Network apparatus, method for transmitting terminal location information performed by the apparatus

Abstract

The present invention proposes a network device for realizing a technology that enables more granular differentiation processing when processing session traffic in a UPF based on the provision of information between a control plane and a user plane, and a method for transmitting and utilizing terminal location information performed by the device.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for providing information between a control plane and a user plane, and more specifically, to a technology for realizing the transmission and use of information that enables more granular differentiation processing when processing session traffic in a UPF. Background Technology

[0002] 5G communication systems support scenarios of eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband), mMTC (massive machine type communications), and URLLC (ultra-reliable and low latency communications) while accommodating as many terminals as possible based on limited wireless resources.

[0003] In particular, 5G defines a network structure to support terminals, base stations (access), cores, and servers from end to end, and separates the functions of control signaling and data transmission and reception that were performed in combination by a single node (e.g., S-GW, P-GW, etc.) in existing LTE (4G), thereby defining a network structure that distinguishes the control signaling function area (Control Plane) and the data transmission and reception function area (User Plane).

[0004] At this time, the control nodes of the Control Plane in 5G can be defined as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) that controls the wireless access of terminals, the Policy Control Function (PCF) that manages / controls policies such as terminal information, subscription service information per terminal, and billing, the Session Management Function (SMF) that manages / controls sessions for using data services per terminal, the Network Exposure Function (NEF) that is responsible for the function of sharing information with the external network, the Unified Data Management / Authentication Function (UDM / AUSF) that manages / controls the user's subscriber DB and authentication, the NF Repository Function (NRF) that manages / controls the NF repository function, and the Changing Function (CHHF) that processes billing for subscribers.

[0005] In addition, in 5G, the data node of the User Plane can be defined as a User Plane Function (UPF) that transmits and receives data between a terminal and a server on an external service network (e.g., the Internet) through a session with the terminal based on the control (interconnection) of the SMF.

[0006] Meanwhile, with the recent rise of B2B and Smart Factory, gNB (CU) and UPF are increasingly being built as independent systems. Consequently, there is an anticipated need for more granular separation and processing of customer (terminal) session data when processing in a single UPF built independently.

[0007] However, according to current standards, the session information provided by SMF to UPF is very limited. Consequently, there is no information available to segment and differentiate traffic in standalone UPFs, making it impossible to segment and process traffic during session traffic handling.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention aims to realize an information provision technology between the Control Plane and the User Plane that enables more granular differentiation processing when handling session traffic in the UPF, taking into account an independent UPF construction environment. The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention was created in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a network device that enables more granular classification processing when processing session traffic in a UPF based on the provision of information between a control plane and a user plane, and a method for transmitting and using terminal location information performed by the device. means of solving the problem

[0010] A network device according to the first aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective includes: a verification unit for verifying location information for a specific terminal; and an information providing unit that provides the location information of the specific terminal to a network node of a user plane involved in the session of the specific terminal, thereby enabling the location information to be used when processing traffic of the session at the network node.

[0011] Specifically, the location information includes at least one of TAI (Tracking Area Identity), NCGI (NR CGI (Cell Global Identifier)), ECGI (E-UTRAN CGI), GPS-based location, and connection time information as regional information regarding the connection location of the specific terminal, and may include at least one of UE RC (UE Radio Capability), frequency information, band information, and network slice (NW Slice) information as radio information regarding the connection frequency of the specific terminal.

[0012] Specifically, the information providing unit may provide the location information of the specific terminal by including the location information in a session message that transmits rules for the session of the specific terminal to the network node.

[0013] Specifically, the network device is a network node having an interface that supports direct signaling with the network node in the control plane, and the information providing unit can selectively provide location information of the specific terminal according to specific conditions by considering the signaling status of the interface.

[0014] Specifically, the verification unit can verify the location information for a specific terminal that satisfies a preset information provision condition based on at least one of a condition from another network node of the control plane and the state of the terminal.

[0015] A network device according to a second aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective includes: a verification unit that verifies location information of a specific terminal provided from a network node of a control plane; and a control unit that performs traffic control using the location information when processing traffic for a session of the specific terminal.

[0016] Specifically, the location information includes wireless information regarding the connection frequency of the specific terminal and local information regarding the connection location of the specific terminal, and the control unit can perform at least one of resource allocation scheduling, processing control, QoS control, and billing control in relation to packet processing of the traffic based on at least one of the wireless information and the local information when processing traffic for the session of the specific terminal.

[0017] A method for transmitting terminal location information performed in a network device of a control plane according to a third aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective includes: a verification step of verifying location information for a specific terminal; and an information provision step of providing the location information of the specific terminal to a network node of a user plane involved in the session of the specific terminal, so that the location information can be used when processing traffic of the session at the network node.

[0018] Specifically, the information provision step may provide the location information of the specific terminal by including the location information within a session message that transmits rules for the session of the specific terminal to the network node.

[0019] A method for using terminal location information performed in a network device of a user plane according to the fourth aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objective includes: a verification step of verifying location information of a specific terminal provided from a network node of a control plane; and a control step of performing traffic control using the location information when processing traffic for a session of the specific terminal.

[0020] Specifically, the location information includes wireless information regarding the connection frequency of the specific terminal and local information regarding the connection location of the specific terminal, and the control step can perform at least one of resource allocation scheduling, processing control, QoS control, and billing control in relation to packet processing of the traffic based on at least one of the wireless information and the local information when processing traffic for the session of the specific terminal. Effects of the invention

[0021] According to the network device of the present invention and the method for transmitting and using terminal location information performed by the device, the effect of realizing a differentiated technology that enables more granular differentiation processing when processing session traffic in a UPF is derived based on the provision of information between a control plane and a user plane. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] Figure 1 is an example diagram showing the structure of a 5G system. Figure 2 is an example diagram showing a scenario in which traffic can be subdivided and classified / processed when processing session traffic in a User Plane according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an example diagram showing a configuration in which location information defined in the present invention is provided (transmitted). FIG. 6 is an example diagram showing a format for providing location information in a piggyback form according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for transmitting terminal location information and a method for using terminal location information performed in a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] The present invention relates to a technology for providing information between a control plane and a user plane, specifically a technology for realizing the transmission / utilization of information that enables more granular differentiation processing when processing session traffic in a UPF.

[0025] Figure 1 is an example diagram showing the structure of a 5G system.

[0026] As can be seen in Figure 1, the 5G communication system supports scenarios of eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband), mMTC (massive machine type communications), and URLLC (ultra-reliable and low latency communications) while accommodating as many terminals as possible based on limited wireless resources.

[0027] In particular, 5G defines a network structure to support terminals, base stations (access), cores, and servers from end to end, and separates the functions of control signaling and data transmission and reception that were performed in combination by a single node (e.g., S-GW, P-GW, etc.) in existing LTE (4G), thereby defining a network structure that distinguishes the control signaling function area (Control Plane) and the data transmission and reception function area (User Plane).

[0028] At this time, the control nodes of the Control Plane in 5G can be defined as the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) which controls the wireless access of terminals, the Policy Control Function (PCF) which manages / controls policies such as terminal information, subscription service information per terminal, and billing, the Session Management Function (SMF) which manages / controls sessions for using data services per terminal, and the Network Exposure Function (NEF) which is responsible for the function of sharing information with the external network.

[0029] In addition, in 5G, the data node of the User Plane can be defined as a User Plane Function (UPF) that transmits and receives data between a terminal and a server on an external service network (e.g., the Internet) through a session with the terminal based on the control (interconnection) of the SMF.

[0030] Meanwhile, with the recent rise of B2B and Smart Factory, gNB (CU) and UPF are increasingly being built as independent systems. Consequently, there is an expected need for more granular classification and processing of customer (terminal) session data in a single UPF built independently (e.g., detailed region / building / floor / high-importance customer / low-importance customer, etc.).

[0031] According to current standards, the control plane (e.g., AMF / SMF, etc.) selects a new UPF based on the slice, the location of the terminal (user), and base station information, or establishes a PDU session in the UPF by mapping a 5G QI (QFI: QoS Flow Identity) to the selected UPF.

[0032] As such, since the session information provided by SMF to UPF is very limited to the QFIs mapped to the sessions, there is no information available to segment and differentiate traffic in a standalone UPF; therefore, it is impossible to segment, differentiate, and process traffic when handling session traffic.

[0033] In the past (currently), gNB(CU) ​​and UPF evolved into independent systems deployed independently; however, because the session information provided by SMF to UPF is very limited, UPF cannot possess or know the location information (e.g., region / wireless) of terminals (users), nor is there a method to segment and differentiate traffic using this information and process them differently.

[0034] Accordingly, the present invention aims to realize an information provision technology between the Control Plane and the User Plane that enables more granular differentiation processing when handling session traffic in the UPF, taking into account an independent UPF construction environment.

[0035] Figure 2 shows an example of a scenario in which traffic can be subdivided and classified / processed when processing session traffic in a User Plane according to the present invention.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the technology that can be realized in the present invention, namely a new type of terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use), is centered on the fact that when an NF of the control plane (e.g., SMF) transmits the location information (e.g., region / wireless) of a terminal (user) to an NF of the user plane, i.e., a UPF, the UPF subdivides and separates / processes the traffic according to the terminal region / wireless when processing session traffic.

[0037] In particular, a major feature of the present invention is that when the SMF creates / modifies a PDU session through communication with the UPF, it directly includes the location information of the terminal in the N4 I / F (or Nupf SBI) according to the terminal status of the PDU session and conditions from other NFs of the control plane.

[0038] Accordingly, B2B / independent UPFs can very efficiently classify, process, and control scheduling, processing, QoS, and billing of data (session traffic) according to the specific region / wireless status of the terminal (user).

[0039] Meanwhile, the base station (gNB) can be divided into a Central Unit Control Plane (CU-CP) and a Central Unit User Plane (CU-UP), and the CU-CP can be integrated with the SMF, and the CU-UP can be integrated with the UPF.

[0040] In this way, in the case of the present invention, CU-CP corresponds to the aforementioned SMF as an NF of the control plane, and CU-UP corresponds to the aforementioned UPF as an NF of the user plane. For reference, CU-CP handles terminal sessions through the E1 I / F with CU-UP.

[0041] Accordingly, in the case of the present invention, when processing a terminal PDU session, the CU-CP may directly include and transmit the location information of the terminal in the E1 I / F according to the terminal state of the PDU session and conditions from other NFs of the control plane.

[0042] In the case of the present invention, assuming the integrated state of 'CU-CP + SMF' and 'CU-UP + UPF', E1, N4, or a Service-Based I / F may be used to transmit location information of the terminal.

[0043] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the present invention considers an SMF and a UPF that can also accommodate NSA / LTE EPC functions, so the SMF can accommodate the function of S / PGW-C (Serving Gateway / Packet Data Network Gateway Control) and the UPF can accommodate the function of S / PGW-U (Serving Gateway / Packet Data Network Gateway User).

[0044] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4, the configuration of a network device for realizing the terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use) of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0045] First, with reference to FIG. 3, I will describe a network device of a control plane that realizes the terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use) of the present invention.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a network device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a verification unit (110) and an information providing unit (120).

[0047] This network device (100) may be one of the network devices (or network nodes, or control nodes) of the control plane, namely AMF, PCF, SMF, NEF, etc.

[0048] Of course, as mentioned in the reference description of FIG. 2 above, the network device (100) in the control plane view of the present invention may be a CU-CP of a base station (gNB), a CU-CP + SMF, a S / PGW-C, or a CU-CP + SMF + S / PGW-C.

[0049] However, in Figure 3 and the following description, for the convenience of explanation, SMF will be mentioned as an example.

[0050] To briefly explain 5G SMF, it is responsible for managing and controlling sessions for data service usage on a per-terminal basis.

[0051] When a PDU session Create event, a PDU session Modify event, or a PDU session Delete event occurs for a terminal, the SMF provides a rule including PDU session information and service requirements to at least one UPF involved in the terminal's PDU session, thereby enabling the UPF to process the terminal's PDU session traffic according to the rule.

[0052] The network device (100, SMF) of the present invention may include a verification unit (110) and an information providing unit (120) as a configuration for realizing the terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use) of the present invention.

[0053] The verification unit (110) can be responsible for verifying location information for a specific terminal.

[0054] Here, the location information being verified includes at least one of TAI (Tracking Area Identity), NCGI (NR CGI (Cell Global Identifier)), ECGI (E-UTRAN CGI), GPS-based location, and connection time information as regional information regarding the connection location of a specific terminal, and may include at least one of UE RC (UE Radio Capability), frequency information, band information, and network slice (NW Slice, (SST / SD)) information as radio information regarding the connection frequency of a specific terminal.

[0055] That is, the regional information included in the location information includes the Tracking Area Identity (TAI) for the connection location of a specific terminal, and depending on the Radio Access Type (RAT Type), includes one of NCGI (NR CGI) or ECGI (E-UTRAN CGI), and further may include GPS-based location and connection time information.

[0056] In addition, the wireless information included in the location information may include UE RC (UE Radio Capability), Frequency / band information regarding the connection frequency of a specific terminal, and Network Slice (NW Slice) information.

[0057] In other words, location information can be composed of local information + wireless information, which can be defined as follows.

[0058] Regional Information: TAI, ECGI, NCGI, GPS, Time

[0059] Wireless Information: UE Radio Capability, Frequency / Band Information, NW Slice Information

[0060] Specifically, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention can obtain information about the PDU session of a terminal (user) from other network nodes of the control plane, namely other NFs (e.g., AMF, NRF, PCF, CHF, UDM, AUSF, AF).

[0061] Accordingly, the network device (100) of the present invention is implemented in an SMF and has control information such as 5G QI (QFI), including location information which is the core of the present invention, as an anchor for the PDU session of a terminal (user), and can combine information about the PDU session of a terminal (user) using the information it possesses.

[0062] More specifically, there are various RRC activities between a terminal (hereinafter referred to as terminal (1)) and a base station (e.g., 10, 20, 30), and when the CM (Connection Management) state changes due to these various RRC activities, the state processing for the PDU session is transferred from other NFs (e.g., AMF, NRF, PCF, CHF, UDM, AUSF, AF) of the control plane to the SMF.

[0063] At this time, the state processing transmitted includes the connection location, i.e., base station information, to which the terminal (1) is connected, such as TAI (Tracking Area Identity), NCGI (NR CGI), ECGI (E-UTRAN CGI), etc.

[0064] In addition, even if there is no physical movement of the terminal (1) or change in the CM state, the most recent connection location of the terminal (1), i.e., base station information such as NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc., can be transmitted / updated to the SMF through periodic signaling.

[0065] Accordingly, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention can obtain and retain NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc. as local information regarding the latest connection location for each terminal of a PDU session that it manages / controls.

[0066] Meanwhile, the 5G AMF transmits UE Radio Capability information received through existing base stations (e.g., 10, 20, 30) to the SMF when creating a PDU session or when an update is needed.

[0067] At this time, the transmitted UE Radio Capability information includes information regarding the connection frequency of the terminal (1), such as Frequency / band, etc.

[0068] Regarding the connection frequency of the terminal, Frequency / band can be explained as shown in Table 1 below.

[0069] As can be seen from Table 1, for example, the nr78 band is a 3.5 GHz radio frequency, uses a total bandwidth of 500 MHz including UL (3.3 GHz ~ 3.8 GHz) and DL (3.3 GHz ~ 3.8 GHz), and operates in TDD duplex mode.

[0070]

[0071] Accordingly, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention can obtain and retain Frequency / band, etc., as wireless information regarding the latest connection frequency for each terminal of the PDU session it manages / controls.

[0072] Thus, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention, particularly the verification unit (110), can verify location information (region information / wireless information) for a specific terminal based on terminal-specific / PDU session-specific base station information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) and UE Radio Capability information (e.g., Frequency / band, etc.) that can be obtained and updated / held as described above.

[0073] Of course, the location information defined in the present invention may include, in addition to the aforementioned area information (NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) and wireless information (Frequency / band, etc.), TAC, network slice (NW Slice (SST / SD)), GPS-based location (latitude, longitude) for the terminal (UE), SUPI, PEI, IMSI, and phone number for the terminal (UE), etc.

[0074] The information providing unit (120) can be responsible for providing location information of the specific terminal to a network node of a user plane involved in the session of the specific terminal, thereby enabling the location information to be used when processing traffic of the session at the network node.

[0075] That is, the information providing unit (120) has the role of providing (transmitting) location information of a specific terminal (hereinafter referred to as terminal (1)) confirmed by the verification unit (110) of the above-mentioned method to one or more UPFs involved in the PDU session of terminal (1).

[0076] Below, specific embodiments regarding the method of transmitting (providing) the location information of a terminal will be described.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the information providing unit (120) can provide (transmit) the location information (region information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) confirmed by the confirmation unit (110) by including the location information (region information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) in a session message that transmits a rule for the PDU session of the terminal (1), that is, the terminal (1) mentioned as an example above, to one or more UPFs involved in the PDU session of the terminal (1).

[0078] Here, session messages, i.e., PDU session messages, may include PDU Session Establish (or Creation) / Modification / Deletion messages, etc.

[0079] That is, the information provider (120) can provide (transmit) the location information (local information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) to the UPF involved in the terminal (1)'s PDU session by including the location information (local information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) in the PDU session message when transmitting a PDU session message based on N4 I / F (or Nupf SBI).

[0080] In addition, this PDU session message contains rules for the PDU session of the terminal (1), namely PDR (Packet Detection Rule (e.g., matching based on IP address)), FAR (Forward Action Rule (e.g., deciding whether to forward)), QER (QoS Enforcement Rule (e.g., performing Gating / Rating)), and URR (Usage Reporting Rule (e.g., performing Quota / usage)).

[0081] Figure 5 shows a configuration in which location information (regional information / wireless information) defined in the present invention is provided (transmitted).

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the present invention, when creating / modifying / deleting a PDU session for a terminal (1), relevant rules such as PDR, QER, FAR, and URR are transmitted to the relevant UPF, and location information (regional information / wireless information, NCGI, ECGI, Freq / Band, GPS, Time, etc. in FIG. 5) is provided (transmitted) along with the rules.

[0083] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in the present invention, when there are multiple PDU sessions for a single terminal (1), location information (regional information / wireless information, NCGI, ECGI, Freq / Band, GPS, Time, etc. in FIG. 5) can be provided (transmitted) along with a rule for each PDU session (e.g., PDU Session ID).

[0084] In this way, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention utilizes a PDU session message that transmits a relevant rule to a relevant UPF when creating / modifying / deleting a PDU session for a terminal (1), thereby providing (transmitting) the location information (regional information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) to the relevant UPF, so as not to cause additional signaling for the transmission of location information.

[0085] Furthermore, the information provider (120) can provide (transmit) location information (local information / wireless information) of a specific terminal, such as terminal (1), in a piggyback form utilizing a specific IE (Information Element) format that transmits information in the signaling of an interface that supports direct signaling between SMF and UPF, namely N4 I / F (or Nupf SBI).

[0086] FIG. 6 is an example diagram showing a format for providing location information in a piggyback form according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] For example, in the N4 I / F signaling between SMF and UPF, such as PFCP (Packet Forwarding Control Protocol) signaling, an IE format is defined that transmits the UE ID and UE IP Address.

[0088] In the present invention, the location information (regional information / wireless information) of a terminal (1) can be provided (transmitted) to the relevant UPF in a piggyback form, that is, by utilizing the UE ID IE or UE IP Address IE format defined in the standard as such, by inserting location information (regional information / wireless information) into each field of the UE ID IE or UE IP Address IE.

[0089] Figure 6 shows a case in which location information (local information / wireless information) is configured / transmitted by utilizing the UE ID IE or UE IP Address IE format within the PDU session message (or PFCP Session Creation Message) of PDU Session Establish (or Creation) as an example.

[0090] In this way, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention, when creating / modifying / deleting a PDU session for the terminal (1), provides (transmits) the location information (regional information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) to the relevant UPF, not only does not induce additional signaling for the transmission of location information, but also utilizes the existing PFCP (N4 I / F) signaling as is to realize the transmission of location information (regional information / wireless information) very effectively.

[0091] Furthermore, the information provider (120) can selectively provide (transmit) location information (regional information / wireless information) of a specific terminal, such as terminal (1), according to specific conditions, by considering the signaling status of an interface, such as N4 I / F (or Nupf SBI), that supports direct signaling between SMF and UPF.

[0092] Here, the signaling status may include the load (Load, Overload status) and performance (throughput, latency, and TPS) of the interface (e.g., N4 I / F (or Nupf SBI)).

[0093] In addition, specific conditions may be set such that when individual area information / wireless information in the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention is changed by more than a number of preset values, or when at least one or N area information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) within the terminal's location information is changed.

[0094] For example, at least one or N of the location information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1) may be changed, or multiple individual location information and / or wireless information may be repeatedly changed / updated.

[0095] Accordingly, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention can consider the signaling status of the N4 I / F (or Nupf SBI) and the change / update status of local information / wireless information, and when at least one or N local information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1) is changed, or when multiple local information and / or wireless information is repeatedly changed, collect such information and transmit it to the UPF in a piggyback form in one N4 session at a time when the signaling status is good (e.g., when load / performance satisfies the conditions).

[0096] Meanwhile, in the terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use) of the present invention, the operation of providing (transmitting) the terminal's location information to the UPF can be performed only for specific terminals that satisfy the predetermined information provision conditions.

[0097] For example, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention, particularly the verification unit (110), can verify the aforementioned location information (regional information / wireless information) for a specific terminal that satisfies a pre-set information provision condition based on at least one of the conditions from other network nodes of the control plane, i.e., other NFs (e.g., AMF, NRF, UDM, PCF, NEF, NSSF, etc.) and the state of the terminal.

[0098] Accordingly, the network device (100, SMF), particularly the information providing unit (120), can conditionally operate the terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use) of the present invention by providing (transmitting) the location information (regional information / wireless information) confirmed only for a specific terminal in which the information provision condition is satisfied at the verification unit (110) to the relevant UPF through the N4 I / F (or Nupf SBI) in the same manner as described above.

[0099] Below, an embodiment of the terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use) of the present invention operating conditionally will be described.

[0100] To describe one embodiment, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention, particularly the verification unit (110), can identify a specific subscriber (user) as a specific terminal satisfying the information provision conditions based on conditions from another NF (e.g., UDM) and verify location information (local information / wireless information).

[0101] In addition, the verification unit (110) may recognize a specific terminal when controlling the QoS of a specific subscriber (user) based on conditions from another NF (e.g., PCF), recognize a specific terminal when billing a specific subscriber (user) based on conditions from another NF (e.g., CHF), or recognize a specific terminal when exposing a 3rd party externally based on conditions from another NF (e.g., NEF) to verify location information (regional information / wireless information).

[0102] In addition to the conditions from other NFs mentioned above and the specific terminal recognition method based thereon, in the present invention, by setting various conditions through linkage with other NFs and triggering recognition of a specific terminal that is the target for verifying location information (regional information / wireless information) accordingly, it will be possible to implement various scenarios in which the terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use) of the invention is conditionally operated.

[0103] In other words, specific examples of conditions for triggering recognition include the occurrence of specific control events such as terminal location information, entry / exit information, or terminal handover; when the terminal's QoS status (RSRP, RSRQ, Radio Resource Block) or service performance (e.g., throughput, latency, jitter) is above or below a specific threshold; or when multiple complex conditions are satisfied.

[0104] To explain another embodiment, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention, particularly the verification unit (110), can verify location information (regional information / wireless information) by recognizing a terminal in which a specific state has occurred (hereinafter, Procedure / Event) based on the state of the terminals as a specific terminal that satisfies the information provision condition.

[0105] These specific states, i.e., Procedures / Events, may include Initial Registration, User In / Activity, Service Request, Xn Handover, Periodic Registration Update, N2 Handover, Deregistration, etc.

[0106] As described above, according to the network device (100) of the present invention, the NF of the control plane (e.g., SMF) can transmit location information (e.g., local / wireless) of the terminal (user) to the NF of the user plane, i.e., UPF.

[0107] Meanwhile, according to the present invention described above, if the network device (100) of the present invention is a CU-CP, the CU-CP of the control plane will transmit location information (e.g., local / wireless) of the terminal (user) to the NF of the user plane, i.e., CU-UP, by utilizing a piggyback form based on an IE format that matches it through the E1 I / F.

[0108] In addition, if the network device (100) of the present invention in Fig. 3 is S / PGW-C, the S / PGW-C of the control plane will transmit location information (e.g., local / wireless) of the terminal (user) to the NF of the user plane, i.e., S / PGW-U, by utilizing a piggyback form based on an IE format that matches it through the Sx I / F.

[0109] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, I will describe a network device of a user plane that realizes the terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use) of the present invention.

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a network device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a verification unit (210) and a control unit (220).

[0111] As mentioned in the reference description of FIG. 2 above, the network device (100) in the user plane perspective of the present invention may be a network device (or network node, or data node) in the user plane, i.e., a UPF.

[0112] Of course, as mentioned in the reference description of FIG. 2 above, the network device (200) in the control plane view of the present invention may be a CU-UP of a base station (gNB), a CU-UP + UPF, a S / PGW-U, or a CU-UP + UPF + S / PGW-U.

[0113] However, in Figure 4 and the following description, for the convenience of explanation, UPF will be mentioned as an example.

[0114] To briefly explain the 5G UPF, it controls the terminal's PDU session based on the control (interlocking) of the SMF (100) and is responsible for transmitting and receiving data between the terminal and nodes (e.g., internet server, edge server, etc.) through the terminal's PDU session.

[0115] That is, UPF receives a rule (Rule, PDR / QER / FAR / URR) containing PDU session information and service requirements from SMF (100), and processes the terminal's PDU session traffic according to this rule.

[0116] In particular, according to the terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use) of the present invention, since the UPF can receive the terminal's location information (regional information / wireless information) along with rules for PDU sessions (e.g., PDR / QER / FAR / URR) from the SMF, it can very efficiently classify, process, and control scheduling, processing, QoS, and billing of data (session traffic) according to the detailed regional / wireless status of the terminal (user).

[0117] The network device (200, UPF) of the present invention may include a verification unit (210) and a control unit (220) as a configuration for realizing the terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use) of the present invention.

[0118] The verification unit (210) can be responsible for verifying the location information of a specific terminal provided from a network node of the control plane.

[0119] Here, the network device (200, UPF) of the present invention may receive location information of a specific terminal from various NFs of the control plane, such as SMF, AMF, PCF, CHF, UDM, AF, etc. However, for convenience, the following description will be described as a case where location information of a specific terminal is received and confirmed from an SMF.

[0120] That is, the verification unit (210) can receive / verify location information of a specific terminal (hereinafter referred to as terminal (1)) provided by the SMF.

[0121] Meanwhile, as specifically explained in the tactics, location information includes NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc. as regional information regarding the connection location of a specific terminal, and may include frequency information, band information, etc. as wireless information regarding the connection frequency of a specific terminal.

[0122] In addition, as specifically described in the description with reference to FIGS. 5 and FIG. 6, the network device (200, UPF) of the present invention can receive location information (regional information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) together through a PDU session message that receives a relevant rule when creating / modifying / deleting a PDU session for the terminal (1) from the SMF, and can receive location information (regional information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) by utilizing the IE format of the existing PFCP (N4 I / F) signaling in a piggyback form.

[0123] The control unit (220) is responsible for performing traffic control using location information (region information / wireless information) confirmed by the verification unit (210) when processing traffic for a PDU session of a specific terminal, such as terminal (1).

[0124] That is, when processing traffic for a PDU session of a specific terminal, such as terminal (1), the control unit (220) can perform at least one of resource allocation scheduling, processing control, QoS control, and billing control in relation to packet processing of traffic based on at least one of wireless information (e.g., Frequency information, band information, etc.) and local information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1).

[0125] More specifically, an embodiment of the network device (200, UPF) of the present invention that performs traffic control using location information (regional information / wireless information) is described as follows.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the control unit (220) can perform resource allocation scheduling when processing PDU session data of the terminal (1) based on wireless information (e.g., frequency information, band information, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1).

[0127] For example, the service frequency may differ for each base station (10, 20, 30, ��) shown in FIG. 1 (e.g., 28 GHz, 3.5 GHz and 1.8 GHz (LTE), ���), and the network device (200, UPF) of the present invention may process resource allocation scheduling to be allocated to packet processing by frequency.

[0128] Accordingly, the control unit (220) can guarantee clear resource allocation when processing traffic for the PDU session of the terminal (1) based on wireless information (e.g., frequency information, band information, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1).

[0129] For example, the control unit (220) can allocate resources from the resources (CPU / Memory / Disk) secured by mapping the base station -> UPF N3 Uplink entering the network device (200, UPF) of the present invention together with the wireless information within the location information of the terminal (1), and at this time, the QFI field (GTPu header included in N3) can also be used.

[0130] Meanwhile, the control unit (220) can allocate resources from the resources (CPU / Memory / Disk) secured by mapping wireless information within the location information of the terminal (1) to the N6 downlink of the Internet -> UPF that is introduced into the network device (200, UPF) of the present invention, and at this time, the DSCP field (a field included in the IP packet) can also be used.

[0131] Of course, the control unit (220) may also guarantee a clear resource allocation when processing traffic for the PDU session of the terminal (1) according to the method described above, based on the location information of the terminal (1) and local information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.).

[0132] Of course, the control unit (220) may also guarantee a clear resource allocation when processing traffic for the PDU session of the terminal (1) according to the method described above, based on a combination of local information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) and wireless information (e.g., frequency information, band information, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1).

[0133] According to another embodiment, the control unit (220) may perform processing control when processing PDU session data of the terminal (1) based on the local information of the terminal (1) (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.).

[0134] For example, the control unit (220) can perform forwarding, steering, and routing processing control by determining the destination IP address change (NAT / Firewall) based on the terminal (1)'s local information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) to transmit traffic (packets) for the terminal (1)'s PDU session to an Edge server instead of an Internet server, or conversely, to transmit to an Internet server instead of an Edge server.

[0135] Of course, the control unit (220) may also perform forwarding, steering, and routing processing control when processing traffic for the PDU session of the terminal (1) according to the method described above, based on a combination of local information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) and wireless information (e.g., frequency information, band information, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1), or wireless information (e.g., frequency information, band information, etc.).

[0136] According to another embodiment, the control unit (220) can also perform QoS control, billing control, etc. when processing PDU session data of the terminal (1) based on the regional information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) of the terminal (1).

[0137] For example, the control unit (220) can perform QoS control by determining a QoS change to be applied to traffic for a PDU session of the terminal (1) based on the local information of the terminal (1) (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.).

[0138] Alternatively, the control unit (220) may perform billing control by changing the billing method applied to traffic for the PDU session of the terminal (1) based on the regional information of the terminal (1) (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) or by applying separate billing to traffic corresponding to the Forwarding, Steering, and Routing processing control of the above.

[0139] Of course, the control unit (220) may also perform tactical QoS control and billing control based on a combination of local information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) and wireless information (e.g., Frequency information, band information, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1), or based on wireless information (e.g., Frequency information, band information, etc.).

[0140] Meanwhile, the network device (200, UPF) of the present invention can transmit control-related matters (e.g., IP address change, QoS change, billing change, etc.) determined when performing the aforementioned resource allocation scheduling / processing control / QoS control / billing control to a relevant NF (e.g., SMF, etc.) of the control plane when necessary, so that the aforementioned resource allocation scheduling / processing control / QoS control / billing control is reflected by the control plane.

[0141] As described above, according to the network device (100, 200) of the present invention, the NF of the user plane (e.g., UPF, CU-UP, S / PGW-U, CU-UP + UPF, CU-UP + UPF + S / PGW-U) obtains / uses location information (e.g., area / wireless) of the terminal (user) from the control plane, thereby enabling the traffic to be subdivided and classified / processed according to the terminal area / wireless.

[0142] In summary, according to the present invention, based on the provision of information between the Control Plane and the User Plane, the effect of realizing a differentiated technology that enables more granular differentiation processing when processing session traffic in UPF is derived.

[0143] Below, with reference to FIG. 7, a method for realizing the terminal location information provision scenario (transmission / use) of the present invention will be explained in detail.

[0144] Before explaining, Figure 7 describes an example in which the network device (NF) according to the present invention refers to the SMF of the control plane and the UPF of the user plane.

[0145] For convenience of explanation, in Fig. 7, the method of transmitting terminal location information performed in the NF (e.g., SMF) of the control plane is illustrated with solid lines, and the method of using terminal location information performed in the NF (e.g., UPF) of the user plane is illustrated with dotted lines.

[0146] Accordingly, according to the terminal location information transmission method of the present invention, a network device (100, SMF) can obtain information about the PDU session of a terminal (user) from other NFs (e.g., AMF, NRF, PCF, CHF, UDM, AUSF, AF) of the control plane (S10).

[0147] A network device (100, SMF) receives state processing for a PDU session from other NFs (e.g., AMF, NRF, PCF, CHF, UDM, AUSF, AF) of the control plane when there is a change in the CM (Connection Management) state due to various RRC activities between a terminal (hereinafter referred to as terminal (1)) and a base station (e.g., 10, 20, 30).

[0148] At this time, the state processing transmitted includes the connection location, i.e., base station information, to which the terminal (1) is connected, such as NCGI (NR CGI (Cell Global Identifier)), ECGI (E-UTRAN CGI), TAI (Tracking Area Identity), etc.

[0149] In addition, even if there is no physical movement of the terminal (1) or change in the CM state, the most recent connection location of the terminal (1), i.e., base station information such as NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc., can be transmitted / updated to the SMF through periodic signaling.

[0150] Accordingly, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention can obtain and retain NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc. as local information regarding the latest connection location for each terminal of the PDU session it manages / controls (S10).

[0151] Meanwhile, the 5G AMF can transmit UE Radio Capability information received through existing base stations (e.g., 10, 20, 30) to the SMF when creating a PDU session or when an update is needed.

[0152] At this time, the transmitted UE Radio Capability information includes information regarding the connection frequency of the terminal (1), such as Frequency / band, etc.

[0153] Accordingly, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention can obtain and retain wireless information regarding the latest connection frequency for each terminal of the PDU session it manages / controls, such as Frequency / band, etc. (S10).

[0154] Meanwhile, according to the terminal location information transmission method of the present invention, a network device (100, SMF) can confirm the aforementioned location information (regional information / wireless information) for a specific terminal that satisfies a preset information provision condition based on at least one of the conditions from other NFs (e.g., UDM, PCF, NEF, NRF, NSSF, etc.) and the state of the terminal (S20).

[0155] That is, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention can conditionally check location information (region information / wireless information) only for a specific terminal / specific PDU session that satisfies a preset information provision condition.

[0156] And, according to the terminal location information transmission method of the present invention, the network device (100, SMF) provides (transmits) the location information of a specific terminal (hereinafter referred to as terminal (1)) identified in step S20 to one or more related UPFs involved in the PDU session of terminal (1) (S30).

[0157] Specifically, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention can provide (transmit) the location information (local information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) by including the location information (local information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) in a session message that transmits a rule for the PDU session of the terminal (1), that is, the terminal (1) mentioned as an example above, to one or more UPFs involved in the PDU session of the terminal (1) (S30).

[0158] Here, session messages, i.e., PDU session messages, may include PDU Session Establish (or Creation) / Modification / Deletion messages, etc.

[0159] In addition, this PDU session message contains rules for the PDU session of the terminal (1), namely PDR (Packet Detection Rule (e.g., matching based on IP address)), FAR (Forward Action Rule (e.g., deciding whether to forward)), QER (QoS Enforcement Rule (e.g., performing Gating / Rating)), and URR (Usage Reporting Rule (e.g., performing Quota / usage)).

[0160] Furthermore, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention can provide (transmit) location information (local information / wireless information) of a specific terminal, such as terminal (1), in a piggyback form utilizing a specific IE (e.g., UE ID IE or UE IP Address IE) format that transmits information in the signaling of an interface, namely N4 I / F (or Nupf SBI), which supports direct signaling between the SMF and UPF (S30).

[0161] Furthermore, when at least one or N local information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1) is changed, or when multiple local information and / or wireless information are repeatedly changed, the network device of the present invention (e.g., AMF / SMF) can collect such information and send it to the UPF in a piggyback form, including it in one N4 session.

[0162] In summary, the network device (100, SMF) of the present invention, when creating / modifying / deleting a PDU session for a terminal (1), provides (transmits) location information (regional information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) to the relevant UPF, not only does not induce additional signaling for location information transmission, but also utilizes the existing PFCP (N4 I / F) signaling as is to realize location information (regional information / wireless information) transmission very effectively.

[0163] Meanwhile, according to the method for using terminal location information of the present invention, a network device (200, UPF) can receive / confirm location information of a specific terminal (hereinafter referred to as terminal (1)) provided from an NF, such as an SMF, of a control plane (S40).

[0164] Referring to the description of the tactics and FIGS. 5 and 6, the network device (200, UPF) of the present invention can receive location information (regional information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) together through a PDU session message that receives a relevant rule when creating / modifying / deleting a PDU session for the terminal (1) from the SMF, and can receive and verify the location information (regional information / wireless information) of the terminal (1) by utilizing the IE format of the existing PFCP (N4 I / F) signaling in a piggyback form.

[0165] The network device (200, UPF) of the present invention receives a PDU session message from the SMF, a rule (Rule, PDR / QER / FAR / URR) including PDU session information and service requirements, and processes the PDU session traffic of the terminal (1) according to this rule (Rule) (S50).

[0166] At this time, according to the method for using terminal location information of the present invention, a network device (200, UPF) can perform at least one of resource allocation scheduling, processing control, QoS control, and billing control in relation to packet processing of traffic based on at least one of wireless information (e.g., frequency information, band information, etc.) and local information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1) when processing traffic for a PDU session of the terminal (1) (S50).

[0167] According to one embodiment, a network device (200, UPF) can perform resource allocation scheduling when processing PDU session data of a terminal (1) based on wireless information (e.g., frequency information, band information, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1).

[0168] According to another embodiment, the network device (200, UPF) can also perform processing control (e.g., priority), QoS control, billing control, etc. when processing PDU session data of the terminal (1) based on local information (e.g., NCGI, ECGI, TAI, etc.) within the location information of the terminal (1).

[0169] Meanwhile, according to the method for using terminal location information of the present invention, the network device (200, UPF) can transmit control-related matters (e.g., IP address change, QoS change, billing change, etc.) determined when performing the resource allocation scheduling / processing control / QoS control / billing control of the aforementioned step S50 to a relevant NF (e.g., SMF, etc.) of the control plane if necessary, so that the aforementioned resource allocation scheduling / processing control / QoS control / billing control is reflected by the control plane (S60).

[0170] As explained above, the core of the present invention is that when an NF of the control plane (e.g., SMF) transmits location information (e.g., region / wireless) of a terminal (user) to an NF of the user plane, i.e., a UPF, the UPF subdivides and separates / processes traffic according to the terminal's region / wireless when processing session traffic.

[0171] In particular, a major feature of the present invention is that when the SMF creates / modifies a PDU session through communication with the UPF, it directly includes the location information of the terminal in the N4 I / F (or Nupf SBI) according to the terminal status of the PDU session and conditions from other NFs of the control plane.

[0172] Accordingly, the B2B / independent UPF can very efficiently classify, process, and control scheduling, processing, QoS, and billing of data (session traffic) according to the specific region / wireless status of the terminal (user).

[0173] In summary, according to the present invention, based on the provision of information between the Control Plane and the User Plane, the effect of realizing a differentiated technology that enables more granular differentiation processing when processing session traffic in UPF is derived.

[0174] A method for transmitting and using terminal location information according to one embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the present invention, or they may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0175] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the technical concept of the present invention extends to the scope in which various modifications or alterations are possible by anyone with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the following claims. Industrial applicability

[0176] According to the network device and the method for transmitting and using terminal location information performed by the device according to the present invention, the invention is industrially applicable as it realizes a differentiated technology that enables more granular differentiation processing when processing session traffic in an independent UPF, thereby overcoming the limitations of existing technology, and thus not only has sufficient potential for commercialization or business of the applied device as well as utilization of the related technology, but is also clearly and practically implementable. Explanation of the symbols

[0177] 100 : Network Device (SMF) 110 : Confirmation Department 120 : Information Provision Department 200 : Network device (UPF) 210 : Verification unit 220 : Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A network device in a control plane comprises: a verification unit for verifying location information for a specific terminal; and an information provision unit for providing the location information of the specific terminal to a network node in a user plane involved in the session of the specific terminal, thereby enabling the network node to utilize the location information when processing traffic of the session; wherein the network node is capable of distinguishing and processing traffic according to the region and wireless of the specific terminal by utilizing the location information of the specific terminal. Claim 2 A network device according to claim 1, wherein the location information comprises at least one of TAI (Tracking Area Identity), NCGI (NR CGI (Cell Global Identifier)), ECGI (E-UTRAN CGI), GPS-based location, and connection time information as regional information regarding the connection location of the specific terminal, and at least one of UE RC (UE Radio Capability), frequency information, band information, and network slice (NW Slice) information as wireless information regarding the connection frequency of the specific terminal. Claim 3 A network device according to claim 1, wherein the information providing unit provides the location information of the specific terminal by including the location information in a session message that transmits a rule for the session of the specific terminal to the network node. Claim 4 In claim 1, the network device is a network node having an interface that supports direct signaling with the network node in a control plane, and the information providing unit is characterized by selectively providing location information of the specific terminal according to specific conditions, taking into account the signaling state of the interface. Claim 5 A network device according to claim 1, wherein the verification unit verifies the location information for a specific terminal in which a preset information provision condition is satisfied, based on at least one of a condition from another network node of the control plane and the state of the terminal. Claim 6 A network device in a user plane, comprising: a verification unit that verifies location information of a specific terminal provided from a network node in a control plane; and a control unit that performs traffic control using the location information when processing traffic for a session of the specific terminal; wherein the control unit classifies and processes traffic according to the region and wireless of the specific terminal using the location information of the specific terminal. Claim 7 A network device according to claim 6, wherein the location information includes wireless information regarding the connection frequency of the specific terminal and local information regarding the connection location of the specific terminal, and wherein the control unit performs at least one of resource allocation scheduling, processing control, QoS control, and billing control in relation to packet processing of the traffic based on at least one of the wireless information and the local information when processing traffic for a session of the specific terminal. Claim 8 A method for transmitting terminal location information performed in a network device of a control plane, comprising: a verification step for verifying location information for a specific terminal; and an information provision step for providing the location information of the specific terminal to a network node of a user plane involved in a session of the specific terminal, so that the location information can be used when processing traffic of the session at the network node; wherein the network node can distinguish and process traffic according to the region and wireless of the specific terminal by utilizing the location information of the specific terminal. Claim 9 A terminal location information transmission method according to claim 8, wherein the information provision step comprises including the location information within a session message that transmits rules for the session of the specific terminal to the network node, thereby providing the location information of the specific terminal. Claim 10 A method for utilizing terminal location information performed in a network device of a user plane, comprising: a verification step of verifying location information of a specific terminal provided from a network node of a control plane; and a control step of performing traffic control using the location information when processing traffic for a session of the specific terminal; wherein the control step is characterized by classifying and processing traffic according to the region and wireless of the specific terminal using the location information of the specific terminal. Claim 11 A method for using terminal location information according to claim 10, wherein the location information includes wireless information regarding the connection frequency of the specific terminal and local information regarding the connection location of the specific terminal, and the control step performs at least one of resource allocation scheduling, processing control, QoS control, and billing control in relation to packet processing of the traffic based on at least one of the wireless information and the local information when processing traffic for a session of the specific terminal.

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