Message transmission method, session management function, and proxy call session control function

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of wireless communications, and in particular to an information transmission method, a session management function, a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF), a communication apparatus, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. The information transmission method comprises: sending, to a P-CSCF, network side information associated with user equipment media.

Description

Information transmission methods, session management functions, and proxy call session control functions

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411586064.4, filed on November 7, 2024, entitled "Information Transmission Method, Session Management Function and Proxy Call Session Control Function", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to information transmission methods, session management functions, proxy call session control functions, communication devices, computer-readable storage media, and computer program products. Background Technology

[0004] With the development of wireless communication technology, more and more subsystems are providing services to the 5G core network in communication systems. For example, IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) can provide multimedia services in 5G networks.

[0005] The core of IMS technology lies in its IP-based network architecture, which uses SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) to separate call control from service control, supporting a variety of multimedia services, including voice, video, and instant messaging.

[0006] In some application scenarios of IMS technology, such as when a user equipment (UE) performs satellite communication, the proxy call session control function (P-CSCF) in IMS may need to control the voice or video data transmitted by the satellite to achieve functions such as legal surveillance and data retention.

[0007] In related technologies, P-CSCF lacks network-side information, especially information related to the User Plane Function (UPF) responsible for data transmission. This makes it impossible to accurately perform operations such as UPF identification and user data extraction, affecting the efficiency and flexibility of communication. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In related technologies, P-CSCF does not have relevant information from the network side during communication, which affects the efficiency and flexibility of communication.

[0009] In view of this, the present disclosure provides an information transmission method that can effectively solve the above problems.

[0010] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an information transmission method is provided, performed by a session management function (SMF), comprising: sending network-side information associated with user equipment media to a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF).

[0011] In some embodiments, sending network-side information associated with user equipment media to the proxy call session control function (P-CSCF) includes: receiving a request from the P-CSCF for the network-side information, the request including at least one of information specifying the user equipment and information about data traffic; and in response to the request, sending the network-side information to the P-CSCF.

[0012] In some embodiments, the information of the designated user equipment includes at least one of the ID of the designated user equipment and the IP address of the designated user equipment.

[0013] In some embodiments, the information of the data traffic includes at least one of the following: data network name and slice identifier.

[0014] In some embodiments, sending network-side information associated with user equipment media to the proxy call session control function (P-CSCF) includes sending the network-side information to the P-CSCF when performing user equipment (UE)-satellite-user equipment (UE) mode communication based on user plane function (UPF).

[0015] In some embodiments, the information transmission method further includes: receiving parameters or user equipment information of both parties in a call, sent by the P-CSCF, indicating the execution of UPF-based UE-satellite-UE mode communication.

[0016] In some embodiments, sending network-side information associated with user equipment media to the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) includes: sending the network-side information to the P-CSCF via the SMF service operation, or sending the network-side information to the P-CSCF via the Policy Control Function (PCF) service operation.

[0017] In some embodiments, sending network-side information associated with user equipment media to the proxy call session control function (P-CSCF) includes: in response to a resource reservation request from the P-CSCF, sending a response to the resource reservation request to the P-CSCF, the response including the network-side information.

[0018] In some embodiments, sending network-side information associated with user equipment media to the proxy call session control function (P-CSCF) includes: in response to a request for influence routing from the P-CSCF, sending a response to the request for influence routing, the response including the network-side information.

[0019] In some embodiments, sending network-side information associated with user equipment media to the proxy call session control function (P-CSCF) includes: sending the network-side information to the P-CSCF when the network-side information associated with user equipment media changes.

[0020] In some embodiments, receiving a request for network-side information from a P-CSCF includes: receiving a resource reservation request from the P-CSCF, the resource reservation request including a request for the network-side information; or receiving a request from the P-CSCF for influencing routes, the request for influencing routes including a request for the network-side information; or receiving an access information request from the P-CSCF, the access information request including a request for the network-side information.

[0021] In some embodiments, sending the network-side information to the P-CSCF includes: sending the information of the designated user equipment and the network-side information to the P-CSCF when the network-side information changes.

[0022] In some embodiments, the network-side information associated with the user equipment media includes at least one of: user plane function (UPF) information associated with the user equipment (UE), SMF information associated with the UE, and session information associated with the UE.

[0023] In some embodiments, the UPF information associated with the UE includes at least one of the following: UPF identifier and UPF address.

[0024] In some embodiments, the SMF information associated with the UE includes at least one of the following: SMF identifier and SMF address.

[0025] In some embodiments, the session information associated with the UE includes at least one of the following: tunnel identifier, port number, QoS flow identifier, and N4 session identifier.

[0026] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an information transmission method is provided, performed by a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF), comprising: receiving network-side information associated with user equipment media from a session management function (SMF).

[0027] In some embodiments, receiving network-side information associated with user equipment media from a session management function (SMF) includes: sending a request to the SMF for the network-side information, the request including at least one of information specifying the user equipment and information about data traffic; and receiving the network-side information sent by the SMF in response to the request.

[0028] In some embodiments, receiving network-side information associated with user equipment media from the session management function (SMF) includes receiving the network-side information from the SMF when performing user equipment (UE)-satellite-user equipment (UE) mode communication based on user plane function (UPF).

[0029] In some embodiments, the information transmission method further includes sending parameters or user equipment information of both parties in a call to the SMF that indicate the execution of UPF-based UE-satellite-UE mode communication.

[0030] In some embodiments, receiving network-side information associated with user equipment media from the Session Management Function (SMF) includes: receiving the network-side information sent by the SMF through SMF service operations, or receiving the network-side information sent by the SMF through the Policy Control Function (PCF) service operations.

[0031] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a Session Management Function (SMF) is provided, comprising: a sending module configured to send network-side information associated with user equipment media to a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF).

[0032] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF) is provided, comprising: a receiving module configured to receive network-side information associated with user equipment media from a session management function (SMF).

[0033] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a communication device is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the information transmission method as described in any of the preceding claims based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0034] 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 information transmission method as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0035] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, wherein the computer program product stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the information transmission method as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0036] The information transmission method proposed in this disclosure sends network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the P-CSCF via the SMF, thereby enabling the P-CSCF to accurately perform operations such as UPF identification and user data extraction using the network-side information, thus improving the efficiency and flexibility of communication. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0038] This disclosure will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description, wherein:

[0039] Figure 1 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information transmission method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 3 is a signaling flowchart illustrating the QoS reservation process in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 4 is a signaling flowchart illustrating the AF-affected routing process in some embodiments of this disclosure;

[0043] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the transmission of network-side information according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information transmission method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a satellite communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 8 is a signaling diagram illustrating IMS communication in a satellite communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0048] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the acceptance of network-side information according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating a Session Management Function (SMF) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating the proxy call session control function P-CSCF according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] It should be understood that the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Furthermore, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar components. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The descriptions of the embodiments are merely illustrative and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its application or use. The present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully express the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of components and steps set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as merely illustrative and not as limiting.

[0055] The terms “first,” “second,” and similar words used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. Words such as “including” mean that the element preceding the word covers the element listed after the word, and do not exclude the possibility of covering other elements as well.

[0056] It should also be understood that any component, data or structure mentioned in the embodiments of this disclosure can generally be understood as one or more unless expressly defined or given to the contrary in the context.

[0057] All terms used in this disclosure (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in a general dictionary, such as a dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as having an idealized or highly formalized meaning, unless expressly defined herein.

[0058] This disclosure can be applied to electronic devices such as user equipment, computer systems, and servers, and can operate with a wide range of other general-purpose or special-purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known user equipment, computing systems, environments, and / or configurations suitable for use with electronic devices such as user equipment, computer systems, and servers include, but are not limited to: personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, thick clients, handheld or laptop devices, microprocessor-based systems, set-top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, networked personal computers, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments including any of the above systems, etc.

[0059] User equipment, computer systems, servers, and other electronic devices can be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions (such as program modules) executed by the computer system. Typically, program modules can include routines, programs, object programs, components, logic, data structures, etc., which perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. Computer systems / servers can be implemented in distributed cloud computing environments, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through communication networks. In distributed cloud computing environments, program modules can reside on local or remote computing system storage media, including storage devices.

[0060] The 5G system (5GS) architecture can be divided into three parts: user equipment (UE), data network (DN), and operator network. The operator network can include one or more of the following network elements: radio access network (RAN) equipment, user plane function (UPF) elements, AMF elements, session management function (SMF) elements, and unified data management (UDM) elements.

[0061] User equipment (UE), also known as terminal equipment or terminal, is a device with wireless transceiver capabilities that can communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via access network devices in a radio access network (RAN). UEs can be deployed on land, including indoors or outdoors, handheld, wearable, or vehicle-mounted; on water, such as on ships; and in the air, such as on airplanes, balloons, or satellites. Terminal equipment can be mobile phones, tablets, computers with wireless transceiver capabilities, virtual reality (VR) terminal devices, augmented reality (AR) terminal devices, wireless terminals in industrial control, self-driving, remote medical, smart grid, transportation safety, smart city, and smart home applications, among others.

[0062] The core network includes multiple core network elements (or network function elements), such as: access and mobility management function (AMF) elements, session management function (SMF) elements, user plane function (UPF) elements, unified data management (UDM) elements, application function (AF) elements, policy control function (PCF) elements, authentication server function (AUSF) elements, edge application server discovery function (EASDF) elements, and network exposure function (NEF) elements, etc.

[0063] User plane function (UPF) network functions are used for packet routing and forwarding, as well as quality of service (QoS) processing of user plane data.

[0064] PCF (policy control function) is a 5G core network element responsible for generating policies for users to establish data channels.

[0065] SMF (session management function) is a 5G core network element responsible for managing 5G PDU (Protocol Data Unit) sessions.

[0066] UPF (User Plane Function) is a type of 5G gateway that serves as the interface gateway between the operator's network and external networks. It primarily provides user plane functions such as user packet forwarding and processing, connection to the DN (Digital Network Controller), session anchoring, and Quality of Service (QoS) policy enforcement.

[0067] P-CSCF (proxy CSCF) is a network element of IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and serves as the unified entry point for the IMS network. All session messages initiated by or terminated at IMS terminals must pass through P-CSCF.

[0068] The 5G core network (5GC) supports PDU connection services. PDU connection services refer to the exchange of PDU data packets between a terminal device and the DN (Digital Data Center). PDU connection services are implemented by the terminal device initiating the establishment of a PDU session. Once a PDU session is established, a data transmission channel between the terminal device and the DN is established. In other words, the PDU session is at the UE (User Equipment) level. Each terminal device can establish one or more PDU sessions. The terminal device can access the DN through the PDU session established between the terminal device and the DN.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In traditional communication processes, the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) lacks relevant information from the network side, especially information related to the User Plane Function (UPF) responsible for data transmission. This makes it impossible to accurately perform operations such as UPF identification and user data extraction, affecting the efficiency and flexibility of communication.

[0071] In view of this, this disclosure proposes an information transmission method that can improve the efficiency and flexibility of communication.

[0072] First, the information transmission method performed by the Session Management Function (SMF) in this disclosure will be described with reference to FIG1. ​​FIG1 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission method according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0073] As shown in Figure 1, the information transmission method includes: step S11, sending network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the proxy call session control function P-CSCF.

[0074] The information transmission method proposed in this disclosure sends network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the P-CSCF via the SMF, thereby enabling the P-CSCF to accurately perform operations such as UPF identification and user data extraction using the network-side information, thus improving the efficiency and flexibility of communication.

[0075] Specifically, user equipment media refers to the ability of a user equipment (UE) to process and transmit multimedia content, such as audio, video, and images.

[0076] Network-side information associated with user equipment media refers to data and status information provided by network devices or network services in a communication network.

[0077] Specifically, in some embodiments, the network-side information associated with the user equipment media may include at least one of the following: user plane function (UPF) information associated with the user equipment (UE), SMF information associated with the UE, and session information associated with the UE.

[0078] The UPF information associated with the UE includes at least one of the following: UPF identifier and UPF address.

[0079] The UPF identifier, or UPF ID, is a unique identifier used to distinguish different UPF instances within a network. The UPF identifier ensures that data flows are correctly routed to the specified UPF instance during communication.

[0080] A UPF address refers to the IP address of a UPF in a network, used for communication between devices in the network. For example, it can include the IP addresses of interfaces such as N3, N4, and N6 in the UPF.

[0081] The SMF information associated with the UE includes at least one of the following: SMF identifier and SMF address.

[0082] The SMF identifier, or SMF ID, is a unique identifier used in the network to distinguish different SMF instances. The SMF ID can be obtained by the AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) during the UE registration process and used in subsequent session management processes.

[0083] An SMF address refers to the IP address of an SMF in a network, used for communication between the SMF and other network functions, such as an AMF and a UPF.

[0084] The session information associated with the UE includes at least one of the following: tunnel identifier, port number, QoS flow identifier, and N4 session identifier.

[0085] Among them, tunnel identifier refers to core network tunnel information, which may include information such as UPF tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID, Tunnel Endpoint Identifier), and is used for user plane communication.

[0086] A port number is a logical identifier used in network communication to distinguish different services running on the same IP address. It can be used to identify a specific service or interface on a UPF, such as the identifier of the port on which the UPF communicates with the SMF.

[0087] A Quality of Service (QoS) Flow Identifier (QFI) is used to identify a QoS flow in a network. The QFI can characterize the priority of user plane communications; for example, user plane packets with the same QFI in a PDU session established by an SMF will receive the same forwarding treatment. The QFI allows for control over the transmission of user plane data.

[0088] The N4 session identifier is a unique identifier assigned by the SMF to identify an N4 session. An N4 session is a communication session between the SMF and the UPF, used to define a series of actions the UPF takes on the PDU, including identification, forwarding, caching, tagging, reporting, and multi-access rules.

[0089] Using the network-side information mentioned above, P-CSCF can accurately perform operations such as UPF identification and user data extraction. For example, when a user equipment is conducting satellite communication, it can determine the UPF that is forwarding the user equipment's data or the status of the session established between the user equipment and the session management function, thereby extracting the user equipment's data or performing corresponding control over the user equipment.

[0090] The specific content of the network-side information has been described above. The following section describes the method by which the SMF sends network-side information, based on Figure 2. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information transmission method according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0091] As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, the SMF sends the network-side information to the P-CSCF through an SMF service operation. In other words, the SMF can directly send network-side information to the P-CSCF.

[0092] In other embodiments, the SMF sends the network-side information to the P-CSCF via the Policy Control Function (PCF) service operation. In other words, the SMF can also indirectly send network-side information to the P-CSCF through the PCF.

[0093] The foregoing section provided a detailed description of the network-side information transmitted by the SMF in the information transmission method proposed in this disclosure. Below, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, we will describe some specific scenarios of SMF transmitting network-side information in various embodiments.

[0094] In the first scenario, the SMF may send network-side information to the P-CSCF within the QoS reservation process shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a signaling flowchart illustrating the QoS reservation process in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0095] As shown in Figure 3, the QoS reservation process includes: step S31, the P-CSCF sends a resource reservation request to the SMF; step S32, the SMF sends a response to the resource reservation request to the P-CSCF, the response may include the network-side information.

[0096] In step S31, when the P-CSCF determines that network resources need to be reserved for specific traffic, it can send a resource reservation request to the SMF, thereby triggering the QoS reservation process.

[0097] In step S32, after the SMF makes QoS-related policy decisions, it will send a response to the resource reservation request to the P-CSCF. Network-side information can be added as a parameter and sent to the P-CSCF through this response.

[0098] By sending network-side information as a new parameter to the P-CSCF in the aforementioned QoS reservation process, signaling overhead can be reduced, communication resources can be saved, and communication efficiency can be improved.

[0099] In the second scenario, the SMF may send network-side information to the P-CSCF during the Application Function (AF)-influenced routing flow shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a signaling flowchart illustrating the AF-influenced routing flow in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0100] As shown in Figure 4, the AF impact process includes: step S41, the P-CSCF sends a request to the SMF to affect the route; step S42, the SMF sends a response to the request to affect the route to the P-CSCF, the response may include the network side information.

[0101] In step S41, when the P-CSCF determines that it needs to influence the UPF selection / reselection, it can send a request to the SMF to influence the route, thereby triggering the AF influence process.

[0102] In step S42, after performing UPF selection / reselection, the SMF will send a response to the above-mentioned request to affect the route to the P-CSCF. The network-side information can be added as a parameter and sent to the P-CSCF through this response.

[0103] By sending network-side information as a new parameter to the P-CSCF in the above-mentioned AF-influenced routing process, signaling overhead can be reduced, communication resources can be saved, and communication efficiency can be improved.

[0104] The above text, in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4, describes specific scenarios for sending network-side information in some embodiments of this disclosure. Network-side information can be sent as an additional parameter, thereby improving communication efficiency.

[0105] The following describes, with reference to Figure 5, the pre-processing steps for the SMF to send network-side information in some embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that the pre-processing steps described below are merely exemplary; the SMF may have certain pre-processing steps or no pre-processing steps when sending network-side information, and the SMF may send all network-side information to the P-CSCF. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the sending of network-side information according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0106] As shown in Figure 5, step S11, sending network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the proxy call session control function P-CSCF, may further include: step S111, receiving a request from P-CSCF for the network-side information, the request including at least one of information specifying the user equipment and information on data traffic; step S112, in response to the request, sending the network-side information to P-CSCF.

[0107] In the above embodiments, network-side information is sent in response to a request for network-side information from the P-CSCF for a specified user equipment. In this way, the transmission of network-side information can be triggered only when necessary, thereby reducing the amount of data transmitted and improving communication efficiency.

[0108] The request sent by the P-CSCF may include information about specified user equipment and / or data traffic. This specified user equipment and / or data traffic may be, for example, user equipment and / or data traffic that the P-CSCF needs to legally monitor. By including this information in the request, the SMF can be instructed to send only network-side information about these user equipment and / or data traffic, reducing the amount of data transmitted.

[0109] Specifically, the information of the designated user equipment may include at least one of the following: the ID of the designated user equipment and the IP address of the designated user equipment.

[0110] The designated user equipment ID refers to the unique identifier of the user equipment specified by the P-CSCF, such as the IMEI number of a mobile phone, the serial number of the device, or a unique identifier assigned at the software level. When the P-CSCF needs to perform processes such as legitimate interception, it can use the user equipment ID to locate the user equipment to be intercepted and obtain the network-side information of these user equipment through the SMF.

[0111] An IP address is an identifier assigned to the network interface of a user equipment (UE), used to identify and locate the UE within the network. Each UE connected to the network is assigned an IP address, enabling user plane data to be correctly forwarded to its destination. IP addresses can be static or dynamically assigned.

[0112] The information about the data traffic may include at least one of the following: data network name and slice identifier.

[0113] The Data Network Name (DNN) refers to the unique identifier of each virtual network after network slicing in the 5G network. The 5G core network uses the DNN to route data traffic to the appropriate virtual network.

[0114] A slice identifier (S-NSSAI) is an identifier used to identify a specific network slice. In a network, after a user equipment selects a suitable network slice using the S-NSSAI, it accesses the corresponding data network through a data neural network (DNN).

[0115] With the above information, the P-CSCF can accurately inform the SMF of user equipment that needs to send network-side information, avoiding network-side information transmission errors and improving communication efficiency.

[0116] The flow of the information transmission method in the embodiment shown in Figure 5 will be described below with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information transmission method according to some other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0117] As shown in Figure 6, requests for network-side information can be sent directly from the P-CSCF to the SMF, or indirectly from the P-CSCF to the SMF via the PCF.

[0118] In addition, similar to Figure 2, network-side information can be sent directly from SMF to SMF, or indirectly from SMF to SMF via PCF.

[0119] The foregoing section has provided a detailed description of the content included in the requests for network-side information sent by the P-CSCF in some embodiments of the information transmission method proposed in this disclosure. Below, with reference to Figures 3 and 4 above, we will describe specific scenarios in which the P-CSCF sends requests for network-side information in some embodiments.

[0120] In the first case, the P-CSCF can send the request for network-side information to the SMF in the QoS reservation process shown in Figure 3.

[0121] Specifically, in step S31, the SMF receives a resource reservation request from the P-CSCF, which may include a request for the network-side information.

[0122] By sending the request for network-side information as a new parameter to the SMF in the aforementioned QoS reservation process, signaling overhead can be reduced, communication resources can be saved, and communication efficiency can be improved.

[0123] In the second case, the P-CSCF can send a request for network-side information to the SMF in the AF-affected routing process shown in Figure 4.

[0124] Specifically, in step S41, the SMF receives a request for affected routes from the P-CSCF, and the request for affected routes may include a request for the network-side information.

[0125] By sending the request for network-side information as a new parameter to the SMF in the above AF-influenced routing process, signaling overhead can be reduced, communication resources can be saved, and communication efficiency can be improved.

[0126] In the third scenario, the P-CSCF may send a request for network-side information to the SMF during the establishment / registration of an IMS session.

[0127] Specifically, during the establishment / registration of an IMS session, the P-CSCF needs to request the UE's access information from the SMF. The SMF receives the access information request from the P-CSCF, which may include a request for network-side information.

[0128] By sending requests for network-side information as new parameters to the SMF during the establishment / registration of the IMS session, signaling overhead can be reduced, communication resources can be saved, and communication efficiency can be improved.

[0129] The preceding text, with reference to Figures 3 and 4, described specific scenarios for sending requests for network-side information in some embodiments of this disclosure. These requests can be sent as additional parameters, thereby improving communication efficiency. Below, we will describe how the SMF handles changes in network-side information in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0130] In some embodiments, the SMF sends the network-side information to the P-CSCF when the network-side information associated with the user equipment media changes.

[0131] By setting the above, the SMF can update the P-CSCF in a timely manner when the network-side information changes, thereby ensuring the correctness of the network-side information at the P-CSCF and improving communication efficiency.

[0132] In other embodiments, when the SMF receives a request for network-side information from the P-CSCF, the SMF sends the information of the designated user equipment and the network-side information to the P-CSCF if the network-side information changes.

[0133] With the above settings, the SMF can promptly update the P-CSCF when network-side information changes, and also send the corresponding information of the designated user equipment to the P-CSCF, thereby ensuring the correctness of the network-side information at the P-CSCF and the correspondence between the network-side information and the user equipment, and improving communication efficiency.

[0134] The information transmission method proposed in the embodiments of this disclosure has been described above with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Below, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, we will describe how to apply the information transmission method proposed in this disclosure in satellite communication and the uses of the information transmission method, as a specific embodiment.

[0135] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a satellite communication system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0136] As shown in Figure 7, the satellite communication system 7 includes: a first user equipment 701; a second user equipment 702; a satellite network element 71; and a ground network element 72.

[0137] Among them, the spaceborne network element 71 includes the user plane function UPF 711. The terrestrial network element 72 includes the session management function SMF 721; the policy control function PCF 722; the proxy call session control function P-CSCF 723; and the lawful interception configuration function LI-PF 724.

[0138] LI-PF is a network function entity responsible for handling configuration and activation tasks related to lawful interception (LI). Specifically, LI-PF receives lawful interception requests from law enforcement agencies and translates these requests into network configuration information so that the network can intercept and capture communications from specific targets. This configuration information includes, but is not limited to, user equipment identity information and the types of communications to be intercepted.

[0139] SMF 721 and UPF 711 are connected via N4 interface 731, and LI-PF 724 and UPF 711 can be connected via the newly added LI interface 732.

[0140] In some embodiments, the newly added LI interface 732 can be an interface that directly connects LI-PF 724 and UPF 711, or it can be an interface between P-CSCF 723 and UPF 711, with LI-PF 724 connected to UPF 711 via P-CSCF 723.

[0141] The aforementioned satellite communication system is a UPF-based satellite communication system. In other words, the onboard network elements no longer include network elements such as the access gateway (AGW), but only the UPF, thus saving satellite payload resources.

[0142] The communication mode in the aforementioned satellite communication system is a UPF-based UE-satellite-UE mode. Specifically, user plane data (such as voice data, video data, etc.) is transmitted from the first user equipment 701 to the second user equipment 702 via UPF 711. UPF 711 may include a UPF corresponding to the first user equipment 701 and a UPF corresponding to the second user equipment.

[0143] In the aforementioned satellite communication system, the information transmission method according to the above embodiments of this disclosure can be performed.

[0144] In some embodiments, when performing User Equipment (UE)-Satellite-UE mode communication based on User Plane Function (UPF), the SMF sends network-side information to the P-CSCF.

[0145] Furthermore, the SMF can receive parameters or user equipment information of both parties in the call, sent by the P-CSCF, indicating the execution of UPF-based UE-satellite-UE mode communication. Using these parameters or user equipment information, the SMF can determine that UE-satellite-UE mode communication based on User Plane Functions (UPF) is currently being performed.

[0146] The following will describe, with reference to Figure 8, the complete process of IMS communication and lawful eavesdropping in a satellite communication system based on the information transmission method proposed in this disclosure. Figure 8 is a signaling diagram illustrating IMS communication in a satellite communication system according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0147] As shown in Figure 8, the IMS communication of the satellite communication system includes steps S81 to S88.

[0148] In step S80, the SMF assigns a UPF to the user equipment and establishes a session between the user equipment and the UPF.

[0149] Specifically, the SMF can select a suitable UPF for the user equipment based on factors such as the location, capacity, and load of the UPF, as well as the location and user data protocol of the user equipment, and establish a PDU session (or N4 session) between the user equipment and the corresponding UPF for communication of the user equipment.

[0150] In this embodiment, the UPF allocated by the SMF to the user equipment mainly includes UPFs deployed on satellites, such as UPF 711 included in the onboard network element 71 in Figure 7.

[0151] In step S81, the user equipment, when accessing the network or when wishing to conduct IMS communication, sends a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) registration request or SIP Invite to the P-CSCF.

[0152] When a user equipment (UE) is connected to the network, it can register for IMS by sending a SIP registration request to the P-CSCF. When a UE wishes to engage in IMS communication, i.e., establish an IMS session, it can establish the IMS session by sending a SIP invitation to the P-CSCF.

[0153] In step S82, the P-CSCF sends an access information request to the SMF.

[0154] The access information request sent by the P-CSCF is used to request access information from user equipment, such as the location information of the user equipment.

[0155] In some embodiments, as described above, the P-CSCF may include a request for network-side information as a new parameter in the access information request sent to the SMF.

[0156] In step S83, the SMF sends the relevant access information to the P-CSCF according to the access information request.

[0157] In some embodiments, network-side information may also be included in the access information sent by the SMF to the P-CSCF. When the P-CSCF sends a request for network-side information in step S83, the network-side information sent by the SMF may be sent in response to the request.

[0158] In step S84, the P-CSCF establishes an IMS session for the user equipment based on the access information.

[0159] In this embodiment, the aforementioned IMS session refers to a communication session in the user equipment-satellite-user equipment mode.

[0160] In step S85, the P-CSCF sends a request for network-side information to the SMF.

[0161] According to the embodiments of this disclosure described above, the P-CSCF can send a request for network-side information to the SMF, thereby requesting to obtain network-side information of a specified user equipment.

[0162] The description of the timing of the P-CSCF sending requests for network-side information in this disclosure is merely exemplary, and the order of the above steps is not a limitation on the order in which the P-CSCF sends requests for network-side information.

[0163] As described above, P-CSCF can send requests for network-side information as new parameters in existing processes such as QoS reservation, AF-affected routing, and IMS registration / establishment. Alternatively, it can send requests for network-side information as a separate process after identifying user equipment that needs to be legitimately monitored.

[0164] The specific content of the request for network-side information has been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0165] In step S86, the SMF sends network-side information to the P-CSCF.

[0166] Similarly, according to the embodiments of this disclosure described above, the SMF can send network-side information to the P-CSCF.

[0167] The description of the timing of SMF sending network-side information in this disclosure is merely exemplary, and the order of the above steps is not a limitation on the order in which SMF sends network-side information.

[0168] As described above, SMF can send requests for network-side information as new parameters in existing processes such as QoS reservation and AF-affected routing, or it can send requests for network-side information as a separate process after determining that legitimate listening is required.

[0169] The specific content of the network-side information has been described above and will not be repeated here.

[0170] In step S87a, the P-CSCF sends network-side information to the LI-PF.

[0171] In step S88a, LI-PF generates a listening command based on the network-side information and sends it to UPF.

[0172] After receiving network-side information, LI-PF can generate a listening command based on the network-side information, such as the UPF identifier, and accurately send it to the UPF corresponding to the user equipment to be monitored, instructing the UPF to perform operations such as copying and retaining the user plane data of the user equipment.

[0173] The aforementioned listening command can be sent through the additional LI interface. As mentioned above, through the LI interface, the listening command can be sent directly from LI-PF to UPF, or it can be sent from LI-PF to UPF via P-CSCF.

[0174] In steps S87a and S88a above, the LI-PF generates the listening instruction based on the network-side information. In other embodiments, through steps S87b and S88b, the P-CSCF can also generate the listening instruction based on the network-side information.

[0175] In step S87b, LI-PF sends a legitimate interception indication to P-CSCF.

[0176] Instructions for legitimate surveillance include, for example, information about the user devices that need to be legitimately monitored, and the types of data that need to be monitored.

[0177] In step S88b, the P-CSCF generates a monitoring instruction based on the network-side information and the indication information for legitimate monitoring and sends it to the UPF.

[0178] P-CSCF can use network-side information to determine the UPF or session corresponding to the user equipment to be monitored, and send the operations to be performed during monitoring to the UPF.

[0179] In steps S87b and S88b above, when the amount of data on the network side is large, a smaller amount of indication information can be transmitted through LI-PF, and P-CSCF can perform the matching work between the user equipment to be monitored and UPF, thereby reducing the amount of data transmitted and improving communication efficiency.

[0180] In step S89, the UPF copies the user plane data of the user equipment according to the listening instruction.

[0181] UPF can copy voice and video data forwarded by user equipment through UPF according to the monitoring command, and send it to law enforcement agencies, thereby achieving legal monitoring of satellite communications.

[0182] The complete communication process of a satellite communication system has been described above. It can be seen from the above process that satellite communication based on the information transmission method according to some embodiments of this disclosure can, even when the onboard network element does not include an AGW, instruct the UPF to replace the AGW as the data retention device through network-side information, thereby enabling legitimate eavesdropping on satellite communication.

[0183] Satellite communication based on the information transmission method of some embodiments of this disclosure can save satellite payload resources and improve the flexibility and efficiency of communication.

[0184] The above text describes the SMF side of the information transmission method proposed in this disclosure based on Figures 1 to 8. The following text describes the P-CSCF side of the information transmission method proposed in this disclosure based on Figures 9 and 10.

[0185] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an information transmission method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0186] As shown in Figure 9, the information transmission method includes: step S91, receiving network-side information associated with the user equipment media from the session management function (SMF).

[0187] Similar to the information transmission method shown in Figure 1, the information transmission method proposed in this disclosure mainly includes the SMF sending network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the P-CSCF, thereby enabling the P-CSCF to use the network-side information to accurately perform operations such as UPF identification and user data extraction, thereby improving the efficiency and flexibility of communication.

[0188] Corresponding to the information transmission method on the SMF side, the information transmission method on the P-CSCF side may include: receiving the network-side information sent by the SMF through SMF service operation, or receiving the network-side information sent by the SMF through policy control function PCF service operation.

[0189] In other words, the SMF can send network-side information directly to the P-CSCF, or indirectly to the P-CSCF through the PCF.

[0190] In some embodiments, the P-CSCF may send a request for network-side information to the SMF. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the acceptance of network-side information according to some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0191] As shown in Figure 10, step S91, receiving network-side information associated with user equipment media from the Session Management Function (SMF), may further include: step S911, sending a request for the network-side information to the SMF, the request including at least one of information specifying the user equipment and information on data traffic; step S912, receiving the network-side information sent by the SMF in response to the request.

[0192] In the above embodiments, network-side information is sent in response to a request for network-side information from the P-CSCF for a specified user equipment. In this way, the transmission of network-side information can be triggered only when necessary, thereby reducing the amount of data transmitted and improving communication efficiency.

[0193] In some embodiments, similar to the information transmission method on the SMF side, the specific application scenario of the information transmission method may include: when performing user equipment UE-satellite-user equipment UE mode communication based on user plane function UPF, the P-CSCF receives the network-side information from the SMF.

[0194] Furthermore, the P-CSCF can send parameters or user equipment information of both parties in a call to the SMF indicating that UE-satellite-UE mode communication based on User Plane Functions (UPF) is being performed. These parameters or user equipment information enable the SMF to determine that UE-satellite-UE mode communication based on User Plane Functions (UPF) is currently being performed.

[0195] Satellite communication based on the information transmission method of some embodiments of this disclosure can save satellite payload resources and improve the flexibility and efficiency of communication.

[0196] The specific embodiments of the information transmission method of this disclosure have been described above based on Figures 1 to 10. The Session Management Function (SMF), the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF), and the communication device proposed in this disclosure will now be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. These functions can be used to execute the information transmission method described above.

[0197] Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating a Session Management Function (SMF) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 11, the Session Management Function (SMF) 11 includes a sending module 111 configured to send network-side information associated with user equipment media to a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF).

[0198] The sending module 111 of the session management function SMF 11 can be used to perform step S11 in Figure 1.

[0199] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating a proxy call session control function P-CSCF according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 12, the proxy call session control function P-CSCF 12 includes: a receiving module 121 configured to receive network-side information associated with user equipment media from a session management function SMF.

[0200] The receiving module 121 of the proxy call session control function P-CSCF 12 can be used to perform step S91 in Figure 9.

[0201] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating a communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 13, the communication device 13 includes a memory 131; and a processor 132 coupled to the memory 131, the processor 132 being configured to execute an information transmission method as described in any of the embodiments above based on instructions stored in the memory.

[0202] The aforementioned Session Management Function (SMF), Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF), and communication device send network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the P-CSCF via the SMF. This enables the P-CSCF to accurately perform operations such as UPF identification and user data extraction using the network-side information, thereby improving communication efficiency and flexibility.

[0203] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system for implementing some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0204] As shown in Figure 14, the computer system 14 can be represented in the form of a general computing device. The computer system 14 includes a memory 141, a processor 142, and a bus 140 connecting different system components.

[0205] Memory 141 can be various forms of computer-readable storage media, such as system memory, non-volatile storage media, etc. System memory may store, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, and other programs. System memory may include volatile storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. Non-volatile storage media may store, for example, instructions for performing a corresponding embodiment of the information transfer method. Non-volatile storage media include, but are not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, flash memory, etc.

[0206] The processor 142 can be implemented using a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistors, or other discrete hardware components. Accordingly, each module can be implemented by executing instructions in the central processing unit (CPU) memory to perform the corresponding steps, or by implementing dedicated circuitry to perform the corresponding steps.

[0207] Bus 140 can use any of a variety of bus architectures. For example, bus architectures include, but are not limited to, Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0208] The computer system 14 may also include an input / output interface 143, a network interface 144, a storage interface 145, etc. These interfaces 143, 144, 145, as well as the memory 141 and processor 142, can be connected via a bus 140. The input / output interface 143 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. The network interface 144 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. The storage interface 145 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as floppy disks, USB flash drives, and SD cards.

[0209] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, some embodiments of this disclosure include a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to implement the information transmission method described in any of the foregoing embodiments. The computer program product includes computer instructions carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer instructions containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts.

[0210] Various embodiments of this disclosure have now been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this 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.

[0211] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An information transmission method, executed by a session management function (SMF), comprising: Send network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the proxy call session control function (P-CSCF).

2. The information transmission method according to claim 1, wherein, Sending network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) includes: Receive a request from P-CSCF for network-side information, the request including at least one of information about a specified user equipment and information about data traffic; In response to the request, the network-side information is sent to the P-CSCF.

3. The information transmission method according to claim 2, wherein, The information of the designated user equipment includes: At least one of the ID of the specified user equipment and the IP address of the specified user equipment.

4. The information transmission method according to claim 2, wherein, The information regarding the data traffic includes: At least one of the following: data network name and slice identifier.

5. The information transmission method according to claim 1, wherein, Sending network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) includes: In the case of performing User Equipment (UE)-Satellite-UE mode communication based on User Plane Function (UPF), the network-side information is sent to the P-CSCF.

6. The information transmission method according to claim 5 further includes: Receive parameters or user equipment information of both parties in the call, sent by the P-CSCF, indicating the execution of UPF-based UE-satellite-UE mode communication.

7. The information transmission method according to claim 1, wherein, Sending network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) includes: The network-side information is sent to the P-CSCF via the SMF service operation or via the policy control function PCF service operation.

8. The information transmission method according to claim 1, wherein, Sending network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) includes: In response to a resource reservation request from the P-CSCF, a response to the resource reservation request is sent to the P-CSCF, the response including the network-side information.

9. The information transmission method according to claim 1, wherein, Sending network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) includes: In response to a request from the P-CSCF to affect routing, a response to the request to affect routing is sent to the P-CSCF, the response including the network-side information.

10. The information transmission method according to claim 1, wherein, Sending network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) includes: When the network-side information associated with the user equipment media changes, the network-side information is sent to the P-CSCF.

11. The information transmission method according to claim 2, wherein, Receiving a request for network-side information from the P-CSCF includes: Receive a resource reservation request from the P-CSCF, the resource reservation request including a request for network-side information; or Receive a request for affected routing from the P-CSCF, the request for affected routing including a request for network-side information; or Receive an access information request from the P-CSCF, the access information request including a request for network-side information.

12. The information transmission method according to claim 2, wherein, Sending the network-side information to the P-CSCF includes: If the network-side information changes, the information of the designated user equipment and the network-side information are sent to the P-CSCF.

13. The information transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The network-side information associated with the user equipment media includes at least one of the following: user plane function (UPF) information associated with the user equipment (UE), SMF information associated with the UE, and session information associated with the UE.

14. The information transmission method according to claim 13, wherein, The UPF information associated with the UE includes at least one of the following: UPF identifier and UPF address.

15. The information transmission method according to claim 13, wherein, The SMF information associated with the UE includes at least one of the following: SMF identifier and SMF address.

16. The information transmission method according to claim 13, wherein, The session information associated with the UE includes at least one of the following: tunnel identifier, port number, QoS flow identifier, and N4 session identifier.

17. An information transmission method, executed by a proxy call session control function (P-CSCF), comprising: Receive network-side information associated with the user equipment media from the Session Management Function (SMF).

18. The information transmission method according to claim 17, wherein, The network-side information associated with the user equipment media received from the Session Management Function (SMF) includes: Send a request for network-side information to the SMF, the request including at least one of information specifying user equipment and data traffic information; Receive the network-side information sent by the SMF in response to the request.

19. The information transmission method according to claim 17, wherein, The network-side information associated with the user equipment media received from the Session Management Function (SMF) includes: In the case of performing user equipment (UE)-satellite-user equipment (UE) mode communication based on user plane function (UPF), the network-side information is received from the SMF.

20. The information transmission method according to claim 19, further comprising: Send parameters or user equipment information of both parties in the call to the SMF to instruct the execution of UPF-based UE-satellite-UE mode communication.

21. The information transmission method according to claim 17, wherein, The network-side information associated with the user equipment media received from the Session Management Function (SMF) includes: Receive the network-side information sent by the SMF through the SMF service operation, or receive the network-side information sent by the SMF through the Policy Control Function (PCF) service operation.

22. A Session Management Function (SMF), comprising: The sending module is configured to send network-side information associated with the user equipment media to the proxy call session control function (P-CSCF).

23. A proxy call session control function (P-CSCF), comprising: The receiving module is configured to receive network-side information associated with the user equipment media from the Session Management Function (SMF).

24. A communication device, comprising: Memory; and A processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute the information transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 20 based on instructions stored in the memory.

25. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein, The computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the information transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

26. A computer program product, wherein, The computer program product stores computer instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the information transmission method according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

Images