Method, information processing device, and program

Abstract

To allow a core network side to perform switching between a cloud, which is an offload destination of part of processing of a terminal, and an edge server.SOLUTION: In a method, a computer performs at least obtaining communication quality of a path on a user plane leading to an external network within a core network, and transmitting, to the core network, a first request to give instruction to change guidance of traffic from the terminal when determining to switch an offload destination of traffic from the terminal between a first server on the external network and a second server in a local network based on the communication quality.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to switching of offloading destinations for traffic from a terminal.

Background Art

[0002] An information processing system is disclosed that determines on which of an in-vehicle device, a cloud server, and an edge server to execute a container application based on the processing time of the container application and the round-trip communication time (RTT: Round-Trip Time) required for the round-trip communication between the in-vehicle device and the cloud server or the edge server (for example, Patent Document 1). Based on the delay between the terminal and the PSA-UPF (PDU Session Anchor-User Plane Function) in the 5G core network connected to the edge server, the edge server is switched by switching the PSA-UPF A technique for switching is disclosed (for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Documents

[0004]

Non-Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] This disclosure aims to provide a method, apparatus, and program that enable the switching of a portion of terminal processing between the cloud and edge servers on the core network side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is, Computers At a minimum, the communication quality of user plane paths leading to external networks within the core network must be obtained, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, when it is determined that a switch is made in the offload destination of traffic from the terminal between the first server on the external network and the second server in the local network, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. This is how to do it.

[0007] Another aspect of this disclosure is, At a minimum, the communication quality of user plane paths leading to external networks within the core network must be obtained, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, when it is determined that a switch is made in the offload destination of traffic from the terminal between the first server on the external network and the second server in the local network, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. A control unit that executes This is an information processing device equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure is, On the computer, At a minimum, the communication quality of user plane paths leading to external networks within the core network must be obtained, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, when it is determined that a switch is made in the offload destination of traffic from the terminal between the first server on the external network and the second server in the local network, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. This is a program to execute [the command / action]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, the switching between the cloud and edge servers, where some of the terminal processing is offloaded, can be performed on the core network side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 illustrates the offload destination switching process in a communication system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device that can operate as both an NF (Network Functions) including ECSF and an external server. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of ECSF. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an example of a flowchart for the ECSF offload destination switching determination process. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the processing sequence from the ECSF offload destination switching determination process to the reflection of the traffic guidance settings to the new offload destination at the UPF, which is the switching point. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the system configuration of a communication system in specific example 1 of a configuration for accessing an edge server. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the sequence of offload destination switching processing in the communication system of Specific Example 1. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a communication system in Specific Example 2 of the configuration for accessing an edge server. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence of offloading destination switching processing in the communication system of Specific Example 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a communication system in Specific Example 3 of the configuration for accessing an edge server. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence of offloading destination switching processing in the communication system of Specific Example 3.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Executing a part of the calculation processing of a terminal on the server side via a network is called offloading or offloading. By offloading, even a terminal with relatively few resources can realize more advanced processing. However, for example, when a low-latency response such as real-time object detection processing by video analysis of an in-vehicle camera is required and continuous processing is offloaded to a public cloud, it may be difficult to realize. This is because the communication quality is not guaranteed in the Internet for connecting to the public cloud, and if the communication delay in the Internet section becomes large, the communication with low-latency response may not be able to continue.

[0012] On the other hand, by offloading to an edge server that can be directly connected from a mobile network without going through the Internet, stable communication with low-latency response can be realized. However, since the resources possessed by each edge server are limited compared to the cloud, if the number of terminals offloading to the edge server increases, the resources of the edge server may be insufficient. That is, there is an upper limit to the traffic offloaded to the edge server. Therefore, in order to stably continue the processing that requires a low-latency response and occurs continuously, it is required to adjust the offloading destination of the traffic from the terminal between the cloud and the edge server.

[0013] In one aspect of this disclosure, in view of the above requirements, the offloading destination is switched between the cloud and edge servers depending on the state of communication to the cloud. More specifically, one aspect of this disclosure is a method in which a computer performs at least the following: obtains the communication quality of a path on the user plane leading to an external network within the core network; and, based on said communication quality, determines whether to switch the offload destination of traffic from a terminal between a first server on the external network and a second server in the local network, and sends a first request to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal.

[0014] The computer in question may be a computer within the core network or a computer outside the core network. The core network may be, for example, a 5G (5th Generation), 4G (4th Generation), or a 6G (6th Generation) or later mobile core network. The core network may also be a wired network core network. Paths on the user plane leading to the external network within the core network include, for example, the path between the UPF (User Plane Function) and the external network in 5G, and the path between the SGW (Serving Gateway) and PGW (Packet data network GW) in 4G. The second server is, for example, a server operating as an edge server.

[0015] Communication quality is expressed based on one or more of the following: latency, throughput, and jitter. Communication quality may be obtained, for example, from a device inside or outside the core network that analyzes the network status, or by the computer itself analyzing the network status.

[0016] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the switching of the traffic offload destination from a terminal can be controlled on the core network side without the involvement of the terminal, the second server (edge ​​server), or the cloud-based device. This allows for dynamic switching of the traffic offload destination from a terminal without changing the configuration of the terminal, the second server (edge ​​server), or the first server in the cloud. Furthermore, since the terminal, the second server (edge ​​server), and the first server in the cloud do not need to prepare resources related to switching the traffic offload destination from the terminal, the resources of these devices can be reduced.

[0017] In one aspect of this disclosure, the computer may determine a first server on the external network as the destination for offloading traffic from a terminal if the communication quality of the user plane path leading to an external network within the core network satisfies a first condition indicating that communication to the external network is stable. In this case, the first request transmitted by the computer may instruct the destination of traffic from the terminal to be changed from the local network to the external network.

[0018] If the communication quality of a user plane path leading to an external network within the core network does not meet the first condition, the computer will use the local network as the offload destination. A second server within the network may be determined. In this case, the first request sent by that computer may instruct the destination of the traffic from the terminal to change from the external network to the local network. The first condition is defined by one or more of the following, for example, response delay, throughput, and jitter.

[0019] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the offloading of traffic from a terminal to a second server (edge ​​server) within the local network can be limited to cases where communication to the external network is unstable. This makes it possible to stably provide terminals with communication for processes that require low latency responses and occur continuously.

[0020] In one aspect of this disclosure, the computer may further acquire the communication quality between each of a plurality of terminals and the core network. In this case, the computer may determine the first server on the external network as the destination for offloading the traffic of the first terminal if the communication quality between the first terminal and the first server on the external network satisfies the second condition. In this case, the first request transmitted by the computer may instruct the destination of the traffic from the first terminal to be changed from the local network to the external network.

[0021] If the communication quality between the first terminal and the first server on the external network does not meet the second condition, the computer may determine that the traffic from the first terminal should be offloaded to the second server on the local network. In this case, the first request sent by the computer may instruct the destination of the traffic from the first terminal to be changed from the external network to the local network. The second condition is the same as the first condition.

[0022] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the switching of traffic offload destinations can be controlled on a terminal-by-terminal basis. The computer may also determine the switching of the offload destination for the traffic of the first application among the traffic of the first terminal. This makes it possible to control the switching of traffic offload destinations on an application-by-application or flow-by-flow basis.

[0023] In one aspect of this disclosure, the core network may be a 5G core network. The computer may obtain the communication quality between the UPF and the external network from the NWDAF (Network Data Analytics Function) as the communication quality of the user plane path leading to the external network within the core network. The computer may also instruct the PCF (Policy Control Function) to make the first request. Changes in the guidance of traffic from the terminal based on the first request are notified from the PCF to the SMF (Session Management Function). The SMF may then perform the action by controlling a predetermined UPF. Alternatively, the computer may send the first request to the NEF (Network Exposure Function). i. The NEF may notify the PCF of the first request. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the 5G core network can use its functions to switch the destination of traffic offloaded from the terminal on the 5G core network side.

[0024] The computer may determine a first server on the external network as the destination for offloading traffic from the terminal if the communication quality between the UPF and the external network satisfies the first condition indicating that communication to the external network is stable. If the communication quality between the UPF and the external network does not satisfy the first condition, the computer may determine a second server within the local network as the destination for offloading. This means that the computer may offload traffic from the terminal to the second server (edge ​​server) within the local network if communication to the external network is unstable. It can be limited to this.

[0025] The computer may obtain, from the NWDAF, the communication quality between a terminal and a first UPF, and the communication quality between the first UPF and a first server on an external network for multiple terminals. If the communication quality between the first terminal and the first server on the external network satisfies the second condition, the computer may determine the first server on the external network as the traffic offload destination for the first terminal. If the communication quality between the first terminal and the first server on the external network does not satisfy the second condition, the computer may determine the second server in the local network as the traffic offload destination for the first terminal. This allows for the switching of traffic offload destinations on a terminal-by-terminal basis, based on the communication quality on a terminal-by-terminal basis. The first UPF is, for example, an edge UPF located at the boundary of the terminal's 5G network between the terminal and the cloud.

[0026] A predetermined UPF that performs a change in the routing of traffic from the first terminal acts as an ULCL (Uplink Classifier) ​​present between the first terminal and the external network. It may also be F. The ULCL may, by changing the guidance of traffic from the first terminal based on the first request, forward the traffic from the first terminal to an external network or local network where a new offload destination server, as indicated by the determination result of the offload destination switching, exists.

[0027] A predetermined UPF that performs a change in the routing of traffic from the first terminal may be a Branching Point UPF that exists between the first terminal and a first PSA (PDU Session Anchor)-UPF connected to the external network, and also between the first terminal and a second PSA-UPF connected to the local network. The Branching Point UPF may, based on the change in the routing of traffic from the first terminal based on the first request, forward the traffic from the first terminal to the first PSA-UPF or the second PSA-UPF, which is a PSA-UPF that connects to the network where the new offload destination server indicated by the offload destination switching determination result exists, based on the IPv6 prefix.

[0028] The predetermined UPF that performs the change in traffic routing from the first terminal may be a first PSA (PDU Session Anchor)-UPF connected to an external network and a second PSA-UPF connected to a local network. In this case, the SMF may, as a change in traffic routing from the first terminal based on the first request, establish a new PDU session between the first terminal and the first PSA-UPF or the second PSA-UPF, which is a PSA-UPF connected to the network where the new offload destination server indicated by the offload destination switching determination result exists, and release the existing session between the first terminal and the other PSA-UPF, thereby routing the traffic from the first terminal to the first PSA-UPF or the second PSA-UPF, which is a PSA-UPF connected to the network where the new offload destination server indicated by the offload destination switching determination result exists.

[0029] This disclosure can also be identified as an information processing device that performs the above method. This information processing device includes at least a control unit that performs: acquiring the communication quality of a path on the user plane leading to an external network within the core network; and, based on the communication quality, determining a switch in the destination of traffic offloaded from a terminal between a first server on the external network and a second server in the local network, sending a first request to the core network instructing a change in the guidance of traffic from the terminal. This disclosure can also be identified as an information processing device that causes a computer to perform the above method. The program and the non-temporary, computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded can be identified.

[0030] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative, and this disclosure is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments.

[0031] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 shows an example of the architecture of a fifth-generation mobile communication system. The fifth-generation mobile communication network will be referred to as the 5G network below. The 5G network has a 5G core network (5GC) and an access network ((R)AN). User Equipment (UE) 50, DN 90, and AF are connected to the 5G network. UE 50 is the user (subscriber) terminal. RAN (Radio Access Network) is the access network to 5GC. RAN3 includes base stations (gNB).

[0032] Figure 1 shows some of the components included in 5GC. Also, in Figure 1, components according to the first embodiment are denoted by reference numerals. In 5G, the software that implements network functions and the hardware on which that software is executed are separated using hardware abstraction technology. This allows various network function software to run on common hardware resources, regardless of the configuration of each hardware product. Figure 1 shows the network functions (NFs) included in 5GC. Each of the multiple NFs included in 5GC is implemented by one or more computers (information processing devices) executing a program. However, a single computer may implement any two or more NFs.

[0033] UPF (User Plane Function) 70 is responsible for routing, forwarding, and handling user packets. Packet inspection and QoS processing are performed. User packets are user plane packets transmitted and received by UE 50.

[0034] AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) 7 accommodates the RAN and 5GC It handles UE registration management, connection management, and mobility management. Furthermore, AMF 7 is SMF It also relays messages between the 6 and UE 50.

[0035] SMF (Session Management Function) 6 is a PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session It manages the session, assigns and manages IP addresses to the UE, and selects and controls UPF 70. PDU session management includes PDU session establishment. This includes modifying and releasing. For example, when a policy is changed. This results in a change to the PDU session, and the QoS or policy change is applied to UPF 70 via SMF 6. The PDU session is a virtual communication channel for data exchange between UE 50 and DN (Data Network) 90. DN 90 is an external data network (cloud, internet, etc.) of 5GC.

[0036] PCF (Policy Control Function) 5 enforces policy rules for each N Provided to F. Policy rules include, for example, rules related to QoS, filtering, routing, and billing. When a policy rule is registered, modified, or deleted, PCF 5 is first notified, and PCF 5 then notifies the corresponding UPF via SMF 6. Control over policy settings, modifications, or deletions for item 70.

[0037] UDR 4 is a UDM (Unified Data Management), PCF 5, and NEF 3. It stores the data used and provides a search function for this data.

[0038] NEF 3 provides the ability to securely disclose network functions and event information within a 5G system to external applications such as Application Functions (AFs). NEF 3 also provides the ability to receive information into the network from authorized external applications. AFs are application servers (external servers) that provide auxiliary services beyond the 5GC specification.

[0039] NWDAF 2 provides analytical information about the network. This information includes, for example, communication delay, throughput, jitter, and traffic load levels in each segment.

[0040] EASDF (Edge Application Server Discovery Function) 8 mediates communication between UE 50 and the DNS server.

[0041] The NRF stores and manages information on Network Functions (NFs) within the 5GC (e.g., AMF, SMF, UPF). The NRF can return multiple candidate NFs to the inquirer in response to an inquiry regarding a desired NF. The NSSF has the function of selecting the network slice to be used by the subscriber from among the network slices generated by network slicing. A network slice is a virtual network with specifications tailored to its intended use. The AUSF provides UE authentication functionality. The UDM holds subscriber contract information and authentication information for AKA authentication.

[0042] In the first embodiment, 5GC is newly equipped with ECSF (Edge Cloud Switching Function) 1 Add the following: ECSF 1 controls the switching between DN 90 and edge servers in the local network as the destination for traffic offloading from UE 50. ECSF 1 may be added as an NF within 5GC or as one of the AFs outside 5GC. In the following description, it is assumed that ECSF 1 is added as an NF within 5GC.

[0043] In 5GC, multiple NFs of the same type may be provided. For example, one NF may be provided for each data center (station). Also, one NF may be shared among data centers. Furthermore, multiple NFs of the same type may be configured within a single data center. The correspondence between NFs and data centers can be configured as appropriate.

[0044] Figure 2 illustrates the offload destination switching process in the communication system 100. The offload destination switching process dynamically switches the destination of traffic offloaded from the UE between a server in the cloud and an edge server in the local network. The destination of traffic offloaded from the UE can also be said to be the destination of traffic offloaded from the UE.

[0045] The communication system 100 includes 5GC, UE 50, UPF 70, DN 90, and edge server 60. In Figure 2, the communication system 100 shows ECSF 1, NWDAF 2, NEF 3, PCF 5, and SMF 6, which are extracted from the NFs included in 5GC and are related to offload destination switching processing. However, the NFs related to offload destination switching processing are not limited to these. Edge server 60 is connected to a local DN within the same mobile network as 5GC. A public cloud is connected to DN 90. The server on the public cloud and edge server 60 are running the application program for the service to be offloaded. Furthermore, it is assumed that the server on the public cloud and edge server 60 are accessible from UE 50 using a common combination of service name, IP address, port number, protocol, etc.

[0046] (1) ECSF 1 obtains information regarding the communication quality of a designated section from NWDAF 2, for example, at a predetermined interval. The designated section is, for example, the section between UE 50 and a designated server on the cloud. Communication quality is indicated by one or more of the following: communication delay, throughput, and jitter. In this case, the information regarding communication quality includes, for example, communication delay, throughput, and jitter.

[0047] (2) Based on the communication quality of the designated section, ECSF 1 determines whether to offload the traffic of UE 50 to a server in the cloud or to an edge server 60. If the communication to the cloud is stable, a server in the cloud is selected as the offload destination for UE 50. If the communication to the cloud is unstable, an edge server 60 is selected as the offload destination for UE 50.

[0048] (3) ECSF 1 outputs a traffic steering change instruction to NEF 3, instructing it to switch the steering of UE 50's traffic to a new offload destination. Along with the traffic steering change instruction, information about the target UE 50, for example, is also output. The traffic steering change instruction is an example of the 'first request'.

[0049] (4) When the traffic redirection change instruction is notified to NEF 3, the settings for redirecting traffic to the new offload destination are reflected in UPF 70, which is the switching point for redirecting traffic from UE 50, via NEF 3, PCF 5, and SMF 6. From then on, traffic from UE 50 is forwarded to the new offload destination by UPF 70.

[0050] The process in (4) is executed according to the system configuration corresponding to the method of accessing the edge servers used in the 5G network. Specific examples of the process in (4) will be described later.

[0051] In the processes described in (1)-(4) above, the UE 50, edge server 60, and cloud servers are not involved; they simply operate as usual, and the UE 50's offload destination is dynamically switched based on the communication quality between the UE 50 and the cloud. Therefore, the dynamic switching of the UE 50's offload destination can be controlled on the network side, and there is no need to change the configuration of the UE 50, edge server 60, and cloud servers.

[0052] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device that can operate as both an NF (Field-Programmable Gate Array) including ECSF 1 and an external server. The information processing device 110 can be configured using an information processing device (computer) such as a personal computer (PC), workstation (WS), or server machine. The information processing device 110 may also be a collection of one or more computers (cloud). The NF including ECSF 1 may be a device equipped with an electrical circuit such as a dedicated FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) to perform the relevant processing.

[0053] The information processing device 110 comprises a processor 101, memory 102, auxiliary storage device 103, and communication unit 104 as its hardware configuration. The memory 102 and auxiliary storage device 103 are recording media readable by a computer. The processor 101, auxiliary storage device 103, and communication unit 104 are electrically connected by a bus.

[0054] The auxiliary storage device 103 stores programs used to operate as one of the various NFs, including ECSF 1, and data used by the processor 101 when executing each program. The auxiliary storage device 103 is, for example, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM). M) Hard Disk Drive, or SSD (Solid State Drive) The programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 103 include, for example, an operating system (OS), a control program for ECSF 1, and multiple APIs for ECSF 1.

[0055] Memory 102 is a storage device that provides the processor 101 with a storage area and a work area for loading programs stored in the auxiliary storage device 103, and is also used as a buffer. Memory 102 includes, for example, semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0056] The processor 101 executes the processing corresponding to various NFs by loading the OS and programs related to various NFs, including ECSF 1, held in the auxiliary storage device 103, into the memory 102 and executing them. The processor 101 is, for example, a CPU or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). There is not limited to one processor 101, but there may be multiple processors. The processor 101 is an example of a "control unit".

[0057] The communication unit 104 is, for example, a NIC (Network Interface Card), an optical line interface, etc. The communication unit 104 may also be, for example, a wireless communication circuit connected to a wireless network such as a wireless LAN. The hardware configuration of the information processing device 110 that realizes the functions of various NFs, including ECSF 1, is not limited to that shown in Figure 3.

[0058] Figure 4 shows an example of the functional configuration of ECSF 1. ECSF 1 comprises an information acquisition unit 11 and a switching determination unit 12. The information acquisition unit 11 is NWDAF Information regarding the communication quality of a specified section is acquired from unit 2 at predetermined intervals. The specified section is the section between a specified UE 50 and a specified server on the cloud. The UE 50 specified in the specified section may be a single unit or a group of multiple UEs. NWDAF 2 acquires information regarding the communication quality of each section: between the UE and the UPF, and between the UPF and the DN. Therefore, the information acquisition unit 11 acquires from NWDAF 2 information regarding the communication quality between the specified UE 50 and the edge UPF, and information regarding the communication quality between the edge UPF and the specified server on the cloud. The edge UPF is a UPF located at the boundary of the 5G network on the UE 50 side, between the UE 50 and the cloud.

[0059] The designated section is set, for example, by the administrator of ECSF 1. The UE 50 that acquires information on communication quality may be a single UE 50 or a group of UE 50s. In this case, the information acquisition unit 11 may acquire information on communication quality from the information acquisition unit 11 for multiple designated sections. The information acquisition unit 11 may be, for example, the API of the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe service.

[0060] The switching determination unit 12 determines the offload destination of the specified UE 50 based on the communication quality of the specified section. Information regarding the communication quality between the UE 50 and the edge UPF, and information regarding the communication quality between the edge UPF and the specified server on the cloud are obtained from the NWDAF 2. Therefore, the switching determination unit 12 calculates the communication quality of the specified section based on the information regarding the communication quality between the UE 50 and the edge UPF, and the information regarding the communication quality between the edge UPF and the specified server on the cloud. For example, in the case of communication delay, the sum of the communication delay between the UE 50 and the edge UPF and the communication delay between the edge UPF and the specified server on the cloud may be used as the communication quality of the specified section.

[0061] The switching determination unit 12 determines whether the communication to the cloud is stable based on whether the communication quality conditions are met. The communication quality conditions are conditions that indicate that the communication to the cloud is stable. For example, the communication quality conditions are for each type of information indicating communication quality. The communication quality is defined using a value required for stable communication (required value). For example, if the information indicating communication quality is communication delay, the communication quality condition includes the requirement that the average round-trip communication delay over a predetermined time is greater than or equal to the required value. The communication quality condition is not limited to this and may also include conditions related to throughput and jitter, etc. Furthermore, the communication quality condition may include conditions for each type of information related to communication quality, or it may include multiple conditions for one type of information related to communication quality.

[0062] The switching determination unit 12 determines whether to switch the offload destination of the UE 50, for example, when the communication quality conditions change. If the communication quality conditions are met, the switching determination unit 12 determines that the offload destination of the UE 50 is a server on the cloud. If the communication quality conditions are not met, the switching determination unit 12 determines that the offload destination of the UE 50 is an edge server 60. When the switching determination unit 12 determines that to switch the offload destination of the UE 50, it sends a traffic redirection change instruction to the NEF 3, instructing it to change the redirection of traffic from the UE 50 to the network where the new offload destination server exists. Along with the traffic redirection change instruction, information about the target UE 50 and information about the redirection destination network are also sent to the NEF 3. Information about the target UE 50 is, for example, identification information of the UE 50, such as its IP address. Information about the redirection destination network is, for example, identification information of the local DN or cloud DN corresponding to the location of the UE 50.

[0063] Traffic redirection change instructions can be sent, for example, through the Nnef_TrafficInfluence service API. The information may then be sent to NEF 3. However, if ECSF 1 can access PCF 4 without going through NEF 3, the traffic redirection change instruction may be sent directly from ECSF 1 to PCF 5 via the Npcf_PolicyAuthorization service API.

[0064] When NEF 3 receives a traffic guidance change instruction, processing proceeds from NEF 3 to PCF 5, and from PCF 5 to SMF 6. SMF 6 then reflects the traffic guidance settings in UPF 70, which acts as the switching point. Further details will be described later. Note that the functional configuration of ECSF 1 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 4 and can be modified as appropriate depending on the embodiment.

[0065] Figure 5 is an example of a flowchart for the offload destination switching determination process of ECSF 1. The process shown in Figure 5 is executed repeatedly at predetermined intervals. The interval at which the process shown in Figure 5 is executed can be arbitrarily set by the ECSF 1 administrator, for example, from a range of 1 second to 60 seconds. The entity executing the process shown in Figure 5 is the CPU 101 of the information processing device 110 that executes the ECSF 1 process, but for convenience, the functional components will be described as the main components.

[0066] In OP101, the information acquisition unit 11 acquires information from NWDAF 2 regarding the communication quality of the specified UE 50 and the edge UPF, and the communication quality of the edge UPF and the specified server on the cloud. The switching determination unit 12 acquires the communication quality of the specified section (between the specified UE 50 and the specified server on the cloud) based on the communication quality information of the two sections acquired from NWDAF 2.

[0067] In OP102, the switching determination unit 12 determines whether the communication quality of the specified section meets the communication quality conditions. If the communication quality of the specified section meets the communication quality conditions (OP102:YES), the process proceeds to OP103. If the communication quality of the specified section does not meet the communication quality conditions (OP102:NO), the process proceeds to OP106.

[0068] OP103 to OP105 are executed when the communication quality of the specified section meets the communication quality conditions. This is the process performed. In OP103, the switching determination unit 12 determines whether the determination result in OP102 regarding whether the communication quality of the specified section meets the communication conditions has changed since the previous time. If the determination result in OP102 has not changed since the previous time (OP103: NO), it indicates that the communication to the cloud has remained stable. In this case, the switching determination unit 12 determines not to switch the offload destination of the specified UE 50, and the process shown in Figure 5 ends.

[0069] If the result of the judgment in OP102 has changed from the previous time (OP103: YES), it indicates that the communication to the cloud has transitioned from an unstable state to a stable state, and the process proceeds to OP104. In OP104, the switching judgment unit 12 determines to switch the offload destination of the specified UE 50 to the edge server 60.

[0070] In OP105, the switching determination unit 12 sends a traffic redirection change instruction to NEF 3, instructing it to redirect the traffic of the specified UE 50 to the specified server on the cloud. Along with the traffic redirection change instruction, information about the specified UE 50 and information about the specified server on the cloud are also sent. After that, the process shown in Figure 5 is completed.

[0071] OP106 to OP108 are processes executed when the communication quality of the specified section does not meet the communication quality conditions. In OP106, the switching determination unit 12 determines whether the determination result in OP102 regarding whether the communication quality of the specified section meets the communication conditions has changed since the previous determination. If the determination result in OP102 has not changed since the previous determination (OP106: NO), it indicates that the communication to the cloud remains unstable. In this case, the switching determination unit 12 determines not to switch the offload destination of the specified UE 50, and the process shown in Figure 5 ends.

[0072] If the result of the judgment in OP102 has changed from the previous time (OP106: YES), it indicates that the communication to the cloud has transitioned from a stable state to an unstable state, and the process proceeds to OP107. In OP107, the switching judgment unit 12 determines to switch the offload destination of the specified UE 50 to the edge server 60.

[0073] In OP108, the switching determination unit 12 sends a traffic redirection change instruction to NEF 3, instructing it to switch the traffic of the designated UE 50 to the edge server 60. Along with the traffic redirection change instruction, information about the designated UE 50 and the fact that the new offload destination is the edge server 60 are also sent. After that, the process shown in Figure 5 is completed. Note that the offload destination switching determination process of ECSF 1 is not limited to the process shown in Figure 5 and can be modified as appropriate depending on the implementation.

[0074] Figure 6 shows an example of the processing sequence from the ECSF 1 offload destination switching determination process to the reflection of the traffic guidance settings to the new offload destination at the switching point, UPF 70.

[0075] In S11, ECSF 1 sends an Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe message to NWDAF 2. The Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe message is a request to NWDAF 2 to retrieve information. Along with the Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe message, information about the segments to be retrieved (between UE 50 and edge UPF, and between edge UPF and the cloud) and information about the retrieved communication quality is also sent.

[0076] In S12, NWDAF 2 sends an Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify message to ECSF 1. The Nnwdaf_AnalyticsSubscription_Notify message is sent to Nnwdaf This message notifies the recipient of the information requested in the _AnalyticsSubscription_Subscribe message. This allows ECSF 1 to obtain information regarding the communication quality of the specified segment (Figure 5, OP101).

[0077] In S21, ECSF 1 determines the offload destination switch for UE 50 based on information regarding the communication quality of the specified section (Figure 5, OP104 or OP107). In S22, ECSF 1 sends an Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Create (or Update, Delete) message to NEF 3. The Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Create (or Update, Delete) message is used to request changes such as traffic routing from 5GC. In the first embodiment, the Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Create (or Update, Delete) message corresponds to a traffic guidance change instruction that instructs to switch the guidance of UE 50's traffic to a new offload destination. Along with the Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Create (or Update, Delete) message, parameters instructing the switching of the offload destination between the edge server and the server on the cloud, the IP address of UE 50, information regarding the current offload destination and information regarding the new offload destination, and DNAI (Data The Network Access Identifier is also sent. Information about the offload destination includes, for example, the server's IP address, port number, and URI. This indicates a policy rule that includes redirecting the traffic of the target UE 50 to a new offload destination.

[0078] In S23, NEF 3 stores the policy rule received with the Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Create (or Update, Delete) message in UDR 4 (in the case of a Create or Update message). In S24, NEF 3 sends an Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Create (or Update, Delete) response message to ECSF 1.

[0079] In S30, UDR 4 sends a Nudr_DM_Notify message to PCF 5 to notify it that the policy rule has changed. The policy rule is also sent along with the Nudr_DM_Notify message.

[0080] In S40, PCF 5 sends an Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message to SMF 6, providing updates to the policy rules applied to the PDU session. Along with the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message, PCC rules created by PCF 5 based on the policy rules are also sent. The created PCC rules contain AF-influenced Traffic Steering Enforcement Control information. This AF-influenced Traffic Steering Enforcement Control information in the PCC rules includes information about parameters that instruct the switching of the offload destination between the edge server and the server on the cloud, the IP address of UE 50, information about the current offload destination and information about the new offload destination, and the DNAI (Data Network Access Identifier). Information about the offload destination may include, for example, the server's IP address, port number, URI, etc.

[0081] In S50, SMF 6, in accordance with the PCC rules provided by PCF 5, applies the settings to UPF 70, the switching point, to switch the destination of the traffic of the target UE 50 from the current offload destination to a new offload destination. The processing after S50 differs depending on the method of accessing the edge servers used in the 5G network, and specific examples will be described later.

[0082] (Specific example of a configuration for accessing edge servers) The UE 50's offload destination switching process is primarily handled by SMF 8 and UPF, etc. To achieve offload destination switching, access to the edge server is required. An example of a configuration for accessing the edge server is as follows: One example is... (Specific example 1) Configuration using ULCL (UpLink Classifier) (Specific example 2) Configuration using IPv6 multihoming (Specific example 3) Configuration for switching PDU sessions Note that the 5GC configuration is the same in all of these specific examples.

[0083] Figure 7 shows an example of the system configuration of communication system 100A in specific example 1 of the configuration for accessing edge servers. In communication system 100A shown in Figure 7, ULCL is used as the configuration for switching offload destinations. ULCL is a function that separates specified traffic in the uplink direction for a PDU session and routes it to multiple UPFs that act as anchors for the PDU session. The UPF that acts as an anchor for a PDU session is the UPF that relays the PDU session last in the uplink direction from UE 50. The UPF that acts as an anchor for a PDU session will be referred to as PSA (PDU Session Anchor)-UPF below.

[0084] Traffic separated by ULCL can be specified by IP 5-tuples. IP 5-tuples consist of the source IP address, destination IP address, protocol number, source port number, and destination port number. ULCL is a feature built into the UPF. The UPF that operates ULCL is located between the UE 50 and the PSA-UPF, and is therefore also called the I-UPF (Intermediate-UPF).

[0085] The communication system 100A includes I-UPF 70A, which is the ULCL; PSA-UPF 71, which connects to DN 90, which connects to the cloud; and PSA-UPF 72, which connects to the local DN to which the edge server 60A connects. Hereafter, I-UPF 70A, which is the ULCL, will be simply referred to as ULCL 70A.

[0086] In communication system 100A, ULCL 70A is the switching point. Also, ECSF 1 obtains information from NWDAF 2 regarding the communication quality between UE 50 and PSA-UPF 71, and information regarding the communication quality between PSA-UPF 71 and the server on the cloud. In communication system 100A, the offload destination switching process by ECSF 1 (Figure 5) and the sequence in the control plane when offload destination switching occurs (Figure 6) are as described above.

[0087] Furthermore, when using ULCL, the traffic to be separated can be specified using IP 5-tuples, allowing the granularity of traffic switching destinations to be set at the flow level, rather than at the UE level. Therefore, in communication system 100A, when ECSF 1 determines that an offload destination switch is necessary, it may specify the traffic of the UE 50 to be switched using IP 5-tuples, and switch the offload destination for a portion of the traffic from the corresponding UE 50. If communication to the cloud is unstable, for example, traffic related to processes that require low-latency responses and occur continuously may be prioritized for offloading from the cloud to the edge server 60. Examples of processes that require low-latency responses and occur continuously include real-time object detection processing for in-vehicle camera video analysis, autonomous driving, and metaverse applications. The specification of traffic to be prioritized for offload destination switching can be done, for example, by the ECSF 1 administrator in advance. It is set to 1, included in the policy rule, and notified from ECSF 1 to ULCL 70A through NEF 3, UDR 4, PCF 5, and SMF 6.

[0088] Figure 8 shows an example of the offload destination switching process sequence in the communication system 100A of Specific Example 1. The process shown in Figure 8 is, for example, in the communication system 100A. The processing sequence shown in Figure 6 occurs, and in S21, ECSF 1 determines that the offload destination of UE 50 is to be switched. This is the processing sequence that takes place after the processing from S22 to S40 is executed. In Figure 8, the processing is explained assuming that the offload destination of UE 50 is a server on the cloud and that it is switched to edge server 60. Therefore, in Figure 8, it is assumed that UE 50 has already established a PDU session with PSA-UPF 71 which is connected to DN 90 which is connected to the cloud. In Figure 8, PSA-UPF 71 is also written as "UPF(PSA1)".

[0089] S61 corresponds to S40 in Figure 6, and SMF 6A receives the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message from PCF 5. PCF 5 then receives the specified message from UE 50. Policy rules are also received, including one that switches the traffic offload destination to edge server 60.

[0090] The process from S62 to S66 involves adding PSA-UPF and ULCL (see TS23.502, 4.3.5.4). In S62, SMF 6A has policy rules set for edge servers. The system instructs the server to relocate, selecting the PSA-UPF 72 to which the specified traffic's new offload destination local DN will be connected, and establishing a connection with the PSA-UPF 72 (exchange of N4 session establishment request / response messages). The PSA-UPF 72 is selected based, for example, on the DNAI of the new offload destination local DN specified in the policy rule, and the location information of the UE 50 (see TS23.502 6.3.3.3). In Figure 8, the PSA-UPF 72 is also referred to as "UPF(PSA2)". It is being done.

[0091] In S63, SMF 6A selects a UPF to operate as ULCL 70A according to the policy rules and establishes a connection with ULCL 70A (N4 session establishment). (Exchange of request / response messages). At this time, information about the traffic to be forwarded to PSA-UPF 71 and PSA-UPF 72 is also applied to ULCL 70A. This reflects the offload destination switching settings in ULCL 70A.

[0092] In S64, SMF 6A updates the configuration to PSA-UPF 71 so that downlink traffic from UE 50 is forwarded to ULCL 70A. In S65, SMF 6A updates the configuration to PSA-UPF 72 so that downlink traffic from UE 50 is forwarded to ULCL 70A. As a result of the processing in S64 and S65, the downlink traffic for UE 50 that was separated by ULCL 70A is merged in ULCL 70A.

[0093] In S66, SMF 6A updates the RAN-side configuration via AMF 7 so that the UPF-side termination of the N3 tunnel becomes ULCL 70A (so that ULCL 70A is the next hop from the perspective of UE 50). This ensures that uplink traffic from UE 50 first reaches ULCL 70A.

[0094] From this point forward, designated uplink traffic from UE 50 will be isolated by ULCL 70A and forwarded to PSA-UPF 72. Traffic other than designated uplink traffic from UE 50A will continue to be forwarded by ULCL 70A to PSA-UPF 71.

[0095] On the other hand, for example, if you switch the offload destination of all traffic from UE 50 to the edge server 60, the uplink traffic from UE 50 will be routed to ULCL It is no longer necessary to separate at 70, and traffic forwarded to PSA-UPF 71 is no longer needed. In this case, the S71 to S74 processes are executed to release the PDU session between UE 50 and PSA-UPF 71 (see TS23.502 4.3.5.5.1).

[0096] In S71, SMF 6A updates the RAN-side configuration via AMF 7 so that the UPF-side termination of the N3 tunnel becomes PSA-UPF 72 (so that PSA-UPF 72 is the next hop from the perspective of UE 50). This allows uplink traffic from UE 50 to reach PSA-UPF72 without going through ULCL 70A.

[0097] In S72, SMF 6A updates the configuration for PSA-UPF 72 so that downlink traffic from UE 50 is forwarded to UE 50 without going through ULCL 70A.

[0098] In S73, SMF 6A releases its connection with PSA-UPF 71 (N4 session). (Exchange of release request / response messages). In S74, SMF 6A releases its connection to ULCL 70A (exchange of N4 session release request / response messages). From then on, UE 50 traffic will use PSA-UPF 72 as the offloading destination (local breakout).

[0099] Even after a PDU session is established between UE 50 and PSA-UPF 72, UE 50 does not know about edge server 60 and therefore searches for edge server 60. S80 is the process of searching for edge server 60, and edge server 60 is selected according to the sequence of operations between SMF 6A, UE 50, EASDF 8, and DNS server 30, as specified in TS23.548 6.2.3.2.2.

[0100] Figure 8 illustrates the sequence for switching the traffic offload destination from UE 50 from a server in the cloud to an edge server 60. The same procedure can be used to switch the traffic offload destination from UE 50 from an edge server 60 to a server in the cloud. Furthermore, ULCL may be configured on the same UPF as PSA-UPF 72.

[0101] Figure 9 shows an example of the system configuration of communication system 100B in specific example 2 of the configuration for accessing edge servers. In communication system 100B shown in Figure 9, IPv6 multihoming is used as the configuration for switching offload destinations. Multihoming is the process of connecting via multiple paths when connecting to an external network.

[0102] The communication system 100B includes I-UPF 70B, which serves as the branching point; PSA-UPF 73, which connects to DN 90, which connects to the cloud; and PSA-UPF 74, which connects to the local DN to which the edge server 60B connects. Hereafter, I-UPF 70B, which serves as the branching point, will be simply referred to as BP 70B.

[0103] In communication system 100B, BP 70B acts as the switching point. ECSF 1 also obtains information from NWDAF 2 regarding the communication quality between UE 50 and PSA-UPF 73, and information regarding the communication quality between PSA-UPF 73 and the server on the cloud. In communication system 100B, the offload destination switching process by ECSF 1 (Figure 5) and the sequence in the control plane when an offload destination switch occurs (Figure 6) are as described above.

[0104] When using IPv6 multihoming, BP 70B will use the source IPv Traffic is branched based on six address prefixes. Therefore, IPv6 prefixes to be forwarded to PSA-UPF 74 leading to edge server 60 are newly assigned to the PDU session. ECSF 1 may specify the traffic to be forwarded to PSA-UPF 74, for example, using IP 5-tuples. Information about the traffic to be forwarded to edge server 60 is pre-configured in ECSF 1 by the administrator of ECSF 1, included in policy rules, and notified from ECSF 1 to ULCL 70B through NEF 3, UDR 4, PCF 5, and SMF 6.

[0105] Figure 10 shows an example of the sequence of the offload destination switching process in the communication system 100B of Specific Example 2. The process shown in Figure 10 is executed, for example, following the sequence of processes shown in Figure 6. Figure 10 explains the process assuming that the offload destination of UE 50 is switched from a server on the cloud to an edge server 60. Therefore, in Figure 10, it is assumed that UE 50 has already established an IPv6 multihoming PDU session with PSA-UPF 73 which is connected to DN 90 which is connected to the cloud.

[0106] The processing in S111 to S116 is the same as S61 to S66 in the sequence of Specific Example 1 in Figure 8, respectively. In S113, SMF 6B notifies BP 70B of the source IPv6 prefix of the PDU session to be forwarded to PSA-UPF 73 and PSA-UPF 74, respectively.

[0107] In S117, SMF 6B notifies UE 50 of a new IPv6 prefix (the IPv6 prefix for forwarding to PSA-UPF 74) that has been assigned for forwarding to PSA-UPF 74. The notification in S117 is made from SMF 6B through PSA-UPF 74 using an IPv6 Router Advertisement message. Also in S117, SMF 6B notifies UE 50 of a policy rule indicating that the IPv6 prefix for forwarding to PSA-UPF 74 should be used for specified traffic (e.g., real-time object detection processing for in-vehicle camera video analysis, autonomous driving, and the metaverse). As a result, UE 50 will use the IPv6 prefix for forwarding to PSA-UPF 74 as the source IPv6 prefix for the specified traffic, and BP 70B will forward the specified traffic to PSA-UPF 74.

[0108] In S118, SMF 6B reassigns the IPv6 prefix originally used for forwarding to PSA-UPF 73 to UE 50 so that it can be used for traffic other than the specified traffic. As a result, UE 50 will use the IPv6 prefix for forwarding to PSA-UPF 73 as the source IPv6 prefix for traffic other than the specified traffic, and BP 70B will forward all traffic other than the specified traffic to PSA-UPF 73.

[0109] For example, if all traffic from UE 50 is offloaded to edge server 60, then S118 will no longer have traffic assigned to use the IPv6 prefix for forwarding to PSA-UPF 73. Also, BP 70B will no longer need to branch the traffic from UE 50. In this case, UE Processes S121 to S124 are executed to release the PDU session between 50 and PSA-UPF 73. Processes S121 to S124 are the same as processes S71 to S74 in Figure 8 of Specific Example 11. Subsequently, in Specific Example 2, as in Specific Example 1, SMF The discovery process for edge server 60 is performed by 6A, UE 50, EASDF 8, and DNS server 30 (S80).

[0110] Figure 10 illustrates the sequence for switching the traffic offload destination from UE 50 from a server in the cloud to an edge server 60. The same procedure can be used to switch the traffic offload destination from UE 50 from an edge server 60 to a server in the cloud. Furthermore, BP 70B may be configured on the same UPF as PSA-UPF 74.

[0111] Figure 11 shows an example of the system configuration of communication system 100C in specific example 3 of the configuration for accessing edge servers. In communication system 100C shown in Figure 11, IPv6 multihoming is used to switch PDU sessions as the offload destination.

[0112] The communication system 100C includes a PSA-UPF 75 that connects to the DN 90 that connects to the cloud, and a PSA-UPF 76 that connects to the local DN that the edge server 60A connects to. As shown in Figure 11, when the PSA-UPF 75 that connects to the cloud and the PSA-UPF 76 that connects to the edge server 60 are different, there is no UPF 70 in the communication system 100C that clearly acts as a switching point.

[0113] Furthermore, ECSF 1 obtains information from NWDAF 2 regarding the communication quality between UE 50 and PSA-UPF 75, and information regarding the communication quality between PSA-UPF 75 and the server on the cloud. In communication system 100C, the offload destination switching process by ECSF 1 (Figure 5) and the sequence in the control plane when offload destination switching occurs (Figure 6) are as described above.

[0114] Figure 12 shows an example of the sequence of the offload destination switching process in the communication system 100C of Specific Example 3. The process shown in Figure 12 is executed, for example, following the sequence of processes shown in Figure 6. Figure 12 describes the process assuming that the offload destination for all traffic from UE 50 is switched from a server on the cloud to an edge server 60. Therefore, in Figure 12, it is assumed that UE 50 has already established a PDU session with PSA-UPF 75 which is connected to DN 90 which is connected to the cloud.

[0115] S211 corresponds to S40 in Figure 6, and SMF 6C receives the Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify message from PCF 5. PCF 5 then receives all messages from UE 50. Policy rules are also received that include switching the traffic offload destination to edge server 60.

[0116] In S212, SMF 6C sends a PDU Session Modification Command to UE 50 via AMF 7. The PDU Session Modification Command sent in S212 instructs UE 50 to release the PDU session with PSA-UPF 75, which is connected to the server in the cloud, and to establish a PDU session with PSA-UPF 76, which is connected to the local DN. It may release the PDU session with PSA-UPF 75, which is connected to the server in the cloud, first, or it may establish a PDU session with PSA-UPF 76, which is connected to the local DN, first. In S213, UE 50 sends a response to the PDU Session Modification Command to SMF 6C via AMF 7.

[0117] In S214, the procedure for establishing a PDU session between UE 50 and PSA-UPF 76 is performed (see TS23.502, 4.3.2.2.1). Once the PDU session is established, UE 50 can begin communication using the new PDU session.

[0118] In S215, the procedure for releasing the PDU session between UE 50 and PSA-UPF 75 is performed (see TS23.502, 4.3.4.2). This releases traffic from UE 50. All data is then offloaded to the edge server 60. Subsequently, as in specific examples 1 and 2, in specific example 3, the SMF 6A, UE 50, EASDF 8, and DNS server 30 perform the discovery process for the edge server 60 (S80).

[0119] Figure 12 illustrates the sequence for switching the traffic offload destination from UE 50 from a server in the cloud to an edge server 60. The same procedure can be used to switch the traffic offload destination from UE 50 from an edge server 60 to a server in the cloud.

[0120] In Figure 12, the offload destination for all traffic from UE 50 is switched from a server in the cloud to edge server 60, but this is not limited to this. ECSF 1 can also specify which traffic from UE 50 will have its offload destination switched, for example, using IP 5-tuples. If traffic to be offloaded is specified, a PDU session should be added between UE 50 and PSA-UPF 76 for the specified traffic, and the existing PDU session between UE 50 and PSA-UPF 75 should be modified to allocate traffic other than the specified traffic.

[0121] Note that the configuration for switching offload destinations is not limited to the above examples 1 to 3. For example, the UE 50 can be equipped with two SIM cards, and by assigning different SIM cards to the PDU session to the cloud and the PDU session to the edge server, the offload destination can be switched by switching between the PDU session to the cloud and the PDU session to the edge server.

[0122] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to the first embodiment, the 5GC can control the switching of the UE 50's offload destination. This eliminates the need to add configurations for switching the offload destination to the UE 50, the server on the cloud server, and the edge server, thus reducing the weight of these devices. Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the UE 50's offload destination can be dynamically switched between the server on the cloud and the edge server.

[0123] <Other Embodiments> The embodiments described above are merely examples, and this disclosure may be modified as appropriate without departing from its essence.

[0124] In the first embodiment, the application of a technology to dynamically switch the destination of traffic offloaded from terminals to a 5G network was described, but the application is not limited to 5G networks. For example, in addition to different mobile communication networks such as 4G networks, LTE networks, and 6G networks, even in the core network (backbone network) of a wired network, the technology to dynamically switch the destination of traffic offloaded from terminals described in the first embodiment can be applied by equipping the core network with devices that perform the functions of ECSF 1 and NWDAF 2, either inside or outside the core network. Furthermore, ECSF 1 and NWDAF 2 may operate on the same information processing device.

[0125] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, ECSF 1 obtains from NWDAF 2 information regarding the communication quality between the designated UE 50 and the edge UPF, and information regarding the communication quality between the edge UPF and the designated server on the cloud, and the designated UE 50 and the designated server on the cloud Based on the communication quality between them, the system determines whether to switch the destination for traffic offloaded from UE 50. However, ECSF 1 may also obtain information from NWDAF 2 regarding the communication quality between the edge UPF and a designated server in the cloud, and based on this, determine whether to switch the destination for traffic offloaded from UE 50 connected to the edge UPF.

[0126] The processes and methods described in this disclosure can be freely combined and implemented, provided that no technical inconsistencies arise.

[0127] Furthermore, a process described as being performed by a single device may be divided and executed by multiple devices. Conversely, a process described as being performed by different devices may be executed by a single device. In a computer system, the hardware configuration (server configuration) by which each function is implemented can be flexibly changed.

[0128] The present disclosure can also be realized by supplying a computer program implementing the functions described in the embodiments above to a computer, and having one or more processors in the computer read and execute the program. Such a computer program may be provided to the computer by a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to the computer's system bus, or it may be provided to the computer via a network. Non-temporary computer-readable storage mediums include, for example, any type of disk such as magnetic disks (floppy disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), etc.), optical disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, etc.), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic cards, flash memory, optical cards, and any type of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0129] 1··ECSF 2··NWDAF 3··NEF 4. UDR 5. PCF 6. SMF 7. AMF 8··EASDF 11...Information acquisition department 12. Switching determination unit 50··UE 60 Edge Servers 70 UPF 90··DN 100. Communication System 101 Processor 102...memory 103...Auxiliary storage device 104. Communications Department

Claims

1. Computers At a minimum, the communication quality of user plane paths leading to external networks within the core network must be obtained, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, when it is determined that a switch is made in the destination of traffic offloaded from the terminal between the first server on the external network and the second server in the local network, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. A method for performing the following: The aforementioned computer, If the communication quality satisfies the first condition indicating that communication to the external network is stable, the first server on the external network is determined as the offload destination, and the first request is sent to the core network instructing that the destination of traffic from the terminal be changed from the local network to the external network. If the communication quality does not meet the first condition, the second server in the local network is determined as the offload destination, and the first request is sent to the core network instructing that the destination of traffic from the terminal be changed from the external network to the local network. method.

2. A computer, At a minimum, the communication quality of user plane paths leading to external networks within the core network must be obtained, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, when it is determined that a switch is made in the destination of traffic offloaded from the terminal between the first server on the external network and the second server in the local network, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. A method for performing the following: The aforementioned computer, For each of the multiple terminals, the communication quality between the terminal and the core network is further acquired. If the communication quality between the first terminal and the first server on the external network satisfies the second condition, the first server on the external network is determined to be the destination for offloading the traffic from the first terminal, and the first request is sent to the core network instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the local network to the external network. If the communication quality does not satisfy the second condition, the second server in the local network is determined as the destination for offloading the traffic from the first terminal, and the first request is sent to the core network instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the external network to the local network. method.

3. A computer, At a minimum, the communication quality of user plane paths leading to external networks within the core network must be obtained, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, when it is determined that a switch is made in the destination of traffic offloaded from the terminal between the first server on the external network and the second server in the local network, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. A method for performing the following: The aforementioned core network is a 5G (5th Generation) core network. The aforementioned computer, As the communication quality of the user plane path leading to the external network within the core network, the communication quality between UPF and the external network is defined as NWDAF (Network Data Analytics). Obtained from Function) The first request is sent to the PCF (Policy Control Function) within the core network. 、 The change in traffic routing from the terminal based on the first request is notified from the PCF to the SMF (Session Management Function), and the SMF then performs a predetermined UPF It is executed by controlling method.

4. The aforementioned computer, If the communication quality between the UPF and the external network satisfies the first condition indicating that communication to the external network is stable, the first server on the external network is determined as the offload destination, and the first request is sent to the PCF instructing that the destination of traffic from the terminal be changed from the local network to the external network. If the communication quality does not meet the first condition, the second server in the local network is determined as the offload destination, and the first request is sent to the PCF instructing that the destination of traffic from the terminal be changed from the external network to the local network. The method according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned computer, From the NWDAF, the communication quality between a terminal and the first UPF and the communication quality between the first UPF and the first server on the external network are obtained for multiple terminals. The communication quality between the first terminal and the first server on the external network is If condition 2 is met, the first server is determined to be the destination for offloading the traffic from the first terminal, and the first request is sent to the PCF instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the local network to the external network. If the communication quality does not meet the second condition, the second server in the local network is determined as the destination for offloading the traffic from the first terminal, and the first request is sent to the PCF instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the external network to the local network. The method according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned predetermined UPF is a UPF that operates as an ULCL (Uplink Classifier) ​​existing between the first terminal and the external network. The ULCL, based on the change in traffic routing from the first terminal according to the first request, forwards the traffic from the first terminal to the external network or the local network where the new offload destination server indicated by the offload destination switching determination result exists. The method according to claim 3.

7. The predetermined UPF exists between the first terminal and the first PSA (PDU Session Anchor)-UPF connected to the external network, and also between the first terminal and the second PSA-UPF connected to the local network, and Branching Po It is an integer UPF, The UPF that becomes the Branching Point is based on the first request. By changing the traffic routing from the first terminal, the traffic from the first terminal is forwarded, based on the IPv6 prefix, to the first PSA-UPF or the second PSA-UPF, which is a PSA-UPF connected to the network where the new offload destination server indicated by the offload destination switching determination result exists. The method according to claim 3.

8. The aforementioned predetermined UPF consists of a first PSA (PDU Session Anchor)-UPF connected to the external network and a second PSA-UPF connected to the local network. The SMF, as a change in the guidance of traffic from the first terminal based on the first request, establishes a new PDU session between the first terminal and the first PSA-UPF or the second PSA-UPF, which is a PSA-UPF connected to the network where the new offload destination server indicated by the offload destination switching determination result exists, and releases the existing session between the first terminal and the other PSA-UPA, thereby guiding the traffic from the first terminal to the first PSA-UPF or the second PSA-UPF, which is a PSA-UPF connected to the network where the new offload destination server indicated by the offload destination switching determination result exists. The method according to claim 3.

9. The aforementioned computer, The first request is sent to the NEF (Network Exposure Function), The NEF notifies the PCF of the first request. The method according to claim 3.

10. The aforementioned computer, Determine the offload destination of the traffic of the first application among the traffic of the first terminal, The method according to claim 2 or 5.

11. The first application described above is an application in which a response delay is required to be less than a predetermined value, and in which processing occurs continuously. The method according to claim 10.

12. At a minimum, the communication quality of user plane paths leading to external networks within the core network must be obtained, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, when it is determined that a switch is made in the destination of traffic offloaded from the terminal between the first server on the external network and the second server in the local network, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. A control unit that executes An information processing device comprising, The control unit is, If the communication quality satisfies the first condition indicating that communication to the external network is stable, the first server on the external network is determined as the offload destination, and the first request is sent to the core network instructing that the destination of traffic from the terminal be changed from the local network to the external network. If the communication quality does not meet the first condition, the second server in the local network is determined as the offload destination, and the first request is sent to the core network instructing that the destination of traffic from the terminal be changed from the external network to the local network. Information processing device.

13. At a minimum, the communication quality of a path on the user plane leading to an external network within the core network, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, when it is determined that a switch is made in the destination of traffic offloaded from the terminal between the first server on the external network and the second server in the local network, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. A control unit that executes An information processing device comprising, The control unit, For each of the multiple terminals, the communication quality between the terminal and the core network is further acquired. If the communication quality between the first terminal and the first server on the external network satisfies the second condition, the first server on the external network is determined to be the destination for offloading the traffic from the first terminal, and the first request is sent to the core network instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the local network to the external network. If the communication quality does not satisfy the second condition, the second server in the local network is determined as the destination for offloading the traffic from the first terminal, and the first request is sent to the core network instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the external network to the local network. Information processing device.

14. At a minimum, the communication quality of a path on the user plane leading to an external network within the core network, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, the first server on the external network and the local network When a switch in the destination for offloading traffic from a terminal to a second server within the network is determined, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. A control unit that executes An information processing device comprising, The aforementioned core network is a 5G (5th Generation) core network. The control unit, As the communication quality of the user plane path leading to the external network within the core network, the communication quality between UPF and the external network is defined as NWDAF (Network Data Analytics). Obtained from Function) The first request is sent to the PCF (Policy Control Function) within the core network. 、 The change in traffic routing from the terminal based on the first request is notified from the PCF to the SMF (Session Management Function), and the SMF then performs a predetermined UPF It is executed by controlling Information processing device.

15. The control unit, From the NWDAF, the communication quality between a terminal and the first UPF and the communication quality between the first UPF and the first server on the external network are obtained for multiple terminals. If the communication quality between the first terminal and the first server on the external network satisfies the second condition, the first server is determined to be the destination for offloading the traffic from the first terminal, and the first request is sent to the PCF instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the local network to the external network. If the communication quality does not meet the second condition, the second server in the local network is determined as the destination for offloading the traffic from the first terminal, and the first request is sent to the PCF instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the external network to the local network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14.

16. The control unit, The first request is sent to the NEF (Network Exposure Function), The NEF notifies the PCF of the first request. The information processing apparatus according to claim 14.

17. On the computer, At a minimum, the communication quality of user plane paths leading to external networks within the core network must be obtained, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, when it is determined that a switch is made in the destination of traffic offloaded from the terminal between the first server on the external network and the second server in the local network, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. A program to execute, To the aforementioned computer, If the communication quality satisfies the first condition indicating that communication to the external network is stable, the first server on the external network is determined as the offload destination, and the first request is sent to the core network instructing that the destination of traffic from the terminal be changed from the local network to the external network. height, If the communication quality does not meet the first condition, the system determines the second server within the local network as the offload destination and sends the first request to the core network instructing that the destination of traffic from the terminal be changed from the external network to the local network. program.

18. A computer, At a minimum, the communication quality of user plane paths leading to external networks within the core network must be obtained, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, when it is determined that a switch is made in the destination of traffic offloaded from the terminal between the first server on the external network and the second server in the local network, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. A program to execute, The aforementioned computer, For each of the multiple terminals, the communication quality between the terminal and the core network is further acquired. If the communication quality between the first terminal and the first server on the external network satisfies the second condition, the first server on the external network is determined to be the destination for offloading the traffic from the first terminal, and the first request is sent to the core network instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the local network to the external network. If the communication quality does not satisfy the second condition, the second server in the local network is determined as the destination for offloading the traffic from the first terminal, and the first request is sent to the core network instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the external network to the local network. program.

19. A computer, At a minimum, the communication quality of user plane paths leading to external networks within the core network must be obtained, Based on the aforementioned communication quality, when it is determined that a switch is made in the destination of traffic offloaded from the terminal between the first server on the external network and the second server in the local network, a first request is sent to the core network instructing a change in the routing of traffic from the terminal. A program to execute, The aforementioned core network is a 5G (5th Generation) core network. To the aforementioned computer, As the communication quality of the user plane path leading to the external network within the core network, the communication quality between UPF and the external network is defined as NWDAF (Network Data Analytics). Get it from the Function) The first request is sent to the PCF (Policy Control Function) within the core network. height, The change in traffic routing from the terminal based on the first request is notified from the PCF to the SMF (Session Management Function), and the SMF then performs a predetermined UPF It is executed by controlling program.

20. To the aforementioned computer, From the aforementioned NWDAF, for multiple terminals, the communication quality between the terminal and the first UPF and The communication quality between the first UPF and the first server on the external network is acquired. If the communication quality between the first terminal and the first server on the external network satisfies the second condition, the first server is determined to be the destination for offloading traffic from the first terminal, and the first request is sent to the PCF instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the local network to the external network. If the communication quality does not satisfy the second condition, the system determines that the second server in the local network is the destination for offloading the traffic from the first terminal, and sends the first request to the PCF instructing that the destination for traffic from the first terminal be changed from the external network to the local network. The program according to claim 19.

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