Method and apparatus for providing user plane path management information of edge traffic for home routing user equipment in mobile network system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a 5th-Generation (5G) or 6th-Generation (6G) communication system for supporting higher data transmission rates. A method for performing an access session management function (V-SMF) by a first entity in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes transmitting, by a first entity, an application function (AF) notification subscription request to a second entity performing an access network exposure function (V-NEF), receiving, by the first entity, a response message of the AF notification subscription request from the second entity, and receiving, by the first entity, application data of AF traffic impact request information from the second entity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for supporting provision of service path management information when providing edge computing services to a home-routed (HR) roaming user equipment (UE) in a communication system. Background Art

[0002] Fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology defines a wide frequency band, enabling high transmission rates and new services, and can be implemented not only in "sub-6 gigahertz (GHz)" frequency bands such as 3.5 GHz, but also in "above 6 GHz" frequency bands, known as millimeter waves (mmWave), including 28 GHz and 39 GHz. Furthermore, consideration is being given to implementing sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication technology (referred to as a "super 5G system") in terahertz (THz) frequency bands (e.g., 95 GHz to 3 THz bands) in order to achieve transmission rates fifty times faster than 5G mobile communication technology and ultra-low latency one-tenth that of 5G mobile communication technology.

[0003] At the beginning of the development of 5G mobile communication technology, in order to support services related to enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC) and meet the performance requirements associated therewith, standardization has been ongoing on the following: beamforming and massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) for mitigating radio wave path loss and increasing radio wave transmission range in mmWave, support for parameter sets (e.g., operating with multiple subcarrier spacings), dynamic operation for efficient utilization of mmWave resources and time slot formats, initial access technology for supporting multi-beam transmission and broadband, definition and operation of bandwidth parts (BWPs), new channel coding methods such as low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes for large-scale data transmission and polar codes for highly reliable transmission of control information, layer 2 (L2) pre-processing, and network slicing for providing dedicated networks dedicated to specific services.

[0004] Currently, in view of the services to be supported by 5G mobile communication technology, there are ongoing discussions on improvements and performance enhancements to initial 5G mobile communication technology, and there has been physical layer standardization on technologies such as Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) for assisting autonomous vehicles in driving determination based on information about the position and status of vehicles transmitted by the vehicles and for enhancing user convenience, New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) for system operation in compliance with various regulatory requirements in unlicensed bands, New Radio (NR) User Equipment (UE) power saving, Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) as UE-satellite direct communication for providing coverage in areas where communication with terrestrial networks is unavailable, and positioning.

[0005] In addition, the standardization of air interface architecture / protocols is ongoing for technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for supporting new services through interworking and integration with other industries, Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) for providing nodes for network service area expansion by supporting wireless backhaul links and access links in an integrated manner, mobility enhancements including conditional handover and dual-active protocol stack (DAPS) handover, and two-step random access (NR's two-step random access channel (RACH)) for simplifying the random access procedure. The standardization of system architecture / services is also ongoing for technologies such as a 5G baseline architecture (e.g., a service-based architecture or service-based interface) for combining network function virtualization (NFV) and software-defined networking (SDN) technologies, and mobile edge computing (MEC) for receiving services based on UE location.

[0006] With the commercialization of 5G mobile communication systems, the already exponentially growing number of connected devices will be connected to the communication network, and accordingly, it is expected that enhanced functionality and performance of 5G mobile communication systems and the integrated operation of connected devices will become necessary. To this end, new research related to extended reality (XR) is being planned to effectively support augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), etc., and to improve 5G performance and reduce complexity by utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), AI service support, metaverse service support, and drone communications.

[0007] Furthermore, such development of 5G mobile communication systems will serve as a foundation for developing not only new waveforms for providing coverage in the terahertz band for 6G mobile communication technology, but also multi-antenna transmission technologies such as full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, and massive antennas, metamaterial-based lenses and antennas for improving coverage of terahertz band signals, and high-dimensional spatial multiplexing technologies using orbital angular momentum (OAM) and reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS); full-duplex technology for improving the frequency efficiency of 6G mobile communication technology and improving system networks, AI-based communication technology for achieving system optimization by leveraging satellites and artificial intelligence (AI) from the design stage and internalizing end-to-end AI support functions, and next-generation distributed computing technology for implementing services with a level of complexity that exceeds the limits of UE operating capabilities by utilizing ultra-high-performance communication and computing resources.

[0008] With the recent development of communication systems, various studies have been conducted on how to provide relevant service path management information to external systems of a core network when providing edge computing services to home-routed roaming UEs.

[0009] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with respect to the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] For a roaming UE to use edge computing services over a home-routed session, the session must be branched to the local data network (or the local access portion of the data network) where the edge computing server of the visited network is installed.

[0012] With branch sessions, changes in the user plane function (UPF) on the user plane path or changes in the data network access identifier between the edge computing server and the UE can occur based on the UE's mobility. Information about these changes must be provided to the edge computing server to perform edge application relocation or edge application context relocation in response to the UE's mobility.

[0013] In order to provide this information, a subscription request must be made to the Visited Network Session Management Function (V-SMF) through the Policy Control Function (PCF). However, because the PCF of the Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) does not intervene in the session management services of the HR roaming UE, the subscription request for providing relevant information must be made through the PCF of the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) or through a path that does not pass through the V-PCF within the VPLMN.

[0014] Various aspects of the present disclosure are intended to at least address the above-mentioned problems and / or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Therefore, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method for providing relevant service path management information to a system outside a core network when providing edge computing services to a home-routed roaming UE.

[0015] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.

[0016] Solution to the problem

[0017] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for a Visited Network Session Management Function (V-SMF) entity to perform a session management function (SMF) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method includes: sending a User Plane Path Management Event Notification (UPPM) event notification service subscription request to a Visited User Data Repository (V-UDR) entity that performs one or more User Data Repository (UDR) functions or a Visited Network Exposure Function (V-NEF) entity that performs a Network Exposure Function (NEF), receiving a response message including the UPPM event notification service subscription request from at least one of the V-UDR and the V-NEF, and monitoring for occurrence of a UPPM event based on the UPPM event notification service subscription information.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for performing a session management function (SMF) in a wireless communication system by a home network session management function (H-SMF) entity is provided. The method includes receiving user plane path management event notification (UPPM) event notification service subscription information from a home network policy management function network entity (H-PCF) that performs a policy control function (PCF), determining whether the UPPM event notification service subscription information should be sent to a visited network session management function network entity (V-SMF) that performs a session management function (SMF), and, when it is determined that the UPPM event notification service subscription information should be sent to the V-SMF, initiating the sending of the UPPM event notification service subscription information to the V-SMF.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a visitor network session management function (V-SMF) entity for performing a session management function (SMF) in a wireless communication system is provided. The V-SMF entity includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The memory stores one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions. When executed by the one or more processors, the V-SMF entity sends a user plane path management event notification (UPPM) event notification service subscription request to a visitor user data repository (V-UDR) entity performing one or more user data repository (UDR) functions or a visitor network exposure function (V-NEF) entity performing a network exposure function (NEF), receives a response message including the UPPM event notification service subscription request from at least one of the V-UDR and the V-NEF, and monitors for UPPM event occurrences based on the UPPM event notification service subscription information.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a home network session management function (H-SMF) entity for performing a session management function (SMF) in a wireless communication system is provided. The home network SMF entity includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals, a memory, and one or more processors communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The memory stores one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions. When executed by the one or more processors, the computer-executable instructions cause the home network SMF entity to receive user plane path management event notification (UPPM) event notification service subscription information from a home network policy management function network entity (H-PCF) that performs a policy control function (PCF), determine whether the UPPM event notification service subscription information should be sent to a visited network session management function network entity (V-SMF) that performs a session management function (SMF), and, if it is determined that the UPPM event notification service subscription information should be sent to the V-SMF, send the UPPM event notification service subscription information to the V-SMF.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media storing one or more computer programs including computer-executable instructions are provided. The computer-executable instructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause a first entity executing a access session management function (V-SMF) in a wireless communication system to perform operations. The operations include sending an application function (AF) notification subscription request to a second entity executing a access network exposure function (V-NEF), receiving a response message to the AF notification subscription request from the second entity, and receiving application data for AF service impact request information from the second entity.

[0022] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when a home-routed roaming UE receives edge computing services, information about changes in the user plane path of the edge computing service business based on the UE's mobility can be provided outside the core network. Through this information, the sustainability of the edge computing service can be guaranteed.

[0024] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses various embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of certain embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a 5G system structure supporting home routing (HR) roaming according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of providing User Plane (UP) Path Management Event (UPPM) information of a Home Routing (HR) roaming UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a method of providing UP Path Management Event (UPPM) information of a Home Routing (HR) roaming UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a network entity performing operations according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0030] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the structure of a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, is provided to facilitate a fuller understanding of the various embodiments of the present disclosure as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to aid understanding, but these details are to be considered merely as exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications may be made to the various embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0033] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for illustration purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0034] It should be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component surface" includes reference to one or more of such surfaces.

[0035] When describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, descriptions related to technical contents that are well known in the art and not directly related to the present disclosure will be omitted. Such unnecessary omissions are intended to prevent the main idea of ​​the present disclosure from being obscured and to convey the main idea more clearly.

[0036] For the same reason, in the accompanying drawings, some elements may be exaggerated, omitted or schematically shown. In addition, the size of each element does not fully reflect the actual size. In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0037] The advantages and features of the present disclosure and the manner in which they are achieved will be apparent by reference to the embodiments described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth below, but may be implemented in a variety of different forms. The following embodiments are provided only to fully disclose the present disclosure and to inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. Throughout the specification, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements.

[0038] In this document, it will be understood that each block of the flowchart diagram and the combination of blocks in the flowchart diagram can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device create a device for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-usable or computer-readable memory, which can instruct the computer or other programmable data processing device to act in a specific manner so that the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including an instruction device that implements the functions specified in the flowchart block or multiple blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device so that a series of operating steps are performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process so that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowchart blocks.

[0039] In addition, each block of the flowchart diagram may represent a module, segment or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions marked in the blocks may not occur in order. For example, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0040] As used in the embodiments of the present disclosure, a "unit" refers to a software element or hardware element that performs a predetermined function, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). However, a "unit" does not always have a meaning limited to software or hardware. A "unit" can be configured to be stored in an addressable storage medium or executed by one or more processors. Therefore, a "unit" includes, for example, a software element, an object-oriented software element, a class element or a task element, a process, a function, a property, a procedure, a subroutine, a program code segment, a driver, firmware, microcode, a circuit, data, a database, a data structure, a table, an array, and a parameter. The elements and functions provided by a "unit" can be combined into a smaller number of elements or "units" or divided into a larger number of elements or "units". In addition, the elements and "units" can be implemented as one or more central processing units (CPUs) within a reproduction device or a secure multimedia card.

[0041] Hereinafter, the present disclosure discloses an apparatus and method for providing intercommunication of network slicing (or network slicing) in a wireless communication system. Specifically, the present disclosure describes a technology for intercommunication between a 5G network system structure providing a network slicing function and an EPS network system in a wireless communication system.

[0042] In the following description, for the convenience of description, terms referring to signals, terms referring to channels, terms referring to control information, terms referring to network entities, terms referring to device elements, etc. are illustratively used. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms used below, and other terms referring to subjects with equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0043] In addition, in the present disclosure, terminology used in some communication standards (eg, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP)) will be used to describe various embodiments, but this is merely an example for description purposes. The present disclosure can also be easily applied to other communication systems by modification.

[0044] Hereinafter, the operating principle of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms described below are defined in consideration of the functions in the present disclosure and may vary depending on the user, the user's intention, or the user's habits. Therefore, the definition of the terms should be based on the content of the entire specification.

[0045] As used herein, for the convenience of description, terms referring to network entities and edge computing system entities, terms referring to messages, terms referring to identification information, etc. are illustratively used. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the terms used below, and other terms referring to subjects with equivalent technical meanings may be used.

[0046] In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the present disclosure will be described using terms and names defined in the 5G system standard. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these terms and names and can be applied in the same manner to systems that comply with other standards.

[0047] It should be understood that the blocks in each flowchart and the combination of flowcharts can be performed by one or more computer programs comprising instructions. The entirety of one or more computer programs can be stored in a single memory, or one or more computer programs can be divided into different parts stored in different multiple memories.

[0048] Any functions or operations described herein may be processed by a processor or a combination of processors. A processor or a combination of processors is a circuit that performs processing and includes, for example, an application processor (AP, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a communication processor (CP, e.g., a modem), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU) (e.g., an artificial intelligence (AI) chip), a Wi-Fi chip, a Bluetooth chip, or a processor. Circuits of chips, global positioning system (GPS) chips, near field communication (NFC) chips, connectivity chips, sensor controllers, touch controllers, fingerprint sensor controllers, display driver integrated circuits (ICs), audio codec chips, universal serial bus (USB) controllers, camera controllers, image processing ICs, microprocessor units (MPUs), systems on chip (SoCs), integrated circuits (ICs), etc.

[0049] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a 5G system structure supporting home routing (HR) roaming according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 ,The 5G system structure supporting HR roaming can include various network functions (NFs). Figure 1 Shown are the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Data Network (DN), User Plane Function (UPF), (Radio) Access Network ((R)AN) and some corresponding User Equipment (UE) to the NFs.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, each NF may support the following functions.

[0052] The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) provides functions for UEs based on access and mobility management, and each UE can basically be connected to one AMF. V-AMF refers to the AMF based on the visited network of the UE subscriber. H-AMF refers to the AMF of the home network of the UE subscriber.

[0053] The Data Network (DN) refers to, for example, operator services, Internet access, or third-party services. The DN can send downlink protocol data units (PDUs) to the UPF, or receive PDUs sent from the UE from the UPF.

[0054] The Policy Control Function (PCF) receives information about packet flows from application servers and provides functionality for determining policies such as mobility management and session management. Specifically, the PCF can support functions such as supporting a unified policy framework to control network operations, providing policy rules so that control plane functions (e.g., AMF, SMF, etc.) can implement policy rules, and implementing a front end to access subscription information related to policy decisions in the User Data Repository (UDR).

[0055] The Session Management Function (SMF) provides session management functions, and when a UE has multiple sessions, each session can be managed by a different SMF. The V-SMF refers to the AMF based on the visited network of the UE subscriber. The H-SMF refers to the SMF of the home network of the UE subscriber.

[0056] User Data Management (UDM) can store user subscription data, policy data, etc.

[0057] A user plane function (UPF) may deliver a downlink PDU received from the DN to the UE through the (R)AN, and may deliver an uplink PDU received from the UE to the DN through the (R)AN.

[0058] The Application Function (AF) may interact with the 3GPP core network to provide services (eg, support functions such as application impact on traffic routing, access network capability exposure, interaction with the policy framework for policy control, etc.).

[0059] An edge data network is a data network where edge computing servers are deployed. The edge data network can be considered the local portion of a data network or a local data network (the local portion of a DN or a local DN).

[0060] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a method of providing UP Path Management Event (UPPM) information of a Home Routing (HR) roaming UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] refer to Figure 2 , a diagram illustrating a processing method within a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) is shown.

[0062] First, the visitor session management function (V-SMF) 203 may configure a home-routed session break out (HR-SBO) path.

[0063] Specifically, the V-SMF 203 may receive information that home routing session offload (HR-SBO) is possible from the access and mobility management function (AMF), and receive information notifying that home routing session offload (HR-SBO) is allowed from the home session management function (H-SMF).

[0064] Thereafter, the V-SMF 203 may configure a visited user plane function 1 (V-UPF1) 201 and a visited user plane function 2 (V-UPF2) 202 in a visited public land mobile network (VPLMN) through home routing session offload (HR-SBO).

[0065] The V-UPF1 201 may include a UPF serving as an uplink classifier (UL CL) or a branching point (BP), and the V-UPF2 202 may include a PDU Session Anchor-UPF (PSA UPF).

[0066] In operation S210 , the V-SMF 203 may request at least one of an AF-requested user plane path management (UPPM) event notification subscription and a notification subscription for information update.

[0067] Specifically, the V-SMF 203 that is ready to provide edge computing services to the HR roaming UE may request a User Plane Path Management (UPPM) event notification subscription request for the AF request of the corresponding UE from the Visited User Data Repository (V-UDR) 204 or the Visited Network Exposure Function (V-NEF) 205 .

[0068] Alternatively, the V-SMF 203 may make a notification subscription request with the V-UDR 204 for information updates, such as PDU session related information, application data information, or AF request information for a PDU session for a specific data network name (DNN) and single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI).

[0069] For example, the specific DNN and S-NSSAI refer to a DNN and S-NSSAI that allow HR-SBO, or may refer to a DNN and S-NSSAI for an HR roaming session.

[0070] The request message may include a UE identifier (User Equipment Identifier, UE ID), a UE address, a DNN, an S-NSSAI, a notification target address, an application identifier, a fully qualified domain name (FQDN), an IP address range, a DNAI (a value such as a VPLMN PSA UPF identifying the local part of the DN and the access point, or a value that may indicate the location of an application located in the local part of the DN), an event ID (UPPM event notification requested by the AF), a PLMN ID (VPLMN ID or HPLMN ID), etc.

[0071] In addition, the request message may include a plurality of pieces of information or at least one piece of information, and the information included in the request message is not limited thereto.

[0072] The V-SMF 203 may make a subscription request in the form of a request for notification of data updates within the UDR.

[0073] More specifically, the V-SMF 203 may make a subscription request in the form of requesting notification of data updates within the UDR (eg, saving or updating new information about application data) through the Nudr_DM_Subscription API.

[0074] When the V-SMF 203 sends the above notification subscription request for AF request information or application data update to the V-UDR 204, the V-SMF 203 can distinguish between the case of configuring HR-SBO and the case of configuring a local breakout (LBO) session.

[0075] More specifically, in order to distinguish between the case of configuring HR-SBO and the case of configuring a local breakout (LBO) session, the V-SMF 203 may provide the V-UDR 204 with HR-SBO configuration information as well as DNN and S-NSSAI information, DNAI (for example, a DNAI value corresponding to the DN or local part of the edge data network that sends the HR session branched within the VPLMN, or a DNAI value of the PSA mapped to the UP path of the HR session, etc.), serving PLMN ID, HPLMN ID (PLMN ID for which a roaming agreement has been completed), SUPI, etc.

[0076] In operation S220, the V-UDR 204 or the V-NEF 205 may respond to the subscription request.

[0077] More specifically, the V-UDR 204 or V-NEF 205 that received the subscription request from the V-SMF 203 in the previous operation can send a subscription-related ID, a notification-related ID, subscription success or failure, etc. to the V-SMF 203, and monitor the occurrence of a UPPM event notification subscription request event in the AF.

[0078] For example, the V-UDR 204 monitors the occurrence of updates of AF request information or application data corresponding to the UE identifier, DNN and S-NSSAI, DNAI, etc. provided by the V-SMF 203 (AF-related information received through the V-NEF or UPPM event notification requested by the AF).

[0079] In operation S230 , the visiting application function (V-AF) 206 may make a UPPM event notification subscription request for a specific UE or a specific DNAI.

[0080] Specifically, the V-AF 206 may make a subscription request to the V-NEF 205 using the Nnef_TrafficInfluence service API.

[0081] The V-AF 206 may send a request message to the V-NEF 205 .

[0082] The corresponding request message may include the following information.

[0083] More specifically, the corresponding request message may include an AF identifier, an AF transaction identifier, a UE identifier (UE ID), a DNN, an S-NSSAI, a DNAI, a serving PLMN ID, a home PLMN ID, an application identifier, an application relocation possibility, information about AF subscription to the corresponding SMF event (early or delayed notification type, expected AF confirmation, etc.), information about AF change, a notification target address, etc. The request message may include at least one or more of the above information, and is not limited to the information described above.

[0084] In operation S240 , the V-NEF 205 may store, update, or remove the information. More specifically, the V-NEF 205 may store the information received from the V-AF 206 in the V-UDR 204 .

[0085] The V-NEF 205 may select the DNN and S-NSSAI mapped to the AF identifier received from the V-AF 206. The V-NEF 205 may convert the UE identifier received from the V-AF 206 into a Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) or identify the HPLMN ID of the UE through the Home PLMN ID provided by the V-AF 206.

[0086] The V-NEF 205 may store information provided by the V-AF 206 or information mapped in the V-NEF 205 in the V-UDR 204 as follows.

[0087] The V-NEF 205 may configure the application data of the V-UDR 204 as a data set and the service impact request information as a data subset. The data key for the data may be configured as the AF transaction identifier, S-NSSAI, DNN, and UE identifier (UE group identifier or SUPI), and the UE's HPLMN ID or information distinguishing roaming UEs may be configured and stored together.

[0088] In addition, the information stored in the V-UDR 204 may be stored separately, regardless of whether it is information about the HR session or information about the LBO session. Whether the information stored in the V-UDR 204 is about the HR session or the LBO session can be distinguished by the PLMN ID, or distinguished and stored by separate roaming type information, DNN, or S-NSSAI.

[0089] In operation S250 , the V-NEF 205 may notify the V-AF 206 that the requested information has been successfully stored.

[0090] In operation S260, the V-NEF 205 or the V-UDR 204 may transmit at least one of UPPM event subscription information and notification subscription information for information update to the V-SMF 203.

[0091] More specifically, the V-NEF 205 or the V-UDR 204 may find the V-SMF that has made a notification subscription request for AF request information, AF requested UPPM event notification, or application data update and send relevant information.

[0092] The relevant information may include UPPM event subscription information or notification subscription information for information update. The UPPM event subscription information or notification subscription information for information update may include at least one of an AF identifier, an AF transaction identifier, a UE identifier (UEID), a DNN, an S-NSSAI, a DNAI, a serving PLMN ID, a home PLMN ID, an application identifier, application relocation possibility, information about AF subscription to corresponding SMF events (early or delayed notification type, expected AF confirmation, etc.), information about AF changes, and a notification target address.

[0093] The notification subscription information for information update may include information related to application data information or AF request information. The application data information or the information related to the above-mentioned AF request information may include at least one of an AF identifier, an AF transaction identifier, a UE identifier (UE ID), a DNN, an S-NSSAI, a DNAI, a serving PLMN ID, a home PLMN ID, an application identifier, application relocation possibility, information about AF subscription to corresponding SMF events (early or delayed notification type, expected AF confirmation, etc.), information about AF changes, and a notification target address.

[0094] In the drawing, for convenience of explanation, operation S260 is illustrated as being performed after operation S250 , but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and the order may be changed.

[0095] In operation S270 , the V-SMF 203 may perform UPPM event monitoring.

[0096] More specifically, the V-SMF 203 may perform UPPM monitoring based on at least one of UPPM event subscription information and notification subscription information for information update received from the V-NEF 205 or the V-UDR 204 .

[0097] The V-SMF 203 may specify a PDU session affected by application data (AF request information; information provided by the V-AF 206 in S230 ) provided by the V-NEF 205 or the V-UDR 204 .

[0098] For example, when the AF requests information requesting UPPM event notification, the PDU session and UPF to be monitored are specified by using information such as UE identifier, DNN / S-NSSAI, DNAI, etc. More specifically, if the UP path for the UPPM event notification request is a path to the local part of the DN where the HR session is branched and transmitted, the DNN, S-NSSAI, and DNAI values ​​for the local part of the DN may be provided from the V-UDR 204, and the V-SMF 203 may monitor an update or relocation event of the V-UPF (V-UPF2, 202, which performs the role of the PSA UPF for the local part of the DN) corresponding to the information.

[0099] In operation S280 , the V-SMF 203 may send a notification of an event occurring in the UP path of the branch session of the HR roaming UE to the V-AF 206 through the V-NEF 205 .

[0100] For example, the event includes a UPF change / relocation or DNAI change where the branch session is sent to the V-UPF1 201 performing the ULCL / BP role or the V-UPF2 202 performing the local PSA role of the local part of the DN.

[0101] Alternatively, the V-SMF 203 may transmit directly to the V-AF 206 by using the notification target address received in operation S260 without going through the V-NEF 205 .

[0102] refer to Figure 2 , the V-SMF 203 can manage the sessions of HR roaming UEs and general PDU sessions of VPLMN subscriber UEs at the same time.

[0103] In this case, the V-SMF 203 may receive notification-related information about session-related events of the HR roaming UE directly from the V-UDR 204 or the V-NEF 205.

[0104] In addition, the V-SMF 203 can specify the PDU session through the UE identifier, DNN / S-NSSAI information, etc., and distinguish whether the corresponding UE is an HR roaming UE or a subscriber UE of the VPLMN.

[0105] If HR-SBO is performed for a specific PDU session, a subscription request may be performed directly to the V-UDR 204 or V-NEF 205 as in operation S210 to receive notification of generation / update of session-related information (application data, policy data) stored in the V-UDR 204.

[0106] Figure 3is a diagram illustrating a method of providing UP Path Management Event (UPPM) information of a Home Routing (HR) roaming UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0107] More specifically, Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a processing method through a Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN).

[0108] refer to Figure 3 In operation S310, the visitor session management function (V-SMF) 303 may receive information from the AMF that HR-SBO is possible, and may receive information from the home routing session offload (H-SMF) 304 indicating that home routing session offload (HR-SBO) is allowed. Having received the above information, the V-SMF 303 may configure the V-UPF1 (visit user plane function) 301 and V-UPF2 302 in the VPLMN through home routing session offload (HR-SBO). The V-UPF1 301 may include a UPF that functions as an uplink classifier (UCUL) or a branching point, and the V-UPF2 302 may include a PDU session anchor (PSA) UPF.

[0109] In operation S320 , the V-AF 308 may send a subscription request for UPPM event notification to the Home Network Exposure Function (H-NEF) 307 .

[0110] Specifically, the V-AF 308 may send a request message related to the subscription request to the H-NEF 307. The corresponding message may include an AF identifier, an AF transaction identifier, a user equipment identifier (UE ID), a DNN, an S-NSSAI, a DNAI, a serving PLMN ID, a home PLMN ID, an application identifier, an application relocation possibility, information about AF subscription to a corresponding SMF event (UPPM event, early or delayed notification type, expected AF confirmation, etc.), information about AF change, a V-NEF address, an AF address, etc. The request message may include at least one of the above information, and the information included in the request message is not limited to the above information.

[0111] In operation S320, when the V-AF 308 cannot directly transmit the request message to the H-NEF 307, the V-AF 308 may transmit a subscription request message for UPPM event notification to the V-NEF.

[0112] The subscription request message for UPPM event notification sent by the V-AF 308 to the V-NEF may include UE ID, serving PLMN ID, home PLMN ID and / or at least one of DNAI, DNN, S-NSSAI, AF identifier and DNAI.

[0113] Afterwards, the V-NEF may send a subscription request for the UPPM event notification of the H-NEF 307. For example, the V-NEF sends the subscription request for the corresponding UPPM event notification to the H-NEF 307 by considering the UE ID, serving PLMN ID, home PLMN ID, and / or DNAI included in the information received from the V-AF 308.

[0114] In this case, the V-NEF may convert (map or transform) the DNN, S-NSSAI, AF identifier, DNAI, etc. in the information received from the V-AF 308 into HPLMN DNN, S-NSSAI, and DNAI values ​​that can be used in the HPLMN, and send a subscription request for UPPM event notification including the converted information to the H-NEF 307.

[0115] The H-NEF 307 that receives a subscription request for UPPM event notifications may perform the following operations. More specifically, when the H-NEF 307 receives a subscription request for UPPM event notifications from the V-AF 308, the H-NEF 307 may map the AF identifier provided by the V-AF 308 to the DNN and S-NSSAI of the HPLMN. The H-NEF 307 may map the DNN and S-NSSAI or DNAI values ​​provided by the V-AF 308 to the DNN and S-NSSAI or DNAI values ​​used in the HPLMN. If the H-NEF 307 receives a subscription request for UPPM event notifications from the V-NEF, the H-NEF 307 may map the AF identifier, DNN, S-NSSAI, and DNAI values ​​received through the V-NEF to the DNN, S-NSSAI, or DNAI values ​​available in the HPLMN.

[0116] In operation S331, the H-NEF 307 may store the information provided by the V-AF 308 and the information mapped by the H-NEF 307. For example, the H-NEF 307 associates the information provided by the V-AF 308 (AF identifier, AF transaction identifier, user equipment identifier (UE ID), DNN, S-NSSAI, DNAI, serving PLMN ID, home PLMN ID, application identifier, application relocation possibility, information about AF subscription to corresponding SMF events (UPPM events, early or delayed notification type, expected AF confirmation, etc.), information about AF change, V-NEF address, AF address, etc.) with the information mapped by the H-NEF 307 (DNN and S-NSSAI or DNAI values ​​available on the HPLMN), and stores the associated information in the H-UDR 306.

[0117] In addition, in operation S332, the H-NEF 307 may transmit a response message to the V-AF 308 indicating whether the AF request has been successfully processed.

[0118] In operation S340, the H-UDR 306 may transmit information stored in the H-UDR 306 by the H-NEF 307 to the H-PCF 305, which has previously made a subscription request for application data or AF request information. The information may include information stored by the H-NEF 307 in the above process (AF identifier, AF transaction identifier, user equipment identifier, DNN, S-NSSAI, DNAI, serving PLMN ID, home PLMN ID, application identifier, FQDN, application relocation possibility, information about AF subscription to corresponding SMF events (UPPM events, early or delayed notification type, expected AF confirmation, etc.), information about AF changes, V-NEF address, and AF address).

[0119] The H-PCF 305 may make an update notification for application data or AF request information of a specific UE or a subscription request for a specific DNN and S-NSSAI to the H-UDR 306 in advance, and the H-UDR 306 may specify the H-PCF 305 based on the corresponding subscription request information.

[0120] In operation S350 , the H-PCF 305 may transmit a notification subscription request for an event specified by application data or AF request information to the H-SMF 304 , which manages a PDU session mapped to the information received from the H-UDR 306 .

[0121] For example, the H-PCF 305 sends subscription request information for UPPM event notification (at least one of an AF identifier, an AF transaction identifier, a user equipment identifier, a DNN, an S-NSSAI, a DNAI, a serving PLMN ID, a home PLMN ID, an application identifier, an FQDN, application relocation possibility, information about AF subscription to corresponding SMF events (early or delayed notification type, expected AF confirmation, etc.), information about AF change, a V-NEF address as notification target address information, and an AF address). In addition, the H-PCF 305 can distinguish and provide whether the UPPM event notification subscription is for a UPF in an HPLMN or a UPF in a VPLMN based on at least one of the DNN, S-NSSAI, DNAI value or PLMN ID value and the V-NEF address information.

[0122] In operation S360, the H-SMF 304 may determine whether the information received from the H-PCF 305 should be transmitted to the V-SMF 303 or whether monitoring of the H-UPF should be performed.

[0123] For example, when the VPLMN ID is provided along with the information provided by the H-PCF 305, the H-SMF 304 determines that the information should be applied in the VPLMN and transmits it to the V-SMF 303. Alternatively, the H-SMF 304 may determine whether the information should be transmitted to the V-SMF or applied to the H-UPF by checking the DNAI value included in the information provided by the H-PCF 305. For example, the H-SMF 304 determines whether the DNAI value corresponds to a value of the H-UPF or is information mapped to one of the V-UPFs connected to the V-SMF. Alternatively, the H-SMF 304 may determine whether the corresponding DNAI value is information mapped to the local portion of the DN of the VPLMN.

[0124] In operation S370, the V-SMF 303 may monitor UPPM events according to information provided by the H-SMF 304. For example, the V-SMF 303 performs monitoring by selecting a V-UPF mapped to a DNAI value provided by the H-PCF 305. Alternatively, the V-SMF 303 may monitor only the occurrence of UPPM events related to a V-UPF (e.g., V-UPF2) of a PSA serving as a local part of a DN, taking into account an AF identifier or an application identifier or FQDN information and the DNAI.

[0125] In operation S380, when a UPPM event occurs, the V-SMF 303 may select a UPPM notification transmission path in consideration of the notification target address, the AF address, and the V-NEF address received from the H-SMF 304 and perform transmission.

[0126] For example, when receiving the V-NEF address from the H-SMF (when the V-AF provides the V-NEF to the H-NEF), the V-SMF 303 may send a UPPM notification to the V-NEF and also send a UPPM notification to the V-AF. Alternatively, when the V-NEF address is not included but only the V-AF address is included, the V-SMF may send a UPPM event notification directly to the V-AF. Alternatively, the V-SMF may send a UPPM event notification to the H-SMF, and the H-SMF may send the UPPM event notification to the V-AF via the H-NEF.

[0127] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a structure of a network entity performing an operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] refer to Figure 4 , the network entity according to the present disclosure may include a communication unit 410 , a controller 420 , and a memory 430 .

[0129] The communication unit 410 may be connected to the controller 420 and may transmit and receive signals to and from an external entity. Here, the signal may include control information and data.

[0130] The controller 420 may include one or more processors or processing devices that control the proposed functions, processes, or methods. In addition, the controller 420 may control the execution of operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure by using one or more processes.

[0131] The memory 430 may store data or control information included in the acquired signal. Furthermore, the memory 430 may be connected to the controller 420 to store at least one instruction, protocol, or parameter for executing the proposed function, process, or method. The memory 430 may include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk, a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), or other storage device.

[0132] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the structure of a UE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0133] refer to Figure 5 , the UE according to the present disclosure may include a communication unit 510 , a controller 520 , and a memory 530 .

[0134] The communication unit 510 may be connected to the controller 520 and may transmit and receive signals to and from external entities. The signals may include control information and data. For example, the communication unit 510 may be connected to the controller 520, receive signals via a radio channel, and transmit signals output from the controller 520 via the radio channel. The communication unit 510 may include a radio frequency (RF) transmitter that upconverts and amplifies the transmitted signal, and an RF receiver that downconverts the frequency of the received signal.

[0135] The controller 520 may include one or more processors or processing devices that control the proposed functions, processes, or methods. Furthermore, the controller 520 may control the execution of operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure by using one or more processes. The memory 530 may store data or control information included in the acquired signals. Furthermore, the memory 530 may be connected to the controller 520 to store at least one instruction, protocol, or parameter for executing the proposed functions, processes, or methods. The memory 530 may include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a hard disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD, or other storage device.

[0136] In the drawings describing the methods of the present disclosure, the order of description does not always correspond to the order of performing the steps of each method, and the sequential relationship between the steps may be changed or the steps may be performed in parallel.

[0137] Alternatively, in the drawings describing the method of the present disclosure, some elements may be omitted, and only some elements may be included therein without departing from the basic spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0138] In the above detailed embodiments of the present disclosure, the elements included in the present disclosure are expressed in the singular or plural, depending on the detailed embodiment presented. However, for ease of description, the singular form or plural form is appropriately selected for the situation presented, and the present disclosure is not limited to elements expressed in the singular or plural. Therefore, an element expressed in the plural may also include a single element, or an element expressed in the singular may also include multiple elements.

[0139] It should be understood that various embodiments of the present disclosure according to the claims and description in the specification can be realized in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0140] Any such software may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that stores one or more computer programs (software modules) comprising computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform the methods of the present disclosure.

[0141] Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile memory, such as a storage device like a read-only memory (ROM), whether erasable or rewritable, or in the form of a memory, such as a random access memory (RAM), a memory chip, device, or integrated circuit, or on an optically or magnetically readable medium, such as a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magnetic disk, or a magnetic tape. It should be understood that the storage device and the storage medium are various embodiments of non-transitory machine-readable storage devices suitable for storing one or more computer programs comprising instructions that, when executed, implement various embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, various embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing an apparatus or method as claimed in any of the claims of this specification, as well as a non-transitory machine-readable storage device storing such a program.

[0142] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to various embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method performed by a first entity executing a visitor session management function (V-SMF) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: sending an application function (AF) notification subscription request to a second entity executing a access network exposure function (V-NEF); receiving a response message to the AF notification subscription request from the second entity; and Application data for AF service impact request information is received from the second entity.

2. The method according to claim 1, in, AF Notification Subscription Request for subscription to User Plane Path Management (UPPM) events in Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN), and The AF notification subscription request is associated with at least one of single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) and a data network name (DNN).

3. The method according to claim 1, in, Information associated with the AF Business Impact Request information is stored in the Visiting User Data Repository (V-UDR), and The data keys of the information are the AF transaction internal identifier (ID), S-NSSAI, DNN and subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

4. The method according to claim 1, in, The first entity executing the V-SMF supports Home Routing Session Offload (HR-SBO), and The first entity is associated with a third entity, and the third entity supports a user plane function (UPF) using at least one of an uplink classifier (CL) and a branching point (BP).

5. A method performed by a second entity executing a access network exposure function (V-NEF) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: receiving an application function (AF) notification subscription request from a first entity executing a visit session management function (V-SMF); Sending a response message of the AF notification subscription request to the first entity; and Application data for AF service impact request information is sent to the first entity.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: AF Notification Subscription Request for subscription to User Plane Path Management (UPPM) events in Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN), and The AF notification subscription request is associated with at least one of single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) and a data network name (DNN).

7. The method according to claim 5, in, Information associated with the AF Business Impact Request information is stored in the Visiting User Data Repository (V-UDR), and The data keys of the information are the AF transaction internal identifier (ID), S-NSSAI, DNN and subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

8. The method according to claim 5, in, The first entity executing the V-SMF supports Home Routing Session Offload (HR-SBO), and The first entity is associated with a third entity, and the third entity supports a user plane function (UPF) using at least one of an uplink classifier (CL) and a branching point (BP).

9. A first entity performing a visitor session management function (V-SMF) in a wireless communication system, the first entity comprising: transceiver; and The controller is configured as: Sending an application function AF notification subscription request to a second entity executing a access network exposure function (V-NEF) via the transceiver, receiving a response message to the AF notification subscription request from the second entity via the transceiver, and Application data for AF service impact request information is received from the second entity via the transceiver.

10. The first entity according to claim 9, in, AF Notification Subscription Request for subscription to User Plane Path Management (UPPM) events in Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN), and The AF notification subscription request is associated with at least one of single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) and a data network name (DNN).

11. The first entity according to claim 9, in, Information associated with the AF Business Impact Request information is stored in the Visiting User Data Repository (V-UDR), and The data keys of the information are the AF transaction internal identifier (ID), S-NSSAI, DNN and subscription permanent identifier (SUPI).

12. The first entity according to claim 9, in, The first entity executing the V-SMF supports Home Routing Session Offload (HR-SBO), and The first entity is associated with a third entity, and the third entity supports a user plane function (UPF) using at least one of an uplink classifier (CL) and a branching point (BP).

13. A second entity performing a access network exposure function (V-NEF) in a wireless communication system, the second entity comprising: transceiver; and The controller is configured as: receiving an application function (AF) notification subscription request from a first entity executing a access session management function (V-SMF) via a transceiver, Sending a response message of the AF notification subscription request to the first entity via the transceiver, and Application data for AF service impact request information is sent to the first entity via the transceiver.

14. The second entity according to claim 13, in, AF Notification Subscription Request for subscription to User Plane Path Management (UPPM) events in Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN), and The AF notification subscription request is associated with at least one of single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) and a data network name (DNN).

15. The second entity according to claim 13, in, Information associated with the AF service impact request information is stored in the Visiting User Data Repository (V-UDR), wherein the data keys of the information are the AF transaction internal identifier (ID), S-NSSAI, DNN, and Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), wherein the first entity executing the V-SMF supports Home Routing Session Offload (HR-SBO), and The first entity is associated with a third entity, and the third entity supports a user plane function (UPF) using at least one of an uplink classifier (CL) and a branching point (BP).

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