Offload processing method, device, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses an offload processing method, an apparatus, and a storage medium. In the method, when a Home Routed PDU session is established or modified, the SMF of the home domain sends at least one of EAS information of the visited domain, ECS address of the visited domain, related information of the visited domain AF, information permitting local offload by the SMF of the visited domain, and an offload policy to the SMF of the visited domain. In the method, the SMF of the visited domain performs local offload when it receives first information sent from the NF of the home domain. In the method, the UPF of the visited domain sends the second information to the SMF of the home domain when it receives second information initiated by the UE. In the method, the SMF of the visited domain searches for a PCF in the visited domain, and performs SM Policy Association with the PCF or triggers SM Policy Association Modification.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This disclosure claims priority to a Chinese patent application filed in China on March 29, 2022, bearing application number 202210325973.7, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The present disclosure relates to the field of communications technology, and in particular to an offload processing method, device, and storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the 5th-Generation (5G) network architecture for Home Routed (HR) roaming, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the interfaces between network functions for HR roaming. The 5G network architecture is divided into roaming scenarios and non-roaming scenarios, and the roaming scenarios are divided into Local Breakout (LBO) roaming and HR roaming scenarios. The 5G network architecture for HR roaming is shown in Figure 1.

[0003] The interfaces between the network functions of the Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN) and the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) are shown in Figure 2.

[0004] Edge computing is one of the key technologies for 5G networks, and its support by the Uplink Classifier (ULCL) enables local offloading. Before the introduction of edge computing, when user equipment (UE) accessed an application, the data flow had to pass through the User Plane Function (UPF) to enter the Data Network (DN). By deploying edge computing nodes, applications can be deployed on local edge computing platforms, and through the offloading function of the ULCL, the data flow when users access the application can be offloaded locally, reducing the burden on the core network.

[0005] In a 5G core network, the UPF, as a user plane function, acts as an ULCL uplink classifier, which is inserted by the Session Management Function (SMF) into Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions to offload data flows. Once inserted, the ULCL connects two or more different UPFs as PDU Session Anchors (PSAs), and each PSA can connect to a different data network.

[0006] A drawback of the related art is that there is currently no solution that can support the use of edge computing power in a Home Routed roaming scenario. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present disclosure aims to provide an offload processing method, device, and storage medium to solve the problem of the absence of a solution that can support the use of edge computing power in a Home Routed roaming scenario. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure provides the following technical solutions:

[0009] 1. A method for transmitting information, comprising: When a Home Routed PDU session is established or modified, the SMF of the home domain: The method includes sending at least one of the following information to the SMF of the visited domain: EAS information of the visited domain; an ECS address of the visited domain; associated information of the AF of the visited domain; information allowing local offloading by the SMF of the visited domain; and an offloading policy.

[0010] During implementation, the visited domain EAS information is used by the visited domain SMF to configure the visited domain EASDF.

[0011] During implementation, the home domain SMF further includes receiving fifth information sent from the visited domain SMF, the fifth information including at least one of an authorization for local offload in the visited domain, an indication to support EASDF capabilities, and an indication to support local offload capabilities in the visited domain.

[0012] During implementation, the EAS information of the visited domain received by the SMF of the visited domain is obtained by the SMF of the home domain from the NEF of the home domain.

[0013] During implementation, the visited domain's AF-related information received by the visited domain's SMF is obtained by the home domain's SMF from the home domain's PCF.

[0014] During execution, the SMF of the home domain obtains sixth information from the UDM of the home domain, and the sixth information instructs the execution of local offload.

[0015] 1. An offloading method, comprising: When the SMF of the visited domain receives the first information sent from the NF of the home domain, it performs local offloading.

[0016] In implementation, the NF of the home domain is an SMF, or a PCF, or a UDM.

[0017] During implementation, the SMF of the visited domain further includes sending the offload policy to the UPF of the visited domain.

[0018] During implementation, performing local offloading is The SMF of the visited domain performs insertion or update of the ULCL based on the first information, and selects a local DNS server based on the first information.

[0019] During implementation, the first information comprises: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0020] During execution, the visiting domain SMF sends the EAS information to the visiting domain EASDF.

[0021] During implementation, the EAS information is obtained from the SMF of the home domain, or from the NEF of the visited domain, or from other NFs of the visited domain. A business request processing method, comprising: The UPF of the visited domain, upon receiving the second information initiated by the UE, sends the second information to the SMF of the home domain.

[0022] During implementation, the second information is sent to the SMF of the home domain via the SMF of the visited domain or the UPF of the home domain. In implementation, the second information is a DNS query message for discovering an edge application server.

[0023] During implementation, the UPF of the visited domain further includes sending the second information to a DNS server of the visited domain for processing.

[0024] During implementation, the UPF of the visited domain, upon receiving the DNS feedback, further includes: responding the fed back information to the UE via the ULCL of the visited domain.

[0025] 1. A PCF selection method, comprising: The SMF in the visited domain searches for the PCF in the visited domain and performs an SM Policy Association with the PCF or triggers an SM Policy Association Modification.

[0026] During implementation, the visited domain SMF searches the visited domain PCF for Home Routed PDU sessions.

[0027] During implementation, the method further includes receiving third information sent from a PCF of a visited domain, wherein the third information is used to perform a ULCL insertion or update in the visited domain.

[0028] During implementation, the SMF of the visited domain performs a ULCL insertion or update based on the third information, and further includes selecting a DNS server of the visited domain based on the third information.

[0029] During implementation, the third information comprises: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0030] 1. An offloading method, comprising: The SMF of the visited domain receives fourth information from the PCF of the visited domain or the SMF of the home domain in the case of a Home Routed PDU session; and performing, based on the fourth information, inserting or updating a ULCL in the visited domain of the terminal device and discovering a DNS server in the visited domain of the terminal device.

[0031] During implementation, the fourth information is sent by the visited domain's UDR to the visited domain's PCF through a Nudr_DM_Notify message.

[0032] During implementation, the fourth information is sent by the PCF of the visited domain to the SMF of the visited domain through the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message.

[0033] During implementation, the fourth information is: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0034] The SMF of the attribution domain, a processor configured to read a program in a memory and execute the following: when a Home Routed PDU session is established or modified, send at least one of EAS information of the visited domain, an ECS address of the visited domain, associated information of the visited domain AF, information allowing local offload by the SMF of the visited domain, and an offload policy to the SMF of the visited domain; a transceiver configured to transmit and receive data under control of the processor.

[0035] During implementation, the visited domain EAS information is used by the visited domain SMF to configure the visited domain EASDF.

[0036] During implementation, the method further includes receiving fifth information sent from the visited domain SMF, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of an authorization for local offload in the visited domain, an indication to support EASDF capabilities, and an indication to support local offload capabilities in the visited domain.

[0037] During implementation, the EAS information of the visited domain received by the SMF of the visited domain is obtained by the SMF of the home domain from the NEF of the home domain.

[0038] During implementation, the relevant information of the received AF of the visited domain is obtained by the SMF of the home domain from the PCF of the home domain.

[0039] During execution, sixth information is obtained from the UDM of the home domain, and the sixth information indicates the execution of local offload.

[0040] The SMF of the attribution domain, The present invention also includes an SMF sending module of a visiting domain configured to send at least one of EAS information of the visiting domain, an ECS address of the visiting domain, related information of the visiting domain AF, information allowing local offloading by the SMF of the visiting domain, and an offloading policy to the SMF of the visiting domain when a Home Routed PDU session is established or changed.

[0041] During implementation, the SMF sending module of the home domain is further configured to send EAS information of the visited domain, which is used by the SMF of the visited domain to configure the visited domain EASDF.

[0042] During implementation, the method further includes an SMF receiving module in the home domain configured to receive fifth information transmitted from the visited domain SMF, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of an authorization for local offload in the visited domain, an indication to support EASDF capabilities, and an indication to support local offload capabilities in the visited domain.

[0043] During implementation, the SMF sending module of the home domain is further configured to send the EAS information of the visited domain that the SMF of the home domain obtains and receives from the NEF of the home domain.

[0044] During implementation, the SMF sending module of the home domain is further configured to send related information of the AF of the visited domain that the SMF of the home domain obtains and receives from the PCF of the home domain.

[0045] During implementation, the SMF receiving module of the home domain is further configured to obtain sixth information from the UDM of the home domain, the sixth information instructing the execution of local offload.

[0046] An SMF of a visited domain, A processor configured to read a program in the memory and execute a local offload when receiving first information transmitted from an NF of an attribution domain; a transceiver configured to transmit and receive data under control of the processor.

[0047] In implementation, the NF of the home domain is an SMF, or a PCF, or a UDM.

[0048] During implementation, the method further includes sending the offloading policy to the UPF of the visited domain.

[0049] During implementation, performing local offloading is Performing an insertion or update of the ULCL based on the first information and selecting a local DNS server based on the first information.

[0050] During implementation, the first information comprises: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0051] During execution, EAS information is sent to the visiting domain EASDF.

[0052] During implementation, the EAS information is obtained from the SMF of the home domain, or from the NEF of the visited domain, or from other NFs of the visited domain.

[0053] An SMF of a visited domain, and an SMF offload module of the visited domain configured to perform local offload upon receiving first information transmitted from the NF of the home domain.

[0054] In implementation, the NF of the home domain is an SMF, or a PCF, or a UDM.

[0055] The visiting domain further includes an SMF sending module configured to, during execution, cause the SMF of the visiting domain to send the offload policy to the UPF of the visiting domain.

[0056] During implementation, the SMF offload module of the visited domain is further configured to, when performing local offload, perform insertion or update of the ULCL based on the first information and select a local DNS server based on the first information.

[0057] During implementation, the first information comprises: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0058] During implementation, the SMF sending module of the visited domain is further configured to send the EAS information to the visited domain EASDF.

[0059] During implementation, the EAS information is obtained from the SMF of the home domain, or from the NEF of the visited domain, or from other NFs of the visited domain.

[0060] A UPF of a visited domain, a processor configured to read a program in the memory and execute, upon receiving second information initiated by the UE, sending the second information to an SMF of an attribution domain; a transceiver configured to transmit and receive data under control of the processor.

[0061] During implementation, the second information is sent to the SMF of the home domain via the SMF of the visited domain or the UPF of the home domain.

[0062] In implementation, the second information is a DNS query message for discovering an edge application server.

[0063] During implementation, the method further includes sending the second information to a DNS server of the visited domain for processing.

[0064] During implementation, upon receiving DNS feedback, the method further includes responding the fed back information to the UE via the ULCL of the visited domain.

[0065] A UPF of a visited domain, and a UPF sending module of a visited domain configured to send the second information to an SMF of a home domain upon receiving second information initiated by the UE.

[0066] In practice, the UPF sending module of the visited domain is further configured to send the second information to the SMF of the home domain via the SMF of the visited location or the UPF of the home location.

[0067] In implementation, the second information is a DNS query message for discovering an edge application server.

[0068] During implementation, the UPF sending module of the visited domain is further configured to send the second information to a DNS server of the visited domain for processing.

[0069] During implementation, the UPF sending module of the visited domain is further configured, upon receiving the DNS feedback, to respond with the fed back information to the UE via the ULCL of the visited domain. An SMF of a visited domain, a processor configured to read a program in a memory to search for a PCF in a visited domain, and execute an SM Policy Association with the PCF or trigger an SM Policy Association Modification; a transceiver configured to transmit and receive data under control of the processor.

[0070] During implementation, searching the visited domain PCF searches in the case of a Home Routed PDU session.

[0071] During implementation, the method further includes receiving third information sent from a PCF of a visited domain, wherein the third information is used to perform a ULCL insertion or update in the visited domain.

[0072] During implementation, the method further includes performing a ULCL insertion or update based on the third information, and selecting a DNS server of the visited domain based on the third information.

[0073] During implementation, the third information comprises: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0074] An SMF of a visited domain, The visited domain includes an SMF selection module configured to search for a PCF in the visited domain and perform an SM policy association with the PCF or trigger an SM policy association modification.

[0075] During implementation, the SMF selection module of the visited domain is further configured to search for the visited domain PCF in the case of a Home Routed PDU session.

[0076] During implementation, the SMF receiving module of the visited domain is further configured to receive third information sent from the PCF of the visited domain, and the third information is used to perform ULCL insertion or update in the visited domain.

[0077] During implementation, the SMF selection module of the visited domain is further configured to perform a ULCL insertion or update based on the third information, and select a DNS server of the visited domain based on the third information.

[0078] During implementation, the third information comprises: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0079] An SMF of a visited domain, Read the program in memory In the case of a Home Routed PDU session, receiving fourth information from the PCF of the visited domain or the SMF of the home domain; a processor configured to perform, based on the fourth information, inserting or updating a ULCL in the visited domain of the terminal device, and discovering a DNS server in the visited domain of the terminal device; a transceiver configured to transmit and receive data under control of the processor.

[0080] During implementation, the fourth information is sent by the visited domain's UDR to the visited domain's PCF through a Nudr_DM_Notify message.

[0081] During implementation, the fourth information is sent by the PCF of the visited domain to the SMF of the visited domain through the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message.

[0082] During implementation, the fourth information is: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0083] An SMF of a visited domain, an SMF receiving module of the visited domain configured to receive fourth information from a PCF of the visited domain or an SMF of the home domain in the case of a Home Routed PDU session; and an SMF processing module of the visited domain configured to perform ULCL insertion or update in the visited domain of the terminal device and discovery of a DNS server in the visited domain of the terminal device based on the fourth information.

[0084] During implementation, the SMF receiving module of the visited domain is further configured to receive fourth information sent by the UDR of the visited domain to the PCF of the visited domain through a Nudr_DM_Notify message. During implementation, the SMF receiving module of the visited domain is further configured to receive fourth information sent by the PCF of the visited domain to the SMF of the visited domain through an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message.

[0085] During implementation, the fourth information is: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0086] A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program implementing the above method when executed by a processor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0087] The present disclosure has the following beneficial effects: While existing technologies do not describe how to use edge computing capabilities under a Home Routed roaming scenario, the technical solution according to the embodiments of the present disclosure solves the problem of how to use edge computing capabilities under a Home Routed roaming scenario, including discovering an Edge Application Server (EAS) or an Edge Host Environment (EHE), where the EHE includes or is equivalent to an instance of an EAS, and when a UE accesses an EAS, it can be considered as if the UE has already accessed or visited an EHE. Furthermore, the problem of how to perform local routing of traffic within a VPLMN is solved, thereby filling the research shortcomings in the related art.

[0088] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, constitute a part of the present disclosure, and the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and the description thereof are used to interpret the present disclosure and do not constitute undue limitations on the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0089] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture in the case of Home Routed roaming in the background art; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of interfaces between network functions in the case of HR roaming in the background art; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an implementation flow of an information transmission method on the HSMF side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an implementation flow of a VSMF-side offloading method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an implementation flow of a VUPF-side business request processing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6]1 is a schematic diagram of an implementation flow of a PCF selection method on the VSMF side according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an implementation flow of a VSMF-side offloading method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an implementation architecture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an offloading execution flow according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an implementation architecture of a second embodiment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an offloading execution flow according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an implementation architecture of a third embodiment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an offloading execution flow according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an offloading execution flow according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the SMF structure of an attribution domain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an SMF structure of a visited domain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a UPF structure of a visited domain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an SMF structure of a visited domain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an SMF structure of a visited domain according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0090] The inventors have noticed the following problems during the course of their invention. In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) 5G network architecture standard research, edge computing is more focused on accessing local services, so it is not coupled with roaming scenarios. However, with the development of networks, in roaming scenarios, how UEs use edge computing capabilities and discover edge application servers to access local services in visited locations using local offload capabilities has become an issue to be resolved.

[0091] Currently, edge computing capabilities are more commonly used in LBO roaming scenarios. However, due to the limited support of terminals for the number of Data Network Names (DNNs) and the practical deployment needs of networks, how to use edge computing capabilities in HR roaming scenarios has become a problem to be solved.

[0092] Based on this, the technical solution according to the embodiment of the present disclosure addresses the problem of how to use edge computing capabilities under a Home Routed roaming scenario, including the discovery of an Edge Application Server (EAS) or an Edge Host Environment (EHE), and in the solution according to the embodiment, the EHE includes or is equivalent to an instance of an EAS, and when a UE accesses an EAS, it can be considered as if the UE has already accessed or visited an EHE, and solves how to perform local routing of traffic within a VPLMN.

[0093] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0094] In the course of the description, the home SMF (HSMF), visited SMF (VSMF), visited UPF (VUPF), and visited PCF (VPCF; PCF: Policy Control Function Entity) will be described as respective embodiments, and a combined example of the embodiments will be provided to better understand the implementation of the solutions shown in the embodiments of the present disclosure. This description does not mean that they must cooperate in implementation or must be implemented independently; in fact, when they are implemented separately, they can solve their own problems, and when they are used in combination, a better technical effect can be achieved.

[0095] To explain the distinction, the H in the name stands for Home and the V for Visited. For example, HSMF is Home SMF, VPCF is Visited PCF, and others are similar. The VPLMN is the visited domain of the terminal device, the HPLMN is the home domain of the terminal device, and the VAF is the AF of the visited domain.

[0096] The functional entities according to the embodiment are mainly as follows: CP: control plane; UP: user plane; UE:user entity; NEF: network exposure function, capability release function; NRF: performs network repository function, network registration function, and management of Network Function (NF) services; AF: application function. It can be a third-party application or a carrier's own business. If it is a third-party application, the AF must interact with the PCF or UDM via the NEF; PDU session:Protocol data unit session; SMF: session management function; AMF: access and mobility management function; UPF: user plane function; UDM: unified data management.

[0097] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the implementation flow of the information transmission method on the HSMF side, which includes the following step 301, as shown in FIG.

[0098] In step 301, when a home routing PDU session is established or modified, the SMF of the home domain sends at least one of the following information to the SMF of the visited domain of the terminal device: EAS information of the visited domain, an Edge Configuration Server (ECS) address of the visited domain, related information of the visited domain AF, information allowing local offloading by the SMF of the visited domain, and an offloading policy.

[0099] Here, the EAS information is EAS configuration information and / or other EAS related information.

[0100] The EAS information can be EAS deployment information and / or other EAS-related information, which describes the edge application server and can be used to discover the edge application server and configure the Edge Application Server Discovery Function (EASDF). From this information, the SMF can obtain related information about the Data Network Service (DNS) server.

[0101] The related information of the AF may include an external application identifier, an application service identifier, a data network access identifier (DN Access Identifier, DNAI), a related routing configuration file identifier, N6 traffic routing information, EAS configuration information, and the like.

[0102] In implementation, the information is transmitted via first information for a PDU session establishment request or update request.

[0103] Specifically, the information may be transmitted via a PDU session establishment request (Nsmf_PDUSession_Create Request) or a PDU session update request (Nsmf_PDUSession_Update Request).

[0104] During implementation, the EAS information of the visited domain of the terminal device among the above information is used by the SMF of the visited domain to configure the EASDF of the visited domain.

[0105] Specifically, the EAS information can be used by the VSMF to configure the visited domain EASDF.

[0106] During implementation, the home domain SMF further includes receiving fifth information sent from the visited domain SMF, the fifth information including at least one of an authorization for local offload in the visited domain, an indication to support EASDF capabilities, and an indication to support local offload capabilities in the visited domain.

[0107] The fifth information may be, or may include, at least one of: permission for local offloading in the visited domain; an indication to support EASDF capabilities; and an indication to support local offloading capabilities in the visited domain.

[0108] For example, if the fifth information only includes a request for permission for local offloading in the visited domain, the fifth information requests permission for local offloading in the visited domain.

[0109] If the fifth information contains only instructions to support EASDF capabilities, the fifth information is an instruction to support EASDF capabilities.

[0110] When the fifth information includes only an indication to support local offload capability in the visited domain, the fifth information is an indication to support local offload capability in the visited domain.

[0111] During implementation, the visited domain EAS information of the terminal device received by the visited domain SMF is obtained by the home domain SMF from the home domain NEF.

[0112] During implementation, the visited domain's AF-related information received by the visited domain's SMF is obtained by the home domain's SMF from the home domain's PCF.

[0113] Specifically, the AF of the home domain sends AF-related information to the NEF of the home domain via an AF request. The AF-related information can affect the traffic routing of the session and may include an external application identifier, an application service identifier, a DNAI, an associated routing configuration file identifier, N6 traffic routing information, EAS configuration information, etc. The NEF of the home domain stores the AF request information in the Unified Data Repository (UDR). The PCF of the home domain subscribes to changes in the AF request and receives notifications containing the AF request information from the UDR. Alternatively, the AF of the home domain directly sends an AF request to the PCF of the home domain. The PCF generates a corresponding policy based on the AF request and sends the policy information containing the AF-related information to the SMF of the home domain.

[0114] In an embodiment, the SMF of the home domain obtains sixth information from the UDM of the home domain that may instruct the execution of local offload.

[0115] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the implementation flow of the offloading method on the VSMF side, which includes the following steps 401, as shown in FIG.

[0116] In step 401, the SMF of the visited domain performs local offloading upon receiving first information sent from the NF of the home domain.

[0117] In implementation, the NF of the home domain may be an SMF, a PCF, or a UDM.

[0118] During implementation, This may further include the SMF of the visited domain sending the offload policy to the UPF of the visited domain through an N4 session message and instructing the UPF of the visited domain to recognize the business flow.

[0119] During implementation, performing local offloading is The SMF of the visited domain performs insertion or update of the ULCL based on the first information, and selects a local DNS server based on the first information.

[0120] During execution, the visiting domain SMF sends the EAS information to the visiting domain EASDF.

[0121] During implementation, the EAS information is obtained from the SMF of the home domain, or from the NEF of the visited domain, or from other NFs of the visited domain.

[0122] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the implementation flow of the VUPF-side business request processing method, which includes the following step 501 as shown in FIG.

[0123] In step 501, when the UPF of the visited domain receives second information initiated by the UE, it sends the second information to the SMF of the home domain.

[0124] The sending and receiving taking place may be direct sending and receiving or indirect sending and receiving, for example, sending and receiving through transfer by one or more elements.

[0125] During implementation, the second information is sent to the SMF of the home domain via the SMF of the visited domain or the UPF of the home domain.

[0126] In implementation, the second information is a DNS query message for discovering an edge application server.

[0127] During implementation, the UPF of the visited domain may further include sending the second information to a DNS server of the visited domain for processing.

[0128] During implementation, the UPF of the visited domain may further include, upon receiving the DNS feedback, responding the fed back information to the UE via the ULCL of the visited domain.

[0129] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the implementation flow of the PCF selection method on the VSMF side, which includes the following step 601, as shown in FIG.

[0130] In step 601, the SMF of the visited domain searches for a PCF in the visited domain and executes a session management policy association with the PCF or triggers a session management policy association change.

[0131] During implementation, the visited domain SMF queries the visited domain PCF for a Home Routed PDU session, where the session management policy association is an SM Policy Association and the session management policy association modification is an SM Policy Association Modification.

[0132] Specifically, during the Home Routed PDU session establishment process, the SMF in the visited domain finds one PCF in the visited domain of the terminal device, performs a query subscription or update, and performs SM Policy Association Establishment with the PCF or triggers SM Policy Association Modification.

[0133] During implementation, the method may further include receiving third information for inserting or updating a ULCL in the visited domain of the terminal device, the third information being sent from a PCF of the visited domain.

[0134] During implementation, the third information sent by the PCF of the visited domain is sent by the PCF of the visited domain through the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message.

[0135] During implementation, the SMF of the visited domain may further include performing a ULCL insertion or update based on the third information, and selecting a DNS server of the visited domain based on the third information.

[0136] In implementation, the third information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0137] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the implementation flow of the offload method on the VSMF side, and as shown in FIG. 7, it includes the following steps 701 to 702.

[0138] In step 701, the SMF of the visited domain receives fourth information from the PCF of the visited domain or the SMF of the home domain in the case of a home-routed PDU session.

[0139] In step 702, based on the fourth information, a ULCL insertion or update in the visited domain of the terminal device and a DNS server discovery in the visited domain of the terminal device are performed.

[0140] During implementation, the fourth information is sent by the visited domain's UDR to the visited domain's PCF through a Nudr_DM_Notify (Data Management Notification) message.

[0141] During implementation, the fourth information is sent by the PCF of the visited domain to the SMF of the visited domain through the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message. Npcf and Nudr are two different interfaces. The specific meanings of the Npcf and Nudr interfaces can be found in the definitions in the 3GPP standard protocol, and are not described in this disclosure.

[0142] During implementation, the fourth information is: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0143] The solution mainly addresses the problem of how to use edge computing power under a Home Routed roaming scenario, including discovery of an Edge Application Server (EAS) or an Edge Host Environment (EHE), as well as how to perform local routing of traffic within a VPLMN. The following describes the solution using examples.

[0144] Example 1

[0145] 8 is a schematic diagram of an implementation architecture for a first embodiment. As shown in this architecture, for some application services, the HPLMN knows the deployment information of the EAS in the associated VPLMN. The Application Function (AF) of the HPLMN transmits the EAS deployment information (EDI) of the VPLMN to the VSMF via the AF-HNEF (Home NEF; NEF: Network Exposure Function)-HSMF-VSMF path. The VSMF configures the VEASDF (Visiting EASDF; EASDF: Edge Application Server Discovery Function) based on the EDI information. After the session is established, the VSMF dynamically inserts a ULCL and a PSA based on the query result of the Data Network Service (DNS) returned by the VEASDF to perform local offloading within the VPLMN.

[0146] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an offloading implementation flow in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the offloading implementation under the architecture may include the following steps:

[0147] Step 1) The EDI information of the VPLMN is transmitted by the VAF (AF of the VPLMN) to the HAF (AF of the HPLMN) or configured in the HAF according to the carrier protocol.

[0148] Step 2) The HAF sends the received EDI information of the VPLMN to the HNEF via an Nnef_EAS Deployment_Create / Update request.

[0149] Step 3) The HNEF performs the processing and checks whether the HAF is authorized to perform the relevant operations such as requests.

[0150] Step 4) HNEF stores the VPLMN EDI information in the HUDR (Unified Data Repository) and sends a Nudr_DM_Create / Update request (DM: Unified Data Management).

[0151] Step 5) HUDR responds with HNEF Nudr_DM_Create / Update response.

[0152] Step 6) HNEF responds with HAF Nnef_EAS Deployment_Create / Update response.

[0153] Step 7) The HNEF discovers that there is an update to the EDI information and sends the updated VPLMN EDI information via Nnef_EAS Deployment_Notify to the HSMF that previously subscribed to this service.

[0154] Step 8) During the Home Routed Roaming PDU session establishment process, the HSMF sends the EDI information of the VPLMN and the policy-related contract information (including the offloading capability of the VSMF and the business analysis capability of the VUPF) obtained from the HPCF (Home PCF) to the VSMF.

[0155] Step 9) The VSMF constructs the EASDF based on the received EDI information.

[0156] EAS Discovery Process) After the UE initiates a service request, the SMF discovers the EAS based on the DNS response returned by the EASDF, dynamically inserts the ULCL, the Local PDU Session Anchor (LPSA), and performs local offloading.

[0157] Example 2

[0158] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an implementation architecture for a second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, under this architecture, if the HPLMN knows the EAS configuration of the VPLMN for some special application services, the AF of the HPLMN transmits the EDI information of the VPLMN to the VSMF via the AF-HNEF-HSMF-VSMF path. The VSMF configures the EASDF based on the EDI information. After the session is established, if any changes occur to the AF-related information, the VAF sends AF-related information, such as updated Data Network Access Identifier (DNAI) information and EAS information, to the HAF, which then adopts an AF influence flow and transmits it to the VSMF via the VAF-HAF-HPCF (Policy Control Function; PCF: HSMF)-VSMF path. The VSMF finds the corresponding local DNS server, ULCL, and LPSA based on the DNAI information and / or EAS information in the AF request, and performs local offloading within the VPLMN.

[0159] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an offloading implementation flow in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the offloading implementation under the architecture may include the following steps:

[0160] Step 1) The VAF sends AF-related information such as DNAI information and EAS information to the HAF.

[0161] Step 2) The HAF sends the AF request information (including DNAI information and / or EAS information, AF service identifier, etc.) to the HSMF through the AF influence routing flow.

[0162] Step 3) During the Home Routed PDU session establishment process, the HSMF sends the above information to the VSMF. During this process, if the VSMF receives the above information and the EDI information of the VPLMN from the HSMF at the same time, the VSMF will prioritize the ULCL UPF and the corresponding local DNS server according to the most recently received information during the subsequent ULCL UPF selection and DNS query.

[0163] Step 4) The VSMF performs selection and insertion of the ULCL UPF based on the DNAI information to find the corresponding local DNS server.

[0164] Step 5) The UE initiates a DNS query through the ULCL, PSA.

[0165] Step 6) The VUPF (PSA) forwards the DNS message to the local DNS server for processing and receives the query result.

[0166] Step 7) The VUPF (PSA) responds to the UE via the VUPF (ULCL) with the query result for subsequent EAS discovery.

[0167] Example 3

[0168] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an implementation architecture of Example 3. As shown in Figure 12, under this architecture, if the HPLMN does not know the EAS information of the VPLMN, when a UE requests a service, the VUPF sends a request to the HSMF via the HUPF or VSMF, and the HSMF locally instructs the service server to allow the VSMF to perform local offloading. The VSMF requests the latest EDI information from the VNEF and configures the VEASDF based on the EDI information. The VSMF dynamically inserts a ULCL and a PSA based on the DNS query result returned by the VEASDF to perform local offloading within the VPLMN.

[0169] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an offloading implementation flow of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the offloading implementation under the architecture may include the following steps:

[0170] Step 0) The VAF sends the EDI information to the VNEF through the EAS information configuration flow and stores it in the VUDR. For the specific flow, see steps 1 to 6 in the first embodiment.

[0171] Step 1) The UE initiates a service request to the VUPF.

[0172] Step 2a) The VUPF forwards the request to the HUPF, indicating that the service requested by the UE is in the VPLMN.

[0173] Step 2b) The VUPF forwards the request to the VSMF, indicating that the task requested by the UE is in the VPLMN and needs to be offloaded locally in the VPLMN.

[0174] Step 3a) If step 2a occurs, the HUPF forwards the request to the HSMF.

[0175] Step 3b) If step 2b occurs, the VSMF forwards the request to the HSMF.

[0176] Step 4) HSMF allows VSMF to perform local offloading.

[0177] Step 5) The VSMF queries the VNEF for the EDI information of the VPMN and obtains the latest EDI from the NEF.

[0178] Step 6) The VSMF selects the EASDF and configures the VEASDF based on the latest EDI.

[0179] EAS discovery process) Search for EAS based on the information returned by VEASDF.

[0180] Example 4

[0181] The HPLMN does not know the EAS information of the VPLMN, and a new interface is added between the VPCF and the VSMF. When the UE requests a service, the VUPF sends a request to the HSMF via the HUPF or the VSMF, and the HSMF locally instructs the service server to allow the VSMF to perform local offloading. The VSMF inserts the ULCL and PSA based on the DNAI information sent by the AF influence flow of the VAF, finds the local DNS server, and performs local offloading within the VPLMN.

[0182] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the offloading implementation flow of the fourth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the offloading implementation under this architecture includes the following steps:

[0183] Steps 0-4 are the same as steps 0-4 in the third embodiment.

[0184] Steps 5-9 are the AF influence routing flow, which aims to send the relevant information of VAF to VSMF, which is the same as step 2 in the second embodiment, and can be specifically as follows:

[0185] Step 5) The VAF creates an AF request to the VNEF, which includes the VAF's DNAI and / or EAS information.

[0186] Step 6) The VNEF stores and updates information (such as DNAI information and / or EAS information) in the VUDR.

[0187] Step 7) The VNEF responds with the VAF request.

[0188] Step 8) The VUDR initiates a Nudr_DM_Notify (Npcf_Data Management Notification, also called Data Management Function Change) message to the VPCF to send the DNAI information to the VPCF.

[0189] Step 9) The VPCF sends the DNAI to the VSMF via an Npcf_SM Policy Control_UpdateNotify (SM: Session Management) message, and during the HR session establishment process, the VSMF selects one PCF in the VPLMN as the SM PCF.

[0190] Step 10) The VSMF performs ULCL selection and insertion based on DNAI information and / or EAS information, and performs EAS discovery based on the local DNS server.

[0191] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide an SMF of a home domain, a UPF of a visited domain, an SMF of a visited domain, and a computer-readable storage medium. The solution principles of these devices are similar to those of the information transmission and offloading method, so the implementation of these devices can be referred to the implementation of the method, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0192] When implementing the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, they can be implemented as follows:

[0193] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the SMF structure of the home domain. As shown in FIG. 15, the SMF includes a processor 1500 and a transceiver 1510.

[0194] The processor 1500 is configured to read a program in the memory 1520 and execute the following to send, when a Home Routed PDU session is established or modified, at least one of EAS information of the visited domain, an Edge Configuration Server (ECS) address of the visited domain, related information of the visited domain AF, information allowing local offloading by the SMF of the visited domain, and an offloading policy to the SMF of the visited domain.

[0195] The transceiver 1510 is configured to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor 1500 .

[0196] During implementation, the visited domain EAS information is used by the visited domain SMF to configure the visited domain EASDF.

[0197] During implementation, the method further includes receiving fifth information sent from the visited domain SMF, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of an authorization for local offload in the visited domain, an indication to support EASDF capabilities, and an indication to support local offload capabilities in the visited domain.

[0198] During implementation, the EAS information of the visited domain received by the SMF of the visited domain is obtained by the SMF of the home domain from the NEF of the home domain.

[0199] During implementation, the relevant information of the received AF of the visited domain is obtained by the SMF of the home domain from the PCF of the home domain.

[0200] During execution, sixth information is obtained from the UDM of the home domain, and the sixth information indicates the execution of local offload.

[0201] 15, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically connecting various circuits, such as one or more processors, represented by processor 1500, and memory, represented by memory 1520. The bus architecture may also connect various other circuits, such as peripherals, regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1510 may be multiple elements, i.e., may include a transmitter and a receiver, and provides a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. The processor 1500 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1520 may store data used by the processor 1500 when performing operations.

[0202] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an SMF of an attribution domain is further provided, and the SMF of the attribution domain is The present invention includes an SMF sending module of a home domain configured to send at least one of the following information to an SMF of a visited domain when a Home Routed PDU session is established or modified: EAS information of the visited domain, an Edge Configuration Server (ECS) address of the visited domain, related information of the visited domain AF, information allowing local offloading by the SMF of the visited domain, and an offloading policy.

[0203] During implementation, the SMF sending module of the home domain is further configured to send EAS information of the visited domain, which is used by the SMF of the visited domain to configure the visited domain EASDF.

[0204] During implementation, the method further includes an SMF receiving module in the home domain configured to receive fifth information transmitted from the visited domain SMF, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of an authorization for local offload in the visited domain, an indication to support EASDF capabilities, and an indication to support local offload capabilities in the visited domain.

[0205] During implementation, the SMF sending module of the home domain is further configured to send the EAS information of the visited domain that the SMF of the home domain obtains and receives from the NEF of the home domain.

[0206] During implementation, the SMF sending module of the home domain is further configured to send related information of the AF of the visited domain that the SMF of the home domain obtains and receives from the PCF of the home domain.

[0207] During implementation, the SMF receiving module of the home domain is further configured to obtain sixth information from the UDM of the home domain, the sixth information instructing the execution of local offload.

[0208] For convenience of explanation, each part of the above device is described as functionally divided into various modules or units. Of course, when implementing the present disclosure, the functions of each module or unit can be realized by the same or multiple pieces of software or hardware.

[0209] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the SMF structure of the visited domain. As shown in FIG. 16, the SMF includes a processor 1600 and a transceiver 1610.

[0210] The processor 1600 is configured to read a program in the memory 1620 and execute the following: perform local offloading when receiving first information transmitted from an NF of the home domain.

[0211] The transceiver 1610 is configured to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor 1600 .

[0212] In implementation, the NF of the home domain is an SMF, or a PCF, or a UDM.

[0213] During implementation, the method further includes sending the offloading policy to the UPF of the visited domain.

[0214] During implementation, performing local offloading is Performing an insertion or update of the ULCL based on the first information and selecting a local DNS server based on the first information.

[0215] During implementation, the first information comprises: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0216] During execution, EAS information is sent to the visiting domain EASDF.

[0217] During implementation, the EAS information is obtained from the SMF of the home domain, or from the NEF of the visited domain, or from other NFs of the visited domain.

[0218] 16, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically connecting various circuits, such as one or more processors, represented by processor 1600, and memory, represented by memory 1620. The bus architecture may also connect various other circuits, such as peripherals, regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1610 may be multiple elements, i.e., may include a transmitter and a receiver, and provides a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. The processor 1600 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1620 may store data used by the processor 1600 when performing operations.

[0219] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an SMF of a visited domain is further provided; and an SMF offload module of the visited domain configured to perform local offload upon receiving first information transmitted from the NF of the home domain.

[0220] In implementation, the NF of the home domain is an SMF, or a PCF, or a UDM.

[0221] The visiting domain further includes an SMF sending module configured to, during execution, cause the SMF of the visiting domain to send the offload policy to the UPF of the visiting domain.

[0222] During implementation, the SMF offload module of the visited domain is further configured to, when performing local offload, perform insertion or update of the ULCL based on the first information and select a local DNS server based on the first information.

[0223] During implementation, the first information comprises: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0224] During implementation, the SMF sending module of the visited domain is further configured to send the EAS information to the visited domain EASDF.

[0225] During implementation, the EAS information is obtained from the SMF of the home domain, or from the NEF of the visited domain, or from other NFs of the visited domain.

[0226] For convenience of explanation, each part of the above device is described as functionally divided into various modules or units. Of course, when implementing the present disclosure, the functions of each module or unit can be realized by the same or multiple pieces of software or hardware.

[0227] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the UPF structure of a visited domain. As shown in FIG. 17, the UPF includes a processor 1700 and a transceiver 1710.

[0228] The processor 1700 is configured to read a program in the memory 1720 and execute, upon receiving second information initiated by the UE, sending the second information to the SMF of the home domain.

[0229] The transceiver 1710 is configured to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor 1700 .

[0230] During implementation, the second information is sent to the SMF of the home domain via the SMF of the visited domain or the UPF of the home domain.

[0231] In implementation, the second information is a DNS query message for discovering an edge application server.

[0232] During implementation, the method further includes sending the second information to a DNS server of the visited domain for processing.

[0233] During implementation, upon receiving DNS feedback, the method further includes responding the fed back information to the UE via the ULCL of the visited domain.

[0234] 17, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically connecting various circuits, such as one or more processors, represented by processor 1700, and memory, represented by memory 1720. The bus architecture may also connect various other circuits, such as peripherals, regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1710 may be multiple elements, i.e., may include a transmitter and a receiver, and provides a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. The processor 1700 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1720 may store data used by the processor 1700 when performing operations.

[0235] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a UPF of a visited domain is further provided; and a UPF sending module of a visited domain configured to send the second information to an SMF of a home domain upon receiving second information initiated by the UE.

[0236] In practice, the UPF sending module of the visited domain is further configured to send the second information to the SMF of the home domain via the SMF of the visited location or the UPF of the home location.

[0237] In implementation, the second information is a DNS query message for discovering an edge application server.

[0238] During implementation, the UPF sending module of the visited domain is further configured to send the second information to a DNS server of the visited domain for processing.

[0239] During implementation, the UPF sending module of the visited domain is further configured, upon receiving the DNS feedback, to respond with the fed back information to the UE via the ULCL of the visited domain.

[0240] For convenience of explanation, each part of the above device is described as functionally divided into various modules or units. Of course, when implementing the present disclosure, the functions of each module or unit can be realized by the same or multiple pieces of software or hardware.

[0241] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of the SMF structure of the visited domain. As shown in FIG. 18, the SMF includes a processor 1800 and a transceiver 1810.

[0242] The processor 1800 is configured to read a program in the memory 1820 to search for a PCF in a visited domain, and execute an SM Policy Association with the PCF or trigger an SM Policy Association Modification.

[0243] The transceiver 1810 is configured to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor 1800 .

[0244] During implementation, searching the visited domain PCF searches in the case of a Home Routed PDU session.

[0245] During implementation, the method further includes receiving third information sent from a PCF of a visited domain, wherein the third information is used to perform a ULCL insertion or update in the visited domain.

[0246] During implementation, the method further includes performing a ULCL insertion or update based on the third information, and selecting a DNS server of the visited domain based on the third information.

[0247] During implementation, the third information comprises: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0248] 18, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically connecting various circuits, such as one or more processors, represented by processor 1800, and memory, represented by memory 1820. The bus architecture may also connect various other circuits, such as peripherals, regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1810 may be multiple elements, i.e., may include a transmitter and a receiver, and provides a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. The processor 1800 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1820 may store data used by the processor 1800 when performing operations.

[0249] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an SMF of a visited domain is further provided, and the SMF of the visited domain includes an SMF selection module of the visited domain configured to search for a PCF in the visited domain and perform an SM Policy Association with the PCF or trigger an SM Policy Association Modification.

[0250] During implementation, the SMF selection module of the visited domain is further configured to search for the visited domain PCF in the case of a Home Routed PDU session.

[0251] During implementation, The visiting domain further includes an SMF receiving module configured to receive third information sent from a PCF of the visiting domain, wherein the third information is used to perform an ULCL insertion or update in the visiting domain.

[0252] During implementation, the SMF selection module of the visited domain is further configured to perform a ULCL insertion or update based on the third information, and select a DNS server of the visited domain based on the third information.

[0253] During implementation, the third information comprises: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0254] For convenience of explanation, each part of the above device is described as functionally divided into various modules or units. Of course, when implementing the present disclosure, the functions of each module or unit can be realized by the same or multiple pieces of software or hardware.

[0255] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the SMF structure of a visited domain, and as shown in the figure, the SMF includes a processor 1900 and a transceiver 1910.

[0256] The processor 1900 reads the program in the memory 1920 and executes the program. In the case of a Home Routed PDU session, receiving fourth information from the PCF of the visited domain or the SMF of the home domain; The terminal device is configured to perform, based on the fourth information, inserting or updating a ULCL in the visited domain of the terminal device, and discovering a DNS server in the visited domain of the terminal device.

[0257] The transceiver 1910 is configured to transmit and receive data under the control of the processor 1900 .

[0258] During implementation, the fourth information is sent by the visited domain's UDR to the visited domain's PCF through a Nudr_DM_Notify message.

[0259] During implementation, the fourth information is sent by the PCF of the visited domain to the SMF of the visited domain through the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message.

[0260] During implementation, the fourth information is: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0261] 19, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, specifically connecting various circuits, such as one or more processors, represented by processor 1900, and memory, represented by memory 1920. The bus architecture may also connect various other circuits, such as peripherals, regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and will not be described further herein. The bus interface provides an interface. The transceiver 1910 may be multiple elements, i.e., may include a transmitter and a receiver, and provides a unit for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium. The processor 1900 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 1920 may store data used by the processor 1900 when performing operations.

[0262] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an SMF of a visited domain is further provided; an SMF receiving module of the visited domain configured to receive fourth information from a PCF of the visited domain or an SMF of the home domain in the case of a Home Routed PDU session; and an SMF processing module of the visited domain configured to perform ULCL insertion or update in the visited domain of the terminal device and discovery of a DNS server in the visited domain of the terminal device based on the fourth information.

[0263] During implementation, the SMF receiving module of the visited domain is further configured to receive fourth information sent by the UDR of the visited domain to the PCF of the visited domain through a Nudr_DM_Notify message.

[0264] During implementation, the SMF receiving module of the visited domain is further configured to receive fourth information sent by the PCF of the visited domain to the SMF of the visited domain through an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message.

[0265] During implementation, the fourth information is: The information includes at least one of DNAI, application information, EAS information, and application service identifier information.

[0266] For convenience of explanation, each part of the above device is described as functionally divided into various modules or units. Of course, when implementing the present disclosure, the functions of each module or unit can be realized by the same or multiple pieces of software or hardware.

[0267] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored therein, the computer program realizing the above method when executed by a processor.

[0268] For specific implementation, please refer to the implementation of the information transmission and offloading method described above.

[0269] As mentioned above, in the technical solutions according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, During the Home Routed PDU session establishment process, the HSMF sends at least one of the following information to the VSMF via Nsmf_PDUSession_Create Request: EAS information of the VPLMN, DNAI information of the VAF, an instruction to allow the VSMF to perform local offloading within the VPLMN, the offload capability of the VSMF, and VUPF flow recognition capability.

[0270] VSMF performs local offloading according to instructions from HSMF.

[0271] When the VUPF receives a service request initiated by the UE, it recognizes that the service belongs to the VPLMN and forwards the request to the HUPF or VSMF, and when the HUPF or VSMF receives the request, it forwards the request to the HSMF.

[0272] During the Home Routed PDU session establishment process, the VSMF finds the PCFs in the VPLMN and performs a query subscription or update, selects one PCF to perform SM Policy Association Establishment or SMF initiated SM Policy Association Modification, and selects the PCF as the VSM PCF of the VSMF.

[0273] In the case of a Home Routed PDU session, the VPCF sends the DNAI information sent by the VAF to the VSMF.

[0274] In the case of a Home Routed PDU session, when the VSMF receives DNAI information from the VPCF or HPCF, it performs ULCL selection and insertion within the VPLMN based on the information.

[0275] While existing technologies do not describe how to use edge computing capabilities under a Home Routed roaming scenario, the solution of the present invention solves the problem of how to use edge computing capabilities under a Home Routed roaming scenario, including discovery of an Edge Application Server (EAS) or an Edge Host Environment (EHE), where the EHE includes or is equivalent to an instance of an EAS, and when a UE accesses the EAS, it can be considered equivalent to having already accessed or visited the EHE. Furthermore, the solution solves the problem of how to perform local routing of traffic within a VPLMN, thereby filling the research shortcomings in the related technologies.

[0276] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. The present disclosure may also take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk memory, optical memory, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0277] The present disclosure will be described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each flow and / or block in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of flows and / or blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-executable instructions. These computer-executable instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing device to generate an apparatus, and the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device generate an apparatus for implementing the function(s) specified in one or more flows in the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks in the block diagrams.

[0278] These processor-executable instructions can be stored in a processor-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, whereby the instructions stored in the processor-readable memory produce an article of manufacture that includes an instruction apparatus that implements the functions specified in one or more flows of the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0279] These processor-executable instructions may also be loaded into a computer or other programmable data processing device and cause the computer or other programmable device to perform a series of operational steps to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the commands executed by the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flows of the flowcharts and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0280] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and their equivalent technologies, the present disclosure also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. 1. A method for transmitting information, comprising: When a Home Routed PDU session is established or modified, the Session Management Function SMF of the home domain: An information transmission method including transmitting at least one of information of an edge application server EAS information of a visited domain, an edge configuration server ECS address of the visited domain, information permitting local offloading by an SMF of the visited domain, and an offload policy to an SMF of the visited domain.

2. The method described in claim 1, wherein if the at least one piece of information sent by the SMF of the home domain to the SMF of the visited domain includes EAS information of the visited domain, the EAS information of the visited domain is used by the SMF of the visited domain to configure a visited domain edge application server discovery function EASDF.

3. The SMF of the home domain further includes receiving fifth information sent from the SMF of the visited domain; The method of claim 1 , wherein the fifth information comprises at least one of: an authorization for local offloading at the visited domain, an indication to support EASDF capabilities, and an indication to support local offloading capabilities at the visited domain.

4. The method described in claim 1, wherein the EAS information of the visited domain received by the SMF of the visited domain is obtained by the SMF of the home domain from the Network Capability Opening Function NEF of the home domain.

5. When a Home Routed PDU session is established or modified, the SMF of the home domain further sends related information of the visited domain application function AF to the SMF of the visited domain; The method according to claim 1 , wherein the related information of the AF of the visited domain received by the SMF of the visited domain is obtained by the SMF of the home domain from a Policy Control Function PCF of the home domain.

6. An SMF of an attribution domain, An SMF of a home domain including an SMF sending module of a home domain configured to send at least one information of EAS information of the visited domain, an ECS address of the visited domain, information allowing local offload by the SMF of the visited domain, and an offload policy to the SMF of the visited domain when a Home Routed PDU session is established or modified.

7. An SMF of an attributing domain as described in claim 6, wherein when the at least one piece of information sent by the SMF transmission module of the attributing domain to the SMF of the visiting domain includes EAS information of the visiting domain, the EAS information of the visiting domain is used by the SMF of the visiting domain to configure a visiting domain edge application server discovery function EASDF.

8. The method further includes an SMF receiving module of the home domain configured to receive fifth information transmitted from the SMF of the visited domain; 7. The SMF of claim 6, wherein the fifth information includes at least one of an authorization for local offloading in the visited domain, an indication to support EASDF capabilities, and an indication to support local offloading capabilities in the visited domain.

9. The SMF of the home domain described in claim 6, wherein the SMF transmission module of the home domain is further configured to transmit EAS information of the visited domain that the SMF of the home domain obtains from the NEF of the home domain.

10. When a Home Routed PDU session is established or modified, the SMF sending module of the home domain further sends related information of the visited domain application function AF to the SMF of the visited domain; The SMF of claim 6, wherein the related information of the AF of the visited domain received by the SMF of the visited domain is obtained by the SMF of the home domain from a Policy Control Function PCF of the home domain.

11. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored therein, the computer program realizing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 when executed by a processor.

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