User plane traffic processing method and apparatus, device and medium

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of communications. Provided are a user plane traffic processing method and apparatus, a device, and a medium. The method comprises: a session management function acquiring a service request sent by a terminal, wherein the service request carries service requirement information; on the basis of the service requirement information, determining whether a service flow corresponding to the service request requires a data offloading service; if it is determined that the data offloading service is required, selecting a central user plane function and an offloading primary user plane function for the service request on the basis of the service requirement information; and establishing a first session connection with the central user plane function, and establishing a second session connection with the offloading primary user plane function, wherein the first session connection and the second session connection are used for carrying service flows corresponding to the service request. By means of the embodiments of the present disclosure, service offloading requirements of an end user can be met, and customer service experience can be improved.

Description

User plane traffic processing method, device, equipment and medium

[0001] Cross-reference to Related Applications

[0002] The present disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411087891.9, filed on August 08, 2024, entitled “User plane traffic processing method, device, equipment and medium”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and particularly relates to a user plane traffic processing method, device, equipment and medium. BACKGROUND

[0004] The IMT-2020 network provides a variety of services through network and computing infrastructure, including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services, large-scale machine type communication (MTC) based services, and ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) based services. It can support large-scale networks, flexible connections and topologies, fixed mobile convergence, user plane optimization and other functions. At the same time, the IMT-2020 network has many features that help improve the efficiency and flexibility of network services, such as a distributed architecture based on software-based network functions, software-defined networks, access network-independent universal core networks, network slicing, intelligent resource management, etc. SUMMARY

[0005] With the implementation and development of 5G networks, the application role of 5G in various industries is increasingly evident, and the differentiated needs of SLA are increasingly prominent. The number of services requiring data offloading services is increasing. How to improve the utilization of existing network resources while meeting customer needs and improving customer business experience is a problem to be solved.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present application discloses a user plane traffic processing method, device, equipment and medium, which can select a central user plane function and a shunt main user plane function for a service request according to service demand information, establish a first session connection with the central user plane function, and establish a second session connection with the shunt main user plane function to undertake a service flow corresponding to the service request, provide a network service with ultra-high reliability and ultra-low latency, and optimize customer business experience.

[0007] Other characteristics and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, or will be learned by practice of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a user plane traffic processing method is provided, the method is performed by a session management function, and the method comprises: obtaining a service request sent by a terminal, the service request carrying service requirement information; determining whether a service flow corresponding to the service request needs a data splitting service according to the service requirement information; determining that the data splitting service is needed, and then selecting a central user plane function and a splitting primary user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information; establishing a first session connection with the central user plane function and a second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function, wherein the first session connection and the second session connection are used to bear the service flow corresponding to the service request.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, before the first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function are established, the method further comprises: determining whether the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is sufficient to execute the data splitting rule.

[0010] The first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function are established, comprising: determining that the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is sufficient to execute the data splitting rule, and then establishing the first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, before the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is determined to be sufficient to execute the data splitting service, the method further comprises: generating a data splitting rule, the data splitting rule comprising data forwarding traffic capacity and slice information.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the service requirement information comprises service location information, slice information and data splitting rule; and the central user plane function and the splitting primary user plane function are selected for the service request according to the service requirement information, comprising: the central user plane function and the splitting primary user plane function are selected for the service request according to the service location information, the slice information and the data splitting rule.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, after it is determined that the data splitting service is needed, the method further comprises: selecting a splitting backup user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information; determining that the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is insufficient to execute the data splitting rule, and then migrating at least one non-reliable data splitting service flow in the splitting primary user plane function to a backup user plane function of the non-reliable data splitting service flow.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the service request is selected to select the shunt backup user plane function according to the service requirement information, the method further comprises: storing the service requirement information, the information of the central user plane function, the shunt primary user plane function and the shunt backup user plane function into a user plane function pool list; determining that the capacity of the shunt primary user plane function is not enough to execute the data shunt rule, selecting a target backup user plane function from the shunt backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list based on the service priority, and cutting off the second session connection and establishing a third session connection with the target backup user plane function.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the selection of the target backup user plane function from the shunt backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list based on the service priority comprises: selecting the shunt backup user plane function corresponding to the service flow with the lowest service priority from the shunt backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list; determining whether the capacity of the shunt backup user plane function corresponding to the service flow with the lowest service priority is enough to execute the data shunt rule; if the capacity of the shunt backup user plane function is enough to execute the data shunt rule, taking the shunt backup user plane function as the target backup user plane function; if the capacity of the shunt backup user plane function is not enough to execute the data shunt rule, reselecting the service flow from the shunt backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list according to the order from low to high of the service priority of the service flow, and determining whether the capacity of the shunt backup user plane function corresponding to the newly selected service flow is enough to execute the data shunt rule, until the capacity of the shunt backup user plane function is enough to execute the data shunt rule, and taking the shunt backup user plane function as the target backup user plane function.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when determining the service priority, in the case of different 5QI values, the smaller the 5QI value, the higher the service priority; in the case of the same 5QI value, the lower the delay, the higher the service priority; and in the case of the same 5QI value and the same delay, the service priority of the existing service is higher than that of the new service.

[0017] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further comprises: synchronizing the data shunt rule to the shunt backup user plane function.

[0018] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the third session connection is established with the target backup user plane function, the method further comprises: distributing the service traffic for the first session connection and the third session connection based on the slice information and the data shunt rule.

[0019] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the service request comprises a PDU session creation request.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, determining whether the service flow corresponding to the service request needs the offloading service according to the service requirement information comprises: determining whether the service flow corresponding to the service request is a terminal mobility access service according to the service requirement information; if the service flow corresponding to the service request is the terminal mobility access service, determining that reliable offloading service is needed; and if the service flow corresponding to the service request is not the terminal mobility access service, determining that reliable offloading service is not needed.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user plane traffic processing method is provided, the method is performed by a terminal, and the method comprises: sending a service request to a session management function, the service request carrying service requirement information, so that the session management function establishes a first session connection with a central user plane function and a second session connection with a primary offloading user plane function in a case where a service flow corresponding to the service request needs data offloading service, the first session connection and the second session connection being used to bear the service flow corresponding to the service request of the terminal; and wherein the session management function determines whether the service flow corresponding to the service request of the terminal needs data offloading service according to the service requirement information after obtaining the service request, and selects the central user plane function and the primary offloading user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information in a case where it is determined that data offloading service is needed.

[0022] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the session management function further determines whether the capacity of the primary offloading user plane function is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule, and establishes the first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the primary offloading user plane function in a case where it is determined that the capacity of the primary offloading user plane function is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a case where the service flow corresponding to the service request is a terminal mobility access service, it is determined that reliable data offloading service is needed.

[0024] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the service requirement information comprises quality of service (QoS) information; and the session management function determines whether the service flow corresponding to the service request is reliable data offloading service according to the QoS information.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user plane traffic processing apparatus is provided, the apparatus being arranged in a session management function, and the apparatus comprising a request obtaining module, a first determining module, a network element selecting module and a connection establishing module.

[0026] The request obtaining module is configured to obtain a service request sent by a terminal, the service request carrying service requirement information.

[0027] The first determining module is configured to determine whether a service flow corresponding to the service request needs data offloading service according to the service requirement information.

[0028] The network element selection module is configured to determine that the data splitting service is required, and then select the central user plane function and the splitting primary user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information.

[0029] The connection establishment module is configured to establish a first session connection with the central user plane function and a second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function, wherein the first session connection and the second session connection are used to bear the service flow corresponding to the service request.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a user plane traffic processing apparatus is provided, which is arranged in a terminal, and the apparatus comprises a request sending module.

[0031] The request sending module is configured to send a service request to a session management function, wherein the service request carries service requirement information, so that the session management function establishes a first session connection with a central user plane function and a second session connection with a splitting primary user plane function in the case that the service flow corresponding to the service request requires a data splitting service, and the first session connection and the second session connection are used to bear the service flow corresponding to the service request of the terminal.

[0032] The session management function determines whether the service flow corresponding to the service request of the terminal requires the data splitting service according to the service requirement information after obtaining the service request, and selects the central user plane function and the splitting primary user plane function for the service request in the case that the service flow requires the data splitting service.

[0033] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, which comprises a memory configured to store instructions, and a processor configured to invoke the instructions stored in the memory to implement the user plane traffic processing method described above.

[0034] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer readable storage medium is provided, which stores computer instructions, and the computer instructions are executed by a processor to implement the user plane traffic processing method described above.

[0035] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, which stores instructions, and the instructions are executed by a computer to implement the user plane traffic processing method described above.

[0036] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a chip is provided, which comprises at least one processor and an interface.

[0037] The interface is configured to provide program instructions or data for the at least one processor.

[0038] The at least one processor is configured to execute the program instructions to implement the user plane traffic processing method described above.

[0039] The user plane traffic processing method, device, equipment and medium provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the session management function needs data splitting service for the service flow corresponding to the service request, selects a central user plane function and a splitting primary user plane function for the service request according to service requirement information, establishes a first session connection with the central user plane function, and establishes a second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function, the first session connection and the second session connection jointly undertake the service flow corresponding to the terminal service request, thereby meeting the service splitting requirement of the terminal user and improving the customer service experience.

[0040] In addition, in the case that the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is insufficient to execute the data splitting rule, the embodiments of the present disclosure select a target backup user plane function from the backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list based on the service priority, and cut off the second session connection and establish a third session connection with the target backup user plane function. Selecting the target backup user plane function based on the service priority can find a more suitable target backup user plane function, thereby improving the utilization of network resources.

[0041] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0042] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0043] Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a user plane traffic processing method flowchart in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 2 shows a local splitting network architecture schematic diagram in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 3 shows another local splitting network architecture schematic diagram in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 4 shows another user plane traffic processing method flowchart in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 5 shows a session preemption flowchart in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 6 shows another user plane traffic processing method flowchart in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of a user plane traffic processing device in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0051] FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of another user plane traffic processing device in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0052] FIG. 9 shows a structural block diagram of an electronic device in an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In order to make the objects, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure clearer, the following will be combined with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present disclosure to make a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not all the embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present disclosure described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed present disclosure, but only represents selected embodiments of the present disclosure. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0054] The IMT-2020 network provides a variety of services through network and computing infrastructure, including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) services, massive machine type communication (MTC) based services, and ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) based services. It can support large-scale networks, flexible connections and topology, fixed mobile convergence, user plane optimization, and other functions. At the same time, the IMT-2020 network has many features that help improve the efficiency and flexibility of network services, such as a distributed architecture based on software-based network functions, software-defined networks, access network-independent universal core networks, network slicing, intelligent resource management, and the like.

[0055] With the implementation and development of 5G networks, the application of 5G in various industries is becoming increasingly apparent, and the differentiated needs of SLA (Service Level Agreement) are also becoming increasingly prominent. The demand for URLLC services is increasing, and the capacity of edge UPF is limited, with high costs for new construction. The offloading UPF (User Plane Function) carries important business traffic for customers and needs to ensure business isolation transmission. In the face of the demand for URLLC service guarantee, how to improve the utilization rate of existing network resources while meeting customer needs and improving customer business experience has become a business development pain point.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of a user plane traffic processing method in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the user plane traffic processing method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes steps S101-S104.

[0057] In S101, the terminal sends a service request to a session management function, and the service request carries service requirement information.

[0058] In S102, the session management function determines whether a service flow corresponding to the service request needs a data splitting service according to the service requirement information.

[0059] In S103, the session management function determines that the data splitting service is needed, and then selects a central user plane function and a splitting primary user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information.

[0060] In S104, the session management function establishes a first session connection with the central user plane function and a second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function, wherein the first session connection and the second session connection are used to bear the service flow corresponding to the service request.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the local splitting network architecture after the establishment of the first session connection and the second session connection in S104 can be as shown in FIG. 2.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, in the scenario where it is determined whether a service flow corresponding to a service request needs a data splitting service (for example, a URLLC service), a first session connection is established with a central user plane function, and a second session connection is established with a splitting primary user plane function. The first session connection and the second session connection jointly bear the service flow corresponding to the service request of the terminal, thereby maintaining service continuity, enhancing service reliability, and meeting the service splitting requirements of the terminal user.

[0063] It can be understood that in the case where the central user plane function fails and the first session connection cannot be used, the second session connection can be used, thereby maintaining service continuity.

[0064] In addition, when there is no failure, the first session connection and the second session connection can jointly bear the service flow corresponding to the service request of the terminal.

[0065] In some embodiments, before S104, the above-mentioned S104 establishes the first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function, it further includes determining whether the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is sufficient to execute the data splitting rule. Furthermore, S104 can be that when it is determined that the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is sufficient to execute the data splitting rule, the first session connection is established with the central user plane function, and the second session connection is established with the splitting primary user plane function.

[0066] In some embodiments, before the session management function determines whether the capacity of the split primary user plane function is sufficient to perform the data splitting service, the session management function can also generate a data splitting rule, the data splitting rule including data forwarding traffic capacity and slice information.

[0067] In the above embodiments, the service requirement information can include service location information, slice information, and data splitting rule. In some embodiments, S103 can select a central user plane function and a split primary user plane function for the service request according to the service location information, the slice information, and the data splitting rule.

[0068] In some embodiments, after the session management function determines that the data splitting service is required, the session management function can also select a split standby user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information; and if the capacity of the split primary user plane function is insufficient to perform the data splitting rule, the session management function can migrate at least one non-reliable data splitting service flow in the split primary user plane function to a standby user plane function of the non-reliable data splitting service flow.

[0069] In some embodiments, the service requiring local splitting service can be a URLLC service. The embodiments of the present disclosure mainly face the URLLC scenario. According to the service priority information and the local splitting primary and standby UPF mechanism, the UPF resource preemption strategy is used to guarantee the service continuity and provide ultra-high reliable and ultra-low latency network service, and optimize the customer service experience.

[0070] In some embodiments, after the session management function selects a split standby user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information, the session management function can also store the service requirement information, the information of the central user plane function, the split primary user plane function, and the split standby user plane function into a user plane function pool list; if the capacity of the split primary user plane function is insufficient to perform the data splitting rule, the session management function can select a target standby user plane function from the split standby user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list based on the service priority, and cut off the second session connection and establish a third session connection with the target standby user plane function.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the local splitting network architecture involving the target standby user plane function can be as shown in FIG. 3.

[0072] In some embodiments, the session management function selects a target backup user plane function from the backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list based on service priorities, including: selecting, from the backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list, a backup user plane function corresponding to a service flow with the lowest service priority; determining whether the capacity of the backup user plane function corresponding to the service flow with the lowest service priority is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule; if the capacity of the backup user plane function is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule, taking the backup user plane function as the target backup user plane function; if the capacity of the backup user plane function is insufficient to execute the data offloading rule, reselecting, from the backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list, a service flow in the order from low to high of service priorities of the service flows, and determining whether the capacity of a backup user plane function corresponding to the newly selected service flow is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule, until the capacity of the backup user plane function is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule, and taking the backup user plane function as the target backup user plane function.

[0073] In some embodiments, when determining the service priorities, in the case of different 5QI (5G QoS Indicator) values, the smaller the 5QI value, the higher the service priority; in the case of the same 5QI value, the lower the latency, the higher the service priority; and in the case of the same 5QI value and the same latency, the service priority of an existing service is higher than that of a new service.

[0074] In some embodiments, the session management function of the present disclosure further synchronizes the data offloading rule to the backup user plane function.

[0075] In some embodiments, after establishing the third session connection with the target backup user plane function, the first session connection and the third session connection can be distributed with service traffic based on the slice information and the data offloading rule.

[0076] In some embodiments, the service request includes a PDU session creation request.

[0077] In some embodiments, according to the service requirement information, it is determined whether the service flow corresponding to the service request needs offloading service, including: according to the service requirement information, it is determined whether the service flow corresponding to the service request is a terminal mobility access service; if the service flow corresponding to the service request is a terminal mobility access service, it is determined that reliable offloading service is needed; and if the service flow corresponding to the service request is not a terminal mobility access service, it is determined that reliable offloading service is not needed.

[0078] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the SMF matches a UPF according to the service quality identifier (QoS) carried by the terminal-initiated service flow, judges whether it is an ultra-reliable and low-latency service, and matches the UPF according to the location information, slice information and local offloading rule. If the capacity of the UPF is insufficient, the SMF can migrate the non-ultra-reliable and low-latency service flow of the UPF service flow according to the QoS priority to the service offloading backup UPF, release the capacity of the UPF in time, update the uplink and downlink and service flow transmission according to the UPF pool list related information, and restore the normal service transmission. The SMF allocates the offloading primary UPF for the newly initiated ultra-reliable and low-latency service flow, and establishes the session connection and service flow transmission according to the slice information and offloading rule.

[0079] The embodiments of the present disclosure creatively propose to improve the effective utilization of network resources and the customer service experience by UPF resource preemption strategy based on service priority, creatively avoid the problem of insufficient local edge UPF capacity in URLLC scenario affecting customer experience or the need to build new network equipment, creatively propose to ensure uninterrupted service transmission according to local offloading primary and backup UPF, and creatively propose and solve the problems of unbalanced utilization of edge UPF, waste of network resources, high construction cost and other problems caused by more and more ultra-high reliable and ultra-low latency services.

[0080] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a user plane traffic processing method in the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the user plane traffic processing method provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure includes steps S401-S406.

[0081] In S401, the UE initiates a PDU session creation request and carries the service location information, QoS information, slice information and local offloading rule and other service requirement information.

[0082] In S402, the SMF (Session Management Function) judges whether it is a local offloading service according to the service requirement information.

[0083] In S403, if local offloading is needed, the SMF selects a central UPF, an offloading primary UPF and an offloading backup UPF according to the service requirement information, and stores the service requirement information and UPF information to the UPF list (the SMF saves the list).

[0084] In S404, the SMF generates a data flow detection rule (i.e. data forwarding flow capacity, slice information, etc.) to judge whether the capacity of the primary UPF is available.

[0085] In S405, if available, a PDU session 1 creation request is initiated to the central UPF, a PDU session 2 creation request is initiated to the local split primary UPF, and information such as local split rules is synchronized to the local split backup UPF to create a backup session channel.

[0086] In S406, if the primary UPF capacity is not available, a session preemption process is initiated.

[0087] According to the terminal service request initiated by the UE, if there is edge service demand, the SMF allocates the primary and backup split UPF for each service flow according to the embodiment of the disclosure, and maintains a UPF pool list (including the central UPF, the split primary UPF, and the split backup UPF), wherein the central UPF and the split primary UPF are the first session group, and the central UPF and the split backup UPF are the second session group. It should be noted that the second session connection and the third session connection in the foregoing embodiment belong to the second session group.

[0088] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, the session preemption process in S406 can include S501-S507.

[0089] In S501, the SMF produces data flow detection rules (i.e., data forwarding flow capacity, slice information, etc.), and judges whether the primary UPF capacity is available.

[0090] In S502, if the UPF capacity is insufficient, the SMF queries the UPF pool list, and judges the service flow with low priority in the UPF forwarding flow according to the QoS and other service information.

[0091] The specific judgment rule is to refer to the 5QI rule, that is, the priority of the GBR service is higher than that of the Non-GBR service, for the services with the same 5QI value, the lower the delay, the higher the priority; for the services with the same 5QI value and the same delay, the existing service is preferentially guaranteed.

[0092] In S503, the SMF queries the backup UPF of the low-priority service flow, and detects whether the capacity of the backup UPF is available.

[0093] In S504, if the capacities of the UPFs are insufficient, the SMF reselects the local split UPF for the low-priority service according to the service information.

[0094] In S505, the SMF initiates a session information update request to the local split primary UPF of the high-priority service flow, and cuts off the original PDU session.

[0095] In S506, the SMF initiates a PDU session establishment request to the backup UPF of the low-priority service flow, and updates the PDU session information.

[0096] In S507, the PDU session update is completed.

[0097] According to the service quality identifier (QoS) carried by the terminal initiated service flow, the embodiment of the present disclosure matches the UPF for splitting if it is judged as an ultra-reliable low-latency service, and according to the location information, slice information and local splitting rule. If the UPF capacity is insufficient, the non-ultra-reliable low-latency service flow of this UPF service flow can be migrated to the service splitting backup UPF according to the QoS priority, and the UPF capacity is released in time. The SMF updates the transmission of the uplink and downlink and service traffic according to the UPF pool list related information, and restores the normal service transmission. The SMF allocates the splitting primary UPF for the newly initiated ultra-reliable low-latency service flow, and establishes session connection and service traffic transmission according to the slice information and splitting rule.

[0098] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a user plane flow multi-path processing method based on service priority scheduling, which is used for the case of insufficient edge UPF capacity, guarantees ultra-high reliable ultra-low latency service, and does not affect the traffic processing method of existing service transmission.

[0099] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of a user plane traffic processing method in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the user plane traffic processing method provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure includes step S601.

[0100] In S601, the terminal performs sending a service request to a session management function, and the service request carries service requirement information, so that the session management function establishes a first session connection with a central user plane function and a second session connection with a splitting primary user plane function in the case that the service flow corresponding to the service request needs data splitting service, and the first session connection and the second session connection are used to bear the service flow corresponding to the terminal service request.

[0101] In some embodiments, the session management function further judges whether the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is sufficient to execute the data splitting rule, and establishes the first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function in the case that it is determined that the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is sufficient to execute the data splitting rule.

[0102] In some embodiments, the session management function further judges whether the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is sufficient to execute the data splitting rule, and establishes the first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function in the case that it is determined that the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is sufficient to execute the data splitting rule.

[0103] In some embodiments, in the case that the service flow corresponding to the service request is a terminal mobility access service, it is determined that reliable data splitting service is needed.

[0104] In some embodiments, the service requirement information comprises quality of service (QoS) information; and the session management function determines whether the service flow corresponding to the service request is a reliable data split service according to the QoS information.

[0105] According to the service priority requirement initiated by the client side, the service continuity is ensured and the network service with ultra-high reliability and ultra-low latency is provided to optimize the service experience of the client by using the UPF resource preemption strategy according to the service priority information and the local split active / standby UPF mechanism in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "first", "second" and "third" are only for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood or implied as indicating or suggesting relative importance.

[0107] In the present disclosure, the term "and / or" is only used to describe the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent the following three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this paper generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after it.

[0108] In addition, although the steps of the method in the present disclosure are described in a specific order in the drawings, this does not require or imply that the steps must be performed in this specific order, or that all the steps shown must be performed to achieve the desired results.

[0109] In some embodiments, some steps can be omitted, a plurality of steps can be combined into one step, and / or one step can be divided into a plurality of steps, etc.

[0110] Based on the same inventive concept, the present disclosure further provides a user plane traffic processing apparatus, which is arranged in a session management function, as shown in FIG. 7. The user plane traffic processing apparatus 700 comprises a request acquisition module 701, a first judgment module 702, a network element selection module 703, and a connection establishment module 704.

[0111] The request acquisition module 701 is configured to acquire a service request sent by a terminal, the service request carrying service requirement information;

[0112] The first judgment module 702 is configured to determine whether a service flow corresponding to the service request needs data split service according to the service requirement information;

[0113] The network element selection module 703 is configured to determine that the service flow needs data split service, and select a central user plane function and a split active user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information.

[0114] The connection establishing module 704 is configured to establish a first session connection with the central user plane function and a second session connection with the offloading primary user plane function, wherein the first session connection and the second session connection are used to bear a service flow corresponding to the service request.

[0115] In some embodiments, the connection establishing module 704 is configured to determine whether the capacity of the offloading primary user plane function is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule, and determine that the capacity of the offloading primary user plane function is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule, and then establish the first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the offloading primary user plane function.

[0116] In some embodiments, the user plane traffic processing apparatus 700 further comprises a data offloading rule generating module.

[0117] The data offloading rule generating module is configured to generate the data offloading rule before determining whether the capacity of the offloading primary user plane function is sufficient to execute the data offloading service, and the data offloading rule comprises data forwarding traffic capacity and slice information.

[0118] In some embodiments, the service requirement information comprises service location information, slice information and data offloading rule, and the network element selecting module 703 is configured to select the central user plane function and the offloading primary user plane function for the service request according to the service location information, the slice information and the data offloading rule.

[0119] In some embodiments, the user plane traffic processing apparatus 700 further comprises a backup network element selecting module.

[0120] The backup network element selecting module is configured to select the offloading backup user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information after determining that the data offloading service is required, and migrate at least one unreliable data offloading service flow in the offloading primary user plane function to a backup user plane function of the unreliable data offloading service flow when determining that the capacity of the offloading primary user plane function is insufficient to execute the data offloading rule.

[0121] In some embodiments, the user plane traffic processing apparatus 700 further comprises an information storing module and a session updating module.

[0122] The information storing module is configured to store information of the service requirement information, the central user plane function, the offloading primary user plane function and the offloading backup user plane function to the user plane function pool list after selecting the offloading backup user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information.

[0123] The session updating module is configured to determine that the capacity of the primary user plane function for offloading is insufficient to execute the data offloading rule, select a target backup user plane function from the backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list based on the service priorities, and cut off the second session connection and establish a third session connection with the target backup user plane function.

[0124] In some embodiments, the backup network element selection module is configured to select, from the backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list, a backup user plane function corresponding to a service flow with the lowest service priority, determine whether the capacity of the backup user plane function corresponding to the service flow with the lowest service priority is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule, select the backup user plane function as the target backup user plane function if the capacity of the backup user plane function is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule, and reselect, from the backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list, a service flow in the order from low to high of the service priorities of the service flows, and determine whether the capacity of a backup user plane function corresponding to the newly selected service flow is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule until the capacity of the backup user plane function is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule, and select the backup user plane function as the target backup user plane function if the capacity of the backup user plane function is insufficient to execute the data offloading rule.

[0125] In some embodiments, when determining the service priorities, the smaller the 5QI value, the higher the service priority in the case of different 5QI values, the lower the latency, the higher the service priority in the case of the same 5QI value, and the service priority of an existing service is higher than that of a new service in the case of the same 5QI value and the same latency.

[0126] In some embodiments, the user plane traffic processing apparatus 700 further includes a rule synchronization module.

[0127] The rule synchronization module is configured to synchronize the data offloading rule to the backup user plane function for offloading.

[0128] In some embodiments, the user plane traffic processing apparatus 700 further includes a traffic distribution module. The traffic distribution module is configured to distribute service traffic for the first session connection and the third session connection based on the slice information and the data offloading rule after the third session connection with the target backup user plane function is established.

[0129] In some embodiments, the service request includes a PDU session creation request.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first determining module 702 is configured to determine, according to the service requirement information, whether the service flow corresponding to the service request is a terminal mobility access service, and determine that reliable offloading service is needed if the service flow corresponding to the service request is a terminal mobility access service, and determine that reliable offloading service is not needed if the service flow corresponding to the service request is not a terminal mobility access service.

[0131] Based on the same inventive concept, the embodiments of the present disclosure further provide a user plane traffic processing apparatus. The user plane traffic processing apparatus is arranged in a terminal. As shown in FIG. 8, the user plane traffic processing apparatus 800 includes a request sending module 801.

[0132] The request sending module 801 is configured to send a service request to a session management function, the service request carrying service requirement information, so that the session management function establishes a first session connection with a central user plane function and a second session connection with a primary offloading user plane function if the service flow corresponding to the service request needs data offloading service, and the first session connection and the second session connection are used to bear the service flow corresponding to the service request of the terminal.

[0133] The session management function determines, according to the service requirement information, whether the service flow corresponding to the service request of the terminal needs data offloading service after obtaining the service request, and selects the central user plane function and the primary offloading user plane function for the service request if it is determined that the service flow needs data offloading service.

[0134] In some embodiments, the session management function further determines whether the capacity of the primary offloading user plane function is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule, and establishes the first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the primary offloading user plane function if it is determined that the capacity of the primary offloading user plane function is sufficient to execute the data offloading rule.

[0135] In some embodiments, it is determined that reliable data offloading service is needed if the service flow corresponding to the service request is a terminal mobility access service.

[0136] In some embodiments, the service requirement information includes quality of service (QoS) information, and the session management function determines whether the service flow corresponding to the service request is reliable data offloading service according to the QoS information.

[0137] The terms "first", "second", and the like in the present disclosure are merely used to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and do not limit the order or interdependence of the functions performed by these devices, modules or units.

[0138] As to the user plane traffic processing apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manners in which the respective modules perform operations have been described in detail in the embodiments of the user plane traffic processing method, and thus will not be described in detail here.

[0139] It should be noted that, although several modules or units of the device for action execution are mentioned in the above detailed description, such division is not mandatory.

[0140] In fact, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the features and functions of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided into several modules or units for embodiment.

[0141] Some of the block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities, which do not necessarily have to correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities can be implemented in the form of software, or in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0142] The electronic device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows an electronic device 900, which is merely an example and should not impose any limitation on the functions and application scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0143] FIG. 9 shows an architecture schematic diagram of an electronic device 900 provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, the electronic device 900 includes but is not limited to at least one processor 910 and at least one memory 920.

[0144] The memory 920 is configured to store instructions.

[0145] In some embodiments, the memory 920 can include a readable medium in the form of a volatile storage unit, such as a random access memory (RAM) 9201 and / or a cache memory unit 9202, and can further include a read-only memory (ROM) 9203.

[0146] In some embodiments, the memory 920 can further include a program / utility 9204 having a set of (at least one) program modules 9205, including but not limited to an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, each of which or a combination thereof can include implementation of a network environment.

[0147] In some embodiments, the memory 920 can store an operating system. The operating system can be a real-time operating system (RTX), LINUX, UNIX, WINDOWS, or OS X, etc.

[0148] In some embodiments, data can also be stored in the memory 920.

[0149] As an example, the processor 910 can read data stored in the memory 920. The data can be stored in the same storage address as the instructions, or the data can be stored in a different storage address from the instructions.

[0150] The processor 910 is configured to invoke the instructions stored in the memory 920 to implement the steps of the various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure described in the above “Exemplary Methods” section of the present specification. For example, the processor 910 can perform the steps of the above user plane traffic processing method embodiments.

[0151] It should be noted that the above processor 910 can be a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor. The processor 910 can include one or more processing cores, and the processor 910 performs various functional applications and data processing by running instructions.

[0152] In some embodiments, the processor 910 can include a central processing unit (CPU) and / or a baseband processor.

[0153] In some embodiments, the processor 910 can determine an instruction according to a priority identifier and / or a function category information carried in each control instruction.

[0154] In the present disclosure, the processor 910 and the memory 920 can be separately provided or integrated together.

[0155] As an example, the processor 910 and the memory 920 can be integrated on a single board or a system on chip (SOC).

[0156] As shown in FIG. 9, the electronic device 900 is in the form of a general computing device. The electronic device 900 can also include a bus 930.

[0157] The bus 930 can represent one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processor or a local bus using any of a variety of bus structures.

[0158] The electronic device 900 can also communicate with one or more external devices 940 such as a keyboard or pointing device, a Bluetooth device, or a device for reading media. Communication with one or more of these devices can be facilitated via an I / O interface 950.

[0159] Also, the electronic device 900 can communicate with one or more networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and / or the Internet, through a network adapter 960.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 9, the network adapter 960 communicates with the other components of the electronic device 900 via the bus 930.

[0161] It should be appreciated that the electronic device 900 can be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, or a network computer, among others. It should also be appreciated that the electronic device 900 can be a portable computer, a desktop computer, a server, a handheld device, or any other electronic device.

[0162] It should be appreciated that the structure illustrated in the embodiments of the present disclosure does not constitute a specific limitation to the electronic device 900. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device 900 can include more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 9, or combine some components, or split some components, or different arrangement of components. The components shown in FIG. 9 can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware.

[0163] The present disclosure also provides a computer readable storage medium, having stored thereon computer instructions, which when executed by a processor implement the user plane traffic processing method described in the above method embodiments.

[0164] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the computer readable storage medium is a computer readable medium that can send, transmit or transfer computer instructions for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus or device.

[0165] As an example, the computer readable storage medium is a non-volatile storage medium.

[0166] In some embodiments, more specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium in the present disclosure can include, but are not limited to, an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a USB flash drive, a memory card, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0167] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the computer-readable storage medium can include a data signal propagating in a baseband or as part of a carrier wave propagating through a baseband, in which computer instructions (readable program code) are carried.

[0168] Such a propagated data signal can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0169] In some examples, the computer instructions contained on the computer-readable storage medium can be transmitted by any appropriate medium, including, but not limited to, wireless, wired, optical, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0170] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a computer program product, which stores instructions. When the instructions are executed by a computer, the computer implements the user plane traffic processing method described in the above method embodiment.

[0171] The above instructions can be program code. In specific implementation, the program code can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages.

[0172] The programming languages include object-oriented programming languages, such as Java, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages, such as "C" language or similar programming languages.

[0173] The program code can be executed entirely on a user computing device, partially on a user device, as a separate software package, partially on a user computing device and partially on a remote computing device, or entirely on a remote computing device or server.

[0174] In the case involving a remote computing device, the remote computing device can be connected to the user computing device through any kind of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected to an external computing device (for example, through the Internet by using an Internet service provider).

[0175] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a chip, which includes at least one processor and an interface;

[0176] an interface for providing program instructions or data for the at least one processor;

[0177] The at least one processor is configured to execute the program instructions to implement the user plane traffic processing method described in the above method embodiments.

[0178] In some embodiments, the chip can further include a memory for storing program instructions and data, the memory being located in the processor or outside the processor.

[0179] Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented in the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment (including firmware, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Here, they can be collectively referred to as "circuitry", "module" or "system".

[0180] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art with the consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein.

[0181] The present disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure that follow the general principles of the disclosure and include known or customary practice in the art of the disclosure. The specification and examples are to be regarded as illustrative only, and the true scope and spirit of the disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A user plane traffic handling method, comprising: The method is performed by a session management function, and the method comprises: obtaining a service request sent by a terminal, wherein the service request carries service requirement information; determining whether a service flow corresponding to the service request needs data splitting service according to the service requirement information; if it is determined that the service flow needs data splitting service, selecting a central user plane function and a splitting primary user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information; establishing a first session connection with the central user plane function and a second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function, wherein the first session connection and the second session connection are used to bear the service flow corresponding to the service request.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Before the first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function are established, the method further comprises: determining whether the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is sufficient to execute data splitting rules; establishing the first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function, comprising: if it is determined that the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is sufficient to execute data splitting rules, establishing the first session connection with the central user plane function and the second session connection with the splitting primary user plane function.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, Before the determination of whether the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is sufficient to execute data splitting service, the method further comprises: generating data splitting rules, wherein the data splitting rules comprise data forwarding traffic capacity and slice information.

4. The method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The service requirement information comprises service location information, slice information and data splitting rules; and the selection of the central user plane function and the splitting primary user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information comprises: selecting the central user plane function and the splitting primary user plane function for the service request according to the service location information, the slice information and the data splitting rules.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein, After the determination that data splitting service is needed, the method further comprises: selecting a splitting backup user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information; if it is determined that the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is insufficient to execute the data splitting rules, migrating at least one non-reliable data splitting service flow in the splitting primary user plane function to a backup user plane function of the non-reliable data splitting service flow.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, After the selection of the splitting backup user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information, the method further comprises: storing the service requirement information, the information of the central user plane function, the splitting primary user plane function and the splitting backup user plane function into a user plane function pool list; if it is determined that the capacity of the splitting primary user plane function is insufficient to execute the data splitting rules, selecting a target backup user plane function from the splitting backup user plane functions recorded in the user plane function pool list based on service priority, and cutting off the second session connection and establishing a third session connection with the target backup user plane function.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, The selecting a target backup user plane function from the backup user plane functions for traffic offloading recorded in the user plane function pool list based on the service priority comprises: selecting a backup user plane function corresponding to a service flow with the lowest service priority from the backup user plane functions for traffic offloading recorded in the user plane function pool list; determining whether the capacity of the backup user plane function corresponding to the service flow with the lowest service priority is sufficient to execute the data traffic offloading rule; if the capacity of the backup user plane function is sufficient to execute the data traffic offloading rule, taking the backup user plane function as the target backup user plane function; if the capacity of the backup user plane function is insufficient to execute the data traffic offloading rule, reselecting a service flow from the backup user plane functions for traffic offloading recorded in the user plane function pool list according to the order from low to high of the service priorities of the service flows, and determining whether the capacity of the backup user plane function corresponding to the newly selected service flow is sufficient to execute the data traffic offloading rule until the capacity of the backup user plane function is sufficient to execute the data traffic offloading rule, and taking the backup user plane function as the target backup user plane function.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, When determining the service priority, in the case of different 5QI values, the smaller the 5QI value, the higher the service priority; in the case of the same 5QI value, the lower the latency, the higher the service priority; in the case of the same 5QI value and the same latency, the service priority of an existing service is higher than that of a new service.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein, The method further comprises: synchronizing the data traffic offloading rule to the backup user plane function for traffic offloading.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, After establishing the third session connection with the target backup user plane function, the method further comprises: distributing service traffic for the first session connection and the third session connection based on the slice information and the data traffic offloading rule.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein, The service request comprises a PDU session creation request.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein, The determining whether the service flow corresponding to the service request needs a traffic offloading service according to the service requirement information comprises: determining whether the service flow corresponding to the service request is a terminal mobility access service according to the service requirement information; if the service flow corresponding to the service request is a terminal mobility access service, determining that reliable traffic offloading service is needed; if the service flow corresponding to the service request is not a terminal mobility access service, determining that reliable traffic offloading service is not needed.

13. A user plane traffic handling method comprising: The method is executed by a terminal, and the method comprises: sending a service request to a session management function, the service request carrying service requirement information, so that the session management function establishes a first session connection with a central user plane function and a second session connection with a backup user plane function for traffic offloading if the service flow corresponding to the service request needs a data traffic offloading service, the first session connection and the second session connection being used to bear the service flow corresponding to the service request of the terminal; The session management function determines whether the service flow corresponding to the terminal service request needs data splitting service according to the service requirement information after obtaining the service request, and determines that data splitting service is needed, and then selects a central user plane function and a splitting master user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The session management function further determines whether the capacity of the splitting master user plane function is sufficient to execute data splitting rules, and establishes a first session connection with the central user plane function and a second session connection with the splitting master user plane function in a case where it is determined that the capacity of the splitting master user plane function is sufficient to execute data splitting rules.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein, In a case where the service flow corresponding to the service request is a terminal mobility access service, it is determined that reliable data splitting service is needed.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The service requirement information includes quality of service (QoS) information, and the session management function determines whether the service flow corresponding to the service request is reliable data splitting service according to the QoS information.

17. A user plane traffic handling apparatus, comprising: The device is arranged in a session management function, and the device includes: a request obtaining module configured to obtain a service request sent by a terminal, the service request carrying service requirement information; a first determining module configured to determine whether a service flow corresponding to the service request needs data splitting service according to the service requirement information; a network element selecting module configured to determine that data splitting service is needed, and then select a central user plane function and a splitting master user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information; a connection establishing module configured to establish a first session connection with the central user plane function and a second session connection with the splitting master user plane function, wherein the first session connection and the second session connection are used to bear the service flow corresponding to the service request.

18. A user plane traffic handling apparatus, comprising: The device is arranged in a terminal, and the device includes: a request sending module configured to send a service request to a session management function, the service request carrying service requirement information, so that the session management function establishes a first session connection with a central user plane function and a second session connection with a splitting master user plane function in a case where the service flow corresponding to the service request needs data splitting service, and the first session connection and the second session connection are used to bear the service flow corresponding to the terminal service request. The session management function determines whether the service flow corresponding to the terminal service request needs data splitting service according to the service requirement information after obtaining the service request, and determines that data splitting service is needed, and then selects a central user plane function and a splitting master user plane function for the service request according to the service requirement information.

19. An electronic device, comprising: include: a memory configured to store instructions; a processor configured to invoke the instructions stored in the memory to implement the user plane traffic processing method according to any one of claims 1-16.

20. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon computer instructions, wherein, The computer instructions are executed by the processor to implement the user plane traffic processing method according to any one of claims 1-16.

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