Method, apparatus, computer readable medium and device for processing multicast broadcast service

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a multicast broadcast service processing method, device, computer readable medium and equipment. The multicast broadcast service processing method comprises: receiving processing strategy information of a multicast broadcast service configured by a core network element when the multicast broadcast service is transmitted in a service data packet set manner; and processing the received service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service according to the processing strategy information. The technical solution of the embodiments of the present application realizes support of the multicast broadcast service for the PDU set mechanism, meets diversified service requirements, and ensures the quality of service requirement of the multicast broadcast service when the multicast broadcast service is transmitted in the service data packet set manner according to the processing strategy information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of computer and communication technology, and more specifically, to a method, apparatus, computer-readable medium, and device for processing multicast broadcast services. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of 5G and its subsequent evolution systems (such as 5G-A and 6G), especially the rapid popularization of high-bandwidth multimedia services, networks face unprecedented challenges in terms of data transmission flexibility, dynamism, and refined control of Quality of Service (QoS). These high-bandwidth multimedia services not only have high requirements for transmission timeliness, but also experience a significant increase in the amount of data generated by the application layer due to improvements in resolution, frame rate, and other metrics. Therefore, the data packets generated by the application layer for such services are typically transmitted using a series of related data packets, known as a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) set. Among related technologies, only unicast services support the PDU set mechanism, while multicast and broadcast services (MBS) do not, impacting the application prospects of MBS services in areas such as public safety emergency response, broadcast video, and map downloading. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of this application provide a method, apparatus, computer-readable medium, and device for processing multicast broadcast services, which realizes the support of the PDU set mechanism for multicast broadcast services, meets diverse service needs, and can ensure the quality of service requirements of multicast broadcast services when they are transmitted through service data packet sets according to processing strategy information.

[0004] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part by practice of this application.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for processing multicast broadcast services, comprising: receiving processing strategy information configured by a core network element when the multicast broadcast service is transmitted using a service data packet set; and processing the received service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service according to the processing strategy information.

[0006] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a method for processing multicast broadcast services, comprising: generating Quality of Service (QoS) requirement information corresponding to the multicast broadcast service when it is transmitted using a service data packet set; and sending the QoS requirement information to a core network element so that the core network element generates processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service based on the QoS requirement information.

[0007] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a method for processing multicast broadcast services, comprising: receiving QoS requirement information corresponding to the multicast broadcast service when it is transmitted using a service data packet set method, sent by an application function network element; generating processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service when it is transmitted using a service data packet set method based on the QoS requirement information; and configuring the processing strategy information to the processing device for the multicast broadcast service.

[0008] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a multicast broadcast service processing apparatus, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive processing strategy information of a multicast broadcast service configured by a core network element when the service is transmitted using a service data packet set; and a processing unit configured to process the received service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service according to the processing strategy information.

[0009] Fifthly, embodiments of this application provide a processing apparatus for multicast broadcast services, comprising: a generation unit configured to generate Quality of Service (QoS) requirement information corresponding to the multicast broadcast service when it is transmitted using a service data packet set; and a sending unit configured to send the QoS requirement information to a core network element, so that the core network element generates processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service based on the QoS requirement information.

[0010] Sixthly, embodiments of this application provide a processing apparatus for a multicast broadcast service, comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive QoS requirement information corresponding to a multicast broadcast service transmitted using a service data packet set method, sent by an application function network element; a generating unit configured to generate processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service transmitted using a service data packet set method based on the QoS requirement information; and a processing unit configured to configure the processing strategy information to the processing device for the multicast broadcast service.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the multicast broadcast service processing method as described in the above embodiments.

[0012] Eighthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer device, including: one or more processors; and a storage device for storing one or more computer programs, which, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computer device to implement the multicast broadcast service processing method as described in the above embodiments.

[0013] Ninthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer program product comprising a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer program, causing the computer device to perform the multicast broadcast service processing methods provided in the various alternative embodiments described above.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the user plane node (UPF, base station, or UE, etc.) can receive processing strategy information configured by the core network element when multicast broadcast services are transmitted using a service data packet set method. Then, it can process the received multicast broadcast service data packet set according to this processing strategy information. Therefore, the technical solutions of this application embodiment realize support for the PDU set mechanism in multicast broadcast services, meeting diverse service needs. Simultaneously, it ensures the quality of service requirements when multicast broadcast services are transmitted using a service data packet set method based on the processing strategy information, providing more efficient and reliable network support for multimedia services.

[0015] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary system architecture to which the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application can be applied is shown;

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the transmission process of a multimedia data packet according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a system architecture according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture supporting MBS services is shown.

[0020] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for processing multicast broadcast services according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0021] Figure 6A schematic diagram illustrating a separate forwarding mode and a shared forwarding mode according to embodiments of this application is shown;

[0022] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method for processing multicast broadcast services according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0023] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a method for processing multicast broadcast services according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0024] Figure 9 A block diagram of a multicast broadcast service processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0025] Figure 10 A block diagram of a multicast broadcast service processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0026] Figure 11 A block diagram of a multicast broadcast service processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0027] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system suitable for implementing the computer device of the present application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in a more comprehensive manner with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to these examples; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0029] Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics described in this application can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to provide a full understanding of the embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that when implementing the technical solutions of this application, not all the detailed features in the embodiments may be used, one or more specific details may be omitted, or other methods, elements, devices, steps, etc., may be employed.

[0030] In this application embodiment, the terms "module" or "unit" refer to a computer program or part of a computer program that has a predetermined function and works with other related parts to achieve a predetermined goal, and can be implemented wholly or partially using software, hardware (such as processing circuitry or memory), or a combination thereof. Similarly, a processor (or multiple processors or memory) can be used to implement one or more modules or units. Furthermore, each module or unit can be part of an overall module or unit that includes the functionality of that module or unit.

[0031] The block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0032] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily have to be performed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, while others can be combined or partially combined; therefore, the actual execution order may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0033] It should be noted that "multiple" in this article refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, or B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0034] With the development of 5G and its subsequent evolution systems (such as 5G-A, 6G, etc.), many multimedia services requiring high data volumes and low latency have been applied. These include interactive services such as cloud gaming, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), extended reality (XR), cinematic reality (CR), and XR and media services (XRM).

[0035] For example, in Figure 1 In the cloud gaming scenario shown, cloud server 101 runs the cloud game. Cloud server 101 renders the game screen, encodes the audio signals and rendered images, and finally transmits the encoded data to various game clients via the network. The game client can be a user equipment (UE) with basic streaming media playback capabilities, human-computer interaction capabilities, and communication capabilities, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop computer, smart TV, smart home device, in-vehicle terminal, or aircraft; or the game client can be an application running on a terminal device. Specifically, the game client can decode the encoded data transmitted by cloud server 101 to obtain analog audio and video signals, and then play them.

[0036] It should be understood that, Figure 1 This is merely an exemplary representation of the system architecture of a cloud gaming system and does not limit the specific architecture of the cloud gaming system; for example, in other embodiments, the cloud gaming system may also include a backend server for scheduling, etc. Furthermore, the cloud server 101 can be an independent physical server, a server cluster composed of multiple physical servers, or a distributed system. It can also be a cloud server providing basic cloud computing services such as cloud services, cloud databases, cloud computing, cloud functions, cloud storage, network services, cloud communication, middleware services, domain name services, security services, content delivery networks (CDN), and big data and artificial intelligence platforms. The game client and the cloud server 101 can be directly or indirectly connected via wired or wireless communication, which is not limited herein.

[0037] In the various multimedia-based interactive service application scenarios mentioned above, due to the large size of multimedia data packets, they need to be split into multiple data packets for transmission. Specifically, such as... Figure 2 As shown, taking a 5G system as an example, the user plane mainly includes the application server, user plane function (UPF), base station (next generation nodeB, gNB), and UE. Multimedia data packet transmission in some typical service scenarios mainly occurs in the downlink direction, such as from the application server (AS) to the UPF, and then sent to the UE via the gNB. During transmission, multimedia data packets (in...) Figure 2 (Taking XR data packets as an example) The data packets are split at the application layer of the application server. After the split data packets arrive at the UPF as IP packets from the application server, the 5G system transmits the sub-data packets to the UE through the Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session. At the UE, the data packets are submitted and reassembled from the protocol stack to recover the multimedia data packets.

[0038] Optionally, refer to Figure 3 As shown, an IP layer connection (i.e., IP connection 1) can be established between the UE and the application server. Simultaneously, the UE can also communicate with the UPF (located in...). Figure 3In the core network shown, another IP layer connection (i.e., IP connection 2) is maintained between the UE and the application server. IP connection 1 is the connection between the UE and the application server, mainly used for data transmission between the UE and the application server; while IP connection 2 is the IP connection between the UE and internal network elements of the 5G Grid (such as UPF). This connection is not visible to external entities and is mainly used to handle data transmission from the user equipment to the 5G core network, as well as the reverse data transmission. It should be noted that the IP connection between the UE and the UPF (i.e., IP connection 2) can be distinguished by IP address + port number. This IP connection can be used for user plane data transmission between the UE and the UPF.

[0039] Among them, Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the system shown, Layer L1 refers to the Physical Layer, which ensures that raw data can be transmitted over various physical media; Layer L2 refers to the Data Link Layer, which provides services to the Network Layer based on the services provided by the Physical Layer; the Internet Protocol (IP) layer is the Network Layer, used to implement data transmission between two end systems; UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol; GTP-U stands for GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Tunneling Protocol; PHY stands for Physical Layer; MAC stands for Media Access Control; RLC stands for Radio Link Control; PDCP stands for Packet Data Convergence Protocol; and SDAP stands for Service Data Adaptation Protocol.

[0040] As mentioned earlier, for multimedia services (such as XRM services), it is common to divide a single multimedia data packet into multiple packets for transmission. A single multimedia service frame or Group of Packets (GoP) may also have a large data packet size, requiring a series of IP packets to carry it. These IP packets have a certain correlation, and processing these messages based on this correlation can effectively save wireless network bandwidth. For example, assuming transmission is performed using multiple IP packets, these multiple IP packets can form a PDUset. Furthermore, multimedia service (such as XRM services) traffic typically includes multiple media types, such as audio, video, haptic, or other media types, and often uses different QoS flows for transmission to ensure optimal transmission performance for the multimedia service.

[0041] In related technologies, only unicast services support the PDU set mechanism, while MBS services do not, which affects the application prospects of MBS services in fields such as public safety emergency response, broadcast video, and map download.

[0042] Unicast, the most common type of one-to-one communication, has the advantage of allowing the sender to transmit different content to different receivers. However, if the sender needs to transmit the same content to multiple receivers, it requires transmitting multiple copies of the same data end-to-end, resulting in low efficiency. Multicast, also known as "groupcasting," involves the sender transmitting the same content to multiple receivers. Online video conferencing and video-on-demand are particularly suitable for multicast because unicast would involve as many transmissions as there are receivers, making it extremely inefficient. While broadcasting, which sends data to all recipients without distinguishing the target, can transmit all data at once, it fails to differentiate between specific recipients. Therefore, multicast can achieve both sending the same data to multiple receivers at once and transmitting data only to specific recipients. Broadcasting also transmits the same content to multiple receivers, but since it doesn't select recipients, it may waste network resources by transmitting data to unnecessary devices. In addition, some receivers may not be "interested" in the broadcast content, so they have to discard the received data packets after receiving the broadcast content, which also leads to a waste of terminal resources.

[0043] The fundamental difference between broadcast and multicast services is that any UE in the system can participate in broadcast services without a subscription, while UEs must subscribe and be authenticated before participating in multicast services. It's also important to note that there are many types of multicast and broadcast services. For multicast services, a UE can join the corresponding service's multicast group via an IP multicast address. A broadcast group corresponds to a specific service area for its broadcast services.

[0044] In an exemplary system architecture supporting MBS services, such as Figure 4 As shown, the system includes the Application Server (AS), Network Exposure Function (NEF), Multicast / Broadcast Service Function-Control Plane (MBSF-C), Multicast / Broadcast Service Function-User Plane (MBSF-U), Policy Control Function (PCF), Multicast / Broadcast-Session Management Function (MB-SMF), Multicast / Broadcast-UPF (MB-UPF), SMF, Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), UPF, Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes, and UEs connected to the RAN nodes. The UE can be a 5G terminal such as a mobile phone or tablet; the RAN node can be a 5G base station.

[0045] Figure 4 The system architecture shown introduces network elements MB-SMF and MB-UPF specifically designed to support 5G broadcast and multicast services. Simultaneously, devices such as PCF, AMF, NEF, and RAN require new functional enhancements to provide 5G multicast and broadcast services. Figure 4The Npcf shown refers to the interface through which the PCF provides services. Other Network Functions (NFs) send Npcf service request messages to the PCF through this interface, and the PCF responds to the requests and sends notification service messages through this interface. Nmbsmf refers to the interface through which the MB-SMF provides services. Other NFs send Nmbsmf service request messages to the MB-SMF through this interface, and the MB-SMF responds to the requests and sends notification service messages through this interface.

[0046] It should be noted that, in Figure 4 In the system architecture shown, MBSF-C and MBSF-U are not required. However, MBSF-C and MBSF-U are required under the following two conditions: 1. When 5G MBS and 4G or 3G Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS) are interconnected, that is, when the 5G AF and the 4G or 3G MBMS AS are the same entity; 2. When the operator needs to process MBS services (such as transcoding video or inspecting content).

[0047] As mentioned earlier, only unicast services support the PDU set mechanism in related technologies, while MBS services do not. This application embodiment enhances the functionality of devices such as AF, core network elements, base stations, and UEs (specifically, as shown in...). Figure 3 As shown, the AF needs to support MBS services and have the functionality of MBMS AF; the PSA UPF needs to support MBS services; the base station can act as a tunnel exit for data packet transmission; the UE needs to have MBMS UE functionality and PDU set processing capabilities to enable MBS services to support the PDU set mechanism, meet diverse service needs, and ensure the quality of service requirements of multicast services when transmitted through service data packet sets based on processing policy information, thus providing more efficient and reliable network support for multimedia services.

[0048] The implementation details of the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application are described in detail below:

[0049] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a multicast broadcast service processing method according to an embodiment of this application is shown. This multicast broadcast service processing method can be executed by an AF (Automatic Front-End) or by other network elements. (Refer to...) Figure 5 As shown, the processing method for this multicast broadcast service includes at least S510 to S520, which are detailed below:

[0050] In S510, the Quality of Service (QoS) requirement information corresponding to the transmission of multicast broadcast services using a service data packet set is generated.

[0051] It should be noted that multicast broadcast services can be multimedia services transmitted using multicast or broadcast methods. Optionally, such multimedia services may include cloud gaming services, VR services, AR services, MR services, XR services, XRM services, CR services, etc. The service flow of a multicast broadcast service includes service data transmitted using a set of service data packets (PDU sets). This is because the data packets formed by a single multimedia service frame or GoP may be large in size and need to be split into a series of data packets for carrying. These data packets have a certain correlation, so these correlated data packets can be called a PDU set. In other embodiments of this application, the service flow of a multicast broadcast service may also include data packets transmitted using a per-packet method; or a portion of the multicast broadcast service's service flow may be transmitted using a set of service data packets, while another portion may be transmitted using a per-packet method.

[0052] In some optional embodiments, the QoS requirement information corresponding to multicast broadcast services when transmitted using a service data packet set may include at least one of the following:

[0053] Whether the service data packets of the multicast broadcast service are forwarded to the user equipment using a separate forwarding mode or a shared forwarding mode;

[0054] QoS parameters for multicast services when transmitting data packets;

[0055] When multicast services transmit data packets using a set of service data packets, is a forward error correction mechanism introduced?

[0056] Information on the importance of service data packets when multicast broadcast services are transmitted using a service data packet set method.

[0057] It should be noted that Shared Delivery Mode refers to multiple UEs sharing the same tunnel to receive data. The data streams that need to be sent to these multiple UEs can be uniformly configured, reducing resource consumption. This forwarding mode is suitable for broadcast or multicast services targeting a large number of users, such as public safety emergency broadcasts and live sports events. Specifically, as follows... Figure 6As shown, UE1 and UE2 adopt a shared forwarding mode, that is, they share the same data transmission path. After the data arrives at NG-RAN 1, NG-RAN 1 can send it to the corresponding UE via point-to-point (PTP) (PTP is only applicable to multicast services) or via point-to-multipoint (PTM).

[0058] Individual Delivery Mode refers to each UE receiving data through an independent tunnel. The data stream can be configured individually for each UE. This requires more resources (such as bandwidth and tunnels) but provides higher reliability. This forwarding mode is suitable for services requiring high reliability and low latency, such as real-time interactive AR / VR applications. Specifically... Figure 6 As shown, UE3 and UE4 use a separate forwarding mode, meaning that each UE has an independent data transmission path with the UPF.

[0059] In some optional embodiments, the QoS parameters of multicast services when transmitted using service data packet sets are key indicators used to describe the quality of service requirements of multicast services when transmitted using service data packet sets. These parameters can be used to guide the processing equipment (such as UPF, base station, and UE) of multicast services in processing service data packets. Optionally, the QoS parameters of multicast services when transmitted using service data packet sets may include one or more of the following: 5G QoS Identifier (5QI), Allocation and Retention Priority (ARP), Guaranteed Bit Rate (GBR), Maximum Bit Rate (MBR), PDU Set Delay Budget (PSDB), PDU Set Error Rate (PSER), Packet Loss Rate (PLR), Priority Level, Maximum Data Burst Volume (MDBV), etc.

[0060] It should be noted that: 5QI represents the Quality of Service (QoS) level of a service flow, used to guide the core network in allocating appropriate resources and priorities for multicast service packets. ARP represents resource allocation and reservation priority. AF provides ARP parameters to indicate the priority of multicast service packets in the network, which may include priority level, pre-emption capability, and pre-emption vulnerability. GBR represents the minimum transmission rate the network must provide, and MBR represents the maximum transmission rate the network allows. AF sets GBR and MBR according to service requirements to ensure that multicast service packets meet bandwidth requirements. PSDB represents the budgeted end-to-end transmission delay. AF can specify PSDB according to the real-time requirements of the service to ensure that multicast service packets are transmitted within the specified time. PSER represents the probability of errors that may occur during PDU set transmission. AF provides the PER parameter to ensure the reliability of service packets. PLR represents the proportion of packets lost during transmission. AF sets the PLR ​​parameter to reduce the impact of packet loss on the service. Service priority indicates the relative importance of a data stream in the network. The AF sets the PriorityLevel based on the importance and urgency of the service, which determines the priority order of service data packets for multicast and broadcast services in the event of network congestion.

[0061] In some optional embodiments, introducing a forward error correction mechanism can reduce the retransmission of service data packets. Therefore, the AF can decide whether to introduce a forward error correction mechanism when multicast services are transmitted using a set of service data packets, based on actual needs. For example, a forward error correction mechanism can be introduced for MBS broadcast or multicast modes that use unidirectional transmission without feedback; for MBS unicast modes that use bidirectional transmission with feedback, a forward error correction mechanism may or may not be introduced, although it can be introduced at other times.

[0062] In some optional embodiments, the Service Data Packet Set Importance (PDU set importance, PSI) of multicast services when transmitting in the form of Service Data Packet Sets can be used to indicate the importance of the Service Data Packet Set, thereby enabling packet loss handling based on the importance of the Service Data Packet Set in the event of network congestion.

[0063] In S520, the generated QoS requirement information is sent to the core network elements so that the core network elements can generate processing policy information for multicast and broadcast services based on the QoS requirement information.

[0064] In some alternative embodiments, if the AF is trusted, the AF can send the QoS requirement information to the PCF; if the AF is untrusted, the AF can send the QoS requirement information to the NEF, which will then forward it to the PCF.

[0065] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application have been described above from the perspective of AF. The following is in conjunction with Figure 7 The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are described from the perspective of core network elements:

[0066] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a multicast broadcast service processing method according to an embodiment of this application is shown. This multicast broadcast service processing method can be executed by a core network element, which can be a PCF, SMF, or other network element. (Refer to...) Figure 7 As shown, the processing method for this multicast broadcast service includes at least S710 to S730, which are detailed below:

[0067] In the S710, the Quality of Service (QoS) requirement information corresponding to the multicast and broadcast services sent by the application function network element when they are transmitted using a service data packet set is received.

[0068] In some alternative embodiments, if the AF is trusted, the AF can send the QoS requirement information directly to the PCF; if the AF is untrusted, the AF can send the QoS requirement information to the NEF, which will then forward it to the PCF.

[0069] In S720, processing strategy information for multicast broadcast services when transmitting using a service data packet set is generated based on QoS requirement information.

[0070] In some optional embodiments, the processing strategy information for multicast / broadcast services generated by core network elements when transmitted using a service data packet set may include at least one of the following: whether the service data packet set of the multicast / broadcast service is forwarded to the user equipment using a separate forwarding mode or a shared forwarding mode; the QoS parameters of the multicast / broadcast service when transmitted using a service data packet set; whether a forward error correction mechanism is introduced when the multicast / broadcast service is transmitted using a service data packet set; and the importance information of the service data packet set when the multicast / broadcast service is transmitted using a service data packet set. Specific details in this embodiment can be found in the technical solutions of the foregoing embodiments.

[0071] In the S730, processing policy information is configured for the processing equipment of multicast broadcast services.

[0072] In some optional embodiments, the processing policy information can be configured to the processing device of the multicast service by having the PCF send the generated processing policy information to the SMF, and then having the SMF configure it to the processing device of the multicast service.

[0073] Optionally, the process by which the PCF sends the generated processing policy information to the SMF can be as follows: the PCF and the SMF interact through the Session Management Policy Association Establishment (SM Policy Association Establishment) signaling procedure or through the Session Management Policy Association Modification (SM Policy Association Modification) signaling procedure, and then the PCF sends the generated processing policy information to the SMF through the Session Management Policy Context Data (SMPolicyContextData) element.

[0074] In some optional embodiments, the processing equipment for multicast services may include a UPF, a base station device, and a user equipment. Optionally, the SMF can generate N4 rules based on the processing policy information sent by the PCF, which includes processing rules for multicast services when transmitted using service data packet sets, and then send the N4 rules to the UPF; the SMF can generate QoS profiles based on the processing policy information sent by the PCF, which includes processing rules for multicast services when transmitted using service data packet sets, and then send the QoS profiles to the base station; the SMF can generate QoS rules based on the processing policy information sent by the PCF, which includes processing rules for multicast services when transmitted using service data packet sets, and then send the QoS rules to the UE.

[0075] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application have been described above from the perspectives of AF and core network elements, respectively. The following is a combination of... Figure 7 The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are described from the perspective of user plane nodes (such as UPF, base station, UE, etc.):

[0076] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a multicast broadcast service processing method according to an embodiment of this application is shown. This multicast broadcast service processing method can be executed by a user plane node, which can be a UPF, base station, UE, or other devices. (Refer to...) Figure 8 As shown, the processing method for this multicast broadcast service includes at least S810 to S820, which are detailed below:

[0077] In S810, the processing strategy information of multicast and broadcast services configured by the core network elements is received when they are transmitted using a service data packet set method.

[0078] In some optional embodiments, for the UPF, the UPF can receive N4 rules configured by the SMF, which contain processing policy information for multicast and broadcast services when transmitted using a service data packet set method; for the base station, the base station can receive QoS Profiles configured by the SMF, which contain processing policy information for multicast and broadcast services when transmitted using a service data packet set method; for the UE, the UE can receive QoS rules configured by the SMF, which contain processing policy information for multicast and broadcast services when transmitted using a service data packet set method.

[0079] In S820, the received set of service data packets for multicast broadcast services are processed according to the processing strategy information.

[0080] In some optional embodiments, processing policy information can be used to instruct the multicast service's data packet set to be forwarded to the terminal device using a separate forwarding mode, wherein, for example... Figure 6 As shown, the standalone forwarding mode is handled by the first user plane functional network element responsible for multicast and broadcast services (i.e., Figure 6 The MB-UPF shown forwards the set of service data packets for multicast broadcast services to the second user plane function element (i.e., the one connected to the access network element) connected to the access network element. Figure 6 The UPF shown in the diagram is forwarded by the second user plane function network element to the corresponding user equipment through the access network element. In this case, the processing of the received multicast broadcast service data packet set according to the processing policy information can be: the second user plane function network element (i.e., Figure 6 The UPF shown here processes the service data packet set of multicast broadcast services, so that the second user plane function network element can act as a Protocol Data Unit Session Anchor Node (i.e., PSA UPF) for processing the service data packet set. Optionally, in the scenario of this embodiment, the access network element (such as a base station) and the second user plane function network element can interact through a user plane interface (such as the N3 interface) to process the service data packet set of multicast broadcast services.

[0081] In some optional embodiments, the processing policy information can be used to instruct the multicast service data packet set to be forwarded to the terminal device using a separate forwarding mode. In this case, processing the received multicast service data packet set according to the processing policy information can be: handled by the first user plane function network element (i.e., Figure 6The MB-UPF shown here processes the service data packet set of multicast broadcast services. The second user plane function network element (i.e. Figure 6 The UPF shown in the diagram acts as a transparent forwarding node for the service data packet set, enabling the first user plane function network element to act as a protocol data unit session anchor node for processing the service data packet set. The technical solution of this embodiment requires enhancing the capabilities of the MB-UPF to achieve processing of the PDU set. Optionally, in the scenario of this embodiment, the access network element (such as a base station) and the first user plane function network element can process the service data packet set of multicast / broadcast services through the marking information in the user plane General Packet Radio Service Tunneling Protocol header (GTP-u header) of the service data packets.

[0082] In some optional embodiments, processing policy information can be used to instruct the multicast service's data packet set to be forwarded to the terminal device using a shared forwarding mode, wherein, for example... Figure 6 As shown, the shared forwarding mode is handled by the first user plane functional network element (i.e., the one responsible for multicast and broadcast services) Figure 6 The MB-UPF shown forwards the set of service data packets for multicast broadcast services to the user equipment group through the connected access network element. In this case, the processing of the received set of service data packets for multicast broadcast services according to the processing policy information can be: the first user plane function network element (i.e., Figure 6 The MB-UPF shown processes the set of service data packets for multicast broadcast services and forwards the processed set of service data packets to the user equipment group. The technical solution of this embodiment needs to enhance the capabilities of the MB-UPF to process the set of service data packets for multicast broadcast services.

[0083] In some optional embodiments, processing policy information can be used to instruct the multicast / broadcast service data packet set to be forwarded to the terminal device using a shared forwarding mode. In this case, processing the received multicast / broadcast service data packet set according to the processing policy information can be as follows: the access network element (such as a base station) processes the multicast / broadcast service data packet set and forwards the processed data packet set to the user equipment group, so that the access network element acts as the protocol data unit session anchor node for processing the service data packet set. The technical solution of this embodiment requires enhancing the capabilities of the access network element to process the multicast / broadcast service data packet set.

[0084] It should be noted that the processing of the service data packet set of multicast broadcast service described in the foregoing embodiments may include one or more of the following: QoS flow mapping, priority control, resource allocation, latency optimization, reliability assurance, marking and identification, and dropping.

[0085] QoS flow mapping allocates multicast service data packets to appropriate QoS flows. Priority control ensures that multicast service data packets receive appropriate transmission priority within the network, allowing for the priority transmission of higher-priority packets during congestion. Resource allocation allocates necessary network resources to multicast service data packets. For example, based on GBR and MBR parameters, it ensures that multicast service data packets meet minimum bandwidth requirements and limits maximum bandwidth usage, dynamically adjusting resource allocation to adapt to network load changes. Latency optimization meets the latency requirements of multicast service data packets. For example, based on PSDB parameters, it optimizes the transmission path and queue management of multicast service data packets, reducing unnecessary queuing delays and ensuring that services with high real-time requirements are prioritized. Reliability assurance improves the transmission reliability of multicast service data packets. For example, based on PSER and PLR parameters, it implements retransmission mechanisms or error correction measures, ensuring that error rates and packet loss rates meet requirements for mission-critical services. Tagging and marking primarily involves specially marking the service data packet set of multicast and broadcast services for subsequent processing. For example, a tag can be added to the GTP-U Header or other header fields to indicate that the data packet is a multicast and broadcast service data packet set. Dropping refers to the reasonable dropping of low-priority data packets when resources are insufficient. For example, parameters such as PSI and priority can be used to determine whether the service data packet set of multicast and broadcast services can be dropped, so that high-priority service data packets can be retained in congestion situations.

[0086] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application have been described above from the perspectives of AF, core network elements and user plane nodes. The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are mainly to realize PDU set support for MBS services. In order to realize PDU set processing for MBS services, UE, NG-RAN, core network elements and AF may need to be enhanced, which will be described below.

[0087] In some optional embodiments, in addition to supporting PDU set, the AF also needs to support MBS functionality. For example, the AF can interact with the 5GC to provide the 5GC with relevant protocol description (PD) information and QoS requirements for PDU set processing of MBS services.

[0088] Optionally, while determining user groups for MBS services, the AF can also provide information on the preferred forwarding mode, i.e., whether to choose a separate forwarding mode or a shared forwarding mode. The shared and separate forwarding modes are specific to N3 / N9 tunnels. In shared forwarding mode, NG-RAN may use a Multicast Radio Bearer (MRB) or a Dedicated Radio Bearer (DRB) for data transmission. The MRB can provide the same data stream to multiple UEs simultaneously; the DRB can provide a dedicated data transmission channel for a single UE, ensuring that each UE can independently receive its own dedicated data stream.

[0089] In some optional embodiments, for the one-way, feedbackless MBS broadcast / multicast mode, AF can introduce Application-Layer Forward Error Correction (AL-FEC) while supporting PDU sets to reduce retransmissions. For the two-way, feedback-enabled MBS unicast mode, AF can also introduce AL-FEC while supporting PDU sets to reduce retransmissions.

[0090] In some optional embodiments, the AF can provide parameters such as PSI according to service needs to support the 5GC network element in processing multimedia service flows.

[0091] In some alternative embodiments, if the information sent by the AF arrives at the NEF first, the NEF can perform the necessary information conversion based on the information input by the AF before providing it to the 5GC.

[0092] Optionally, the NEF's necessary information transformation based on the AF input may include one or more of the following processes: converting the AF input information format into a core network acceptable format; mapping abstract service requirements to specific QoS parameters (e.g., if the AF requests a "low latency" service requirement, the NEF converts it to 5QI=1; if the AF requests a "best-effort" service requirement, the NEF converts it to 5QI=9, etc.); removing or anonymizing sensitive information to ensure communication security (e.g., if the AF provides the user's International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), the NEF can replace it with a temporary identifier); optimizing the AF's requirements based on network capabilities and service scenarios (e.g., if the AF requests "high priority" but does not specify specific parameters, the NEF can dynamically adjust ARP and Priority Level based on network load; if network resources are scarce, the NEF may reduce the priority of non-critical services to ensure the AF's requirements); verifying whether the AF's requirements comply with network constraints and making adjustments (e.g., if the AF's requested GBR exceeds the available network bandwidth, the NEF can adjust it to MBR or suggest other alternatives; if the AF's requested Delay Budget cannot be met, the NEF can provide error information or suggest modifying the requirements).

[0093] In some optional embodiments, the PCF can generate relevant policy rules for MBS service PDU set processing based on the information provided by the AF, and then provide them to the SMF or MB-SMF. The SMF or MB-SMF can generate relevant N4 rules, QoS profiles, and QoS rules for MBS service PDU set processing based on the input from the PCF, and configure them for the UPF, base station, and UE.

[0094] In some optional embodiments, the N4 rules generated by the SMF or MB-SMF are used to configure rules on the UPF regarding multimedia service flows, including rules related to processing MBS service PDU sets. The QoS profile generated by the SMF or MB-SMF is used to configure rules related to processing MBS service PDU sets on the base station; the UE rules generated by the SMF or MB-SMF are used to configure rules related to processing MBS service PDU sets on the UE.

[0095] In some optional embodiments, the UPF can process the PDUset of MBS services in stand-alone forwarding mode in two ways: one way is to enhance the function of the UPF so that the UPF takes on the PSA-UPF function in PDU set processing. This can avoid the MB-UPF from processing the PDU set. In other words, the PDU set processing ends at the UPF, and the MB-UPF only transparently forwards data to the UPF; the other way is for the MB-UPF to perform PDU set-related processing, such as PDU set marking and discarding. In this case, the UPF acts as an intermediate UPF and undertakes the transparent forwarding function.

[0096] In some optional embodiments, the processing of PDU sets for MBS services in shared forwarding mode can be done in two ways: one way is to enhance MB-UPF to support PDU set processing functions, including PDU set marking and PDU set discarding; the other way is to enhance the functions of gNB and decentralize the downlink PDU set processing of MB-UPF to gNB. In this case, the retransmission of service data packets needs to be anchored to the anchor gNB, the downlink data packet buffer of shared forwarding mode is placed in gNB, and some functions similar to UPF need to be decentralized to gNB.

[0097] In some optional embodiments, NG-RAN can process PDU set of MBS services in stand-alone forwarding mode in two ways: one way is that if the UPF undertakes the PSA-UPF function in PDU set processing, then the gNB and UPF can interact through the gNB-UPF user plane interface to perform PDU set processing, without being limited to using the GTP-u header; the other way is that if the MB-UPF performs PDU set related processing, then the gNB and UPF can perform PDU set processing, and the GTP-u header can be used to perform related marking and interaction between the gNB and MB-UPF.

[0098] In some optional embodiments, NG-RAN can handle PDU set processing of MBS services in shared forwarding mode in two ways: one way is that if MB-UPF is enhanced to support PDU set processing functions, including PDU set marking and PDU set discarding, then gNB cooperates with MB-UPF to complete the relevant PDU set processing process; the other way is that if gNB functions are enhanced to decentralize the downlink PDU set processing of MB-UPF to gNB, then the downlink data packet buffer in shared forwarding mode is placed in gNB, and gNB needs to be enhanced to support this function (i.e., some functions similar to UPF).

[0099] The technical solutions of the above embodiments of this application enable MBS services to support PDU sets, thereby improving the applicability of the PDU set mechanism to various network scenarios. It should be noted that the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are not only applicable to 5G systems, but also to future mobile communication systems.

[0100] The following describes an apparatus embodiment of this application, which can be used to execute the multicast broadcast service processing method described in the above embodiments of this application. For details not disclosed in the apparatus embodiments of this application, please refer to the embodiments of the multicast broadcast service processing method described above.

[0101] Figure 9 A block diagram of a multicast broadcast service processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown. This multicast broadcast service processing apparatus can be applied to an AF or other network elements.

[0102] Reference Figure 9 As shown, a multicast broadcast service processing apparatus 900 according to an embodiment of this application includes: a generation unit 902 and a transmission unit 904.

[0103] The generation unit 902 is configured to generate QoS requirement information corresponding to the multicast broadcast service when it is transmitted using a service data packet set; the sending unit 904 is configured to send the QoS requirement information to the core network element so that the core network element can generate processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service based on the QoS requirement information.

[0104] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the QoS requirement information includes at least one of the following:

[0105] The multicast service data packet set is forwarded to the user equipment using either a separate forwarding mode or a shared forwarding mode;

[0106] The QoS parameters of the multicast broadcast service when transmitting using a service data packet set method;

[0107] Does the multicast service introduce a forward error correction mechanism when transmitting data packets in the form of service data packets?

[0108] The importance information of the service data packet set when the multicast broadcast service is transmitted using the service data packet set method.

[0109] Figure 10A block diagram of a multicast broadcast service processing apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown. The multicast broadcast service processing apparatus can be applied to a core network element, which may be a PCF, SMF, or other network elements.

[0110] Reference Figure 10 As shown, a multicast broadcast service processing apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of this application includes: a receiving unit 1002, a generating unit 1004, and a processing unit 1006.

[0111] The receiving unit 1002 is configured to receive QoS requirement information corresponding to the multicast broadcast service transmitted by the application function network element when the service data packet set is used for transmission; the generating unit 1004 is configured to generate processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service when the service data packet set is used for transmission based on the QoS requirement information; and the processing unit 1006 is configured to configure the processing strategy information to the processing device of the multicast broadcast service.

[0112] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service when transmitting using a service data packet set includes at least one of the following:

[0113] The multicast service data packet set is forwarded to the user equipment using either a separate forwarding mode or a shared forwarding mode;

[0114] The QoS parameters of the multicast broadcast service when transmitting using a service data packet set method;

[0115] Does the multicast service introduce a forward error correction mechanism when transmitting data packets in the form of service data packets?

[0116] The importance information of the service data packet set when the multicast broadcast service is transmitted using the service data packet set method.

[0117] Figure 11 A block diagram of a multicast broadcast service processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The multicast broadcast service processing apparatus can be applied to a user plane node, which may be a UPF, a base station, a UE, or other devices.

[0118] Reference Figure 11 As shown, a multicast broadcast service processing apparatus 1100 according to an embodiment of this application includes a receiving unit 1102 and a processing unit 1104.

[0119] The receiving unit 1102 is configured to receive the processing strategy information of the multicast broadcast service configured by the core network element when it is transmitted in the form of a service data packet set; the processing unit 1104 is configured to process the received service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service according to the processing strategy information.

[0120] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the processing strategy information is used to instruct the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to be forwarded to the terminal device using a separate forwarding mode. The separate forwarding mode involves the first user plane function network element responsible for the multicast broadcast service forwarding the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to a second user plane function network element connected to the access network element, and then the second user plane function network element forwards it to the corresponding user equipment through the access network element. The processing unit 1104 is configured to: process the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service by the second user plane function network element, so that the second user plane function network element acts as the protocol data unit session anchor node for processing the service data packet set.

[0121] In some embodiments of this application, based on the aforementioned scheme, the access network element and the second user plane function network element interact through the user plane interface to process the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service.

[0122] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the processing strategy information is used to instruct the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to be forwarded to the terminal device using a separate forwarding mode. The separate forwarding mode involves the first user plane function network element responsible for the multicast broadcast service forwarding the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to a second user plane function network element connected to the access network element, and then the second user plane function network element forwards it to the corresponding user equipment through the access network element. The processing unit 1104 is configured such that the first user plane function network element processes the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service, and the second user plane function network element acts as a transparent forwarding node for the service data packet set, so that the first user plane function network element acts as a protocol data unit session anchor node for processing the service data packet set.

[0123] In some embodiments of this application, based on the aforementioned scheme, the access network element and the first user plane function network element process the set of service data packets of the multicast broadcast service through the marking information in the header of the user plane general packet radio service tunneling protocol of the service data packets.

[0124] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the processing strategy information is used to instruct the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to be forwarded to the terminal device using a shared forwarding mode. The shared forwarding mode involves the first user plane function network element responsible for the multicast broadcast service forwarding the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to the user equipment group through the connected access network element. The processing unit 1104 is configured to: process the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service by the first user plane function network element, and forward the processed service data packet set to the user equipment group.

[0125] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the processing strategy information is used to instruct the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to be forwarded to the terminal device using a shared forwarding mode. The shared forwarding mode involves the first user plane function network element responsible for the multicast broadcast service forwarding the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to the user equipment group through the connected access network element. The processing unit 1104 is configured to: process the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service by the access network element and forward the processed service data packet set to the user equipment group, so that the access network element acts as the protocol data unit session anchor node for processing the service data packet set.

[0126] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the processing unit 1104 is configured to process the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service by at least one of the following methods: marking the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service, and discarding the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service.

[0127] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system suitable for implementing the computer device of the present application is shown. The computer device may be the application function network element, core network element, user plane node, etc. in the foregoing embodiments.

[0128] It should be noted that, Figure 12 The computer system 1200 of the computer device shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitation on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of this application.

[0129] like Figure 12As shown, the computer system 1200 may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 1201, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on a program stored in Read-Only Memory (ROM) 1202 or a program loaded from storage portion 1208 into Random Access Memory (RAM) 1203, such as performing the methods described in the above embodiments. Various programs and data required for system operation are also stored in RAM 1203. The CPU 1201, ROM 1202, and RAM 1203 are interconnected via bus 1204. An input / output (I / O) interface 1205 is also connected to bus 1204.

[0130] The following components can be connected to I / O interface 1205: an input section 1206 including a keyboard, mouse, etc.; an output section 1207 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and speakers, etc.; a storage section 1208 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 1209 including a network interface card such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card, modem, etc. The communication section 1209 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 1210 is also connected to I / O interface 1205 as needed. Removable media 1211, such as a disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., are installed on drive 1210 as needed so that computer programs read from them can be installed into storage section 1208 as needed.

[0131] Specifically, according to embodiments of this application, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments of this application include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via communication section 1209, and / or installed from removable medium 1211. When the computer program is executed by central processing unit (CPU) 1201, it performs various functions defined in the system of this application.

[0132] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in the embodiments of this application can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination of the two. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example,—but not limited to—an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, optical fiber, portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this application, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a computer program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In this application, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying a computer-readable computer program. The transmitted data signal can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. The computer-readable signal medium can also be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer program contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0133] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of this application. Each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which contains one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and a computer program.

[0134] The units described in the embodiments of this application can be implemented in software or hardware, and the described units can also be located in a processor. The names of these units do not necessarily limit the specific unit itself.

[0135] In another aspect, this application also provides a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the computer device described in the above embodiments; or it may exist independently and not assembled into the computer device. The computer-readable medium carries one or more computer programs, which, when executed by the computer device, cause the computer device to perform the methods described in the above embodiments.

[0136] It should be noted that although several modules or units for the device used to perform actions have been mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to the embodiments of this application, the features and functions of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided and embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0137] From the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the exemplary embodiments described herein can be implemented by software or by combining software with necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solutions according to the embodiments of this application can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, USB flash drive, external hard drive, etc.) or on a network, and includes several instructions to cause a computer device to execute the method according to the embodiments of this application.

[0138] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.

[0139] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for processing multicast broadcast services, characterized in that, include: Receive the processing strategy information of the multicast and broadcast services configured by the core network elements when they are transmitted using the service data packet set method; The received set of service data packets for the multicast broadcast service is processed according to the processing strategy information.

2. The multicast service processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing strategy information is used to instruct the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to be forwarded to the terminal device in a separate forwarding mode. The separate forwarding mode is that the first user plane function network element responsible for the multicast broadcast service forwards the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to the second user plane function network element connected to the access network element, and the second user plane function network element forwards it to the corresponding user equipment through the access network element. The received set of service data packets for the multicast broadcast service is processed according to the processing strategy information, including: The second user plane function network element processes the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service, so that the second user plane function network element acts as the protocol data unit session anchor node for processing the service data packet set.

3. The multicast service processing method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The access network element and the second user plane function network element interact through the user plane interface to process the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service.

4. The multicast service processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing strategy information is used to instruct the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to be forwarded to the terminal device in a separate forwarding mode. The separate forwarding mode is that the first user plane function network element responsible for the multicast broadcast service forwards the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to the second user plane function network element connected to the access network element, and the second user plane function network element forwards it to the corresponding user equipment through the access network element. The received set of service data packets for the multicast broadcast service is processed according to the processing strategy information, including: The first user plane functional network element processes the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service, and the second user plane functional network element acts as a transparent forwarding node for the service data packet set, so that the first user plane functional network element acts as a protocol data unit session anchor node for processing the service data packet set.

5. The multicast service processing method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The access network element and the first user plane function network element process the set of service data packets for the multicast broadcast service through the marking information in the header of the User Plane General Packet Radio Service Tunneling Protocol (GPRS Tunneling Protocol) of the service data packets.

6. The method for processing multicast broadcast services according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing strategy information is used to instruct the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to be forwarded to the terminal device in a shared forwarding mode. The shared forwarding mode is that the first user plane function network element responsible for the multicast broadcast service forwards the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to the user equipment group through the access network element it is connected to. The received set of service data packets for the multicast broadcast service is processed according to the processing strategy information, including: The first user plane functional network element processes the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service and forwards the processed service data packet set to the user equipment group.

7. The multicast service processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processing strategy information is used to instruct the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to be forwarded to the terminal device in a shared forwarding mode. The shared forwarding mode is that the first user plane function network element responsible for the multicast broadcast service forwards the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service to the user equipment group through the access network element it is connected to. The received set of service data packets for the multicast broadcast service is processed according to the processing strategy information, including: The access network element processes the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service and forwards the processed service data packet set to the user equipment group, so that the access network element acts as the protocol data unit session anchor node for processing the service data packet set.

8. The method for processing multicast broadcast services according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, Processing the service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service includes at least one of the following methods: The service data packet set of the multicast broadcast service is marked and then discarded.

9. A method for processing multicast broadcast services, characterized in that, include: Generate Quality of Service (QoS) requirements information for multicast services when they are transmitted using a set of service data packets; The QoS requirement information is sent to the core network element so that the core network element can generate processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service based on the QoS requirement information.

10. The method for processing multicast broadcast services according to claim 9, characterized in that, The QoS requirement information includes at least one of the following: The multicast service data packet set is forwarded to the user equipment using either a separate forwarding mode or a shared forwarding mode; The QoS parameters of the multicast broadcast service when transmitting using a service data packet set method; Does the multicast service introduce a forward error correction mechanism when transmitting data packets in the form of service data packets? The importance information of the service data packet set when the multicast broadcast service is transmitted using the service data packet set method.

11. A method for processing multicast broadcast services, characterized in that, include: The Quality of Service (QoS) requirement information corresponding to the multicast and broadcast services sent by the application function network element when they are transmitted using a service data packet set method; Based on the QoS requirement information, generate the processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service when it is transmitted using a service data packet set method; The processing strategy information is configured to the processing device of the multicast broadcast service.

12. The method for processing multicast broadcast services according to claim 11, characterized in that, The processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service when transmitting using a service data packet set includes at least one of the following: The multicast service data packet set is forwarded to the user equipment using either a separate forwarding mode or a shared forwarding mode; The QoS parameters of the multicast broadcast service when transmitting using a service data packet set method; Does the multicast service introduce a forward error correction mechanism when transmitting data packets in the form of service data packets? The importance information of the service data packet set when the multicast broadcast service is transmitted using the service data packet set method.

13. A processing apparatus for multicast broadcast services, characterized in that, include: The receiving unit is configured to receive the processing strategy information of the multicast and broadcast services configured by the core network elements when they are transmitted using a service data packet set method; The processing unit is configured to process the received set of service data packets of the multicast broadcast service according to the processing strategy information.

14. A processing apparatus for multicast broadcast services, characterized in that, include: The generation unit is configured to generate QoS requirement information corresponding to multicast broadcast services when they are transmitted using a service data packet set. The sending unit is configured to send the QoS requirement information to the core network element, so that the core network element generates processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service based on the QoS requirement information.

15. A processing apparatus for multicast broadcast services, characterized in that, include: The receiving unit is configured to receive the Quality of Service (QoS) requirement information corresponding to the multicast and broadcast services sent by the application function network element when they are transmitted using a service data packet set. The generation unit is configured to generate, based on the QoS requirement information, processing strategy information for the multicast broadcast service when it is transmitted using a service data packet set; The processing unit is configured to configure the processing strategy information to the processing device of the multicast broadcast service.

16. A computer-readable medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the processing method for multicast broadcast service as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

17. A computer device, characterized in that, include: One or more processors; A memory for storing one or more computer programs, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the computer device to implement the processing method for multicast broadcast services as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and a processor of a computer device reads from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer program, causing the computer device to perform the processing method for multicast broadcast services according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images