Data packet transmission method and related equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a data packet transmission method and related equipment. The method executed by the storage function network element in the user plane of the mobile core network comprises the following steps: receiving a data packet and storage time information of the data packet from the user plane function network element; storing the data packet and the storage time information of the data packet; determining the sending time of the data packet according to the storage time information; and sending the data packet to the outside at the sending time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a data packet transmission method, a communication device, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In a mobile network system, in some scenarios, there are problems of long transmission delay and limited transmission resources. This may cause some services of the terminal to be unable to respond in a timely manner or even normally. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a storage function network element in the user plane of a mobile core network. The method includes: receiving a data packet and save time information of the data packet from a user plane function network element; storing the data packet and the save time information of the data packet; determining a transmission time of the data packet according to the save time information; and externally transmitting the data packet at the transmission time.

[0004] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a user plane function network element. The method includes: receiving a data packet; determining save time information of the data packet, and sending the data packet and the save time information of the data packet to a storage function network element, to instruct the storage function network element to store the data packet and the save time information of the data packet, and determine a transmission time of the data packet according to the save time information, and externally transmit the data packet at the transmission time.

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a user plane function network element. The method includes: receiving a data packet; determining save time information of the data packet; storing the data packet; and determining a transmission time for externally transmitting the data packet according to the save time information.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a terminal. The method includes: in establishing a control plane forwarding path for uplink data transmission, sending an uplink data packet to a session management function network element, so that the session management function network element sends the uplink data packet to a user plane function network element. Wherein, the user plane function network element is configured to receive the uplink data packet and determine save time information of the uplink data packet, and send the uplink data packet and the save time information of the uplink data packet to a storage function network element.

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a terminal. The method includes: initiating a process of establishing or updating a protocol data unit session; sending an uplink data packet to a user plane function network element through a base station. Wherein, the user plane function network element is configured to receive the uplink data packet and determine the preservation time information of the uplink data packet, and send the uplink data packet and the preservation time information of the uplink data packet to a storage function network element.

[0008] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, including: one or more processors; a memory configured to store one or more programs, and when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the communication device implements the data packet transmission method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program runs on a computer, the computer is caused to execute the data packet transmission method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product, including a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer is caused to execute the data packet transmission method described in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Description of the Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 is a system architecture diagram of a 5G network provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 Schematically shows a flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 Schematically shows an interaction diagram of a data packet transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure applied to an uplink data packet.

[0015] Figure 5 Schematically shows an interaction diagram of a data packet transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure applied to a downlink data packet.

[0016] Figure 6 Schematically shows an interaction diagram of a data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure applied to an uplink data packet.

[0017] Figure 7 Schematically shows an interaction diagram of a data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure applied to a downlink data packet.

[0018] Figure 8 Schematically shows a flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 9 Schematically shows a flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 10 Schematically shows a flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 Schematically shows a block diagram of a storage function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 12 Schematically shows a block diagram of a user plane function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 13 Schematically shows a block diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 14 Schematically shows a block diagram of a terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 15 Schematically shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 16 Schematically shows a schematic diagram of a 5G network and satellite system fusion system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 17 Schematically shows a schematic diagram of a 5G network and satellite system fusion system architecture according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 18 Schematically shows a schematic diagram of a 5G network and satellite system fusion system architecture according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed implementation manners

[0029] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present disclosure more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout. It should be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the term "module" or "unit" refers to a computer program with a predetermined function or a part of a computer program, which works together with other related parts to achieve a predetermined goal, and can be implemented in whole or in part by using software, hardware (such as a processing circuit or a memory), or a combination thereof. Similarly, one processor (or multiple processors or memories) can be used to implement one or more modules or units. In addition, each module or unit can be a part of an overall module or unit that includes the function of that module or unit.

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems, such as: Global System of Mobile communication (GSM) system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) system, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) system, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, LTE Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) system, LTE Time Division Duplex (TDD), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) communication system, 5G system or future evolved mobile communication systems, etc.

[0032] Exemplarily, the communication system 100 to which the embodiments of the present disclosure are applied is as Figure 1As shown. The communication system 100 may include a network device 110, which may be a device that communicates with a terminal 120 (or referred to as a communication terminal, terminal). The network device 110 may provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area and may communicate with terminals located within that coverage area. Optionally, the network device 110 may be a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) in a GSM system or a CDMA system, may also be a Node B (NB) in a WCDMA system, may also be an Evolutional Node B (eNB or eNodeB) in an LTE system, may also be a base station in a 5G communication system, or a radio controller in a Cloud Radio Access Network (CRAN), or the network device may be a mobile switching center, a relay station, an access point, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, a hub, a switch, a bridge, a router, a network-side device in a 5G network, a network-side device of a 5G network and satellite system fusion system, a network-side device of a 5G system with new air interface satellite access technology, a network-side device of a 5G network with satellite transmission as base station backhaul, or a network device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0033] The communication system 100 further includes at least one terminal 120 within the coverage area of the network device 110. As used herein, "terminal" includes, but is not limited to, being connected via a wired line, such as via a Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), digital cable, direct cable connection; and / or another data connection / network; and / or via a wireless interface, such as, for a cellular network, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), digital television network such as a DVB-H network, satellite network, AM-FM broadcast transmitter; and / or a device configured to receive / transmit communication signals of another terminal; and / or an Internet of Things (IoT) device. A terminal configured to communicate via a wireless interface may be referred to as a "wireless communication terminal", "wireless terminal" or "mobile terminal". Examples of mobile terminals include, but are not limited to, satellite or cellular telephones; Personal Communications System (PCS) terminals that may combine cellular radiotelephone with data processing, facsimile, and data communication capabilities; Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) that may include a radiotelephone, pager, Internet / intranet access, web browser, notepad, calendar, and / or Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver; and conventional laptop and / or palmtop receivers or other electronic devices including radiotelephone transceivers. A terminal may refer to an access terminal, User Equipment (UE), user unit, user station, mobile station, mobile unit, remote station, remote terminal, mobile device, user terminal, terminal, wireless communication device, user agent, or user device. An access terminal may be a cellular phone, cordless phone, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, PDA, handheld device with wireless communication capabilities, computing device or other processing device connected to a wireless modem, in-vehicle device, wearable device, a terminal in a 5G network, or a terminal in a future evolved PLMN, etc.

[0034] Figure 1 Exemplarily, one network device and two terminals are shown. Optionally, the communication system 100 may include multiple network devices and the coverage area of each network device may include other numbers of terminals, which are not limited in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Optionally, the communication system 100 may further include other network elements such as a Network Exposure Function (NEF) network element, an Application Function (AF) network element, and a Network Function (NF) network element. The embodiments of the present disclosure do not limit this.

[0036] It should be understood that in the embodiments of the present disclosure, a device with communication functions in a network / system may be referred to as a communication device. Taking Figure 1 the shown communication system 100 as an example, the communication devices may include a network device 110 and a terminal 120 with communication functions. The network device 110 and the terminal 120 may be the specific devices described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0037] It should be understood that the terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably in this article. The term "and / or" in this article is merely a description of the association relationship between associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone.

[0038] Figure 2 is a system architecture diagram of a 5G network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 2 shown, the devices involved in a 5G network system include: a User Equipment (UE), a Radio Access Network (RAN), a User Plane Function (UPF) network element, a Data Network (DN), an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element, a Session Management Function (SMF) network element, a Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, an Application Function (AF) network element, an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) network element, and a Unified Data Management (UDM) network element.

[0039] Figure 3 Schematically shows a flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3The method provided by the embodiment may be executed by a storage function network element in the user plane of the mobile core network, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0040] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the SMF network element may determine whether the PDU session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate the store-and-forward mode according to the parameter information of the PDU session establishment, and generate corresponding indication information, which is used to indicate whether the UPF network element performs a store-and-forward operation or activates the store-and-forward mode on the data packets of the PDU session.

[0041] In some embodiments, the function of the storage function network element is integrated in the user plane function network element. When the function of the storage function network element is implemented by the UPF network element, the UPF network element may also receive indication information from the SMF network element. After receiving the data packet, the UPF network element may determine whether to store the data packet according to the indication of the SMF and / or by comprehensively considering its own transmission capabilities, network conditions, etc. If it is determined to store the data packet, it determines the save time information of the data packet (here it refers to the information related to the storage duration of the data packet in the UPF network element); then stores the data packet in the UPF network element. For example, a storage function module may be divided in the UPF network element, and the data packet is stored in the storage function module. The UPF network element determines the transmission time for sending the data packet out according to the save time information of the data packet. When the transmission time arrives, the UPF network element sends the data packet out. In other embodiments, the storage function network element may be another network element independent of the user plane function network element. That is, in order to implement the store-and-forward function, a new storage function network element may be added to the mobile core network, or a data storage function may be added to the user plane function (UPF) network element, that is, the function of the storage function network element is integrated in the UPF network element.

[0042] The storage function network element in the embodiment of the present disclosure has the functions of data storage and forwarding, that is, it can be used to store the received data packets and send the data packets out when the transmission time arrives, and can also be called a data storage function network element or other names.

[0043] The storage function network element / module in the embodiment of the present disclosure refers to the network element / module in the network for storing the transmission data sent by the terminal and / or sent to the terminal. The size of the storage space of the storage function network element / module can be set according to actual needs, and the present disclosure does not limit the size of its storage space. The storage duration of the data packet in the storage function network element / module can be determined according to the forwarding requirements of the data packet, network conditions, the transmission capabilities of the network elements (such as the UPF network element in the network, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto) for transmitting the data packet, etc.

[0044] Such as Figure 3As shown, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include:

[0045] In S310, receive a data packet and the save time information of the data packet from a user plane function network element.

[0046] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the data packet received by the storage function network element from the UPF network element may be an uplink data packet that the UE is ready to send to the service server, and / or a downlink data packet that the service server is ready to send to the UE. The data packet may be a service data packet of a target service. The target service may be, for example, an Internet of Things service with low requirements for latency, as well as multimedia services such as AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality). The present disclosure does not limit this.

[0047] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the data packet received by the storage function network element from the UPF network element may be a service data packet that is not sensitive to latency. That is, when the UPF network element receives a data packet, it may determine whether to send the received data packet to the storage function network element for transfer and storage according to the indication information received from the session management function network element SMF. If the SMF network element does not indicate the UPF network element through this indication information that the PDU session where the data packet is located or the QoS flow of this PDU session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation, or the store-and-forward mode is not activated, then after receiving this indication information, the UPF network element directly sends out (for example, for an uplink data packet, the UPF network element may send it to the service server; for a downlink data packet, the UPF network element may send it to another UPF or the base station) this data packet without storing it in this storage function network element. If the SMF network element indicates the UPF network element through this indication information that the PDU session where the data packet is located or the QoS flow of this PDU session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation, or the store-and-forward mode is activated, then the UPF network element determines the save time information of this data packet, first sends this data packet and its save time information to the storage function network element for storage, and then waits until an appropriate time to forward this data packet from this storage function network element.

[0048] In some embodiments, when the UPF network element receives the indication information from the SMF network element, it may forward the corresponding received data packet to the storage function network element for storage according to this indication information. In other embodiments, after the UPF network element receives the indication information from the SMF network element, it may further determine whether to forward and store the data packet to the storage function network element according to this indication information in combination with its own situation (such as transmission capacity, network conditions, etc.).

[0049] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the indication information sent by the SMF network element to the UPF network element can be represented in any suitable manner, as long as it can serve the purpose of indicating whether the UPF network element stores and forwards the received data packets to the storage function network element. For example, the indication information can be represented by "yes" or "no". If the indication information is "yes", it indicates that the UPF network element stores and forwards the data packets of the corresponding PDU session or the QoS flow of the PDU session; if the indication information is "no", it indicates that the UPF network element does not need to store and forward the data packets of the corresponding PDU session or the QoS flow of the PDU session. For another example, the indication information can be used to indicate whether to perform the operation of storing and forwarding. If the UPF network element receives the indication information from the SMF network element, it can indicate that the UPF network element performs the operation of storing and forwarding; if the UPF network element does not receive the indication information from the SMF network element, it can indicate that the UPF network element does not perform the operation of storing and forwarding. For another example, the indication information can indicate whether the UPF network element activates the storage and forwarding mode. If the UPF network element receives the indication information from the SMF network element, it can indicate that the UPF network element activates the storage and forwarding mode; if the UPF network element does not receive the indication information from the SMF network element, it can indicate that the UPF network element does not activate the storage and forwarding mode. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples.

[0050] In the above embodiments, the example of the SMF network element sending indication information to the UPF network element is taken, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the SMF network element may not send indication information to the UPF network element, and the UPF network element determines whether to forward the received data packets to the storage function network element for storage according to its own situation (such as one or more of transmission capacity, forwarding requirements of the received data packets, network conditions, etc.).

[0051] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the SMF network element determines whether to instruct the UPF that the PDU session or the QoS flow of the PDU session needs to perform the operation of storing and forwarding, or activate the storage and forwarding mode for the PDU session or the QoS flow of the PDU session, based on the configuration information of the SMF. According to parameters such as the DNN, S-NSSAI, and SSC Mode (Session and Service Continuity) of the PDU session, or the application function AF network element indicates that the service is a delay-insensitive service or indicates that the data of the service can perform the operation of storing and forwarding, or the policy information of the policy control function PCF network element, etc. The UPF network element determines whether the data packet needs to perform the operation of storing and forwarding according to the indication of the SMF.

[0052] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, after receiving the indication from the SMF, the UPF may further determine whether to perform the store-and-forward operation according to one or more of the data transmission capabilities of the UPF network element, the congestion status of the network, the requirements of the data packet for transmission delay, the priority of the data packet, and the like. For example, if the current transmission capability of the UPF network element can transmit all the data packets it receives, the UPF network element may directly send all the data packets it receives to the outside. For another example, if the current transmission capability of the UPF network element cannot transmit all the data packets it receives, it may determine the service data packets that need to be preferentially sent according to the transmission delay requirements of the data packets, the priority of the data packets, etc., and store the remaining data packets in the storage function network element. In this way, the system can preferentially schedule some services with high requirements for delay, and delay the forwarding of the data packets of some services that are not sensitive to delay, so as to ensure and meet the transmission requirements of more services under the condition of limited network resources.

[0053] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the save time information of the data packet refers to the information related to indicating the storage duration of the data packet in the storage function network element, or the information related to the time when the storage function network element sends the data packet to the outside after receiving the data packet. For example, the save time information of the data packet may include at least one of the latest forwarding time, the recommended forwarding time, the recommended save duration, the maximum save duration, etc. of the data packet.

[0054] Among them, the latest forwarding time is used to indicate that the storage function unit sends the data packet to the outside before the latest forwarding time. The recommended forwarding time is used to recommend that the storage function unit send the data packet to the outside at the recommended forwarding time. The recommended save duration is used to recommend that the storage function unit start timing when receiving the data packet, and send the data packet to the outside when the recommended save duration is reached. The maximum save duration is used to indicate that the storage function unit starts timing when receiving the data packet, and sends the data packet to the outside before reaching the maximum save duration.

[0055] In S320, store the data packet and the save time information of the data packet.

[0056] After receiving the data packet and its save time information from the UPF network element, the storage function unit may associate and store the data packet and its save time information according to the indication of the UPF.

[0057] In S330, determine the sending time of the data packet according to the save time information.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the transmission time of a data packet according to the preservation time information includes: if the preservation time information includes the latest forwarding time of the data packet, determining the transmission time of the data packet according to the capacity of the storage function network element and / or the forwarding requirements of the data packets already stored in the storage function network element, where the transmission time is earlier than the latest forwarding time; if the preservation time information includes the recommended forwarding time of the data packet, determining the transmission time according to the recommended forwarding time; if the preservation time information includes the recommended preservation duration of the data packet, recording the reception time of the data packet received from the user plane function network element, and determining the transmission time according to the recommended preservation duration and the reception time; if the preservation time information includes the maximum preservation duration of the data packet, recording the reception time of the data packet, and determining the transmission time according to the maximum preservation duration and the reception time.

[0059] If in S320 above, the storage function network element receives the latest forwarding time of the data packet from the UPF network element, then forward the data packet externally before the latest forwarding time. At this time, the specific transmission time of the data packet can be determined according to the capacity of the storage function network element itself and / or the forwarding requirements of each data packet already stored in the storage function network element. For example, when the data volume of the data packets already stored on the storage function network element reaches a predetermined percentage (such as 80%, only for illustration here, not limited thereto) of the capacity of the storage function network element itself, the data packet can be sent externally in advance before the latest forwarding time, so that the storage function network element can normally receive the data packets subsequently sent by the UPF network element.

[0060] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the forwarding requirements for storing data packets may include the latest forwarding time and / or priority of each data packet. For example, assuming that there are multiple data packets with the same latest forwarding time stored in a storage function network element, a time offset may be randomly generated for each data packet, and the time offsets of different data packets are different. Starting from the time when the data packet is received by the storage function network element, when the time offset is reached, the corresponding data packet is sent out. This can avoid sending these multiple data packets out at the same time, for example, simultaneously forwarding them to the UPF network element, which may bring a large sending pressure to the UPF network element. Instead, each data packet is randomly sent out at different time points. For another example, a fixed offset may also be assigned to each data packet, and different data packets are assigned different offsets, such as 1 s (second), 2 s, etc. For another example, a percentage time point may be set. When a predetermined percentage of the duration between the reception time (the time when the storage function network element receives the data packet from the UPF network element) and the latest forwarding time is satisfied, the corresponding data packet is forwarded. For another example, various sorting algorithms may also be set, and the data packets are sent out according to the sorting. When the forwarding requirements include the priority of the data packet, for multiple data packets with the same latest forwarding time, the data packets with higher priority may be sent first. At this time, the UPF network element may also send the priority of the QoS (Quality of Service) flow to which the data packet belongs to the data storage network element.

[0061] If, in S320 above, the storage function network element receives the proposed forwarding time of the data packet from the UPF network element, the data packet may be forwarded at the proposed forwarding time. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The storage function network element may also determine the specific sending time of the data packet by integrating one or more of the capacity of the storage function network element itself, the current transmission capacity of the UPF network element, the congestion state of the network, the forwarding requirements of each data packet already stored in the storage function network element, the proposed forwarding time of each data packet already stored, etc.

[0062] If, in S320 above, the storage function network element receives the proposed storage duration of the data packet from the UPF network element, the reception time when the storage function network element receives the data packet may be recorded at the same time, and the data packet is sent out according to the proposed storage duration, for example, sent to the UPF network element. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The storage function network element may also determine the specific sending time of the data packet by integrating one or more of the capacity of the storage function network element itself, the current transmission capacity of the UPF network element, the congestion state of the network, the forwarding requirements of each data packet already stored in the storage function network element, the proposed storage duration of each data packet already stored, etc.

[0063] If, in S320 above, the storage function network element receives the maximum retention duration of the data packet from the UPF network element, it may record the reception time when the storage function network element receives the data packet and send the data packet externally before the end of the maximum retention duration, for example, send it to the UPF network element. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The storage function network element may also determine the specific transmission time of the data packet based on one or more of the capacity of the storage function network element itself, the current transmission capacity of the UPF network element, the congestion state of the network, the forwarding requirements of each stored data packet in the storage function network element, the maximum retention duration of each stored data packet, etc.

[0064] In S340, the data packet is sent externally at the transmission time.

[0065] In some embodiments, the storage function network element may send the data packet to the UPF network element at the transmission time. If it is an uplink data packet, the data packet is sent to the service server through the UPF network element. If it is a downlink data packet, the data is sent to other UPFs or the base station through the UPF network element, and the downlink data packet is further sent to the UE. In other embodiments, for an uplink data packet, the storage function network element may send the data packet to the service server at the transmission time, that is, it does not need to be sent back to the UPF network element first and then forwarded externally by the UPF network. In the following embodiments, it is exemplified that the storage function network element first sends the data packet to the UPF network element, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, if the storage function network element is shared by multiple user plane function network elements, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: recording the identification information of the user plane function network element that sends the data packet. Among them, sending the data packet externally at the transmission time includes: sending the data packet to the user plane function network element corresponding to the identification information at the transmission time.

[0067] If the storage function network element is shared by multiple UPF network elements, the storage function network element may record the identification information of the UPF network element from which it receives the data packet when receiving the data packet from the UPF network element in S310, and send the received data packet to the UPF network element corresponding to the identification information at the transmission time in S340. If the storage function network element is unique to a UPF network element, the data packet may be directly sent to the UPF network element.

[0068] The data packet transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, on the one hand, adds a storage function network element to the user plane of the mobile core network. By using this storage function network element, data packets in the user plane function network element can be stored, thereby alleviating the data transmission pressure of the user plane function network element. When network resources are limited, it can preferentially send more urgent data packets, thus ensuring and meeting the response requirements of services. On the other hand, for the data packets stored in this storage function network element, the transmission time can be obtained by saving time information, so that the data packets can be forwarded at an appropriate time.

[0069] For the newly added storage function network element, the following will be described by way of examples in combination with Figure 4 and Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 and Figure 7 respectively.

[0070] The base station mentioned in the following embodiments may be a base station with New Radio (NR) Satellite access technology in a satellite and mobile network convergence system, or a base station deployed on a satellite, or a base station with a satellite link as the backhaul. The present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the base station in the following embodiments may also be a base station in a mobile network system.

[0071] In a satellite and mobile network convergence system, whether it is a satellite access system or a satellite backhaul system, there are problems of long transmission delay and limited transmission resources. Therefore, for services with low requirements for delay, in order to effectively schedule transmission resources, the system considers storing data packets of some delay-insensitive services in the storage function network element and then forwarding them at an appropriate time point. In this way, the system can preferentially schedule data packets of some services with high requirements for delay and delay the forwarding of data packets of some delay-insensitive services. This can achieve ensuring and meeting the transmission requirements of more services under limited network resources.

[0072] Figure 4 Schematically shows an interaction schematic diagram of the data packet transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure applied to uplink data packets. As Figure 4 shown, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0073] In S41, the UE establishes a control plane transmission path for data transmission. The following takes the UE establishing a control plane transmission path for uplink data transmission as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0074] The UE establishes a control plane forwarding path for uplink data transmission. For example, it can refer to steps 1 to 4 in section 4.21.4 of TS 23.502 v18.3.0. The UE includes a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session ID (identity) and an uplink data packet in this process.

[0075] Optionally, in the above process, when the UE sends an uplink data packet in S41, it can include a time parameter of the data packet (optionally, it can also include the data flow direction of the data packet, and this data flow direction indicates that the value of the time parameter is applicable to the uplink data packet and / or the downlink data packet). This time parameter is used to indicate information related to the transmission time of the data packet during transmission between the UE and the service server. For example, this time parameter can include the latest time for the uplink data packet to be transmitted from the UE to the service server (referred to as the latest arrival time) and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay of the uplink data packet from the UE to the service server and / or the latest arrival time of the downlink data packet from the service server to the UE and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay.

[0076] In this process, the SMF network element receives the uplink data packet. Optionally, the SMF network element also receives the time parameter of the data packet. Optionally, the data flow direction can be used to indicate whether the value of the corresponding time parameter is applicable to the uplink data packet, or the downlink data packet, or both the uplink data packet and the downlink data packet. When the time parameter is included but the data flow direction is not included, it can indicate that the time parameter is applicable to both the uplink data packet and the downlink data packet.

[0077] Optionally, when the SMF network element receives the time parameter and the data flow direction indicates that the time parameter is applicable to the uplink data packet, it can also determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter.

[0078] In some embodiments, when the UE sends an uplink data packet in this process, it can also carry the latest arrival time of the uplink data packet. Optionally, the SMF network element can determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the latest arrival time. For example, the SMF network element can record the time when the uplink data packet arrives at the SMF network element, estimate the time required for the uplink data packet to be transmitted from the SMF network element to the service server, and then determine the storage time information according to the time when the uplink data packet arrives at the SMF network element, the estimated required time, and the latest arrival time, that is, to ensure that the uplink data packet can arrive at the service server before the latest arrival time.

[0079] In some embodiments, when the UE sends an uplink data packet in this process, it may also carry a timestamp and the maximum value of the transmission delay. The timestamp indicates the time when the uplink data packet is sent from the UE. When the SMF network element receives the uplink data packet, it can calculate the duration that the uplink data packet has taken to be transmitted from the UE to the SMF network element based on the timestamp and the time when the SMF network element receives the uplink data packet. The SMF network element has the ability to estimate the duration required for the uplink data packet to be transmitted from the SMF network element to the service server. The SMF network element can obtain the save time information of the uplink data packet in the storage function network element based on the maximum value of the transmission delay, the duration that the uplink data packet has taken to be transmitted from the UE to the SMF network element, and the estimated duration required for the uplink data packet to be transmitted from the SMF network element to the service server. For example, the SMF network element can subtract the duration that the uplink data packet has taken to be transmitted from the UE to the SMF network element from the maximum value of the transmission delay, and then subtract the duration required for the uplink data packet to be transmitted from the SMF network element to the service server, to obtain the save time information of the uplink data packet in the storage function network element. By determining the save time information by having the uplink data packet sent by the UE carry a timestamp, the accuracy of the save time information can be improved and its calculation process can be simplified.

[0080] In other embodiments, when the UE sends an uplink data packet in this process, it may also carry the maximum value of the transmission delay but not carry a timestamp. When the SMF network element receives the uplink data packet, it can estimate the duration that the uplink data packet has taken to be transmitted from the UE to the SMF network element based on the spatial position of the SMF network element itself, considering the distance from the UE and the transmission speed of the uplink data packet. The SMF network element also has the ability to estimate the duration required for the uplink data packet to be transmitted from the SMF network element to the service server. The SMF network element can obtain the save time information of the uplink data packet in the storage function network element based on the maximum value of the transmission delay, the estimated duration that the uplink data packet has taken to be transmitted from the UE to the SMF network element, and the estimated duration required for the uplink data packet to be transmitted from the SMF network element to the service server. By determining the save time information by having the uplink data packet sent by the UE not carry a timestamp, the modification to the UE side can be reduced and the transmission cost is not increased, making the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure more universal.

[0081] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the core network elements can be deployed on the same satellite, on the ground, or on different satellites. When the core network elements are deployed on the same satellite, the transmission delay between different core network elements for the uplink data packet can be almost negligible. In this case, the transmission delay is mainly between the UE and the satellite. At this time, the distance between the UE and the satellite can be estimated based on the positions of the UE and the satellite. At high altitudes, the uplink data packet is transmitted at almost the speed of light, so the time taken for the uplink data packet to be transmitted between the UE and the satellite can be estimated. When the core network elements are on the ground, the distance between the UE and the core network elements can be calculated, and the elapsed time can also be estimated. When the core network elements are deployed on different satellites, the elapsed time can be estimated based on the spatial positions of the UE and the satellite acting as the base station, as well as the topological relationship between different satellites. In a similar manner, the time required for the uplink data packet to be transmitted between the core network element and the service server can be estimated.

[0082] In some other embodiments, to calculate the retention time information of the uplink data packet more accurately, in S41, the SMF can obtain the currently adopted NR (New Radio) satellite access type. The SMF can determine the retention time information of the uplink data packet based on the currently adopted NR satellite access type and the received retention time parameter. The SMF can also send the currently adopted NR satellite access type to the UPF, and the UPF determines the retention time information of the uplink data packet based on the received currently adopted NR satellite access type and the received retention time parameter.

[0083] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the SMF can locally configure the currently adopted NR satellite access type. In some other embodiments, the SMF can receive the currently adopted NR satellite access type from the AMF. The AMF can determine the currently adopted NR satellite access type and send the currently adopted NR satellite access type to the SMF. Thus, when the currently accessed satellite changes or the satellite orbit changes, the SMF can still obtain the real-time position of the satellite.

[0084] The currently adopted NR satellite access types can include low-earth orbit, medium-earth orbit, and high-earth orbit, etc. Based on the currently adopted NR satellite access type, the current spatial position of the satellite can be determined more accurately, and thus the above-mentioned elapsed time and required time can be estimated more accurately.

[0085] In S42, the SMF sends the received uplink data packet to the UPF.

[0086] In some embodiments, when the SMF sends the received uplink data packet to the UPF, it may send the time parameter of the uplink data packet to the UPF, such as the latest arrival time when the uplink data packet needs to be transmitted to the service server, or the maximum value of the transmission delay. After receiving the uplink data packet and its time parameter, the UPF may determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet in the storage function network element according to the received time parameter, such as the latest forwarding time, the recommended forwarding time, etc. The way for the UPF to determine the storage time information according to the time parameter may refer to the way for the SMF to determine the storage time information according to the time parameter as described above.

[0087] In some other embodiments, the SMF may determine the storage time information according to the time parameter of the uplink data packet, and then send the storage time information to the UPF when sending the uplink data packet to the UPF.

[0088] By the SMF sending the time parameter and / or the storage time information of the uplink data packet to the UPF when sending the uplink data packet to the UPF, different time parameters and / or storage time information can be set for each different uplink data packet, so that the configuration of the storage time information of the uplink data packet in the storage function network element is more flexible.

[0089] In some other embodiments, the AF may also send the time parameter of the service data packet (including the uplink data packet and / or the downlink data packet), such as the maximum value of the transmission delay or the latest arrival time, to the NEF, and the NEF sends the time parameter directly or indirectly to the UPF. The UPF determines the time for the uplink data packet to be stored in the storage function network element (i.e., the storage time information) according to the received time parameter, such as obtaining the latest forwarding time or the recommended forwarding time of the uplink data packet.

[0090] In some other embodiments, the AF may also send the time parameter of the service data packet, such as the maximum value of the transmission delay or the latest arrival time, to the SMF. The SMF sends the time parameter to the UPF, and the UPF determines the time for the service data packet to be stored in the storage function network element according to the received time parameter, that is, the storage time information.

[0091] In some other embodiments, the AF may also directly send the time parameter of the service data packet, such as the maximum value of the transmission delay or the latest arrival time, to the UPF. The UPF determines the time for the service data packet to be stored in the storage function network element according to the received time parameter, that is, the storage time information.

[0092] In the case where the AF directly or indirectly sends the time parameter to the UPF, the AF may further include the packet identification information of the service packet, and / or the identification information of the AF, and / or the DNN, and / or the S-NSSAI, etc. The packet identification information refers to the information used to identify the service packet that can be applicable to the time parameter. The packet identification information may include, for example, IP (Internet Protocol) five-tuple information or three-tuple information. The IP five-tuple information may include the source IP address, source port number, destination IP address, destination port number, and IP protocol. The IP three-tuple information may include the destination IP address, destination port number, and IP protocol. Among them:

[0093] - The identification information of the AF is used for the network to authenticate and authorize the AF.

[0094] - The IP five-tuple information or IP three-tuple information of the service packet is used for the UPF to match the packet information related to the AF request. That is, the UPF directly or indirectly receives the IP five-tuple information, or IP three-tuple information, and the time parameter from the AF, and determines the retention time information according to the time parameter. When the UPF receives a service packet, if the service packet matches the IP five-tuple information or IP three-tuple information transmitted by the AF, the corresponding retention time information is used for the received service packet, and it is stored in the storage function network element.

[0095] In some embodiments, when the time parameter sent by the AF includes the latest arrival time of the uplink packet transmitted from the UE to the service server and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay, the AF may also directly or indirectly send the UE identifier and / or UE group identifier to the SMF and / or UPF, to indicate that the latest arrival time is applicable to the uplink packets sent by the UE that matches the UE identifier, and / or to indicate that the latest arrival time is applicable to the uplink packets sent by the UE group (which may include at least one UE) that matches the UE group identifier.

[0096] Configuring the time parameter of the service packet through the AF can achieve batch setting of the service packets sent by the UE and / or UE group. The UE side does not need to separately send the time parameter for each service packet, thereby reducing the modification to the UE side and having higher compatibility.

[0097] In S43, the UPF sends the received uplink packet to the storage function network element.

[0098] The UPF sends the received uplink data packet to the storage function network element. In addition, the UPF also sends the preservation time information of the uplink data packet to the storage function network element, and the preservation time information may include the latest forwarding time of the uplink data packet, or the recommended forwarding time, or the recommended preservation duration, or the maximum preservation duration.

[0099] In S44, the storage function network element stores the received uplink data packet according to the instruction of the UPF.

[0100] The storage function network element stores the received uplink data packet and determines the sending time according to the preservation time information. If the latest forwarding time of the uplink data packet is also received in S43, the uplink data packet will be forwarded (sent to the UPF and / or the service server) before the latest forwarding time, and the specific sending time of the uplink data packet can be jointly determined according to the capacity of the storage function network element itself and the forwarding requirements of each data packet (which may include uplink data packets and / or downlink data packets); if the recommended forwarding time of the uplink data packet is received in S43, the uplink data packet can be forwarded at the recommended forwarding time; if the recommended preservation duration of the uplink data packet is received in S43, the reception time of the uplink data packet can be recorded at the same time, and when the recommended preservation duration ends, the uplink data packet will be sent to the UPF and / or the service server; if the maximum preservation duration of the uplink data packet is received in S43, the reception time of the uplink data packet can be recorded at the same time, and before the maximum preservation duration ends, the uplink data packet will be sent to the UPF and / or the service server.

[0101] In S45, the storage function network element sends the uplink data packet to the UPF.

[0102] If the storage function network element is shared by multiple UPFs, the storage function network element may record the identification information of the UPF from which it receives the uplink data packet in S43, and when the sending time arrives, send the uplink data packet received in S43 to the UPF corresponding to the identification information of the UPF. If the storage function network element is unique to the UPF, when the sending time arrives, the uplink data packet can be directly sent to the UPF and / or the service server. If the storage function network element can send the uplink data packet to the service server without passing through the UPF, regardless of whether the storage function network element is shared by multiple UPFs or unique to the UPF, the storage function network element will send the uplink data packet to the service server when the sending time arrives.

[0103] Figure 5 Schematically shows an interaction diagram of the data packet transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure applied to downlink data packets. As Figure 5 shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0104] It should be noted that Figure 4 The control plane transmission path established in S41 in the embodiments is not limited to being used for transmitting uplink data, but can also be used for transmitting downlink data. In Figure 5 S57, the control plane transmission path established in S41 can be adopted.

[0105] Optionally, in the process of the UE establishing a control plane transmission path, the UE can send the time parameter of the data packet to the SMF. The UE can also send the data flow direction of the time parameter to the SMF. The SMF can send the time parameter of the data packet (optionally, also including the data flow direction) to the UPF. After receiving the time parameter (optionally, also including the data flow direction), if the UPF determines that the time parameter is applicable to the downlink data packet, it can determine the storage time information of the downlink data packet according to the time parameter. The time parameter of the downlink data packet can include the latest arrival time of the downlink data packet transmitted from the service server / AF network element to the UE and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay. The UPF can determine the storage time information of the downlink data packet according to the time parameter.

[0106] Optionally, the SMF can determine the storage time information of the downlink data packet according to the received time parameter of the downlink data packet, and then send the storage time information to the UPF.

[0107] In S52, the UPF receives the downlink data packet.

[0108] For example, the UPF can receive the downlink data packet from the service server. Optionally, when the service server sends the downlink data packet to the UPF, it can carry the time parameter of the data packet (optionally, also including the data flow direction), and the UPF can determine the storage time information of the downlink data packet according to the received time parameter of the data packet (optionally, also including the data flow direction).

[0109] In some other embodiments, the AF can also send the time parameter of the data packet (optionally, also including the data flow direction) to the NEF, and the NEF sends the time parameter (optionally, also including the data flow direction) to the UPF directly or indirectly. The UPF determines the storage time information of the downlink data packet in the storage function network element according to the received time parameter applicable to the downlink data packet. In still some other embodiments, the AF can also directly send the time parameter of the data packet to the UPF. The UPF determines the storage time information of the uplink data packet in the storage function network element according to the received time parameter applicable to the uplink data packet.

[0110] In S53, the UPF sends the received downlink data packet to the storage function network element.

[0111] In addition, the UPF may also send the preservation time information of the downlink data packet to the storage function network element. If multiple UPFs share the storage function network element, the UPF may also send the identification information of the UPF to the storage function network element.

[0112] In S54, the storage function network element stores the received downlink data packet according to the indication of the UPF.

[0113] In addition, the storage function network element also stores the preservation time information of the received downlink data packet. And determines the transmission time of the downlink data packet according to the preservation time information of the received downlink data packet.

[0114] In S55, the storage function network element sends the downlink data packet to the UPF.

[0115] The storage function network element sends the downlink data packet externally when the transmission time arrives according to the determined transmission time. Here, taking sending to the UPF as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The storage function network element may also send the downlink data packet to the UE without passing through the UPF.

[0116] In S56, the UPF sends the downlink data packet to the SMF.

[0117] After receiving the downlink data packet from the storage function network element, the UPF sends the downlink data packet to the SMF.

[0118] In S57, the SMF sends the downlink data packet to the UE through the control plane transmission path.

[0119] The data packet transmission method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure combines the control plane and the user plane. On the one hand, establishing a control plane transmission path to realize the transmission of service data packets can save radio resources. On the other hand, by adding a storage function network element in the user plane to store service data packets that are not sensitive to delay, the UPF can preferentially transmit service data packets with urgent delay to meet the normal response requirements of different services.

[0120] Figure 6 Schematically shows an interaction schematic diagram of the data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure applied to uplink data packets. As Figure 6 shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0121] In S61, the UE establishes a PDU session.

[0122] The UE establishes a PDU session. For example, it may refer to steps 1 to 14 in section 4.3.2.2.1 of TS23.502 v18.3.0 Figure 4 .3.2.2.1-1

[0123] In the above process, the SMF network element determines whether to instruct the UPF network element that the PDU session or the QoS flow of the PDU session needs to perform store-and-forward operations, or to activate the store-and-forward mode for the PDU session or the QoS flow of the PDU session. The SMF is based on the configuration information of the SMF, or according to parameters such as the DNN, S-NSSAI, and SSC Mode of the PDU session, or the application function AF indicates that the service is a delay-insensitive service, or the policy information of the policy control function network element PCF, etc. If the SMF network element confirms that it is necessary to instruct the UPF network element that the PDU session or the QoS flow of the PDU session needs to perform store-and-forward operations, or to activate the store-and-forward mode for the PDU session or the QoS flow of the PDU session, it will send relevant indication information to the UPF network element. The UPF network element determines whether the data packet needs to perform store-and-forward operations according to the indication information of the SMF.

[0124] Optionally, in the above process, when initiating the establishment of a PDU session, the UE may include time parameters of the data packet (optionally, the data flow direction is also included), such as the maximum transmission delay and / or the latest arrival time at the service server. After receiving the time parameter (optionally, the data flow direction is also included), the SMF may send the time parameter (optionally, the data flow direction is also included) of the data packet to the UPF in this process. After receiving the time parameter (optionally, the data flow direction is also included), the UPF may determine the time parameter applicable to the uplink data packet according to whether the data flow direction is carried or according to the data flow direction, and determine the save time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter applicable to the uplink data packet. For example, when the UPF receives an uplink data packet sent by the UE, it will calculate the latest forwarding time, or the recommended forwarding time, or the recommended save duration, or the maximum save time of the uplink data packet according to the maximum save duration sent by the SMF. And send the save time information and the uplink data packet to the storage function network element. In some other embodiments, in order to support the UPF to more accurately calculate the save time information of the uplink data packet, in this process, the SMF may also send the currently adopted NR satellite access type to the UPF. The UPF may determine the save time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter and the currently adopted NR satellite access type.

[0125] Optionally, when it is desired to update the time parameters of the UE's data packet, the UE may initiate a PDU session update process, in which the updated time parameters of the UE's data packet are included, and the SMF or the UPF may determine the updated save time information according to the updated time parameters.

[0126] In some other embodiments, when the UE initiates a PDU session establishment in S61, time parameters of data packets of the UE may be included. The SMF calculates preservation time information of the uplink data packets, such as the maximum preservation duration, based on the time parameters and the current NR satellite access type, and sends the preservation time information, such as the maximum preservation duration, to the UPF.

[0127] In addition, the application function AF may also send time parameters of service data packets, such as the maximum value of the transmission delay (optionally, also including the data flow direction), to the NEF. The NEF sends the time parameters, such as the maximum value information of the transmission delay (optionally, also including the data flow direction), to the UPF directly or indirectly. The UPF further determines the time for which the uplink data packets are to be stored in the storage function network element based on the time parameters (optionally, also including the data flow direction), or further obtains the latest forwarding time for each uplink data packet, or a recommended forwarding time. The application function AF may also directly send the time parameters (optionally, also including the data flow direction) of the service data packets, such as the maximum value of the transmission delay, to the UPF. The AF may further include the IP five-tuple information of the service data packets and / or the identification information of the AF. The identification information of the AF is used for network authentication and authorization of the AF; the IP five-tuple information of the service data packets is used by the UPF to match the data packet information related to the AF request.

[0128] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, by sending time parameters to the SMF or UPF through establishing or updating the PDU session procedure, batch setting of the preservation time information of the uplink data packets can be achieved, the modification on the UE side can be reduced, and the compatibility can be improved.

[0129] In S62, the UE sends the uplink data packets to the UPF through the base station.

[0130] After the PDU session is established, the UE sends uplink data packets to the base station. After receiving the uplink data packets sent by the UE, the base station sends the uplink data packets to the UPF. The UPF receives the uplink data packets from the base station.

[0131] Optionally, when the UE sends the uplink data packets to the UPF through the base station, time parameters of the data packets (optionally, also including the data flow direction) may be carried at the same time. The UPF may determine the preservation time information of the uplink data packets based on the time parameters of the data packets (optionally, also including the data flow direction). When the UE carries the time parameters of the data packets when sending the uplink data packets to the UPF through the base station, it is possible to set respective time parameters for each data packet, making the time parameters of the data packets more flexible.

[0132] In S63, the UPF sends the received uplink data packets to the storage function network element.

[0133] In S63, the UPF sends the uplink data packet received in S62 to the storage function network element, and at the same time determines the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter of the data packet indicated by the SMF, such as the maximum transmission delay (optionally, also including the data flow direction), for example, the latest forwarding time, or the recommended forwarding time, or the recommended storage duration, or the maximum storage time. Alternatively, the UPF receives the uplink data packet and its storage time information from the SMF. Alternatively, the UPF determines the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter (optionally, also including the data flow direction) directly or indirectly received from the AF.

[0134] The UPF sends the storage time information of the uplink data packet to the storage function network element. If multiple UPFs share the same storage function network element, the UPF also sends its identification information to the storage function network element.

[0135] In S64, the storage function network element stores the received uplink data packet according to the indication of the UPF.

[0136] In S64, the storage function network element stores the received uplink data packet and the storage time information of the uplink data packet, and determines the transmission time of the uplink data packet according to the storage time information.

[0137] In S65, the storage function network element sends the uplink data packet to the UPF.

[0138] If the latest forwarding time of the uplink data packet is received in S63, the uplink data packet can be forwarded before the latest forwarding time, and the specific transmission time of the uplink data packet can be jointly determined according to the capacity of the storage function network element itself and the forwarding requirements of each data packet; if the recommended forwarding time of the uplink data packet is received in S63, the uplink data packet can be forwarded at the recommended forwarding time; if the recommended storage duration of the uplink data packet is received in S63, the reception time of the uplink data packet can be recorded at the same time, and at the end of the recommended storage duration, the uplink data packet is sent to the UPF or the service server; if the maximum storage duration of the uplink data packet is received in S63, the reception time of the uplink data packet can be recorded at the same time, and before the end of the maximum storage duration, the uplink data packet is sent to the UPF or the service server.

[0139] If the storage function network element sends the uplink data packet received in S63 to the UPF, the UPF sends the uplink data packet externally.

[0140] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the SMF network element may receive time parameters of data packets from the UE side, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element. The time parameters may include transmission time parameters of uplink data packets and / or downlink data packets. The transmission time parameter of the uplink data packet refers to the latest arrival time of the uplink data packet transmitted from the UE to the service server and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay. The transmission time parameter of the downlink data packet refers to the latest arrival time of the downlink data packet transmitted from the service server / AF network element to the UE and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay. If the transmission time parameter does not indicate whether it is applicable to the uplink data packet or the downlink data packet, it means that the transmission time parameter can be used for both the uplink data packet and the downlink data packet at the same time. The transmission time parameter may have the following two implementation manners, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0141] In some embodiments, the SMF network element may receive the uplink time parameter of the uplink data packet and / or the downlink time parameter of the downlink data packet from the UE side, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element. The uplink time parameter refers to the latest arrival time of the uplink data packet transmitted from the UE to the service server and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay. The downlink time parameter refers to the latest arrival time of the downlink data packet transmitted from the service server / AF network element to the UE and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay.

[0142] In some other embodiments, the SMF network element may receive time parameters (optionally including the data flow direction of the time parameters) from the UE side, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element. The data flow direction of the time parameter is used to indicate whether the time parameter is applicable to the uplink data packet or the downlink data packet, or is applicable to both the uplink data packet and the downlink data packet at the same time. If the SMF network element only receives the time parameter and does not receive the data flow direction, it may indicate that the time parameter is applicable to both the uplink data packet and the downlink data packet at the same time. The time parameter applicable to the uplink data packet refers to the latest arrival time of the uplink data packet transmitted from the UE to the service server and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay. The time parameter applicable to the downlink data packet refers to the latest arrival time of the downlink data packet transmitted from the service server / AF network element to the UE and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay.

[0143] Figure 7 Schematically shows an interaction diagram of the data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure applied to the downlink data packet. As Figure 7 shown, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0144] In S71, the UE establishes a PDU session.

[0145] In S72, the UPF receives the downlink data packet.

[0146] In S73, the UPF sends the received downlink data packet to the storage functional network element. In addition, the UPF also sends the save time information of the downlink data packet to the storage functional network element. The determination of the save time information of the downlink data packet can refer to the above embodiments.

[0147] In S74, the storage functional network element stores the received downlink data packet according to the indication of the UPF. The storage functional network element also receives the save time information of the downlink data packet and determines the transmission time of the downlink data packet according to the save time information.

[0148] In S75, the storage functional network element sends the downlink data packet to the UPF. The storage functional network element sends the downlink data packet to the UPF at the transmission time. In some other embodiments, the storage functional network element may also send the downlink data packet to the base station.

[0149] In S76, the UPF sends the downlink data packet to the UE through the base station.

[0150] The UPF sends the downlink data packet received from the storage functional network element to the base station, and the base station forwards the downlink data packet to the UE. Alternatively, the base station forwards the downlink data packet received from the storage functional network element to the UE.

[0151] In the current communication network system, the communication between the core network and the mobile terminal can be realized through a satellite link. However, since a satellite link usually brings high latency, if the latency requirements of some services of the terminal cannot be met, the services will not be able to respond normally. For example, in some special cases, when the terminal is located in remote areas such as an island, an isolated forest, or a mountainous area, a satellite link needs to be used. If strict low-latency quality of service standards are followed, the satellite link may not be able to respond to some services, thus unable to meet the actual needs. The data packet transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the user plane data processing of a satellite and mobile network convergence system. For a satellite and mobile communication network convergence system, considering that satellite transmission resources are scarce, by storing and forwarding data of delay-insensitive services, the limited transmission resources can be utilized to effectively schedule service data.

[0152] Figure 8 Schematically shows a flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 The method provided by the embodiment can be executed by a user plane functional network element, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As Figure 8 shown, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0153] In S810, receive a data packet.

[0154] In an exemplary embodiment, the data packet includes an uplink data packet. Among them, receiving the data packet includes: receiving the uplink data packet from a session management function network element.

[0155] In an exemplary embodiment, the data packet includes an uplink data packet. Among them, receiving the data packet includes: receiving the uplink data packet from a base station.

[0156] In an exemplary embodiment, the base station is any one of a base station with New Radio (NR) Satellite access technology, a base station deployed on a satellite, and a base station with a satellite link as a backhaul.

[0157] In S820, determine the storage time information of the data packet, and send the data packet and the storage time information of the data packet to a storage function network element, so as to instruct the storage function network element to store the data packet and the storage time information of the data packet, and determine the transmission time of the data packet according to the storage time information, and externally transmit the data packet at the transmission time.

[0158] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the storage time information of the data packet includes: receiving the storage time information of the uplink data packet from the session management function network element.

[0159] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the storage time information of the data packet includes: receiving time parameters of the data packet from the session management function network element, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; according to the time parameters of the data packet, determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet.

[0160] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the storage time information of the data packet includes: in a protocol data unit session establishment or update process, receiving time parameters of the data packet from the session management function network element, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; according to the time parameters of the data packet, determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet.

[0161] In an exemplary embodiment, according to the time parameters of the data packet, determining the storage time information of the uplink data packet includes: receiving the current satellite access type information from the session management function network element; according to the current satellite access type information and the time parameters, determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet.

[0162] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the storage time information of the data packet includes: in a protocol data unit session establishment or update process, receiving the storage time information of the uplink data packet from the session management function network element.

[0163] In an exemplary embodiment, the uplink data packet carries time parameters. Among them, determining the retention time information of the data packet includes: determining the retention time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameters carried by the uplink data packet.

[0164] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the retention time information of the data packet includes: directly or indirectly obtaining the time parameters of the data packet and the data packet identification information from the application function network element; if the data packet matches the data packet identification information, determining the time parameters of the data packet as the time parameters of the data packet, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; determining the retention time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet.

[0165] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the retention time information of the data packet and sending the data packet and the retention time information of the data packet to the storage function network element includes: receiving indication information; determining whether to determine the retention time information of the data packet according to the indication information, and sending the data packet and the retention time information of the data packet to the storage function network element.

[0166] Figure 8 For other content of the embodiment, reference may be made to the above embodiment.

[0167] Figure 9 The flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 9 The method provided by the embodiment may be executed by a terminal, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As Figure 9 shown, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0168] In S910, in establishing the control plane forwarding path for uplink data transmission, the uplink data packet is sent to the session management function network element, so that the session management function network element sends the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element.

[0169] Among them, the user plane function network element is used to receive the uplink data packet and determine the retention time information of the uplink data packet, and send the uplink data packet and the retention time information of the uplink data packet to the storage function network element.

[0170] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: sending the time parameters of the uplink data packet to the session management function network element, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the uplink data packet from the terminal to the service server and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay.

[0171] In an exemplary embodiment, sending the time parameter of the uplink data packet to the session management function network element includes: carrying the time parameter of the uplink data packet in the uplink data packet and sending it to the session management function network element.

[0172] In an exemplary embodiment, sending the time parameter of the uplink data packet to the session management function network element includes: sending the time parameter of the uplink data packet to the session management function network element in a protocol data unit session establishment or update process.

[0173] Figure 9 For other contents of the embodiment, reference may be made to the above embodiments.

[0174] Figure 10 A flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 10 The provided method may be executed by a terminal, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As Figure 10 shown, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0175] In S1010, initiate a protocol data unit session establishment or update process.

[0176] In S1020, send the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element through a base station.

[0177] Wherein, the user plane function network element is used to receive the uplink data packet and determine the save time information of the uplink data packet, and send the uplink data packet and the save time information of the uplink data packet to the storage function network element.

[0178] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: in the protocol data unit session establishment or update process, sending the time parameter of the uplink data packet to the session management function network element, where the time parameter includes the latest arrival time of the uplink data packet from the terminal to the service server and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay.

[0179] In an exemplary embodiment, when sending the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element through a base station, the uplink data packet carries the time parameter of the uplink data packet.

[0180] Figure 10 For other contents of the embodiment, reference may be made to the above embodiments.

[0181] Figure 11 A block diagram of a storage function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 11The storage function network element 1100 in the user plane of the provided mobile core network may include a receiving unit 1110, a storage unit 1120, a processing unit 1130, and a sending unit 1140.

[0182] The receiving unit 1110 is configured to receive a data packet and the save time information of the data packet from a user plane function network element. The storage unit 1120 is configured to store the data packet and the save time information of the data packet. The processing unit 1130 is configured to determine the sending time of the data packet according to the save time information. The sending unit 1140 is configured to send the data packet externally at the sending time.

[0183] In an exemplary embodiment, the functions of the storage function network element are integrated in the user plane function network element.

[0184] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 1130 is further configured to: if the save time information includes the latest forwarding time of the data packet, determine the sending time of the data packet according to the capacity of the storage function network element and / or the forwarding requirements of the data packets already stored in the storage function network element, where the sending time is earlier than the latest forwarding time; if the save time information includes the recommended forwarding time of the data packet, determine the sending time according to the recommended forwarding time; if the save time information includes the recommended save duration of the data packet, record the receiving time of receiving the data packet from the user plane function network element, and determine the sending time according to the recommended save duration and the receiving time; if the save time information includes the maximum save duration of the data packet, record the receiving time of the data packet, and determine the sending time according to the maximum save duration and the receiving time.

[0185] In an exemplary embodiment, if the storage function network element is shared by multiple user plane function network elements, the storage function network element 1100 further includes: a recording unit, configured to record the identification information of the user plane function network element that sends the data packet. Wherein, the sending unit 1140 is further configured to send the data packet to the user plane function network element corresponding to the identification information at the sending time.

[0186] Figure 11 Other contents of the storage function network element provided by the embodiment may refer to the above-mentioned other embodiments.

[0187] Figure 12 Schematically shows a block diagram of a user plane function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 12 shown, the user plane function network element 1200 provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure may include a receiving unit 1210, a processing unit 1220, and a sending unit 1230.

[0188] The receiving unit 1210 receives data packets. The processing unit 1220 determines the storage time information of the data packets. The sending unit 1230 sends the data packets and the storage time information of the data packets to the storage functional network element, to instruct the storage functional network element to store the data packets and the storage time information of the data packets, and determine the sending time of the data packets according to the storage time information, and send the data packets externally at the sending time.

[0189] In an exemplary embodiment, the data packets include uplink data packets. Among them, the receiving unit 1210 is further configured to receive the uplink data packets from the session management functional network element.

[0190] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 1220 is further configured to receive the storage time information of the uplink data packets from the session management functional network element.

[0191] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 1220 is further configured to receive the time parameters of the data packets from the session management functional network element, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packets and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; and determine the storage time information of the uplink data packets according to the time parameters of the data packets.

[0192] In an exemplary embodiment, the data packets include uplink data packets. Among them, the receiving unit 1210 is further configured to receive the uplink data packets from the base station.

[0193] In an exemplary embodiment, the base station is any one of a base station with new radio satellite access technology, a base station deployed on a satellite, and a base station with a satellite link as a backhaul.

[0194] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 1220 is further configured to receive the time parameters of the data packets from the session management functional network element during the protocol data unit session establishment or update process, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packets and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; and determine the storage time information of the uplink data packets according to the time parameters of the data packets.

[0195] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 1220 is further configured to receive the current satellite access type information from the session management functional network element; and determine the storage time information of the uplink data packets according to the current satellite access type information and the time parameters.

[0196] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 1220 is further configured to receive the storage time information of the uplink data packets from the session management functional network element during the protocol data unit session establishment or update process.

[0197] In an exemplary embodiment, the uplink data packet carries time parameters. The processing unit 1220 is further configured to determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameters carried by the uplink data packet.

[0198] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 1220 is further configured to directly or indirectly obtain the time parameters of the data packet and the data packet identification information from the application function network element; if the data packet matches the data packet identification information, determine the time parameters of the data packet as the time parameters of the data packet, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; and determine the storage time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet.

[0199] Figure 12 For other contents of the user plane function network element provided in the embodiment, reference may be made to the above other embodiments.

[0200] Figure 13 A block diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 13 The terminal 1300 provided in the embodiment may include a sending unit 1310. The sending unit 1310 is configured to send an uplink data packet to the session management function network element in the control plane forwarding path for establishing uplink data transmission, so that the session management function network element sends the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element. The user plane function network element is configured to receive the uplink data packet and determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet, and send the uplink data packet and the storage time information of the uplink data packet to the storage function network element.

[0201] In an exemplary embodiment, the sending unit 1310 is further configured to send the time parameters of the data packet to the session management function network element, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay.

[0202] In an exemplary embodiment, the sending unit 1310 is further configured to carry the time parameters of the data packet in the uplink data packet and send it to the session management function network element.

[0203] In an exemplary embodiment, the sending unit 1310 is further configured to send the time parameters of the data packet to the session management function network element in the protocol data unit session establishment or update process.

[0204] Figure 13 For other contents of the terminal provided in the embodiment, reference may be made to the above other embodiments.

[0205] Figure 14 A block diagram of a terminal according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 14The terminal 1400 provided by the embodiment may include a processing unit 1410 and a sending unit 1420. The processing unit 1410 is used to initiate the establishment or update of a protocol data unit session process. The sending unit 1420 is used to send an uplink data packet to a user plane function network element through a base station. Wherein, the user plane function network element is used to receive the uplink data packet and determine the save time information of the uplink data packet, and send the uplink data packet and the save time information of the uplink data packet to a storage function network element.

[0206] In an exemplary embodiment, the sending unit 1420 is further used to send the time parameter of the data packet to the session management function network element during the establishment or update of the protocol data unit session process, and the time parameter includes the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay.

[0207] In an exemplary embodiment, when sending an uplink data packet to a user plane function network element through a base station, the uplink data packet carries a time parameter.

[0208] Figure 14 For other contents of the terminal provided by the embodiment, reference may be made to the above other embodiments.

[0209] Figure 15 The schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. The communication device may be a terminal such as a UE, or a network device such as a base station, or may also be a PCF network element and / or a NEF network element and / or an AF network element and / or an SMF network element and / or a UPF network element and / or a storage function network element. Figure 15 The shown communication device 1500 includes a processor 1510, and the processor 1510 may call and run a computer program from a memory to implement the method in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0210] Optionally, as Figure 15 shown, the communication device 1500 may further include a memory 1520. Wherein, the processor 1510 may call and run a computer program from the memory 1520 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] Wherein, the memory 1520 may be a separate device independent of the processor 1510, or may be integrated in the processor 1510.

[0212] Optionally, as Figure 15 shown, the communication device 1500 may further include a transceiver 1530, and the processor 1510 may control the transceiver 1530 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it may send information or data to other devices, or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0213] Among them, the transceiver 1530 may include a transmitter (which can be used as the sending unit in the above embodiments) and a receiver (which can be used as the receiving unit in the above embodiments). The transceiver 1530 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas may be one or more.

[0214] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may specifically be various network elements of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the communication device 1500 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by each network element in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, details are not described herein again.

[0215] Optionally, the communication device 1500 may specifically be the mobile terminal / terminal of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the communication device 1500 may implement the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, details are not described herein again.

[0216] Optionally, the processor 1510, the memory 1520, and the transceiver 1530 may achieve two-way communication with each other through the communication bus 1540.

[0217] The method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to the following Figures 16 to 18 5G network and satellite system fusion system shown in any of the embodiments.

[0218] As Figure 16 shown, a 5G network and satellite system fusion system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a UE 1610, a base station (such as a gNB) 1620, a satellite 1630, a satellite observation station 1640, and a 5GC (5G Core) 1650. The UE 1610 communicates with the base station 1620. The base station 1620 is set on the ground. The satellite 1630 is used to backhaul the downlink data packet to the base station 1620, and / or backhaul the uplink data packet to the 5GC 1650. Optionally, communication may also be performed between the satellite 1630 and the 5GC 1650 through the satellite observation station 1640.

[0219] As Figure 17 shown, a 5G network and satellite system fusion system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a UE A 1710, a UE B 1720, a satellite 1730, a ground gateway (Ground GW (gateway)) 1740, and a 5GC 1750. Figure 17 In the embodiment, the functions of the base station (such as a gNB) and the UPF may be set on the satellite 1730 to implement NR satellite access and the UPF on the satellite. The UEA 1710, the UE B 1720 communicate with the satellite 1730. The satellite 1730 communicates with the ground GW 1740, and the ground GW 1740 communicates with the 5GC 1750.

[0220] As shown Figure 18 A 5G network and satellite system integration system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure may include UE A 1810, UE B 1820, satellite 1830, and terrestrial GW 1840. Figure 18 In the embodiment, the functions of a base station (such as a gNB) and a core network may be set on the satellite 1830 to implement NR satellite access and core network on-satellite. UE A 1810, UE B 1820 communicate with the satellite 1830, and the satellite 1830 communicates with the terrestrial GW 1840.

[0221] It should be understood that the processor in the embodiment of the present disclosure may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In the implementation process, each step of the above method embodiment may be completed by the integrated logic circuit in the hardware of the processor or the instructions in the form of software.

[0222] The above-mentioned processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the various methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor, etc. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present disclosure may be directly embodied as being executed and completed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed and completed by a combination of the hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a mature storage medium in the art such as a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, or an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, etc. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and combines its hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0223] It can be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), or a flash memory. The volatile memory can be a random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (ESDRAM), synchlink dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM), and direct rambus random access memory (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory of the systems and methods described herein is intended to include but not be limited to these and any other suitable types of memory. It should be understood that the above memories are by way of example but not limitation.

[0224] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program.

[0225] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to each network element in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by each network element in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0226] Optionally, the computer-readable storage medium can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the computer program causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, it will not be described in detail here.

[0227] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer program product, including computer program instructions.

[0228] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to each network element in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by each network element in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, details are not described herein again.

[0229] Optionally, the computer program product can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the computer program instructions cause the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, details are not described herein again.

[0230] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer program.

[0231] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to each network element in the embodiments of the present disclosure. When the computer program runs on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by each network element in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, details are not described herein again.

[0232] Optionally, the computer program can be applied to the mobile terminal / terminal in the embodiments of the present disclosure. When the computer program runs on a computer, it causes the computer to execute the corresponding processes implemented by the mobile terminal / terminal in the various methods of the embodiments of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, details are not described herein again.

[0233] Those of ordinary skill in the art can realize that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present disclosure.

[0234] Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and details are not described herein again.

[0235] In several embodiments provided by the present disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and there can be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed.

[0236] The unit described as a separation component may or may not be physically separated. The component shown as a unit may or may not be a physical unit, that is, it may be located in one place or may be distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

[0237] In addition, in each embodiment of the present disclosure, each functional unit can be integrated in a processing unit, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated in one unit.

[0238] If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of this technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in each embodiment of the present disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes.

[0239] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present disclosure, but the protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed by the present disclosure can easily think of changes or substitutions, which should all be covered by the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A data packet transmission method, characterized in that, the method is executed by a storage function network element in the user plane of the mobile core network, and the method includes: receiving a data packet and the preservation time information of the data packet from a user plane function network element; storing the data packet and the preservation time information of the data packet; determining the transmission time of the data packet according to the preservation time information; transmitting the data packet externally at the transmission time.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, the function of the storage function network element is integrated in the user plane function network element.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, determining the transmission time of the data packet according to the preservation time information includes: if the preservation time information includes the latest forwarding time of the data packet, determining the transmission time of the data packet according to the capacity of the storage function network element and / or the forwarding requirements of the data packets already stored in the storage function network element, and the transmission time is earlier than the latest forwarding time; if the preservation time information includes the recommended forwarding time of the data packet, determining the transmission time according to the recommended forwarding time; if the preservation time information includes the recommended preservation duration of the data packet, recording the reception time of receiving the data packet from the user plane function network element, and determining the transmission time according to the recommended preservation duration and the reception time; if the preservation time information includes the maximum preservation duration of the data packet, recording the reception time of the data packet, and determining the transmission time according to the maximum preservation duration and the reception time.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, if the storage function network element is shared by multiple user plane function network elements, the method further includes: recording the identification information of the user plane function network element that transmits the data packet; wherein, transmitting the data packet externally at the transmission time includes: transmitting the data packet to the user plane function network element corresponding to the identification information at the transmission time.

5. A data packet transmission method, characterized in that, the method is executed by a user plane function network element, and the method includes: receiving a data packet; determining the preservation time information of the data packet, and sending the data packet and the preservation time information of the data packet to a storage function network element, so as to instruct the storage function network element to store the data packet and the preservation time information of the data packet, and determine the transmission time of the data packet according to the preservation time information, and transmit the data packet externally at the transmission time.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, the data packet includes an uplink data packet; wherein, receiving a data packet includes: receiving the uplink data packet from a session management function network element.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, determining the preservation time information of the data packet includes: receiving the preservation time information of the uplink data packet from the session management function network element.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, determining the preservation time information of the data packet includes: Receive the time parameter of the data packet from the session management function network element, where the time parameter includes the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; Determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter of the data packet.

9. The method according to claim 5, wherein, the data packet includes an uplink data packet; wherein, receiving the data packet includes: Receiving the uplink data packet from the base station.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, the base station is any one of a base station with new radio satellite access technology, a base station deployed on a satellite, and a base station with a satellite link as a backhaul.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein, determining the storage time information of the data packet includes: In the protocol data unit session establishment or update process, receive the time parameter of the data packet from the session management function network element, where the time parameter includes the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; Determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter of the data packet.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, determining the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter of the data packet includes: Receive the current satellite access type information from the session management function network element; Determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the current satellite access type information and the time parameter.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein, determining the storage time information of the data packet includes: In the protocol data unit session establishment or update process, receive the storage time information of the uplink data packet from the session management function network element.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein, the uplink data packet carries a time parameter; wherein, determining the storage time information of the data packet includes: Determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter carried by the uplink data packet.

15. The method according to claim 5, wherein, determining the storage time information of the data packet includes: Directly or indirectly obtain the time parameter of the data packet and the data packet identification information from the application function network element; If the data packet matches the data packet identification information, determine the time parameter of the data packet as the time parameter of the data packet, where the time parameter includes the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; Determine the storage time information of the data packet according to the time parameter of the data packet.

16. The method according to claim 5, wherein, determining the storage time information of the data packet and sending the data packet and the storage time information of the data packet to the storage function network element includes: Receive an indication message; Judge whether to determine the storage time information of the data packet according to the indication message, and send the data packet and the storage time information of the data packet to the storage function network element.

17. A data packet transmission method, wherein, the method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: In establishing the control plane forwarding path for uplink data transmission, the uplink data packet is sent to the session management function network element, so that the session management function network element sends the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element; wherein, the user plane function network element is used to receive the uplink data packet and determine the preservation time information of the uplink data packet, and send the uplink data packet and the preservation time information of the uplink data packet to the storage function network element.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, further comprising: sending the time parameter of the data packet to the session management function network element, where the time parameter includes the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, sending the time parameter of the data packet to the session management function network element includes: carrying the time parameter of the data packet in the uplink data packet and sending it to the session management function network element.

20. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, sending the time parameter of the data packet to the session management function network element includes: sending the time parameter of the data packet to the session management function network element during the protocol data unit session establishment or update process.

21. A data packet transmission method, characterized in that, the method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: initiating a protocol data unit session establishment or update process; sending an uplink data packet to the user plane function network element through a base station; wherein, the user plane function network element is used to receive the uplink data packet and determine the preservation time information of the uplink data packet, and send the uplink data packet and the preservation time information of the uplink data packet to the storage function network element.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, further comprising: during the protocol data unit session establishment or update process, sending the time parameter of the data packet to the session management function network element, where the time parameter includes the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay.

23. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that, when sending the uplink data packet to the user plane function network element through the base station, the uplink data packet carries the time parameter.

24. A communication device, characterized in that, comprising: one or more processors; a memory configured to store one or more programs, when the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, enabling the communication device to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4; or, the method according to any one of claims 5 to 16; or, the method according to any one of claims 17 to 20; or, the method according to any one of claims 21 to 23.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, characterized in that, when the computer program runs on a computer, enabling the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 4; or, the method according to any one of claims 5 to 16; or, The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20; or, The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23.

Images