Wireless communication method and apparatus therefor

Abstract

A wireless communication method for use in a wireless network node is disclosed. The method includes determining a session management function (SMF) of a protocol data unit (PDU) session; and transmitting a session management message of the PDU session to the SMF.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This document generally deals with wireless communication, especially 5G communication. Background Technology

[0002] In the 5G era, the access and mobility management function (AMF) relays session management messages between user equipment (UE) and the session management function (SMF). Due to the complex interaction between the AMF and SMF, the communication efficiency between the AMF and SMF is low, and the entire network system becomes more complex. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document relates to methods, systems, and devices for protocol data unit (PDU) session management mechanisms, and in particular to methods, systems, and devices for PDU session management mechanisms in the absence of interaction between the AMF and SMF.

[0004] This disclosure relates to a wireless communication method used in a wireless network node. The method includes: Determine the Session Management Function (SMF) for Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, and Transmit session management messages for PDU sessions to SMF.

[0005] Various embodiments can preferably achieve the following features: Preferably, the wireless network node is a radio access network (RAN) node.

[0006] Preferably, the session management message includes a PDU session establishment request.

[0007] Preferably, the session management message includes at least one of the following: location information of the wireless terminal associated with the PDU session; access type; wireless access technology type; or a subscription permanent identifier of the wireless terminal associated with the PDU session.

[0008] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes receiving a resource request from the SMF for at least one quality of service (QoS) stream for a PDU session.

[0009] Preferably, the resource request includes at least one of the following: at least one QoS profile for at least one QoS flow; or N3 tunnel information for the user plane function (UPF) of a PDU session.

[0010] Preferably, the session management message includes a PDU session deactivation request for the PDU session.

[0011] Preferably, the session management message includes a PDU session release request for the PDU session.

[0012] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes receiving a non-access stratum (NAS) message associated with a session management message from a wireless terminal.

[0013] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes receiving a resource release request from a PDU session of the SMF.

[0014] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes transmitting a resource release confirmation message to the SMF.

[0015] This disclosure relates to a wireless communication method used in a Session Management Function (SMF). The method includes: Receive session management messages from Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions from wireless network nodes.

[0016] Various embodiments can preferably achieve the following features: Preferably, the wireless network node is a wireless access network (RAN) node.

[0017] Preferably, the session management message includes a PDU session establishment request.

[0018] Preferably, the session management message includes at least one of the following: location information of the wireless terminal associated with the PDU session; access type; wireless access technology type; or a subscription permanent identifier of the wireless terminal associated with the PDU session.

[0019] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes receiving a resource request from the SMF for at least one Quality of Service (QoS) stream for a PDU session.

[0020] Preferably, the resource request includes at least one of the following: at least one QoS profile for at least one QoS flow; or N3 tunnel information for the User Plane Function (UPF) of a PDU session.

[0021] Preferably, the session management message includes a PDU session deactivation request for the PDU session.

[0022] Preferably, the session management message includes a PDU session release request for the PDU session.

[0023] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes: transmitting a PDU session resource release request for the PDU session to the wireless network node.

[0024] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes: receiving a PDU session resource release confirmation message from a wireless network node.

[0025] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes receiving a PDU session release request from a PDU session of unified data management (UDM).

[0026] This disclosure relates to a wireless communication method for unified data management (UDM). The method includes: Receive a deregistration request for a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); and Transmit a PDU session release request to the Session Management Function (SMF) for the PDU session.

[0027] Various embodiments can preferably achieve the following features: Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes: deleting information corresponding to the AMF from the subscription information of the wireless terminal of the PDU session.

[0028] Preferably, the wireless communication method further includes: marking the wireless terminal of the PDU session as deregistered in the subscription information of the wireless terminal.

[0029] This disclosure relates to a wireless network node. The wireless network node includes: The processor is configured to determine the Session Management Function (SMF) for Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions, and A communication unit configured to transmit session management messages of a PDU session to the SMF.

[0030] Various embodiments may preferably achieve the following features: Preferably, the processor is also configured to perform any of the aforementioned wireless communication methods.

[0031] This disclosure relates to a wireless device. The wireless device includes: A communication unit configured to receive session management messages from Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions from a wireless network node.

[0032] Various embodiments can preferably achieve the following features: Preferably, the wireless device includes / is a Session Management Function (SMF).

[0033] Preferably, the wireless device further includes a processor configured to perform any of the aforementioned wireless communication methods.

[0034] This disclosure relates to a wireless device. The wireless device includes: The communication unit is configured as follows: Receives a deregistration request for a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and Transmit a PDU session release request to the Session Management Function (SMF) for the PDU session.

[0035] Various embodiments may preferably achieve the following features: Preferably, the wireless device includes / is a unified data management system.

[0036] Preferably, the wireless device further includes a processor configured to perform any of the aforementioned wireless communication methods.

[0037] This disclosure relates to a computer program product comprising a computer-readable program medium on which code is stored, which, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the wireless communication method described in any of the above-described methods.

[0038] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are intended to provide features that will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Exemplary systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed herein according to various embodiments. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not by way of limitation, and that various modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments while remaining within the scope of this disclosure, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art who read this disclosure.

[0039] Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Furthermore, the specific order and / or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein are merely exemplary methods. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods or processes may be rearranged while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or actions in an exemplary order, and unless otherwise expressly stated, this disclosure is not limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0040] This invention is defined by the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. In the following description, although many features may be specified as optional, it should be acknowledged that all features included in the independent claims should not be construed as optional.

[0041] The foregoing and other aspects and their implementations are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, specification and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a PDU session establishment process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a UE registration process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a PDU session establishment process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating a UE triggering a PDU session release process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a deregistration process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 8 An example of a schematic diagram of a wireless terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 9 An example of a schematic diagram of a wireless network node according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 10 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 11 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 12 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] This disclosure provides a PDU session management mechanism that does not involve interaction between the AMF and SMF. Since there is no interaction between the AMF and SMF, the mobility restriction mechanism is simplified.

[0044] In this disclosure, the term "info" or "Info" refers to information.

[0045] In this disclosure, a device that includes network functions may refer to a device that performs network functions or at least some of the functions of a network function.

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a network (architecture) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 In this context, a network includes the following network functions / entities: 1) UE: User Equipment; 2) RAN: Radio Access Network.

[0047] In this disclosure, the RAN manages radio resources, delivers user data received via the N3 interface to the UE, and delivers user data from the UE via the N3 interface. The RAN performs mapping between the Dedicated Radio Bearer (DRB) and the Quality of Service (QoS) stream in the PDU session.

[0048] 3) AMF: Access and Mobility Management Functions.

[0049] The AMF includes the following functions: registration management, connection management, reachability management, and mobility management. The AMF also performs access authentication and access authorization. The AMF is a non-access stratum (NAS) secure terminal and relays session management (SM) NAS between the UE and the SMF, etc.

[0050] 4) SMF: Session Management Function.

[0051] The SMF includes the following functions: session establishment, modification, and release; UE network protocol (IP) address allocation and management (including optional authorization functions); selection and control of User Plane (UP) functions; and downlink data notification. The SMF controls the UPF via the N4 link. The SMF provides the UPF with: one or more Packet Detection Rules (PDRs) instructing how to detect user data traffic; Forwarding Action Rules (FARs); QoS Enforcement Rules (QERs); and Usage Reporting Rules (URRs) instructing the UPF how to perform user data traffic forwarding, QoS processing, and usage reporting on user data traffic detected using PDRs.

[0052] 5) UPF: User-facing functionality.

[0053] The UPF includes the following functions: serving as an anchor point for mobility within / between radio access technology (RAT) and an external session point for interconnection with data networks; packet routing and forwarding instructed by the SMF; service usage reporting; Quality of Service (QoS) processing for the UP; downlink packet buffering; and downlink data notification triggering. Furthermore, a GTP-U (GPRS UP) tunnel is used on the N3 interface between the RAN and the UPF. The GTP-U tunnel is per PDU session. For downlink services, the UPF binds downlink services to the QoS flow within the GTP-U tunnel of the PDU session using the FAR received from the SMF. For uplink services, the RAN delivers user plane services to the QoS flow identified by the UE.

[0054] 6) PCF: Policy Control Function.

[0055] PCFs provide QoS policy rules to control plane functions to enforce those rules. One or more PCFs translate Application Function (AF) requests into policies applicable to PDU sessions.

[0056] 7) UDM: Unified Data Management.

[0057] UDM performs tasks such as generating 3GPP authentication and key negotiation (AKA) credentials, granting access based on subscription data, managing UE service NF registration (e.g., storing service AMFs for UEs and service SMFs for UE PDU sessions), and subscription management. UDM accesses UDR to retrieve UE subscription data and stores the UE context in the UDR. UDM and UDR can be deployed together.

[0058] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a PDU session establishment process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 The PDU session establishment process shown includes the following steps: Step 201 (from UE to AMF): NAS message (one or more Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI), data network name (DNN), PDU session ID, request type, N1 SM (session management) container (e.g., PDU session establishment request).

[0059] Step 202: The AMF selects an SMF for the PDU session via the Network Repository Function (NRF) or local configuration. In the case of the NRF, the AMF provides the DNN and S-NSSAI to the NRF, and the NRF selects an SMF and the service area of ​​the selected SMF for the AMF.

[0060] Step 203: The AMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext request (PDU session ID, SM context ID, UE location information, access type, RAT (Radio Access Technology) type, and operation type) to the selected AMF.

[0061] Step 204: SMF sends an Nsmf_PDUSession_CreateSMContext response to AMF.

[0062] Step 205: The SMF determines that policy and charging control (PCC) authorization is required and requests to establish an association between the SM policy and the PCF by calling the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create operation.

[0063] Step 206: The PCF makes authorization and policy decisions. The PCF responds with an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create response. In its response, the PCF may provide PCC rules to the SMF. The SMF selects the UPF and requests the UPF to allocate an N3 tunnel for uplink data.

[0064] Step 207: The SMF sends Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer to the AMF. This message contains parameters such as PDU session ID, N2 SM information (PDU session ID, one or more Quality of Service Flow Identifiers (QFI), one or more QoS profiles, and the N3 tunnel of the UPF) and N1 SM container (PDU session establishment accepted).

[0065] Step 208 (AMF to (R)AN): N2 PDU session request (N2 SM information, NAS message (PDU session ID, N1 SM container (PDU session establishment accepted)).

[0066] Step 209 ((R)AN to UE): The (R)AN can issue AN-specific signaling to be exchanged with the UE, which is related to information received from the SMF. For example, in the case of NG-RAN, RRC connection reconfiguration can occur when the UE establishes the necessary NG-RAN resources associated with one or more QoS (Quality of Service) profiles.

[0067] In one embodiment, (R)AN also assigns (R)AN tunneling information to the PDU session.

[0068] In one embodiment, (R)AN forwards NAS messages (PDU session ID, N1 SM container (PDU session establishment acceptance)) to the UE.

[0069] Step 210 ((R)AN to AMF): N2 PDU session response (PDU session ID, cause, N2 SM information).

[0070] In one embodiment, the (R)AN tunnel information corresponds to the access network address of the N3 tunnel corresponding to the PDU session.

[0071] Step 211 (AMF to SMF): Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext request (SM context ID, N2SM information, request type).

[0072] In one embodiment, the AMF forwards the N2 SM information received from (R)AN to the SMF.

[0073] Step 212: (SMF to AMF): Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext response (reason).

[0074] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated process, both SM NAS messages (e.g., PDU session establishment requests and PDU session establishment acceptances) and N2 SM information are transmitted via the AMF, making the process complex and inefficient. This disclosure also discloses a process for handling PDU sessions that does not involve the AMF. Furthermore, because mobility management and session management can be separated, this disclosure also provides a deregistration process that eliminates the need for interaction between the AMF and SMF.

[0075] In this disclosure, the RAN can communicate directly with the SMF without involving the AMF. For example, if the N2 interface is service-based, the RAN can discover the SMF via the NRF and communicate directly with the selected SMF.

[0076] Figure 3A schematic diagram of a UE registration process according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 3 In this process, the AMF provides mobility restriction information to the RAN. Specifically, Figure 3 The UE registration process shown includes the following steps: Step 301: The UE sends a NAS registration request message to the RAN. This NAS registration request message includes the registration type, the globally unique temporary identifier (GUTI), security parameters, UE MM core network capabilities, and other parameters.

[0077] Step 302: RAN selects AMF and sends data to the selected AMF (i.e., Figure 3 The new AMF in the system forwards the registration request message.

[0078] Step 303: The new AMF can decide to retrieve the UE context, including the Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), from the old AMF. The new AMF sends a UE context request message to the old AMF with the GUTI identifier provided by the UE.

[0079] Step 304: The old AMF returns the UE context, including the SUPI, to the new AMF.

[0080] Step 305: The AMF performs the UE authentication process. During this process, the UE is authenticated by the network, and the network is also authenticated by the UE. The AMF provides a security context to the RAN to protect NAS messages exchanged between the UE and the RAN.

[0081] Step 306: After successful authentication, the AMF retrieves the UE subscription from the UDM. The AMF can discover the UDM using the SUPI. The AMF sends a UE subscription data request (message) to the UDM, which includes the SUPI and the AMF address.

[0082] Step 307: UDM stores the AMF address and returns UE subscription data to the AMF.

[0083] Step 308: The AMF includes a NAS registration acceptance message in the N2 message. The NAS registration message is sent to the UE and includes the registration area, new GUTI, and mobility restriction information. The N2 message is sent to the RAN and includes mobility restriction information.

[0084] Step 309: The RAN sends a NAS registration acceptance message to the UE through the Uu interface.

[0085] Step 310: The UE stores the registration area, GUTI, and mobility restriction information, and sends a registration completion message to the RAN.

[0086] Step 311: The RAN forwards the registration completion message to the AMF.

[0087] Following this process, the UE successfully registers with the network. Both the UE and the RAN are provided with mobility restriction information.

[0088] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a PDU session establishment process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 In the process shown, the RAN discovers the SMF and communicates directly with it without involving the AMF. Specifically, the PDU session establishment process includes the following steps: Step 401: The UE sends a NAS message PDU session establishment request to the RAN. This message contains at least one S-NSSAI, DNN, PDU session ID, request type, etc.

[0089] Step 402: The RAN selects an SMF for the PDU session via the NRF or local configuration. In the case of via the NRF, the RAN provides the NRF with the DNN and S-NSSAI. The NRF can return a list of SMFs that support both the DNN and S-NSSAI to the RAN, and the RAN selects an SMF. The RAN then forwards the PDU session establishment request, along with UE location information, access type, RAT type, and SUPI, to the selected SMF.

[0090] Step 403: SMF retrieves UE subscription data for S-NSSAI and DNN from UDM using SUPI, S-NSSAI, and DNN.

[0091] Step 404: The SMF determines QoS flow parameters based on subscription and PCC rules. The SMF selects a UPF to serve the PDU session and configures the UPF with detection rules and service processing rules for QoS flows. The UPF allocates N3 tunnel information for uplink services.

[0092] Step 405: The SMF sends a RAN resource request to the RAN to request the allocation of radio resources for the QoS flow of the PDU session. This message includes the QoS profile of the QoS flow and the N3 tunnel information of the UPF.

[0093] Step 406: The RAN communicates with the UE to allocate radio resources for QoS flows. The RAN also allocates RAN N3 tunnel information for PDU sessions.

[0094] Step 407: The RAN sends a radio resource response to the SMF, wherein the radio resource response includes RAN N3 tunnel information for the PDU session.

[0095] Step 408: The SMF provides the UPF with RAN N3 tunnel information for the PDU session.

[0096] Step 409: The SMF sends a PDU session registration request to the UDM. This message includes the SMF address and the PDU session ID. The UDM stores the PDU session ID and the SMF address and returns a response to the SMF.

[0097] Step 410: The SMF sends a PDU session establishment acceptance message to the RAN. This message may include the UE IP address used for the PDU session. Alternatively, the SMF can use the user plane to assign a UP IP address to the UE.

[0098] Step 411: The RAN forwards the PDU to the UE to accept the session establishment.

[0099] After this process, a PDU session is established, and the PDU session information is stored in the UDM. Note that in Figure 4 The process shown avoids interaction between AMF and SMF.

[0100] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5 In this context, when the RAN determines to deactivate the PDU session, or if the RAN determines to deactivate the PDU session (e.g., because the UE moves to a Not Allowed area), the PDU session is maintained in the core network, and radio resources can be released. Specifically, Figure 5 The process shown includes the following steps: Step 500: If the UE moves to an unallowed area / When the UE moves to an unallowed area, the RAN determines to deactivate any existing user plane resources of the UE's PDU sessions, because the UE is not allowed to use any user plane resources in the network in an unallowed area.

[0101] Step 501: The RAN sends a PDU session deactivation request to the SMF of the existing PDU session. This message may include the PDU session ID.

[0102] Step 502: The SMF sends a RAN resource release request to the RAN to delete the radio resources of the PDU session.

[0103] Step 503: The RAN sends a RAN resource release (message) to the UE to release the radio resources of the PDU session.

[0104] Step 504: The UE sends a RAN resource release confirmation (ACK) to the RAN.

[0105] Step 505: The RAN sends a RAN resource release ACK to the SMF.

[0106] Step 506: SMF sends N4 modification to UPF to remove N3 tunnel information from RAN.

[0107] Step 507: UPF sends N4 modified ACK to SMF.

[0108] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating a UE triggering a PDU session release process according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Figure 6 In this context, it is assumed that if the UE is in a connected state and the RAN stores PDU session information including the PDU session ID and the associated SMF address, the RAN can also receive PDU session information from the AMF or a database in the network. Specifically, Figure 6 The UE-triggered PDU session release process shown includes the following steps: Step 601: The UE sends a NAS message (PDU session release request) to the RAN. The PDU session release request includes the PDU session ID.

[0109] Step 602: The RAN forwards a NAS message (PDU session release request) to the SMF of the PDU session identified by the PDU session ID.

[0110] Step 603: The SMF sends a PDU session cancellation request to the UDM to remove the PDU session ID and the associated SMF address.

[0111] Step 604: The UDM removes the PDU session ID and SMF address from the PDU session. The UDM provides a response to the SMF.

[0112] Step 605: The SMF sends a RAN resource release request to the RAN to request the release of radio resources for the QoS flow used in the PDU session. This message includes the PDU session ID and the NAS message PDU session release command.

[0113] Step 606: The RAN communicates with the UE to release radio resources and sends a NAS message PDU session release command to the UE.

[0114] Step 607: The UE responds to the RAN resource release and sends a NAS PDU session release ACK to the RAN.

[0115] Step 608: The RAN sends a Radio Resource Release ACK (NAS PDU Session Release ACK) to the SMF.

[0116] Step 609: SMF sends N4 release to UPF to release user plane resources.

[0117] Step 610: UPF sends an N4 release response to SMF.

[0118] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a deregistration process according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 In this process, the UDM sends a PDU session release message to the SMF to remove the PDU session. Specifically, Figure 7 The cancellation process shown includes the following steps: Step 701: The UE sends a NAS message (deregistration request) to the RAN. This message includes the GUTI.

[0119] Step 702: The RAN forwards the deregistration request to the AMF identified by the GUTI.

[0120] Step 703: When the AMF receives a deregistration request from the UE / if the AMF receives a deregistration request from the UE, or when the AMF determines that the UE is in a prohibited area / if the AMF determines that the UE is in a prohibited area, or when the deregistration timer configured in the AMF expires / after the deregistration timer configured in the AMF has expired, the AMF determines that the UE should be deregistered from the network. The AMF marks the UE as deregistered and sends a deregistration request to the UDM.

[0121] Step 704: The UDM removes the AMF address from the UE's subscription or marks the UE as deregistered. The UDM sends a deregistration response to the AMF.

[0122] Step 705: The AMF sends a deregistration acceptance to the UE.

[0123] Step 706: Since the UE is deregistered, the UDM sends a PDU session release request to one or more SMFs of the existing PDU session. This message includes one or more PDU session IDs. In one embodiment, step 706 (e.g., transmission of the PDU session release request) is triggered by step 703 (e.g., reception of the deregistration request).

[0124] Step 707: SMF triggers the PDU session release process (e.g., Figure 6 Steps 605 to 610 in the process.

[0125] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram relating to a wireless terminal 80 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless terminal 80 may be a user equipment (UE), mobile phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, e-book reader, or portable computer system, and is not limited thereto. The wireless terminal 80 may include a processor 800 (e.g., a microprocessor or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), a storage unit 810, and a communication unit 820. The storage unit 810 may be any data storage device storing program code 812 accessed and executed by the processor 800. Embodiments of the storage unit 810 include, but are not limited to, a subscriber identity module (SIM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, random-access memory (RAM), hard disk, and optical data storage devices. The communication unit 820 may be a transceiver and is used to send and receive signals (e.g., messages or packets) based on the processing results of the processor 800. In one embodiment, the communication unit 820 communicates via… Figure 8 At least one antenna 822 shown transmits and receives signals.

[0126] In one embodiment, the storage unit 810 and the program code 812 may be omitted, and the processor 800 may include a storage unit with stored program code.

[0127] The processor 800 can implement any of the steps in the exemplary embodiment on the wireless terminal 80, for example by executing program code 812.

[0128] The communication unit 820 may be a transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 820 may combine a transmission unit and a receiving unit, which are configured to transmit signals to a wireless network node (e.g., a base station) and receive signals from the wireless network node (e.g., a base station), respectively.

[0129] Figure 9The diagram relates to a wireless network node 90 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The wireless network node 90 may be a satellite, base station (BS), network entity, Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (S-GW), Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (P-GW), Radio Access Network (RAN) node, Next Generation RAN (NG-RAN) node, gNB, eNB, gNB central unit (gNB-CU), gNB distributed unit (gNB-DU), data network, core network, or Radio Network Controller (RNC), and is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the wireless network node 90 may include (perform) at least one network function, such as Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Placement Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), etc. The wireless network node 90 may include a processor 900 (e.g., a microprocessor or ASIC), a storage unit 910, and a communication unit 920. The storage unit 910 may be any data storage device storing program code 912 accessed and executed by the processor 900. Examples of storage units 910 include, but are not limited to, SIM, ROM, flash memory, RAM, hard disks, and optical data storage devices. The communication unit 920 may be a transceiver and is used to transmit and receive signals (e.g., messages or packets) based on the processing results of the processor 900. In one example, the communication unit 920 communicates via… Figure 9 At least one antenna 922 shown transmits and receives signals.

[0130] In one embodiment, the storage unit 910 and the program code 912 may be omitted. The processor 900 may include a storage unit containing stored program code.

[0131] The processor 900 can implement any of the steps described in the exemplary embodiments on the wireless network node 90, for example, via executing program code 912.

[0132] The communication unit 920 may be a transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit 920 may combine a transmission unit and a receiving unit, which are respectively configured to transmit signals to a wireless terminal (e.g., a user equipment or another wireless network node) and receive signals from the wireless terminal (e.g., a user equipment or another wireless network node).

[0133] In one embodiment, the UDM can perform: - Receive a deregistration request from AMF. - Remove the AMF address and / or mark the UE as deregistered in the UE subscription, and - Send a PDU session release request to the SMF of the existing PDU session.

[0134] In one embodiment, SMF can perform: - Receive PDU session release message from UDM. - Send a PDU session release command to the UE, and - Send a radio resource release request to the RAN.

[0135] In one embodiment, the RAN can perform: - Receive NAS SM (session management) messages (e.g., establish, release, modify) from the UE, where the NAS message includes the PDU session ID. - Determine the SMF of the PDU session, - Forward NAS SM messages to the SMF of the PDU session.

[0136] Figure 10 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 10 The method shown can be used in a wireless network node (e.g., a RAN (node)) and includes: Step 1001: Determine the SMF of the PDU session.

[0137] Step 1002: Transmit the SM message of the PDU session to the SMF.

[0138] exist Figure 10 In this process, the wireless network node determines / selects the SMF (Service Provider Function) for the PDU session itself / used for the PDU session, and transmits the SM (Service Message) messages of the PDU session (e.g., PDU session establishment / release / modification / / deregistration) to the determined / selected SMF. In this way, the interaction between the AMF and SMF can be omitted in the PDU session correspondence process, simplifying the correspondence process and making it more efficient.

[0139] In one embodiment, the radio network node receives a NAS (SM) message from a UE's PDU session. In this embodiment, the NAS (SM) message may be a PDU session establishment / release / modification / deregistration request. Alternatively or additionally, the NAS (SM) message may be included in or associated with an SM message transmitted from the RAN to the SMF.

[0140] In one embodiment, the SM message includes / is a PDU session establishment request. In this embodiment, the SM message includes at least one of the following: location information, access type, RAT type, or SUPI of the radio terminal (e.g., UE) associated with the PDU session.

[0141] In embodiments where the SM message includes a PDU session establishment request, the wireless network node may receive a resource request from the SMF for one or more QoS flows for the PDU session. This resource request may include at least one of the following: one or more QoS profiles for one or more QoS flows, or N3 tunnel information of the UPF for the PDU session.

[0142] In one embodiment, the SM message includes / is a PDU session deactivation request for the PDU session.

[0143] In one embodiment, the SM message includes / is a PDU session release request for the PDU session.

[0144] In one embodiment, the wireless network node can receive a resource release request from a PDU session of the SMF. In this embodiment, the wireless network node can also transmit a resource release ACK message to the SMF.

[0145] Figure 11 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 11 The method shown can be used in SMFs (e.g., wireless devices, including wireless devices with SMFs) and includes the following steps: Step 1101: Receive SM messages from the PDU session of the wireless network node.

[0146] exist Figure 11 In this process, the SMF receives SM messages from PDU sessions originating from wireless network nodes (e.g., BS, RAN (node)) rather than the AMF. Upon receiving the SM message, the SMF executes the corresponding procedure.

[0147] In one embodiment, the SM message includes / is a PDU session establishment request. In this embodiment, the SM message includes at least one of the following: location information, access type, RAT type, or SUPI of the radio terminal (e.g., UE) associated with the PDU session.

[0148] In embodiments where the SM message includes a PDU session establishment request, the wireless network node may receive a resource request from the SMF for one or more QoS flows for the PDU session. This resource request may include at least one of the following: one or more QoS profiles for one or more QoS flows, or N3 tunnel information of the UPF for the PDU session.

[0149] In one embodiment, the SM message includes / is a PDU session deactivation request for the PDU session.

[0150] In one embodiment, the SM message includes / is a PDU session release request for the PDU session.

[0151] In one embodiment, the SMF can transmit a resource release request for a PDU session to the wireless network node. In this embodiment, the SMF can receive a resource release ACK message from the wireless network node.

[0152] In one embodiment, the SMF can receive a PDU session release request from the UDM. The transmission of the PDU session resource release request to the wireless network node can be triggered by (receiving) the PDU session release request from the UDM, or in response to (receiving) the PDU session release request from the UDM.

[0153] Figure 12 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12 The method shown can be used in a UDM (e.g., a wireless device, including wireless devices of a UDM) and includes the following steps: Step 1201: Receive a logout request for the PDU session from the AMF.

[0154] Step 1202: Transmit the PDU session release request of the PDU session to the SMF.

[0155] exist Figure 12 In this process, the UDM receives a PDU session cancellation request from the AMF. In response to receiving the cancellation request, the UDM transmits a PDU session release request to the SMF.

[0156] In one embodiment, the UDM removes the information corresponding to the AMF from the subscription information of the radio terminal (e.g., UE) of the PDU session.

[0157] In one embodiment, the UDM identifies / marks the wireless terminal of the PDU session as logged out in the wireless terminal's subscription information.

[0158] While various embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are provided by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Similarly, various diagrams may depict exemplary architectures or configurations, provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand the exemplary features and functionality of this disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary architectures or configurations shown, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0159] It should also be understood that any reference to elements in this document using names such as "first," "second," etc., does not generally restrict the number or order of these elements. Rather, these names may simply be used as a convenient means of distinguishing two or more elements or multiple instances of an element. Therefore, referring to the first element and the second element does not imply that only two elements can be used, or that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

[0160] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that any of a variety of technologies / techniques can be used to represent information and signals. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols as described above can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or light particles, or any combination thereof.

[0161] Those skilled in the art should also recognize that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, units, processors, methods, circuits, approaches, and functions described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination of both), firmware, various forms of program or design code containing instructions (which may be referred to herein as "software" or "software module"), or any combination of these techniques.

[0162] To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, units, circuits, and steps have been generally described above according to their functions. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of these technologies depends on the specific application and design constraints on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functions in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions will not exceed the scope of this disclosure. According to various embodiments, processors, devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, units, etc., can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. As used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, the terms "configured to" or "configured for" refer to processors, devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, units, etc., that are physically constructed, programmed, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0163] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, units, devices, components, and circuits described herein can be implemented within or executed by an integrated circuit (IC), which may include a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, or any combination thereof. Logic blocks, units, and circuits may also include antennas and / or transceivers for communication with various components within a network or device. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors coupled with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration for performing the functions described herein. If these functions are implemented in software form, they may be stored on a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Therefore, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein may be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0164] Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, encompassing any medium capable of transferring computer programs or code from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible to a computer.

[0165] In this document, the term "unit" as used herein refers to software, firmware, hardware, or any combination of these elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Furthermore, for purposes of discussion, various units are described as discrete units; however, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that two or more units may be combined to form a single unit that performs the associated functions according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0166] Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure may employ memory or other storage devices and communication components. It will be understood that, for clarity, the above description refers to various embodiments of this disclosure with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable allocation of functionality can be used among different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains without diminishing the scope of this disclosure. For example, functions shown to be performed by separate processing logic elements or controllers may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, references to specific functional units are merely illustrative of a suitable means of providing said functionality and do not imply a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0167] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of the claims. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein, but should be given the broadest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method used in a wireless network node, the method comprising: Determine the Session Management Function (SMF) for Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions; as well as Transmit the session management message of the PDU session to the SMF.

2. The wireless communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The wireless network node is a wireless access network (RAN) node.

3. The wireless communication method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The session management message includes a PDU session establishment request.

4. The wireless communication method according to claim 3, wherein, The session management message includes at least one of the following: Location information of the wireless terminal associated with the PDU session; Access type; Wireless access technology type; or The subscription permanent identifier of the wireless terminal associated with the PDU session.

5. The wireless communication method according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising: Receive resource requests from the SMF for at least one Quality of Service (QoS) stream for the PDU session.

6. The wireless communication method according to claim 5, wherein, The resource request includes at least one of the following: At least one QoS profile for the at least one QoS flow; or The N3 tunnel information of the User Plane Function (UPF) of the PDU session.

7. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The session management message includes the PDU session deactivation request for the PDU session.

8. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The session management message includes a PDU session release request for the PDU session.

9. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: Receive a non-access stratum (NAS) message associated with the session management message from a wireless terminal.

10. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: Receive a resource release request from the PDU session of the SMF.

11. The wireless communication method according to claim 10, further comprising: Transmit a resource release confirmation message to the SMF.

12. A wireless communication method used in a Session Management Function (SMF), the method comprising: Receive session management messages from Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions from wireless network nodes.

13. The wireless communication method according to claim 12, wherein, The wireless network node is a wireless access network (RAN) node.

14. The wireless communication method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The session management message includes a PDU session establishment request.

15. The wireless communication method according to claim 14, wherein, The session management message includes at least one of the following: Location information of the wireless terminal associated with the PDU session; Access type; Wireless access technology type; or The subscription permanent identifier of the wireless terminal associated with the PDU session.

16. The wireless communication method according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising: A resource request is transmitted to the wireless network node for at least one Quality of Service (QoS) stream for the PDU session.

17. The wireless communication method according to claim 16, wherein, The resource request includes at least one of the following: At least one QoS profile for the at least one QoS flow; or The N3 tunnel information of the User Plane Function (UPF) of the PDU session.

18. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein, The session management message includes the PDU session deactivation request for the PDU session.

19. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein, The session management message includes a PDU session release request for the PDU session.

20. The wireless communication method according to any one of claims 12 to 19, further comprising: Transmit a PDU session resource release request for the PDU session to the wireless network node.

21. The wireless communication method according to claim 20, further comprising: Receive a PDU session resource release confirmation message from the wireless network node.

22. The wireless communication method according to claim 20 or 21, further comprising: Receive the PDU session release request from the unified data management (UDM) session.

23. A wireless communication method for unified data management (UDM), the method comprising: Receive a deregistration request from a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); as well as Transmit the PDU session release request of the PDU session to the Session Management Function (SMF).

24. The wireless communication method according to claim 23, further comprising: Remove the information corresponding to the AMF from the subscription information of the wireless terminal in the PDU session.

25. The wireless communication method according to claim 23 or 24, further comprising: The wireless terminal is marked as logged out in the subscription information of the wireless terminal.

26. A wireless network node, comprising: A processor configured to determine the session management function (SMF) of a protocol data unit (PDU) session. as well as A communication unit configured to transmit session management messages of the PDU session to the SMF.

27. The wireless network node according to claim 26, wherein, The processor is also configured to perform the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 2 to 11.

28. A wireless device, comprising: A communication unit configured to receive session management messages from protocol data unit (PDU) sessions of a wireless network node.

29. The wireless device of claim 28, further comprising a processor configured to perform the wireless communication method of any one of claims 13 to 22.

30. A wireless device, comprising: Communication unit, the communication unit being configured to: Receive a deregistration request from a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session from the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); as well as Transmit the PDU session release request of the PDU session to the Session Management Function (SMF).

31. The wireless device of claim 30, further comprising a processor configured to perform the wireless communication method of claim 24 or 25.

32. A computer program product comprising a computer-readable program medium having code stored on the computer-readable program medium, the code, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to implement the wireless communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

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