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 control plane of the mobile core network comprises the following steps: receiving a data packet and storage time information of the data packet; 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, there are problems of long transmission delay and limited transmission resources in some scenarios. 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 control plane of a mobile core network. The method includes: receiving a data packet and the save time information of the data packet; storing the data packet and the save time information of the data packet; determining the 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 session management function network element. The method includes: receiving a data packet during the process of establishing a control plane transmission path for data transmission by a terminal; sending the data packet to a storage function network element to instruct the storage function network element to store the data packet, and externally transmitting the data packet according to the save time information of the data packet.

[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a session management function network element. The method includes: receiving a data packet; determining whether the protocol data unit session performs a store-and-forward operation or activates a store-and-forward mode according to the parameter information established by the protocol data unit session, so as to generate indication information; if the indication information indicates that the protocol data unit session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate a store-and-forward mode, storing the data packet into a storage function module inside the session management function network element; and externally transmitting the data packet according to the determined save time information of the data packet.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a session management function network element. The method includes: determining whether the protocol data unit session performs a store-and-forward operation or activates a store-and-forward mode according to the parameter information established by the protocol data unit session, so as to generate indication information; and sending the indication information to a network exposure function network element.

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a network exposure function network element. The method includes: receiving a data packet; obtaining save time information of the data packet; 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.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method further includes: receiving indication information; judging whether to obtain the save time information of the data packet according to the indication information, and sending the data packet and its save time information to a storage function network element.

[0009] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a network exposure function network element. The method includes: receiving a data packet; receiving indication information; if the indication information indicates that a protocol data unit session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate a store-and-forward mode, storing the data packet in a storage function unit inside the network exposure function network element; obtaining save time information of the data packet; externally transmitting the data packet according to the save time information.

[0010] 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 storage function network element in a control plane of a mobile core network.

[0011] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, including: 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 data packet transmission method in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program is stored, when the computer program runs on a computer, enabling the computer to implement the data packet transmission method in the embodiment of the present disclosure when executed.

[0013] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which implements the data packet transmission method in the embodiment of the present disclosure when executed by a computer. Description of the Drawings

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a communication system architecture provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 2 It is a system architecture diagram of a 5G network provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 It schematically shows a flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 4 It schematically shows an interaction diagram of the data packet transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure applied to uplink data packets.

[0018] Figure 5 It schematically shows an interaction diagram of the data packet transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure applied to downlink data packets.

[0019] Figure 6 It schematically shows an interaction diagram of the data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure applied to uplink data packets.

[0020] Figure 7 It schematically shows a flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 It schematically shows a flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 9 It schematically shows a flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 10 It schematically shows a block diagram of a storage function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 11 It schematically shows a block diagram of a session management function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 12 It schematically shows a block diagram of a network exposure function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 13 It schematically shows a block diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 14 It schematically shows a schematic structural diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 15 It schematically shows a schematic diagram of a 5G network and satellite system convergence system architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 16A schematic diagram showing the architecture of a 5G network and satellite system integration system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0030] Figure 17 A schematic diagram showing the architecture of a 5G network and satellite system integration system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically illustrated. Detailed implementation manners

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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 relevant parts to achieve a predetermined goal, and can be fully or partially implemented 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 the module or unit.

[0033] 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.

[0034] Exemplarily, the communication system 100 to which the embodiments of the present disclosure are applied is as follows Figure 1 shown. The communication system 100 may include a network device 110, and the network device 110 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 the 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 evolved 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 the base station backhaul, or a network device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), etc.

[0035] 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 phones; Personal Communications System (PCS) terminals that may combine cellular radiotelephone with data processing, facsimile, and data communication capabilities; Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) that may include radiotelephones, pagers, Internet / intranet access, web browsers, notepads, calendars, and / or Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers; 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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, which will not be elaborated here.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 the 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.

[0041] 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 can be executed by a storage function network element in the control plane of the mobile core network, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0042] In some embodiments, the function of the storage function network element is integrated in a session management function (SMF) network element or a network exposure function (NEF) network element. That is, in order to implement the store-and-forward function, a new storage function network element can be added to the mobile core network, or a data storage function can be added to the SMF or NEF, that is, the function of the storage function network element is integrated in the SMF or NEF.

[0043] When the function of the storage function network element is implemented by the SMF network element, after the SMF network element receives a data packet, it can 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 protocol data unit (PDU) session establishment, and generate corresponding indication information, which is used to indicate whether the SMF network element performs a store-and-forward operation or activates the store-and-forward mode on the data packet of the PDU session. If the SMF network element determines according to the indication information that the PDU session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate the store-and-forward mode, the data packet is stored in the SMF network element. For example, a storage function module can be divided in the SMF network element, and the data packet is stored in the storage function module. The SMF network element 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 storage function module of the SMF network element); then the SMF network element determines the transmission time for sending the data packet externally according to the save time information of the data packet. When the transmission time arrives, the SMF network element sends the data packet externally.

[0044] When the function of the storage function network element is implemented by the NEF network element, the SMF network element generates indication information according to the parameter information of the PDU session establishment, which is used to indicate whether the NEF network element performs a store-and-forward operation or activates the store-and-forward mode on the data packet of the PDU session. The SMF network element sends the generated indication information to the NEF network element. After receiving the data packet and the indication information, the NEF network element can judge whether to store the data packet according to the indication of the SMF and / or considering its own transmission capacity, network conditions, etc. If it is determined to store the data packet, the data packet is stored in the NEF network element. For example, a storage function module can be divided in the NEF network element, and the data packet is stored in the storage function module. The NEF network element can also determine 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 NEF network element); then the NEF network element determines the transmission time for sending the data packet externally according to the save time information of the data packet. When the transmission time arrives, the NEF network element sends the data packet externally.

[0045] In some other embodiments, the storage function network element may be another network element independent of the SMF and the NEF. The storage function network element in the embodiments of the present disclosure has data storage and forwarding functions, that is, it can be used to store the received data packets and send the data packets externally when the transmission time arrives, which can also be called a data storage function network element or other names.

[0046] The storage function network element / module in the embodiments of the present disclosure refers to a 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, the network condition, the transmission capabilities of the network elements for transmitting the data packet in the network (such as the SMF and / or NEF network elements, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto), and the like.

[0047] As Figure 3 shown, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include:

[0048] In S310, receive a data packet and the save time information of the data packet.

[0049] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the storage function network element may receive the data packet and the save time information of the data packet from the SMF network element or the NEF network element. The data packet received by the storage function network element from the SMF network element or the NEF network element or the AF network element may be an uplink data packet that the UE is ready to send to the service server. The data packet received by the storage function network element from the NEF network element or the AF 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.

[0050] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, 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, and multimedia services such as AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality). The present disclosure does not limit this.

[0051] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the data packets received by the storage function network element may be service data packets that are not sensitive to latency. That is, when the NEF network element receives a data packet, it can determine whether the received data packet needs to be sent to the storage function network element for storage according to the indication information received from the SMF network element. If the SMF network element does not indicate the NEF network element through this indication information that the PDU session where the data packet is located or the QoS flow of the PDU session needs to perform store-and-forward operations, or the store-and-forward mode is not activated, then after receiving the data packet, the NEF network element directly sends the data packet externally (for example, for an uplink data packet, the NEF network element can send it to the AF network element or the service server; for a downlink data packet, the NEF network element can send it to the SMF network element) without storing it in the storage function network element. If the SMF network element indicates through this indication information that the PDU session where the data packet is located or the QoS flow of the PDU session needs to perform store-and-forward operations, or the store-and-forward mode is activated, then the NEF network element determines the save time information of the data packet, first sends the data packet and its save time information to the storage function network element for storage, and then forwards the data packet from the storage function network element at an appropriate time later.

[0052] In some embodiments, when the NEF network element receives indication information from the SMF network element, it can forward the corresponding received data packet to the storage function network element for storage according to the indication information. In other embodiments, after the NEF network element receives the indication information from the SMF network element, it can further determine whether to forward and store the data packet to the storage function network element according to the indication information in combination with its own situation (such as transmission capacity, network conditions, etc.).

[0053] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the indication information sent by the SMF network element to the NEF network element can be represented in any suitable manner, as long as it can serve the purpose of indicating whether the NEF 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 NEF network element stores and forwards the data packets of the corresponding PDU session or the QoS flow of the PDU session received; if the indication information is "no", it indicates that the NEF 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 received. For another example, the indication information can be used to indicate whether to perform the operation of storage and forwarding. If the NEF network element receives the indication information from the SMF network element, it can indicate that the NEF network element performs the operation of storage and forwarding. If the NEF network element does not receive the indication information from the SMF network element, it can indicate that the NEF network element does not perform the operation of storage and forwarding. For another example, the indication information can indicate whether the NEF network element activates the storage and forwarding mode. If the NEF network element receives the indication information from the SMF network element, it can indicate that the NEF network element activates the storage and forwarding mode. If the NEF network element does not receive the indication information from the SMF network element, it can indicate that the NEF network element does not activate the storage and forwarding mode. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples.

[0054] In the above embodiments, the example of the SMF network element sending indication information to the NEF 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 NEF network element, and the NEF 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.).

[0055] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the SMF network element determines whether to instruct the NEF that the PDU session or the QoS flow of the PDU session needs to perform the storage and forwarding operation, 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 storage and forwarding operation, or the policy information of the policy control function PCF network element, etc. The NEF network element determines whether the data packet needs to perform the storage and forwarding operation according to the indication of the SMF.

[0056] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after receiving an instruction from the SMF, the NEF may further determine whether to perform a store-and-forward operation based on one or more of the data transmission capabilities of the NEF, 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 NEF can transmit all the data packets it receives, the NEF may directly send all the data packets it receives to the outside. For another example, if the current transmission capability of the NEF cannot transmit all the data packets it receives, it may determine the service data packets that need to be sent first 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.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the packet retention time information refers to information indicating the duration for which the packet is stored in the storage function network element, or information regarding the time when the storage function network element sends the packet to the outside after receiving the packet. For example, the packet retention time information may include at least one of the latest forwarding time of the packet, the recommended forwarding time, the recommended retention duration, the maximum retention duration, and the like.

[0058] Among them, the latest forwarding time is used to indicate that the storage function unit sends the packet to the outside before the latest forwarding time. The recommended forwarding time is used to recommend that the storage function unit send the packet to the outside at the recommended forwarding time. The recommended retention duration is used to recommend that the storage function unit start timing when receiving the packet and send the packet to the outside when the recommended retention duration is reached. The maximum retention duration is used to indicate that the storage function unit starts timing when receiving the packet and sends the packet to the outside before the maximum retention duration is reached.

[0059] In S320, store the data packet and the packet retention time information.

[0060] After receiving the data packet and its retention time information from the SMF network element or the NEF network element, the storage function unit may associate and store the data packet and its retention time information according to the instruction of the SMF network element or the NEF network element.

[0061] In S330, determine the transmission time of the data packet according to the retention time information.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, determining the sending time of a data packet according to the storage time information includes: if the storage time information includes the latest forwarding time of the data packet, determining 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, and the sending time is earlier than the latest forwarding time; if the storage time information includes the recommended forwarding time of the data packet, determining the sending time according to the recommended forwarding time; if the storage time information includes the recommended storage duration of the data packet, recording the receiving time of the received data packet, and determining the sending time according to the recommended storage duration and the receiving time; if the storage time information includes the maximum storage duration of the data packet, recording the receiving time of the data packet, and determining the sending time according to the maximum storage duration and the receiving time.

[0063] If in the above S320, the storage function network element receives the latest forwarding time of the data packet from the SMF network element, the NEF network element, or the AF network element, then the data packet is externally forwarded before the latest forwarding time. At this time, the specific sending 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 and not limited thereto) of the capacity of the storage function network element itself, the data packet can be externally sent in advance before the latest forwarding time so that the storage function network element can normally receive the data packets subsequently sent by the SMF network element, the NEF network element, or the AF network element.

[0064] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the forwarding requirements of 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 the storage function network element, a time offset can be randomly generated for each data packet, and the time offsets of different data packets are different. Starting from the time when the storage function network element receives the data packet, 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, forwarding them to the SMF network element, NEF network element, or AF network element at the same time, which may bring a large sending pressure to the SMF network element, NEF network element, or AF network element. Instead, each data packet is randomly sent out at different time points. For another example, a fixed offset can 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 can be set, and 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 SMF network element) and the latest forwarding time is satisfied, the corresponding data packet is forwarded. For another example, various sorting algorithms can also be set, and the data packets are sent out according to the sorting. When the forwarding requirements include the priority of the data packets, for multiple data packets with the same latest forwarding time, the data packets with higher priority can be sent first. At this time, the SMF network element can also send the priority of the QoS (Quality of Service) flow to which the data packet belongs to the data storage network element.

[0065] If, in the above S320, the storage function network element receives the proposed forwarding time of the data packet from the SMF network element, NEF network element, or AF network element, the data packet can be forwarded at the proposed forwarding time. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The storage function network element can 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 SMF network element, NEF network element, or AF network element, the congestion state of the network, the forwarding requirements of each data packet already stored in the storage function network element, and the proposed forwarding time of each data packet already stored.

[0066] If in the above S320, the storage function network element receives the recommended retention duration of the data packet from the SMF network element, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element, it can record the reception time when the storage function network element receives the data packet, and send the data packet externally according to the recommended retention duration, for example, send it to the SMF network element, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The storage function network element can also determine the specific transmission 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 SMF network element, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element, the congestion state of the network, the forwarding requirements of each stored data packet in the storage function network element, the recommended retention duration of each stored data packet, etc.

[0067] If in the above S320, the storage function network element receives the maximum retention duration of the data packet from the SMF network element, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element, it can 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 SMF network element, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The storage function network element can also determine the specific transmission 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 SMF network element, or the NEF network element, or the AF 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.

[0068] In S340, the data packet is sent externally at the transmission time.

[0069] In some embodiments, the storage function network element can send the data packet to the SMF network element, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element at the transmission time. If it is an uplink data packet, the data packet is sent to the service server through the SMF network element, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element. If it is a downlink data packet, the data packet is sent directly or indirectly to the SMF network element, and the data packet is sent to the base station through the AMF network element, and further the downlink data packet is sent to the UE. In other embodiments, for an uplink data packet, the storage function network element can send the data packet to the AF network element at the transmission time, that is, it does not need to be sent back to the SMF network element or the NEF network element first and then forwarded externally by the SMF network element or the NEF network element.

[0070] 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 control plane of the mobile core network. The storage function network element can store data packets in the SMF network element, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element. Thus, the data transmission pressure on the SMF network element, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element can be alleviated, enabling it to preferentially send more urgent data packets when network resources are limited, thereby ensuring and meeting the response requirements of services. On the other hand, for the data packets stored in the storage function network element, the transmission time can be obtained by saving the time information, so that the data packets can be forwarded at an appropriate time.

[0071] For the newly added storage function network element, the following will be described by way of examples in conjunction with Figure 4 and Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 respectively.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 latency requirements, in order to effectively schedule transmission resources, the system considers storing the data packets of some latency-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 the data packets of some services with high latency requirements and delay the forwarding of the data packets of some latency-insensitive services. This can achieve ensuring and meeting the transmission requirements of more services under limited network resources.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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 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 and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay of the downlink data packet from the service server to the UE.

[0078] 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, 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.

[0079] 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 retention time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter.

[0080] 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 retention 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 retention 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, it can ensure that the uplink data packet can arrive at the service server before the latest arrival time.

[0081] 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 preservation 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 and the estimated duration required for the uplink data packet to be transmitted from the SMF network element to the service server from the maximum value of the transmission delay to obtain the preservation time information of the uplink data packet in the storage function network element. By determining the preservation time information by having the uplink data packet sent by the UE carry a timestamp, the accuracy of the preservation time information can be improved and its calculation process can be simplified.

[0082] 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 preservation 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 preservation 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.

[0083] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the core network network elements can be set on the same satellite, on the ground, or on different satellites. When the core network network elements are set on the same satellite, the transmission delay between different core network network elements for the uplink data packet can be almost negligible. At this time, 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 position of the UE and the position of 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 network elements are on the ground, the distance between the UE and the core network network elements can be calculated, and the time taken can also be estimated. When the core network network elements are set on different satellites, the time taken 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 network element and the service server can be estimated.

[0084] In some other embodiments, in order to calculate the save 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 save time information of the uplink data packet based on the currently adopted NR satellite access type and the received time parameter. The SMF can also send the currently adopted NR satellite access type to the NEF, and the NEF determines the save time information of the uplink data packet based on the received current NR satellite access type and the received time parameter.

[0085] 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.

[0086] The currently adopted NR satellite access type can include low-earth orbit, medium-earth orbit, 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 time taken and the required time can be estimated more accurately.

[0087] In S42, the SMF sends the received uplink data packet to the storage function network element.

[0088] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the SMF sends the received uplink data packet to the storage function network element, it can also include the PDU session ID and UI identification information.

[0089] In some embodiments, when the SMF sends the received uplink data packet to the storage function network element, it may send the preservation time information of the uplink data packet to the storage function network element. The preservation time information may include, for example, the latest forwarding time of the uplink data packet, or the recommended forwarding time, or the recommended preservation duration, or the maximum preservation duration.

[0090] By the SMF sending the preservation time information of the uplink data packet to the storage function network element when sending the uplink data packet to the storage function network element, different time parameters and / or preservation time information can be set for each different uplink data packet, thereby making the configuration of the preservation time information of the uplink data packet in the storage function network element more flexible.

[0091] In still other embodiments, the AF may also send time parameters of the service data packet (including uplink data packet and / or downlink data packet), such as the maximum value of the transmission delay or the latest arrival time, to the NEF. The NEF determines the time for which the service data packet is to be preserved in the storage function network element (i.e., the preservation time information) based on the received time parameters. For example, the latest forwarding time of the uplink data packet, or the recommended forwarding time, is obtained. Then, the NEF sends the preservation time information of the service data packet to the storage function network element, or sends it to the SMF, and the SMF then sends the preservation time information to the storage function network element. Alternatively, the NEF sends the time parameters to the SMF, and the SMF determines the preservation time information based on the time parameters received from the NEF. Alternatively, the AF sends the time parameters to the SMF, and the SMF determines the preservation time information based on the time parameters received from the AF.

[0092] In other embodiments, the AF may also send time parameters 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 parameters to the NEF, and the NEF determines the time for which the service data packet is to be preserved in the storage function network element, i.e., the preservation time information.

[0093] In yet other embodiments, the AF may also directly send time parameters of the service data packet, such as the maximum value of the transmission delay or the latest arrival time, to the storage function network element. The storage function network element determines the time for which the service data packet is to be preserved in the storage function network element based on the received time parameters, i.e., the preservation time information.

[0094] In the case where the AF directly or indirectly sends the time parameter to the NEF, the AF may further include the data packet identification information of the service data packet, and / or the identification information of the AF, and / or the DNN, and / or the S-NSSAI, etc. The data packet identification information refers to the information used to identify the service data packet that can be applicable to the time parameter. The data packet identification information may include, for example, IP (Internet Protocol) five-tuple information or IP three-tuple information. The IP five-tuple information may include the source IP address, the source port number, the destination IP address, the destination port number, and the IP protocol. The IP three-tuple information may include the destination IP address, the destination port number, and the IP protocol. Among them:

[0095] - The identification information of the AF is used for the network to authenticate and authorize the AF.

[0096] - The IP five-tuple information or IP three-tuple information of the service data packet is used for the NEF to match the data packet information related to the AF request. That is, the NEF directly or indirectly receives the IP five-tuple information, or the IP three-tuple information, and the time parameter from the AF, and determines the storage time information according to the time parameter. When the NEF receives a service data packet, if the service data packet matches the IP five-tuple information or IP three-tuple information transmitted by the AF, the corresponding storage time information is used for the received service data packet, and it is stored in the storage function network element.

[0097] In some embodiments, when the time parameter sent by the AF includes 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 AF may also directly or indirectly send the UE identification and / or the UE group identification to the NEF, to indicate that the latest arrival time is applicable to the uplink data packet sent by the UE that matches the UE identification, and / or to indicate that the latest arrival time is applicable to the uplink data packet sent by the UE group (which may include at least one UE) that matches the UE group identification.

[0098] By configuring the time parameter of the service data packet through the AF, batch setting of the service data packets sent by the UE and / or the UE group can be achieved. The UE side does not need to separately send the time parameter for each service data packet, thereby reducing the modification to the UE side and having higher compatibility.

[0099] In S43, the storage function network element stores the received uplink data packet according to the indication of the SMF.

[0100] The storage function network element stores the received uplink data packets and determines the transmission time according to the save time information. The save time information may include the latest forwarding time of the uplink data packet, or the recommended forwarding time, or the recommended save duration, or the maximum save duration. If the latest forwarding time of the uplink data packet is also received in S42, the uplink data packet will 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 (which may include uplink data packets and / or downlink data packets); if the recommended forwarding time of the uplink data packet is received in S42, the uplink data packet can be forwarded at the recommended forwarding time according to the requirements of the SMF; if the recommended save duration of the uplink data packet is received in S42, the reception time of the uplink data packet can be recorded at the same time, and the uplink data packet will be forwarded at the end of the recommended save duration; if the maximum save duration of the uplink data packet is received in S42, the reception time of the uplink data packet can be recorded at the same time, and the uplink data packet will be forwarded before the end of the maximum save duration.

[0101] Figure 4 In the embodiment, the storage function network element sends the stored uplink data packet at the transmission time, and provides the following two implementation manners:

[0102] Manner 1:

[0103] Optionally, in S44a, the storage function network element sends the uplink data packet to the SMF.

[0104] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage function network element may record the SMF identification information from which it receives the uplink data packet in S43, and forward the uplink data packet, PDU session ID, and UE identification information received in S43 to the SMF corresponding to the SMF identification information at the transmission time.

[0105] Optionally, in S45a, after receiving the uplink data packet from the storage function network element, the SMF sends the uplink data packet to the NEF, and after receiving the uplink data packet from the SMF, the NEF sends the uplink data packet to the AF.

[0106] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the SMF sends the uplink data packet, PDU session ID, and UE identification information received in S44a to the NEF, and the NEF determines the address information of the AF according to the PDU session ID, and sends the uplink data packet and UE identification to the AF corresponding to the address information of the AF.

[0107] Manner 2:

[0108] Optionally, in S44b, the storage function network element sends the uplink data packet to the NEF.

[0109] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage function network element may further receive the identifier of the destination NEF of the uplink data packet in S43, and forward the uplink data packet, PDU session ID, and UE identifier information received in S43 to the NEF corresponding to the identifier of the destination NEF at the sending time.

[0110] Optionally, in S45b, after receiving the uplink data packet from the storage function network element, the NEF sends the uplink data packet to the AF.

[0111] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the NEF determines the address information of the AF according to the PDU session ID, and sends the uplink data packet and the UE identifier to the AF corresponding to the address information of the AF.

[0112] It should be noted that, in the above Figure 4 In the storage and forwarding scheme introduced in the embodiment, a storage and forwarding function may also be added to the SMF.

[0113] When sending an uplink data packet in S41, the UE may include 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.

[0114] The SMF determines the time for which the uplink data packet needs to be stored in the storage function network element according to the latest arrival time when the received uplink data packet needs to be transmitted to the service server, or the maximum value of the transmission delay, and further obtains the latest forwarding time of the uplink data packet, or the recommended forwarding time. The SMF may also consider the currently adopted NR satellite access type to make the calculation of the packet forwarding time or storage time more accurate.

[0115] In addition, the application function AF may also send the maximum value of the transmission delay or the latest arrival time of the service data packet to the NEF. The NEF sends the maximum value of the transmission delay or the latest arrival time to the SMF. The SMF further determines the time for which the uplink data packet needs to be stored in the storage function network element according to the maximum value of the transmission delay or the latest arrival time, and obtains the latest forwarding time of the service data packet, or the recommended forwarding time.

[0116] Figure 5 Schematically shows an interaction diagram of the data packet transmission method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure applied to a downlink data packet. As Figure 5 shown, the method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0117] It should be noted that, Figure 4 In the embodiment, the control plane transmission path established in S41 is not limited to transmitting uplink data, and may also be used to transmit downlink data. In Figure 5In S55, the control plane transmission path established in S41 can be adopted.

[0118] Optionally, in the process of the UE establishing the control plane transmission path, the UE can send the time parameter of the data packet to the SMF. Optionally, 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 NEF. After receiving the time parameter (optionally, also including the data flow direction), if the NEF determines that the time parameter is applicable to the downlink data packet, it can determine the retention 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.

[0119] Optionally, the SMF can determine the retention time information of the downlink data packet according to the received time parameter of the downlink data packet, and then send the retention time information to the storage function network element. Or the SMF sends the retention time information to the NEF, and the NEF sends the retention time information to the storage function network element.

[0120] In S52, the storage function network element receives the downlink data packet.

[0121] For example, the storage function network element can receive the downlink data packet from the NEF or AF or service server.

[0122] In some other embodiments, the AF can also send the time parameter of the data packet to the NEF, and the NEF sends the time parameter directly or indirectly to the SMF. The SMF determines the retention time information of the downlink data packet in the storage function network element according to the time parameter applicable to the downlink data packet in the received time parameter. In still some other embodiments, the AF can also send the time parameter of the downlink data packet to the NEF. The NEF determines the retention 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.

[0123] In S53, the storage function network element stores the received downlink data packet according to the instruction.

[0124] In addition, the storage function network element also stores the retention time information of the received downlink data packet. And determines the transmission time of the downlink data packet according to the received retention time information of the downlink data packet.

[0125] In S54, the storage function network element sends the downlink data packet to the SMF.

[0126] 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 SMF as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0127] In S55, the SMF sends the downlink data packet to the UE through the control plane transmission path.

[0128] For the data packet transmission method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, on the one hand, by establishing a control plane transmission path to implement the transmission of service data packets, air interface resources can be saved. On the other hand, by adding a storage function network element to the user plane to store service data packets that are not sensitive to latency, the SMF can preferentially transmit service data packets with urgent latency requirements to meet the normal response requirements of different services.

[0129] 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 embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0130] In S61, the UE establishes a control plane transmission path for data transmission. For example, reference can be made 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.

[0131] In the above process, the SMF network element determines whether to instruct the NEF network element that this PDU session or the QoS flow of this PDU session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation, or activates the store-and-forward mode for this PDU session or the QoS flow of this 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 this PDU session, or the application function AF indicates that this service is a service that is not sensitive to latency, 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 NEF network element that this PDU session or the QoS flow of this PDU session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation, or activates the store-and-forward mode for this PDU session or the QoS flow of this PDU session, it will send relevant indication information to the NEF network element. The NEF network element determines whether this data packet needs to perform a store-and-forward operation according to the indication information of the SMF.

[0132] In S62, the SMF sends the received uplink data packet to the NEF.

[0133] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the SMF determines the identity of the NEF according to the PDU session ID information, and sends the received uplink data packet to the NEF corresponding to the identity of the NEF, and may also include the PDU session ID and UE identity information.

[0134] Optionally, when the SMF sends an uplink data packet to the NEF, it can carry the time parameter of the data packet (optionally, also including the data flow direction). The NEF can determine the time parameter applicable to the uplink data packet based on whether the data flow direction is carried or based on the data flow direction, and determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter applicable to the uplink data packet.

[0135] Optionally, when the SMF receives the time parameter applicable to the uplink data packet, it can determine the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter. When the SMF sends the uplink data packet to the NEF, it can carry the storage time information of the uplink data packet.

[0136] When the UE sends an uplink data packet to the NEF through the SMF and carries the time parameter of the data packet (optionally, also including the data flow direction) and / or the storage time information, it can implement setting respective time parameters for each data packet, making the time parameters of the data packet more flexible.

[0137] In S63, the NEF sends the received uplink data packet to the storage function network element.

[0138] The NEF sends the uplink data packet received in S62 to the storage function network element, and can also include the PDU session ID and UE identification information.

[0139] In S63, the NEF 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 applicable to the uplink data packet of the UE indicated by the SMF, such as the maximum value of the transmission delay, such as the latest forwarding time, or the recommended forwarding time, or the recommended storage duration, or the maximum storage time. Or, the NEF receives the uplink data packet and its storage time information from the SMF. Or, the NEF determines the storage time information of the uplink data packet according to the time parameter applicable to the uplink data packet received directly or indirectly from the AF.

[0140] In S64, the storage function network element stores the received uplink data packet according to the indication of the NEF.

[0141] In S64, the storage function network element stores the received uplink data packet and the save time information of the uplink data packet, and determines the transmission time of the uplink data packet according to the save time information. If the latest forwarding time of the uplink data packet is received in S63, the uplink data packet is forwarded before the latest forwarding time, and the specific transmission time of the uplink data packet is jointly determined according to the capacity of the storage function network element itself and the forwarding requirements of each data packet; if the proposed forwarding time of the uplink data packet is received in S63, then according to the requirements of the SMF, the uplink data packet is forwarded at the proposed forwarding time; if the proposed forwarding time of the uplink data packet is received in S63, then according to the requirements of the SMF, the uplink data packet is forwarded at the proposed forwarding time; if the proposed save duration of the uplink data packet is received in S63, the time when the data packet is received is recorded at the same time, and the uplink data packet is forwarded at the end of the proposed save duration; if the maximum save duration of the uplink data packet is received in S63, the time when the data packet is received is recorded at the same time, and the uplink data packet is forwarded before the end of the maximum save duration.

[0142] Figure 6 In the embodiment, the storage function network element externally transmits the stored uplink data packet at the transmission time, and provides the following two implementation manners:

[0143] Manner 1:

[0144] Optionally, in S65a, the storage function network element sends the uplink data packet to the NEF. After receiving the uplink data packet from the storage function network element, the NEF then sends the uplink data packet to the AF.

[0145] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage function network element sends the uplink data packet, the PDU session ID, and the UE identification information received in S63 to the NEF. The NEF determines the address information of the AF according to the PDU session ID, and finally sends the uplink data packet and the UE identification to the AF corresponding to the address information of the AF.

[0146] Manner 2:

[0147] Optionally, in S65b, the storage function network element sends the uplink data packet to the AF.

[0148] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage function further receives the identifier of the destination AF of the uplink data packet in S63, and forwards the uplink data packet and the UE identification information received in S63 to the AF corresponding to the identifier.

[0149] It should be noted that in the storage and forwarding scheme introduced in the above Figure 6 embodiment, a storage and forwarding function can also be added in the NEF.

[0150] When the UE sends an uplink data packet in S61, it may include the latest arrival time at which the uplink data packet needs to be transmitted to the service server, or the maximum value of the transmission delay.

[0151] Based on the latest arrival time at which the received uplink data packet needs to be transmitted to the service server, or the maximum value of the transmission delay, the NEF determines the time for which the uplink data packet needs to be stored in the storage function network element, and further obtains the latest forwarding time of the uplink data packet, or the recommended forwarding time. The NEF may also consider the currently adopted NR satellite access type to make the calculation of the packet forwarding time or storage time more accurate.

[0152] In addition, the Application Function (AF) may also send the maximum value of the transmission delay or the latest arrival time of the service data packet to the NEF. The NEF further determines the time for which the uplink data packet needs to be stored in the storage function network element based on the maximum value of the transmission delay or the latest arrival time, and obtains the latest forwarding time of the service data packet, or the recommended forwarding time.

[0153] 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 may not respond properly. 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 and needs to use a satellite link, according to the strict low-latency service quality standard, the satellite link may not be able to respond to some services, thus failing 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.

[0154] Figure 7 Schematically shows a flowchart of a data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 The method provided by the embodiment may be executed by a session management function network element, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. As Figure 7 shown, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include the following steps.

[0155] In S710, during the process of establishing a control plane transmission path for data transmission at the terminal, a data packet is received.

[0156] In S720, the data packet is sent to a storage function network element to instruct the storage function network element to store the data packet, and the data packet is externally sent according to the save time information of the data packet.

[0157] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: in the process, receiving time parameters of the data packet from the terminal, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; determining the storage time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet. Wherein, sending the data packet to the storage function network element includes: directly sending the data packet and its storage time information to the storage function network element.

[0158] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the SMF network element may receive the time parameters of the data packet from the UE side, or the NEF network element, or the AF network element. The time parameters may include the transmission time parameters of the uplink data packet and / or the downlink data packet. The transmission time parameter of the uplink data packet refers to 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. The transmission time parameter of the downlink data packet refers to the latest arrival time and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay of the downlink data packet from the service server / AF network element to the UE. 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.

[0159] 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 and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay of the uplink data packet from the UE to the service server. The downlink time parameter refers to the latest arrival time and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay of the downlink data packet from the service server / AF network element to the UE.

[0160] In 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 and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay of the uplink data packet from the UE to the service server. The time parameter applicable to the downlink data packet refers to the latest arrival time and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay of the downlink data packet from the service server / AF network element to the UE.

[0161] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: receiving time parameters of the data packet from a network exposure function network element or an application 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; determining save time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet. Wherein, sending the data packet to a storage function network element includes: directly sending the data packet and its save time information to the storage function network element.

[0162] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: in the process, receiving time parameters of the data packet from the terminal, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; determining save time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet. Wherein, sending the data packet to a storage function network element includes: sending the data packet and its save time information to a network exposure function network element to instruct the network exposure function network element to send the data packet and its save time information to the storage function network element.

[0163] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: receiving time parameters of the data packet from a network exposure function network element or an application 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; determining save time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet. Wherein, sending the data packet to a storage function network element includes: sending the data packet and its save time information to a network exposure function network element to instruct the network exposure function network element to send the data packet and its save time information to the storage function network element.

[0164] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: receiving time parameters of the data packet from a network exposure function network element or an application 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. Wherein, sending the data packet to a storage function network element includes: sending the data packet and its time parameters to a network exposure function network element to instruct the network exposure function network element to determine save time information of the data packet according to the time parameters and send the data packet and its save time information to the storage function network element.

[0165] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: generating indication information according to parameter information of protocol data unit session establishment, where the indication information is used to indicate determining whether to perform store-and-forward operation on the protocol data unit session or activating the store-and-forward mode.

[0166] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the function of the storage function network element is integrated in the SMF network element, the SMF network element may determine whether to store the received data packet in its internal storage function module according to the indication information. If the indication information indicates that the PDU session performs a store-and-forward operation or activates the store-and-forward mode, the SMF stores the data packet in the internal storage function module according to the indication information, and then sends the data packet externally according to the determined retention time information. In some embodiments, if the storage function network element is an independent network element, the SMF network element may first determine the retention time information of the data packet according to the indication information, and then forward the data packet and its retention time information to the storage function network element. In other embodiments, if the NEF network element is allowed to send the data packet to the storage function network element or a storage function module is set in the NEF network element, the SMF network element sends the indication information to the NEF network element, and the NEF network element determines whether to transfer the data packet to the storage function network element or the storage function module according to the indication information.

[0167] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further includes: if the function of the storage function network element is integrated in the SMF network element, the SMF network element may determine whether the PDU session performs a store-and-forward operation or activates the store-and-forward mode according to the parameter information of the protocol data unit session establishment. If it is determined that the PDU session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate the store-and-forward mode, the SMF stores the data packet in the internal storage function module according to the indication information, and then sends the data packet externally according to the determined retention time information. In some embodiments, if the storage function network element is an independent network element, the SMF network element may determine whether the PDU session performs a store-and-forward operation or activates the store-and-forward mode according to the parameter information of the protocol data unit session establishment. If it is determined that the PDU session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate the store-and-forward mode, the retention time information of the data packet will be further determined, and then the data packet and its retention time information will be forwarded to the storage function network element.

[0168] Figure 7 For other content of the embodiment, reference may be made to the above embodiment.

[0169] Figure 8 The flowchart of the data packet transmission method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 8 The method provided by the embodiment may be executed by the network exposure function 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.

[0170] In S810, a data packet is received.

[0171] In S820, the retention time information of the data packet is obtained.

[0172] In S830, the data packet and the saving time information of the data packet are sent to a storage function network element to instruct the storage function network element to store the data packet and the saving time information of the data packet, determine the sending time of the data packet according to the saving time information, and externally send the data packet at the sending time.

[0173] Figure 8 For other content of the embodiment, reference may be made to the above embodiment.

[0174] 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.

[0175] In S910, in establishing a control plane forwarding path for uplink data transmission, the uplink data packet is sent to a session management function network element, so that the session management function network element sends the uplink data packet to a storage function network element in the control plane of a mobile core network.

[0176] In an exemplary embodiment, the method provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure further includes: sending a time parameter and a data flow direction, where the time parameter includes the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay, and the data flow direction indicates that the time parameter applies to the uplink data packet and / or the downlink data packet.

[0177] Figure 9 For other content of the embodiment, reference may be made to the above embodiment.

[0178] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a session management function network element. The method includes: receiving a data packet; determining whether the protocol data unit session performs a store-and-forward operation or activates a store-and-forward mode according to parameter information for establishing a protocol data unit session, so as to generate an indication information; if the indication information indicates that the protocol data unit session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate a store-and-forward mode, storing the data packet into a storage function module inside the session management function network element; externally sending the data packet according to the determined saving time information of the data packet.

[0179] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a session management function network element. The method includes: determining whether the protocol data unit session performs a store-and-forward operation or activates a store-and-forward mode according to the parameter information for establishing the protocol data unit session, so as to generate indication information; and sending the indication information to a network exposure function network element.

[0180] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a data packet transmission method, which is executed by a network exposure function network element. The method includes: receiving a data packet; receiving indication information; if the indication information indicates that the protocol data unit session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate a store-and-forward mode, storing the data packet in a storage function unit inside the network exposure function network element; obtaining the save time information of the data packet; and sending the data packet externally according to the save time information.

[0181] Figure 10 A block diagram of a storage function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 10 The storage function network element 1000 in the control plane of the provided mobile core network may include a receiving unit 1010, a storage unit 1020, a processing unit 1030, and a sending unit 1040.

[0182] The receiving unit 1010 is configured to receive a data packet and the save time information of the data packet. The storage unit 1020 is configured to store the data packet and the save time information of the data packet. The processing unit 1030 is configured to determine the sending time of the data packet according to the save time information. The sending unit 1040 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 a session management function network element or a network exposure function network element.

[0184] In an exemplary embodiment, the session management function network element is configured to determine whether the protocol data unit session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate a store-and-forward mode according to the parameter information for establishing the protocol data unit session, so as to generate indication information.

[0185] In an exemplary embodiment, when the functions of the storage function network element are integrated in the session management function network element, and the indication information indicates that the protocol data unit session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate a store-and-forward mode, the session management function network element is configured to store the data packet in a storage function module inside the session management function network element, and send the data packet externally according to the determined save time information of the data packet.

[0186] In an exemplary embodiment, when the functions of the storage function network element are integrated in the network exposure function network element, the network exposure function network element is used to receive the indication information. If the indication information indicates that the protocol data unit session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate the store-and-forward mode, the network exposure function network element is further used to store the data packet in the storage function module inside the network exposure function network element, and send the data packet externally according to the determined save time information of the data packet.

[0187] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 1010 is further used to receive the data packet and its save time information from the session management function network element or the network exposure function network element.

[0188] In an exemplary embodiment, the processing unit 1030 is further used 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, 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.

[0189] In an exemplary embodiment, the sending unit 1040 is further used to send the data packet to the session management function network element or the network exposure function network element or the application function network element at the sending time.

[0190] Figure 10 Other contents of the storage function network element provided by the embodiment can refer to the above other embodiments.

[0191] Figure 11 A block diagram of a session management function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. Figure 11 The provided session management function network element 1100 may include a receiving unit 1110 and a sending unit 1130.

[0192] The receiving unit 1110 is used to receive a data packet during the process of establishing a control plane transmission path for data transmission by a terminal. The sending unit 1130 is used to send the data packet to the storage function network element to instruct the storage function network element to store the data packet, and send the data packet externally according to the save time information of the data packet.

[0193] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 1110 is further configured to receive, during the process, time parameters of the data packet from the terminal, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay. The session management function network element 1100 further includes a processing unit configured to determine preservation time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet. Wherein, the sending unit 1130 is further configured to directly send the data packet and its preservation time information to the storage function network element.

[0194] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 1110 is further configured to receive the time parameters of the data packet from a network exposure function network element or an application 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. The session management function network element 1100 further includes a processing unit configured to determine preservation time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet. Wherein, the sending unit 1130 is further configured to directly send the data packet and its preservation time information to the storage function network element.

[0195] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 1110 is further configured to receive, during the process, time parameters of the data packet from the terminal, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay. The session management function network element 1100 further includes a processing unit configured to determine preservation time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet. Wherein, the sending unit 1130 is further configured to send the data packet and its preservation time information to the network exposure function network element to instruct the network exposure function network element to send the data packet and its preservation time information to the storage function network element.

[0196] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 1110 is further configured to receive the time parameters of the data packet from a network exposure function network element or an application 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. The session management function network element 1100 further includes a processing unit configured to determine preservation time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet. Wherein, the sending unit 1130 is further configured to send the data packet and its preservation time information to the network exposure function network element to instruct the network exposure function network element to send the data packet and its preservation time information to the storage function network element.

[0197] In an exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 1110 is further configured to receive the time parameter of the data packet from a network exposure function network element or an application function network element, where the transmission time parameter includes the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay. Wherein, the sending unit 1130 is further configured to send the data packet and its time parameter to the network exposure function network element, so as to instruct the network exposure function network element to determine the storage time information of the data packet according to the time parameter, and send the data packet and its storage time information to the storage function network element.

[0198] In an exemplary embodiment, the session management function network element 1100 further includes a processing unit, configured to: generate indication information according to the parameter information of the protocol data unit session establishment, where the indication information is used to indicate whether it is necessary to perform a store-and-forward operation on the protocol data unit session, or to activate the store-and-forward mode.

[0199] In an exemplary embodiment, the session management function network element 1100 further includes a processing unit, configured to: if the function of the storage function network element is integrated in the session management function network element, and the indication information indicates that the protocol data unit session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate the store-and-forward mode, then store the data packet into the storage function module inside the session management function network element according to the indication information. The sending unit 1130 is further configured to externally send the data packet according to the determined storage time information of the data packet.

[0200] In an exemplary embodiment, the session management function network element 1100 further includes a processing unit, configured to: if the storage function network element is an independent network element, and the indication information indicates that the protocol data unit session needs to perform a store-and-forward operation or activate the store-and-forward mode, then the session management function network element determines the storage time information of the data packet. The sending unit 1130 is further configured to forward the data packet and its storage time information to the storage function network element.

[0201] Figure 11 Other contents of the session management function network element provided by the embodiment can refer to the above other embodiments.

[0202] Figure 12 Schematically shows a block diagram of a network exposure function network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 12 shown, the network exposure 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.

[0203] The receiving unit 1210 is configured to receive data packets. The processing unit 1220 is configured to obtain the storage time information of the data packets. The sending unit 1230 is configured to send the data packets and the storage time information of the data packets to the storage function network element, so as to instruct the storage function network element to store the data packets and the storage time information of the data packets, determine the sending time of the data packets according to the storage time information, and send the data packets externally at the sending time.

[0204] Figure 12 For other contents of the network opening function network element provided in the embodiment, reference may be made to the above-mentioned other embodiments.

[0205] 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.

[0206] The sending unit 1310 is configured to send an uplink data packet to the session management function network element in establishing a control plane forwarding path for uplink data transmission, so that the session management function network element sends the uplink data packet to the storage function network element in the control plane of the mobile core network.

[0207] In an exemplary embodiment, the sending unit 1310 is further configured to send a time parameter and a data flow direction, where the time parameter includes the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay, and the data flow direction indicates that the time parameter is applicable to the uplink data packet and / or the downlink data packet.

[0208] Figure 13 For other contents of the terminal provided in the embodiment, reference may be made to the above-mentioned other embodiments.

[0209] Figure 14 A schematic structural diagram of a communication device 1400 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 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 storage function network element. Figure 14 The shown communication device 1400 includes a processor 1410, and the processor 1410 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 14 shown, the communication device 1400 may further include a memory 1420. Wherein, the processor 1410 may call and run a computer program from the memory 1420 to implement the method in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0211] Among them, the memory 1420 can be a separate device independent of the processor 1410, or can be integrated in the processor 1410.

[0212] Optionally, as Figure 14 shown, the communication device 1400 may further include a transceiver 1430. The processor 1410 can control the transceiver 1430 to communicate with other devices. Specifically, it can send information or data to other devices, or receive information or data sent by other devices.

[0213] Among them, the transceiver 1430 can 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 1430 may further include an antenna, and the number of antennas can be one or more.

[0214] Optionally, the communication device 1400 can specifically be various network elements in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the communication device 1400 can 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, it will not be elaborated here.

[0215] Optionally, the communication device 1400 can specifically be the mobile terminal / terminal in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and the communication device 1400 can 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, it will not be elaborated here.

[0216] Optionally, the processor 1410, the memory 1420, and the transceiver 1430 can achieve two-way communication with each other through the communication bus 1440.

[0217] The method provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to the following Figures 15 to 17 5G network and satellite system fusion system shown in any of the following embodiments.

[0218] As Figure 15 shown, a 5G network and satellite system fusion system provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure may include a UE 1510, a base station (such as a gNB) 1520, a satellite 1530, a satellite observation station 1540, and a 5GC (5G Core) 1550. The UE 1510 communicates with the base station 1520. The base station 1520 is set on the ground. The satellite 1530 is used to backhaul the downlink data packet to the base station 1520, and / or backhaul the uplink data packet to the 5GC 1550. Optionally, the satellite 1530 and the 5GC 1550 can also communicate through the satellite observation station 1540.

[0219] As Figure 16As shown in the figure, a 5G network and satellite system fusion system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure may include UE A 1610, UE B 1620, satellite 1630, Ground GW (gateway) 1640, and 5GC 1650. Figure 16 In the embodiment, the functions of a base station (such as a gNB) and a UPF may be set on the satellite 1630 to implement NR satellite access and the UPF is on the satellite. UE A 1610, UE B 1620 communicate with the satellite 1630, the satellite 1630 communicates with the Ground GW 1640, and the Ground GW 1640 communicates with the 5GC 1650.

[0220] As Figure 17 shown in the figure, a 5G network and satellite system fusion system provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure may include UE A 1710, UE B 1720, satellite 1730, and Ground GW 1740. Figure 17 In the embodiment, the functions of a base station (such as a gNB) and a core network may be set on the satellite 1730 to implement NR satellite access and the core network is on the satellite. UE A 1710, UE B 1720 communicate with the satellite 1730, and the satellite 1730 communicates with the Ground GW 1740.

[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 by 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 by a combination of 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 elaborated herein.

[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 elaborated herein.

[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 a hardware or software manner 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 displayed as a unit may or may not be a physical unit, that is, it may be located in one place or 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 may be integrated in a processing unit, may exist physically alone for each unit, or two or more units may 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 such an understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which may 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 foregoing storage medium includes: various media such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disc 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 method for data packet transmission, characterized in that, the method is executed by a storage function network element in the control plane of the mobile core network, and the method includes: receiving a data packet and the save time information of the data packet; storing the data packet and the save time information of the data packet; determining the transmission time of the data packet according to the save time information; sending 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 session management function network element or the network exposure function network element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, the session management function network element is used to determine whether the protocol data unit session needs to perform store-and-forward operations or activate the store-and-forward mode according to the parameter information of the protocol data unit session establishment, so as to generate indication information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the function of the storage function network element is integrated in the session management function network element, and the indication information indicates that the protocol data unit session needs to perform store-and-forward operations or activate the store-and-forward mode, then the session management function network element stores the data packet into the storage function module inside the session management function network element, and sends the data packet externally according to the determined save time information of the data packet; when the function of the storage function network element is integrated in the network exposure function network element, the method further includes: receiving the indication information; if the indication information indicates that the protocol data unit session needs to perform store-and-forward operations or activate the store-and-forward mode, then the network exposure function network element stores the data packet into the storage function module inside the network exposure function network element, and sends the data packet externally according to the determined save time information of the data packet.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, receiving a data packet and the save time information of the data packet includes: receiving the data packet and its save time information from the session management function network element or the network exposure function network element.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, determining the transmission time of the data packet according to the save time information includes: if the save time information includes the latest forwarding time of the data packet, then 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 save time information includes the proposed forwarding time of the data packet, then determining the transmission time according to the proposed forwarding time; if the save time information includes the proposed save duration of the data packet, then recording the reception time of receiving the data packet, and determining the transmission time according to the proposed save duration and the reception time; if the save time information includes the maximum save duration of the data packet, then recording the reception time of the data packet, and determining the transmission time according to the maximum save duration and the reception time.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Transmitting the data packet externally at the said transmission time, including: Transmitting the data packet to a session management function network element or a network exposure function network element or an application function network element at the said transmission time.

8. A data packet transmission method Characterized in that The method is executed by a session management function network element, and the method includes: Receiving a data packet during the process of establishing a control plane transmission path for data transmission at a terminal; Sending the data packet to a storage function network element to instruct the storage function network element to store the data packet, and transmitting the data packet externally according to the preservation time information of the data packet.

9. The method according to claim 8 Characterized in that It further includes: Receiving, during the said process, time parameters of the data packet from the terminal, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; Determining the preservation time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet; Wherein, sending the data packet to the storage function network element includes: Directly sending the data packet and its preservation time information to the storage function network element.

10. The method according to claim 8 Characterized in that It further includes: Receiving, from a network exposure function network element or an application function network element, 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 preservation time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet; Wherein, sending the data packet to the storage function network element includes: Directly sending the data packet and its preservation time information to the storage function network element.

11. The method according to claim 8 Characterized in that It further includes: Receiving, during the said process, time parameters of the data packet from the terminal, where the time parameters include the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay; Determining the preservation time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet; Wherein, sending the data packet to the storage function network element includes: Sending the data packet and its preservation time information to a network exposure function network element to instruct the network exposure function network element to send the data packet and its preservation time information to the storage function network element.

12. The method according to claim 8 Characterized in that It further includes: Receiving, from a network exposure function network element or an application function network element, 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 preservation time information of the data packet according to the time parameters of the data packet; Wherein, sending the data packet to the storage function network element includes: Sending the data packet and its preservation time information to a network exposure function network element to instruct the network exposure function network element to send the data packet and its preservation time information to the storage function network element.

13. The method according to claim 8 Characterized in that It further includes: Receive the time parameter of the data packet from a network exposure function network element or an application 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; Wherein, sending the data packet to the storage function network element includes: Sending the data packet and its time parameter to the network exposure function network element, so as to instruct the network exposure function network element to determine the storage time information of the data packet according to the time parameter, and sending the data packet and its storage time information to the storage function network element.

14. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, further comprising: Generating indication information according to the parameter information of the protocol data unit session establishment, where the indication information is used to indicate whether to determine that the protocol data unit session needs to perform store-and-forward operations or activate the store-and-forward mode.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, further comprising: If the function of the storage function network element is integrated in the session management function network element, and the indication information indicates that the protocol data unit session needs to perform store-and-forward operations or activate the store-and-forward mode, then store the data packet into the storage function module inside the session management function network element according to the indication information; Send the data packet externally according to the determined storage time information of the data packet.

16. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, further comprising: If the storage function network element is an independent network element, and the indication information indicates that the protocol data unit session needs to perform store-and-forward operations or activate the store-and-forward mode, then the session management function network element determines the storage time information of the data packet; Forward the data packet and its storage time information to the storage function network element.

17. A data packet transmission method, characterized in that, The method is executed by a terminal, and the method includes: In establishing a control plane forwarding path for uplink data transmission, send the uplink data packet to the session management function network element, so that the session management function network element sends the uplink data packet to the storage function network element in the control plane of the mobile core network.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, further comprising: Send the time parameter and the data flow direction, where the time parameter includes the latest arrival time of the data packet and / or the maximum value of the transmission delay, and the data flow direction indicates that the time parameter is applicable to the uplink data packet and / or the downlink data packet.

19. A communication device, characterized in that, comprising: One or more processors; A memory configured to store one or more programs, which when executed by the one or more processors, cause the communication device to implement the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7; or, The method according to any one of claims 8 to 16; or, The method according to claim 17 or 18.

20. A computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program runs on a computer, causing the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7; or, the method according to any one of claims 8 to 16; or, the method according to claim 17 or 18.

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