A communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a communication method, device, electronic equipment, storage medium and program product. The present disclosure receives first information from a terminal or a second functional network element through a first functional network element; the first information is used to request to establish a data session; authenticates the data session; when the authentication is successful, configures second information for the data session based on the first information; the second information is used to indicate a management policy of the data session. In summary, the technical solution provided by the present disclosure can autonomously configure resource information, directly manage the routing and forwarding of the data session, effectively avoid the interaction process of establishing the data session with the aid of the core network, shorten the response time, and significantly improve the timeliness and flexibility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and program product. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, when establishing a data session, the Radio Access Network (RAN) needs to rely on the Packet Session Anchoring-User Plane Function (PSAUPF) of the core network to establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) data session. The RAN itself cannot directly manage the routing and forwarding policies of the data session, resulting in increased response latency and reduced timeliness and flexibility. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and program product to address, to some extent, the problem that the RAN itself cannot directly manage the routing and forwarding strategies of data sessions, resulting in increased response latency and reduced timeliness and flexibility.

[0004] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, applied to a first functional network element, for implementing access network control and management. The method includes: receiving first information from a terminal or a second functional network element; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session; authenticating the data session; when authentication is successful, configuring second information for the data session based on the first information; the second information is used to indicate the management strategy of the data session.

[0005] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method of this disclosure, the first information includes at least one of the following: session identifier, network identifier, session type, quality of service requirements, forwarding mode, and in-band task request information.

[0006] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method of this disclosure, the second information includes a transmission resource policy, a routing policy, and a forwarding combination policy; when authentication is successful, the second information is configured for the data session based on the first information, including: configuring a transmission resource policy based on quality of service requirements; configuring a routing policy based on session type; and configuring a forwarding combination policy based on forwarding mode.

[0007] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method disclosed herein, the method further includes: sending third information to a third functional network element to enable the third functional network element to establish a radio bearer for the first functional network element; and when the radio bearer is successful, sending second information to a terminal or a second functional network element.

[0008] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method of this disclosure, the method further includes: receiving fourth information from a terminal or a second functional network element; the fourth information is used to indicate response information of the second information.

[0009] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method disclosed, the method further includes: when authentication fails, sending a fifth message to the terminal or a second functional network element; the fifth message is used to indicate that the data session establishment has failed.

[0010] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method of this disclosure, the forwarding mode includes at least one of the following: forwarding between terminals within the same site, forwarding between terminals in different sites, forwarding between terminals within the same site and edge nodes, and forwarding between edge nodes in different sites.

[0011] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the method disclosed herein, the first functional network element, the second functional network element, and the third functional network element are access network elements; the first functional network element is used to implement the function of communication and computing collaborative control; and the third functional network element is used to implement the function of the protocol stack.

[0012] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, applied to a second functional network element, the method comprising: sending first information to a first functional network element; the first functional network element being used to implement access network control and management; the first information being used to request the establishment of a data session; receiving second information from the first functional network element; the second information being used to indicate a management strategy for the data session.

[0013] Furthermore, according to another aspect of the method disclosed, the method further includes: sending fourth information to a first functional network element; the fourth information is used to indicate response information of the second information.

[0014] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the second functional network element is used to implement routing management and data forwarding functions.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, comprising: a first functional network element for implementing the method as described in any of the above claims; a second functional network element for implementing the method as described in any of the above claims; and a third functional network element for implementing the functions of a protocol stack.

[0016] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the first functional network element and the second functional network element establish a connection through a first interface; the first interface is a computing data control interface; the second functional network element and the third functional network element establish a connection through a second interface and a third interface; the second interface is a computing data diversion and injection interface; and the third interface is a computing data collaboration interface.

[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication device is provided, disposed in a first functional network element, for implementing access network control and management. The device includes: a receiving unit for receiving first information from a terminal or a second functional network element; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session; an authentication unit for authenticating the data session; and a configuration unit for configuring second information for the data session based on the first information when authentication is successful; the second information is used to indicate the management strategy of the data session.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication device is provided, disposed in a second functional network element, the device comprising: a transmitting unit for transmitting first information to a first functional network element; the first functional network element for implementing access network control and management; the first information for requesting the establishment of a data session; and a receiving unit for receiving second information from the first functional network element; the second information for indicating a management strategy for the data session.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a memory for storing computer-readable instructions; and a processor for executing the computer-readable instructions, causing the electronic device to perform the method as described in any embodiment of one aspect.

[0020] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided for storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method as described in any embodiment of one aspect.

[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any embodiment of one aspect.

[0022] This disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and program product. The first network element of this disclosure receives first information from a terminal or a second functional network element; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session; the data session is authenticated; when the authentication is successful, second information is configured for the data session based on the first information; the second information is used to indicate the management policy of the data session. In this way, the RAN does not need to completely rely on the core network's PSA UPF to establish PDU data sessions and manage their routing and forwarding policies, but can instead use its own first network element to perform data session authentication and management policy configuration based on the received first information. This gives the RAN autonomy in data session management, enabling it to respond to data session requests more quickly and significantly reducing response latency. Simultaneously, since the RAN can flexibly configure the data session management policy based on the first information, the timeliness and flexibility of data session management are also improved. In summary, the technical solution provided by this disclosure allows the RAN to autonomously configure resource information and directly manage the routing and forwarding of data sessions, effectively avoiding the interaction process of establishing data sessions through the core network, shortening response time, and significantly improving timeliness and flexibility.

[0023] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the claimed technology. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the more detailed description of the embodiments thereof in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to further illustrate the embodiments of this disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this disclosure to explain the disclosure and do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 An interactive schematic diagram illustrating the complete communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the data session establishment process provided in this embodiment of the disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 A structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 A structural block diagram of another communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 A hardware block diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a computer-readable storage medium provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure more apparent, exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0034] Currently, when establishing a data session, the Radio Access Network (RAN) needs to rely on the Packet Session Anchoring-User Plane Function (PSAUPF) of the core network to establish a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) data session. The RAN itself cannot directly manage the routing and forwarding policies of the data session, resulting in increased response latency and reduced timeliness and flexibility.

[0035] Therefore, this disclosure provides a communication method that enables the RAN to autonomously configure resource information and directly manage the routing and forwarding of data sessions, effectively avoiding the interaction process of establishing data sessions through the core network, shortening response time, and significantly improving timeliness and flexibility. First, please refer to... Figure 1 Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a communication system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the communication system includes at least: a terminal, a first functional network element, a second functional network element, and a third functional network element.

[0036] A terminal, also known as a terminal device, user equipment (UE), mobile station, or mobile terminal, is capable of communicating with network-side devices. Specifically, terminals can be widely used in various scenarios, such as device-to-device (D2D), vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, machine-type communication (MTC), the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, augmented reality, industrial control, autonomous driving, telemedicine, smart grids, smart furniture, smart offices, smart wearables, smart transportation, and smart cities. Therefore, terminals can be, but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, wearable devices, vehicles, drones, helicopters, airplanes, ships, robots, robotic arms, and smart home devices. This application does not impose any particular restrictions on the specific technology or device form used in the terminal.

[0037] The first functional network element can be understood as the general computing controller, which is responsible for the overall planning and management of the resources of the entire communication system. Specifically, the general computing controller can collect the resource usage of the RAN, and then, according to preset algorithms and strategies, autonomously configure appropriate resource information for the RAN, without any specific restrictions.

[0038] The second functional network element can be understood as a data unit, which is responsible for receiving, storing, and forwarding data. Specifically, the data unit can collect data information from various access terminal devices in real time, based on the resource configuration scheme allocated by the first functional network element, namely the network controller.

[0039] The third functional network element can be understood as a protocol stack, responsible for handling various protocol-related operations during communication, enabling effective communication and data interaction between different network elements and between network elements and terminal devices. Specifically, the protocol stack can encapsulate, parse, and convert data from the second functional network element or terminal according to the corresponding communication protocol, ensuring accurate data transmission across different network layers and interfaces. Simultaneously, the protocol stack can also reasonably adjust data transmission parameters based on the resource allocation scheme of the first functional network element to adapt to the actual network conditions.

[0040] This disclosure provides a communication method. Please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a communication method provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 As shown, this method is applied to the first functional network element, and the method includes:

[0041] In step S201, first information is received from the terminal or the second functional network element; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session.

[0042] In step S202, the data session is authenticated.

[0043] In step S203, when authentication is successful, second information is configured for the data session based on the first information; the second information is used to indicate the management strategy of the data session.

[0044] In this disclosure, the first functional network element can be a communication and computing coordination controller. The second functional network element is a data unit. It should be noted that both the first and second functional network elements belong to the RAN and can realize the management of the radio access network.

[0045] In this disclosure, the first information is mainly used to establish a data session, and mainly includes the specific requirements for establishing a data session, such as session identifier, session type, etc. It is a comprehensive piece of information, which will be described in detail later in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0046] In this disclosure, the second information is primarily used for data session management, precisely instructing the management strategy for the data session throughout its lifecycle. The second information can be at least one of the following: an accurate set of instruction data, a management strategy, etc. Specific details will be elaborated below with reference to embodiments.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first functional network element can receive first information from a terminal or a second functional network element. This first information can be used to establish a data session. This is because the first functional network element functions as a computing collaboration controller; therefore, when a terminal or second functional network element generates a computing collaboration requirement, it can send a session establishment request to the first functional network element. After receiving the first information, the first functional network element can analyze the identity of the terminal or second functional network element referred to by the first information. The first functional network element can determine whether the terminal or second functional network element referred to by the first information is allowed to access the network based on at least one access criterion, such as system or user configuration or access information managed by other platforms. The specific authentication mechanism is not limited. Finally, when authentication is successful, the first functional network element can configure second information for the data session based on the received first information. Furthermore, since the first information contains specific requirements for establishing a data session, such as session identifier and session type, the first functional network element can generate second information to indicate the data session management strategy based on these requirements and its understanding of network resources and management policies. For example, if the first piece of information indicates that the data session is a type with high real-time requirements, then the second piece of information may include management strategies such as prioritizing network bandwidth allocation and reducing data transmission latency to ensure the smooth operation of the data session.

[0048] In this way, the RAN does not need to rely entirely on the core network's PSA UPF to establish PDU data sessions and manage their routing and forwarding policies. Instead, it can configure data session authentication and management policies based on the received first information through its own first network element. This gives the RAN autonomy in data session management, enabling it to respond to data session requests more quickly and significantly reducing response latency. Simultaneously, since the RAN can flexibly configure data session management policies based on the first information, it also improves the timeliness and flexibility of data session management. In summary, the technical solution provided in this disclosure allows the RAN to autonomously configure resource information and directly manage data session routing and forwarding, effectively avoiding the interaction process of establishing data sessions through the core network, shortening response time, and significantly improving timeliness and flexibility.

[0049] The specific content of the first information disclosed herein will be described in detail below: The first information disclosed herein may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: session identifier, network identifier, session type, quality of service requirements, forwarding mode, and in-path task request information.

[0050] Specifically, a session identifier represents the unique identity (ID) of a session that a terminal or secondary functional network element needs to establish. A network identifier represents the network environment or specific network area to which the data session belongs, such as a private network. The network identifier allows for precise location of the network scope of the data session, facilitating network-level management and policy formulation. The session type can be the type of network communication protocol used by the data session, such as Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), dual-stack IPv4 / 6, or unspecified. Different session types determine the data transmission rules and communication methods in the network, which is crucial for the allocation and management of network resources. Quality of Service (QoS) requirements can be reflected in specific requirements for various performance indicators during data transmission, such as low latency, low jitter, and low packet loss rate. Forwarding modes specify the transmission path and method of data in the network, such as end-to-end forwarding within a station, end-to-end forwarding between different stations, forwarding between a terminal and an edge node within the same station, and forwarding between edge nodes of different stations. The details will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments. The accompanying task request information includes additional task requirements related to the data session, such as parameters for tasks related to latency and packet loss.

[0051] In this way, the first information can provide the first functional network element with comprehensive and detailed data session information, thereby supporting its efficient and accurate management of data sessions.

[0052] For example, Table 1 below shows the interface design for calculating session request messages (i.e., the first information of this disclosure):

[0053]

[0054] Table 1

[0055] As shown in Table 1 above, the compute session request message can include: compute session identifier, requested session data type, wireless data network identifier, data network identifier, compute node ID (CN ID), suggested co-controller ID, compute data transmission QoS information, data forwarding mode, Task Type, and Task Parameters. The compute session identifier ID, requested session data type, wireless data network identifier, and compute data transmission QoS information are required information. The data network identifier, compute node ID (CN ID), suggested co-controller ID, data forwarding mode, Task Type, and Task Parameters are all optional information.

[0056] It is important to note that the data forwarding modes include: After the session data is offloaded to the data unit (i.e., the second functional network element of this disclosure), there are four possible data forwarding modes, including three terminal-related forwarding modes: end-to-end (intra-site bearer forwarding), end-to-end (inter-site session forwarding), and end-to-edge (IP routing forwarding), as well as one edge-to-edge (IP routing forwarding) mode. Optionally, the session applicant can select the forwarding modes (multiple selections are allowed) that the session needs to support based on business requirements, in order to improve data addressing and forwarding efficiency and avoid security issues caused by data transmission between non-applicant network elements.

[0057] In-band computing task requests: Computational data generally has high latency and high quality requirements. During transmission, before being delivered to the target computing node, the data needs to undergo in-band computing tasks, including but not limited to latency monitoring, packet loss monitoring, flow rate monitoring, data sampling, encryption / decryption, compression / decompression, and protocol conversion. The computing session establishment request can carry the necessary in-band computing task requirements to the network side (second network element), including but not limited to the following fields: computing task category index (TaskType), computing task parameters (Task Parameters), etc. The first functional network element will configure the available in-band computing tasks in subsequent computing session configuration messages.

[0058] The second information of this disclosure and the method for determining the second information will be described in detail below:

[0059] The second information disclosed herein may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: transmission resource policy, routing policy, and forwarding combination policy.

[0060] In this disclosure, the second information used to indicate specific data management strategies includes: a transmission resource strategy, primarily used to determine the allocation of network resources during data transmission, such as bandwidth and frequency. Based on different quality of service requirements, transmission resources are rationally allocated to ensure data can be transmitted according to expected rates, stability, and other requirements. A routing strategy refers to planning the transmission path of data from the source node to the destination node. Appropriate routing algorithms and paths are selected based on the session type. For example, for sessions using Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), due to its large address space and good network performance, a more optimized routing path may be selected to improve data transmission efficiency and reliability. A forwarding combination strategy combines and optimizes the forwarding methods of data in the network. It comprehensively considers the characteristics of forwarding modes and rationally combines different forwarding methods to achieve efficient data transmission. For example, when the forwarding mode is intra-site end-to-end forwarding, based on the actual network topology and traffic conditions, an appropriate forwarding combination can be selected, such as combining Generalized Tunneling Protocol (GTP) forwarding with Internet Protocol (IP) routing to improve data transmission speed and processing capacity within the site.

[0061] The following describes specific methods for determining the second piece of information, including:

[0062] Configure transmission resource policies based on quality of service requirements;

[0063] Configure routing policies based on session type;

[0064] Configure forwarding combination strategies based on forwarding modes.

[0065] In this disclosure, the first functional network element can analyze the quality of service requirements contained in the first information and formulate at least one transmission strategy, including the air interface, the guaranteed rate of the transmission network, and priority. Specifically, if the quality of service requirement emphasizes low latency, the first functional network element can prioritize the selection of frequency bands with low latency characteristics for the air interface and configure higher transmission power to improve signal strength and ensure fast data transmission. Regarding the transmission network, it can also allocate a dedicated high-priority channel for this service to ensure that its data packets can be forwarded preferentially even when the network is congested. Simultaneously, it can reserve corresponding network bandwidth according to the minimum rate requirements of the service to ensure stable rate.

[0066] The first functional network element can analyze the session type contained in the first information and formulate a routing policy including at least one of the following: transmission path and transmission port. Specifically, when the session type is IPv4, the IPv4 address resolution protocol can be used to determine the hardware address and network topology information, and then select a transmission path with fewer hops and sufficient link bandwidth, as well as the optimal or default transmission port.

[0067] The first functional network element can analyze the forwarding modes contained in the first information and determine a forwarding combination strategy under different forwarding models, including at least one such strategy such as radio bearer, GTP forwarding, and IP forwarding. Specifically, for end-to-end forwarding within the station, direct radio bearer, IP routing using Layer 2 switching technology within the station can be selected. When there is a small amount of interaction with the external network, GTP forwarding can be appropriately combined to establish a temporary tunnel for data transmission.

[0068] In this way, the first functional network element can configure the corresponding data management strategy for the terminal or the second functional network element in a comprehensive and targeted manner based on the first information, so that the first functional network element can independently decide the data configuration information, which is efficient and targeted, and improves the efficiency and performance of data management.

[0069] The following details the communication methods described in this disclosure, including:

[0070] Send third information to the third functional network element so that the third functional network element can establish a radio bearer for the first functional network element;

[0071] When the wireless bearer is successful, the second information is sent to the terminal or the second functional network element.

[0072] In this disclosure, the third functional network element can be a protocol stack, which can be responsible for handling various protocol-related operations during the communication process, and realize effective communication and data interaction between different network elements and between network elements and terminal devices.

[0073] In this disclosure, the third information can be used to establish a wireless bearer, and it is comprehensive information to ensure the efficiency and stability of wireless communication. The third information may include at least one of the following: QoS, Medium Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and logical channel configuration.

[0074] In this disclosure, after determining the second information based on the first information sent by the terminal or the second functional network element, the first functional network element can send third information for establishing a radio bearer to the third functional network element (i.e., the protocol stack), enabling the third functional network element to apply for the establishment of a corresponding radio bearer for the data session. Specifically, it can establish a radio bearer for the third functional network element based on at least one of the QoS, MAC, RLC, PDCP, and logical channel configurations included in the third information, and realize uplink and downlink data mapping between the radio bearer and the computing session. This refined configuration and mapping mechanism can effectively improve the utilization rate of network resources, reduce resource waste, and allow limited radio spectrum and network equipment resources to be used more rationally and fully under diverse service demands, promoting the optimization and improvement of the entire communication system performance and laying a solid foundation for building an intelligent, efficient, and stable communication network.

[0075] The following details the communication method disclosed herein, which also includes:

[0076] Receive fourth information from the terminal or the second functional network element; the fourth information is used to indicate the response information of the second information.

[0077] In this disclosure, the fourth information can be understood as the data session response information received by the terminal or the second functional network element from the first functional network element, which may include the established session identifier and the establishment result (i.e., success or failure).

[0078] Specifically, after determining the second information, the first functional network element establishes a radio bearer with the third functional network element. Then, the first functional network element can send a computing session indication based on the second information to the terminal or the second functional network element, and receive a response result from the terminal or the second functional network element using the fourth information to indicate the computing session indication.

[0079] In this way, the first functional network element can quickly understand the execution status of the computing session instruction at the terminal or the second functional network element based on the fourth information. If the establishment result is successful, the first functional network element can further track and manage the subsequent process of the data session based on the session identifier, rationally allocate network resources, and ensure the continuity and stability of data transmission. The communication method of this disclosure further includes the following:

[0080] When authentication fails, a fifth message is sent to the terminal or the second functional network element; the fifth message is used to indicate that the data session establishment has failed.

[0081] In this disclosure, after receiving the first information, the first functional network element authenticates the sender of the first information, i.e., the terminal or the second functional network element, to determine whether it is a terminal or the second functional network element that the system has determined is authorized to access. If the terminal or the second functional network element has the authority to apply to join the wireless data network, the first functional network element determines the second information, and the following steps can be referred to the preceding text, which will not be repeated here. If the authentication fails, the first functional network element can send a fifth information to the terminal or the second functional network element, indicating that the data session establishment has failed and terminating the data session establishment operation.

[0082] The following will specifically describe the forwarding mode of this disclosure, which includes at least one of the following:

[0083] Forwarding between terminals within the same station, forwarding between terminals in different stations, forwarding between terminals within the same station and edge nodes, and forwarding between edge nodes in different stations.

[0084] In this disclosure, there are four forwarding modes: forwarding between terminals within the same base station, i.e., forwarding between different terminals within the same base station, such as: Figure 3 This is an interactive schematic diagram illustrating the complete communication method provided in the embodiments of this disclosure. Figure 3 Mode 1 refers to intra-station end-to-end conversations; forwarding between terminals at different stations, i.e., forwarding between terminals belonging to different base stations, such as... Figure 3 Mode 2 includes inter-station end-to-end forwarding; and intra-station terminal-to-edge node forwarding, i.e., forwarding between a terminal and the edge cloud within the same base station, such as... Figure 3 Mode 4 of the protocol includes sessions between the endpoint and the edge; forwarding between edge nodes of different stations, i.e., forwarding between edge clouds belonging to different base stations, such as... Figure 3 In Mode 3, forwarding between edge clouds is performed between edge clouds.

[0085] The functions of the first functional network element, the second functional network element, and the third functional network element of this disclosure are described in detail below:

[0086] The first, second, and third functional network elements are access network elements; the first functional network element is used to implement the function of communication and computing coordination control; the third functional network element is used to implement the function of the protocol stack. See the above text for further details, which will not be repeated here.

[0087] This disclosure also provides a communication method applied to a second functional network element, the method comprising:

[0088] Send first information to the first functional network element; the first functional network element is used to implement access network control and management; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session.

[0089] Receive second information from the first functional network element; the second information is used to indicate the management policy of the data session.

[0090] In this disclosure, the second functional network element can be understood as a data unit. The second functional network element of this disclosure can send first information to the first functional network element to request the establishment of a data session, and then receive second information from the first functional network element for managing the data session. See above for details; further elaboration is omitted here.

[0091] The following details the communication method disclosed herein, which also includes:

[0092] Send the fourth information to the first functional network element; the fourth information is used to indicate the response information of the second information.

[0093] In this disclosure, the second functional network element can send fourth information to the first functional network element to indicate the response information of the second information, as described above.

[0094] The following details the role of the second functional network element in this disclosure: The second functional network element can be understood as a data unit, which is mainly used to implement routing management and data forwarding functions, as described above.

[0095] This disclosure also provides a communication system, including:

[0096] The first functional network element is used to implement any of the methods described above;

[0097] The second functional network element is used to implement any of the methods mentioned above;

[0098] The third functional element is used to implement the functions of the protocol stack.

[0099] like Figure 3 The communication and coordination control module is the first functional network element, the data unit is the second functional network element, and the base station protocol stack is the third functional network element. Each RAN contains the first, second, and third functional network elements.

[0100] The first functional network element and the second functional network element of this disclosure establish a connection through a first interface; the first interface is a computing data control interface; the second functional network element and the third functional network element establish a connection through a second interface and a third interface; the second interface is a computing data diversion and injection interface; the third interface is a computing data collaboration interface.

[0101] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the computing and coordination control (i.e., the first functional network element) is connected to the data unit (i.e., the second functional network element) through the computing data control interface. The data unit is connected to the base station (i.e., the third functional network element) through the data offloading injection interface and the computing data coordination interface.

[0102] More specifically, from Figure 3 It can be seen that:

[0103] The data unit (i.e., the second network element) includes the following units:

[0104] The computational data routing control unit is used to formulate computational data routing and forwarding strategies, as well as to control the data forwarding module.

[0105] The computational data forwarding unit is used to execute computational data routing and forwarding strategies to enable the sending and receiving of computational data with other data processing nodes (including base station protocol stacks, other data units, or edge clouds).

[0106] The data unit has the following interfaces:

[0107] The computing data control interface (first interface) is the control interface between the general computing co-controller (i.e., the first functional network element) and the general computing co-controller. It is used to receive the configuration strategy of the computing data session from the second functional network element and to feed back the measurement statistics of the current computing session to the second functional network element.

[0108] The data offloading and injection interface (second interface) is a data interaction interface between the base station protocol stack (i.e., the third functional network element). It is used by the third functional network element to offload data in the radio bearer that conforms to the policy to the first functional network element, or by the first functional network element to send the computing data that needs to be sent to the terminal through the radio bearer to the third functional network element, and then the third functional network element injects it into the relevant radio bearer for transmission.

[0109] The computational data coordination interface (third interface) is a signaling interaction interface between the third functional network element and the base station protocol stack (third functional network element). It is used by the third functional network element to send the wireless protocol stack operation status, such as wireless channel, data buffer, and user mobility, to the first functional network element, or by the first functional network element to send relevant bearer QoS change indications to the third functional network element, thereby improving the quality of computational data transmission services.

[0110] Therefore, compared to the usual method of establishing PDU data sessions using the PSA UPF of the core network, this disclosure has the following characteristics:

[0111] 1) Session termination location: The data session disclosed herein is different from the traditional PDN session that connects the terminal and the core network. It is used to connect the terminal and the RAN and is a new type of data session that terminates at the RAN.

[0112] 2) Application method: The data session disclosed herein is different from the traditional PDU session that the terminal applies to establish with the core network. Instead, the terminal or other intelligent computing nodes initiate a fast computing session application to the general computing coordinating controller in the RAN domain.

[0113] 3) Data forwarding control method: In traditional PDN sessions, the core network sets rules and then controls the UPF to complete the routing and forwarding of session data. In this disclosure, the data session is controlled by the general computing coordinating controller within the RAN system domain, which controls the data unit to complete the routing and forwarding of data.

[0114] 4) Data forwarding rules: In traditional PDN sessions, data is fixedly transferred to the anchor UPF via GTP tunnels. The session data disclosed herein has IP-based routing capabilities and can be directly transmitted between computing power nodes through each data unit.

[0115] For example, Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the process of establishing a data session according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0116] from Figure 4 It can be seen that:

[0117] Step 1: When a terminal or a logical entity of a "data unit" with computing data processing capabilities (i.e., the second functional network element) generates a computing collaborative service requirement, it can trigger the sending of a computing data session establishment request message to the communication and computing collaborative controller (i.e., the first functional network element). In addition to the information carried in the traditional session establishment request message, such as session identifier, type, data network name, and session management configuration, in order to realize dynamic routing and forwarding of computing data in dynamic topology among multiple terminals, it can also carry wireless data network identifier, session type, forwarding mode, and in-band computing task.

[0118] Step 2: After receiving the session request, the network coordinating controller (i.e., the first functional network element) cannot determine whether the terminal is authorized to access the virtual network based on the access criteria configured when the Wireless Data Network (WDN) was established. Therefore, it needs to further synchronize the terminal's WDN access information with the core network or network management system to determine whether the requesting terminal has the permission to join the requested WDN. If the terminal does not meet the joining conditions, a request failure response is sent to the terminal.

[0119] Step 3: For terminal requests with join permissions, allocate relevant resources for the computing session and formulate a computing session resource policy, including:

[0120] 1) Based on the QoS information of the request, formulate transmission strategies such as guaranteed rate and priority for the air interface and transmission network, and allocate transmission resources.

[0121] 2) Based on the requested session data type (such as IPv4, IPv6, etc.), plan the transmission path, formulate routing policies, and allocate transmission ports.

[0122] 3) Based on the data forwarding mode, formulate the forwarding strategy between the data unit and the terminal and the base station, including but not limited to using wireless bearer, IP routing, GTP and other methods or combinations thereof.

[0123] Step 4: The computing coordinating controller (first functional network element) sends a computing bearer establishment request to the base station protocol stack (third functional network element) according to the session resource policy generated in Step 2, establishing a matching radio bearer on the base station side for the new call requested by the club. The third functional network element establishes the radio bearer according to the QoS, MAC / RLC / PDCP and other layer radio resource configuration and logical channel configuration requirements issued by the first functional network element, and realizes the uplink and downlink data mapping between the radio bearer and the computing session.

[0124] Step 5: Send a fast computing session establishment instruction to the terminal, instructing the terminal to establish a computing session. The instruction message includes, but is not limited to, session configuration information such as the computing session ID, session data type, and the allocated computing co-controller ID; QoS service quality configuration information such as GBR and MBR; layer radio resource configuration information such as MAC / RLC / PDCP; and logical channel configuration information. This step has two possible implementations from the perspective of the transmission method:

[0125] Step 5.1 The base station directly initiates a fast calculation session establishment instruction to the terminal via RRC signaling.

[0126] Step 5.2 The core network initiates a fast computing session establishment instruction to the terminal via NAS signaling.

[0127] Step 6: After the terminal completes the establishment of the fast computing session and related bearer resources, it sends a session establishment response message to the session establishment instruction message sender (base station or core network), including but not limited to the computing session identifier ID established by the terminal and the establishment result (success or failure).

[0128] Step 7: The session establishment instruction message sender (base station or core network) sends a session establishment success response message to the converged computing controller.

[0129] Step 8: The computing controller (i.e., the first functional network element) configures data forwarding rules for each data unit based on the wireless data network environment and data forwarding mode of the successfully established computing session. These forwarding rules include, but are not limited to: 1. Packet detection rules, used to detect and identify packets requiring specific processing, such as those based on 5-tuple fields; 2. Forwarding rules, used to define the forwarding address / port of packets, actions (such as forwarding, dropping, or buffering); 3. QoS parameters, such as bandwidth limits and priorities. The data unit then performs subsequent data distribution and routing operations based on the above configuration.

[0130] This disclosure also provides a communication device. Figure 5 A structural block diagram of a communication device provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the communication device is located in the first functional network element, and the communication device 500 includes:

[0131] The receiving unit 501 is used to receive first information from the terminal or the second functional network element; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session.

[0132] The authentication unit 502 is used to authenticate the data session;

[0133] Configuration unit 503 is used to configure second information for the data session based on the first information when authentication is successful; the second information is used to indicate the management policy of the data session.

[0134] In one exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 501 is specifically used to: the first information includes at least one of the following: session identifier, network identifier, session type, quality of service requirements, forwarding mode, and in-band task request information.

[0135] In one exemplary embodiment, the configuration unit 503 is specifically used for: the second information including transmission resource policy, routing policy, and forwarding combination policy; when authentication is successful, configuring the second information for the data session based on the first information, including: configuring the transmission resource policy based on quality of service requirements; configuring the routing policy based on session type; and configuring the forwarding combination policy based on forwarding mode.

[0136] In one exemplary embodiment, the configuration unit 503 is specifically configured to: send third information to the third functional network element so that the third functional network element establishes a radio bearer for the first functional network element; and when the radio bearer is successful, send second information to the terminal or the second functional network element.

[0137] In one exemplary embodiment, the configuration unit 503 is specifically configured to: receive fourth information from the terminal or the second functional network element; the fourth information is used to indicate the response information of the second information.

[0138] In one exemplary embodiment, the configuration unit 503 is specifically used to: send fifth information to the terminal or the second functional network element when authentication fails; the fifth information is used to indicate that the data session establishment has failed.

[0139] In one exemplary embodiment, the configuration unit 503 is specifically used to: the forwarding mode includes at least one of the following: forwarding between terminals within the same station, forwarding between terminals in different stations, forwarding between terminals within the same station and edge nodes, and forwarding between edge nodes in different stations.

[0140] In one exemplary embodiment, the configuration unit 503 is specifically used for: the first functional network element, the second functional network element, and the third functional network element being access network elements; the first functional network element being used to implement the function of communication and computing collaborative control; and the third functional network element being used to implement the function of the protocol stack.

[0141] This disclosure also provides a communication device. Figure 6 A structural block diagram of another communication device provided in the embodiments of this disclosure, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the communication device is located in the second functional network element, and the communication device 600 includes:

[0142] The sending unit 601 is used to send first information to a first functional network element; the first functional network element is used to implement access network control and management; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session.

[0143] The receiving unit 602 is used to receive second information from the first functional network element; the second information is used to indicate the management strategy of the data session.

[0144] In one exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 602 is specifically configured to: send fourth information to the first functional network element; the fourth information is used to indicate the response information of the second information.

[0145] In one exemplary embodiment, the receiving unit 602 is specifically used for: the second functional network element to implement routing management and data forwarding functions.

[0146] Figure 7 This is a hardware block diagram of an electronic device provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The electronic device 700 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least a processor; and a memory for storing computer-readable instructions. When the computer-readable instructions are loaded and executed by the processor, the processor performs the communication method described in any of the preceding embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0147] Figure 7 The illustrated electronic device 700 specifically includes a central processing unit (CPU) 701, a graphics processing unit (GPU) 702, and a memory 703. These units are interconnected via a bus 704. The CPU 701 and / or GPU 702 can function as the aforementioned processor, and the memory 703 can function as the aforementioned memory storing computer-readable instructions. Furthermore, the electronic device 700 may also include a communication unit 705, a storage unit 706, an output unit 707, an input unit 708, and an external device 709, all of which are also connected to the bus 704.

[0148] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a computer-readable storage medium provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. (As shown...) Figure 8As shown, a computer-readable storage medium 800 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure stores computer-readable instructions 801 thereon. When the computer-readable instructions 801 are executed by a processor, the communication method described above with reference to any embodiment of the present disclosure is performed. The computer-readable storage medium includes, but is not limited to, volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. Volatile memory may include, for example, random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, optical disk, magnetic disk, etc.

[0149] This disclosure further provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method described in any of the preceding embodiments of this disclosure.

[0150] Therefore, this disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus, electronic device, storage medium, and program product. The first network element of this disclosure receives first information from a terminal or a second functional network element; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session; the data session is authenticated; when the authentication is successful, second information is configured for the data session based on the first information; the second information is used to indicate the management policy of the data session. In this way, the RAN does not need to completely rely on the core network's PSA UPF to establish PDU data sessions and manage their routing and forwarding policies, but can instead use its own first network element to perform data session authentication and management policy configuration based on the received first information. This gives the RAN autonomy in data session management, enabling it to respond to data session requests more quickly and significantly reducing response latency. Simultaneously, since the RAN itself can flexibly configure the data session management policy based on the first information, the timeliness and flexibility of data session management can also be improved. In summary, the technical solution provided by this disclosure allows the RAN to autonomously configure resource information and directly manage the routing and forwarding of data sessions, effectively avoiding the interaction process of establishing data sessions through the core network, shortening response time, and significantly improving timeliness and flexibility.

[0151] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this disclosure.

[0152] The basic principles of this disclosure have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this disclosure are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the scope of this disclosure to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0153] The block diagrams of devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems disclosed herein are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the block diagrams. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these devices, apparatuses, devices, and systems can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the terms “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0154] Additionally, as used herein, the “or” used in a list of items beginning with “at least one” indicates a separate list, such that a list of, for example, “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C, or AB or AC or BC, or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, the word “exemplary” does not imply that the described example is preferred or better than other examples.

[0155] It should also be noted that in the systems and methods of this disclosure, the components or steps can be decomposed and / or recombined. These decompositions and / or recombinations should be considered as equivalent solutions to this disclosure.

[0156] Various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the technology described herein without departing from the teachings defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of the claims of this disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects of the processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, and actions described above. Currently existing or later-developed processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding aspects described herein can be utilized. Therefore, the appended claims include such processes, machines, manufactures, events, means, methods, or actions within their scope.

[0157] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this disclosure. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be carried out within the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0158] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations therein.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to the first functional network element for access network control and management, the method includes: Receive first information from a terminal or a second functional network element; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session. Authenticate the data session; When the authentication is successful, second information is configured for the data session based on the first information; the second information is used to indicate the management strategy of the data session.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information includes at least one of the following: session identifier, network identifier, session type, quality of service requirements, forwarding mode, and in-path task request information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second information includes transmission resource policies, routing policies, and forwarding combination policies; When the authentication is successful, based on the first information, the second information is configured for the data session, including: Configure the transmission resource policy based on the aforementioned quality of service requirements; Configure the routing policy based on the session type; Configure the forwarding combination strategy based on the forwarding mode.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send third information to the third functional network element so that the third functional network element establishes a radio bearer for the first functional network element; When the wireless bearer is successful, the second information is sent to the terminal or the second functional network element.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive fourth information from the terminal or the second functional network element; the fourth information is used to indicate the response information of the second information.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the authentication fails, a fifth message is sent to the terminal or the second functional network element; the fifth message is used to indicate that the data session establishment has failed.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The forwarding mode includes at least one of the following: forwarding between terminals within the same station, forwarding between terminals in different stations, forwarding between a terminal within the same station and an edge node, and forwarding between edge nodes in different stations.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The first functional network element, the second functional network element, and the third functional network element are access network elements; the first functional network element is used to implement the function of communication and computing collaborative control; the third functional network element is used to implement the function of protocol stack.

9. A communication method, characterized in that, Applied to a second functional network element, the method includes: Send first information to a first functional network element; the first functional network element is used to implement access network control and management; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session. Receive second information from the first functional network element; the second information is used to indicate the management strategy of the data session.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: Send a fourth message to the first functional network element; the fourth message is used to indicate the response information of the second message.

11. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second functional network element is used to implement routing management and data forwarding functions.

12. A communication system, characterized in that, include: The first functional network element is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-8; The second functional network element is used to implement the method as described in any one of claims 9-11; The third functional element is used to implement the functions of the protocol stack.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first functional network element and the second functional network element establish a connection through a first interface; the first interface is a computing data control interface; the second functional network element and the third functional network element establish a connection through a second interface and a third interface; the second interface is a computing data offloading and injection interface; The third interface is a computational data collaboration interface.

14. A communication device, characterized in that, The device, located in the first functional network element and used to implement access network control and management, includes: The receiving unit is configured to receive first information from a terminal or a second functional network element; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session. An authentication unit is used to authenticate the data session; The configuration unit is used to configure second information for the data session based on the first information when the authentication is successful; the second information is used to indicate the management policy of the data session.

15. A communication device, characterized in that, The device, located in the second functional network element, includes: A sending unit is used to send first information to a first functional network element; the first functional network element is used to implement access network control and management; the first information is used to request the establishment of a data session. The receiving unit is used to receive second information from the first functional network element; the second information is used to indicate the management strategy of the data session.

16. An electronic device, characterized in that, include: Memory, used to store computer-readable instructions; as well as A processor for executing the computer-readable instructions, causing the electronic device to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing computer-readable instructions, characterized in that, When the computer-readable instructions are executed by a processor, the processor performs the method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

18. A computer program product, characterized in that, Includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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