User data processing device, user data processing method, and communication system

Abstract

To provide a user data processing device capable of assuring a cooperation between a plurality of network functions included in a network slice instance, a user data processing method, and a communication system including the user data processing device.SOLUTION: In a user data processing device, an allocation section allocates a received packet to a plurality of queues corresponding to a plurality of combinations regarding slices and QoS classes. The received packet includes a slice number based on S-NSSAI in a second region other than a first region including a TEID value in a TEID region of the received packet. A plurality of transfer sections corresponds to a plurality of slices and executes transfer processing of packets held in the queues of the corresponding slices.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a user data processing device, a user data processing method, and a communication system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 proposes a user data processing device that allows one device to accommodate communication of multiple network slices (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "slices") and efficiently implements QoS (Quality of Service) control in each network slice. For example, in the user data processing device of Patent Document 1, an identification means analyzes a received packet received via a physical port and identifies the network slice to which the received packet belongs and the class in QoS. The queue group has multiple queue groups corresponding to multiple network slices. Each queue group includes multiple queues corresponding to multiple classes in QoS. The distribution means distributes the received packet to the queues according to the analysis result of the received packet. Each data transfer means acquires a received packet from a queue corresponding to each class of the corresponding queue group. Each data transfer means performs packet transfer processing according to the QoS on the acquired received packet.

[0003] In the user data processing device of Patent Document 1, the identification means identifies the QoS of a received packet based on a CoS (Class of Service) value included in the received packet. Also, the identification means identifies the network slice to which the received packet corresponds based on a DSCP (Differentiated Services Code Point) value included in the received packet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-170729 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the DSCP value is not shared between network functions of a network slice instance. For this reason, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 may not ensure cooperation between multiple network functions included in a network slice instance.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a user data processing device, a user data processing method, and a communication system including the user data processing device, which can ensure coordination between multiple network functions included in a network slice instance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one aspect, the user data processing device comprises: a distribution unit that distributes received packets to a plurality of queues that respectively correspond to a plurality of combinations of slices and Quality of Service (QoS) classes; A plurality of transfer units each corresponding to a plurality of slices and each performing a transfer process of a packet held in a queue of the corresponding slice; Equipped with The received packet includes a slice number based on S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) in a second area other than a first area that includes a TEID value in the TEID (Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​area of ​​the received packet.

[0008] In another aspect, a method for processing user data comprises: Allocating received packets to a plurality of queues corresponding to a plurality of combinations of slices and Quality of Service (QoS) classes; performing a transfer process of the packets held in the plurality of queues independently for each slice; Including, The received packet includes a slice number based on S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) in a second area other than a first area that includes a TEID value in the TEID (Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​area of ​​the received packet.

[0009] In another aspect, a communication system includes: an access network node; A user data processing device; Including, The access network node transmits the packet including a slice number based on S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) in a second area other than a first area including a TEID value in a TEID (Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​area of ​​the packet to the user data processing device; The user data processing device comprises: a distribution unit that distributes received packets to a plurality of queues corresponding to a plurality of combinations of slices and QoS (Quality of Service) classes based on the slice numbers; A plurality of transfer units each corresponding to a plurality of slices and each performing a transfer process of a packet held in a queue of the corresponding slice; Equipped with: Effect of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure makes it possible to provide a user data processing device, a user data processing method, and a communication system including the user data processing device, which can ensure coordination between multiple network functions included in a network slice instance. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a user data processing device of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation of the user data processing device of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a user data processing device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a network system according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing another example of a user data processing device of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a GTP-U packet. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a TEID area. [Figure 8] A figure showing an example of an S-NSSAI information element (IE). [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for forming slice numbers. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing operation in the UPF of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing operation in a network system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this disclosure, the drawings may relate to one or more embodiments. Also, each element in the drawings may apply to one or more embodiments. In the embodiments, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations are omitted.

[0013] First Embodiment <Configuration example of user data processing device> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a user data processing device of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, the user data processing device 10 has transfer units 11-1 and 11-2, queues 12-A1 to 12-AN, and 12-B1 to 12-BN, and a distribution unit 13. N is an integer equal to or greater than 2. The user data processing device 10 is, for example, a UPF (User Plane Function) device of a 5G core network (CN: Core Network). In the following, when the transfer units 11-1 and 11-2 are not distinguished from each other, each of the transfer units 11-1 and 11-2 or the transfer units 11-1 and 11-2 collectively may be simply referred to as the transfer unit 11. Furthermore, when the queues 12-A1 to 12-AN and 12-B1 to 12-BN are not to be distinguished from one another, each of the queues 12-A1 to 12-AN and 12-B1 to 12-BN, or the queues 12-A1 to 12-AN and 12-B1 to 12-BN collectively, may be simply referred to as the queues 12. Furthermore, although the number of transfer units 11 included in the user data processing device 10 is two here, this is not limited to this and may be three or more.

[0014] The transfer units 11-1 and 11-2 correspond to a plurality of network slices (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as "slices") that are different from each other. For example, the transfer unit 11-1 corresponds to a first slice, and the transfer unit 11-2 corresponds to a second slice that is different from the first slice. For example, if the user data processing device 10 has a third transfer unit 11, the third transfer unit 11 corresponds to a slice that is different from both the first slice and the second slice.

[0015] The queues 12-A1 to 12-AN correspond to the first slice, that is, the transfer unit 11-1. The queues 12-A1 to 12-AN can be collectively called "queue group A (QG:A)". The queues 12-A1 to 12-AN correspond to N classes related to QoS, respectively. The QoS class corresponds to a priority level in QoS control (i.e., control for adjusting the order and amount of data passing). That is, the N queues 12 included in the queue group A correspond to N combinations of the first slice and the QoS class, respectively. For example, when there are eight QoS classes, from class 0 to class 7, there are eight combinations of the first slice and class 0, ..., and the first slice and class 7. In this case, the queues 12-A1 to 12-A8 correspond to the eight combinations of the first slice and class 0, ..., and the first slice and class 7, respectively.

[0016] Moreover, the queues 12-B1 to 12-BN correspond to the second slice, that is, the transfer unit 11-2. The queues 12-B1 to 12-BN can be collectively referred to as "queue group B (QG:B)." The queues 12-B1 to 12-BN correspond to the N classes related to QoS, respectively. That is, the N queues 12 included in the queue group B correspond to the N combinations of the second slice and the QoS classes, respectively.

[0017] For example, when the user data processing device 10 has a third transfer unit 11, the user data processing device 10 may have a "queue group C (QG:C)". The queue group C includes N queues 12, similar to the queue groups A and B.

[0018] The distribution unit 13 receives a received packet from the user data processing device 10, and distributes the received packet to one of a plurality of queues 12. The queue 12 to which the received packet is distributed temporarily holds the received packet.

[0019] For example, the received packet includes a slice number based on S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) in a "second area" other than a "first area" including a TEID value in the TEID (Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​area of ​​the received packet. Also, the received packet includes a CoS (Class of Service) value in, for example, an L2 (Layer 2) area. Note that the area may be read as, for example, a field.

[0020] The allocating unit 13 specifies (or identifies) the slice to which the received packet corresponds based on the slice number included in the second region. The allocating unit 13 also specifies the QoS class to which the received packet corresponds based on the CoS value. Then, the allocating unit 13 allocates the received packet to the queue 12 corresponding to the combination of the specified slice and QoS class.

[0021] The transfer unit 11 executes a transfer process according to the QoS of the packet held in the queue 12 of the corresponding slice. For example, a first packet of a first slice and a first QoS class and a second packet of a second slice and a second QoS class are held in two queues 12. The second QoS class has a lower priority than the first QoS class. In this case, the transfer unit 11-1 may execute a transfer process of the first packet with priority over the second packet.

[0022] <Example of operation of user data processing device> FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing operation of the user data processing device of the present disclosure.

[0023] The distribution unit 13 distributes the received packet to one of the multiple queues 12 (step S11).

[0024] The multiple transfer units 11 execute the transfer process of the packets held in the multiple queues 12 independently for each slice (step S12).

[0025] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the distribution unit 13 in the user data processing device 10 distributes received packets to multiple queues 12 corresponding to multiple combinations of slices and QoS classes. The received packets include a slice number based on the S-NSSAI in a second area other than a first area including a TEID value in the TEID area of ​​the received packets. The multiple transfer units 11 correspond to multiple slices respectively, and each executes a transfer process of the packets held in the queue 12 of the corresponding slice.

[0026] With this configuration of the user data processing device 10, since the slice number is included in the second area of ​​the TEID area of ​​the received packet, the distribution unit 13 can identify the slice to which the packet corresponds before the packet is forwarded by the forwarding unit 11. Therefore, the distribution unit 13 can distribute the packet to the queue 12 corresponding to the combination of the slice and QoS class to which the packet corresponds. Therefore, the forwarding unit 11 can forward the packet of the corresponding slice according to the QoS. In addition, the S-NSSAI is shared by each network function (NF: Network Function) of the network slice instance (NSI: Network Slice Instance). By using the slice number based on the S-NSSAI, it is possible to ensure cooperation between multiple network functions included in the network slice instance. Note that the network slice instance means multiple network functions constituting one network slice and the resources required for them. As will be described later, the association between the S-NSSAI and the slice number is formed in the user data processing device. That is, the slice number is formed in the user data processing device based on the S-NSSAI. The second area of ​​the TEID area for the TEID, which is an identifier that can be created independently by the user data processing device, is used as an area for including the slice number, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of the slice number.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the user data processing device of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the user data processing device 10 may have a processor 101 and a memory 102. The processor 101 may be, for example, a microprocessor, a micro processing unit (MPU), or a central processing unit (CPU). The processor 101 may include a plurality of processors. The memory 102 is configured by a combination of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The memory 102 may include a storage arranged away from the processor 101. In this case, the processor 101 may access the memory 102 via an I (Input) / O (Output) interface not shown. The transfer units 11-1 and 11-2 and the distribution unit 13 of the user data processing device 10 may be realized by the processor 101 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 102. The queues 12-A1 to 12-AN and 12-B1 to 12-BN may be realized by the memory 102. The program can be stored and provided to the user data processing device 10 using various types of non-transitory computer readable media. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives) and magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks). Further, examples of the non-transitory computer readable media include CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, and CD-R / W. Further, examples of the non-transitory computer readable media include semiconductor memories. Semiconductor memories include, for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, and RAM (Random Access Memory). Also, the program may be provided to the user data processing device 10 by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of the transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves.The temporary computer-readable medium can supply the program to the user data processing device 10 via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path.

[0028] <Second embodiment> <Network system overview> 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network system according to the present disclosure. In FIG. 4, the network system 1 includes a user data processing device (UPF) 20, a user equipment (UE) 30, an access network (AN) 40, an access and mobility management function (AMF) 50, a session management function (SMF) 60, and a data network (DN) 70.

[0029] The UE 30 includes user equipment such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a PC (Personal Computer), and an IoT device. On the UE 30, a plurality of applications that communicate with the DN 70 may run. The DN 70 is an external network such as the Internet. The AN 40 connects the UE 30 to a 5G core network. The AN 40 includes a base station and the like. The AMF 50 performs mobility management. The AMF 50 performs, for example, subscriber authentication and location management of the UE 20.

[0030] The UPF 20 constitutes part of the 5G core network. The UPF 20 relays user data communication between the DN 70 and the UE 30. The SMF 60 performs session management. The SMF 60 and the UPF 20 establish a session for the DN 70 for each network slice. Multiple applications running on the UE 30 connect to network slices that meet their respective traffic requirements.

[0031] <Configuration example of user data processing device> Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing another example of the user data processing device of the present disclosure. In Fig. 5, the user data processing device (UPF) 20 has transfer units (UPF function units) 11-1 and 11-2, queues 12-A1 to 12-AN, and 12-B1 to 12-BN, a distribution unit 13, and a control unit 21. The distribution unit 13 has an analysis unit 13A and a distribution processing unit 13B. The UPF 20 also has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 and a smart NIC (Network Interface Card) 202. The transfer units 11-1 and 11-2 are realized on the CPU 201. The queues 12-A1 to 12-AN, and 12-B1 to 12-BN, and the distribution unit 13 are realized on the smart NIC 202. The smart NIC 202 is configured using, for example, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The smart NIC 202 may be configured using other devices, such as a semiconductor device including a processor and a memory. In this case, the function of the allocator 13 may be realized by the processor operating according to a program read from the memory.

[0032] The forwarding unit 11 performs packet forwarding processing according to QoS in the corresponding network slice. The forwarding unit 11 has a receiving unit (Rx) that acquires packets from the smart NIC 202, a functional unit that determines the packet forwarding destination, and a transmitting unit (Tx) that transmits packets to the AN 40 or DN 70 through the smart NIC 202. Each forwarding unit 11 provides a packet forwarding function that meets the traffic requirements required for the corresponding network slice.

[0033] The analysis unit 13A receives a packet (a received packet) via a port (not shown). The analysis unit 13A parses (analyzes) the received packet and identifies the network slice and QoS class to which the received packet belongs. The analysis unit 13A identifies the network slice by, for example, referring to a specific range of the received packet. The analysis unit 13A identifies the QoS class based on a CoS value included in an L2 (Layer 2) Ethernet (registered trademark) frame of the received packet.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a GTP-U (GPRS (General Packet Radio System) Tunneling Protocol for User Plane) packet. A GTP-U packet has multiple areas, including Payload, Inner IP, GTP-U Extension, GTP-U, UDP (User Datagram Protocol), Outer IP, L2, and L1 (Layer 1). When a received packet is a GTP-U packet, the analysis unit 13A may refer to the range from the L2 Ethernet frame to the GTP-U Extension as the analysis range and identify the network slice.

[0035] More specifically, the received packet includes a slice number based on S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) in a "second area" other than a "first area" including a TEID value in the TEID area of ​​the received packet. The TEID area is an area included in the above-mentioned GTP-U area. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the TEID area. As shown in FIG. 7, the TEID area can include a 32-bit bit string. The first area has a size of 22 bits. That is, the first area can include a 22-bit TEID value. The second area has a size of 9 bits. That is, the second area can include a 9-bit slice number. That is, the slice number has a number of bits corresponding to the size of the second area. A generation number area (1 bit) is provided at the boundary between the first area and the second area.

[0036] Here, as shown in Figure 8, the S-NSSAI information element (IE) has 64 bits. Therefore, the S-NSSAI cannot be included in the second field as it is. Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the S-NSSAI information element (IE). The S-NSSAI information element (IE) will be described later.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 8, the S-NSSAI includes a bit string (8 bits) of SST (Slice / Service Type) and a bit string (24 bits) of SD (Slice Differentiator). For example, the slice number may be formed based on a part of the bit string of SST and a part of the bit string of SD. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the slice number may be a bit string in which a part of the bit string of SST and a part of the bit string of SD are concatenated. In the example of FIG. 9, the slice number is formed by concatenating the lowest 4 bits of the bit string of SST and the lowest 5 bits of the bit string of SD.

[0038] The analysis unit 13A may hold a correspondence relationship between the S-NSSAI and a slice number corresponding to the S-NSSAI. Then, the analysis unit 13A identifies the slice number included in the second area of ​​the received packet. Then, the analysis unit 13A identifies the S-NSSAI that is associated with the identified slice number in a correspondence relationship based on the identified slice number and the above correspondence. This allows the analysis unit 13A to identify the network slice of the received packet.

[0039] The distribution processing unit 13B distributes the received packet to the queue 12 corresponding to the combination of the slice and the QoS class specified by the analysis unit 13A.

[0040] The transfer unit 11 acquires received packets from the queues 12 corresponding to each class of the corresponding queue group. For example, the transfer unit 11-1 corresponding to the first slice acquires received packets from the queues 12-A1 to 12-AN included in the queue group A according to a predetermined rule. The transfer unit 11-1 performs packet transfer processing on the acquired received packets according to the QoS. The transfer unit 11-1 transmits the packets to the transfer destination AN40 or DN70 through the smart NIC 202.

[0041] The control unit 21 notifies the AN 40 in advance of the correspondence information between the S-NSSAI and the slice number via the SMF 60. This enables the AN 40 to include the slice number of the slice to which the packet corresponds in the second field of the packet to be transmitted to the UPF 20. The notification of the correspondence information between the S-NSSAI and the slice number will be described in detail later.

[0042] <Example of network system operation> (Packet forwarding) FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing operation in the UPF of the present disclosure.

[0043] The analysis unit 13A receives a packet via a port (not shown) (step S21). The analysis unit 13A parses the received packet. The analysis unit 13A identifies the network slice to which the received packet belongs (step S22). The analysis unit 13A identifies the QoS class of the received packet (step S23).

[0044] The analysis unit 13A distributes and stores the received packet in the queue 12 corresponding to the identified network slice and QoS class (step S24).

[0045] The forwarding unit 11 acquires the received packet from the queue 12 of the corresponding queue group. The forwarding unit 11 performs a packet forwarding process on the acquired received packet according to the QoS (step S25).

[0046] (Notification of S-NSSAI, correspondence information between S-NSSAI and slice number) FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing operation in the network system.

[0047] The SMF 60 transmits a first message including the S-NSSAI to the UPF 20 (step S31). The first message is, for example, a session establishment request message for establishing a session between the SMF 60 and the UPF 20. This session establishment request message may be, for example, an N4 Session Establishment / Modification Request message. Fig. 8 shows an example of the configuration of the S-NSSAI information element (IE) of the N4 Session Establishment / Modification Request message.

[0048] The UPF 20 forms a slice number according to the S-NSSAI included in the first message. Then, the UPF 20 transmits a second message including correspondence information between the S-NSSAI and the slice number to the SMF 60 (step S32). The second message is, for example, a session establishment response message for responding to the session establishment request message. This session establishment response message may be, for example, an N4 Session Establishment / Modification Response message.

[0049] The SMF 60 transmits a third message including the association information between the S-NSSAI and the slice number to the AMF 50 (step S33). The AMF 50 transmits a fourth message including the association information between the S-NSSAI and the slice number to the AN 40 (step S34).

[0050] The UE 30 transmits the packet to the UPF 20 via the AN 40 (step S35). At this time, the AN 40 uses the above-mentioned association information to include the slice number of the slice corresponding to the UE 30 in the above-mentioned second field of the packet received from the UE 30.

[0051] Programs for implementing the functions in the smart NIC 202 can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and provided to the smart NIC (e.g., FPGA). The non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media such as a flexible disk, a magnetic tape, or a hard disk, magneto-optical recording media such as a magneto-optical disk, optical disk media such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disk (DVD), and semiconductor memories such as a masked read only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), a flash ROM, or a random access memory (RAM). The programs may also be provided to the smart NIC using various types of temporary computer readable media. Examples of the temporary computer readable media include an electric signal, an optical signal, and an electromagnetic wave. The temporary computer readable media can provide the programs to the smart NIC via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path.

[0052] <Modification of the second embodiment> In the above description, the slice number is formed based on a part of the bit string of the SST and a part of the bit string of the SD, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the correspondence between the S-NSSAI and the slice number may be registered in advance in the correspondence relationship of the analysis unit 13A by the maintenance person.

[0053] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by a person skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be appropriately combined with other embodiments.

[0054] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but is not limited to, the following supplementary notes. (Appendix 1) a distribution unit that distributes received packets to a plurality of queues that respectively correspond to a plurality of combinations of slices and Quality of Service (QoS) classes; A plurality of transfer units each corresponding to a plurality of slices and each performing a transfer process of a packet held in a queue of the corresponding slice; Equipped with The received packet includes a slice number based on S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) in a second area other than a first area including a TEID value in a TEID (Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​area of ​​the received packet. User data processing device. (Appendix 2) The slice number has a number of bits corresponding to a size of the second region that is smaller than the number of bits of the S-NSSAI. 2. The user data processing device according to claim 1. (Appendix 3) The S-NSSAI includes a bit string of SST (Slice / Service Type) and a bit string of SD (Slice Differentiator), The slice number is formed based on a part of the bit string of the SST and a part of the bit string of the SD. 3. The user data processing device according to claim 2. (Appendix 4) The slice number is a bit string obtained by concatenating a part of the bit string of the SST and a part of the bit string of the SD. 4. The user data processing device according to claim 3. (Appendix 5) the received packet is a packet transmitted to the user data processing device via an access network node, The slice number is included in the packet at the access network node; The user data processing device further includes a control unit that notifies the access network node in advance of the association information between the S-NSSAI and the slice number via a session management device. 2. The user data processing device according to claim 1. (Appendix 6) the control unit includes the association information in a session establishment response message for responding to a session establishment request message transmitted from the session management device, and transmits the session establishment response message to the session management device. 6. The user data processing device according to claim 5. (Appendix 7) Allocating received packets to a plurality of queues corresponding to a plurality of combinations of slices and Quality of Service (QoS) classes; performing a transfer process of the packets held in the plurality of queues independently for each slice; Including, The received packet includes a slice number based on S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) in a second area other than a first area including a TEID value in a TEID (Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​area of ​​the received packet. How user data is processed. (Appendix 8) The slice number has a number of bits corresponding to a size of the second region that is smaller than the number of bits of the S-NSSAI. 8. The user data processing method according to claim 7. (Appendix 9) The S-NSSAI includes a bit string of SST (Slice / Service Type) and a bit string of SD (Slice Differentiator), The slice number is formed based on a part of the bit string of the SST and a part of the bit string of the SD. 9. The user data processing method according to claim 8. (Appendix 10) The slice number is a bit string obtained by concatenating a part of the bit string of the SST and a part of the bit string of the SD. 10. The user data processing method according to claim 9. (Appendix 11) the received packet is a packet transmitted to the user data processing device via an access network node, The slice number is included in the packet at the access network node; The user data processing method further includes notifying the access network node in advance of association information between the S-NSSAI and the slice number via a session management device. 8. The user data processing method according to claim 7. (Appendix 12) the notifying includes including the association information in a session establishment response message for responding to a session establishment request message transmitted from the session management device, and transmitting the session establishment response message to the session management device. 12. The user data processing method according to claim 11. (Appendix 13) an access network node; A user data processing device; Including, The access network node transmits the packet including a slice number based on S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) in a second area other than a first area including a TEID value in a TEID (Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​area of ​​the packet to the user data processing device; The user data processing device comprises: a distribution unit that distributes received packets to a plurality of queues corresponding to a plurality of combinations of slices and QoS (Quality of Service) classes based on the slice numbers; A plurality of transfer units each corresponding to a plurality of slices and each performing a transfer process of a packet held in a queue of the corresponding slice; Equipped with Communication systems. (Appendix 14) The slice number has a number of bits corresponding to a size of the second region that is smaller than the number of bits of the S-NSSAI. 14. The communication system of claim 13. (Appendix 15) The S-NSSAI includes a bit string of SST (Slice / Service Type) and a bit string of SD (Slice Differentiator), The slice number is formed based on a part of the bit string of the SST and a part of the bit string of the SD. 15. The communication system of claim 14. (Appendix 16) The slice number is a bit string obtained by concatenating a part of the bit string of the SST and a part of the bit string of the SD. 16. The communication system of claim 15. (Appendix 17) The user data processing device further includes a control unit that notifies the access network node in advance of the association information between the S-NSSAI and the slice number via a session management device. 14. The communication system of claim 13. (Appendix 18) the control unit includes the association information in a session establishment response message for responding to a session establishment request message transmitted from the session management device, and transmits the session establishment response message to the session management device. 18. The communication system of claim 17. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1 Network System 10 User Data Processing Unit (UPF) 11 Transfer unit (UPF function unit) 12 Queue 13 Sorting section 13A Analysis section 13B Distribution processing unit 20 User Data Processing Unit (UPF) 21 Control section

Claims

1. a distribution unit that distributes received packets to a plurality of queues that respectively correspond to a plurality of combinations of slices and QoS (Quality of Service) classes; A plurality of transfer units each corresponding to a plurality of slices and each performing a transfer process of a packet held in a queue of the corresponding slice; Equipped with The received packet includes a slice number based on S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) in a second area other than a first area including a TEID value in a TEID (Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​area of ​​the received packet, User data processing device.

2. The slice number has a number of bits corresponding to a size of the second region that is smaller than the number of bits of the S-NSSAI.

2. The user data processing device according to claim 1.

3. The S-NSSAI includes a bit string of SST (Slice / Service Type) and a bit string of SD (Slice Differentiator), The slice number is formed based on a part of the bit string of the SST and a part of the bit string of the SD.

3. The user data processing device according to claim 2.

4. The slice number is a bit string obtained by concatenating a part of the bit string of the SST and a part of the bit string of the SD.

4. The user data processing device according to claim 3.

5. the received packet is a packet transmitted to the user data processing device via an access network node, The slice number is included in the packet at the access network node; The user data processing device further includes a control unit that notifies the access network node in advance of the association information between the S-NSSAI and the slice number via a session management device.

2. The user data processing device according to claim 1.

6. Allocating received packets to a plurality of queues each corresponding to a plurality of combinations of slices and Quality of Service (QoS) classes; performing a transfer process of the packets held in the plurality of queues independently for each slice; Including, The received packet includes a slice number based on S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) in a second area other than a first area including a TEID value in a TEID (Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​area of ​​the received packet, How user data is processed.

7. The slice number has a number of bits corresponding to a size of the second region that is smaller than the number of bits of the S-NSSAI. The user data processing method according to claim 6.

8. The S-NSSAI includes a bit string of SST (Slice / Service Type) and a bit string of SD (Slice Differentiator), The slice number is formed based on a part of the bit string of the SST and a part of the bit string of the SD. The user data processing method according to claim 7.

9. an access network node; A user data processing device; Including, The access network node transmits the packet including a slice number based on S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Assistance Information) in a second area other than a first area including a TEID value in a TEID (Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) ​​area of ​​the packet to the user data processing device; The user data processing device comprises: a distribution unit that distributes received packets to a plurality of queues corresponding to a plurality of combinations of slices and QoS (Quality of Service) classes based on the slice numbers; A plurality of transfer units each corresponding to a plurality of slices and each performing a transfer process of a packet held in a queue of the corresponding slice; Equipped with Communication systems.

10. The user data processing device further includes a control unit that notifies the access network node in advance of the association information between the S-NSSAI and the slice number via a session management device.

10. The communication system of claim 9.

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