Communication method, apparatus and system, and mobile network, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a communication method, apparatus and system, and a mobile network, a storage medium and a program product. The communication method comprises: receiving segment routing over Internet protocol version 6 (SRv6) routing information of a base station, which is issued by the base station to a software defined network controller agent by means of an access and mobility management function network element; receiving SRv6 routing information of a user plane function network element, which is issued by the user plane function network element to the software defined network controller agent; receiving SRv6 routing information of a provider edge router, which is sent by a software defined network controller; and managing the collected SRv6 routing information of the base station, SRv6 routing information of the user plane function network element and SRv6 routing information of the provider edge router. In the present disclosure, an SRv6 routing scheme is introduced into a mobile network, and the generation and update of a route are implemented by means of function enhancement of an SMF, thereby maintaining relatively independent management of the mobile network and reducing the complexity of issuing the route.

Description

Communication methods, apparatus and systems, mobile networks, storage media and software products

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to CN application number CN202410773585.4, filed on June 17, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication, and in particular to a communication method, apparatus and system, mobile network, storage medium and program product. Background Technology

[0004] 5G mobile network user plane nodes (gNB, UPF, and UPFs) are connected via tunnels, and data forwarding and communication are carried out by creating GTP-U (GPRS Tunnelling Protocol User Plane) tunnels. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, comprising:

[0006] Receive segmented routing SRv6 information based on Internet Protocol version 6 from the base station, which is published to the software-defined network control node agent device by the base station through the access and mobility management function network element;

[0007] Receive SRv6 routing information of user plane function network elements published by user plane function network elements to software-defined network control node agent devices;

[0008] Receive SRv6 routing information from the carrier edge router sent by the software-defined network control node;

[0009] Manage the collected SRv6 routing information from base stations, user plane function network elements, and carrier edge routers.

[0010] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the communication methods described in the above embodiments are executed by a software-defined network control node agent device.

[0011] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the software-defined network control node agent device and the session management function network element are combined and configured.

[0012] In other embodiments of this disclosure, the software-defined network control node agent is configured separately.

[0013] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the communication method further includes:

[0014] Generate segmented forwarding route lists for both uplink and downlink based on business requirements.

[0015] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information of the carrier edge router is published by the carrier edge router to the software-defined network control node. The software-defined network control node sends or updates the routing information of the carrier edge router, which may be used for mobile network data forwarding and carrying, to the software-defined network control node agent device based on location or topology routing information.

[0016] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information is a routing list and topology.

[0017] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information includes Internet Protocol version 6 addresses.

[0018] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information further includes at least one of location information and load information.

[0019] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information is published in response to initial registration or information updates.

[0020] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the communication method further includes:

[0021] The system receives service routing requests forwarded by the base station through access and mobility management function network elements, wherein the service routing request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement;

[0022] Based on the received service routing requests and forwarding requirements, the service routing information is formulated, and uplink and downlink forwarding route lists are generated.

[0023] Send the downlink segmented routing list to the user plane function network element for execution;

[0024] The uplink segmented routing list is forwarded to the base station for execution through the access and mobility management function network elements.

[0025] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the service routing request is forwarded by the base station to the software-defined network control node agent device through the access and mobility management function network element when it receives a service access request initiated by the user equipment. The service access request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement.

[0026] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, comprising:

[0027] The system receives a service routing request forwarded by a base station through an access and mobility management function network element. The service routing request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement. The service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6.

[0028] Based on the received service routing requests and forwarding requirements, the service routing information is formulated, and uplink and downlink forwarding route lists are generated.

[0029] Send the downlink segmented routing list to the user plane function network element for execution;

[0030] The uplink segmented routing list is forwarded to the base station for execution through the access and mobility management function network elements.

[0031] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication method is provided, comprising:

[0032] The user equipment initiates a service access request to the base station, triggering the base station to send a service routing request to the software-defined network control node agent through the access and mobility management function network element. The service access request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements, and the service routing request also includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements. The service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6 (IPL). The service routing request is used by the software-defined network control node agent to formulate service routing information based on the received service routing request and forwarding requirements, generate uplink and downlink forwarding route lists, send the downlink segmented route list to the user plane function network element for execution, and forward the uplink segmented route list to the base station through the access and mobility management function network element for execution.

[0033] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a software-defined network control node agent apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0034] The first receiving module is configured to receive segmented routing SRv6 routing information based on Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) published by the base station to the software-defined network control node agent device through the access and mobility management function network element.

[0035] The second receiving module is configured to receive SRv6 routing information of the user plane function network element published by the user plane function network element to the software-defined network control node agent device;

[0036] The third receiving module is configured to receive SRv6 routing information from the carrier edge router sent by the software-defined network control node;

[0037] The routing management module is configured to manage the SRv6 routing information collected from base stations, user plane function network elements, and carrier edge routers.

[0038] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a software-defined network control node agent apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0039] The routing request receiving module is configured to receive service routing requests forwarded by the base station through the access and mobility management function network element, wherein the service routing request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements, and the service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6.

[0040] The route list generation module is configured to generate uplink and downlink forwarding route lists based on the received service routing requests and forwarding requirements, specifying the service routing information.

[0041] The first list sending module is configured to send the downlink segmented routing list to the user plane function network element for execution.

[0042] The second list sending module is configured to forward the uplink segmented routing list to the base station for execution through the access and mobility management function network element.

[0043] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a software-defined network control node agent apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0044] The memory is configured to store instructions;

[0045] The processor is configured to execute the instructions, causing the software-defined network control node agent to perform the communication method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0046] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the software-defined network control node agent device and the session management function network element are combined and configured.

[0047] In other embodiments of this disclosure, the software-defined network control node agent is configured separately.

[0048] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a session management function network element is provided, including a software-defined network control node agent device as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0049] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a user equipment is provided, comprising:

[0050] The access request sending module is configured to initiate a service access request to the base station, thereby triggering the base station to send a service routing request to the software-defined network control node agent device through the access and mobility management function network element. The service access request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements, and the service routing request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements. The service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6 (IPL). The service routing request is used by the software-defined network control node agent device to formulate service routing information based on the received service routing request and forwarding requirements, generate uplink and downlink forwarding route lists, send the downlink segmented route list to the user plane function network element for execution, and forward the uplink segmented route list to the base station through the access and mobility management function network element for execution.

[0051] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a mobile network is provided, including a session management function network element as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0052] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the mobile network further includes:

[0053] The user plane function network element is configured to publish the SRv6 routing information of the user plane function network element to the session management function network element.

[0054] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the mobile network further includes:

[0055] Carrier edge routers are configured to publish SRv6 routing information of the carrier edge routers to software-defined network control nodes;

[0056] Software-defined network control nodes are configured to send or update routing information from operator edge routers that may be used for mobile network data forwarding and carrying to session management function network elements based on location or topology routing information.

[0057] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the mobile network further includes:

[0058] The base station is configured to send a service routing request to an access and mobility management function network element upon receiving a service access request initiated by a user equipment, wherein the service access request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement, and the service routing request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement.

[0059] The access and mobility management function network element is configured to forward the service routing request to the session management function network element.

[0060] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication system is provided, including a user equipment as described in any of the above embodiments and a mobile network as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0061] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the communication method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0062] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method as described in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0063] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0064] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the 5G user plane forwarding node and forwarding path of related technologies.

[0065] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the current protocol stack of the 5G user plane related technologies.

[0066] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the communication method disclosed herein.

[0067] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of some other embodiments of the communication method disclosed herein.

[0068] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of some other embodiments of the communication method disclosed herein.

[0069] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of some other embodiments of the communication method disclosed herein.

[0070] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of some other embodiments of the communication method disclosed herein.

[0071] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the software-defined network control node agent device of this disclosure.

[0072] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of some other embodiments of the software-defined network control node agent device of this disclosure.

[0073] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the software-defined network control node agent device of this disclosure.

[0074] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the mobile network disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0076] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0077] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0078] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0079] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0080] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0081] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the 5G user plane forwarding nodes and forwarding paths. As shown in Figure 1, UE is user equipment, PE is provider edge router, CE is customer edge router, gNB is next generation NodeBase station (also known as 5G base station), PSA UPF is protocol data unit session anchor user plane function element, and I-UPF is access user plane function element.

[0082] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the current protocol stack of the 5G user plane. RAN stands for Radio Access Network, DN stands for Data Network, L1 stands for Physical Layer, L2 stands for Data Link Layer, and UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol.

[0083] The inventors also discovered through research that, with network evolution and the development of new services, the overlay forwarding method of related technologies has the following limitations compared to the bearer network: closed and fixed routing, lack of flexibility, and poor support for any-to-any arbitrary communication.

[0084] Compared to the bearer network, the overlay forwarding method of related technologies has the following limitations:

[0085] 1. The distance between the gNB and the central PSA UPF (PDU Session Anchor User Plane Function) is too far, and the N3 interface is too long, resulting in poor support for edge computing and distributed computing.

[0086] 2. Fixed networks generally adopt SRv6 flexible routing, while mobile networks continue to use the GTP (General Packet Radio Service Tunneling Protocol) tunneling method for forwarding. The differences in protocol stacks and interfaces affect fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) and wireless-wired convergence.

[0087] 3. When operators deploy mobile networks, they usually overlay them on the bearer network and operate in a closed GTP pipeline mode, which cannot meet the requirements for the underlying forwarding quality and is not conducive to the realization of high end-to-end forwarding quality.

[0088] In view of at least one of the above technical problems, this disclosure provides a communication method, apparatus and system, mobile network, storage medium and program product that maintains relatively independent management of the mobile network and reduces the complexity of route publishing.

[0089] With the widespread adoption of IPv6 technology in mobile applications and the successful commercialization and promotion of SRv6 technology on bearer networks, the introduction of SRv6 or an enhanced forwarding and routing technology based on SRv6 into the mobile network architecture of this disclosure is timely. This introduction integrates application data paths and the underlying transport layer into a unified protocol, eliminating the need to maintain forwarding state in the network and achieving stateless forwarding. The enhanced forwarding based on SRv6 inherently possesses network programmability and is suitable for virtualized network environments, overcoming the limitations of related mobile network technologies.

[0090] This disclosure proposes a mobile network user plane architecture, session management, and route advertising method based on SRv6 forwarding principles.

[0091] The development of mobile networks towards SRv6-supporting routing technologies should be gradual and smooth. This disclosure will introduce one scheme for user plane forwarding nodes to support SRv6, describing its architecture, session management process, and routing management scheme. Specific embodiments will be used to illustrate this disclosure below.

[0092] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the communication method of this disclosure. Preferably, this embodiment can be executed by the mobile network of this disclosure, the communication system of this disclosure, the control node agent device of the software-defined network of this disclosure, or the SMF (Session Management function) of this disclosure. The method includes at least one step from step 31 to step 34.

[0093] Step 31: The software-defined network control node agent or SMF receives the segmented routing SRv6 routing information of the base station published by the base station to the software-defined network control node agent through the access and mobility management function network element.

[0094] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the base station may be a gNB.

[0095] In some embodiments of this disclosure, SRv6 is a segmented routing technology based on IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6) that specifies the detailed routing path of a data packet by adding an extended header to the IPv6 packet header.

[0096] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information is a routing list and topology.

[0097] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information includes Internet Protocol version 6 addresses.

[0098] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the software-defined network controller agent can be an SDN-C (Software Defined Network controller) agent.

[0099] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information may further include at least one of location information and load information.

[0100] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information is published in response to initial registration or information updates.

[0101] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information is published during the initial registration or information update process.

[0102] Step 32: The SMF or SDN-C Agent receives the SRv6 routing information of the user plane function network element published by the user plane function network element to the software-defined network control node agent device.

[0103] Step 33: The SMF or SDN-C Agent receives SRv6 routing information from the carrier edge router sent by the software-defined network control node.

[0104] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information of the carrier edge router is published by the carrier edge router to the software-defined network control node. The software-defined network control node sends or updates the routing information of the carrier edge router, which may be used for mobile network data forwarding and carrying, to the software-defined network control node agent device based on location or topology routing information.

[0105] Step 34: The SMF or SDN-C Agent manages the collected SRv6 routing information of base stations, user plane function network elements, and operator edge routers.

[0106] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the communication method may further include: generating uplink and downlink segmented forwarding route lists based on service requirements.

[0107] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the communication method may further include: receiving a service routing request forwarded by a base station through an access and mobility management function (AMU) network element, wherein the service routing request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement; formulating service routing information based on the received service routing request and forwarding requirement, and generating an uplink and downlink forwarding route list; sending the downlink segmented route list to a user plane function (MPF) network element for execution; and forwarding the uplink segmented route list to the base station through the AMU network element for execution.

[0108] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the service routing request is forwarded by the base station to the software-defined network control node agent device through the access and mobility management function network element when it receives a service access request initiated by the user equipment. The service access request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement.

[0109] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the communication methods described in the above embodiments of this disclosure can be executed by a software-defined network control node agent device.

[0110] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the software-defined network control node agent device and the session management function network element of the above embodiments of this disclosure are combined and set up.

[0111] In other embodiments of this disclosure, the software-defined network control node agent device of the above embodiments of this disclosure is set separately.

[0112] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of some other embodiments of the communication method of this disclosure. Preferably, this embodiment can be executed by the mobile network or communication system of this disclosure. The method includes at least one step from step 41 to step 45.

[0113] Step 41: The gNB publishes SRv6 routing information to the SMF (SDN-C Agent) through the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function). In addition to the IPv6 address, the information published may also include location and load information. This publication process can occur during initial registration or when information such as IP address is updated.

[0114] Step 42: Complete the publication of SRv6 routing information to SMF (SDN-C Agent). In addition to the IPv6 address, the information publication may also include location and load information. This publication process can occur during initial registration or when information such as IP address is updated.

[0115] Step 43: The PE (Carrier Edge Router) publishes SRv6 routing information to the SDN-C. In addition to the IPv6 address, the published information may also include location and load information. This publication process can occur during initial registration or when information such as IP address is updated.

[0116] Step 44: Based on location or topology routing information, SDN-C sends or updates PE routing information that may be used for mobile network data forwarding and carrying to the SMF / SDN-C Agent. In addition to IPv6 addresses, the information sent may also include location and load information.

[0117] Step 45: The SMF / SDN-C Agent manages the collected route lists and topologies of gNB, UPF, and PE, and can generate uplink and downlink segmented forwarding route lists based on service requirements.

[0118] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG4, gNB, PE and UPF are all SRv6 nodes.

[0119] The embodiment of Figure 4 in this disclosure includes a route advertising process for gNB / PE and UPF, wherein L3 routes, i.e., routes of PE, are advertised / updated to SMF by SDN-C.

[0120] The embodiments described above (e.g., the embodiments in Figures 3 and 4) illustrate the user plane route publication and management process. In these embodiments, the SMF is still responsible for the topology, generation, and management of routes, allowing for good integration and smooth transition with other management features defined by 3GPP.

[0121] The embodiments disclosed above introduce an SRv6 routing scheme into the mobile network, while route generation and updating are achieved by the functional enhancement of SMF, maintaining the relatively independent management of the mobile network and reducing the complexity of route publication.

[0122] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of some further embodiments of the communication method of this disclosure. Preferably, this embodiment can be executed by the mobile network of this disclosure, the communication system of this disclosure, the software-defined network control node agent device of this disclosure, or the SMF of this disclosure. The method includes at least one step from step 51 to step 54.

[0123] Step 51: The SMF or SDN-C Agent receives a service routing request forwarded by the base station through the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) network element. The service routing request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements. The service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6.

[0124] Step 52: Based on the received service routing requests and forwarding requirements, the SMF or SDN-C Agent formulates the service routing information and generates uplink and downlink forwarding route lists.

[0125] Step 53: The SMF or SDN-C Agent sends the downlink segmented routing list to the user plane function network element for execution.

[0126] In some embodiments of this disclosure, step 53 may include: the SMF or SDN-C Agent sending the downlink segmented routing list to the I-UPF and PSA UPF for execution.

[0127] Step 54: The SMF or SDN-C Agent forwards the uplink segmented routing list to the base station for execution through the access and mobility management function network element.

[0128] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of some further embodiments of the communication method of this disclosure. Preferably, this embodiment can be executed by the mobile network or communication system of this disclosure. The method includes at least one of steps 1 to 7.

[0129] Step 1: The UE initiates service access, carrying the service identifier and forwarding requirements.

[0130] Step 2: The gNB requests service routing information, carrying the service identifier and forwarding requirements.

[0131] Step 3: AMF forwards the service route request, carrying the service identifier and forwarding requirements.

[0132] Step 4: Based on the received service routing requests and forwarding requirements, the SMF / SDN-C Agent formulates the service routing information and generates uplink and downlink forwarding route lists.

[0133] Step 5: The SMF / SDN-C Agent sends the downlink segmented route list to the UPF for execution.

[0134] Step 6: The SMF / SDN-C Agent sends the uplink segmented route list to the AMF, which then forwards it to the gNB for execution.

[0135] Step 7: AMF forwards the uplink segmented route list to gNB for execution.

[0136] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG6, both gNB and UPF are SRv6 nodes.

[0137] Figures 5 and 6 of this disclosure illustrate the UE access session management process. The embodiments described above support session management for SRV6 segmented routing, performing SID list insertion or processing only at uplink and downlink SRv6 endpoint nodes. This improves user plane routing flexibility while simplifying user plane routing management.

[0138] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of some further embodiments of the communication method of this disclosure. Preferably, this embodiment can be executed by the mobile network, communication system, or user equipment of this disclosure. The method includes step 71.

[0139] Step 71: The user equipment initiates a service access request to the base station, triggering the base station to send a service routing request to the software-defined network control node agent device through the access and mobility management function network element. The service access request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements, and the service routing request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements. The service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6. The service routing request is used by the software-defined network control node agent device to formulate service routing information based on the received service routing request and forwarding requirements, generate uplink and downlink forwarding route lists, send the downlink segmented route list to the user plane function network element for execution, and forward the uplink segmented route list to the base station through the access and mobility management function network element for execution.

[0140] The method proposed in this disclosure is based on segmented routing session management and route management, which can improve the flexibility of mobile network routing and forwarding, achieve consistency between fixed and mobile network protocols, and ensure end-to-end transmission quality.

[0141] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the software-defined network control node proxy device of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 8, the software-defined network control node proxy device of this disclosure may include a first receiving module 81, a second receiving module 82, a third receiving module 83, and a routing management module 84.

[0142] The first receiving module 81 is configured to receive segmented routing SRv6 information based on Internet Protocol version 6 (IP6) from the base station, which is published by the base station to the software-defined network control node agent device through the access and mobility management function network element.

[0143] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information is a routing list and topology; the SRv6 routing information includes Internet Protocol version 6 addresses.

[0144] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information further includes at least one of location information and load information.

[0145] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information is published in response to initial registration or information updates.

[0146] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information is published during the initial registration or information update process.

[0147] The second receiving module 82 is configured to receive SRv6 routing information of the user plane function network element published by the user plane function network element to the software-defined network control node agent device.

[0148] The third receiving module 83 is configured to receive SRv6 routing information from the carrier edge router sent by the software-defined network control node.

[0149] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRv6 routing information of the carrier edge router is published by the carrier edge router to the software-defined network control node. The software-defined network control node sends or updates the routing information of the carrier edge router, which may be used for mobile network data forwarding and carrying, to the software-defined network control node agent device based on location or topology routing information.

[0150] The routing management module 84 is configured to manage the SRv6 routing information collected from base stations, user plane function network elements, and carrier edge routers.

[0151] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the routing management module 84 may also be configured to generate uplink and downlink segmented forwarding route lists based on service requirements.

[0152] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the software-defined network control node agent device can also be configured to receive service routing requests forwarded by the base station through access and mobility management function network elements, wherein the service routing request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements; based on the received service routing request and forwarding requirements, formulate service routing information and generate uplink and downlink forwarding route lists; send the downlink segmented route list to the user plane function network element for execution; and forward the uplink segmented route list to the base station for execution through the access and mobility management function network element.

[0153] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of some other embodiments of the software-defined network control node proxy device of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 9, the software-defined network control node proxy device of this disclosure may include a routing request receiving module 91, a routing list generation module 92, a first list sending module 93, and a second list sending module 94.

[0154] The routing request receiving module 91 is configured to receive service routing requests forwarded by the base station through the access and mobility management function network element. The service routing request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements. The service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6.

[0155] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the service routing request is forwarded by the base station to the software-defined network control node agent device through the access and mobility management function network element when it receives a service access request initiated by the user equipment. The service access request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement.

[0156] The route list generation module 92 is configured to generate uplink and downlink forwarding route lists based on the received service routing requests and forwarding requirements, specifying the service routing information.

[0157] The first list sending module 93 is configured to send the downlink segmented routing list to the user plane function network element for execution.

[0158] The second list sending module 94 is configured to forward the uplink segmented routing list to the base station for execution through the access and mobility management function network element.

[0159] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the software-defined network control node agent device can be configured to perform the communication method described in any of the above embodiments of this disclosure (e.g., any of the embodiments of FIG3 to FIG6).

[0160] This disclosure introduces an SRv6 routing scheme into mobile networks, while route generation and updates are implemented by enhanced SMF functionality, thereby maintaining relatively independent management of the mobile network and reducing the complexity of route publication.

[0161] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the software-defined network control node agent device of this disclosure. As shown in Figure 10, the software-defined network control node agent device includes a memory 11 and a processor 12.

[0162] The memory 11 is used to store instructions, and the processor 12 is coupled to the memory 11. The processor 12 is configured to implement the communication method as described in any of the above embodiments (e.g., any of the embodiments of FIG3 to FIG6) based on the instructions stored in the memory.

[0163] As shown in Figure 10, the software-defined network control node agent device also includes a communication interface 13 for information exchange with other devices. Additionally, the software-defined network control node agent device includes a bus 14, through which the processor 12, communication interface 13, and memory 11 communicate with each other.

[0164] The memory 11 may include high-speed RAM, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. The memory 11 may also be a memory array. The memory 11 may also be divided into blocks, and the blocks may be combined into virtual volumes according to certain rules.

[0165] Furthermore, processor 12 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0166] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the software-defined network control node agent device and the session management function network element are combined and configured.

[0167] In some other embodiments of this disclosure, the software-defined network control node agent device of this disclosure is set separately.

[0168] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a session management function network element is provided, including a software-defined network control node agent device as described in any of the above embodiments (e.g., any of the embodiments in Figures 8 to 10).

[0169] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a user equipment is provided, comprising: an access request sending module configured to initiate a service access request to a base station to trigger the base station to send a service routing request to a software-defined network controller agent device through an access and mobility management function (AVM) network element. The service access request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement, and the service routing request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement. The service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6 (IPL). The service routing request is used by the AVM to formulate service routing information based on the received service routing request and forwarding requirement, generate uplink and downlink forwarding route lists, send the downlink segmented route list to a user plane function (FAC) network element for execution, and forward the uplink segmented route list to the base station through the AVM network element for execution.

[0170] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of some embodiments of the mobile network of this disclosure. Figures 4 and 6 also show schematic diagrams of the structure of other embodiments of the mobile network of this disclosure. As shown in Figures 4, 6 and 11, the mobile network of this disclosure may include a Session Management Function (SMF) element 1.

[0171] The session management function network element 1 can be the session management function network element as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0172] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 4, 6 and 11, the session management function network element includes a software-defined network control node agent (SDN-C Agent) as described in any of the above embodiments (e.g., any of the embodiments in Figures 8 to 10).

[0173] Figure 11 shows the user plane architecture supporting SRv6. SMF enhances support for SDN-C Agent proxy function, which is responsible for the final SRv6 route generation during the mobile network forwarding process.

[0174] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SDN-C Agent in the Session Management Function Network Element 1 can be configured to receive PE routing information that may be traversed during mobile data forwarding published by the SDN-C (i.e., the SMF obtains the possible bearer network PE topology by interacting with the SDN-C, thereby generating an end-to-end route including gNB / PE and UPF, as shown in the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4), and finally generate the mobile network SRv6 forwarding route (as shown in the embodiments of Figures 5 and 6).

[0175] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SDN-C Agent in the session management function network element 1 mainly includes two parts:

[0176] 1. Route reception: Receive the SDN-C published / updated PE routing information list. This list only includes PE routing information that may be traversed during mobile data forwarding and is stored locally.

[0177] 2. During session management, SRv6 route generation involves interaction between the SDN-C proxy and the SDN-C controller to obtain uplink and downlink forwarding route lists. Uplink routes are forwarded to the gNB via the AMF for execution, while downlink routes are sent to the I-UPF and PSA UPF via the SMF for execution.

[0178] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG11, gNB, I-UPF, PE and PSA UPF are all SRv6 nodes.

[0179] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figure 11, the endpoints for uplink and downlink SRv6 forwarding are completed on the gNB and PSA UPF, respectively. That is, for uplink, the gNB inserts the SID list, and the PSA UPF removes the uplink SRv6 segmentation routing field; for downlink, the opposite is true, the PSA UPF inserts the SID list (Segment Identifier list), and the gNB removes the downlink SRv6 segmentation routing field.

[0180] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the mobile network may further include user plane function network elements.

[0181] The user plane function network element is configured to publish the SRv6 routing information of the user plane function network element to the session management function network element.

[0182] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in FIG11, the user plane function network element may include I-UPF 2 and PSA UPF 3.

[0183] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 4 and 11, the mobile network may further include an operator edge router (PE) 4 and a software-defined network control node (SDN-C) 5.

[0184] Carrier edge router 4 is configured to publish SRv6 routing information of the carrier edge router to the software-defined network control node;

[0185] Software-defined network control node 5 is configured to send or update the routing information of operator edge routers that may be used for mobile network data forwarding and carrying to the session management function network element based on location or topology routing information.

[0186] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 4, 6 and 11, the mobile network may further include a base station (gNB) 6 and an access and mobility management function (AMF) element 7.

[0187] Base station 6 is configured to send a service routing request to the access and mobility management function network element when it receives a service access request initiated by a user equipment. The service access request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement, and the service routing request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement.

[0188] Access and mobility management function network element 7 is configured to forward the service routing request to session management function network element.

[0189] Figure 11 also shows a structural schematic diagram of some embodiments of the communication system disclosed herein. Figure 6 also shows a structural schematic diagram of some embodiments of the communication system disclosed herein. As shown in Figures 6 and 11, the communication system disclosed herein may include the user equipment 8 as described in any of the above embodiments, and the mobile network as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0190] Figure 11 illustrates some embodiments of the user plane architecture for SRv6 disclosed in this disclosure. Figure 11 also illustrates the forwarding and control architecture supporting the SRv6 user plane. The architecture of the above embodiments of this disclosure supports the forwarding of segmented routes on the mobile network, while route generation and updating are implemented by the functional enhancements of SMF, maintaining relatively independent management of the mobile network and reducing the complexity of route advertising.

[0191] The embodiments disclosed above relate to the fields of wireless communication and terminals. The embodiments of this disclosure provide an architecture, session management process, and routing management method for a user plane forwarding node supporting SRv6.

[0192] The embodiments disclosed above integrate the application data path and the underlying transport layer into a unified protocol, eliminating the need to maintain forwarding state in the network and achieving stateless forwarding. The enhanced forwarding based on the SRv6 concept inherently possesses network programmability and is suitable for virtualized network environments. These embodiments address the lack of routing flexibility in related forwarding schemes and improve consistency across fixed and mobile network protocols, contributing to fixed-mobile convergence and better support for edge computing.

[0193] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the communication method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0194] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the communication method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0195] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0196] The above-described embodiments of this disclosure introduce an SRv6 routing scheme into the mobile network, while route generation and updating are achieved through enhanced SMF functionality, thereby maintaining relatively independent management of the mobile network and reducing the complexity of route publication.

[0197] The embodiments described above still rely on SMF for routing topology, generation, and management, and can be well integrated and smoothly transitioned with other management features defined by 3GPP.

[0198] The embodiments disclosed above support session management for SRV6 segmented routing, and only insert or process the SID list on the uplink and downlink SRv6 endpoint nodes. While improving the flexibility of user plane routing, user plane routing management becomes simple.

[0199] The embodiments described above provide a user plane forwarding architecture and session management method for next-generation mobile networks.

[0200] The solutions described in the above embodiments of this disclosure are more conducive to network flattening, routing flexibility, and better versatility with the bearer network, thus contributing to the development of fixed-mobile convergence.

[0201] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this disclosure can be provided as methods, apparatus, or computer program products. Therefore, this disclosure can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this disclosure can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable non-transitory storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0202] This disclosure is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, as well as combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowchart illustrations and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0203] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0204] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0205] The mobile network, communication system, session management function network element, user plane function network element, first receiving module, second receiving module, third receiving module, routing management module, routing request receiving module, routing list generation module, first list sending module, second list sending module, software-defined network control node agent device, base station, access user plane function network element, operator edge router, software-defined network control node, access and mobility management function network element, PSA UPF network element, and user equipment described above can be implemented as a general-purpose processor, programmable logic controller (PLC), digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component, or any suitable combination thereof for performing the functions described in this application.

[0206] This concludes the detailed description of the present disclosure. To avoid obscuring the concept of the disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art will fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0207] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware, or by a program instructing the relevant hardware to implement them. The program can be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0208] The description in this disclosure is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to its forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical application of this disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to understand this disclosure and to design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

Claims

1. A communication method, comprising: Receive segmented routing SRv6 information based on Internet Protocol version 6 from the base station, which is published to the software-defined network control node agent device by the base station through the access and mobility management function network element; Receive SRv6 routing information of user plane function network elements published by user plane function network elements to software-defined network control node agent devices; Receive SRv6 routing information from the carrier edge router sent by the software-defined network control node; Manage the collected SRv6 routing information from base stations, user plane function network elements, and carrier edge routers.

2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein, The communication method is executed by a software-defined network control node agent device, wherein: The software-defined network control node agent device and the session management function network element are combined and configured; or The software-defined network control node agent device is set up separately.

3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2 further includes: Generate segmented forwarding route lists for both uplink and downlink based on business requirements.

4. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The SRv6 routing information of the operator edge router is published by the operator edge router to the software-defined network control node. Based on location or topology routing information, the software-defined network control node sends or updates the routing information of the operator edge router that may be used for mobile network data forwarding and carrying to the software-defined network control node agent device.

5. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The SRv6 routing information includes a route list and topology.

6. The communication method according to claim 5, wherein: The SRv6 routing information includes Internet Protocol version 6 addresses; The SRv6 routing information also includes at least one of location information and load information.

7. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The SRv6 routing information is published in response to initial registration or information updates.

8. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: The system receives service routing requests forwarded by the base station through access and mobility management function network elements, wherein the service routing request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement; Based on the received service routing requests and forwarding requirements, the service routing information is formulated, and uplink and downlink forwarding route lists are generated. Send the downlink segmented routing list to the user plane function network element for execution; The uplink segmented routing list is forwarded to the base station for execution through the access and mobility management function network elements.

9. The communication method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The service routing request is forwarded by the base station to the software-defined network control node agent device through the access and mobility management function network element when it receives a service access request initiated by the user equipment. The service access request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements.

10. A communication method, comprising: The base station receives a service routing request forwarded by the access and mobility management function network element, wherein the service routing request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement, and the service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6. Based on the received service routing requests and forwarding requirements, the service routing information is formulated, and uplink and downlink forwarding route lists are generated. Send the downlink segmented routing list to the user plane function network element for execution; The uplink segmented routing list is forwarded to the base station for execution through the access and mobility management function network elements.

11. A communication method, comprising: The user equipment initiates a service access request to the base station, triggering the base station to send a service routing request to the software-defined network control node agent through the access and mobility management function network element. The service access request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements, and the service routing request also includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements. The service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6 (IPL). The service routing request is used by the software-defined network control node agent to formulate service routing information based on the received service routing request and forwarding requirements, generate uplink and downlink forwarding route lists, send the downlink segmented route list to the user plane function network element for execution, and forward the uplink segmented route list to the base station through the access and mobility management function network element for execution.

12. A software-defined network control node agent device, comprising: The first receiving module is configured to receive segmented routing SRv6 routing information based on Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) published by the base station to the software-defined network control node agent device through the access and mobility management function network element. The second receiving module is configured to receive SRv6 routing information of the user plane function network element published by the user plane function network element to the software-defined network control node agent device; The third receiving module is configured to receive SRv6 routing information from the carrier edge router sent by the software-defined network control node; The routing management module is configured to manage the SRv6 routing information collected from base stations, user plane function network elements, and carrier edge routers.

13. A software-defined network control node agent device, comprising: The routing request receiving module is configured to receive service routing requests forwarded by the base station through the access and mobility management function network element, wherein the service routing request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements, and the service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6. The route list generation module is configured to generate uplink and downlink forwarding route lists based on the received service routing requests and forwarding requirements, specifying the service routing information. The first list sending module is configured to send the downlink segmented routing list to the user plane function network element for execution. The second list sending module is configured to forward the uplink segmented routing list to the base station for execution through the access and mobility management function network element.

14. A software-defined network control node agent device, comprising: The memory is configured to store instructions; The processor is configured to execute the instructions, causing the software-defined network control node agent to perform the communication method as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. The software-defined network control node agent apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The software-defined network control node agent device and the session management function network element are combined and configured; or The software-defined network control node agent device is set up separately.

16. A session management function network element, comprising a software-defined network control node agent device as described in any one of claims 12 to 15.

17. A user equipment, comprising: The access request sending module is configured to initiate a service access request to the base station, thereby triggering the base station to send a service routing request to the software-defined network control node agent device through the access and mobility management function network element. The service access request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements, and the service routing request includes a service identifier and forwarding requirements. The service routing request is a segmented routing SRv6 request based on Internet Protocol version 6 (IPL). The service routing request is used by the software-defined network control node agent device to formulate service routing information based on the received service routing request and forwarding requirements, generate uplink and downlink forwarding route lists, send the downlink segmented route list to the user plane function network element for execution, and forward the uplink segmented route list to the base station through the access and mobility management function network element for execution.

18. A mobile network, comprising the session management function network element as described in claim 16.

19. The mobile network of claim 18, further comprising: The user plane function network element is configured to publish the SRv6 routing information of the user plane function network element to the session management function network element.

20. The mobile network according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising: Carrier edge routers are configured to publish SRv6 routing information of the carrier edge routers to software-defined network control nodes; Software-defined network control nodes are configured to send or update routing information from operator edge routers that may be used for mobile network data forwarding and carrying to session management function network elements based on location or topology routing information.

21. The mobile network according to any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising: The base station is configured to send a service routing request to an access and mobility management function network element upon receiving a service access request initiated by a user equipment, wherein the service access request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement, and the service routing request includes a service identifier and a forwarding requirement. The access and mobility management function network element is configured to forward the service routing request to the session management function network element.

22. A communication system comprising a user equipment as claimed in claim 17 and a mobile network as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21.

23. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

24. A computer program product comprising a computer program, wherein, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the communication method as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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