UPF network element selection method, SMF network element, communication system and storage medium

Abstract

Provided in the present disclosure are a UPF network element selection method, an SMF network element, a communication system and a storage medium. The UPF network element selection method comprises: receiving a session establishment request which is sent by a first AMF network element and corresponds to a first SUPI; and when it is determined on the basis of subscription information that the first SUPI and a second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with a UPF network element, selecting a UPF network element according to a preset rule, so as to transmit, by means of the UPF network element, first session data corresponding to the first SUPI.

Description

UPF network element selection method, SMF network element, communication system and storage medium

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present disclosure is based on and claims priority to an application with CN application number 202410338812.0 and filing date March 22, 2024. The disclosed content of the CN application is hereby incorporated into the present disclosure as a whole. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a UPF (User Plane Function) network element selection method, an SMF (Session Management Function) network element, a communication system, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0004] In the existing multi-access architecture, the network supports UE (User Equipment) to access the network simultaneously through a 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access point and a non-3GPP access point. In other words, a UE with dual SIM cards can access the 5G Core (5G Core) through both a 3GPP access point and a non-3GPP access point.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, a UPF network element selection method is provided, which is performed by a session management function (SMF) network element. The method includes: receiving a session establishment request corresponding to a first user permanent identifier (SUPI) sent by a first access and mobility management function (AMF) network element; and when it is determined, based on subscription information, that the first SUPI and a second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with a user plane function (UPF) network element, selecting a UPF network element according to a preset rule, so as to transmit first session data corresponding to the first SUPI through the UPF network element.

[0007] In some embodiments, a first user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the first session data is set between a first Third Generation Partnership Project 3GPP access point and a data network, wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI through the first 3GPP access point.

[0008] In some embodiments, a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI is received from a second AMF network element; and when it is determined, based on the subscription information, that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the user equipment, a UPF network element for the session corresponding to the first SUPI is selected, so as to transmit second session data corresponding to the second SUPI through the UPF network element.

[0009] In some embodiments, a second user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the second session data is set between a second 3GPP access point and a data network, wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI through the second 3GPP access point.

[0010] In some embodiments, the subscription information is stored in at least one of the SMF network element and the unified data repository UDR network element.

[0011] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, an SMF network element is provided, including: a first processing module configured to receive a session establishment request corresponding to a first SUPI sent by a first AMF network element; and a second processing module configured to, when it is determined based on subscription information that the first SUPI and a second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with a UPF network element, select a UPF network element according to a preset rule, so as to transmit first session data corresponding to the first SUPI through the UPF network element.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the first session data is set between a first 3GPP access point and a data network, wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI through the first 3GPP access point.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first processing module is configured to receive a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by a second AMF network element; and the second processing module is configured to, when it is determined according to the subscription information that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the user equipment, select a UPF network element used for the session corresponding to the first SUPI, so as to transmit the second session data corresponding to the second SUPI through the UPF network element.

[0014] In some embodiments, a second user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the second session data is set between a second 3GPP access point and a data network, wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI through the second 3GPP access point.

[0015] In some embodiments, the subscription information is stored in at least one of the SMF network element and the UDR network element.

[0016] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, an SMF network element is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute a method as described in any of the above embodiments based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0017] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a communications system is provided, including: an SMF network element according to any of the foregoing embodiments; a first 3GPP access point, configured to send a session establishment request corresponding to a first SUPI sent by a user equipment to a first AMF network element; the first AMF network element, configured to, when determining, based on subscription information, that the first SUPI and a second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with a UPF network element, select the SMF network element according to a preset rule and send the session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI to the SMF network element; and the UPF network element, configured to transmit first session data corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0018] In some embodiments, a first user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the first session data is set between the first 3GPP access point and a data network.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second 3GPP access point is configured to send a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by the user equipment to a second AMF network element; the second AMF network element is configured to, when determining, based on the subscription information, that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the user equipment, select an SMF network element for the session corresponding to the first SUPI, and send the session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI to the SMF network element; wherein the UPF network element is further configured to transmit second session data corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second AMF network element is configured to select the SMF network element using an SMF identifier used by a session corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0021] In some embodiments, a second user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the second session data is set between the second 3GPP access point and a data network.

[0022] In some embodiments, the subscription information is stored in at least one of the SMF network element and the UDR network element.

[0023] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0024] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in any one of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0025] According to a seventh aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided, comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the method described in any of the above embodiments is implemented.

[0026] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present disclosure. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0028] FIG1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for selecting a UPF network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG2 is a schematic flow chart of a method for selecting a UPF network element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of an SMF network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of an SMF network element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG8 is a schematic flow chart of a method for selecting a UPF network element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG9 is a flow chart of a UPF network element selection method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0038] Unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the numerical expressions and numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Technologies, methods and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such technologies, methods and equipment should be considered part of the authorization specification.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The inventors noted that in related art, networks do not support architectures that access the network through two 3GPP access points and transmit data simultaneously. Specifically, when a UE with dual SIM cards accesses the same PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) through two different 3GPP access points, the network cannot select an anchor UPF network element, and thus cannot manage data flows between the two 3GPP access points.

[0044] Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a UPF network element selection solution. Upon receiving a session establishment request from a UE corresponding to a first SUPI (Subscription Permanent Identifier), and if a second SUPI in the UE is not currently associated with a UPF network element, the solution selects a UPF network element according to preset rules to transmit session data corresponding to the first SUPI. Consequently, when the UE sends a session establishment request corresponding to a second SUPI, the selected UPF network element is used as the anchor UPF network element to transmit session data corresponding to the second SUPI. This effectively solves the problem of selecting an anchor UPF network element when a UE accesses the same PLMN through a 3GPP access point, and effectively manages data flows between two 3GPP access points.

[0045] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method for selecting a UPF network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following method for selecting a UPF network element is performed by an SMF network element and includes steps 101-102.

[0046] In step 101, a session establishment request corresponding to a first SUPI sent by a first AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) network element is received.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first 3GPP access point sends the session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI sent by the user equipment to the first AMF network element. If the first AMF network element determines, based on the subscription information, that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with a UPF network element, the first AMF network element selects an SMF network element according to a preset rule and sends the session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI to the SMF network element.

[0048] In step 102, if it is determined based on the subscription information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with a UPF network element, a UPF network element is selected according to a preset rule so that the first session data corresponding to the first SUPI is transmitted through the UPF network element.

[0049] It should be noted here that the first session data refers to user plane data corresponding to the first SUPI transmitted through the first user plane transmission tunnel corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0050] In some embodiments, the subscription information is stored in at least one of an SMF network element and a UDR (Unified Data Repository) network element.

[0051] For example, when the subscription information is stored in the UDR network element, the SMF network element sends a query request to the UDM (Unified Data Management) network element, and the UDM network element calls the corresponding subscription information (Subscription Profile) from the UDR network element to query the information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with the UPF network element.

[0052] In some embodiments, the SMF network element sends the first user plane information to the UPF network element, so that when the session establishment corresponding to the first SUPI is completed, the UPF network element establishes a first user plane transmission tunnel corresponding to the first SUPI to transmit the session data corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0053] In some embodiments, a first user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting first session data is set between a first 3GPP access point and a data network (DN), wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI through the first 3GPP access point.

[0054] In the UPF network element selection method provided in the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, when a user equipment sends a session establishment request corresponding to a first SUPI, and a second SUPI in the UE is not currently associated with a UPF network element, a UPF network element is selected according to a preset rule to transmit session data corresponding to the first SUPI. Consequently, when the UE sends a session establishment request corresponding to a second SUPI, the selected UPF network element is used as the anchor UPF network element to transmit session data corresponding to the second SUPI. This effectively solves the problem of how to select an anchor UPF network element when a UE accesses the same PLMN through a 3GPP access point, and effectively manages data flows between two 3GPP access points.

[0055] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method for selecting a UPF network element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following method for selecting a UPF network element is performed by an SMF network element and includes steps 201-202.

[0056] In step 201, a session establishment request corresponding to a second SUPI sent by a second AMF network element is received.

[0057] In some embodiments, the second 3GPP access point sends the session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by the user equipment to the second AMF network element. If the second AMF network element determines, based on the subscription information, that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the same user equipment, the second AMF network element selects an SMF network element for the session corresponding to the first SUPI, and sends the session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI to the SMF network element.

[0058] In step 202, when it is determined according to the subscription information that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the same user equipment, a UPF network element used for the session corresponding to the first SUPI is selected, so that second session data corresponding to the second SUPI is transmitted through the UPF network element.

[0059] It should be noted here that the second session data refers to user plane data corresponding to the second SUPI transmitted through the second user plane transmission tunnel corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0060] For example, the SMF network element sends a query request to the UDM network element, and the UDM network element calls the corresponding subscription information (Subscription Profile) from the UDR network element to query information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and that a session has been currently established with the first SUPI.

[0061] It should be noted here that since the session corresponding to the first SUPI and the session corresponding to the second SUPI use the same UPF network element, the UPF network element is called a PSA UPF (UPF of PDU Session Anchor) network element.

[0062] In some embodiments, the SMF network element sends the second user plane information to the UPF network element, so that when the session establishment corresponding to the second SUPI is completed, the UPF network element establishes a second user plane transmission tunnel corresponding to the second SUPI to transmit the second session data corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0063] In some embodiments, a second user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the second session data is set between a second 3GPP access point and a data network, wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI through the second 3GPP access point.

[0064] It should be noted that when the SMF network element receives a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by the user equipment, since the first SUPI in the user equipment has already established a session, the SMF network element selects the UPF network element used for the session corresponding to the first SUPI as the anchor UPF network element, and then uses the anchor UPF network element to transmit the session data corresponding to the second SUPI. Because the present disclosure selects the anchor UPF network element when the user equipment accesses the PLMN through two 3GPP access points, it effectively manages the data flows of the two 3GPP access points. For example, the anchor UPF network element is used to effectively monitor and control the direction and switching of user plane data flows (especially downlink data flows).

[0065] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an SMF network element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG3 , the SMF network element includes a first processing module 31 and a second processing module 32 .

[0066] The first processing module 31 is configured to receive a session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI sent by the first AMF network element.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first 3GPP access point sends the session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI sent by the user equipment to the first AMF network element. If the first AMF network element determines, based on the subscription information, that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with a UPF network element, the first AMF network element selects an SMF network element according to a preset rule and sends the session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI to the SMF network element.

[0068] The second processing module 32 is configured to, when it is determined according to the subscription information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with a UPF network element, select a UPF network element according to a preset rule, so as to transmit the first session data corresponding to the first SUPI through the UPF network element.

[0069] In some embodiments, the subscription information is stored in at least one of the SMF network element and the UDR network element.

[0070] For example, the second processing module 32 sends a query request to the UDM network element, and the UDM network element calls the corresponding subscription information from the UDR network element to find out that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with the UPF network element.

[0071] In some embodiments, the second processing module 32 sends the first user plane information to the UPF network element, so that when the session establishment corresponding to the first SUPI is completed, the UPF network element establishes a first user plane transmission tunnel corresponding to the first SUPI to transmit the first session data corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0072] In some embodiments, a first user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting first session data is set between a first 3GPP access point and a data network, wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI through the first 3GPP access point.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first processing module 31 is configured to receive a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by the second AMF network element.

[0074] In some embodiments, the second 3GPP access point sends the session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by the user equipment to the second AMF network element. If the second AMF network element determines, based on the subscription information, that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the same user equipment, the second AMF network element selects an SMF network element for the session corresponding to the first SUPI, and sends the session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI to the SMF network element.

[0075] The second processing module 32 is configured to, when it is determined according to the subscription information that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the same user equipment, select a UPF network element used for the session corresponding to the first SUPI, so as to transmit the second session data corresponding to the second SUPI through the UPF network element.

[0076] For example, the second processing module 32 sends a query request to the UDM network element, and the UDM network element calls corresponding subscription information from the UDR network element to query information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and that a session has been currently established with the first SUPI.

[0077] It should be noted here that, since the session corresponding to the first SUPI and the session corresponding to the second SUPI use the same UPF network element, the UPF network element is called a PSA UPF network element.

[0078] In some embodiments, the second processing module 32 sends the second user plane information to the UPF network element, so that when the session establishment corresponding to the second SUPI is completed, the UPF network element establishes a second user plane transmission tunnel corresponding to the second SUPI to transmit the second session data corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0079] In some embodiments, a second user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the second session data is set between a second 3GPP access point and a data network, wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI through the second 3GPP access point.

[0080] It should be noted that when the SMF network element receives a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by the user equipment, since the first SUPI in the user equipment has already established a session, the SMF network element selects the UPF network element used for the session corresponding to the first SUPI as the anchor UPF network element, and then uses the anchor UPF network element to establish a user plane transmission tunnel corresponding to the second SUPI. Because the present disclosure selects the anchor UPF network element when the user equipment accesses the PLMN through two 3GPP access points, data flows of the two 3GPP access points are effectively managed. For example, the anchor UPF network element is used to effectively monitor and control the direction and switching of user plane data flows (especially downlink data flows).

[0081] FIG4 is a schematic structural diagram of an SMF network element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] As shown in Figure 4, the SMF network element 40 may be in the form of a general-purpose computing device and includes a memory 41, a processor 42, and a bus 43 connecting different system components.

[0083] The memory 41 may include, for example, system memory, non-volatile storage media, and the like. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, and other programs. The system memory may include volatile storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The non-volatile storage medium may store, for example, instructions corresponding to at least one embodiment of the UPF network element selection method being executed. Non-volatile storage media include, but are not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, flash memory, and the like.

[0084] The processor 42 may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, or as discrete hardware components such as discrete gates or transistors. Accordingly, each module, such as the acquisition module, the calculation module, and the adjustment module, may be implemented by a central processing unit (CPU) executing instructions in a memory that execute corresponding steps, or by dedicated circuits that execute corresponding steps.

[0085] For example, the processor 42 is configured to execute the method involved in any one of the embodiments in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 based on the instructions stored in the memory.

[0086] The bus 43 may use any of a variety of bus architectures, including, but not limited to, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0087] These interfaces 44, 45, and 46 of SMF network element 40, as well as memory 41 and processor 42, can be connected via bus 43. Input / output interface 44 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a display, mouse, and keyboard. Network interface 45 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. Storage interface 46 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as floppy disks, USB flash drives, and SD cards.

[0088] Here, various aspects of the present disclosure are described with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, devices, and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0089] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable device to produce a machine, so that the processor executes the instructions to produce means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0090] These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory, which cause the computer to operate in a specific manner to produce an article of manufacture, including instructions for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0091] The present disclosure can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0092] The present disclosure further provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by a processor, the method involved in any one of the embodiments in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 is implemented.

[0093] The present disclosure also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the method involved in any one of the embodiments in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 is implemented.

[0094] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG5 , the communication system includes a first 3GPP access point 511, a first AMF network element 521, an SMF network element 53, and a UPF network element 54. The SMF network element 53 is the SMF network element involved in any of the embodiments in FIG3 or FIG4.

[0095] The first 3GPP access point 511 is configured to send the session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI sent by the user equipment to the first AMF network element 521.

[0096] The first AMF network element 521 is configured to, when it is determined according to the subscription information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with the UPF network element, select the SMF network element 53 according to a preset rule and send a session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI to the SMF network element 53.

[0097] For example, the first AMF network element 521 sends a query request to the UDM network element, and the UDM network element calls the corresponding subscription information from the UDR network element to query the information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with the UPF network element.

[0098] The UPF network element 54 is configured to transmit first session data corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0099] In some embodiments, the UPF network element 54 receives the first user plane information sent by the SMF network element 53, and when the session establishment corresponding to the first SUPI is completed, establishes a first user plane transmission tunnel corresponding to the first SUPI to transmit the first session data corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0100] In some embodiments, a first user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the first session data is set between the first 3GPP access point 511 and the data network.

[0101] FIG6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a communication system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG6 differs from FIG5 in that, in the embodiment shown in FIG6 , in addition to the first 3GPP access point 511, the first AMF network element 521, the SMF network element 53, and the UPF network element 54, the communication system also includes a second 3GPP access point 512 and a second AMF network element 522.

[0102] The second 3GPP access point 512 is configured to send the session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by the user equipment to the second AMF network element 522.

[0103] The second AMF network element 522 is configured to, when it is determined according to the subscription information that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the same user equipment, select the SMF network element 53 used for the session corresponding to the first SUPI, and send a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI to the SMF network element 53.

[0104] For example, the second AMF network element 522 sends a query request to the UDM network element, and the UDM network element calls the corresponding subscription information from the UDR network element to query information that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the same user equipment.

[0105] In some embodiments, the second AMF network element 522 is configured to select the SMF network element 53 using the SMF identifier used for the session corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0106] The UPF network element 54 is further configured to transmit second session data corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0107] In some embodiments, the UPF network element 54 receives the second user plane information sent by the SMF network element 53, and when the session establishment corresponding to the second SUPI is completed, establishes a second user plane transmission tunnel corresponding to the second SUPI to transmit the second session data corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0108] In some embodiments, a second user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the second session data is set between the second 3GPP access point 512 and the data network.

[0109] FIG7 is a schematic structural diagram of a communication system according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] As shown in Figure 7, when the user equipment 70 sends a session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI to the first 3GPP access point 711, the first 3GPP access point 711 sends the session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI sent by the user equipment 70 to the first AMF network element 721.

[0111] The first AMF network element 721 sends a query request to the UDM network element 73. The UDM network element 73 retrieves the corresponding subscription information from the UDR network element 74 and finds that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment 70 and that the second SUPI is not currently associated with a UPF network element. In this case, the first AMF network element 721 selects the SMF network element 75 according to a preset rule and sends a session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI to the SMF network element 75.

[0112] SMF network element 75 sends a query request to UDM network element 73. UDM network element 73 retrieves the corresponding subscription information from UDR network element 74 to find out that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and that the second SUPI is not currently associated with a UPF network element. In this case, SMF network element 75 selects UPF network element 76 according to a preset rule.

[0113] The SMF network element 75 sends the first user plane information to the UPF network element 76, so that when the session establishment corresponding to the first SUPI is completed, the UPF network element 76 establishes a first user plane transport tunnel 781 corresponding to the first SUPI. The first user plane transport tunnel 781 is set between the first 3GPP access point 711 and the data network 77 to transmit the first session data corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0114] In addition, when the user equipment 70 sends a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI to the second 3GPP access point 712, the second 3GPP access point 712 sends the session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by the user equipment 70 to the second AMF network element 722.

[0115] The second AMF network element 722 sends a query request to the UDM network element 73. The UDM network element 73 retrieves the corresponding subscription information from the UDR network element 74 to find out that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the same user equipment 70. In this case, the second AMF network element 722 selects the SMF network element 75 used for the session corresponding to the first SUPI and sends a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI to the SMF network element 75.

[0116] In some embodiments, the second AMF network element 722 selects the SMF network element 75 using the SMF identifier used for the session corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0117] The SMF network element 75 sends a query request to the UDM network element 73. The UDM network element 73 retrieves the corresponding subscription information from the UDR network element 74 to find out that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and that a session has been established with the first SUPI. In this case, the SMF network element 75 selects the UPF network element 76 for the session corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0118] The SMF network element 75 sends the second user plane information to the UPF network element 76, so that when the session establishment corresponding to the second SUPI is completed, the UPF network element 76 establishes a second user plane transport tunnel 782 corresponding to the second SUPI. The second user plane transport tunnel 782 is set between the second 3GPP access point 712 and the data network 77 to transmit the second session data corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0119] It should be noted that, since the session corresponding to the first SUPI and the session corresponding to the second SUPI use the same UPF network element, the UPF network element 76 is called a PSA UPF network element.

[0120] The present disclosure is described below through specific examples.

[0121] FIG8 is a flow chart of a UPF network element selection method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] In step 81, the user equipment sends a first session establishment request corresponding to a first SUPI to a first 3GPP access point.

[0123] In step 82, the first 3GPP access point sends a first session establishment request to the first AMF network element.

[0124] In step 83, when the first AMF network element determines according to the subscription information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with the UPF network element, the first AMF network element selects the SMF network element according to the preset rule.

[0125] In some embodiments, the first AMF network element sends a query request to the UDM network element, and the UDM network element calls the corresponding subscription information from the UDR network element to query information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with the UPF network element.

[0126] In step 84, the first AMF network element sends a first session establishment request to the SMF network element.

[0127] In step 85, when the SMF network element determines according to the subscription information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with the UPF network element, the SMF network element selects the UPF network element according to the preset rule.

[0128] In step 86, the SMF network element sends the first user plane information to the UPF network element.

[0129] In step 87, when the session corresponding to the first SUPI is established, the UPF network element establishes a first user plane transport tunnel corresponding to the first SUPI. The first user plane transport tunnel is set up between the first 3GPP access point and the data network to transmit the first session data corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0130] FIG9 is a flow chart of a UPF network element selection method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0131] At step 90, a first user plane transmission tunnel is established between the first 3GPP access point and the data network to transmit first session data corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0132] In some embodiments, a first user plane transmission tunnel is established according to the embodiment described in FIG8 .

[0133] In step 91, the user equipment sends a second session establishment request corresponding to a second SUPI to a second 3GPP access point.

[0134] In step 92, the second 3GPP access point sends a second session establishment request to the second AMF network element.

[0135] In step 93, when the second AMF network element determines, based on the subscription information, that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the same user equipment, the second AMF network element selects an SMF network element for the session corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0136] In some embodiments, the second AMF network element selects an SMF network element using the SMF identifier used for the session corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0137] In some embodiments, the second AMF network element sends a query request to the UDM network element, and the UDM network element calls the corresponding subscription information from the UDR network element to query information that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the same user equipment.

[0138] In step 94, the second AMF network element sends a second session establishment request to the SMF network element.

[0139] In step 95, when the SMF network element determines according to the subscription information that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the same user equipment, the SMF network element selects a UPF network element used for the session corresponding to the first SUPI.

[0140] In step 96, the SMF network element sends the second user plane information to the UPF network element.

[0141] In step 97, when the session corresponding to the second SUPI is established, the UPF network element establishes a second user plane transport tunnel corresponding to the second SUPI. The second user plane transport tunnel is set up between the second 3GPP access point and the data network to transmit the second session data corresponding to the second SUPI.

[0142] By implementing the above embodiments of the present disclosure, a user equipment supporting dual SIM cards can respectively establish sessions through two 3GPP access points, and the same anchor UPF can perform the guidance and switching of data flows on the two 3GPP access points.

[0143] In some embodiments, the functional units described above may be implemented as general-purpose processors, programmable logic controllers (PLC), digital signal processors (DSP), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any appropriate combination thereof, for performing the functions described in the present disclosure.

[0144] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps to implement the above embodiments may be accomplished by hardware, or may be accomplished by a program to instruct the relevant hardware, and the program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, which may be a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk, etc.

[0145] The description of the present disclosure is provided for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are selected and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical applications of the present disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure and design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for specific applications.

Claims

1. A UPF network element selection method, performed by a session management function SMF network element, comprising: receiving a session establishment request corresponding to the first user permanent identifier SUPI sent by the first access and mobility management function AMF network element; When it is determined according to the subscription information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with a user plane function (UPF) network element, a UPF network element is selected according to a preset rule, so that the first session data corresponding to the first SUPI is transmitted through the UPF network element.

2. The UPF network element selection method according to claim 1, wherein: A first user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the first session data is set between a first Third Generation Partnership Project 3GPP access point and a data network, wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI through the first 3GPP access point.

3. The UPF network element selection method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by the second AMF network element; When it is determined according to the subscription information that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the user equipment, a UPF network element used for the session corresponding to the first SUPI is selected, so as to transmit second session data corresponding to the second SUPI through the UPF network element.

4. The UPF network element selection method according to claim 3, wherein: A second user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the second session data is set between a second 3GPP access point and a data network, wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI through the second 3GPP access point.

5. The UPF network element selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The contract information is stored in at least one of the SMF network element and the unified data repository UDR network element.

6. An SMF network element, comprising: A first processing module is configured to receive a session establishment request corresponding to a first SUPI sent by a first AMF network element; The second processing module is configured to, if it is determined according to the subscription information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with a UPF network element, select a UPF network element according to a preset rule, so as to transmit the first session data corresponding to the first SUPI through the UPF network element.

7. The SMF network element according to claim 6, wherein: The first user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the first session data is set between a first 3GPP access point and a data network, wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI through the first 3GPP access point.

8. The SMF network element according to claim 6, wherein: The first processing module is configured to receive a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by the second AMF network element; The second processing module is configured to, when it is determined according to the subscription information that the second SUPI and the first SUPI of the currently established session belong to the user equipment, select a UPF network element used for the session corresponding to the first SUPI, so as to transmit second session data corresponding to the second SUPI through the UPF network element.

9. The SMF network element according to claim 8, wherein: A second user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the second session data is set between a second 3GPP access point and a data network, wherein the user equipment initiates a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI through the second 3GPP access point.

10. The SMF network element according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: The subscription information is stored in at least one of the SMF network element and the UDR network element.

11. An SMF network element, comprising: Memory; A processor coupled to a memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the The UPF network element selection method described in any one of claims 1-5.

12. A communication system comprising: The SMF network element according to any one of claims 6 to 11; The first 3GPP access point is configured to send the session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI sent by the user equipment to the first AMF network element; The first AMF network element is configured to, if it is determined according to the subscription information that the first SUPI and the second SUPI belong to the same user equipment and the second SUPI is not currently associated with a UPF network element, select the SMF network element according to a preset rule, and send a session establishment request corresponding to the first SUPI to the SMF network element; The UPF network element is configured to transmit first session data corresponding to the first SUPI.

13. The communication system according to claim 12, wherein: A first user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the first session data is set between the first 3GPP access point and a data network.

14. The communication system according to claim 12, wherein: The second 3GPP access point is configured to send the session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI sent by the user equipment to the second AMF network element; the second AMF network element being configured to, when determining, based on the subscription information, that the second SUPI and the first SUPI with which the currently established session is held belong to the user equipment, select an SMF network element for the session corresponding to the first SUPI, and send a session establishment request corresponding to the second SUPI to the SMF network element; The UPF network element is further configured to transmit second session data corresponding to the second SUPI.

15. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein: The second AMF network element is configured to select the SMF network element using the SMF identifier used by the session corresponding to the second SUPI.

16. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein: A second user plane transmission tunnel for transmitting the second session data is set between the second 3GPP access point and the data network.

17. The communication system according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein: The subscription information is stored in at least one of the SMF network element and the UDR network element.

18. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein: The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and when the instructions are executed by the processor, the UPF network element selection method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 is implemented.

19. A computer program product, comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the UPF network element selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is implemented.

20. A computer program comprising computer instructions, wherein when the computer instructions are executed by a processor, the UPF network element selection method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is implemented.

Images