Method and apparatus for user traffic management in a wireless communication system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: acquiring UE Route Selection Policy (URSP); identifying application information generating a data flow based on the URSP information; mapping the data flow to a predetermined Quality of Service (QoS) flow of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session based on the identified application information; inserting the identified application information into a GPRS Tunneling Protocol - User Plane (GTP-U) extension header of the data flow; and transmitting the data flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to wireless communication systems, and more specifically, to methods and apparatus for distinguishing and managing user data traffic for each application. Background Technology

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

[0003] In the early stages of 5G mobile communication technology development, to support services and meet performance requirements related to enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC), standardization has been underway for the following technologies: beamforming and massive MIMO for reducing radio wave path loss and increasing radio wave transmission distance in millimeter waves; support parameter sets for dynamic operation (e.g., operating multiple subcarrier spacings) for efficient utilization of millimeter wave resources and time slot formats; initial access technologies for supporting multi-beam transmission and broadband; definition and operation of BWP (bandwidth portion); new channel coding methods such as LDPC (low-density parity-check) codes for large data transmissions and polar codes for highly reliable transmission of control information; layer 2 (L2) preprocessing; and network slicing for providing dedicated networks for specific services.

[0004] Currently, given the services supported by 5G mobile communication technology, discussions are underway regarding improvements and performance enhancements to the initial 5G mobile communication technology. Physical layer standardization has been implemented for technologies such as: V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) for assisting autonomous vehicles in making driving decisions and improving user convenience based on information transmitted by the vehicle regarding its location and status; NR-U (New Radio Unlicensed) designed to ensure system operation complies with various regulatory requirements in unlicensed frequency bands; NR UE power saving; Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), i.e., UE-satellite direct communication, for providing coverage in areas where terrestrial network communication is unavailable; and positioning.

[0005] Furthermore, standardization is underway for air interface architectures / protocols for technologies such as: Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to support new services through interoperability and convergence with other industries; Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) for nodes to provide network service area extension by supporting wireless backhaul and access links in an integrated manner; mobility enhancements including conditional handover and DAPS (Dual Active Protocol Stack) handover; and two-step random access (two-step RACH for NR) to simplify the random access process. Standardization is also underway for system architectures / services for technologies such as: 5G baseline architectures (e.g., service-based architectures or service-based interfaces) for combining Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies; and Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) for receiving services based on UE location.

[0006] With the commercialization of 5G mobile communication systems, the number of connected devices will increase exponentially, necessitating enhanced functionality and performance of 5G mobile communication systems as well as integrated operation of connected devices. To this end, new research is planned related to the following technologies: Extended Reality (XR) for efficient support of AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), MR (Mixed Reality), etc.; 5G performance improvements and complexity reduction through the utilization of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML); AI service support; Metaverse service support; and drone communication.

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

[0008] [Technical Issues]

[0009] This disclosure provides a method and apparatus for distinguishing and managing user traffic generated by multiple applications installed in a user equipment in a wireless communication system.

[0010] [Technical Solution]

[0011] Based on the above discussion, a method for processing control signals in a wireless communication system according to this disclosure may include: receiving a first control signal transmitted from a base station; processing the received first control signal; and transmitting a second control signal generated based on the processing to the base station.

[0012] [Beneficial Effects]

[0013] The embodiments described herein provide an apparatus and method for efficiently providing services in a wireless communication system. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 A wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 This illustrates the operation of data traffic generated by two applications installed in a UE being sent over a data network according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 3 The TCP header and IP header (IPv4) of the TCP / IP protocol stack according to an embodiment of this disclosure are shown.

[0017] Figure 4 The process of mapping a service data stream to a QoS stream in a 5G system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 5 The operation of sending a service data stream between an application and a modem to a DN when a service data stream is generated within a UE, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 6 An application (UE platform) that provides application-related information and extended QoS rules according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 7 An Extended GPRS Tunneling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U) header according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, which is used to send information to the network related to an application that has generated a service data stream.

[0021] Figure 8 An Extended GPRS Tunneling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U) header according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, which is used to send information to the network related to an application that has generated a service data stream.

[0022] Figure 9 The SM policy association configuration process according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 10 An N4 session configuration process according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 11 A flow diagram of a method for managing user traffic according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 12 The structure of a UE according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 13 The structure of a base station or network entity according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] [Best Implementation of the Invention]

[0028] A method performed by a terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: acquiring UE routing policy (URSP) information; identifying information related to an application that has generated a data stream based on the URSP information; mapping the data stream to a predetermined Quality of Service (QoS) stream of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session based on the identified application information; inserting the identified application information into the GPRS Tunneling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U) extended header of the data stream; and transmitting the data stream.

[0029] The GTP-U extended header can be configured as a PDU session container type.

[0030] The GTP-U extended header can be configured as an application description type.

[0031] Application information may include operating system (OS) identification information and application identification information.

[0032] Application information can be included in the application descriptor, and the application descriptor can be included in the traffic descriptor.

[0033] A method performed by a Session Management Function (SMF) in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: performing an N4 session establishment process with a User Plane Function (UPF), the UPF being associated with a PDU session for receiving a data stream; obtaining extended Packet Detection Rule (PDR) information for processing the data stream based on application information through the N4 session establishment process; and controlling the transmission of the data stream based on the extended PDR information and the application information included in the data stream received through the PDU session.

[0034] Application information included in the data stream can be included in the GPRS Tunneling Protocol - User Plane (GTP-U) extended header.

[0035] The GTP-U extended header can be configured as a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session container type or an application description type.

[0036] Operating system (OS) identification information and application identification information can be included in the packet detection information within the extended PDR information.

[0037] The method may include: sending an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create message for configuring a Session Management (SM) policy to a Policy Control Function (PCF); and receiving an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create response message from the PCF indicating that the SM policy has been configured, wherein the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create response message includes Quality of Service (QoS) rule information, the QoS rule information including application information, and the QoS rule information is used to perform QoS flow mapping taking the application information into account.

[0038] A terminal in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a transceiver; and at least one processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: acquire UE routing policy (URSP) information; identify information related to an application that has generated a data stream based on the URSP information; map the data stream to a predetermined Quality of Service (QoS) stream of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session based on the identified application information; insert the identified application information into a GPRS Tunneling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U) extended header of the data stream; and transmit the data stream.

[0039] The GTP-U extended header can be configured as either a PDU session container type or an application description type.

[0040] Application information may include operating system (OS) identification information and application identification information.

[0041] A Session Management Function (SMF) in a wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a transceiver; and at least one processor coupled to the transceiver, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: perform an N4 session establishment process with a User Plane Function (UPF), the UPF being associated with a PDU session for receiving a data stream; obtain extended Packet Detection Rule (PDR) information for processing the data stream based on application information through the N4 session establishment process; and control the transmission of the data stream based on the extended PDR information and the application information included in the data stream received through the PDU session.

[0042] [Implementation Methods of the Invention]

[0043] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, wherever possible, the same or similar elements are represented by the same or similar reference numerals in the drawings. Furthermore, detailed descriptions of known functions or configurations that may obscure the subject matter of the present disclosure will be omitted.

[0044] In describing the embodiments, descriptions relating to technical content known in the art and not directly related to this disclosure will be omitted. This omission of unnecessary descriptions is intended to prevent obscuring the main ideas of this disclosure and to convey those main ideas more clearly.

[0045] For the same reason, some elements may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the dimensions of each element do not perfectly reflect the actual dimensions. In the drawings, identical or corresponding elements may be given the same reference numerals or different reference numerals.

[0046] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as the ways in which they are implemented, will become apparent from the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments set forth below, but can be implemented in a variety of different forms. The following embodiments are provided only to fully disclose this disclosure and to inform those skilled in the art of its scope, and this disclosure is limited only by the scope of the appended claims. Throughout the specification, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.

[0047] Furthermore, in describing this disclosure, a detailed description of a known function or construction incorporated herein may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of this disclosure. The terminology described below is defined in consideration of the functions in this disclosure and may vary depending on the intent or habit of the user or operator. Therefore, the definition of terminology should be based on the entire contents of this specification.

[0048] In the following description, a base station is an entity that allocates resources to terminals and can be at least one of a gNode B, eNode B, Node B, base station (BS), radio access unit, base station controller, and nodes on a network. A terminal can include a user equipment (UE), mobile station (MS), cellular phone, smartphone, computer, or multimedia system capable of performing communication functions. As used herein, “downlink (DL)” refers to a radio link through which a base station transmits signals to a terminal, and “uplink (UL)” refers to a radio link through which a terminal transmits signals to a base station. Furthermore, in the following description, LTE, LTE-A, or 5G systems may be described as examples, but embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to other communication systems with similar technical backgrounds or channel types. Examples of such communication systems may include fifth-generation mobile communication technologies (5G, New Radio, or NR) developed after LTE-A, and in the following description, “5G” can be a concept encompassing existing LTE, LTE-A, and other similar services. Additionally, based on the assessment of those skilled in the art, this disclosure can be applied to other communication systems with modifications without significantly departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] In this document, it will be understood that each block of a flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in a flowchart illustration, can be implemented based on computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be collectively loaded onto at least one processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, executable by any one or any combination of the processors of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for performing the functions specified in one or more flowchart blocks. These computer program instructions may also be stored in a non-transitory computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium that can direct the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-usable or computer-readable storage medium produce an article of writing including instruction means that perform the functions specified in the one or more flowchart blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, thereby producing a process executed by the computer, such that the instructions executable on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus provide steps for performing the functions specified in one or more flowchart blocks.

[0050] Furthermore, each box can represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the boxes may occur out of order. For example, two boxes shown consecutively may actually execute substantially simultaneously, or the boxes may sometimes execute in reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0051] As used in embodiments of this disclosure, the term "~unit" can refer to a software element or hardware element that performs a predetermined function, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). However, the term including the word "~unit" is not always limited to software or hardware. A "~unit" can be configured to be stored in an addressable storage medium or to execute one or more processors. Thus, a "~unit" includes, for example, software elements, object-oriented software elements, components such as class elements or task elements, processes, functions, attributes, flows, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and parameters. The components and functions provided by a "~unit" can be combined into a smaller number of components or "~units," or divided into additional components or "~units." Furthermore, components and "~units" can be implemented as one or more central processing units (CPUs) within a playback device or a secure multimedia card. Additionally, a "~unit" in the embodiments may include one or more processors.

[0052] Wireless communication systems are evolving into broadband wireless communication systems that use communication standards to provide high-speed and high-quality packet data services as well as typical voice-based services. These communication standards include 3GPP High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), LTE (Long Term Evolution or Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA)), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-Pro, 3GPP2 High-Speed ​​Packet Data (HRPD), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), IEEE 802.16e, etc.

[0053] As a typical example of a broadband wireless communication system, the LTE system employs Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) in the downlink (DL) and Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) in the uplink (UL). The uplink refers to the radio link through which a User Equipment (UE) or Mobile Station (MS) transmits data or control signals to a Base Station (BS, eNode B, or gNode B), and the downlink refers to the radio link through which the Base Station transmits data or control signals to the UE. These multiple access schemes can separate the data or control information of each user by allocating and manipulating time-frequency resources for transmitting data or control information to each user, thereby avoiding overlap and establishing orthogonality.

[0054] As a post-LTE communication system, 5G communication systems must flexibly respond to various requirements from users, service providers, and others, and therefore must support services that meet diverse needs. Services considered in 5G communication systems include enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC).

[0055] eMBB aims to provide higher data rates than those supported by existing LTE, LTE-A, or LTE-Pro systems. For example, in a 5G communication system, for a single base station, eMBB must provide a peak data rate of 20Gbps in the downlink and 10Gbps in the uplink. Furthermore, 5G communication systems must provide increased user-aware data rates and maximum data rates to the UE. To meet these requirements, improved transmit / receive technologies, including further enhanced multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission techniques, are needed. Additionally, the data rates required by 5G communication systems can be achieved using frequency bandwidths greater than 20MHz in the 3GHz to 6GHz band or higher, instead of the maximum 20MHz transmission bandwidth used in the 2GHz band of LTE.

[0056] Furthermore, in 5G communication systems, mMTC is considered to support application services such as the Internet of Things (IoT). To efficiently deliver IoT, mMTC has requirements such as supporting a large number of UEs within a cell, enhancing UE coverage, improving battery life, and reducing UE costs. Since IoT provides communication capabilities while supplying various sensors and devices, it must support a large number of UEs within a cell (e.g., 1,000,000 UEs / km). 2 Additionally, mMTC-enabled UEs may require wider coverage than other services provided by 5G communication systems because the UE is likely to be located in shaded areas such as building basements, which are not covered by the cell due to the nature of the service. mMTC-enabled UEs must be configured to be inexpensive and may require very long battery life (e.g., 10 to 15 years) because it is difficult to frequently replace the UE's battery.

[0057] Finally, URLLC is a mission-critical wireless communication service based on cellular networks. For example, URLLC can be used for services such as remote control of robots or machines, industrial automation, drones, telemedicine, and emergency alerts. Therefore, URLLC must provide communication with ultra-low latency and ultra-high reliability. For example, services supporting URLLC should meet an air interface latency of less than 0.5 ms and also require 10 -5Or even lower packet error rates. Therefore, for services that support URLLC, 5G systems must provide shorter Transmission Time Intervals (TTIs) than other services, and may also require designs that allocate significant resources within the frequency band to ensure the reliability of communication links.

[0058] These three services in 5G (i.e., eMBB, URLLC, and mMTC) can be multiplexed and transmitted within a single system. In this case, different transmit / receive technologies and parameters can be used between services to meet their varying requirements. Of course, 5G is not limited to these three services.

[0059] As used herein, each of the phrases such as “A and / or B,” “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” can include all possible combinations of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “first,” and “second” can be used simply to distinguish the corresponding element from another element without otherwise limiting the element (e.g., in terms of importance or order).

[0060] In the following description, a base station is an entity that allocates resources to terminals and can be at least one of a Node B, a base station (BS), an eNode B (eNB), a gNode B (gNB), a radio access unit, a base station controller, and nodes on a network. A terminal can include a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a computer, or a multimedia system capable of performing communication functions. Furthermore, the embodiments of this disclosure described below can also be applied to other communication systems with similar technical backgrounds or channel types to those of this disclosure. Moreover, based on the determination of those skilled in the art, the embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to other communication systems with modifications without significantly departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0061] As used herein, network technology can refer to standard specifications defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) or 3GPP (e.g., TS 23.501, TS 23.502, TS 23.503, etc.), and includes... Figure 1 Each element in the network architecture can refer to a physical entity, software performing a single function, or hardware combined with software. The reference numerals denoted as Nx in the accompanying drawings (such as N1, N2, N3, etc.) indicate known interfaces between NFs in the 5G core network (CN), and detailed descriptions of these interfaces are omitted as the relevant descriptions can be found in the standard specification (TS 23.501).

[0062] In the following description, for ease of description, terms for identifying access nodes, referring to network entities or network functions (NFs), referring to messages, referring to interfaces between network entities, referring to various types of identification information, etc., are used by way of example. Therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the terms described below, and other terms that refer to subjects with equivalent technical meanings may also be used.

[0063] In the following description, for ease of description, some terms and names defined in the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) specification may be used. However, this disclosure is not limited to these terms and names and can be applied in the same manner to systems conforming to other specifications.

[0064] Figure 1 A wireless communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 The wireless communication system in the system can be a fifth-generation (5G) system, and the 5G system can be used interchangeably with the new radio (NR) system.

[0065] refer to Figure 1 5G networks may include network entities (NEs) or network functions (NFs) as described below. Of course, 5G networks may include more than... Figure 1 The NE (or NF) shown has more or fewer NEs (or NFs).

[0066] According to an embodiment, the (Radio) Access Network ((R)AN) is the entity that performs radio resource allocation for the UE, and may be at least one of the following: eNode B, Node B, Base Station (BS), Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN), 5G Access Network (5G-AN), 5G New Radio (NR), Radio Access Unit, Base Station Controller, or a node on the network.

[0067] According to embodiments, a user equipment (UE) may include a next-generation UE (NG UE), a mobile station (MS), a cellular phone, a smartphone, a computer, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, any type of device capable of performing communication functions, or a multimedia system capable of performing communication functions.

[0068] According to embodiments of this disclosure, as a wireless communication system evolves from a 4G system (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A)) to a 5G system, the 5G system may include a next-generation core network (NG core network) or a 5G core network (5GC) as a new core network (CN). The new core network may be a network that virtualizes all or some existing network entities (NEs) to implement network functions (NFs). According to embodiments of this disclosure, network functions may refer to network entities, network components, and network resources, but are not limited to these examples.

[0069] According to embodiments of this disclosure, 5GC may include Figure 1 The NF shown is not limited to this disclosure. Figure 1 The example in the text, and 5GC can include more than Figure 1 The NF shown has more or fewer NFs.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) can be a network function that manages the access and mobility of the UE. For example, the AMF can perform network functions such as UE registration, connection, reachability and mobility management, access authentication, authentication and mobility event generation.

[0071] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a Session Management Function (SMF) can be a network function that manages Packet Data Network (PDN) connections provided to a User Equipment (UE). A PDN connection can be referred to as a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. For example, the SMF can perform network functions such as session management functions for establishing, modifying, and releasing sessions, and for this purpose, tunnel maintenance between the User Plane Function (UPF) and the RAN, User Plane (UP) selection and control, traffic processing control at the UPF, and charging data collection control.

[0072] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a policy control function (PCF) may be a network function that applies the mobile operator's service policies, charging policies, and PDU session policies to the UE.

[0073] According to embodiments of this disclosure, Unified Data Management (UDM) can be a network function that stores user-related information. For example, UDM can perform functions such as generating authentication information for 3GPP security, processing user identifiers (user IDs), managing a list of network functions supporting the UE, and managing subscription information.

[0074] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the Network Open Function (NEF) can be a function that provides information related to the UE to a server located outside the 5G network. Furthermore, the NEF can provide the information required to provide services to the 5G network and store it in a Unified Data Repository (UDR).

[0075] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a User Plane Function (UPF) can act as a gateway for delivering User Data Units (PDUs) to a Data Network (DN). More specifically, the UPF can process data to deliver data sent by the UE to an external network, or to deliver incoming data from an external network to the UE. As an example, the UPF can perform network functions such as acting as an anchor point between Radio Access Technologies (RATs), packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy application, traffic usage report creation, and caching.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the Network Repository Function (NRF) can perform the functions of storing NF profiles and discovering NFs.

[0077] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the Authentication Server Function (AUSF) can perform UE authentication in both 3GPP and non-3GPP access networks.

[0078] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) can perform the function of selecting a network slice instance provided to the UE.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the Network Data Analysis Function (NWDAF) collects data from various NFs to efficiently operate the 5GC network. Machine learning (ML) models can be used to analyze the collected data, and the analysis results can be provided back to the NFs to help each NF provide efficient network services.

[0080] According to embodiments, an Application Function (AF) can communicate with the carrier network to allow an external server (application server) to use network services provided by the carrier network. AFs can be classified as internal AFs and external AFs based on the service entity. Internal AFs implemented by the network operator can communicate directly with NFs within the carrier network. AFs implemented by service providers such as third parties may need to communicate with NFs within the carrier network via a NEF.

[0081] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a data network (DN) can be a data network through which a UE sends and receives data to use services of a network operator or a third party.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the UE may include an IoT device. The IoT device may include a device that does not use battery power or operates at very low power, and such an IoT device will be referred to as an environmental IoT device (or simply "environmental IoT").

[0083] This disclosure proposes a method for distinguishing user traffic generated by multiple applications installed in a UE for each application and for managing traffic generated for each application.

[0084] Figure 2 This illustrates the operation of data traffic generated by two applications installed in a UE being sent over a data network according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0085] The UE can have an application #1 (e.g., YouTube) and an application #2 (e.g., Explorer) installed on it. Traffic generated by both applications can be sent over the network to an application server (e.g., a YouTube server) installed in the data network. Furthermore, traffic generated from the application server installed in the data network can be sent over the network to the application installed in the UE.

[0086] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when distinguishing user traffic in a UE's modem, a packet filtering set can be used to differentiate user traffic. The packet filtering set can be configured by at least one of the following values: source / destination IP address or IPv6 prefix, source / destination port number, protocol ID, type of service (TOS) (IPv4), traffic class (IPv6) and mask, flow label (IPv6), security parameter index, and packet filtering direction. The Ethernet packet filtering set can be configured by at least one of the following: source / destination MAC address, Ethernet type, customer VLAN tag (C-TAG) and / or service VLAN tag (S-TAG) VID, customer VLAN tag (C-TAG) and / or service VLAN tag (S-TAG) PCP / DEI, IP packet filtering set, and packet filtering direction.

[0087] Figure 3 The TCP header and IP header (IPv4) of the TCP / IP protocol stack according to an embodiment of this disclosure are shown. In this disclosure, reference will be made to the TCP protocol and the IPv4 protocol; however, this disclosure is also applicable to other protocols that use the TCP / IP protocol.

[0088] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when user data generated or received by an application installed in the UE is based on the TCP / IP protocol, the user data may include TCP headers and IP headers, such as... Figure 3As shown, the IP header may include a source IP address field (which is the IP address of the transmitting UE) and a destination IP address field (which is the IP address of the transmitting UE). Additionally, the IP header may include a Type of Service (TOS) field indicating the IP packet and a Type of Service (ToS) field indicating congestion notification. Furthermore, the IP header may include a protocol field indicating the type of higher-level protocol to be transmitted by the IP packet, such as TCP, UDP, ICMP, IGMP, etc.

[0089] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the TCP header may include a source port field for distinguishing the application (process) of the transmitting terminal and a destination port field for distinguishing the application (process) of the receiving terminal.

[0090] According to embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 2 As described, the IP headers and TCP headers included in packets of the service data stream may include information for distinguishing the service data stream by using a packet filtering set. In other words, the UE can distinguish the service data stream by using the IP headers and TCP headers of the service data stream packets.

[0091] Figure 4 The process of mapping a service data stream to a QoS stream in a 5G system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0092] According to embodiments of this disclosure, service data streams transmitted in the uplink (UL) can be mapped to QoS streams using the UE's QoS rules, and service data streams transmitted in the downlink (DL) can be mapped to QoS streams using packet detection rules (PDR) in the UPF. Both QoS rules and PDRs can include a set of packet filters.

[0093] For example, when a user uses a communication service (e.g., browses the internet, listens to music, watches movies, etc.) by using an application installed on the UE, the application can generate service data streams (IP packets) and send them to an application server on the internet. The IP packets generated by the application can be sent to a modem within the UE. The modem within the UE, upon receiving the IP packets, can assign a QoS Flow Identifier (QFI) to the IP packets by using the QoS corresponding to the IP packets in the application to send the IP packets to the data network (DN, e.g., the internet), and can send the IP packets using the QoS flow corresponding to the QFI. In this case, the UE (the modem within the UE) can use QoS rules to map the IP packets to the appropriate QoS flow. According to an embodiment, the QoS rules can be information received from the network when the UE generates a PDU session, or they can be pre-configured values.

[0094] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the UE can map IP packets to QoS flows using packet filtering set information included in QoS rules, and can send IP packets to the DN via the access node (AN) and UPF using QoS flows.

[0095] According to embodiments of this disclosure, by performing QoS stream mapping processing in the UPF, DL service data streams can be transmitted to the corresponding applications via the AN and UE.

[0096] As mentioned above, in current 5G systems, due to the use of packet filtering sets to distinguish service data streams, when two applications use the same application server and the same service (such as...), Figure 2 As shown in the embodiments, it may be impossible to distinguish between the two service data streams, thus making it impossible to apply different QoS and provide different services in the network by distinguishing between the two service data streams.

[0097] For example, for users accessing video streaming through application #1 (YouTube), improved QoS could be applied to provide seamless service, or data communication services could be offered free of charge. Conversely, for users accessing video streaming through application #2 (Explorer), improved QoS could be omitted, and data communication fees could be waived. In other words, it might be necessary to differentiate the data communication services offered based on the application, but currently it's difficult to distinguish the data stream service corresponding to each application.

[0098] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a method and apparatus capable of providing different communication services for each application, such as providing differentiated QoS when distinguishing service data streams, which is applied not only to distinguishing IP packets themselves, but also to distinguishing the applications that generate IP packets.

[0099] Figure 5 The operation of sending a service data stream between an application and a modem to a DN when a service data stream is generated within a UE, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is illustrated.

[0100] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in a 5G network, UE Routing Policy (URSP) information can be used to select a path for sending a UE-generated service data stream to the data network. In a 5G network, path selection implies selection of a PDU session. If a suitable session for generating the service data exists in a previously generated PDU session by the UE, the service data stream can be sent to the data network using that session. If no suitable session exists, the UE can generate a suitable session for the service data stream using the PDU session generation process and send the service data stream to the data network using that session.

[0101] According to an embodiment, URSP information may include a list of URSP rules ordered by priority. According to an embodiment, each URSP rule may include at least one of the following: a rule priority order for applying priorities, a traffic descriptor for distinguishing service data flows, and a list of routing descriptors for selecting paths for service data flows distinguished by the traffic descriptors.

[0102] According to an embodiment, a traffic descriptor may include at least one of the following: an application descriptor, an IP descriptor, a domain descriptor, a non-IP descriptor, and a data network name (DNNS). This disclosure is not limited to this example, and a traffic descriptor may include more or less information than described above. Since the above-mentioned information corresponds to names, detailed descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0103] According to an embodiment, each route selection descriptor may include at least one of the following: a route selection descriptor priority order, a route selection component, and a route selection verification criterion for the applicable priority of each route selection descriptor. This disclosure is not limited to this example, and a route selection descriptor may include more or less information than described above. Since the above-described information corresponds to names, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the routing component may include at least one of the following: Session and Service Continuity (SSC) mode selection, network slice selection, DNN selection, PDU session type selection, and access type preference. This disclosure is not limited to this example, and the routing component may include more or less information than described above. Since the above-mentioned information corresponds to names, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0105] According to embodiments of this disclosure, in addition to IP packets, applications (mobile platforms, iOS, or Android) can also send traffic descriptor information constituting URSP rules to the modem to send service data streams to the DN. The application descriptor information constituting the traffic descriptor information may include an operating system identifier (OSId) value and an operating system application identifier (OSAppId) value. The OSId information may be information indicating the operating system (OS) of the UE. For example, the OSId information may be identification information of the UE's OS, such as iOS or Android. The OSAppId information may be information representing an application in the corresponding OS. For example, the identification information may be information used to identify an application (such as YouTube or Explorer) in the UE's OS.

[0106] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the information constituting the QoS rules for mapping service data streams to QoS streams may not include information related to the application that generated the service data stream; however, the URSP rule information for selecting routes for the service data stream may include application-related information. The information related to the application that generated the service data stream is information that can only be known by the UE, and in order to use the information related to the application that generated the service data stream in the network, the UE needs to send the application-related information to the network.

[0107] Figure 6 An application (UE platform) that provides application-related information and extended QoS rules according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0108] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when mapping a service data stream to a QoS stream, the information constituting the QoS rules may include not only packet filtering sets but also application information to take into account the applications that have generated the service data streams. The application information may include OSId and OSAppId. Furthermore, the application (the UE platform, which runs within the UE) can provide application description information not only for service data stream path configuration (e.g., path configuration based on URSP) but also to the model for QoS stream mapping.

[0109] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when mapping a service data stream to a QoS stream, the modem within the UE can allocate a QFI and map it to the QoS stream by considering not only IP packets but also applications that have generated the service data stream.

[0110] Figure 7 An Extended GPRS Tunneling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U) header according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, which is used to send information to the network related to an application that has generated a service data stream.

[0111] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the UE can add the OSAppId and OSId fields to the PDU session container, which is an extended header of the GTP-U header, to transmit application-related information to the network. (See reference...) Figure 7 The UE can add the OSAppId and OSId fields to the GTP-U extended header, in which the next extended header type is configured as a PDU session container.

[0112] In addition, the UE and network can also consider application information to allocate the QFI value of the service data stream.

[0113] Figure 8An Extended GPRS Tunneling Protocol-User Plane (GTP-U) header according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown, which is used to send information to the network related to an application that has generated a service data stream.

[0114] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a new GTP-U extended header can be defined. Figure 8 The new GTP-U extended header is shown, namely the application description extended header which includes application information. (See reference) Figure 8 The UE can add the OSAppId and OSId fields to the GTP-U extended header, in which the next extended header type is configured as an application descriptor.

[0115] In addition, the UE and network can also consider application information to assign the QFI field value of the PDU session container extension header.

[0116] Figure 9 The SM policy association configuration process according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0117] According to embodiments of this disclosure, during the PDU session generation process, a session management (SM) policy association process can be performed between the SMF and PCF to obtain policy information to be applied to the corresponding PDU session.

[0118] In Operation 1, the SMF can send Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create to the PCF for SM policy configuration. This disclosure is not limited to the message name.

[0119] In Operation 2, the PCF can obtain information for SM policy configuration from the UDR by sending Nudr_Query and Nudr_subscribe to the UDR and receiving Nudr_Query and Nudr_subscribe from the UDR. This disclosure is not limited to message names.

[0120] In step 3, the PCF can initiate an initial consumption restriction report retrieval, and in operation 4, the PCF can determine the SM policy.

[0121] In operation 5, the PCF can notify the SM policy that it has been configured via the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create response, and the SM policy information may include application information (OSId or OSAppId), which is used to configure QoS rules. This disclosure is not limited to the message name.

[0122] Figure 10 An N4 session configuration process according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated.

[0123] According to embodiments of this disclosure, during the PDU session generation process, the SMF can configure an N4 session with the UPF that processes the corresponding PDU session. In operation 1, the SMF can identify triggering conditions used to generate a PDU session or relocate the UPF.

[0124] In operation 2, the SMF can generate an N4 session context via an N4 session establishment request message and send it to the UPF. This disclosure is not limited to the message name.

[0125] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the N4 session context may include the following information: N4 session ID, S-NSSAI, PDU session type, APN / DNN, Packet Detection Rule (PDR), Forwarding Action Rule (FAR), Multiple Access Rule (MAR), Use of Routing Rule (URR), QoS Enforcement Rule (QER), and Session Reporting Rule (SRR). This disclosure is not limited to message names.

[0126] In operation 3, the UPF can send an extended packet detection rule (PDR) via an N4 session establishment response message to process the service data stream by using application information sent by the UE, distinguishing between the QoS mapping of the service data stream and the application that has already generated the service data stream. This disclosure is not limited to the message name, and the UPF can send the extended PDR using another operation.

[0127] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the extended PDR can be as shown below, and is not limited to the following examples.

[0128] [Table 1]

[0129] Extended PDR (Package Detection Rule)

[0130] According to embodiments of this disclosure, application information can be added to the group detection information of the group detection rules in Table 1.

[0131] Figure 11 A flow diagram of a method for managing user traffic according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0132] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the UE can map UL IP packets to QoS flows by extending QoS rules to account for applications, and the UPF can map DL IP packets to QoS flows by extending PDR to account for applications. Furthermore, by using application information in the extended GTP-U header, the network can provide differentiated services by considering the applications that have already generated the service data flows when managing service data flows.

[0133] Figure 12The structure of a UE according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0134] The UE according to embodiments of this disclosure may include a processor 1220 for controlling the overall operation of the UE, a transceiver 1200 including a transmitter and a receiver, and a memory 1210. Of course, the examples given above are not limiting, and the UE may include more than... Figure 12 The number of components shown is less or more.

[0135] According to embodiments of this disclosure, transceiver 1200 can transmit / receive signals with a network entity or other UEs. Signals transmitted / received with the network entity may include control information and data. Furthermore, transceiver 1200 can receive signals via a wireless channel, output them to processor 1220, and transmit signals output from processor 1220 via a wireless channel.

[0136] According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 1220 can control the UE to perform operations according to any of the above embodiments. Processor 1220, memory 1210, and transceiver 1200 are not necessarily implemented as separate modules, but can be implemented as a single component unit (such as a single chip). Furthermore, processor 1220 and transceiver 1200 can be electrically connected to each other. Additionally, processor 1220 can be an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), a circuit, a dedicated circuit, or at least one processor.

[0137] According to embodiments of this disclosure, memory 1210 may store basic programs, application programs, and data (such as configuration information) for UE operation. Specifically, memory 1210 provides the stored data upon request from processor 1220. Memory 1210 may include storage media (such as ROM, RAM, hard disk, CD-ROM, and DVD), or combinations of storage media. Furthermore, memory 1210 may include multiple memories. Additionally, processor 1220 may execute the above embodiments of this disclosure based on programs stored in memory 1210 for executing embodiments.

[0138] Figure 13 The structure of a base station or network entity according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0139] A network entity according to embodiments of this disclosure may include a processor 1320 for controlling the overall operation of the network entity, a transceiver 1300 including a transmitter and a receiver, and a memory 1310. Of course, the examples given above are not limiting, and a network entity may include more than […]. Figure 13 The number of components shown is less or more. Figure 13 Network entities can include Figure 1The network entities or network functions included in the wireless communication system described herein. For example, network entities may include, but are not limited to, network entities. Figure 1 The following are listed: AMF, SMF, PCF, UDM, NEF, UDR, UDF, AUSF, AF, EASDF, NWDAF, SCP, and NSSF.

[0140] According to embodiments of this disclosure, transceiver 1300 can transmit / receive signals with at least one of other network entities or UEs. Signals transmitted / received with at least one of other network entities or UEs may include control information and data.

[0141] According to embodiments of this disclosure, processor 1320 can control the base station to perform operations according to any of the above embodiments. Of course, processor 1320, memory 1310, and transceiver 1300 are not necessarily implemented as separate modules, but can be implemented as a single component unit (such as a single chip). Furthermore, processor 1320 and transceiver 1300 can be electrically connected to each other. Additionally, processor 1320 can be an application processor (AP), a communication processor (CP), a circuit, a dedicated circuit, or at least one processor.

[0142] According to embodiments of this disclosure, memory 1310 may store basic programs, application programs, and data (such as configuration information) for base station operation. Specifically, memory 1310 provides the stored data upon request from processor 1320. Memory 1310 may include storage media (such as ROM, RAM, hard disk, CD-ROM, and DVD), or combinations of storage media. Furthermore, memory 1310 may include multiple memories. Additionally, processor 1320 may execute the above embodiments of this disclosure based on programs stored in memory 1310 for executing embodiments.

[0143] It should be noted that the above configuration diagrams, exemplary diagrams of control / data signal transmission methods, exemplary diagrams of operation processes, and structural diagrams are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. That is, all constituent elements, entities, or operational steps described in the embodiments of this disclosure should not be construed as essential elements for implementing this disclosure, and this disclosure can be implemented even if only some of these elements are included without prejudice to its substance. Furthermore, the various embodiments described above can be combined as needed. For example, the methods proposed in this disclosure can be partially combined with each other to operate network entities and UEs.

[0144] The aforementioned operations of the base station or terminal can be achieved by providing any unit of the base station or terminal equipment with a memory device that stores the corresponding program code. In other words, the controller of the base station or terminal equipment can perform the aforementioned operations by reading and executing the program code stored in the memory device through a processor or central processing unit (CPU).

[0145] Various units or modules of network entities, base station equipment, or terminal equipment can be operated using hardware circuits such as logic circuits based on complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS), firmware, or combinations of software and / or hardware, as well as hardware circuits such as firmware and / or software embedded in machine-readable media. For example, transistors, logic gates, and circuits (such as application-specific integrated circuits) can be used to implement various electrical structures and methods.

[0146] When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium may be provided for storing one or more programs (software modules). The one or more programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium may be configured to be executed by one or more processors within an electronic device. The at least one program includes instructions that cause the electronic device to perform methods as defined in the appended claims and / or various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0147] These programs (software modules or software) can be stored in non-volatile memory, including random access memory and flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), disk storage devices, optical disc ROM (CD-ROM), digital versatile optical disc (DVD), or other types of optical storage devices, or magnetic tape cartridges. Alternatively, any combination of some or all of these can form the memory storing the programs. Furthermore, multiple such memories may be included.

[0148] Furthermore, the program can be stored in a connectable storage device that can access the electronic device via a communication network such as the Internet, intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WLAN), and storage area network (SAN), or a combination thereof. Such a storage device can access the electronic device via an external port. Additionally, a separate storage device on the communication network can access the device used to execute embodiments of this disclosure.

[0149] In the detailed embodiments described above, elements included in this disclosure are represented in a singular or plural form according to the presented embodiments. However, for ease of description, the singular or plural form may be appropriately chosen depending on the presented situation, and this disclosure is not limited to elements represented in a singular or plural form. Therefore, elements represented in a plural form may include a single element, or elements represented in a singular form may include multiple elements.

[0150] Furthermore, although specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims and their equivalents. That is, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other variations based on the technical ideas of this disclosure can be implemented. Moreover, the various embodiments described above can be combined as needed. For example, the methods proposed in this disclosure can be partially combined with each other to operate network entities and terminals. Furthermore, although the above embodiments are described based on 5G and NR systems, other variations based on the technical ideas of the embodiments can also be implemented in other communication systems (such as LTE, LTE-A, and LTE-A-Pro systems).

[0151] Furthermore, although specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail, various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: Obtain UE routing policy URSP information; Based on the URSP information, identify information related to the application that has generated the data stream; Based on the identified application-related information, the data stream is mapped to a predetermined Quality of Service (QoS) stream of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; The identified application-related information is inserted into the GPRS Tunneling Protocol - User Plane GTP-U extended header of the data stream; as well as Send the data stream.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The GTP-U extended header is configured as a PDU session container type.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The GTP-U extended header is configured as an application description type.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Information related to the application includes operating system (OS) identification information and application identification information.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Information related to the application is included in the application descriptor, and the application descriptor is included in the traffic descriptor.

6. A method performed by a Session Management Function (SMF) in a wireless communication system, the method comprising: The User Plane Function (UPF) performs an N4 session establishment process, which is associated with a PDU session for data stream reception; Through the N4 session establishment process, extended packet detection rule (PDR) information for processing data streams based on application-related information is obtained; as well as The transmission of the data stream is controlled based on the extended PDR information and application-related information included in the data stream received through the PDU session.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Information related to the application included in the data stream is included in the GPRS Tunneling Protocol - User Plane GTP-U extended header.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the GTP-U extended header is configured as a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session container type or an application description type.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Operating system (OS) identification information and application identification information are included in the packet detection information within the extended PDR information.

10. The method of claim 6, comprising: Send an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create message to the Policy Control Function (PCF) for configuring the Session Management (SM) policy; as well as Receive an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create response message from the PCF indicating that the SM policy has been configured. The Npcf_SMPolicyControl_Create response message includes Quality of Service (QoS) rule information, which includes information related to the application. The QoS rule information is used to perform QoS flow mapping by taking into account information related to the application.

11. A user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system, the UE comprising: transceiver; as well as At least one processor is coupled to the transceiver. Wherein, the at least one processor is configured to: Obtain UE routing policy URSP information; Based on the URSP information, identify information related to the application that has generated the data stream; Based on the identified application-related information, the data stream is mapped to a predetermined Quality of Service (QoS) stream of a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session; The identified application-related information is inserted into the GPRS Tunneling Protocol User Plane GTP-U extended header of the data stream; and Send the data stream.

12. The UE according to claim 11, wherein, The GTP-U extended header is configured as either a PDU session container type or an application description type.

13. The UE according to claim 11, wherein, Information related to the application includes operating system (OS) identification information and application identification information.

14. The UE according to claim 11, wherein, Information related to the application is included in the application descriptor, and the application descriptor is included in the traffic descriptor.

15. A Session Management Function (SMF) in a wireless communication system, the SMF comprising: transceiver; as well as At least one processor is coupled to the transceiver. Wherein, the at least one processor is configured to: The User Plane Function (UPF) performs an N4 session establishment process, which is associated with a PDU session for data stream reception; Through the N4 session establishment process, extended packet detection rule (PDR) information for processing application-related information streams is obtained; and The transmission of the data stream is controlled based on the extended PDR information and application-related information included in the data stream received through the PDU session.

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