Service processing method, network element and storage medium

Abstract

The invention provides a service processing method, a network element and a storage medium, and belongs to the technical field of communication. The method is applied to a first SMF, and comprises the following steps: receiving a session establishment request of user equipment, and obtaining target second SMF information of a subnet supporting an edge service based on the session establishment request; based on the target second SMF information, session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request is sent to the target second SMF, and the session parameter information is used for determining decision information of the session; and initiating an operation of establishing a session based on decision information returned by the target second SMF. According to the embodiment of the invention, the target second SMF is set in the sub-network supporting the edge service, so that the edge service is configured and managed through the target second SMF, the new function online influence range of the edge service can be controlled in the sub-network, closed-loop management of the edge service is formed, and thus the service performance of the edge service is improved on the premise that the large network service and other sub-network services are not influenced. The subnet service can be continuously iterated and enriched, and the development level of the edge service is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a service processing method, network element, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] 5G networks have been gradually applied to various fields, providing flexible and diverse service experiences for different users and scenarios. With the emergence of new services and scenarios, as well as the rapid development of new technologies, more and more private networks or edge networks are appearing.

[0003] In the traditional 5G network architecture, although the sinking of user plane function (UPF) provides a network architecture foundation for edge computing, the edge network, i.e., the subnet and the main network, has a high degree of coupling. The subnet and the main network must be upgraded and coordinated in a unified manner in order to enable edge services in the subnet. The subnet cannot achieve closed-loop management, which greatly restricts the development of edge services. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a service processing method, network element, and storage medium, aiming to improve the development level of edge services.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a business processing method, the method being applied to a first SMF, the method comprising: Receive a session establishment request from a user equipment and obtain the target second SMF information of the subnet supporting edge services based on the session establishment request; Based on the target second SMF information, the session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request is sent to the target second SMF, wherein the session parameter information is used to determine the decision information of the session; The operation of establishing the session is initiated based on the decision information returned by the second SMF of the target.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a service processing method, the method being applied to a target second SMF, the target SMF being deployed in a subnet supporting edge services of user equipment, the method comprising: Receive session parameter information sent by the first SMF, wherein the session parameter information is determined by the first SMF according to the session establishment request of the user equipment, and the session establishment request is used to establish a session for the user equipment to carry edge services; Decision information is determined based on the session parameter information; The decision information is returned to the first SMF, wherein the decision information is used to initiate the operation of establishing a session.

[0007] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a network element, the network element including a processor, a memory, a computer program stored in the memory and executable by the processor, and a data bus for implementing connection communication between the processor and the memory, wherein when the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of any of the service processing methods provided in this application specification.

[0008] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a storage medium for computer-readable storage, characterized in that the storage medium stores one or more programs, which can be executed by one or more processors to implement the steps of any of the business processing methods provided in this application specification.

[0009] According to embodiments of this application, a service processing method, network element, and storage medium are provided. A first SMF is deployed in the main network, and a target second SMF is deployed in a subnet supporting edge services. The first SMF receives a session establishment request from a user equipment and obtains the target second SMF information of the subnet supporting edge services based on the session establishment request. Based on the target second SMF information, session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request can be sent to the target second SMF. The session parameter information is used to determine the decision information of the session, and then the target second SMF returns the decision information to the first SMF. The first SMF initiates the operation of establishing a session based on the decision information, enabling the user equipment to realize the transmission of edge services based on the session. In this embodiment of the application, a target second SMF is set up in the subnet supporting edge services to configure and manage edge services. The impact of the launch of new edge service functions can be controlled within the subnet, forming a closed-loop management of edge services. Thus, without affecting the main network services and other subnet services, the services of the subnet can be continuously iterated and enriched, improving the development level of edge services. Attached Figure Description

[0010] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a business processing method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a network architecture that applies the service processing method provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is another schematic diagram of the network architecture for applying the service processing method provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a scenario example diagram of the business processing method provided in the embodiments of this application under a single UPF architecture; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of determining a target second SMF provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the determination of a target second SMF provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a process for establishing a proprietary quality of service flow provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the establishment of a proprietary quality of service flow provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is another schematic flowchart of a business processing method provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the execution of a session update based on a first session update request, provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 11 This is another schematic diagram illustrating the service relationship between the storage target second SMF and the subnet provided in this application embodiment; Figure 12 This application is another schematic diagram of the process for establishing a proprietary quality of service flow provided in the embodiments; Figure 13 This is a scenario example diagram of the business processing method provided in the embodiments of this application under a multi-UPF architecture; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the key strategy definition between the first SMF and the target second SMF provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of a network element provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0012] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.

[0013] It should be noted that although functional modules are divided in the device schematic diagram and a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than the module division in the device or the order in the flowchart. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and the aforementioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0014] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of this application belong. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of this application.

[0015] First, let's analyze some of the terms used in the embodiments of this application: Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF): Provides functions for managing user access and mobility.

[0016] User Plane Function (UPF): Responsible for routing and forwarding user plane data packets.

[0017] Session Management Function (SMF): Used to provide control and management of sessions.

[0018] Unified Data Management (UDM): Responsible for the management and distribution of user information and user contract information.

[0019] Network Repository Function (NRF): Responsible for registering and managing network functions, and also supports service discovery.

[0020] Network Exposure Function (NEF): Responsible for exposing network capabilities and events to external applications.

[0021] Policy Control Function (PCF): Responsible for formulating and controlling network policies.

[0022] Unified Data Repository (UDR): A centralized database responsible for the centralized management of various network data.

[0023] Network control unit: A unified and aggregated network control function entity, such as the logical processing part of AMF, SMF, NEF, PCF and UDM in 5G network, which is a network element.

[0024] Network Data Unit: A unified and aggregated data plane, such as static contract data of PCF and UDM in 5G networks, UDR, etc., which is a network element.

[0025] Network Registry Unit (NRF): Also known as Network Function Registration Unit, it is a functional entity that manages network service registration and provides service queries. For example, in a 5G network, NRF is a network element.

[0026] Central subnet: This typically refers to the subnet located at the center of the network architecture, also known as the main network. It is responsible for communicating with multiple branch or radial subnets, i.e., distributed subnets. In enterprise or data center networks, the main network may include critical network devices such as routers, switches, or virtual network switches, which are responsible for data forwarding and network interconnection.

[0027] Distributed subnets: These are pre-deployed networks distributed according to the characteristics and network requirements of various services. Examples include enterprise networks deployed to provide enterprise-specific services, campus networks deployed to provide campus-specific services, and XR service networks deployed to provide immersive XR experiences. XR services combine the real and virtual worlds using Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies. In other words, a subnet typically serves one or several specific areas. Network services within a subnet can serve the subnet itself or collaborate with the core network or other subnets to provide specialized services. Besides providing basic connectivity services, subnets can be customized to meet different scenarios, such as vertical industry penetration, high network reliability, low deployment costs, and network simplicity. The specialized services supported by a subnet can be collectively referred to as subnet services.

[0028] 5G networks have been gradually applied to various fields, providing flexible and diverse service experiences for different users and scenarios. With the emergence of new services and scenarios, as well as the rapid development of new technologies, more and more private networks or edge networks are appearing.

[0029] In the traditional 5G network architecture, although the deployment of UPF provides a network architecture foundation for edge computing, the edge network, i.e., the subnet and the main network, has a high degree of coupling. The subnet and the main network must be upgraded and coordinated in a unified manner in order to enable edge services in the subnet. The subnet cannot achieve closed-loop management, which greatly restricts the development of edge services.

[0030] To address this, this application provides a service processing method, network element, and storage medium. The service processing method is applied to a first SMF (Service Provider Function), deployed in the main network, and a target second SMF deployed in a subnet supporting edge services. The first SMF receives a session establishment request from a user equipment (UE) and obtains the target second SMF information for the subnet supporting edge services based on the request. Based on the target second SMF information, session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request can be sent to the target second SMF. The session parameter information is used to determine the session's decision information, and the target second SMF returns the decision information to the first SMF. The first SMF initiates a session establishment operation based on the decision information, enabling the UE to transmit edge services based on the session. This application provides a target second SMF in the subnet supporting edge services, allowing for the configuration and management of edge services. This controls the impact of new edge service features within the subnet, forming a closed-loop management system for edge services. This allows for continuous iteration and enrichment of subnet services without affecting main network services or other subnet services, thus improving the development level of edge services.

[0031] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a business processing method provided in an embodiment of this application. This business processing method is applied to a first SMF, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes steps S101 to S103.

[0033] Step S101: Receive a session establishment request from the user equipment and obtain the target second SMF information of the subnet supporting edge services based on the session establishment request.

[0034] It should be noted that the first SMF is deployed on the main network. The second SMF is deployed on a subnet, and the second SMF corresponds to the subnet. Different subnets support different edge services. Each subnet deploys a corresponding second SMF, and the subnet where the target second SMF is located supports the edge services corresponding to the session establishment request.

[0035] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a network architecture for applying the service processing method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2The network architecture shown is a single UPF architecture, serving only the SMF. The second SMF is an edge UPF, which simultaneously interfaces with both the central DN (Distributed Network, DN) and the local DN. The central DN is the central subnet, i.e., the main network, while the local DN is a subnet. Alternatively, the edge UPF may only interface with the local DN.

[0036] Additionally, refer to Figure 2 The UPF and the second SMF communicate via the N4 interface. The N4 interface is a crucial interface in 5G or 6G core networks used for separating the control plane and forwarding plane, playing a vital role. The N4 interface primarily connects the SMF and UPF, responsible for real-time traffic statistics reporting, session establishment, and policy enforcement. The first SMF and the second SMF transmit critical session information via the N16 interface.

[0037] exist Figure 2 The network architecture shown has three subnets, and each subnet deploys a second SMF. The first SMF can communicate with multiple second SMFs, for example, Figure 2 The subnet where Company A's UPF is located, the second SMF corresponding to the subnet where Company B's UPF is located, and the same first SMF are connected for communication. Furthermore, each subnet can contain one or more UPFs, for example... Figure 2 The UPF of enterprise C and the UPF of enterprise D are located in the same subnet.

[0038] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of the network architecture for applying the service processing method provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 3 The network architecture shown is a multi-UPF architecture. In addition to the Serving SMF, i.e. the second SMF selecting the edge UPF, the SMF deployed in the main network will also select the main network UPF. Figure 3The shared UPF / ULCL (Uplink Classification, user plane data offloading function) in the network is the main network UPF. The main network UPF identifies services to differentiate data. For edge services that require edge UPF processing, the main network UPF offloads the traffic to the edge UPF based on the target IP address (Internet Protocol Address) or Domain Name System (DNS), allowing the edge UPF to directly access the edge service. For non-edge services, they are directly routed to the Internet through the main network UPF. In a multi-UPF architecture, the main network UPF can also remain at the Internet exit, with all services offloaded to the edge UPF, allowing the edge UPF to simultaneously access both the edge service server and the Internet.

[0039] Whether Figure 2 The single UPF architecture shown is still Figure 3 The multi-UPF architecture shown is characterized by a main network SMF (first SMF) handling basic session management, which interfaces with network elements such as AMF, PCF, UDM, and NRF. The second SMF, however, is solely responsible for managing and configuring its corresponding edge services. The functions of the second SMF serve as an added value and overlay of the basic session management functionality. Accordingly, in the network architecture, the second SMF is selected by the first SMF and acts as a follow-up SMF to the main network SMF. In short, the first SMF is responsible for basic session management, while the second SMF and the first SMF collaborate to implement edge service functions.

[0040] It should be noted that the session establishment request received by the first SMF from the user equipment is obtained through forwarding by the AMF. Specifically, refer to... Figure 4The AMF and SMF reside in the central subnet, i.e., the main network. The User Equipment (UE) sends a PDU Session Establishment Request to the AME. A PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session is a communication session established between the UE and the data network in a 5G or 6G network, used for data transmission between the UE and the data network. Upon receiving the UE's PDU Session Establishment Request, if the request creates a new session, the AMF executes the SMF selection procedure to select the first SMF for that session. Subsequently, the AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest message to the first SMF to request the establishment of the PDU session. After receiving the NsmfPDU session management context establishment request from the AMF, the SMF, when a new PDU session is created corresponding to the NsmfPDU session management context establishment request, and the subnet corresponding to the SMF can execute the edge service corresponding to the NsmfPDU session management context establishment request, returns a response (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextResponse) to the AMF. Then, the above message is processed to establish the session.

[0041] It should be noted that, based on the session establishment request, the edge service corresponding to the session establishment request is first determined to obtain the target second SMF information of the subnet supporting the service. The target second SMF information is related to the target second SMF of the subnet supporting the edge service, and includes at least the address of the target second SMF.

[0042] Step S102: Based on the target second SMF information, send the session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request to the target second SMF, wherein the session parameter information is used to determine the decision information for the session.

[0043] The session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request can be obtained through PCF, i.e., the policy control function. Specifically, refer to... Figure 4 The first SMF sends a Session Management Control Policy Creation Request (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create Request) message to the PCF, and the PCF returns a Session Management Control Policy Creation Response (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create Response) message. The first SMF establishes an association with the PCF using the aforementioned messages and completes policy distribution. Subsequently, the first SMF obtains the session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request from the PCF.

[0044] It should be noted that the target second SMF information includes at least the address of the target second SMF. Therefore, the first SMF can send session parameter information to the target second SMF based on the target second SMF information. After receiving the session parameter information, the target second SMF processes the session parameter information to determine the session decision information.

[0045] Reference Figure 4 The first SMF sends an NsmfPDU session establishment request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateRequest) message to the target second SMF. This message carries session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment message. Then, the target second SMF generates a session management context request based on the session parameter information and sends the session management context request, i.e. Figure 4 The N4 Session Establishment Request is sent to the edge user plane function UPF corresponding to the target second SMF. The edge UPF returns an N4 Session Establishment Response to the target second SMF to convey the session tunnel information. The target second SMF can configure decision information based on the session parameter information and session tunnel information, and send an Nsmf PDU Session Establishment Response (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateResponse) message carrying the decision information to the first SMF. This message mainly includes the PDU session identifier (PDUSession ID), access type, N2 session management information (N2 SM information), and N1 session management container (N1 SM container).

[0046] It should be noted that the decision information includes at least session tunnel information. In addition, the decision information also includes PDU session identifier, access type, N2 session management information, N1 session management container, etc.

[0047] Step S103: Initiate the operation of establishing a session based on the decision information returned by the second SMF of the target.

[0048] Based on the received decision information, the first SMF can initiate the operation of establishing a session, thereby completing the establishment of the PDU session.

[0049] In steps S101 to S103 of this embodiment, a first SMF is deployed in the main network, and a target second SMF is deployed in a subnet supporting edge services. The first SMF receives a session establishment request from a user equipment and obtains the target second SMF information of the subnet supporting edge services based on the session establishment request. Based on the target second SMF information, session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request can be sent to the target second SMF. The session parameter information is used to determine the decision information for the session, and then the target second SMF returns the decision information to the first SMF. The first SMF initiates the session establishment operation based on the decision information, enabling the user equipment to transmit edge services based on the session. This embodiment sets up a target second SMF in the subnet supporting edge services to configure and manage edge services. The impact of new edge service functions can be controlled within the subnet, forming a closed-loop management of edge services. This allows for continuous iteration and enrichment of subnet services without affecting main network services and other subnet services, thereby improving the development level of edge services.

[0050] In step S101 of some embodiments, user equipment subscription information can be obtained from the Unified Data Management (UDM). The subnet for the edge service is determined based on the subscription information. A second SMF information set is obtained from the Network Repository Function (NRF) based on the subnet, wherein at least two second SMFs support the services of the subnet, and the second SMF information set includes at least two second SMF information pieces. Target second SMF information is then filtered from the second SMF information set.

[0051] It should be noted that the Unified Data Management (UDM) stores subscription information, which includes the edge services supported by multiple subnets corresponding to the main network. For example, subnet A supports edge service A, subnet B supports edge service XR, etc. Therefore, by searching the subscription information based on the edge service corresponding to the session establishment request, the subnet supporting the edge service can be determined.

[0052] The Network Repository (NRF) stores second SMF information corresponding to each subnet, and multiple second SMFs support the services of each subnet. Therefore, based on the subnet, a set of second SMF information can be obtained from the NRF. This set of second SMF information includes at least two second SMFs, and at least two of these second SMFs support the services of the corresponding subnet. Subsequently, the set of second SMF information can be filtered to obtain the target second SMF information.

[0053] It should be noted that, referring to Figure 4 In step a3, the first SMF obtains the subscription information from the UDM.

[0054] Specifically, refer to Figure 5The AMF and the first SMF are centrally deployed in the central subnet, i.e., the main network. The second SMF and UPF are distributed, with distributed subnet A-1 being a subnet instance that can provide services for subnet A, i.e., edge services. When a user subscribes to a subnet service, the centrally deployed first SMF selects distributed subnet A-1 to provide the subnet service to the user. The specific process is as follows: b1. The user signs up for subnet A in UDM. Subnet A can provide a type of edge service, such as XR service.

[0055] b2. The second SMF in a distributed deployment can provide services for subnet A, and the relevant information of subnet A can be configured on the second SMF.

[0056] b3. The second SMF carries the information of the subnets that can be served and initiates a service capability registration request to the NRF.

[0057] b4. When a user goes online, the AMF selects the first SMF.

[0058] b5. The first SMF obtains the subscription information related to the user session from the UDM.

[0059] b6. UDM returns the requested subscription information to the first SMF, including the user's subscription to subnet A.

[0060] b7. The first SMF sends a service discovery request to the NRF, carrying the user's subnet A information, hoping to discover a second SMF that can serve the distributed deployment of subnet A.

[0061] b8. The NRF discovers a second SMF that can serve the distributed deployment of subnet A, and returns a service discovery response message to the first SMF of the central subnet.

[0062] b9. The first SMF sends a service request to the second SMF, which can serve the distributed deployment of subnet A, requesting to establish a session.

[0063] b10. After receiving the session establishment request, the second SMF obtains the subscription information related to the user session from the UDM.

[0064] b11. UDM returns the requested subscription information to the second SMF, including details of the user's subnet A.

[0065] b12. The second SMF selects the edge UPF based on the detailed subscription information of the user session.

[0066] b13. The second SMF sends a PFCP (Packet Forwarding Control Protocol) session establishment request to upf.

[0067] In addition, the selection of subnets can also refer to Figure 6 .exist Figure 6 In the illustrated application scenario, network control unit A is centrally deployed within the main network. Network control unit B is distributed across subnets, and the process of selecting a subnet is as follows: Users sign contracts with network service providers for subnet-supported services, i.e. edge services, generating subnet contract data, which is managed and stored by the network data unit.

[0068] Network control unit B is capable of serving subnets, and network control unit B configures the identifier of the subnet.

[0069] Network control unit B sends a registration request to network function registration unit, the registration request carrying the subnet identifier.

[0070] The network function registration unit receives the registration request, registers the service capabilities of the network control unit B service subnet, obtains the registration information of the network control unit B service subnet, and stores the registration information.

[0071] In response to a user's subnet service request, network control unit A requests the user's subscription information from network data unit A. This request for obtaining the user's subscription information carries the user's identifier.

[0072] The network data unit receives a user's subscription information retrieval request, responds to the user's subscription information retrieval request, retrieves the user's subscription information based on the user's identifier, and returns a subscription information retrieval response to the network control unit A, which carries the user's subscription information.

[0073] Network control unit A receives the subscription information and obtains the response, thus acquiring the user's subscription information and determining the subnet to which the user has subscribed from the user's subscription information.

[0074] Network control unit A sends a service discovery request to network function registration unit, which carries the identifier of the user's subscribed subnet.

[0075] The network function registration unit receives a service discovery request, responds to the service discovery request, queries the registration information of the service subnet of network control unit B based on the subnet identifier, and returns a service discovery response to network control unit A, which carries network control unit B.

[0076] Network Control Unit A receives the service discovery response, determines the service subnet of Network Control Unit B, and sends a service request to Network Control Unit B.

[0077] Network control unit B receives the service request, responds to the service request by obtaining the subnet details from the network data unit, and then selects the network processing unit deployed in the subnet. Based on the subnet details, it collaborates with the network processing unit to provide the subnet services to the user.

[0078] By using the above method, the target second SMF information of the subnet supporting edge services can be determined. Then, the configuration and management of edge services can be realized through the target second SMF, forming a closed-loop management of edge services. This allows for continuous iteration and enrichment of subnet services without affecting the main network services and other subnet services, thereby improving the development level of edge services.

[0079] In step S103 of some embodiments, a first session update request may be generated based on decision information and sent to a target second SMF, wherein the first session update request is used by the second target SMF to perform a session update. Based on the first session update response returned by the target second SMF, a session context update response is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the session context update response is used to notify the AMF that the session establishment is complete.

[0080] It should be noted that the first SMF can generate a first session update request based on decision information. After the first session update request is generated, the first SMF sends the first session update request to the target second SMF. Upon receiving the first session update request from the first SMF, the target second SMF, based on the first session update request, collaborates with the edge UPF to perform a session update. After confirming that the session update has been completed, it returns a first session update response to the first SMF. Based on the first session update response returned by the target second SMF, the first SMF sends a session context update response to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0081] Reference Figure 4 In step a15, the first SMF sends a first session update request to the second SMF. Then, the target second SMF sends a PFCP session modification request to the edge UPF, and the edge UPF returns a PFCP session modification response to the target second SMF, thus achieving collaborative session update execution. The target second SMF then sends a first session update response to the first SMF. Based on the first session update response returned by the target second SMF, the first SMF sends an Nsmf PDU session context update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContextResponse) to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0082] Through the above method, a session is established based on the first SMF and the target second SMF. During this process, the first SMF transmits the basic information of the session and the key signaling for identifying edge services to the target second SMF. The target second SMF is only responsible for the management and configuration of edge services. This can control the impact of new edge service functions within the subnet, forming a closed-loop management of edge services. Thus, without affecting the main network services and other subnet services, the services of the subnet can be continuously iterated and enriched, improving the development level of edge services.

[0083] In some embodiments, generating a first session update request based on decision information can be achieved by sending a session control policy update request to the policy control function (PCF), wherein the session control policy update request is used by the PCF to determine the update control policy for the session; and the first session update request is generated based on the update control policy and decision information returned by the PCF.

[0084] It should be noted that the first SMF sends a session control policy update request to the policy control function (PCF). Based on the session control policy update request, the PCD determines the session update control policy and returns the session update control policy to the first SMF. The first SMF can then generate a first session update request based on the update control policy and decision information.

[0085] Specifically, refer to Figure 4 The first SMF sends a Session Control Policy Update Request (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update Request) message to the PCF, which carries the user equipment address. The PCF returns a Session Control Policy Update Response (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update Response) message, which carries the updated control policy. Then, the first SMF generates a first Session Update Request based on the updated control policy and decision information returned by the PCF.

[0086] In this way, the first SMF and PCF collaborate to generate the first session update request. The first SMF is responsible for the relevant content of the edge service, thereby improving the development level of the edge service.

[0087] Please see Figure 7 The business processing method provided in this application embodiment may further include: Step S701: Receive a second session update request sent by the target second SMF, wherein the second session update request is used to indicate the establishment of a proprietary quality of service flow.

[0088] It should be noted that the second target SMF is responsible for the policy control and management of local services, that is, the edge services of its corresponding subnet, and the decision requires the establishment of a dedicated Quality of Service flow (QoSflow).

[0089] Dedicated Quality of Service (DQS) flow is a type of quality of service flow in network communication. It refers to allocating specific bandwidth, latency, jitter, and other quality of service parameters to a particular data stream within a network to ensure the reliability and stability of data transmission. In communication, factors such as data stream transmission rate and latency are affected by network congestion and bandwidth limitations, leading to data transmission instability and increased latency, thus impacting application experience. The application of DQS flow can effectively solve these problems and improve the quality of network communication.

[0090] It should be noted that the second session update request received by the first SMF comes from the target second SMF.

[0091] Step S702: Based on the second session update request, initiate the operation of establishing a dedicated quality of service flow.

[0092] After receiving the second session update request, the first SMF can initiate the operation of establishing a dedicated quality of service flow based on the second session update request.

[0093] Step S703: Return a second session update response to the target second SMF, wherein the second session update response includes the result of establishing a proprietary quality of service flow.

[0094] After establishing the proprietary quality of service flow, the first SMF returns a second session update response to the target second SMF to provide feedback on the result of establishing the proprietary quality of service flow.

[0095] The embodiments of steps S701 to S703 above establish a proprietary quality of service flow to ensure that the target second SMF can achieve policy control of edge services.

[0096] In step S702 of some embodiments, control policy information of the proprietary quality of service flow can be transmitted to the user equipment and access network through the N1N2 message transmission service of the AMF based on the second session update request; a session context update request sent by the AMF is received, wherein the session context update request is generated based on the determination message of the control policy information of the proprietary quality of service flow by the user equipment and / or the access network; a first session modification request is sent to the central UPF based on the session context update request, wherein the first session modification request is used to notify the central UPF to establish a proprietary quality of service flow.

[0097] In 5G or 6G networks, the N1 and N2 interfaces are used to support user equipment (UE) access mobility management in the access network (NG-RAN gNodeB, gNB) and central subnet. N2 is the physical interface between the terminal and the AMF, while N1 is the logical interface between the terminal and the AMF. The N1N2 message transmission service refers to the message transmission service provided by the N1 and N2 interfaces.

[0098] Based on the second session update request, the first SMF can transmit the control policy information of the Dedicated Quality of Service (DQS) flow to the user equipment and access network via the AMF's N1N2 message transmission service. The AMF generates a session context update request based on the user equipment and / or access network's determination message regarding the DQS flow control policy information and sends the session context update request to the first SMF. The first SMF then sends a first session modification request to the central UPF based on the session context update request. The central UPF is the UPF located in the central subnet, i.e., the main network.

[0099] By establishing a proprietary quality service flow through the above methods, it is ensured that the target second SMF can achieve policy control over edge services.

[0100] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the establishment of a proprietary quality of service flow, provided for an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 In the illustrated application scenario, a dedicated quality service flow can be established by following steps c1 to c16.

[0101] c1. The target second SMF sends a session update request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateRequest) message to the first SMF, indicating that a dedicated quality of service flow needs to be established.

[0102] c2. The first SMF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF to transmit the control policy information for establishing a proprietary quality of service flow to the User Equipment (UE) and the Access Network (R)AN via the AMF's NIN2 message transmission service. Important information in the message includes: PDU Session ID, AccessType, N2 SM information, and N1 SM container. Upon receiving the message, the AMF returns an acknowledgment message.

[0103] c3. The AMF sends an N2 PDU Session Request message to the Access Network (R)AN to transmit the control policy information for establishing a dedicated quality of service flow to the Access Network (R)AN.

[0104] c4. The Access Network (R) AN and the User Equipment (UE) send an AN-specific resource modification message to notify the UE of the control policy information sent by the first SMF.

[0105] c5. The access network (R)AN returns an N2 PDU session response message to the AMF.

[0106] c6. The AMF sends the first session context update request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContextRequest) to the first SMF.

[0107] c7. The first SMF returns the first session context update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContextResponse) to the AMF.

[0108] c8. The User Equipment (UE) sends a PDU Session Modification Command (PDU Session Modification CommandAck) to the access network to notify the network-side UE of its decision on the second session update request.

[0109] c9. The Access Network (R)AN sends a NAS Uplink Transfer message to forward the received NAS (Non-Access-Stratum) message to the AMF. This NAS message is the message sent by the User Equipment (UE).

[0110] c10. The AMF sends a second session context update request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContextRequest) to the first SMF.

[0111] c11. The first SMF returns the second session context update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContextResponse) to the AMF.

[0112] c12. The first SMF sends the first session modification request (PFCP Session ModificationRequest) to the central UPF.

[0113] c13. The central UPF returns the first session modification response (PFCP Session Modification Response).

[0114] c14. The central UPF returns a second session update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateResponse) to the target second SMF. This response message carries the result of the establishment of the proprietary quality of service flow.

[0115] c15. The target second SMF sends a second session modification request (PFCP SessionModification Request) to the edge UPF to notify the edge UPF to establish a dedicated quality of service flow channel.

[0116] c16. The edge UPF returns a second session modification response (PFCP Session Modification Response) to the target second SMF.

[0117] It should be noted that the aforementioned access network (R)AN can specifically refer to the access network device gNB.

[0118] In this embodiment, a target second SMF is set up in the subnet supporting edge services to configure and manage edge services, while the first SMF of the main network is used for basic session management. This approach can control the impact of new edge service features within the subnet, forming a closed-loop management of edge services. This allows for continuous iteration and enrichment of subnet services without affecting main network services or other subnet services, thus improving the development level of edge services.

[0119] Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is another schematic diagram of a business processing method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0120] like Figure 9 As shown, the service processing method is applied to the target second SMF, which is deployed in a subnet supporting edge services of user equipment, including steps S901 to S903.

[0121] Step 901: Receive session parameter information sent by the first SMF, wherein the session parameter information is determined by the first SMF according to the session establishment request of the user equipment, and the session establishment request is used to establish a session for the user equipment to carry edge services.

[0122] The session parameter information corresponds to the session establishment request, which is used to establish a session for the user equipment to carry edge services. The first SMF sends the session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request to the target second SMF. (See reference...) Figure 4In step a5, the target second SMF receives an NsmfPDU session establishment request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateRequest) message from the first SMF, which carries session parameter information.

[0123] Step S902: Determine decision information based on session parameter information.

[0124] After receiving the session parameter information, the second target SMF processes the session parameter information to determine the session decision information.

[0125] Step S903: Return the decision information to the first SMF, where the decision information is used to initiate the operation of establishing a session.

[0126] After determining the decision information, the second SMF returns the decision information to the first SMF, so that the first SMF can initiate the operation of establishing a session based on the decision information.

[0127] In steps S901 to S903 of this embodiment, a first SMF is deployed in the main network, and a target second SMF is deployed in a subnet supporting edge services. The first SMF sends session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request to the target second SMF. The target second SMF determines decision information based on the session parameter information and returns the decision information to the first SMF, enabling the first SMF to initiate a session establishment operation based on the decision information. This embodiment sets up a target second SMF in the subnet supporting edge services to configure and manage edge services. This allows the impact of new edge service features to be controlled within the subnet, forming closed-loop management of edge services. This enables continuous iteration and enrichment of subnet services without affecting main network services or other subnet services, thus improving the development level of edge services.

[0128] In step S902 of some embodiments, a session management context request can be generated based on session parameter information; the session management context request can be sent to the edge user plane function UPF corresponding to the target second SMF, and the session management context request can be used to configure session tunnel information for the edge UPF; the session tunnel information returned by the edge UPF can be received; and decision information can be configured based on the session parameter information and the session tunnel information.

[0129] It should be noted that the Session Management Context Request is generated based on session parameter information and carries a control policy. The target second SMF sends the Session Management Context Request to the edge UPF corresponding to the target second SMF to configure session tunnel information through the edge UPF. After the edge UPF completes the configuration of the session tunnel information, it sends the session tunnel information to the target second SMF so that the target second SMF can configure decision information based on the session parameter information and the session tunnel information.

[0130] Reference Figure 4 The first SMF sends an NsmfPDU session establishment request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateRequest) message to the target second SMF. This message carries session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment message. Then, the target second SMF generates a session management context request based on the session parameter information and sends the session management context request, i.e. Figure 4 The N4 Session Establishment Request is sent to the edge user plane function UPF corresponding to the target second SMF. The edge UPF returns an N4 Session Establishment Response to the target second SMF to convey the session tunnel information. The target second SMF can configure decision information based on the session parameter information and session tunnel information, and send an Nsmf PDU Session Establishment Response (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateResponse) message carrying the decision information to the first SMF. This message mainly includes the PDU session identifier (PDUSession ID), access type, N2 session management information (N2 SM information), and N1 session management container (N1 SM container).

[0131] Through the above methods, the second target SMF enables the configuration and management of edge services. It can control the impact of new edge service functions within the subnet, forming a closed-loop management of edge services. This allows for continuous iteration and enrichment of subnet services without affecting main network services and other subnet services, thereby improving the development level of edge services.

[0132] Please see Figure 10 In some embodiments, steps S904 to S906 may be included after step S903.

[0133] Step S904: Receive a first session update request sent by the first SMF, wherein the first session update request is generated by the first SMF based on decision information.

[0134] The first session update request is generated by the first SMF based on decision information, and the first session update request is used by the second target SMF to perform session updates.

[0135] Step S905: Based on the first session update request, collaborate with the edge UPF to perform a session update.

[0136] The target second SMF, based on the first session update request, collaborates with the edge UPF to perform a session update.

[0137] Step S906: After confirming that the session update has been completed, return a first session update response to the first SMF. The first session update response is used to trigger the first SMF to send a session context update response to the AMF to notify the AMF that the session establishment is complete.

[0138] After the session update is completed, the target second SMF returns a first session update response to the first SMF, so that the first SMF can send a session context update response to the access and mobility management function AMF based on the first session update response returned by the target second SMF, and the session establishment is completed.

[0139] Reference Figure 4 In step a15, the first SMF sends a first session update request to the second SMF. Then, the target second SMF sends a PFCP session modification request to the edge UPF, and the edge UPF returns a PFCP session modification response to the target second SMF, thus achieving collaborative session update execution. The target second SMF then sends a first session update response to the first SMF. Based on the first session update response returned by the target second SMF, the first SMF sends an Nsmf PDU session context update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContextResponse) to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0140] In this way, the target second SMF and the edge UPF perform session updates, and the target second SMF is only responsible for the management and configuration of edge services. This can control the impact of new edge service functions within the subnet, forming a closed-loop management of edge services. Thus, without affecting the main network services and other subnet services, the services of the subnet can be continuously iterated and enriched, improving the development level of edge services.

[0141] Please see Figure 11 In some embodiments, steps S907 to S908 may be included before step S901.

[0142] Step S907: Configure the subnet information that can support the services.

[0143] The target second SMF is configured to support subnet information for services, meaning the target second SMF supports the edge services corresponding to the subnets. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The target second SMF configuration can support the service information of subnet A. Step S908: Send a service registration request to the NRF, wherein the service registration request is used to request the NRF to store the service relationship between the target second SMF and the subnet based on the subnet information storage target.

[0144] After configuring the subnet information that supports the services, the target second SMF sends a service registration request to the NRF, requesting the NRF to store the service relationship between the target second SMF and the subnet based on the subnet information, for example... Figure 5 After steps b1 to b3, the first SMF can determine the target second SMF information according to steps b4 to b13.

[0145] By storing the service relationship between the target second SMF and the subnet in the above manner, the configuration and management of edge services can be realized through the target second SMF, forming a closed-loop management of edge services. This allows for continuous iteration and enrichment of subnet services without affecting the main network services and other subnet services, thereby improving the development level of edge services.

[0146] Please see Figure 12 In some embodiments, steps S1201 to S1203 may also be included.

[0147] Step S1201: Send a second session update request to the first SMF, wherein the second session update request is used to indicate the establishment of a proprietary quality of service flow.

[0148] It should be noted that the second target SMF is responsible for the policy control and management of local services, that is, the edge services of its corresponding subnet, and the decision requires the establishment of a dedicated Quality of Service flow (QoSflow).

[0149] Dedicated Quality of Service (DQS) flow is a type of quality of service flow in network communication. It refers to allocating specific bandwidth, latency, jitter, and other quality of service parameters to a particular data stream within a network to ensure the reliability and stability of data transmission. In communication, factors such as data stream transmission rate and latency are affected by network congestion and bandwidth limitations, leading to data transmission instability and increased latency, thus impacting application experience. The application of DQS flow can effectively solve these problems and improve the quality of network communication.

[0150] It should be noted that the target second SMF needs to send a second session update request to the first SMF.

[0151] Step S1202: Receive the second session update response returned by the first SMF, wherein the second session update response includes the result of establishing a dedicated quality of service flow.

[0152] It should be noted that after receiving the second session update request, the first SMF can initiate the operation of establishing a dedicated quality of service flow based on the second session update request, and after the dedicated quality of service flow is established, it returns a second session update response to the target second SMF. Thus, the target second SMF receives the second session update response returned by the first SMF, and the second session update response includes the result of establishing the dedicated quality of service flow.

[0153] Step S1203: Based on the successful establishment of the Dedicated Quality of Service flow, a second session modification request is sent to the edge UPF. The second session modification request is used to notify the edge UPF to establish the Dedicated Quality of Service flow.

[0154] If the establishment of the proprietary quality of service flow is successful, a second session modification request is sent to the edge UPF to notify the edge UPF to establish the proprietary quality of service flow.

[0155] By establishing a proprietary quality service flow through the above methods, the target second SMF can achieve policy control over edge services.

[0156] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This diagram illustrates a scenario of the business processing method provided in this application embodiment under a single UPF architecture. Figure 4 In the illustrated scenario, a central subnet and a distributed subnet A-1 are deployed. Distributed subnet A-1 supports edge services, such as XR services and sensory services. Figure 4 In the illustrated application scenario, steps a1 to a19 can be followed.

[0157] a1. The User Equipment (UE) sends a PDU Session Establishment Request message to the AMF.

[0158] When the AMF receives a PDU session establishment request from the UE and finds that it is to create a new PDU session, it executes the SMF selection procedure to select the first SMF for the PDU session.

[0159] a2. The AMF sends an NsmfPDU session management context establishment request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest) message to the first SMF to request the establishment of a PDU session. Here, Nsmf stands for Non-Structured Message Forwarding Function (NSMF). Upon receiving the NsmfPDU session management context establishment request from the AMF, the first SMF determines that it is establishing a new PDU session and that it can be executed locally. Therefore, it returns an NsmfPDU session management context establishment response (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextResponse) message to the AMF.

[0160] a3. The first SMF obtains the subscription information from the UDM.

[0161] a4. The first SMF sends a Session Management Control Policy Creation Request (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create Request) message to the PCF, and the PCF returns a Session Management Control Policy Creation Response (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create Response) message. The first SMF establishes an association with the PCF using the above messages and completes the policy distribution. Subsequently, the first SMF obtains session parameter information from the PCF.

[0162] Then, the first SMF selects the second SMF as its target.

[0163] a5. The first SMF sends an NsmfPDU session establishment request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateRequest) message to the target second SMF. The NsmfPDU session establishment request message carries session parameter information.

[0164] Subsequently, the target second SMF selects the edge UPF.

[0165] a6. The target second SMF sends an N4 Session Establishment Request message to the edge UPF, bringing the control policy to the edge UPF. N4 is the bridge between the UPF and SMF, responsible for establishing and managing characteristic session items.

[0166] a7. The edge UPF returns an N4 Session Establishment Response to the target second SMF to bring session tunneling information to the target second SMF.

[0167] a8. The target second SMF sends an Nsmf PDU session establishment response (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateResponse) message carrying decision information to the first SMF. The Nsmf PDU session establishment response transmits the user address, tunnel information, control policy, and other information obtained by the target second SMF to the user equipment (UE) and access network (R)AN through the first SMF. The message mainly includes PDU session ID, access type, N2 session management information (N2 SMinformation), and N1 session management container (N1 SM container).

[0168] a9. The first SMF sends a Session Control Policy Update Request (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateRequest) message to the PCF, carrying the UE address. The PCF returns a Session Control Policy Update Response (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Update Response) message, which carries the updated control policy.

[0169] a10. The first SMF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF. This message transmits information such as the user address, tunnel information, and control policy obtained by the first SMF to the User Equipment (UE) and Access Network (RAN) via the AMF. The message mainly includes the PDU Session ID, Access Type, N2 Session Management Information, and N1 Session Management Container. The AMF returns an acknowledgment message upon receiving the message.

[0170] a11. The AMF sends an N2 PDU Session Request message to the access network.

[0171] a12. The access network interacts with the user equipment and returns an RRC reconfiguration message. This message carries information such as the Quality of Service Rule(s), the selected SSC mode, the slice registration information (S-NSSAI), the allocated IPv4 address, the interface identifier, the session-AMBR, and the selected PDU session type.

[0172] a13. The access network returns an N2 PDU Session Response message to the AMF and sends the N3 tunnel information to the AMF.

[0173] a14. The AMF sends an Nsmf PDU session context update request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext Request) message to the first SMF, bringing the N3 tunnel information established by the access network (R)AN to the SMF.

[0174] a15. The first SMF sends a session update request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateRequest) message to the target second SMF, bringing the N3 tunnel information established by the access network (R)AN to the SMF.

[0175] a16. The target second SMF sends a PFCP Session Modification Request message to the edge UPF, bringing the N3 tunnel information established by (R)AN to the UPF.

[0176] a17. The edge UPF returns a PFCP Session Modification Response message.

[0177] a18. The target second SMF sends a session update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateResponse) message to the first SMF.

[0178] a19. The first SMF sends an Nsmf PDU session context update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContextResponse) to the AMF.

[0179] Please see Figure 13 , Figure 13 This diagram illustrates a scenario of the business processing method provided in this application's embodiments under a multi-UPF architecture. Figure 13 In the illustrated scenario, a central subnet and a distributed subnet A-1 are deployed. The central subnet, i.e., the main network, has a central UPF, while the distributed subnet has edge UPFs. Figure 13 In the illustrated application scenario, steps d1 to d21 can be followed.

[0180] d1. The User Equipment (UE) sends a PDU Session Establishment Request message to the AME.

[0181] When the AMF receives a PDU session establishment request from the UE and finds that it is to create a new PDU session, it executes the SMF selection procedure to select the first SMF for the PDU session.

[0182] d2. The AMF sends an NsmfPDU session management context creation request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextRequest) message to the first SMF to request the establishment of a PDU session. Upon receiving the NsmfPDU session management context creation request from the AMF, the first SMF determines that it is creating a new PDU session and that it can be executed locally, and then returns an NsmfPDU session management context creation response (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContextResponse) message to the AMF.

[0183] d3. The first SMF obtains the subscription information from the UDM.

[0184] d4. The first SMF sends a Session Management Control Policy Creation Request (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create Request) message to the PCF, and the PCF returns a Session Management Control Policy Creation Response (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create Response) message.

[0185] d5. The first SMF sends the first N4 Session Establishment Request message to the central UPF, bringing the control policy to the central UPF. The SMF then controls the central UPF to perform policy control on the network services.

[0186] d6. The central UPF returns the first N4 Session Establishment Response, which brings the tunnel information to the first SMF.

[0187] d7. The first SMF sends a Session Control Policy Update Request (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateRequest) message to the PCF. The PCF returns a Session Control Policy Update Response (Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateResponse) message.

[0188] d8. The first SMF sends an NsmfPDU session establishment request (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateRequest) message to the target second SMF, which carries the user equipment UE address.

[0189] Subsequently, the target second SMF selects the edge UPF.

[0190] d9. The target second SMF sends a second N4 Session Establishment Request to the edge UPF, bringing the edge service control policy to the edge UPF.

[0191] d10. The edge UPF returns the second N4 Session Establishment Response, which brings the session tunneling information to the target second SMF.

[0192] d11. The target second SMF sends an Nsmf PDU session establishment response (Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateResponse) message carrying decision information to the first SMF. The Nsmf PDU session establishment response transmits the user address, tunnel information, control policy, and other information obtained by the target second SMF to the user equipment (UE) and access network (R)AN through the first SMF. The message mainly includes PDU session ID, access type, N2 session management information (N2 SMinformation), and N1 session management container (N1 SM container).

[0193] d12. The first SMF sends an N4 Session Modification Request to the edge UPF to update the tunnel information of the edge UPF on the N9 port and instruct the central UPF to offload local services to the edge UPF for processing.

[0194] d13. The edge UPF returns an N4 Session Modification Response.

[0195] d14. The first SMF sends a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message to the AMF. This message transmits the user address, tunnel information, control policy, and other information obtained by the first SMF to the User Equipment (UE) and Access Network (RAN) via the AMF. The message mainly includes the PDU Session ID, Access Type, N2 Session Management Information, and N1 Session Management Container. The AMF returns an acknowledgment message upon receiving the message.

[0196] d15. The AMF sends an N2 PDU Session Request to the access network.

[0197] d16. The access network interacts with the user equipment and returns an RRC reconfiguration message. This message carries information such as the Quality of Service Rule(s), the selected SSC mode, the slice registration information (S-NSSAI), the allocated IPv4 address, the interface identifier, the session-AMBR, and the selected PDU session type.

[0198] d17. The access network returns an N2 PDU Session Response to the AMF and sends the N3 tunnel information to the AMF.

[0199] d18. The AMF sends an Nsmf PDU session context update request (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContextRequest) to the first SMF, bringing the N3 tunnel information established by the access network (R)AN to the SMF.

[0200] d19. The target second SMF sends a PFCP Session Modification Request to the edge UPF, bringing the N3 tunnel information established by (R)AN to the edge UPF.

[0201] d20. The edge UPF returns a PFCP session modification response.

[0202] d21. The first SMF sends an Nsmf PDU session context update response (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContextResponse) to the AMF.

[0203] Additionally, please see Figure 14 , Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the key policy definition between the first SMF and the target second SMF provided in this application embodiment. The target second SMF is responsible for the management and configuration of edge services and is the policy decision point for edge services. When the relevant policies of edge services need to interact with surrounding network elements, the first SMF and the target second SMF need to transmit key session information based on the N16 interface.

[0204] To transmit critical information, it is necessary to define the 3GPP standard N16 interface as follows: Figure 14 The enhancements shown are noteworthy. Figure 14 This is just an example; the present invention does not limit the interface name, message number, or message structure definition between the first SMF and the target second SMF.

[0205] For the key strategy of PDU session creation messages, the message sent by the first SMF to the target second SMF is Nsmf_PDUSession_Create Request, with a corresponding structure of PduSessionCreateData. The message returned by the target second SMF to the first SMF is Nsmf_PDUSession_Create Response, with a corresponding structure of PduSessionCreatedData.

[0206] For the key strategy of PDU session update messages, if the message Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Request is sent from the first SMF to the target second SMF, the corresponding structure is HsmfUpdateData. The message returned by the target second SMF to the first SMF is Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Response, and the corresponding structure is HsmfUpdatedData.

[0207] For the key strategy of PDU session update messages, if the target second SMF sends a message Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Request to the first SMF, the corresponding structure is a VsmfUpdateData structure. The message returned by the first SMF to the target second SMF is Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Response, and the corresponding structure is a VsmfUpdatedData structure.

[0208] Regarding the key strategy for UE addresses, when a second target SMF is responsible for allocating UE addresses, the second target SMF allocates UE addresses and carries the user address in the Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateResponse message sent to the first SMF, using ueIpv4Address and ueIpv6Prefix defined in 3GPP 29502 PduSessionCreatedData.

[0209] For the N1 policy, when the target second SMF needs to interact with the terminal, the n1SmInfoFromUe field in the PduSessionCreateData and HsmfUpdateData structures is used for the N1 policy sent by the UE to the target second SMF. For the policy sent by the target second SMF to the UE, the n1SmInfoToUe field in the PduSessionCreatedData and VsmfUpdateData structures is used.

[0210] For the N2 policy, when the target second SMF needs to interact with the access network gNB, the policy sent by the target second SMF to the gNB uses the qosFlowsSetupList parameter in the PduSessionCreatedData structure and the qosFlowsAddModRequestList and qosFlowsRelRequestList fields in the VsmfUpdateData structure.

[0211] For the billing control policy, when the PCF issues a PCC rule, the first SMF needs to pass the PCC rule to the target second SMF, using the n4Info parameter in the PduSessionCreateData and HsmfUpdateData structures.

[0212] Please see Figure 15 , Figure 15 This is a schematic block diagram of a network element structure provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0213] like Figure 15 As shown, the network element 300 includes a processor 301 and a memory 302, which are connected by a bus 303, such as an I2C (Inter-integrated Circuit) bus.

[0214] Specifically, processor 301 provides computing and control capabilities to support the operation of the entire network element. Processor 301 can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), but it can also be other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0215] Specifically, the memory 302 can be a Flash chip, a read-only memory (ROM) disk, an optical disk, a USB flash drive, or a portable hard drive, etc.

[0216] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 15 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the embodiments of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the network elements applied to the embodiments of this application. A specific server may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0217] The processor is used to run computer programs stored in memory and to implement any of the above-mentioned business processing methods when executing the computer programs.

[0218] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to run a computer program stored in memory and, when executing the computer program, perform the following steps: The first SMF receives the session establishment request from the user equipment and obtains the target second SMF information of the subnet supporting edge services based on the session establishment request. Based on the target second SMF information, the session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request is sent to the target second SMF, wherein the session parameter information is used to determine the decision information of the session; The operation of establishing a session is initiated based on the decision information returned by the second SMF of the target.

[0219] In one embodiment, when the processor initiates the operation of establishing a session based on the decision information returned by the target second SMF, it is used to implement: A first session update request is generated based on the decision information and sent to the target second SMF. The first session update request is used by the second target SMF to perform a session update. Based on the first session update response returned by the target second SMF, a session context update response is sent to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein the session context update response is used to notify the AMF that the session establishment is complete.

[0220] In one embodiment, when the processor generates a first session update request based on decision information, it implements the following: Send a session control policy update request to the Policy Control Function (PCF), wherein the session control policy update request is used by the PCF to determine the update control policy for the session; Based on the update control policy and decision information returned by PCF, a first session update request is generated.

[0221] In one embodiment, when the processor acquires the target second SMF information of the subnet supporting edge services, it is used to: Obtain user device subscription information from Unified Data Management (UDM); The subnet for edge services is determined based on the contract information; The second SMF information set is obtained from the Network Repository Function (NRF) based on the subnet, wherein at least two second SMFs support the services of the subnet, and the second SMF information set includes at least two second SMF information sets; Filter out the target second SMF information from the second SMF information set.

[0222] In one embodiment, the processor, while implementing the business processing method, is also used to implement: Receive a second session update request sent by the target second SMF, wherein the second session update request is used to indicate the establishment of a proprietary quality of service flow; Based on the second session update request, initiate the operation to establish a dedicated quality of service flow; Return a second session update response to the target second SMF, wherein the second session update response includes the result of establishing a proprietary quality of service flow.

[0223] In one embodiment, when the processor initiates the operation of establishing a dedicated quality of service flow based on a second session update request, it is configured to: Based on the second session update request, the control policy information of the proprietary quality of service flow is transmitted to the user equipment and the access network through the N1N2 message transmission service of AMF; Receive a session context update request sent by the AMF, wherein the session context update request is generated based on a determination message of the control policy information of the user equipment and / or access network for the quality of private service flow; The first session modification request is sent to the central UPF based on the session context update request. The first session modification request is used to notify the central UPF to establish a dedicated quality service flow.

[0224] In one embodiment, the processor is configured to run a computer program stored in memory and, when executing the computer program, perform the following steps: The target second SMF receives session parameter information sent by the first SMF, wherein the session parameter information is determined by the first SMF according to the session establishment request of the user equipment, and the session establishment request is used to establish a session for the user equipment to carry edge services; Determine decision information based on session parameter information; The decision information is returned to the first SMF, where the decision information is used to initiate the operation of establishing a session.

[0225] In one embodiment, when the processor determines decision information based on session parameter information, it is used to implement: Generate a session management context request based on session parameter information; The Session Management Context Request is sent to the Edge User Plane Function (UPF) corresponding to the target second SMF. The Session Management Context Request is used to configure session tunnel information in the Edge UPF. Receive session tunnel information returned by the edge UPF; Configure decision information based on session parameter information and session tunnel information.

[0226] In one embodiment, after implementing the return of decision information to the first SMF, the processor is also configured to implement: Receive a first session update request sent by a first SMF, wherein the first session update request is generated by the first SMF based on decision information; Based on the first session update request, collaborate with the edge UPF to perform a session update; Once the session update is confirmed to be complete, a first session update response is returned to the first SMF. The first session update response is used to trigger the first SMF to send a session context update response to the AMF to notify the AMF that the session establishment is complete.

[0227] In one embodiment, before receiving the session parameter information sent by the first SMF, the processor is also configured to: Configure the subnet information that supports the services; Send a service registration request to the NRF, wherein the service registration request is used to request the NRF to store the service relationship between the target second SMF and the subnet based on the subnet information storage target.

[0228] In one embodiment, the processor, while implementing the business processing method, is also used to implement: Send a second session update request to the first SMF, wherein the second session update request is used to indicate the establishment of a proprietary quality of service flow; Receive the second session update response returned by the first SMF, wherein the second session update response includes the result of establishing a proprietary quality of service flow; If the establishment of the Dedicated Quality of Service flow is considered a successful result, a second session modification request is sent to the edge UPF. The second session modification request is used to notify the edge UPF to establish the Dedicated Quality of Service flow.

[0229] This application also provides a storage medium for computer-readable storage, which stores one or more programs that can be executed by one or more processors to implement the steps of any of the methods for selecting subnet services provided in the specification of this application.

[0230] The storage medium can be an internal storage unit of the network element in the aforementioned embodiments, such as a hard disk or memory of the network element. Alternatively, the storage medium can be an external storage device of the network element, such as a plug-in hard disk, Smart Media Card (SMC), Secure Digital (SD) card, or Flash Card.

[0231] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or some of the steps, systems, or apparatuses disclosed above, and their functional modules / units, can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, or suitable combinations thereof. In hardware embodiments, the division between functional modules / units mentioned in the above description does not necessarily correspond to the division of physical components; for example, a physical component may have multiple functions, or a function or step may be performed collaboratively by several physical components. Some or all physical components may be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software may be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which may include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and can be accessed by a computer. Furthermore, it is well known to those skilled in the art that communication media typically contain computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0232] It should be understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes such combinations. It should be noted that, herein, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or system that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or system. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or system that includes that element.

[0233] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A service processing method characterized by, The method is applied to a first SMF and includes: receiving a session establishment request of a user equipment, obtaining target second SMF information of a subnet supporting an edge service based on the session establishment request; sending session parameter information corresponding to the session establishment request to the target second SMF based on the target second SMF information, wherein the session parameter information is used to determine decision information of a session; initiating an operation of establishing the session based on the decision information returned by the target second SMF.

2. The service processing method according to claim 1, characterized by, The operation of initiating the operation of establishing the session based on the decision information returned by the target second SMF includes: generating a first session update request based on the decision information, and sending the first session update request to the target second SMF, wherein the first session update request is used for the second target SMF to perform session update; sending a session context update response to an access and mobility management function (AMF) based on a first session update response returned by the target second SMF, wherein the session context update response is used to notify the AMF that the session establishment is completed.

3. The service processing method according to claim 2, characterized by, The operation of generating the first session update request based on the decision information includes: sending a session control policy update request to a policy control function (PCF), wherein the session control policy update request is used for the PCF to determine an updated control policy of the session; generating the first session update request according to the updated control policy returned by the PCF and the decision information.

4. The service processing method according to claim 1, characterized by, The operation of obtaining the target second SMF information of the subnet supporting the edge service includes: obtaining subscription information of the user equipment from a unified data management (UDM); determining a subnet of the edge service according to the subscription information; obtaining a second SMF information set from a network repository function (NRF) based on the subnet, wherein at least two second SMFs support services of the subnet, and the second SMF information set includes at least two second SMF information; filtering out the target second SMF information from the second SMF information set.

5. The service processing method according to claim 1, characterized by, Further including: receiving a second session update request sent by the target second SMF, wherein the second session update request is used to indicate establishment of a dedicated quality service flow; initiating an operation of establishing the dedicated quality service flow based on the second session update request; returning a second session update response to the target second SMF, wherein the second session update response includes a result of establishing the dedicated quality service flow.

6. The service processing method according to claim 5, characterized by, The operation of initiating the operation of establishing the dedicated quality service flow based on the second session update request includes: delivering control policy information of the dedicated quality service flow to the user equipment and an access network through an N1N2 message transmission service of an AMF based on the second session update request; receiving a session context update request sent by the AMF, wherein the session context update request is generated based on a determination message of the control policy information of the dedicated quality service flow of the user equipment and / or the access network. transmit a first session modification request to a central UPF based on the session context update request, wherein the first session modification request is used to inform the central UPF to establish the dedicated quality service flow.

7. A service processing method characterized by, The method is applied to a target second SMF deployed in a subnet supporting edge service of a user equipment, and includes: receiving session parameter information transmitted by a first SMF, wherein the session parameter information is determined by the first SMF according to a session establishment request of the user equipment, and the session establishment request is used to establish a session carrying an edge service for the user equipment; determining decision information according to the session parameter information; returning the decision information to the first SMF, wherein the decision information is used to initiate an operation of establishing a session.

8. The service processing method according to claim 7, characterized by, The determining of the decision information according to the session parameter information includes: generating a session management context request according to the session parameter information; transmitting the session management context request to an edge user plane function UPF corresponding to the target second SMF, wherein the session management context request is used for the edge UPF to configure session tunnel information; receiving the session tunnel information returned by the edge UPF; configuring the decision information according to the session parameter information and the session tunnel information.

9. The service processing method according to claim 7, characterized by, After the returning of the decision information to the first SMF, further including: receiving a first session update request transmitted by the first SMF, wherein the first session update request is generated by the first SMF based on the decision information; performing session update in cooperation with the edge UPF based on the first session update request; determining that the session update is completed, and returning a first session update response to the first SMF, wherein the first session update response is used to trigger the first SMF to transmit a session context update response to an AMF to inform the AMF that the session establishment is completed.

10. The service processing method of claim 7, wherein, Before the receiving of the session parameter information transmitted by the first SMF, further including: configuring subnet information that can support a service; transmitting a service registration request to an NRF, wherein the service registration request is used to request the NRF to store a service relationship between the target second SMF and the subnet based on the subnet information.

11. The service processing method of claim 7, wherein, Further including: transmitting a second session update request to the first SMF, wherein the second session update request is used to instruct to establish a dedicated quality service flow; receiving a second session update response returned by the first SMF, wherein the second session update response includes a result of establishing the dedicated quality service flow; transmitting a second session modification request to an edge UPF according to a successful result of establishing the dedicated quality service flow, wherein the second session modification request is used to inform the edge UPF to establish the dedicated quality service flow.

12. A network element, characterized by The network element includes a processor, a memory, a computer program stored on the memory and executable by the processor, and a data bus for realizing connection communication between the processor and the memory, wherein the computer program is executed by the processor to realize the steps of the service management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or 7 to 11.

13. A storage medium for computer-readable storage, characterized in that, The storage medium stores one or more programs, and the one or more programs are executable by one or more processors to implement the steps of the service management method according to any one of claims 1-6 or 7-11.

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