Optionally, it may also include indication information for indicating the access technology type corresponding to the second destination address information, that is, including indication information indicating the access technology types of the first data forwarding tunnel and the second data forwarding tunnel.

[0148] 903: When the UPF entity receives a downlink data packet from the data network, it sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel using at least one of the indication information about the IP address of the first data forwarding tunnel, the tunnel endpoint identifier, and the access technology type in the above-mentioned first destination address information.

[0149] In some embodiments, when the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet in the above 903 is the second data transmission channel, the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the second data forwarding tunnel through at least one of the indication information about the IP address, tunnel endpoint identifier, and access technology type of the second data forwarding tunnel in the above first destination address information.

[0150] When the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet in the above 903 includes the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel, the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel and the second data forwarding tunnel respectively through at least one of the indication information about the IP address and tunnel endpoint identifier of each data forwarding tunnel and the access technology type in the above first destination address information.

[0151] 904: When the SMF entity receives the downlink data packet, it sends a transfer message carrying information indicating the access technology type to the AMF entity to activate the 3GPP data transmission channel on the 3GPP side between the UE and the UPF.

[0152] In this step, after initiating activation of the 3GPP data transmission channel on the 3GPP side, the SMF entity may also forward the data flow of the activated 3GPP data transmission channel to the UPF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel based on at least one of the indication information about the IP address, tunnel endpoint identifier, and access technology type of the first data forwarding tunnel in the second destination address information, so that the UPF entity can then send the two downlink data packets to the UE through the activated 3GPP data transmission channel.

[0153] Similarly, after initiating activation of the non-3GPP data transmission channel on the non-3GPP side, the SMF entity may also forward the data flow of the activated 3GPP data transmission channel to the UPF entity through the second data forwarding tunnel based on at least one of the indication information about the IP address, tunnel endpoint identifier, and access technology type of the second data forwarding tunnel in the second destination address information, so that the UPF entity can then send the downlink data packet to the UE through the activated non-3GPP data transmission channel.

[0154] After initiating activation of the 3GPP data transmission channel and the non-3GPP data transmission channel, the SMF entity may forward the data flow for activating the 3GPP data transmission channel to the UPF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel based on at least one of the indication information about the IP addresses, tunnel endpoint identifiers, and access technology types of the first data forwarding tunnel and the second data forwarding tunnel in the second destination address information, and forward the data flow for activating the non-3GPP data transmission channel to the UPF entity through the second data forwarding tunnel, so that the UPF entity can send the downlink data packet to the UE through the activated 3GPP data transmission channel and the non-3GPP data transmission channel respectively.

[0155] Based on the same technical concept, a UPF entity is also provided in the embodiment of the present application, which can implement the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application. Figure 3 The method flow is shown.

[0156] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a UPF entity provided in an embodiment of the present application. The structure includes: a determination module 1001, a generation module 1002, and a forwarding module 1003.

[0157] The determination module 1001 is configured to receive a first downlink data packet and determine a target data transmission channel for the first downlink data packet.

[0158] The generating module 1002 is configured to generate a second downlink data packet including identification information of the target data transmission channel.

[0159] The forwarding module 1003 is used to send the second downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the second downlink data packet.

[0160] Based on the same technical concept, another UPF entity is also provided in the embodiment of the present application, which can implement the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 The method flow is shown.

[0161] Fig.11A schematic diagram of the structure of another UPF entity provided in an embodiment of the present application. The structure includes a receiving module 1101 and a forwarding module 1102.

[0162] The receiving module 1101 is used to receive downlink data packets;

[0163] The forwarding module 1102 is used to send the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

[0164] Based on the same technical concept, an SMF entity is also provided in the embodiment of the present application, which can implement the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 The method flow is shown.

[0165] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of the structure of an SMF entity provided in an embodiment of the present application. The structure includes a receiving module 1201 and a channel activation initiating module 1202.

[0166] The receiving module 1201 is used to receive a second downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through a data forwarding tunnel; wherein the second downlink data packet includes identification information of a target data transmission channel, and the target data transmission channel is determined by the UPF entity based on the received first downlink data packet.

[0167] The channel activation initiating module 1202 is configured to activate the target data transmission channel according to the second downlink data packet.

[0168] Based on the same technical concept, another SMF entity is also provided in the embodiment of the present application, which can implement the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application. Figure 8 The method flow is shown.

[0169] Fig.13 A schematic diagram of another SMF entity structure provided in an embodiment of the present application. The structure includes a receiving module 1301 and a channel activation initiating module 1302.

[0170] The receiving module 1301 is used to receive downlink data packets sent by the UPF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel.

[0171] The channel activation initiating module 1302 activates the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

[0172] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps in the above-mentioned method embodiment and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0173] Based on the same technical concept, an electronic device is also provided in an embodiment of the present application, and the electronic device can realize the function of the aforementioned device for activating a user plane transmission channel.

[0174] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0175] At least one processor 1401, and a memory 1402 connected to the at least one processor 1401. The specific connection medium between the processor 1401 and the memory 1402 is not limited in the embodiment of the present application. Fig.14 In the example, the processor 1401 and the memory 1402 are connected via the bus 1400. Fig.14 The connections between other components are shown in bold lines, and are not intended to be limiting. The bus 1400 can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. For ease of illustration, Fig.14 Only one thick line is used in the figure, but it does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus. Alternatively, the processor 1401 can also be called a controller, and there is no limitation on the name.

[0176] In the embodiment of the present application, the memory 1402 stores instructions that can be executed by at least one processor 1401. The at least one processor 1401 can execute a method for activating a user plane transmission channel discussed above by executing the instructions stored in the memory 1402. The processor 1401 can implement Figures 10 to 13 The functions of each module in the device shown.

[0177] Among them, processor 1401 is the control center of the device, which can use various interfaces and lines to connect various parts of the entire control device, and monitor the device as a whole by running or executing instructions stored in memory 1402 and calling data stored in memory 1402, various functions of the device and processing data.

[0178] In one possible design, the processor 1401 may include one or more processing units, and the processor 1401 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly processes an operating system, a user interface, and application programs, and the modem processor mainly processes wireless communications. It is understandable that the modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 1401. In some embodiments, the processor 1401 and the memory 1402 may be implemented on the same chip, and in some embodiments, they may also be implemented separately on separate chips.

[0179] The processor 1401 may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array or other programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, or a discrete hardware component, and may implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc. The steps of a method for activating a user plane transmission channel disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed by a hardware processor, or may be executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor.

[0180] Memory 1402, as a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-volatile software programs, non-volatile computer executable programs and modules. Memory 1402 may include at least one type of storage medium, such as flash memory, hard disk, multimedia card, card-type memory, random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), static random access memory (Static Random Access Memory, SRAM), programmable read-only memory (Programmable Read Only Memory, PROM), read-only memory (Read Only Memory, ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, EEPROM), magnetic memory, disk, optical disk, etc. Memory 1402 is any other medium that can be used to carry or store a desired program code in the form of an instruction or data structure and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 1402 in the embodiment of the present application can also be a circuit or any other device that can realize a storage function, for storing program instructions and / or data.

[0181] By designing and programming the processor 1401, the code corresponding to the method for activating the user plane transmission channel described in the above embodiment can be fixed into the chip, so that the chip can execute the code when running. Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The embodiment shown is a method for activating a user plane transmission channel. How to design and program the processor 1401 is a technology well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0182] It should be noted here that the above-mentioned electronic device provided in the embodiment of the present application can implement all the method steps implemented in the above-mentioned method embodiment, and can achieve the same technical effect. The parts and beneficial effects of this embodiment that are the same as the method embodiment will not be described in detail here.

[0183] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, which stores computer-executable instructions, and the computer-executable instructions are used to enable a computer to execute a method for activating a user plane transmission channel in the above embodiment.

[0184] An embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program product. When the computer program product is called by a computer, the computer executes a method for activating a user plane transmission channel in the above embodiment.

[0185] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the present application may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present application may adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment in combination with software and hardware. Moreover, the present application may adopt the form of a computer program product implemented in one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) that include computer-usable program code.

[0186] The present application is described with reference to the flowcharts and / or block diagrams of the methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the present application. It should be understood that each process and / or box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as the combination of the processes and / or boxes 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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 A step that specifies a function in one or more boxes.

Claims

1. A method for activating a user plane transmission channel, characterized in that: include: The user plane function UPF entity receives a first downlink data packet and determines a target data transmission channel for the first downlink data packet; The UPF entity generates a second downlink data packet including identification information of the target data transmission channel; The UPF entity sends the second downlink data packet to the session management function SMF entity through the data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the second downlink data packet.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The identification information is any one of an access technology type, an enumeration value, and access network equipment information.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The identification information is located in the data packet header of the second downlink data packet.

4. A method for activating a user plane transmission channel, characterized in that: include: The user plane function UPF entity receives a downlink data packet; The UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the session management function SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The at least one data forwarding tunnel includes a first data forwarding tunnel and / or a second data forwarding tunnel.

6. The method according to claim 5 or 4, characterized in that When the target data transmission channel is the first data transmission channel, the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the session management function SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including: The UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 4, characterized in that When the target data transmission channel is the second data transmission channel, the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the session management function SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including: The UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the second data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the second data transmission channel.

8. The method according to claim 5 or 4, characterized in that When the target data transmission channel includes a first data transmission channel and a second data transmission channel, the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to a session management function SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including: The UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel and the second data forwarding tunnel respectively, so that the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel.

9. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The at least one data forwarding tunnel is a redundant forwarding tunnel, and the redundant forwarding tunnel is a tunnel established for redundantly transmitted downlink data packets.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that When the target data transmission channel is the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel, the UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the session management function SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including: The UPF entity sends the downlink data packet to the SMF entity through the redundant forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel.

11. A method for activating a user plane transmission channel, characterized in that: include: The session management function SMF entity receives a second downlink data packet sent by the user plane function UPF entity through the data forwarding tunnel; wherein the second downlink data packet includes identification information of a target data transmission channel, and the target data transmission channel is determined by the UPF entity based on the received first downlink data packet; The SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel according to the second downlink data packet.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The identification information is any one of an access technology type, an enumeration value, and access network equipment information.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that The identification information is located in the data packet header of the second downlink data packet.

14. A method for activating a user plane transmission channel, characterized in that: include: The session management function SMF entity receives a downlink data packet sent by the user plane function UPF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel; The SMF entity activates a target data transmission channel for the downlink data packet according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that The at least one data forwarding tunnel includes a first data forwarding tunnel and / or a second data forwarding tunnel.

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The SMF entity activates a target data transmission channel according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including: When the SMF entity receives a downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel, the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel according to the first data forwarding tunnel.

17. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The SMF entity activates a target data transmission channel according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including: When the SMF entity receives the second downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through the second data forwarding tunnel, the SMF entity activates the second data transmission channel according to the second data forwarding tunnel.

18. The method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that The SMF entity activates a target data transmission channel according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including: When the SMF entity receives downlink data packets sent by the UPF entity through the first data forwarding tunnel and the second data forwarding tunnel respectively, the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel according to the first data forwarding tunnel, and activates the second data transmission channel according to the second data forwarding tunnel.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein: The at least one data forwarding tunnel is a redundant forwarding tunnel, and the redundant forwarding tunnel is a tunnel established for redundantly transmitted downlink data packets.

20. The method according to claim 14 or 19, characterized in that The SMF entity activates a target data transmission channel according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel, including: When the SMF entity receives a downlink data packet sent by the UPF entity through the redundant forwarding tunnel, the SMF entity activates the first data transmission channel and the second data transmission channel according to the redundant forwarding tunnel.

21. A user plane function UPF entity, characterized in that: include: A determination module, configured to receive a first downlink data packet and determine a target data transmission channel for the first downlink data packet; A generating module, used to generate a second downlink data packet including identification information of the target data transmission channel; The forwarding module is used to send the second downlink data packet to the session management function SMF entity through the data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel based on the second downlink data packet.

22. A user plane function UPF entity, characterized in that: include: A receiving module, used for receiving downlink data packets; The forwarding module is used to send the downlink data packet to the session management function SMF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel, so that the SMF entity activates the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet based on the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

23. A session management function SMF entity, characterized in that: include: A receiving module, configured to receive a second downlink data packet sent by a user plane function UPF entity through a data forwarding tunnel; wherein the second downlink data packet includes identification information of a target data transmission channel, and the target data transmission channel is determined by the UPF entity based on the received first downlink data packet; A channel activation initiating module is used to activate the target data transmission channel according to the second downlink data packet.

24. A session management function SMF entity, characterized in that: include: A receiving module, configured to receive a downlink data packet sent by a user plane function UPF entity through at least one data forwarding tunnel; The channel activation initiating module activates the target data transmission channel of the downlink data packet according to the at least one data forwarding tunnel.

25. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: Memory, used to store computer programs; A processor, configured to implement the method steps of any one of claims 1-3, or claims 4-10, or claims 11-13, or claims 14-20 when executing the computer program stored in the memory.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the method steps of any one of claims 1 to 3, or claims 4 to 10, or claims 11 to 13, or claims 14 to 20 are implemented.

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