Data migration method, device and system

Abstract

The invention discloses a data migration method, device and system, relates to the technical field of communication, and is used for improving the migration speed of session data of a user session. The method comprises: a proxy network element receiving an immigration instruction from a session control network element, the immigration instruction comprising an identifier of a to-be-immigrated user session, i.e., an identifier of a specified user session, so that the proxy network element can specify the identifier of the user session, obtain session data of the specified user session, and transmit the session data to the session control network element; and sending the session data of the specified user session to the user plane network element. Wherein the proxy network element can be used for managing session data of at least one user session in the user plane network element. The session data of the specified user session is used for supporting the user plane network element to provide session access and data forwarding services for the specified user session.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a data migration method, apparatus and system. Background Technology

[0002] Warm standby mode refers to not sending user session data to inactive user plane network elements in advance, but only sending user session data to the target user plane network element in real time through various management services of the control plane (CP) network element when the user session needs to migrate from the current user plane (UP) network element to the target user plane network element, so as to complete the migration of the user session.

[0003] However, the session data for each user session that needs to be migrated must be sent to the target user plane network element in real time by the management service in the CP. That is, the management service of the CP needs to be aware of and participate in the control logic of user handover, which affects the performance of user session migration, resulting in a slow migration speed and a long control process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a data migration method, apparatus, and system to improve the migration speed of user session data. This application is not limited to scenarios with network devices; that is, it is applicable to session migration scenarios in warm standby mode. Furthermore, this application uses a proxy network element to migrate user session data as an example for illustration, and this should not limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0005] Firstly, a data migration method is provided. This method can be executed by a proxy network element of a user plane network element, or by a component of the proxy network element, such as its processor, chip, or chip system. It can also be implemented by a logic module or software capable of performing all or part of the proxy network element's functions. Taking the method being executed by a proxy network element as an example, the method includes: the proxy network element receiving a migration instruction from a session control network element, the migration instruction including an identifier of the user session to be migrated, i.e., an identifier of a specified user session; then, the proxy network element can specify the identifier of the user session, obtain the session data of the specified user session, and send the session data of the specified user session to the user plane network element.

[0006] The proxy network element can be used to manage the session data of at least one user session in the user plane network element. The session data of a specified user session is used to support the user plane network element in providing session access and data forwarding services for the specified user session.

[0007] In the above technical solution, this embodiment sets up proxy network elements for user plane network elements. When a user session needs to migrate to any user plane network element, the proxy network element of that user plane network element receives a migration instruction from the session control network element. Based on the identifier of the specified user session in the migration instruction, it obtains the session data of the specified user session, and then the proxy network element can send the session data of the specified user session to the corresponding user plane network element. In this way, the management service of the CP does not need to be aware of or participate in the control logic of user handover, and the proxy network elements of each user plane network element can execute the transmission of session data in parallel, thereby improving the migration speed of user session session data in the warm standby mode scenario.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, when the proxy network element is the proxy network element corresponding to the user plane network element to be migrated out, the data migration method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the proxy network element receiving a migration instruction from the session control network element.

[0009] The migration instruction is used to instruct the agent network element to delete the session data of a specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated out. The user plane network element to be migrated out is the user plane network element where the session data of the specified user session was located before it was migrated into the user plane network element.

[0010] In the above technical solution, after the session data migration of the user session is completed, the proxy network element corresponding to the user plane network element to be migrated out in this application embodiment can also delete the session data of the specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated out, thereby saving the resources of the user plane network element.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the data migration method provided in this application further includes: the proxy network element receiving the identifier of at least one user session from the user management service network element, and establishing a data channel between at least one user session and the cache database based on the identifier of the at least one user session.

[0012] The data channel is used to transmit session data for at least one user session.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the proxy network element provided in this application embodiment can establish a data delivery channel between the user session and the cache database in advance based on the identifier of the user session. That is to say, when there are multiple user sessions, each user session will establish a data delivery channel with the cache database, thereby facilitating the transmission of session data of subsequent user sessions.

[0014] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the data migration method provided in this application further includes: the proxy network element subscribing to session data of at least one user session from a cache database.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the proxy network element provided in this application embodiment can subscribe to the user session's session data from the cache database in advance based on the user session's identifier, thereby establishing a correspondence (data channel) between the user session and the cache database.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the data migration method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the agent network element can send a request message to the cache database and receive session data of at least one user session from the cache database.

[0017] The request message is used to request session data for at least one user session. The session data for at least one user session originates from a user service network element, which is used to receive online requests from at least one user session.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the user session in this application embodiment submits an online request to the user service network element. The user service network element authenticates and authorizes the user session and sends the session data of the user session to the cache database. When the session data of the user session is updated, the cache database can respond to the request message of the subscriber (proxy network element) and send the session data of the user session to the proxy network element, thereby realizing the separation of the session data of the user session from the user service area and improving the reliability of the CP side.

[0019] In conjunction with the first aspect above, in one possible implementation, the data migration method provided in this application further includes: the proxy network element sending session data of at least one user session to the user plane network element.

[0020] In the above technical solution, the proxy network element in this application embodiment sends the received user session session data to the user plane network element to complete the user session access and online.

[0021] In conjunction with the first aspect mentioned above, in one possible implementation, user plane network elements and agent network elements correspond one-to-one.

[0022] In the above technical solution, one user plane network element corresponds to one proxy network element in this application embodiment. This solves the problem that when user session session data needs to be migrated, the session control network element needs to notify multiple user session managements in order to migrate the session data of user sessions in one user plane network element simultaneously. Furthermore, when there is concurrent migration of session data for multiple user sessions, the method of one user plane network element corresponding to one proxy network element can improve the overall efficiency of user session session data migration.

[0023] Secondly, a data migration method is provided. This method can be executed by a session control network element, or by a component of the session control network element, such as its processor, chip, or chip system. It can also be implemented by a logic module or software capable of performing all or part of the functions of the session control network element. Taking the method being executed by a session control network element as an example, the method includes: the session control network element sending a migration instruction to the proxy network element of the user plane network element.

[0024] The proxy network element manages the session data of at least one user session in the user plane network element. The migration instruction includes an identifier for the specified user session, which is the user session to be migrated. The migration instruction instructs the proxy network element to send the session data of the specified user session to the user plane network element. The session data of the specified user session is used to support the user plane network element in providing session access and data forwarding services for the specified user session.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect above, in one possible implementation, after sending a migration-in instruction to the proxy network element of the user plane network element, the data migration method provided in this application embodiment further includes: the session control network element sending a migration-out instruction to the proxy network element of the user plane network element.

[0026] The migration instruction is used to instruct the agent network element to delete the session data of a specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated out. The user plane network element to be migrated out is the user plane network element where the session data of the specified user session was located before it was migrated into the user plane network element.

[0027] In conjunction with the second aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the data migration method provided in this application further includes:

[0028] In the event of a failure in the user plane network element to be migrated out where the specified user session is located, the session control network element determines the user plane network element to be migrated into the specified user session. The user plane network element refers to the user plane network element to be migrated into the specified user session as determined by the session control network element.

[0029] Thirdly, a data migration method is provided. This method can be executed by a cache database, or by components of the cache database, such as the cache database's processor, chip, or chip system, or by a logic module or software capable of implementing all or part of the cache database's functions. Taking the method being executed by a cache database as an example, the method includes: the cache database sending session data of at least one user session to the proxy network element of the user plane network element.

[0030] Among them, the proxy network element is used to manage the session data of at least one user session in the user plane network element. The session data of at least one user session comes from the user service network element, which is used to receive the online request of at least one user session.

[0031] In conjunction with the third aspect above, in one possible implementation, sending session data of at least one user session to a proxy network element of a user plane network element includes: a cache database receiving a request message from the proxy network element and sending session data of at least one user session to the proxy network element.

[0032] The request message is used to request session data for at least one user session.

[0033] In conjunction with the third aspect described above, in one possible implementation, the data migration method provided in this application further includes:

[0034] The cache database manages session data for at least one user session in groups based on the identifier of at least one user session.

[0035] Fourthly, a data migration system is provided, comprising: a session control network element, a cache database, a proxy network element, and a user plane network element. The session control network element is connected to the proxy network element through a first service interface, and the proxy network element is connected to the user plane network element through a serial communication interface.

[0036] The session control network element is used to send a migration-in instruction or a migration-out instruction to the agent network element through the first service interface; the migration-in instruction includes an identifier of a specified user session, specifying the user session as the user session to be migrated in;

[0037] The proxy network element is used to retrieve the session data of a specified user session from the cache database based on the identifier of the specified user session, and then migrate the session data of the specified user session to the user plane network element.

[0038] The agent network element is also used to delete session data of a specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated according to the migration instruction.

[0039] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the session control network element is further used to determine the user plane network element of a specified user session, where the user plane network element refers to the user plane network element to which the session data of the specified user session is to be migrated.

[0040] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the system further includes a user management service network element, which is used to send an identifier of at least one user session to the agent network element.

[0041] The proxy network element is also used to establish a data channel between at least one user session and a cache database based on the identifier of at least one user session. The data channel is used to transmit session data of at least one user session.

[0042] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the system further includes a user service network element. The user service network element is connected to the cache database through a second service interface. The user service network element is used to receive online requests for at least one user session and send session data of at least one user session to the cache database.

[0043] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the proxy network element is also used to subscribe to session data of at least one user session from the cache database.

[0044] In conjunction with the fourth aspect above, in one possible implementation, the proxy network element is further configured to: send a request message to the cache database, the request message being used to request session data of at least one user session; and receive session data of at least one user session from the cache database.

[0045] Fifthly, a data migration apparatus is provided, which is applied to a proxy network element of a user plane network element. The data migration apparatus includes: a processing unit and a transceiver unit; the transceiver unit is used to receive a migration instruction from a session control network element; the processing unit is used to obtain session data of a specified user session based on the identifier of a specified user session; the transceiver unit is also used to send the session data of the specified user session to the user plane network element.

[0046] The migration instruction includes an identifier for a specified user session, which is the user session to be migrated. The session data of the specified user session is used to support user plane network elements in providing session access and data forwarding services for the specified user session.

[0047] In a sixth aspect, a data migration apparatus is provided, which is applied to a session control network element. The data migration apparatus includes: a transceiver unit; the transceiver unit is used to send a migration instruction to a proxy network element of a user plane network element.

[0048] The proxy network element is used to manage the session data of at least one user session in the user plane network element; the migration instruction includes the identifier of the specified user session, which is the user session to be migrated; the migration instruction is used to instruct the proxy network element to send the session data of the specified user session to the user plane network element, and the session data of the specified user session is used to support the user plane network element in providing session access and data forwarding services for the specified user session.

[0049] In a seventh aspect, a data migration apparatus is provided, which is applied to a cache database. The data migration apparatus includes: a transceiver unit; the transceiver unit is used to send session data of at least one user session to a proxy network element of a user plane network element.

[0050] Among them, the proxy network element is used to manage the session data of at least one user session in the user plane network element. The session data of at least one user session comes from the user service network element, which is used to receive the online request of at least one user session.

[0051] Eighthly, a data migration apparatus is provided, comprising: a processor and a memory; the memory being used to store computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the data migration apparatus to perform the method of any of the above aspects.

[0052] A ninth aspect provides a data migration apparatus, comprising: a processor and a communication interface; the communication interface being used to communicate with a module outside the data migration apparatus; the processor being used to execute computer programs or instructions to cause the data migration apparatus to perform the method of any of the above aspects.

[0053] A tenth aspect provides a data migration apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; the processor being configured to execute a computer program or instructions stored in a memory to cause the data migration apparatus to perform the methods of any of the preceding aspects. The memory may be coupled to the processor, or may be independent of the processor.

[0054] The data migration device in the fifth to ninth aspects mentioned above can be: a network element in the first aspect, or the second aspect, or any implementation thereof, or a device containing the network element, or a device contained in the network element, such as a chip.

[0055] Eleventhly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores a computer program or instructions that, when run on a data migration apparatus, enable the data migration apparatus to perform the methods of any of the above aspects or any implementation thereof.

[0056] In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product containing instructions is provided that, when run on a data migration apparatus, enables the data migration apparatus to perform the method of any of the above aspects or any implementation thereof.

[0057] In a thirteenth aspect, a data migration apparatus (e.g., a chip or a chip system) is provided, the data migration apparatus including a processor for implementing the functions involved in any of the above aspects or any implementation thereof.

[0058] In some possible designs, the data migration device includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data.

[0059] In some possible designs, when the data migration device is a chip system, it can be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete components.

[0060] It is understood that when the data migration device provided by any of the fifth to ninth aspects is a chip, the aforementioned sending action / function can be understood as an output, and the aforementioned receiving action / function can be understood as an input.

[0061] In a fourteenth aspect, a data migration system is provided, the data migration system including a proxy network element for performing the method described in the first aspect.

[0062] The technical effects of any of the implementation methods in aspects two through fourteen can be found in the technical effects of the corresponding implementation method in aspect one, and will not be repeated here.

[0063] It should be noted that any of the possible implementations of any of the above aspects can be combined, provided that the solutions do not contradict each other. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Figure 1 This is a system architecture diagram of a distributed broadband gateway provided in related technologies;

[0065] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a data migration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0066] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a data migration system provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of a data migration device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating another data migration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating another data migration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating another data migration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating another data migration method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a data migration device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0073] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this application, the following points will be explained before introducing the embodiments of this application.

[0074] 1. In the embodiments of this application, "instruction" can include direct instruction and indirect instruction, as well as explicit instruction and implicit instruction. The information indicated by a certain piece of information (hereinafter referred to as instruction information) is called the information to be instructed. In the specific implementation process, there are many ways to indicate the information to be instructed, such as, but not limited to, directly indicating the information to be instructed, such as the information to be instructed itself or its index. It can also indirectly indicate the information to be instructed by indicating other information, where there is a correlation between the other information and the information to be instructed, or the information to be instructed can be deduced from the other information. It can also indicate only a part of the information to be instructed, while the other parts are known or pre-agreed upon. For example, the instruction of specific information can be achieved by using a pre-agreed (e.g., protocol-defined) arrangement order of various pieces of information, thereby reducing instruction overhead to a certain extent. At the same time, the common parts of various pieces of information can be identified and indicated uniformly to reduce the instruction overhead caused by individually indicating the same information.

[0075] Furthermore, the specific indication method can also be any existing indication method, such as, but not limited to, the above-mentioned indication methods and their various combinations. Specific details of various indication methods can be found in conventional techniques, and will not be elaborated upon here. As can be seen from the above, for example, when multiple pieces of information of the same type need to be indicated, the indication methods for different pieces of information may differ. In the specific implementation process, the required indication method can be selected according to specific needs. This application embodiment does not limit the selected indication method; therefore, the indication methods involved in this application embodiment should be understood to cover various methods that enable the party to be indicated to obtain the information to be indicated.

[0076] It should be understood that the information to be indicated can be sent as a whole or divided into multiple sub-information messages, and the sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be the same or different. The specific sending method is not limited in this application embodiment. The sending period and / or timing of these sub-information messages can be predefined, for example, predefined according to a protocol, or configured by the transmitting device by sending configuration information to the receiving device. This configuration information can include, for example, but not limited to, radio resource control signaling, such as Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, Media Access Control (MAC) layer signaling, physical layer signaling, sidelink control information (SCI), or downlink control information (DCI), or a combination of at least two of these.

[0077] 2. "Predefined" or "pre-configured" can be achieved by pre-saving corresponding codes, tables, or other means that can be used to indicate relevant information in the device (e.g., terminal device or network device). This application does not limit the specific implementation method. "Saving" can refer to saving in one or more memories. The one or more memories can be separate settings or integrated into the encoder or decoder, processor, or communication device. Alternatively, some memories can be separately set up, while others are integrated into the decoder, processor, or communication device. The type of memory can be any form of storage medium, and this application does not limit this.

[0078] 3. In the embodiments of this application, the descriptions such as "when," "under the circumstances," "if," and "if" all refer to the fact that the device (e.g., the first terminal device, the second terminal device, or the network device) will make corresponding processing under certain objective circumstances. They are not time limits, nor do they require the device (e.g., the first terminal device, the second terminal device, or the network device) to have a judgment action when implementing it, nor do they mean that there are other limitations.

[0079] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, " / " indicates that the objects before and after are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this application is merely a description of the relationship between the related objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. A and B can be singular or plural.

[0080] In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. "At least one of the following or similar expressions" refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, at least one of a, b and / or c can represent: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, or abc, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.

[0081] Furthermore, to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used in the embodiments of this application to distinguish identical or similar items with substantially the same function and effect. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and the terms "first" and "second" are not necessarily different.

[0082] In the embodiments of this application, the words "exemplarily" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or explanations. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplarily" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. Specifically, the use of the words "exemplarily" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.

[0083] It is understood that the term "embodiment" used throughout the specification means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic related to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, throughout the specification, various embodiments do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, these specific features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution; the execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this application.

[0084] It is understood that some optional features in the embodiments of this application can be implemented independently in certain scenarios without relying on other features, such as the current solution on which they are based, to solve the corresponding technical problems and achieve the corresponding effects. Alternatively, they can be combined with other features as needed in certain scenarios. Correspondingly, the apparatus given in the embodiments of this application can also implement these features or functions, which will not be elaborated here.

[0085] In this application, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. In the various embodiments of this application, unless otherwise specified or logically conflicting, the terminology and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be mutually referenced. Technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments based on their inherent logical relationships. The following embodiments of this application do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application.

[0086] The embodiments of this application can be applied to long-term evolution (LTE) systems or NR systems (also known as 5G systems), V2X systems, LTE and NR hybrid networking systems, device-to-device (D2D) systems, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) systems (such as narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) systems), sidelink communication systems, and other next-generation communication systems. Alternatively, the communication system can also be a non-3GPP communication system, without limitation.

[0087] Furthermore, the communication architecture and business scenarios described in the embodiments of this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of communication architecture and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0088] For ease of understanding, the examples provide explanations of some concepts related to the embodiments of this application for reference. As shown below:

[0089] 1. Hot standby mode refers to the installation of user session state and traffic forwarding control data, as well as service control data, on all user plane network elements. When user handover is required between user plane network elements, the subscriber session steering (SSS) can send a handover command to the subscriber session management (SSM). Upon receiving the handover command from the user plane network element, the SSM forwards the user session's session data to the target user plane network element, thus completing the handover of user session access and traffic forwarding. Specifically, refer to TR-459-i2, which defines the SSS, or user session steering (USS). This module can detect user plane network element faults and, based on the backup mode and reliability policy of the user plane network element management group, issue user session handover commands to the user plane network elements.

[0090] 2. Cache-based hot standby mode refers to sending user session status, traffic forwarding control data, and service control data in advance to all user plane network elements in the user plane network element management group under warm standby mode. However, except for the single user plane network element that is active for that user, other user plane network elements do not pre-allocate forwarding layer service resources for the user based on these pre-issued management controls. For example, cache queues and service microcode status are loaded in real-time from the original user plane network element's memory into the forwarding control hardware layer when the backup user plane network element is set as the user's target user plane network element.

[0091] Among them, the target user plane network element is the user plane network element to be migrated.

[0092] 3. Warm standby mode means that user session data is not downloaded, installed, and synchronized to all user plane network elements in real time. In other words, user session and state data are only retained on the CP and the user plane network element currently responsible for user session access and traffic forwarding. When user session data needs to be migrated to other user plane network elements, i.e., when the SSS in the CP detects a failure in the user plane network element where the user session resides, the SSS sends a handover command to the SSM. The SSM then switches the user session from the failed user plane network element to another functioning user plane network element according to the handover command.

[0093] Because the aforementioned warm standby mode does not pre-deploy user session state and network flow forwarding control data to user plane network elements, the user session state is entirely stored in the application service memory of the CP's SSM or USM. Therefore, when the SSS detects a user plane network element failure, the SSS needs to send a handover command to the SSM. Based on the handover command, the SSM forwards the user session state data to the target user plane network element and deletes the user session data from the original user plane network element (in some handover scenarios, the handover is not triggered by a failure, and the original user plane network element remains available). Simultaneously, the SSS triggers the SSM service, AM service, and other service management services in the CP to forward the user's traffic forwarding control and service control data to the target user plane network element.

[0094] The above examples provide a brief introduction to some concepts related to the embodiments of this application.

[0095] Currently, the reason why hot standby mode can quickly switch user sessions and traffic forwarding between different user plane network elements is that it requires a large amount of memory and forwarding layer hardware resources (such as pre-allocated port data forwarding cache and working memory of forwarding chip) in the backup user plane network element.

[0096] While the cached hot standby mode can shorten the handover control process of user sessions and management control data in the CP when switching users in warm standby mode, saving resources of the hardware forwarding layer on the backup user plane network element, it also requires sending user session status, traffic forwarding control data, and service control data to all user plane network elements in the user plane network element management group in warm standby mode in advance. Therefore, it will consume a large amount of memory resources on the backup user plane network element, resulting in significant memory consumption when there are many users.

[0097] When a user session needs to be migrated in warm standby mode, the session data is sent to the target user plane network element (the user plane network element that has not failed) in real time through various management services of the CP. Therefore, compared with hot standby mode, warm standby mode saves the resources of user plane network elements in the backup group, but the user switchover speed is slower and it affects the number of users that DBNG can switch over per unit time. Consequently, in the event of a user plane network element failure, it may affect the user's existing services.

[0098] In related technologies, in warm standby mode, user session data is not downloaded, installed, and synchronized to all user plane network elements in real time. That is, user session and state data are only retained on the control plane (CP) and the user plane network element currently responsible for user session access and traffic forwarding. For example... Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this application provides a system architecture for a Disaggregated Broadband Network Gateway (DBNG). In this system architecture, the user plane function is responsible for providing users with subscription session access and data forwarding services, while the control plane function is responsible for providing management services for user sessions, including basic services such as authentication, authorization, address allocation, and billing, as well as value-added services such as Location Area Controller (LAC), Location Network Server (LNS), and Quality of Service (QoS).

[0099] The aforementioned system includes a User Management Service Area (UP Mgnt Service Area), a User Service Area, User Plane Network Elements UP1, UP2, UP3, and UPn. The User Management Service Area is primarily responsible for running services related to user plane network element management. These include services such as UP Group Mgnt, UP Selection for prioritizing user UP access within a user plane network element group, and Traffic Steering for managing user switching between different user plane network elements.

[0100] The user service area is primarily responsible for services related to user business operations within the service domain. These include access control, user session management (USM / SSM), address management (AM), quality of service (QoS) management, authentication and accounting client (AAA client), and tunneling services. Tunneling services can be LAC / LNS tunneling services.

[0101] like Figure 1 As shown, the above system architecture also includes multiple interfaces, such as the state management control interface between the user plane network element and the user service area on the CP side (SCI-1 interface), the state management control interface between the user plane network element and the user management service area on the CP side (SCI-2 interface), the data protocol interaction interface between the user plane network element and the CP side (PROTO interface), and the internal service interface on the CP side (INT-1 interface).

[0102] The SCI-1 interface mentioned above is used for the management and control of user session-related service states.

[0103] The SCI-2 interface mentioned above is used for the management, status awareness and control of user plane network element backup groups.

[0104] The PROTO interface mentioned above is used to transmit user data protocol messages between user plane network elements and the CP. For example, the protocol of this user data protocol message is point-to-point protocol (PPP) or dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP).

[0105] The aforementioned INT-1 interface is used for management and control between the user management service area and the user service area. For example, the user management service area receives the number of users of each user plane network element and the number of users bound to the Virtual MAC address reported by the User Session Management (USM) through the INT-1 interface, which facilitates the calculation of priorities in the user plane network element management group.

[0106] The user management service area can also send a handover command to the USM via the INT-1 interface. This handover command is used to instruct the USM to migrate the user session's session data to the highest priority user plane element in a user plane element management group.

[0107] It should be noted that in the above architecture, one CP can manage multiple user plane network elements. Theoretically, a user session can access from any one of these user plane network elements.

[0108] In related technologies, to improve the reliability of user session access and data forwarding, multiple user plane network elements can be configured into a management group (e.g., UP Group). Backup relationships are established between user plane network elements within the management group through predetermined backup modes and reliability policies. That is, when one user plane network element becomes unavailable for some reason, or is temporarily not used due to management policies, user sessions in that management group can be migrated from their current user plane network element to one or more other user plane network elements within the management group.

[0109] Therefore, in Figure 1 Based on the system architecture, the data migration method in warm standby mode can be as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0110] Step 1: SSS senses the current status of user plane network elements through the SCI-2 interface, and determines the user plane network elements to be migrated for user session session data according to the predetermined temperature standby control and load sharing strategy.

[0111] Step 2: The SSS sends a handover command to the USM / SSM via the INT-1 interface. Correspondingly, the USM / SSM receives the handover command sent by the SSS.

[0112] Step 3: The SSM sends the user session data to the network element of the user plane to be migrated in, according to the handover instruction.

[0113] Step 4: SSM deletes the session data of the user session from the current user plane network element.

[0114] However, in the above method, the SSM receives the handover instruction from the user plane network element and sends the user session's session data to the target user plane network element. This handover control process for the user session is relatively long. All relevant data for each user session needs to be re-sent in the CP-related services. In other words, the CP's service services need to be aware of and participate in the user handover control logic, which will affect the response performance of these services to new user access.

[0115] Meanwhile, when multiple parallel Service Modules (SSMs) exist within a Content Provider (CP), each SSM distributes the load based on user sessions. This means that one user plane element manages multiple user sessions, which may be distributed across different SSMs. If this user plane element fails, the Service Module Serving (SSS) needs to notify multiple SSMs to complete the migration of all users under that user plane element. This approach increases the complexity of user session migration, the migration speed of a single user session, and the number of users that can be migrated per unit time, thus impacting migration performance.

[0116] To avoid slow user session migration and lengthy control processes, this application provides related data migration methods, apparatus, and systems. The implementation methods of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0117] The following section, with reference to the accompanying diagrams, introduces and explains two different data migration systems.

[0118] Figure 3 This is an application scenario diagram of a data migration system provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This paper uses the example of a data migration system with control plane function (CPF) and user plane function (UPF) for illustration. The control plane function is referred to as the "CP side," and the user plane function as the "UP side."

[0119] In this embodiment of the application, the CP side includes a user management service area (UP Mgnt Sevice Area), a user service area (User Sevice Area), and a traffic management service area (Traffic Mgnt Service Area), and the UP side is composed of multiple user plane network elements 301.

[0120] The traffic management service area includes a cache database 302 (e.g., Forward Control CacheDatabase) and multiple proxy network elements 303 corresponding to user plane network elements 301 (e.g., proxy network element UP1 Agent, proxy network element UP2 Agent, and proxy network element UPn Agent).

[0121] Among them, cache database 302 is used to cache user session data (user session state data, traffic forwarding control data), as well as forwarding control data of other services.

[0122] It should be noted that the data cached in the cache database 302 can be downloaded and installed on different user plane network elements 301 as needed to enable the user plane network element 301 to perform service functions such as session and traffic forwarding for relevant users. Meanwhile, the cache database 302 does not directly push data to the user plane network element 301; instead, the proxy network element 303 pushes and distributes the data through a serial communication interface. The data in this traffic management service area comes from the user session status and service forwarding control data sent to the UP side when the user session is initially connected and online in the user service area, i.e., the data sent through the second service interface.

[0123] In this embodiment, the proxy network element 303 can be used to obtain the session data of the specified user session from the cache database according to the identifier of the specified user session, and to migrate the session data of the specified user session to the user plane network element.

[0124] Optionally, the agent network element 303 is also used to delete the session data of a specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated according to the migration instruction.

[0125] Optionally, the agent network element 303 is also used to establish a data channel between at least one user session and a cache database based on the identifier of at least one user session. The data channel is used to transmit session data of at least one user session.

[0126] Optionally, the agent element 303 is also used to subscribe to session data of at least one user session from the cache database 302.

[0127] Optionally, the proxy element 303 is also configured to send a request message to the cache database and receive session data from at least one user session from the cache database. The request message is used to request session data from at least one user session.

[0128] In this embodiment, the user management service area is used to run UP management-related services. This user management service area includes a user management service network element 304 and a session control network element 305. The session control network element 305 is used to send a migration-in instruction or a migration-out instruction to the proxy network element 303 through a first service interface. Both the migration-in and migration-out instructions can include an identifier for a specified user session, indicating that the specified user session is the user session to be migrated in.

[0129] Optionally, the session control network element 305 is also used to determine the user plane network element to be migrated to for a specified user session.

[0130] The user management service network element 304 is used to send the identifier of at least one user session to the agent network element 303.

[0131] In this embodiment, the user service area is used to operate services related to user business. A user service network element 306 is provided in this user service area, which can connect to the cache database 302 through a second service interface. The user service network element 306 is used to receive online requests for at least one user session and send session data of at least one user session to the cache database 302.

[0132] Optionally, the user service network element 306 may include access control, user session management, address management, QoS management, authentication and accounting client, and tunnel service. The tunnel service may be an LAC / LNS tunnel service.

[0133] In this embodiment of the application, the data migration system further includes a first service interface, a second service interface, a third service interface, a first serial communication interface, a second serial communication interface, and a data protocol interaction interface.

[0134] The session control network element 305 connects to the proxy network element 303 through a first service interface. For example, the first service interface can be... Figure 3 The INT-2 interface is the internal service interface on the CP side. The SSS can send migration-in or migration-out instructions to the agent network element 303 through the INT-2 interface.

[0135] User service network element 306 can connect to cache database 302 through a second service interface. For example, the second service interface can be... Figure 3 The INT-3 interface is an internal service interface on the CP side. The user service network element 306 can send user session data to the cache database 302 through the INT-3 interface.

[0136] The user management service area and the user service area can be connected via a third service interface. For example, the third service interface can be... Figure 3 The INT-1 interface is used for management control between the user management service area and the user service area.

[0137] The proxy network element 303 is connected to the user plane network element 301 via a first serial communication interface. For example, the first serial communication interface can be... Figure 3 The SCI-1 interface is used for the management and control of user session-related service states.

[0138] Session control network element 305 can connect to user plane network element 301 via a second serial communication interface. For example, the second serial communication interface can be... Figure 3The SCI-2 interface is used in the session control network element 305 for the management, status awareness, and control of the UP backup group.

[0139] User plane network element 301 can connect to the user service area through a data protocol interaction interface. For example, the data protocol interaction interface can be... Figure 3 The PROTO interface is used to transmit user data protocol messages between the UP and CP.

[0140] It is worth noting that the above Figure 3 The example shown is merely one illustration of a data migration system and should not be construed as limiting this application. For instance, the data synchronization system 300 may further include a configuration management service area, used to configure the number, range, and other related parameters of virtual addresses for user plane groups. For example, the configuration management service area can connect to the user management service area via a fourth service interface and to the user service area via a fifth service interface. Exemplarily, an administrator can define the configuration of user plane groups in the configuration management service area, including the required number and range of virtual addresses (Virtual-MAC). The configuration management service area can send the configured parameters to the user plane group management element (UP Group Mgnt) via the fourth service interface. Here, one virtual address is used for the access of a group of user sessions.

[0141] In one possible implementation, the relevant functions of each network element in the embodiments of this application can be implemented by one device, multiple devices working together, or one or more functional modules within a device. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this. It is understood that the above functions can be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, a combination of hardware and software, or virtualization functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

[0142] In practical implementation, Figure 3 All the network elements shown can be adopted Figure 4 The shown composition structure, or including Figure 4 The components shown. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the composition of a data migration device 400 provided in an embodiment of this application. The data migration device 400 includes one or more processors 411. The processor 411 can be a general-purpose processor or a dedicated processor, such as a baseband processor or a central processing unit (CPU). The baseband processor can be used to process communication protocols and communication data, while the CPU can be used to control communication devices (such as network devices, terminal devices, or chips), execute software programs, and process data from the software programs.

[0143] Alternatively, in one design, the processor 411 may include a program 413 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions) that can be run on the processor 411 to cause the data migration apparatus 400 to perform the methods described in the following embodiments.

[0144] Optionally, the data migration apparatus 400 may include one or more memories 412 storing a program 414 (sometimes referred to as code or instructions), which can be run on a processor 411 to cause the data migration apparatus 400 to perform the methods described in the following method embodiments.

[0145] Optionally, the processor 411 and / or memory 412 may include artificial intelligence (AI) modules 417 and 418, which are used to implement AI-related functions. The AI ​​modules can be implemented through software, hardware, or a combination of both. For example, the AI ​​module may include a RAN intelligence controller (RIC) module. For example, the AI ​​module can be a near real-time RIC or a non-real-time RIC.

[0146] Optionally, data may also be stored in the processor 411 and / or the memory 412. The processor and memory may be configured separately or integrated together.

[0147] Optionally, the data migration device 400 may also include a transceiver 415 and / or an antenna 416. The processor 411, sometimes referred to as a processing unit, controls the communication device (e.g., a network device or a terminal device). The transceiver 415, sometimes referred to as a transceiver unit, transceiver, transceiver circuit, or transceiver, is used to implement the transmission and reception functions of the communication device via the antenna 416.

[0148] Optionally, in this embodiment, the processor 411 is a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), or any combination thereof. The processor 411 can also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules, without limitation.

[0149] Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the memory 412 may be a read-only memory (ROM) or other types of static storage devices that can store static information and / or instructions; it may also be a random access memory (RAM) or other types of dynamic storage devices that can store information and / or instructions; it may also be an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disc storage, optical disc storage (including compressed optical discs, laser discs, optical discs, digital universal optical discs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, etc., without limitation.

[0150] Although not shown, as an optional implementation, the data migration apparatus 400 also includes output devices and input devices. For example, input devices are devices such as a keyboard, mouse, microphone, or joystick, and output devices are devices such as a display screen or speaker.

[0151] It should be noted that the data migration device 400 can be a desktop computer, laptop computer, network server, mobile phone, tablet computer, wireless terminal, embedded device, chip system, or other device. Figure 4 In addition to the aforementioned virtual devices, the data migration device 400 can also be a virtual node (e.g., a network element) virtualized from physical resources, possessing the computing and storage functions of the aforementioned physical devices. Furthermore, Figure 4 The structural composition shown does not constitute a limitation on the communication device, except... Figure 4 In addition to the components shown, the communication device may include more or fewer components than illustrated, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0152] In this embodiment of the application, the chip system may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices.

[0153] Furthermore, the actions, terms, etc., involved in the various embodiments of this application can be referenced interchangeably without limitation. The message names or parameter names in the messages exchanged between the various devices in the embodiments of this application are merely examples, and other names may be used in specific implementations without limitation.

[0154] The following is combined Figure 5 This application describes a data migration method provided in its embodiments.

[0155] It should be noted that in the following embodiments of this application, the message names, parameter names, or information names between network elements are just examples. Other names may also be used in other embodiments. The data migration method provided in this application does not specifically limit these names.

[0156] It is understood that in the embodiments of this application, each network element may execute some or all of the steps in the embodiments of this application. These steps or operations are merely examples, and the embodiments of this application may also execute other operations or variations thereof. Furthermore, the steps may be executed in different orders as presented in the embodiments of this application, and it is not necessary to execute all the operations in the embodiments of this application.

[0157] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the data migration method provided in this application embodiment. Of course, the entity performing the actions in this method can also be a device / module in a proxy network element; this application embodiment does not specifically limit this. It should be noted that the steps in this application embodiment are logical relationships and do not imply a strict sequential order.

[0158] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, the data migration method provided in this application includes:

[0159] Step 501: The session control network element sends a migration instruction to the agent network element. Correspondingly, the agent network element receives the migration instruction from the session control network element.

[0160] In embodiments related to this application, the migration instruction includes an identifier for a specified user session, which is the user session to be migrated. For example, the identifier for the specified user session can be the ID of the specified user session, such as a Virtual Media Access Control (Virtual MAC) address.

[0161] In this embodiment, the session control network element can perceive the status of all user plane network elements through the first service interface. When a user plane network element fails, or when the session control network element perceives a migration control instruction from the system management plane, the session control network element can determine a specified user session and the user plane network element to be migrated to the specified user session according to the predetermined temperature standby control and load sharing strategy.

[0162] Further, the proxy network elements for the user plane network elements to be migrated are determined. For example, the proxy network element corresponding to user plane network element UP1 is UP1Agent, and the proxy network element corresponding to user plane network element UP2 is UP2 Agent.

[0163] For example, the session control network element can send a migration instruction to the proxy network element of the user plane network element to be migrated through the first service interface. For instance, the session control network element sends a migration instruction to the proxy network element UP2 Agent of the user plane network element UP2 to be migrated through the INT-2 interface. Correspondingly, the proxy network element UP2 Agent receives the migration instruction from the session control network element through the INT-2 interface.

[0164] It should be understood that one user plane network element corresponds to one agent network element.

[0165] Step 502: The agent network element obtains the session data of the specified user session based on the identifier of the specified user session.

[0166] In this embodiment of the application, the proxy network element can obtain the session data of the specified user session corresponding to the user session identifier in the migration instruction.

[0167] For example, the agent network element can retrieve session data for a specified user session from the cache database through a data channel. For instance, UP2Agent can pull or subscribe to session data for a specified user session from the cache database.

[0168] Step 503: The proxy network element sends session data for the specified user session to the user plane network element. Correspondingly, the user plane network element receives the session data for the specified user session from the proxy network element.

[0169] In this embodiment, the session data of a specified user session is used to support user plane network elements in providing session access and data forwarding services for the specified user session.

[0170] For example, a proxy network element can send session data of a specified user session to the corresponding user plane network element through a third service interface. For instance, the proxy network element UP2 Agent sends session data of a specified user session to the corresponding UP2 through the INT-1 interface.

[0171] Based on the above Figure 5 The technical solution of this application embodiment is to set up a proxy network element for the user plane network element. The proxy network element receives the migration instruction from the session control network element and obtains the session data of the specified user session according to the identifier of the specified user session in the migration instruction. Then, the proxy network element can send the session data of the specified user session to the corresponding user plane network element. In this way, in the warm standby mode scenario, the migration speed of the user session session data is improved, and the number of migrated user sessions is also increased accordingly.

[0172] Combination Figure 5 ,like Figure 6As shown, when the proxy network element is the same as the proxy network element corresponding to the user plane network element to be migrated out, the proxy network element can also delete the session data of a specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated out. The data migration method provided in this application embodiment also includes the following steps 601-602.

[0173] Step 601: The session control network element sends a check-out instruction to the agent network element. Correspondingly, the agent network element receives the check-out instruction from the session control network element.

[0174] In this embodiment, the migration instruction includes an identifier for a specified user session. This migration instruction instructs the agent network element to delete the session data of the specified user session from the user plane network element to be migrated. The user plane network element to be migrated is the user plane network element where the session data of the specified user session was located before it was migrated to the new user plane network element.

[0175] It should be understood that the user plane network element to be migrated out is the original user plane network element where the user session is located.

[0176] For example, the session control network element sends a migration instruction to the agent network element corresponding to the user plane network element to be migrated out. For instance, the session control network element sends the migration instruction to the agent network element UP1 Agent corresponding to the user plane network element UP1 to be migrated out via the INT-2 interface. Correspondingly, the agent network element UP1 Agent receives the migration instruction from the session control network element.

[0177] Step 602: The agent network element deletes the session data of the specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated out, based on the identifier of the specified user session.

[0178] For example, the agent network element can delete the session data of a specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated out through the first serial communication interface, based on the identifier of the specified user session. For instance, the agent network element UP1 Agent deletes the session data of a specified user session in UP1 through the SCI-1 interface.

[0179] Based on the above technical solution, after completing the migration of user session session data, the proxy network element corresponding to the user plane network element to be migrated out in this application embodiment can also delete the session data of the specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated out, thereby saving the resources of the user plane network element.

[0180] The above is a flowchart of a data migration method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0181] The following is combined Figure 7 This application describes a method for initial online user session provided in an embodiment.

[0182] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the user session initial online method provided in this application embodiment. Of course, the entity performing the actions in this method can also be a device / module in a proxy network element; this application embodiment does not specifically limit this. It should be noted that the steps in this application embodiment are logical relationships and do not imply a strict sequential order.

[0183] For example, such as Figure 7 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the method for initial online user session provision includes:

[0184] Step 701: The user management service network element sends at least one user session identifier to the agent network element. Correspondingly, the agent network element receives at least one user session identifier from the user management service network element.

[0185] In this embodiment of the application, the administrator can define the parameter information of the user plane group (UPGroup) in the configuration management service area, and then the configuration management service area can send the parameter information to the user management service network element through the fourth service interface.

[0186] For example, the Configuration Management Service Area can transmit parameter information to the user plane group of the user management service network element via the INT-4 interface. This parameter information may include the identifier, number, and range of at least one user session. For instance, it may specify the number and range of Virtual Media Access Control (Virtual MAC) addresses used by at least one user session.

[0187] It should be understood that a user plane group may include at least one user session.

[0188] In this embodiment, the user management service network element can determine the user plane network element UP corresponding to the identifier of at least one user session according to the management policy preset by the user session, and send the identifier of the at least one assigned user session to the proxy network element corresponding to the user plane network element through the first service interface.

[0189] The preset management policies can be either sequentially issued management policies or issued according to the type of user session identifier.

[0190] For example, the user management service network element can determine that the user plane network element corresponding to the identifier 00-00-5E-00-01-(VRID) of the user session is UP1, and then the user management service network element can send the identifier 00-00-5E-00-01-(VRID) of the user session to the agent network element UP1 Agent corresponding to the user plane network element UP1.

[0191] Step 702: The proxy network element establishes a data channel between at least one user session and the cache database based on the identifier of at least one user session.

[0192] In this embodiment of the application, the data channel is used to transmit session data of at least one user session.

[0193] In this embodiment, the proxy network element can pre-subscribe to session data corresponding to the user session identifier from the cache database. That is, a distribution channel (data channel) is established between different user sessions and the cache database.

[0194] Combination Figure 7 ,like Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the user's initial online method provided in this application embodiment also includes the following steps 801-804.

[0195] Step 801: The user plane network element sends an online request to the user service network element. Correspondingly, the user service network element receives the online request from the user plane network element.

[0196] In this embodiment of the application, user sessions can be accessed and put online through user plane network elements. The user session online request is sent from the user plane network element to the user service network element through the data protocol interaction interface.

[0197] For example, the online request for a user session is sent to the user service network element via the user plane network element UP1 and the PROTO interface.

[0198] It should be understood that the user plane network element UP1 can be the user plane network element with the highest priority in the user plane network element group.

[0199] Step 802: The user service network element sends session data of at least one user session to the cache database. Correspondingly, the cache database receives session data of at least one user session from the user service network element.

[0200] In this embodiment, the services in the user service network element include, for example, Access Control, User Session Management (USM / SSM), Address Management (AM), QoS Management, Authentication and Accounting Client (AAA Client), and tunneling services. After authenticating and authorizing the user session, the user service network element can send the session data of the user session to the cache database through the second service interface according to the Service Level Agreement (SLA) of the user session.

[0201] Step 803: The cache database sends session data of at least one user session to the proxy network element. Correspondingly, the proxy network element receives session data of at least one user session from the cache database.

[0202] In this embodiment of the application, when the session data corresponding to the identifier of a user session is updated, the proxy network element can send a request message to the cache database. Then, the cache database sends the session data of the user session to the proxy network element according to the request message from the proxy network element.

[0203] The request message is used to request session data for at least one user session. The session data for at least one user session can originate from a user service network element, which is used to receive online requests from at least one user session.

[0204] In this embodiment, since a data channel is established between the user session and the cache database, the cache database can send the updated session data of the user session to the proxy network element when the session data of the user session is updated.

[0205] Referring to the example in step 801, the cache database sends the user session's session data to the agent network element UP1 Agent corresponding to the user plane network element UP1.

[0206] Step 804: The proxy network element sends session data of at least one user session to the user plane network element. Correspondingly, the user plane network element receives session data of at least one user session from the proxy network element.

[0207] For example, the agent network element UP1 can send the user session data to the corresponding user plane network element UP1 through the third service interface (INT-1 interface), thereby ending the user session access and online process.

[0208] In summary, the embodiments of this application improve the migration speed of user session data between different user plane network elements in warm standby mode, and increase the number of user sessions migrated by the distributed bandwidth gateway (DBNG) per unit time. Furthermore, since the embodiments of this application include proxy network elements for user plane network elements, the user service area (USM) no longer participates in the management process of user plane network elements. This allows the USMs within the user service area to elastically scale up and down based on the number of user session accesses, avoiding the problem of multiple USMs needing to coordinate during user session migration when different user sessions within a user plane network element group are distributed across different USMs.

[0209] Meanwhile, this application embodiment achieves separation of user session data from the user service area by adding a database for caching user session session data and a traffic management service area for the proxy network element corresponding to the user plane network element, thereby improving the reliability of the CP side. Even if the USM is unavailable in the user service area, or if the user service area itself is unavailable, it does not affect the session state of the user session or the forwarding of services, nor does it affect the migration of the user session session data. The user service area and its services can be quickly restored based on minimal dependent data.

[0210] It should be noted that the above-mentioned application provides Figures 5-8 This implementation can be applied to different user plane network element UP warm standby modes. For example, N:1 warm standby, N+1 warm standby.

[0211] In one scenario, within the user plane network element management group (UP Group), a separate user plane network element is planned as a backup for other user plane network elements. That is, N:1 warm backup.

[0212] When other user plane network elements are working normally, this backup user plane network element does not participate in user access and remains idle. However, when one or more user plane network elements in the user plane network element management group (UP Group) fail, this backup user plane network element can take over the access and forwarding services for users on the failed user plane network element.

[0213] In another scenario, within the user plane network element management group (UP Group), there is no independent backup user plane network element for other user plane network elements. Instead, all user plane network elements handle user session data according to a predetermined load-sharing strategy. That is, N+1 warm standby.

[0214] When one or more user plane network elements in the management group (UP Group) fail, a predetermined redundancy backup strategy is implemented to migrate user sessions on the failed user plane network element to other available user plane network elements.

[0215] It should be noted that the above description is for the purpose of more clearly explaining the data migration method described in the embodiments of this disclosure, and should not be construed as a limitation on the specific implementation of this disclosure.

[0216] The above mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from the perspective of proxy network elements. Correspondingly, the embodiments of this application also provide a data migration apparatus for implementing the various methods described above. This data migration apparatus can be one of the methods described above, or include the aforementioned apparatus, or be a usable component. It is understood that, in order to achieve the above functions, the data migration apparatus includes hardware structures and / or software modules corresponding to the execution of each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, based on the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein, this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0217] This application embodiment can divide the data migration device into functional modules according to the above method embodiment. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. It should be understood that the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods.

[0218] for example, Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a data migration device 900 provided in an embodiment of this application. The data migration device 900 includes a transceiver module 910 and optionally a processing module 920. The transceiver module 910, also known as a transceiver unit, is used to implement transceiver functions, and may be, for example, a transceiver circuit, a transceiver, a transceiver device, or a communication interface.

[0219] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the proxy network element in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0220] The transceiver module 910 is used to receive migration instructions from the session control network element. The migration instruction includes an identifier for a specified user session, which is the user session to be migrated.

[0221] Processing module 920 is used to obtain session data of a specified user session based on the identifier of the specified user session.

[0222] The transceiver module 910 is also used to send session data of a specified user session to the user plane network element. The session data of the specified user session is used to support the user plane network element in providing session access and data forwarding services for the specified user session.

[0223] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the proxy network element in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0224] When the proxy network element is the proxy network element corresponding to the user plane network element to be migrated out, the transceiver module 910 is also used to receive a migration instruction from the session control network element. The migration instruction is used to instruct the proxy network element to delete the session data of the specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated out. The user plane network element to be migrated out is the user plane network element where the session data of the specified user session was located before it was migrated into the user plane network element.

[0225] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the proxy network element in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0226] The transceiver module 910 is also used to receive the identifier of at least one user session from the user management service network element;

[0227] The processing module 920 is also used to establish a data channel between at least one user session and a cache database based on the identifier of at least one user session, the data channel being used to transmit session data of at least one user session.

[0228] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the proxy network element in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0229] The transceiver module 910 is also used to subscribe to session data of at least one user session from the cache database.

[0230] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the proxy network element in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0231] The transceiver module 910 is also used to send request messages to the cache database, which are used to request session data for at least one user session.

[0232] The transceiver module 910 is also used to receive session data from at least one user session from the cache database. The session data of at least one user session originates from the user service network element, which is used to receive the online request of at least one user session.

[0233] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the proxy network element in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0234] The transceiver module 910 is also used to send session data of at least one user session to the user plane network element.

[0235] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the session control network element in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0236] The transceiver module 910 is used to send migration instructions to the proxy network element of the user plane network element; the proxy network element is used to manage the session data of at least one user session in the user plane network element; the migration instruction includes the identifier of the specified user session, and the specified user session is the user session to be migrated; the migration instruction is used to instruct the proxy network element to send the session data of the specified user session to the user plane network element, and the session data of the specified user session is used to support the user plane network element to provide session access and data forwarding services for the specified user session.

[0237] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the session control network element in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0238] After sending the migration-in instruction to the proxy network element of the user plane network element, the transceiver module 910 is also used to send the migration-out instruction to the proxy network element of the user plane network element. The migration-out instruction is used to instruct the proxy network element to delete the session data of the specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated out. The user plane network element to be migrated out is the user plane network element where the session data of the specified user session was located before it was migrated into the user plane network element.

[0239] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the session control network element in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0240] In the event of a failure in the user plane network element to be migrated out where the specified user session is located, the processing module 920 is used to determine the user plane network element of the specified user session. The user plane network element refers to the user plane network element to be migrated into for the specified user session, as determined by the session control network element.

[0241] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the cache database in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0242] The transceiver module 910 is used to send session data of at least one user session to the proxy network element of the user plane network element; the proxy network element is used to manage the session data of at least one user session in the user plane network element, the session data of at least one user session originates from the user service network element, and the user service network element is used to receive the online request of at least one user session.

[0243] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the cache database in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0244] The transceiver module 910 is also used to receive request messages from the agent network element, the request messages being used to request session data for at least one user session.

[0245] The transceiver module 910 is also used to send session data of at least one user session to the agent network element.

[0246] Taking the data migration device 900 as an example of the cache database in the above method embodiment, one possible implementation is as follows:

[0247] Processing module 920 is used to group and manage session data of at least one user session based on the identifier of at least one user session.

[0248] All relevant content of each step involved in the above method embodiments can be referred to in the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and will not be repeated here. Optionally, the data migration device 900 may further include a storage module, which can be used to store instructions and / or data, and the processing module 920 can read the instructions and / or data in the storage module.

[0249] In this embodiment, the data migration device 900 is presented in an integrated manner, divided into various functional modules. Here, "module" can refer to a specific ASIC, circuitry, a processor and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, integrated logic circuitry, and / or other devices that can provide the aforementioned functions. In a simplified embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that the data migration device can employ... Figure 4 The data migration device 400 shown is in the form of the data migration device.

[0250] for example, Figure 4 The processor 411 in the data migration device 400 shown can execute the data migration method in the above method embodiment by calling computer execution instructions stored in the memory 412.

[0251] Specifically, Figure 9 The functions / implementation process of the transceiver module 910 and the processing module 920 can be obtained through... Figure 4 The processor 411 in the data migration device 400 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 412 to implement the migration. Alternatively, Figure 9 The function / implementation process of the processing module 920 can be achieved through... Figure 4 The processor 411 in the data migration device 400 shown calls computer execution instructions stored in memory 412 to implement the data migration. Figure 9 The function / implementation process of the transceiver module 910 in the middle can be obtained through Figure 4 This is achieved by the transceiver 415 in the data migration device 400 shown.

[0252] Since the data migration apparatus provided in this application embodiment can execute the above data migration method, the technical effects it can achieve can be referred to the above method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0253] It should be understood that one or more of the above modules or units can be implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of both. When any of the above modules or units are implemented by software, the software exists as computer program instructions and is stored in memory. The processor can be used to execute the program instructions and implement the above method flow. The processor can be built into a SoC (System-on-a-Chip) or ASIC, or it can be a separate semiconductor chip. In addition to the core that executes software instructions for computation or processing, the processor may further include necessary hardware accelerators, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), PLDs (Programmable Logic Devices), or logic circuits that implement dedicated logic operations.

[0254] When the above modules or units are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be any one or any combination of a CPU, microprocessor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, microcontroller unit (MCU), artificial intelligence processor, ASIC, SoC, FPGA, PLD, application-specific digital circuit, hardware accelerator, or non-integrated discrete device, which can run the necessary software or perform the above method flow independently of software.

[0255] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a data migration apparatus (e.g., the data migration apparatus may be a chip or a chip system), which includes a processor for implementing the methods in any of the above method embodiments. In one possible design, the data migration apparatus further includes a memory. The memory is used to store necessary program instructions and data, and the processor can call the program code stored in the memory to instruct the data migration apparatus to execute the methods in any of the above method embodiments. Of course, the memory may not be included in the data migration apparatus. When the data migration apparatus is a chip system, it may be composed of chips or may include chips and other discrete devices; embodiments of this application do not specifically limit this.

[0256] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program or instructions that, when run on a data migration device, enable the data migration device to execute the methods of any of the above-described method embodiments or any implementation thereof.

[0257] Optionally, embodiments of this application also provide a communication system, which includes the network device and the terminal device described in the above method embodiments.

[0258] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs).

[0259] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0260] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

Claims

1. A data migration method, characterized in that, A proxy network element applied to a user plane network element, the proxy network element being used to manage session data of at least one user session in the user plane network element; the method includes: Receive a migration instruction from a session control network element; the migration instruction includes an identifier of a specified user session, which is the user session to be migrated; Based on the identifier of the specified user session, obtain the session data of the specified user session; The user plane network element sends session data of the specified user session to the user plane network element. The session data of the specified user session is used to support the user plane network element in providing session access and data forwarding services for the specified user session.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the proxy network element is the proxy network element corresponding to the user plane network element to be migrated out, the method further includes: The system receives a migration instruction from the session control network element. The migration instruction is used to instruct the agent network element to delete the session data of the specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated out. The user plane network element to be migrated out is the user plane network element where the session data of the specified user session was located before it was migrated into the user plane network element.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive the identifier of the at least one user session from the user management service network element; Based on the identifier of the at least one user session, a data channel is established between the at least one user session and the cache database, and the data channel is used to transmit session data of the at least one user session.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Subscribe to the session data of the at least one user session from the cache database.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a request message to the cache database, the request message being used to request session data for the at least one user session; Receive session data of at least one user session from the cache database, wherein the session data of the at least one user session originates from a user service network element, and the user service network element is used to receive the online request of the at least one user session.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send session data of the at least one user session to the user plane network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The user plane network element corresponds one-to-one with the agent network element.

8. A data migration method, characterized in that, Applied to session control network elements, the method includes: A migration instruction is sent to a proxy network element of a user plane network element; the proxy network element is used to manage the session data of at least one user session in the user plane network element; the migration instruction includes an identifier of a specified user session, the specified user session being the user session to be migrated; the migration instruction is used to instruct the proxy network element to send the session data of the specified user session to the user plane network element, the session data of the specified user session being used to support the user plane network element in providing session access and data forwarding services for the specified user session.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After sending the migration instruction to the proxy network element of the user plane network element, the method further includes: Send a migration instruction to the proxy network element of the user plane network element. The migration instruction is used to instruct the proxy network element to delete the session data of the specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated out. The user plane network element to be migrated out is the user plane network element where the session data of the specified user session was located before it was migrated into the user plane network element.

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: In the event of a failure in the user plane network element to be migrated out where the specified user session is located, the user plane network element of the specified user session is determined. The user plane network element refers to the user plane network element to be migrated into for the session data of the specified user session as determined by the session control network element.

11. A data migration method, characterized in that, Applied to a cache database, the method includes: Sending session data of at least one user session to a proxy network element of a user plane network element; the proxy network element is used to manage the session data of at least one user session in the user plane network element, the session data of the at least one user session originates from a user service network element, and the user service network element is used to receive the online request of the at least one user session.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Sending session data of at least one user session to the proxy network element of the user plane network element includes: Receive a request message from the proxy network element, the request message being used to request session data of the at least one user session; Send session data of the at least one user session to the agent network element.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the identifier of the at least one user session, the session data of the at least one user session is grouped and managed.

14. A data migration system, characterized in that, The system includes: a session control network element, a cache database, a proxy network element, and a user plane network element. The session control network element is connected to the proxy network element through a first service interface, and the proxy network element is connected to the user plane network element through a serial communication interface. The session control network element is used to send a migration-in instruction or a migration-out instruction to the proxy network element through the first service interface; the migration-in instruction includes an identifier of a specified user session, and the specified user session is the user session to be migrated in; The proxy network element is used to obtain the session data of the specified user session from the cache database according to the identifier of the specified user session, and to migrate the session data of the specified user session into the user plane network element; The proxy network element is also used to delete the session data of the specified user session in the user plane network element to be migrated according to the migration instruction.

15. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The session control network element is also used to determine the user plane network element of the specified user session, wherein the user plane network element refers to the user plane network element to which the session data of the specified user session is to be migrated.

16. The system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The system also includes a user management service network element, which is used to send the identifier of at least one user session to the agent network element; The proxy network element is also used to establish a data channel between the at least one user session and the cache database based on the identifier of the at least one user session, and the data channel is used to transmit session data of the at least one user session.

17. The system according to claim 16, characterized in that, The system also includes a user service network element, which is connected to the cache database through a second service interface. The user service network element is used to receive online requests for at least one user session and send session data of the at least one user session to the cache database.

18. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The proxy network element is also used to subscribe to session data of the at least one user session from the cache database.

19. The system according to claim 17, characterized in that, The agent network element is also used for: Send a request message to the cache database, the request message being used to request session data for the at least one user session; Receive session data from the cache database for at least one user session.

20. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions or programs that, when executed on a computer, cause the communication device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-13.

21. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-13.

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