Session management method, apparatus and system for multipath transmission, and storage medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications, and relates to a session management method, apparatus and system for multipath transmission, and a storage medium. The session management method for multipath transmission is executed by an SMF network element, and comprises: receiving an access mode list and a user equipment identifier of a user equipment, wherein the access mode list is a list of access modes supported by the user equipment; sending the access mode list and the user equipment identifier to a PCF network element; receiving a multi-access rule of the user equipment sent by the PCF network element; and sending the multi-access rule to a UPF network element, wherein the multi-access rule comprises one main multi-access rule and one or more sub multi-access rules, and the one or more sub multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule. According to the technical solution of the present disclosure, sub multi-access rules in a multi-access rule can be nested in a main multi-access rule, so that flexible selection and flexible combination of multiple access modes are realized, thereby improving or guaranteeing the continuity and stability of service data, and the flexibility of service data transmission.

Description

Multipath transmission session management method, device, system and storage medium

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is based on the application with CN application number 202311589399.7 and application date November 27, 2023, and claims its priority. The disclosed content of the CN application is hereby introduced as a whole into this application. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a multipath transmission session management method, a multipath transmission session management device, a multipath transmission session management system, an SMF network element, a UPF network element, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0004] The current 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standards only consider scenarios where satellites are used as a new air interface for 5G (5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology, 5G) to provide access or as a backhaul link. Furthermore, the 3GPP ATSSS project only considers two connections (one 3GPP and one non-3GPP). However, with 6G (6th Generation Mobile Communication Technology, 6G), user devices can simultaneously use multiple access methods, such as terrestrial and non-terrestrial access. This not only ensures connection reliability, but also allows different access methods to be selected based on the user device's service latency requirements or service continuity requirements to meet the different needs of the user device.

[0005] Therefore, how to achieve flexible selection and combination of multiple access methods is an important issue.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a session management method for multipath transmission is provided, which is executed by an SMF (Session Management Function) network element, including: receiving an access method list and a user equipment identifier of a user equipment, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment; sending the access method list and the user equipment identifier to a PCF (Policy Control Function) network element; receiving a multi-access rule of the user equipment sent by the PCF network element; and sending the multi-access rule to a UPF (User Plane Function) network element, wherein the multi-access rule includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule.

[0008] In some embodiments, the child multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0009] In some embodiments, when there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states corresponding to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0010] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier.

[0011] In some embodiments, the steering mode includes at least one of an active-standby mode, a redundant mode, a load sharing mode, or a priority mode.

[0012] In some embodiments, the access method list includes at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method.

[0013] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters.

[0014] In some embodiments, receiving an access method list and a user device identifier of a user device includes: receiving a session establishment request sent by a NACF (Network Access Control Function) network element, wherein the session establishment request carries multiple access method lists and user device identifiers, sending the access method list and user device identifier to a PCF network element includes: sending a session policy acquisition request to the PCF network element, wherein the session policy acquisition request carries multiple access method lists and user device identifiers, and sending multiple access rules to a UPF network element includes: sending an N4 session establishment request to the UPF network element, wherein the N4 session establishment request carries multiple access rules.

[0015] In some embodiments, the multi-path transmission session management method further includes: sending the multi-access rule to the user equipment.

[0016] According to a second aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-path transmission session management method is provided, which is executed by a PCF network element, including: receiving an access method list and a user equipment identifier of a user equipment, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment; sending a multi-access rule for the user equipment according to the access method list and the user equipment identifier, wherein the multi-access rule includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule.

[0017] In some embodiments, the child multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0018] In some embodiments, when there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states corresponding to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0019] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier.

[0020] In some embodiments, the steering mode includes at least one of an active-standby mode, a redundant mode, a load sharing mode, or a priority mode.

[0021] In some embodiments, the access method list includes at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method.

[0022] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters.

[0023] In some embodiments, receiving an access method list and a user device identifier of a user device includes: receiving a session policy acquisition request sent by an SMF network element, wherein the session policy acquisition request carries multiple access method lists and user device identifiers.

[0024] According to a third aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, an SMF network element is provided, including: a first receiving unit, configured to receive an access method list and a user equipment identifier of a user equipment, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment; a first sending unit, configured to send the access method list and the user equipment identifier to a PCF network element; a second receiving unit, configured to receive a multi-access rule of the user equipment sent by the PCF network element; and a second sending unit, configured to send the multi-access rule to a UPF network element, wherein the multi-access rule includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule.

[0025] In some embodiments, the child multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0026] In some embodiments, when there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states corresponding to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0027] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier.

[0028] In some embodiments, the steering mode includes at least one of an active-standby mode, a redundant mode, a load sharing mode, or a priority mode.

[0029] In some embodiments, the access method list includes at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method.

[0030] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first receiving unit is further configured to receive a session establishment request sent by a NACF network element, wherein the session establishment request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier; the first sending unit is further configured to send a session policy acquisition request to a PCF network element, wherein the session policy acquisition request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier; the second sending unit is further configured to send an N4 session establishment request to a UPF network element, wherein the N4 session establishment request carries multiple access rules.

[0032] In some embodiments, the SMF network element further includes a fourth sending unit configured to send the multiple access rules to the user equipment.

[0033] According to a fourth aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a PCF network element is provided, including: a third receiving unit, configured to receive an access method list and a user equipment identifier of a user equipment, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment; a third sending unit, configured to send a multi-access rule of the user equipment according to the access method list and the user equipment identifier, wherein the multi-access rule includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule.

[0034] In some embodiments, the child multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0035] In some embodiments, when there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states corresponding to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0036] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier.

[0037] In some embodiments, the steering mode includes at least one of an active-standby mode, a redundant mode, a load sharing mode, or a priority mode.

[0038] In some embodiments, the access method list includes at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method.

[0039] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters.

[0040] In some embodiments, the third receiving unit is further configured to receive a session policy acquisition request sent by the SMF network element, wherein the session policy acquisition request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier.

[0041] According to a fifth aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a session management device for multipath transmission is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the session management method for multipath transmission in any of the above embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory device.

[0042] According to a sixth aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the program is executed by a processor, the session management method for multipath transmission in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0043] According to a seventh aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-path transmission session management system is provided, including: a user device, configured to send an access method and a user device identifier of the user device through any access method supported by the user device, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user device; a NACF network element, configured to receive the access method list and the user device identifier sent by the user device, and send the access method list and the user device identifier to an SMF network element; the SMF network element, configured to execute the multi-path transmission session management method executed by the SMF network element in any of the above embodiments; a PCF network element, configured to execute the multi-path transmission session management method executed by the PCF network element in any of the above embodiments; and a UPF network element, configured to receive multiple access rules.

[0044] In some embodiments, the SMF network element is further configured to: send the multiple access rules to the user equipment; the user equipment is further configured to: receive the multiple access rules.

[0045] In some embodiments, the UPF network element or user equipment is further configured to: select the access method to be used or the sub-multi-access rule to be used according to the guidance mode of the main multi-access rule; when the sub-multi-access rule is selected, select the access method to be used according to the guidance mode of the selected sub-multi-access rule.

[0046] In some embodiments, the child multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0047] In some embodiments, when there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states corresponding to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0048] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information, or a multi-access rule identifier; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information, or a multi-access rule identifier.

[0049] In some embodiments, the steering mode includes at least one of an active-standby mode, a redundant mode, a load sharing mode, or a priority mode.

[0050] In some embodiments, the access method list includes at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method.

[0051] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters.

[0052] In some embodiments, the SMF network element is further configured to receive a session establishment request sent by the NACF network element, wherein the session establishment request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier; send a session policy acquisition request to the PCF network element, wherein the session policy acquisition request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier; and send an N4 session establishment request to the UPF network element, wherein the N4 session establishment request carries multiple access rules.

[0053] In some embodiments, the PCF network element is further configured to receive a session policy acquisition request sent by the SMF network element, wherein the session policy acquisition request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier.

[0054] According to an eighth aspect of some embodiments of the present disclosure, a multipath transmission session management method is provided, which is executed by a user equipment and includes:

[0055] Receiving a issued multi-access rule, wherein the multi-access rule includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule;

[0056] selecting an access method to be used or a sub-multi-access rule to be used according to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule;

[0057] In the case of selecting a sub-multi-access rule, an access method to be used is selected according to the steering mode of the selected sub-multi-access rule. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0059] The present disclosure can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] FIG1 shows a flowchart of some embodiments of a method for managing a multipath transmission session according to the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing some application examples of multipath transmission according to the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG3 is a schematic diagram showing some application examples of the present disclosure in which sub-multi-access rules are nested in main multi-access rules.

[0063] FIG4 shows a flowchart of other embodiments of the multipath transmission session management method disclosed herein.

[0064] FIG5 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the SMF network element of the present disclosure.

[0065] FIG6 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of a PCF network element of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing some embodiments of a multi-path transmission session management apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG8 is a schematic diagram showing some embodiments of a multi-path transmission session management system according to the present disclosure.

[0068] FIG9 is a schematic diagram showing some embodiments of a method for managing a multipath transmission session according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] At the same time, it should be understood that for the convenience of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship.

[0071] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0072] Technologies, methods, and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0073] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0074] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0075] As 6G is being developed, user equipment (UE) can simultaneously use multiple access methods, such as ground base stations, high-orbit satellites, low-orbit satellites, and high-altitude platforms. Therefore, how to flexibly select and combine these multiple access methods is a key issue that needs to be addressed.

[0076] The present disclosure proposes a session management method for multipath transmission, which can improve or ensure the continuity and stability of service data and the flexibility of service data transmission by nesting sub-multi-access rules in the multi-access rule within the main multi-access rule.

[0077] By dividing the multi-access rules into main multi-access rules and sub-multi-access rules, and nesting the sub-multi-access rules in the main multi-access rules, flexible selection and flexible combination of multiple access methods are achieved, which improves or guarantees the continuity and stability of business data and the flexibility of business data transmission, and enhances the flexibility of policy control of multiple access methods.

[0078] In response to the above problems, the present disclosure proposes a session management method for multi-path transmission. By dividing the Multi-Access Rule (MAR) into a main multi-access rule and a sub-multi-access rule, and nesting the sub-multi-access rule in the main multi-access rule, it realizes the flexible selection and flexible combination of multiple access methods, realizes the flexible scheduling of service data in the multi-access method, and can flexibly carry out subsequent services, making it possible to carry out multi-access converged services, improving or ensuring the continuity and stability of service data and the flexibility of service data transmission. In addition, it promotes the research of the 3GPP R19 satellite and dual connection topic and the ITU-T SG13 / Q23 fixed network, mobile network, satellite network converged multi-path transmission control topic. It has good application prospects and value for 6G air-space-ground integrated services and Internet of Things services.

[0079] Among them, in the 3GPP R19 satellite and dual connectivity topic, the situation of base stations and core network elements being deployed on satellites was taken into consideration, and corresponding business requirements were proposed, so that user equipment can access high-orbit satellites and low-orbit satellites at the same time, so that the continuity of business data is improved or guaranteed.

[0080] FIG1 shows a flowchart of some embodiments of a method for managing a multipath transmission session according to the present disclosure.

[0081] As shown in FIG1 , the multipath transmission session management method is executed by an SMF network element and includes steps 110 - 140 , and may further include step 150 as needed.

[0082] Multipath transmission refers to the existence of multiple access methods to transmit service data.

[0083] In step 110, an access method list and a user equipment identifier of a user equipment are received, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment.

[0084] For example, a session establishment request sent by a NACF network element is received, wherein the session establishment request carries a list of multiple access modes and a user equipment identifier, thereby obtaining the access mode list and the user equipment identifier of the user equipment during the session establishment process.

[0085] The session establishment request sent by the NACF network element may be, for example, a session establishment request sent by the user equipment to the NACF network element via any access method supported by the user equipment, and the session establishment request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier.

[0086] In some embodiments, the user equipment identifier is used to distinguish different user equipments.

[0087] In some embodiments, the access method list includes, for example, at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method, but is not limited to the examples given.

[0088] Among them, the ground access method can be, for example, a method of accessing through a ground base station, the high-altitude platform access method can be, for example, a method of accessing through a high-altitude platform base station, the high-orbit access method can be, for example, a method of accessing through a high-orbit satellite base station, and the low-orbit access method can be, for example, a method of accessing through a low-orbit satellite base station.

[0089] When the access mode list includes ground access mode, high altitude platform access mode, high orbit access mode and low orbit access mode, the proposed multipath transmission session management method can be applied to the air-ground communication scenario.

[0090] FIG2 is a schematic diagram showing some application examples of multipath transmission according to the present disclosure.

[0091] As shown in Figure 2, user equipment can simultaneously access base stations on different infrastructures (e.g., high-orbit satellites, low-orbit satellites, high-altitude platforms, and the ground) and ultimately access the core network (e.g., NACF network elements and UPF network elements). The user equipment sends service data to the four base stations via service links. The UPF network element then receives the service data sent from the four base stations via feeder links and then sends the service data to the enterprise server.

[0092] The core network includes, for example, NACF network elements, SMF network elements, PCF network elements, and UPF network elements.

[0093] When the access mode list and the user equipment identifier of the user equipment are received, session management of multipath transmission is implemented through subsequent steps.

[0094] In step 120, the access mode list and the user equipment identifier are sent to the PCF network element.

[0095] For example, a session policy acquisition request is sent to the PCF network element, where the session policy acquisition request carries a list of multiple access modes and a user equipment identifier.

[0096] When a user device is connected to base stations on different infrastructures simultaneously, the user device or UPF network element can select different access methods based on policies to forward service data. This ensures that service latency and service continuity are met, while also preventing service data interruptions while load balancing. For example, different access methods can be selected based on multiple access rules to forward service data, as described below.

[0097] In step 130, a multiple access rule of a user equipment sent by a PCF network element is received.

[0098] The multiple access rules of the user equipment can only be configured for the access methods supported by the user equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to send the access method list and the user equipment identifier of the user equipment to the PCF network element through steps 110 and 120.

[0099] In addition, the multi-access rule of the user equipment includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules (Sub MARs), and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule. In the case of multiple sub-multi-access rules, the multiple sub-multi-access rules can be nested in parallel in the main multi-access rule.

[0100] The main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters. For example, a Boolean type parameter of 1 indicates a main multi-access rule, and a Boolean type parameter of 0 indicates a sub-multi-access rule.

[0101] By nesting multiple access rules, the sub-multi-access rule exists as an option of the main multi-access rule, which can be well compatible with existing protocol specifications and implement multiple access rules without modifying the access rule protocol.

[0102] By dividing the multi-access rules into main multi-access rules and sub-multi-access rules, the continuity and stability of service data and the flexibility of service data transmission are improved or guaranteed, and the instability of non-terrestrial access methods is avoided.

[0103] In some embodiments, the PCF network element supports operations such as adding, deleting, modifying, and querying multiple access rules of user equipment.

[0104] In some embodiments, the sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0105] In some embodiments, when there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states corresponding to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0106] For example, when the steering mode of the main multi-access rule is the priority mode, the priority mode states include high priority (High), relatively high priority, relatively low priority, and low priority (Low). In other words, the first modes of the plurality of sub-multi-access rules are respectively "high priority", "relatively high priority", "relatively low priority", and "low priority". Dividing the priority into four states is merely an example, and the priority may be divided into one or more states as needed.

[0107] For example, when the steering mode of the main multi-access rule is the active-standby mode, the first modes of the plurality of sub-multi-access rules may be "active", "standby" and "no standby".

[0108] For example, when the steering mode of the main multi-access rule is the redundant mode, the first modes of the plurality of sub-multi-access rules may be “Primary” and “Secondary”.

[0109] In some embodiments, the master multi-access rule comprises a steering pattern.

[0110] The steering mode is the mode of service data transmission when multiple access methods are available. The service data transmission mode can be determined based on the import mode of the primary and secondary access rules. The steering mode includes at least one of the following: active-standby mode, redundant mode, load sharing mode, or priority-based mode.

[0111] In some embodiments, the master-slave mode is to configure an access method (for example, a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a low-orbit satellite access method, a high-orbit satellite access method) or a multi-access rule (a main multi-access rule or a sub-multi-access rule) as the main one, and then configure another access method (an access method different from the main one) or another multi-access rule (a multi-access rule different from the main one) as the backup one. When the main access method or multi-access rule fails, it switches to the backup access method or multi-access rule. For example, if the ground access method in the main multi-access rule is configured as the main one and a sub-multi-access rule is configured as the backup one, then the ground access method is used first to transmit business data. When the ground access method fails, the access method corresponding to the sub-multi-access rule is used to transmit business data.

[0112] The failure of the access mode may be, for example, that the access mode is interrupted or the signal of the access mode is poor.

[0113] In some embodiments, a redundant mode is configured to transmit the same service data using multiple access methods (e.g., terrestrial access, high-altitude platform access, low-orbit satellite access, and high-altitude satellite access). For example, under a sub-multiple access rule, there are two access methods: one terrestrial access and one high-altitude platform access. If the guidance mode of the sub-multiple access rule is redundant, both the terrestrial access method and the high-altitude platform access method transmit the same service data.

[0114] In some embodiments, the load sharing mode configures multiple access methods to transmit service data according to their weights. For example, under a single-sub-multiple access rule, there are two access methods: one ground access method and one high-altitude platform access method. If the guidance mode of the sub-multiple access rule is load sharing, 30% of the service data can be transmitted using the ground access method, and the remaining 70% of the service data can be transmitted using the high-altitude platform access method.

[0115] In some embodiments, the priority mode configures multiple access methods to transmit service data according to their priority. That is, the higher-priority access method is used first to transmit service data, and when the higher-priority access method fails, the lower-priority access method is used to transmit service data. For example, under a one-sub-multiple access rule, there are two access methods, one is a ground access method and the other is an aerial platform access method. If the guidance mode of the sub-multiple access rule is a priority mode, where the ground access method has a higher priority and the aerial platform access method has a lower priority, the ground access method is used first to transmit service data, and when the ground access method fails, the aerial platform access method is used to transmit service data.

[0116] In some embodiments, the primary multi-access rule includes a steering mode, and may further include at least one of a steering function (Steering Functionality), access forwarding action information, or a multiple access rule identifier (MAR ID).

[0117] The steering function is a specific transport layer protocol for multipath transport, applied to the user plane protocol data unit session. For example, the steering function can be configured as MPTCP (Multipath Transmission Control Protocol) or MPQUIC (Multipath Quick User Datagram Protocol Internet Connection).

[0118] In some embodiments, the access forwarding action information may be, for example, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access forwarding action information. The 3GPP access forwarding action information indicates that the user equipment has registered for 3GPP access.

[0119] In some embodiments, the 3GPP access forwarding action information includes a FAR ID (Forwarding Action Rules Identity Document) parameter, and a specific state value of the active / standby mode or a specific weight value of the load sharing mode may be configured in the FAR ID parameter.

[0120] In some embodiments, the sub-multi-access rule comprises a steering pattern.

[0121] In some embodiments, the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode, and may further include at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information, or a multi-access rule identifier.

[0122] By configuring the guidance mode of the main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule, flexible selection and flexible combination of multiple access methods are achieved, flexible scheduling of business data in multiple access methods is achieved, and subsequent services can be flexibly carried out, making it possible to carry out multi-access converged services, improving or ensuring the continuity, stability and flexibility of business data transmission, avoiding the instability of non-terrestrial access methods, and improving the flexibility of policy control of multiple access methods.

[0123] FIG3 shows a schematic diagram of some application examples of sub-multi-access rules of the present disclosure nested in main multi-access rules, which is convenient for illustrating the configuration issues of the main multi-access rules and sub-multi-access rules in the multi-access rules. The specific description is as follows.

[0124] As shown in Figure 3, the main multi-access rule contains nested ground access methods, sub-multi-access rule 1, sub-multi-access rule 2, and sub-multi-access rule 3. Sub-multi-access rule 1 corresponds to the low-orbit access method and the high-orbit access method, sub-multi-access rule 2 corresponds to the high-altitude platform access method and the high-orbit access method, and sub-multi-access rule 3 corresponds to the low-orbit access method and the high-altitude platform access method.

[0125] In some embodiments, for example, the steering mode of the main multi-access rule is a priority mode, where the priority decreases in the order of terrestrial access mode, sub-multi-access rule 1, sub-multi-access rule 2, and sub-multi-access rule 3. That is, the first mode of sub-multi-access rule 1 has a higher priority, the first mode of sub-multi-access rule 2 has a lower priority, and the first mode of sub-multi-access rule 3 has a lower priority.

[0126] In the above case, the ground access method will be used to transmit business data first. When the ground access method fails, the sub-multiple access rule 1 will be preferentially selected to transmit business data.

[0127] At this time, if the guidance mode of sub-multi-access mode 1 is the master-slave mode, the low-orbit access mode is the master mode and the high-orbit access mode is the backup mode, the low-orbit access mode is used first to transmit business data. When the low-orbit access mode fails, the high-orbit access mode is used to transmit business data.

[0128] If the steering mode of the sub-multiple access mode 1 is the redundant mode, the low-orbit access mode and the high-orbit access mode are used to simultaneously transmit the same service data.

[0129] If the guidance mode of sub-multi-access mode 1 is the load sharing mode, then according to the specific configuration, a part of the business data can be transmitted using the low-orbit access mode, and another part of the business data can be transmitted using the high-orbit access mode. For example, the specific configuration can be that the low-orbit access mode transmits 30% of the business data, and the high-orbit access mode transmits the remaining 70% of the business data.

[0130] If the guidance mode of sub-multi-access mode 1 is a priority mode, for example, the priority of the low-orbit access mode is higher than that of the high-orbit access mode, the low-orbit access mode is used to transmit service data first. When the low-orbit access mode fails, the high-orbit access mode is used to transmit service data.

[0131] When all access methods of sub-multi-access rule 1 are invalid, the access method of sub-multi-access rule 2 is used. Similar to sub-multi-access rule 1, the access method to be used is selected according to the import mode of sub-multi-access rule 2, and so on.

[0132] The above application example describes a specific application example in which the sub-multi-access rule is nested in the main multi-access rule. Through the nested approach, flexible selection and flexible combination of multiple access methods are realized for air-space-ground-ground scenarios, flexible scheduling of service data in multiple access methods is realized, and subsequent services can be flexibly carried out, making it possible to carry out multi-access converged services, improving or ensuring the continuity, stability and flexibility of service data transmission, avoiding the instability of non-ground access methods, and improving the flexibility of policy control of multiple access methods.

[0133] In step 140, the multiple access rules are sent to the UPF network element.

[0134] For example, an N4 session establishment request is sent to the UPF network element, where the N4 session establishment request carries multiple access rules.

[0135] When a user device downloads content from the core network side, the UPF network element will select the appropriate access method based on the multi-access rules and send the content to the user device.

[0136] In step 150, the multiple access rules are sent to the user equipment.

[0137] When a user device uploads content to the core network side, the user device will select an appropriate access method according to the multiple access rules and send the content to the core network side.

[0138] In the above embodiment, by dividing the multi-access rules into main multi-access rules and sub-multi-access rules, and nesting the sub-multi-access rules in the main multi-access rules, flexible selection and flexible combination of multiple access methods are achieved, flexible scheduling of service data in the multi-access methods is achieved, and subsequent services can be flexibly carried out, making it possible to carry out multi-access converged services, improving or ensuring the continuity and stability of service data and the flexibility of service data transmission, avoiding the instability of non-terrestrial access methods, and enhancing the flexibility of policy control of multi-access methods. In addition, the research on the 3GPP R19 satellite and dual-connectivity topic and the ITU-T SG13 / Q23 fixed-line, mobile network, and satellite network converged multipath transmission control topic has been promoted. It has good application prospects and value for 6G air-space-ground integrated services and Internet of Things services.

[0139] FIG4 shows a flowchart of other embodiments of the multipath transmission session management method disclosed herein.

[0140] As shown in FIG4 , the multipath transmission session management method is executed by a PCF network element and includes steps 410 - 420 .

[0141] In step 410, an access method list and a user equipment identifier of a user equipment are received, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment.

[0142] For example, a session policy acquisition request sent by an SMF network element is received, where the session policy acquisition request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier.

[0143] In some embodiments, the access method list includes at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method.

[0144] In step 420, the multiple access rules of the user equipment are sent according to the access mode list and the user equipment identifier.

[0145] The multi-access rule includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule.

[0146] In some embodiments, the child multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0147] In some embodiments, when there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states corresponding to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0148] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier.

[0149] In some embodiments, the steering mode includes at least one of an active-standby mode, a redundant mode, a load sharing mode, or a priority mode.

[0150] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters.

[0151] In the above embodiment, by dividing the multi-access rules into main multi-access rules and sub-multi-access rules, and nesting the sub-multi-access rules in the main multi-access rules, flexible selection and flexible combination of multiple access methods are achieved, flexible scheduling of service data in the multi-access methods is achieved, and subsequent services can be flexibly carried out, making it possible to carry out multi-access converged services, improving or ensuring the continuity and stability of service data and the flexibility of service data transmission, avoiding the instability of non-terrestrial access methods, and enhancing the flexibility of policy control of multi-access methods. In addition, the research on the 3GPP R19 satellite and dual-connectivity topic and the ITU-T SG13 / Q23 fixed-line, mobile network, and satellite network converged multipath transmission control topic has been promoted. It has good application prospects and value for 6G air-space-ground integrated services and Internet of Things services.

[0152] The user equipment is configured to: receive a distributed multi-access rule, wherein the multi-access rule includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, wherein the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested within the main multi-access rule; select an access method or a sub-multi-access rule to be used based on a steering mode of the main multi-access rule; and, if a sub-multi-access rule is selected, continue to select an access method to be used based on the steering mode of the selected sub-multi-access rule. This enables flexible selection and combination of multiple access methods, enhances flexibility in policy control of multiple access methods, and improves or ensures the continuity and stability of service data and the flexibility of service data transmission.

[0153] FIG5 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the SMF network element of the present disclosure.

[0154] As shown in Figure 5, the SMF network element 50 includes: a first receiving unit 51, a first sending unit 52, a second receiving unit 53 and a second sending unit 54, and may also include a fourth sending unit 55 as needed.

[0155] The first receiving unit 51 is configured to receive an access method list of a user equipment and a user equipment identifier, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment.

[0156] In some embodiments, the access method list includes at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method.

[0157] In some embodiments, the first receiving unit 51 is further configured to receive a session establishment request sent by a NACF network element, wherein the session establishment request carries a list of multiple access modes and a user equipment identifier.

[0158] The first sending unit 52 is configured to send the access mode list and the user equipment identifier to the PCF network element.

[0159] In some embodiments, the first sending unit 52 is further configured to send a session policy acquisition request to the PCF network element, where the session policy acquisition request carries a list of multiple access modes and a user equipment identifier.

[0160] The second receiving unit 53 is configured to receive the multiple access rule of the user equipment sent by the PCF network element.

[0161] The multi-access rule includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule.

[0162] In some embodiments, the child multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0163] In some embodiments, when there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states corresponding to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0164] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier.

[0165] In some embodiments, the steering mode includes at least one of an active-standby mode, a redundant mode, a load sharing mode, or a priority mode.

[0166] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters.

[0167] The second sending unit 54 is configured to send the multiple access rules to the UPF network element.

[0168] In some embodiments, the second sending unit 54 is further configured to send an N4 session establishment request to the UPF network element, where the N4 session establishment request carries multiple access rules.

[0169] The fourth sending unit 55 is configured to send the multiple access rule to the user equipment.

[0170] In the above embodiment, by dividing the multi-access rules into main multi-access rules and sub-multi-access rules, and nesting the sub-multi-access rules in the main multi-access rules, flexible selection and flexible combination of multiple access methods are achieved, flexible scheduling of service data in the multi-access methods is achieved, and subsequent services can be flexibly carried out, making it possible to carry out multi-access converged services, improving or ensuring the continuity and stability of service data and the flexibility of service data transmission, avoiding the instability of non-terrestrial access methods, and enhancing the flexibility of policy control of multi-access methods. In addition, the research on the 3GPP R19 satellite and dual-connectivity topic and the ITU-T SG13 / Q23 fixed-line, mobile network, and satellite network converged multipath transmission control topic has been promoted. It has good application prospects and value for 6G air-space-ground integrated services and Internet of Things services.

[0171] FIG6 shows a schematic diagram of some embodiments of a PCF network element of the present disclosure.

[0172] As shown in FIG6 , the PCF network element 60 includes a third receiving unit 61 and a third sending unit 62 .

[0173] The third receiving unit 61 is configured to receive an access method list of a user equipment and a user equipment identifier, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment.

[0174] In some embodiments, the access method list includes at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method.

[0175] In some embodiments, the third receiving unit 61 is further configured to receive a session policy acquisition request sent by the SMF network element 50, wherein the session policy acquisition request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier.

[0176] The third sending unit 62 is configured to send the multiple access rule of the user equipment according to the access mode list and the user equipment identifier.

[0177] The multi-access rule includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule.

[0178] In some embodiments, the child multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0179] In some embodiments, when there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states corresponding to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0180] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier.

[0181] In some embodiments, the steering mode includes at least one of an active-standby mode, a redundant mode, a load sharing mode, or a priority mode.

[0182] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters.

[0183] In the above embodiment, by dividing the multi-access rules into main multi-access rules and sub-multi-access rules, and nesting the sub-multi-access rules in the main multi-access rules, flexible selection and flexible combination of multiple access methods are achieved, flexible scheduling of service data in the multi-access methods is achieved, and subsequent services can be flexibly carried out, making it possible to carry out multi-access converged services, improving or ensuring the continuity and stability of service data and the flexibility of service data transmission, avoiding the instability of non-terrestrial access methods, and enhancing the flexibility of policy control of multi-access methods. In addition, the research on the 3GPP R19 satellite and dual-connectivity topic and the ITU-T SG13 / Q23 fixed-line, mobile network, and satellite network converged multipath transmission control topic has been promoted. It has good application prospects and value for 6G air-space-ground integrated services and Internet of Things services.

[0184] FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing some embodiments of a multi-path transmission session management apparatus according to the present disclosure.

[0185] As shown in FIG7 , the multipath transmission session management apparatus 70 of this embodiment includes a memory 71 and a processor 72 coupled to the memory 71 , wherein the processor 72 is configured to execute the multipath transmission session management method of any of the aforementioned embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory 71 .

[0186] The memory 71 may include, for example, a system memory, a fixed non-volatile storage medium, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, and other programs.

[0187] The multipath transmission session management device 70 may further include an input / output interface 73, a network interface 74, a storage interface 75, and the like. These interfaces 73, 74, and 75, as well as the memory 71 and the processor 72, may be connected, for example, via a bus 76. The input / output interface 73 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, mouse, keyboard, touch screen, microphone, and speakers. The network interface 74 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 75 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as SD cards and USB flash drives.

[0188] FIG8 is a schematic diagram showing some embodiments of a multi-path transmission session management system according to the present disclosure.

[0189] As shown in FIG8 , the multipath transmission session management system 80 includes a user equipment 81 , a NACF network element 82 , an SMF network element 83 , a PCF network element 84 , and a UPF network element 85 .

[0190] The user equipment 81 is configured to send the access method of the user equipment 81 and the user equipment 81 identifier through any access method supported by the user equipment 81 , wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment 81 .

[0191] In some embodiments, the access method list includes at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method.

[0192] In some embodiments, the user equipment 81 is further configured to: receive a multiple access rule.

[0193] In some embodiments, the user equipment 81 is further configured to: select the access method to be used or the sub-multi-access rule to be used according to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule; when the sub-multi-access rule is selected, select the access method to be used according to the steering mode of the selected sub-multi-access rule.

[0194] The NACF network element 82 is configured to receive the access method list and the user equipment 81 identifier sent by the user equipment 81, and send the access method list and the user equipment 81 identifier to the SMF network element 83.

[0195] The SMF network element 83 is configured to execute the multipath transmission session management method performed by the SMF network element 83 in any of the above embodiments.

[0196] In some embodiments, the SMF network element 83 is further configured to: send the multiple access rules to the user equipment 81.

[0197] In some embodiments, the child multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0198] In some embodiments, when there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states corresponding to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0199] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier.

[0200] In some embodiments, the steering mode includes at least one of an active-standby mode, a redundant mode, a load sharing mode, or a priority mode.

[0201] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters.

[0202] In some embodiments, the SMF network element 83 is further configured to receive a session establishment request sent by the NACF network element 82, wherein the session establishment request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier; send a session policy acquisition request to the PCF network element 84, wherein the session policy acquisition request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier; and send an N4 session establishment request to the UPF network element 85, wherein the N4 session establishment request carries multiple access rules.

[0203] The PCF network element 84 is configured to execute the multipath transmission session management method performed by the PCF network element 84 in any of the above embodiments.

[0204] In some embodiments, the PCF network element 84 is further configured to receive a session policy acquisition request sent by the SMF network element 83, wherein the session policy acquisition request carries a list of multiple access methods and a user equipment identifier.

[0205] The UPF network element 85 is configured to receive multiple access rules.

[0206] In some embodiments, the UPF network element 85 is also configured to: select the access method to be used or the sub-multi-access rule to be used according to the guidance mode of the main multi-access rule; when the sub-multi-access rule is selected, select the access method to be used according to the guidance mode of the selected sub-multi-access rule.

[0207] In the above embodiment, by dividing the multi-access rules into main multi-access rules and sub-multi-access rules, and nesting the sub-multi-access rules in the main multi-access rules, flexible selection and flexible combination of multiple access methods are achieved, flexible scheduling of service data in the multi-access methods is achieved, and subsequent services can be flexibly carried out, making it possible to carry out multi-access converged services, improving or ensuring the continuity and stability of service data and the flexibility of service data transmission, avoiding the instability of non-terrestrial access methods, and enhancing the flexibility of policy control of multi-access methods. In addition, the research on the 3GPP R19 satellite and dual-connectivity topic and the ITU-T SG13 / Q23 fixed-line, mobile network, and satellite network converged multipath transmission control topic has been promoted. It has good application prospects and value for 6G air-space-ground integrated services and Internet of Things services.

[0208] FIG9 is a schematic diagram showing some embodiments of a method for managing a multipath transmission session according to the present disclosure.

[0209] As shown in FIG9 , the multipath transmission session management method includes steps 910 - 970 .

[0210] In step 910, the user equipment sends a session establishment request to the NACF network element. The session establishment request carries a list of multiple access modes of the user equipment and a user equipment identifier.

[0211] In some embodiments, the access method list includes at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method.

[0212] In step 920, the NACF network element sends a session establishment request to the SMF network element. The session establishment request carries a list of multiple access modes of the user equipment and a user equipment identifier.

[0213] In step 930, the SMF network element returns a session establishment response to the NACF network element.

[0214] In step 940, the SMF network element sends a session policy acquisition request to the PCF network element. The session policy acquisition request carries a list of multiple access methods of the user equipment and a user equipment identifier.

[0215] In step 950, the PCF network element returns the multiple access rules to the SMF network element.

[0216] The multi-access rule includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule.

[0217] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters.

[0218] In some embodiments, the child multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0219] In some embodiments, when there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states corresponding to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

[0220] In some embodiments, the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the main multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or the sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode and also includes at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier.

[0221] In some embodiments, the steering mode includes at least one of an active-standby mode, a redundant mode, a load sharing mode, or a priority mode.

[0222] In step 960, the SMF network element sends an N4 session establishment request to the UPF network element, and the N4 session establishment request carries multiple access rules.

[0223] In step 970, the UPF network element returns an N4 session establishment response to the SMF network element.

[0224] In the above embodiment, by dividing the multi-access rules into main multi-access rules and sub-multi-access rules, and nesting the sub-multi-access rules in the main multi-access rules, flexible selection and flexible combination of multiple access methods are achieved, flexible scheduling of service data in the multi-access methods is achieved, and subsequent services can be flexibly carried out, making it possible to carry out multi-access converged services, improving or ensuring the continuity, stability and flexibility of service data transmission, avoiding the instability of non-terrestrial access methods, and improving the flexibility of policy control of multi-access methods. In addition, the research on 3GPP R19 satellite and dual connection topics and ITU-T SG13 / Q23 fixed network, mobile network, satellite network converged multipath transmission control topics has been promoted. It has good application prospects and value for 6G air-space-ground integrated services and Internet of Things services.

[0225] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, the present disclosure may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable non-transient storage media (including but not limited to magnetic disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0226] The multipath transmission session management method, multipath transmission session management apparatus, multipath transmission session management system, SMF network element, UPF network element, and computer-readable storage medium according to the present disclosure have been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concepts of the present disclosure, some details well known in the art have been omitted. Based on the above description, those skilled in the art will fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein.

[0227] The methods and systems of the present disclosure may be implemented in many ways. For example, the methods and systems of the present disclosure may be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The above order of steps for the method is for illustration only, and the steps of the method of the present disclosure are not limited to the order specifically described above unless otherwise specified. In addition, in some embodiments, the present disclosure may also be implemented as programs recorded in a recording medium, which include machine-readable instructions for implementing the methods according to the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure also covers recording media that store programs for executing the methods according to the present disclosure.

[0228] Although some specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multipath transmission session management method, executed by a session management function SMF network element, comprising: Receiving an access method list of a user equipment and a user equipment identifier, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment; Sending the access mode list and the user equipment identifier to a policy control function (PCF) network element; Receiving a multiple access rule of the user equipment sent by the PCF network element; as well as Sending the multiple access rules to the user plane function UPF network element, The multiple access rules include a main multiple access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multiple access rule.

2. The multipath transmission session management method according to claim 1, wherein: The sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

3. The multipath transmission session management method according to claim 2, wherein: In the case that there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states of the steering mode corresponding to the main multi-access rule.

4. The multipath transmission session management method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The primary multi-access rule includes a steering mode; or The main multi-access rule includes a steering mode and at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier; or The sub-multiple access rule includes a steering mode; or The sub-multi-access rule includes a steering mode and at least one of a steering function, access forwarding action information or a multi-access rule identifier.

5. The session management method for multipath transmission according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the steering mode comprises at least one of a primary-standby mode, a redundant mode, a load sharing mode or a priority mode.

6. The multipath transmission session management method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The access method list includes at least one of a ground access method, a high-altitude platform access method, a high-orbit access method, or a low-orbit access method.

7. The multipath transmission session management method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The main multi-access rule and the sub-multi-access rule are respectively identified by Boolean type parameters.

8. The multipath transmission session management method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: Receiving the access mode list and the user equipment identifier of the user equipment includes: receiving a session establishment request sent by a network access control function NACF network element, wherein the session establishment request carries the multiple access mode lists and the user equipment identifier, or Sending the access mode list and the user equipment identifier to the PCF network element includes: sending a session policy acquisition request to the PCF network element, wherein the session policy acquisition request carries the multiple access mode lists and the user equipment identifier, or Sending the multiple access rules to the UPF network element includes: sending an N4 session establishment request to the UPF network element, wherein the N4 session establishment request carries the multiple access rules.

9. The multipath transmission session management method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: The multiple access rule is sent to the user equipment.

10. A multipath transmission session management method, executed by a PCF network element, comprising: Receiving an access method list of a user equipment and a user equipment identifier, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment; sending a multiple access rule of the user equipment according to the access mode list and the user equipment identifier, The multiple access rules include a main multiple access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multiple access rule.

11. The multipath transmission session management method according to claim 10, wherein: The sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, wherein the first mode is a state corresponding to a steering mode of the main multi-access rule.

12. The multipath transmission session management method according to claim 11, wherein: In the case that there are multiple sub-multi-access rules, each sub-multi-access rule includes a first mode, and the first modes of different sub-multi-access rules are different states of the steering mode corresponding to the main multi-access rule.

13. A multipath transmission session management method, executed by a user equipment, comprising: Receiving a sent multi-access rule, wherein the multi-access rule includes a main multi-access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multi-access rule; Selecting an access method to be used or a sub-multi-access rule to be used according to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule; In case of selecting a sub-multiple access rule, an access method to be used is selected according to the steering mode of the selected sub-multiple access rule.

14. A SMF network element, comprising: A first receiving unit is configured to receive an access method list of a user equipment and a user equipment identifier, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment; A first sending unit, configured to send the access mode list and the user equipment identifier to a PCF network element; A second receiving unit is configured to receive a multiple access rule of the user equipment sent by the PCF network element; A second sending unit is configured to send the multiple access rule to a UPF network element, The multiple access rules include a main multiple access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multiple access rule.

15. A PCF network element, comprising: A third receiving unit is configured to receive an access method list of a user equipment and a user equipment identifier, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment; A third sending unit is configured to send the multiple access rule of the user equipment according to the access mode list and the user equipment identifier, The multiple access rules include a main multiple access rule and one or more sub-multi-access rules, and the one or more sub-multi-access rules are nested in the main multiple access rule.

16. A multipath transmission session management device, comprising: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the multipath transmission session management method according to any one of claims 1 to 13 based on instructions stored in the memory.

17. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein when the program is executed by a processor, the method for managing a session of multipath transmission according to any one of claims 1 to 13 is implemented.

18. A multipath transmission session management system, comprising: The user equipment is configured to send the access method and the user equipment identifier of the user equipment through any access method supported by the user equipment, wherein the access method list is a list of access methods supported by the user equipment; A NACF network element, configured to receive the access method list and the user equipment identifier sent by the user equipment, and send the access method list and the user equipment identifier to an SMF network element; The SMF network element is configured to execute the multipath transmission session management method according to any one of claims 1 to 9; A PCF network element, configured to execute the multipath transmission session management method according to any one of claims 10 to 12; and The UPF network element is configured to receive the multiple access rules.

19. The multipath transmission session management system according to claim 18, wherein: The SMF network element is further configured to: send the multiple access rule to the user equipment; The user equipment is further configured to: receive the multiple access rule.

20. The multi-path transmission session management system according to claim 19, wherein: The UPF network element or the user equipment is further configured as: Selecting an access method to be used or a sub-multi-access rule to be used according to the steering mode of the main multi-access rule; In case of selecting a sub-multiple access rule, an access method to be used is selected according to the steering mode of the selected sub-multiple access rule.

21. A computer program comprising: An instruction, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to execute the multipath transmission session management method according to any one of claims 1-13.

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