CN110035562B

CN110035562B - Session management method, device and system

Info

Publication number: CN110035562B
Application number: CN201810032572.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 朱奋勤; 吴问付
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Current assignee: Huawei Technologies Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-01-12
Filing date: 2018-01-12
Publication date: 2021-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-12
Also published as: CN110035562A

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a session management method, a device and a system, so that after network elements are divided according to a network, a session from a terminal to a UPF network element in some special areas can still be established. The method comprises the following steps: an anchor point session management network element receives a first message, wherein the first message carries session related information and is used for requesting to establish a session, and the session is a session connected to a target network; the anchor session management network element determines a target user plane management network element serving the terminal according to the session related information, wherein the target user plane management network element is a user plane management network element of a target user plane functional network element managing the target network service.

Description

Session management method, device and system

Technical Field

The present application relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a session management method, device, and system.

Background

In the existing fifth generation (5rd generation, 5G) network architecture, a Packet Data Unit (PDU) session is managed by a Session Management Function (SMF) network element. This means that, in the existing 5G network architecture, when the terminal is in the non-roaming state, all User Plane Function (UPF) network elements in the user plane path of the PDU session of the terminal are controlled by one SMF network element. For example, a PDU session of a terminal corresponds to two UPF network elements, one UPF network element is located at a position close to an access network element of the terminal, and the other UPF network element is located in a central machine room, and at this time, an SMF network element managing the PDU session of the terminal needs to be able to control the two UPF network elements at different positions.

However, the above 5G network architecture is not consistent with the actual deployment of operators, in which the SMF network elements and the UPF network elements are generally divided according to administrative regions, considering the complexity of configuration across administrative regions and the requirement that the operators want to hide the network topology. The SMF network element serving one administrative region can only manage the UPF network element serving the administrative region, and cannot manage the UPF network elements serving other administrative regions; and, the UPF network elements serving some special areas of the administrative domain cannot be managed by the common SMF network elements serving the administrative domain. For example, a UPF network element serving an enterprise network is managed by a dedicated SMF network element, cannot be managed by a general SMF network element in an area where the enterprise network is located, and a dedicated SMF network element managing a UPF network element serving the enterprise network cannot manage other UPF network elements. At this time, how to establish a session of a terminal to a UPF network element in some special areas is a hot spot of current research.

Disclosure of Invention

The embodiment of the application provides a session management method, a device and a system, so that after network elements are divided according to a network, a session from a terminal to a UPF network element in some special areas can still be established.

In order to achieve the above purpose, the embodiment of the present application adopts the following technical solutions:

in a first aspect, a session management method is provided, where the method includes: an anchor point session management network element receives a first message, wherein the first message carries session related information and is used for requesting to establish a session, and the session is a session connected to a target network; the anchor session management network element determines a target user plane management network element serving the terminal according to the session related information, wherein the target user plane management network element is a user plane management network element of a target user plane functional network element managing the target network service. In the session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application, the anchor session management network element may determine, according to the first information related to the session, the target user plane management network element serving the terminal, where the target user plane management network element is a user plane management network element that manages a target user plane functional network element serving the target network, and therefore, based on the session management method, after network elements are divided according to the network, sessions from the terminal to user plane functional network elements in some special areas may still be established.

In one possible design, the receiving, by the anchor session management network element, the first message includes: the anchor session management network element receives the first message from a mobility management entity. Based on the scheme, the session management can be realized when the network where the current access network element of the terminal is located is the same as the network served by the anchor SMF network element.

In one possible design, the method further includes: and the anchor point session management network element determines an intermediate user plane function network element serving for the terminal according to the position information of the terminal, wherein the intermediate user plane function network element is a user plane function network element interfaced with the current access network element of the terminal. Based on the scheme, the intermediate user plane function network element serving the terminal can be determined.

In another possible design, the receiving, by the anchor session management network element, the first message includes: the anchor session management network element receives the first message from an intermediate session management network element, wherein the intermediate session management network element is a session management network element for managing an intermediate user plane function network element, and the intermediate user plane function network element is a user plane function network element interfaced with a current access network element of the terminal. Based on the scheme, the session management can be realized when the network where the current access network element of the terminal is located is different from the network served by the anchor SMF network element.

In one possible design, the method further includes: the anchor point conversation management network element initiates and establishes a path between the current access network element of the terminal and the target user plane function network element. Based on the scheme, the session management can be realized when the network where the current access network element of the terminal is located is the same as the network served by the anchor SMF network element.

In one possible design, the method further includes: the anchor point session management network element initiates the establishment of a path between the current access network element of the terminal and the intermediate user plane functional network element, and a path between the intermediate user plane functional network element and the target user plane functional network element. Based on the scheme, the session management can be realized when the network where the current access network element of the terminal is located is different from the network served by the anchor SMF network element.

In one possible design, the method further includes: the anchor point conversation management network element receives the internet protocol IP address distributed for the terminal from the target user plane management network element; and the anchor point session management network element sends the IP address to the terminal. Based on the scheme, the terminal can acquire the corresponding IP address.

In one possible design, the determining, by the anchor session management network element according to the session-related information, a target user plane management network element serving the terminal includes: the anchor session management network element sends a second message to a network function storage network element, wherein the second message is used for requesting to select a user plane management network element for managing the target user plane function network element for the terminal; the anchor point session management network element receives the information of the target user plane management network element from the network function storage network element. Based on the scheme, the target user plane management network element serving the terminal can be determined.

In one possible design, the session-related information includes at least one of single-network-slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI corresponding to the session or a data network name DNN corresponding to the session.

In a second aspect, an anchor session management network element is provided, where the anchor session management network element has a function of implementing the method of any one of the above first aspects. The function can be realized by hardware, and can also be realized by executing corresponding software by hardware. The hardware or software includes one or more modules corresponding to the functions described above.

In a third aspect, an anchor session management network element is provided, including: a processor and a memory; the memory is configured to store computer-executable instructions, and when the anchor session management network element is running, the processor executes the computer-executable instructions stored by the memory to cause the anchor session management network element to perform the session management method according to any one of the above first aspects.

In a fourth aspect, an anchor session management network element is provided, including: a processor; the processor is configured to be coupled to the memory, and after reading the instruction in the memory, execute the session management method according to any one of the above first aspects according to the instruction.

In a fifth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which has instructions stored therein, and when the instructions are executed on a computer, the instructions cause the computer to execute the session management method according to any one of the first aspect.

A sixth aspect provides a computer program product comprising instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform the session management method of any of the first aspects above.

The technical effects brought by any one of the second to sixth aspects can be referred to the technical effects brought by different design manners in the first aspect, and are not described herein again.

In a seventh aspect, a session management system is provided, which includes: anchor point conversation management network element and target user plane management network element; the anchor point session management network element is used for receiving a first message, wherein the first message carries session-related first information and is used for requesting to establish a session, and the session is a session connected to a target network; the anchor session management network element is further configured to determine, according to the first information related to the session, a target user plane management network element serving the terminal, where the target user plane management network element is a user plane management network element that manages a target user plane functional network element serving the target network; the anchor point session management network element is also used for sending a second message to the target user plane management network element, wherein the second message carries second information related to the session; the target user plane management network element is configured to receive the second message from the anchor session management network element, and determine the target user plane functional network element serving the terminal according to the second message related to the session. Based on the scheme, the anchor point session management network element can determine a target user plane management network element serving as a terminal according to the first information related to the session, and further can send a second message carrying second information related to the session to the target user plane management network element, and the target user plane management network element determines a target user plane functional network element serving as the terminal according to the second information related to the session, wherein the target user plane functional network element is the user plane functional network element serving as a target network. Therefore, based on the session management system, the session from the terminal to the user plane function network element in some special areas can still be established after the network elements are divided according to the network.

In a possible design, the target user plane management network element is further configured to allocate an internet protocol IP address to the terminal, and send the IP address to the anchor session management network element; the anchor point session management network element is also used for receiving the IP address from the target user plane management network element and sending the IP address to the terminal. Based on the scheme, the terminal can acquire the corresponding IP address.

In a possible design, the intermediate session management network element is further configured to receive a third message from the mobility management network element, where the third message carries information of the anchor session management network element and third session-related information for requesting establishment of a session, where the session is a session connected to a target network; the middle session management network element is further configured to determine a middle user plane function network element serving the terminal according to the third information related to the session; the intermediate session management network element is further configured to send the first message to the anchor session management network element according to the information of the anchor session management network element; correspondingly, the anchor session management network element is configured to receive a first message, and includes: for receiving the first message from the intermediate session management network element. Based on the scheme, the session management can be realized when the network where the current access network element of the terminal is located is different from the network served by the anchor SMF network element.

These and other aspects of the present application will be more readily apparent from the following description of the embodiments.

Drawings

In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly described below.

Fig. 1 is a schematic deployment diagram of SMF network elements and UPF network elements corresponding to different networks according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 2 is a schematic architecture diagram of a session management system according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 3 is a first schematic view of an application of the session management system shown in fig. 2 in a 5G network;

fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an application of the session management system shown in fig. 2 in a 5G network;

fig. 5 is a schematic hardware structure diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 6 is a first flowchart illustrating a session management method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a second session management method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 8 is a third flowchart illustrating a session management method according to an embodiment of the present application;

fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of an anchor session management network element according to an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed Description

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Where in the description of the present application, "/" indicates an OR meaning, for example, A/B may indicate A or B; "and/or" herein is merely an association describing an associated object, and means that there may be three relationships, e.g., a and/or B, which may mean: a exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Also, in the description of the present application, "a plurality" means two or more than two unless otherwise specified. In addition, in order to facilitate clear description of technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish the same items or similar items having substantially the same functions and actions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the terms "first," "second," etc. do not denote any order or quantity, nor do the terms "first," "second," etc. denote any order or importance.

In addition, the network architecture and the service scenario described in the embodiment of the present application are for more clearly illustrating the technical solution of the embodiment of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation to the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application, and it can be known by a person skilled in the art that the technical solution provided in the embodiment of the present application is also applicable to similar technical problems along with the evolution of the network architecture and the appearance of a new service scenario.

First, a description of a possible scenario applicable to the embodiment of the present application is given as follows:

fig. 1 is a schematic deployment diagram of SMF network elements and UPF network elements corresponding to different networks. Wherein, 1a in fig. 1 is a schematic deployment diagram of an SMF network element and a UPF network element corresponding to the network a; fig. 1B is a schematic deployment diagram of an SMF network element and a UPF network element corresponding to the network B. In fig. 1a and 1B, above the dotted line are generic SMF network elements and generic UPF network elements serving the network, such as SMF network element a1 and SMF network element a2 of network a are generic SMF network elements serving network a, UPF network element a1, UPF network element a2 and UPF network element a3 of network a are generic UPF network elements serving network a, SMF network element B1 and SMF network element B2 of network B are generic SMF network elements serving network B, UPF network element B1, UPF network element B2 and UPF network element B3 of network B are generic UPF network elements serving network B, which are generally deployed in a machine room located in the central city of the convergence layer for supporting mobile coverage in the network; below the dotted line are dedicated SMF network elements and dedicated UPF network elements serving certain hot spot locations within the network, e.g. SMF network element a3 and SMF network element a4 of network a are dedicated SMF network elements serving a special area in network a, UPF network element a4 and UPF network element a5 of network a are dedicated UPF network elements managed by SMF network element a3 to serve one of the special areas in network a, UPF network element a6 and UPF network element a7 of network a are dedicated UPF network elements managed by SMF network element a4 to serve another special area in network a, SMF network element B3 and SMF network element B4 of network B are dedicated SMF network elements serving a special area in network B, UPF network element B4 and UPF network element B5 of network B are dedicated UPF network elements managed by SMF network element B3 to serve one of the special areas in network B, UPF network element B and UPF network element B7 of network element B are dedicated UPF network elements 4 of network B. These dedicated SMF network elements and dedicated UPF network elements are typically deployed at edge locations for supporting special services and scenarios.

However, an SMF network element serving one network can only manage a UPF network element serving the network, and cannot manage UPF network elements serving other networks; also, UPF elements serving certain special areas of the network cannot be managed by common SMF elements serving the network. For example, the SMF network element a1 serving network a can only manage the UPF network element a1, the UPF network element a2, or the UPF network element a3 serving network a, and cannot manage the UPF network element B1, the UPF network element B2, or the UPF network element B3 serving network B; the UPF network element a4 serving a special area in network a can only be managed by the SMF network element a3 serving the special area and cannot be managed by the SMF network element a1 or SMF network element a2 serving network a.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the present application, one data network may correspond to one UPF network element, or may correspond to multiple UPF network elements, for example, the data network 1 and the data network 4 in fig. 1 both correspond to multiple UPF network elements, and the data network 2, the data network 3, the data network 5, and the data network 6 in fig. 1 all correspond to one UPF network element, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

It should be noted that, the "network" described in the embodiments of the present application specifically refers to a network corresponding to a certain administrative area, for example, a network corresponding to shanghai; the target network in the embodiment of the present application refers to a network corresponding to a certain special area in a network, such as a certain enterprise network, which is described in a unified manner herein, and this is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

Based on the above scenario, in order to enable a session from a terminal to a UPF network element in some special areas to be still established after network elements are divided according to a network, embodiments of the present application provide the following session management method, device, and system, which are respectively described below.

First, a description of several key network elements to which the following embodiments refer is given as follows:

anchor session management network element: the anchor session management network element in the embodiment of the present application is a universal session management network element that manages an anchor user plane function network element, and the anchor user plane function network element is a universal user plane function network element connected to a data network, and may also be referred to as a PDU Session Anchor (PSA), which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application. In this embodiment of the present application, the anchor point session management network element may also manage a target user plane management network element, which is described in a unified manner herein and will not be described in detail below. .

The middle user plane functional network element: the middle user plane functional network element in the embodiment of the application is a general user plane functional network element interfaced with the current access network element of the terminal.

An intermediate session management network element: the middle session management network element in the embodiment of the application is a general session management network element for managing a middle user plane function network element.

Target user plane function network element: the target user plane management network element in the embodiment of the application is a special user plane functional network element serving a target network;

a target user plane management network element: the target user plane management network element in the embodiment of the application is a session management network element for managing a target user plane function network element.

It should be noted that the name of each network element described above is only an example, and the name does not limit the network element itself, and other names may also be used in the specific implementation, and this is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

As shown in fig. 2, for a session management system 20 provided in the embodiment of the present application, the session management system 20 includes an anchor session management network element 201 and a target user plane management network element 202.

The anchor session management network element 201 is configured to receive a first message, where the first message carries first information related to a session and is used to request to establish the session, where the session is a session connected to a target network.

The anchor session management network element 201 is further configured to determine, according to the first information related to the session, a target user plane management network element 202 serving as the terminal, and send a second message to the target user plane management network element 202, where the second message carries the second information related to the session; wherein the target user plane management network element is a user plane management network element that manages a target user plane functional network element serving the target network.

And the target user plane management network element 202 is configured to receive the second message from the anchor session management network element, and determine, according to the second message related to the session, a target user plane functional network element serving the terminal.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the first information related to the session may include, for example, current location information of the terminal, and at least one of S-NSSAI or DNN corresponding to the session; the second information corresponding to the session may include, for example, current location information of the terminal, and at least one of S-NSSAI or DNN corresponding to the session, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the application.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the anchor point session management network element 201 and the target user plane management network element 202 may communicate directly or communicate through forwarding of other devices, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

In the session management system provided in the embodiment of the present application, the anchor session management network element may determine, according to the first information related to the session, a target user plane management network element serving as a terminal, and further may send, to the target user plane management network element, a second message carrying second information related to the session, and the target user plane management network element determines, according to the second information related to the session, a target user plane functional network element serving as a terminal, where the target user plane functional network element is a user plane functional network element serving as a target network. Therefore, based on the session management system, the session from the terminal to the user plane function network element in some special areas can still be established after the network elements are divided according to the network.

Alternatively, the session management system 20 shown in fig. 2 may be applied to a 5G network and other networks in the future, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited in this respect.

For example, assuming that the session management system 20 shown in fig. 2 is applied to a 5G network, a network element or entity corresponding to the anchor session management network element may be an anchor SMF network element in the 5G network, and a network element or entity corresponding to the target user plane management network element may be a simplified SMF network element in the 5G network, where the simplified SMF network element only supports partial functions of the SMF network element, such as supporting selection and control functions of a UPF network element, and supports an SMF network element at a previous level, such as an anchor SMF network element interface in the embodiment of the present application, and performs corresponding operations according to instructions of the anchor SMF network element, and the simplified SMF network element does not directly interface with other control plane network elements, so that the number of interfaces between the simplified SMF network element and other control plane functions may be reduced, not only the network topology outside the target network may be shielded, but also the network topology inside the target network does not need to be perceived by an external network element, thereby reducing the complexity of the network configuration.

In a possible implementation manner, assuming that a network where a current access network element of the terminal is located is the same as a network served by the anchor SMF network element, as shown in fig. 3, the 5G network may further include an access network element, an access and mobility management function (AMF) network element, an Unified Data Management (UDM) network element, a Policy Control Function (PCF) network element, an intermediate UPF network element, a target UPF network element, and the like, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

The terminal accesses a network through an access network element, and communicates with an AMF network element through a next generation network (N) interface 1 (N1 for short); the access network element communicates with the AMF network element through an N2 interface (N2 for short) and communicates with the middle UPF network element through an N3 interface (N3 for short); the AMF network element communicates with the anchor point SMF network element through an N11 interface (N11 for short), communicates with the PCF network element through an N15 interface (N15 for short), and communicates with the UDM network element through an N8 interface (N8 for short); the anchor point SMF network element communicates with the UDM network element through an N10 interface (N10 for short), communicates with the PCF network element through an N7 interface (N7 for short), and communicates with the simplified SMF network element through an Nxy interface (Nxy for short); the anchor point SMF network element communicates with the middle UPF network element through an N4 interface (N4 for short); the intermediate UPF network element communicates with the target UPF network element through an N9 interface (N9 for short); the target UPF network element communicates with the simplified SMF network element via an N4 interface (abbreviated N4) and accesses the data network via an N6 interface (abbreviated N6).

In another possible implementation manner, assuming that a network where a current access network element of the terminal is located is different from a network served by the anchor SMF network element, for example, the network where the current access network element of the terminal is located is network a, and the network served by the anchor SMF network element is network B, as shown in fig. 4, the 5G network may further include an access network element, an AMF network element, an intermediate SMF network element, a UDM network element, a PCF network element, an intermediate UPF network element, a target UPF network element, and the like, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application. Wherein, the middle SMF network element serves for a network A, and the anchor SMF network element serves for a network B.

The connection manner between the network elements in fig. 4 is similar to that of the network elements in fig. 3, and the difference is only that: in fig. 4, the AMF network element communicates with the intermediate SMF network element via N11; the intermediate SMF network element communicates with the intermediate UPF network element through N4, and communicates with the anchor SMF network element through an N16 interface (abbreviated as N16), in addition, in fig. 4, the anchor SMF network element and the intermediate UPF network element do not directly communicate any more, and the connection mode between the other network elements may refer to the description in fig. 3, and is not described herein again.

It should be noted that the interface name between the network elements in fig. 3 or fig. 4 is only an example, and the interface name may be other names in a specific implementation, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

It should be noted that the anchor SMF network element, the simplified SMF network element, the access network element, the AMF network element, the intermediate SMF network element, the UDM network element, the PCF network element, the intermediate UPF network element, the target UPF network element, and the like in fig. 3 or fig. 4 are only names, and the names do not limit the device itself. In the 5G network and other networks in the future, the network elements or entities corresponding to the anchor SMF network element, the simplified SMF network element, the access network element, the AMF network element, the intermediate SMF network element, the UDM network element, the PCF network element, the intermediate UPF network element, and the target UPF network element may also be other names, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application. For example, the intermediate UPF network element may also be replaced by an intermediate UPF or an intermediate UPF entity, etc., which are described herein in a unified manner and will not be described in detail below.

Optionally, the terminal (terminal) referred to in the embodiments of the present application may include various handheld devices with wireless communication functions, vehicle-mounted devices, wearable devices, computing devices, or other processing devices connected to a wireless modem; a subscriber unit (subscriber unit), a cellular phone (cellular phone), a smart phone (smart phone), a wireless data card, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) computer, a tablet computer, a wireless modem (modem), a handheld device (dhhand), a laptop computer (laptop computer), a cordless phone (cordless phone) or a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Machine Type Communication (MTC) terminal, a User Equipment (UE), a Mobile Station (MS), a terminal equipment (terminal device) or a relay user equipment, etc. may also be included. The relay user equipment may be, for example, a 5G home gateway (RG). For convenience of description, the above-mentioned devices are collectively referred to as a terminal in this application.

Optionally, the access network element referred to in this embodiment refers to a network element accessing a core network, and may be, for example, a base station, a broadband network service gateway (BNG), a convergence switch, a non-third generation partnership project (3rd generation partnership project, 3GPP) access network element, and the like. The base stations may include various forms of base stations, such as: macro base stations, micro base stations (also referred to as small stations), relay stations, access points, etc.

Optionally, the anchor point session management network element or the target user plane management network element in fig. 2 may be implemented by one device, may also be implemented by multiple devices together, and may also be a functional module in one device, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application. It is understood that the above functions may be either network elements in a hardware device, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (e.g., a cloud platform).

For example, the anchor session management network element or the target user plane management network element in fig. 2 may be implemented by the communication device in fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a hardware structure of a communication device according to an embodiment of the present application. The communication device 500 includes at least one processor 501, communication lines 502, memory 503, and at least one communication interface 504.

The processor 501 may be a general-purpose Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more ics for controlling the execution of programs in accordance with the present disclosure.

The communication link 502 may include a path for transmitting information between the aforementioned components.

The communication interface 504 may be any device, such as a transceiver, for communicating with other devices or communication networks, such as an ethernet, a Radio Access Network (RAN), a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), etc.

The memory 503 may be, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM) or other type of static storage device that may store static information and instructions, a Random Access Memory (RAM) or other type of dynamic storage device that may store information and instructions, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or other optical disk storage, optical disk storage (including compact disc, laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc, blu-ray disc, etc.), magnetic disk storage media or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. The memory may be separate and coupled to the processor via a communication line 502. The memory may also be integral to the processor.

The memory 503 is used for storing computer-executable instructions for executing the present application, and is controlled by the processor 501 to execute. The processor 501 is configured to execute computer-executable instructions stored in the memory 503, so as to implement the session management method provided by the following embodiments of the present application.

Optionally, the computer-executable instructions in the embodiments of the present application may also be referred to as application program codes, which are not specifically limited in the embodiments of the present application.

In particular implementations, processor 501 may include one or more CPUs such as CPU0 and CPU1 in fig. 5 as an example.

In particular implementations, communication device 500 may include multiple processors, such as processor 501 and processor 508 in fig. 5, for example, as an example. Each of these processors may be a single-core (single-CPU) processor or a multi-core (multi-CPU) processor. A processor herein may refer to one or more devices, circuits, and/or processing cores for processing data (e.g., computer program instructions).

In particular implementations, communication device 500 may also include an output device 505 and an input device 506, as one embodiment. An output device 505, which is in communication with the processor 501, may display information in a variety of ways. For example, the output device 505 may be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED) display device, a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) display device, a projector (projector), or the like. The input device 506 is in communication with the processor 501 and may receive user input in a variety of ways. For example, the input device 506 may be a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen device, or a sensing device, among others.

The communication device 500 may be a general purpose device or a special purpose device. In a specific implementation, the communication device 500 may be a desktop, a laptop, a web server, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a tablet, a wireless terminal device, an embedded device, or a device with a similar structure as in fig. 5. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the type of the communication device 500.

The session management method provided by the embodiment of the present application will be specifically described below with reference to fig. 1 to 5.

It should be noted that, in the following embodiments of the present application, names of messages between network elements or names of parameters in messages are only an example, and other names may also be used in a specific implementation, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

Taking the session management system shown in fig. 2 applied to the 5G network shown in fig. 3 and requiring to insert an intermediate UPF network element as an example, as shown in fig. 6, the session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

s601, the terminal sends a session establishment request 1 to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element receives the session establishment request 1 from the terminal.

The session establishment request 1 carries session-related information, such as single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) corresponding to a session, or a Data Network Name (DNN) corresponding to a session, and is used to request establishment of a session, where the session is a session connected to a target network, and this is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

S602, the AMF network element determines an anchor point SMF network element serving the terminal.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, determining, by the AMF network element, an anchor SMF network element serving as a terminal may specifically include: the AMF network element selects an anchor point SMF network element for the terminal according to the current position information of the terminal and at least one of S-NSSAI or DNN corresponding to the session; or, the AMF network element may request, from a network Function storage network element, for example, a network Function storage Function (NRF) network element, information of the anchor SMF network element, and after the NRF network element selects the anchor SMF network element for the terminal according to current location information of the terminal and at least one of an S-NSSAI or a DNN corresponding to a session, the information of the anchor SMF network element is sent to the AMF network element.

S603, the AMF network element sends a session establishment request 2 to the anchor SMF network element, so that the anchor SMF network element receives the session establishment request 2 from the AMF network element. The session establishment request 2 carries first information related to a session, and is used for requesting establishment of a session connected to a target network.

Optionally, the session-related first information may include, for example, current location information of the terminal or session-related information carried in the session establishment request 1, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the application.

S604, the anchor SMF network element determines a simplified SMF network element serving the terminal according to the first information related to the session.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the determining, by the anchor SMF network element, the simplified SMF network element serving the terminal according to the first information related to the session may specifically include: the anchor point SMF network element selects a simplified SMF network element for the terminal according to the current position information of the terminal and at least one of S-NSSAI or DNN corresponding to the session; or, the anchor SMF network element may request the information of the simplified SMF network element from a network function storage network element, for example, an NRF network element, and after the NRF network element selects the simplified SMF network element for the terminal according to the current location information of the terminal and at least one of the S-NSSAI and the DNN corresponding to the session, send the information of the simplified SMF network element to the anchor SMF network element. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit how the anchor SMF network element determines the simplified SMF network element serving the terminal according to the first information related to the session.

S605, the anchor point SMF network element determines a middle UPF network element serving the terminal according to the current position information of the terminal.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the determining, by the anchor SMF network element according to the current location information of the terminal, the intermediate UPF network element serving the terminal may specifically include: the anchor point SMF network element selects a middle SMF network element for the terminal according to the current position information of the terminal; or, the anchor SMF network element requests the network function storage network element, for example, the NRF network element, for information of the intermediate SMF network element, and after the NRF network element selects the intermediate SMF network element for the terminal, the information of the intermediate SMF network element is sent to the anchor SMF network element. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit how the anchor SMF network element determines the intermediate SMF network element serving the terminal.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, after the anchor SMF network element determines that the middle UPF network element needs to be selected for the terminal according to the current location information of the terminal, the anchor SMF network element determines the middle UPF network element serving the terminal according to the current location information of the terminal; the anchor SMF network element may also determine an intermediate UPF network element serving the terminal directly according to the current location information of the terminal, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

If the anchor point SMF network element determines that the current access network element of the terminal is connected to the anchor point UPF network element according to the current location information of the terminal, the anchor point SMF network element may not select the middle UPF network element for the terminal, which is not specifically limited in the embodiment of the present application.

It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, there is no inevitable execution sequence between step S604 and step S605, and step S604 may be executed first, and then step S605 is executed; step S605 may be executed first, and then step S604 may be executed; steps S604 and S605 may also be executed simultaneously, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the application.

S606, the anchor SMF network element sends an N4 session establishment request 1 to the intermediate UPF network element, so that the intermediate UPF network element receives the N4 session establishment request 1 from the anchor SMF network element. Wherein the N4 session establishment request 1 is used to create a corresponding session on the intermediate UPF network element.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the intermediate UPF network element may further send an N4 session establishment response 1 corresponding to the N4 session establishment request 1 to the anchor SMF network element, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the application.

S607, the anchor SMF network element sends a session establishment request 3 to the simplified SMF network element, so that the simplified SMF network element receives the session establishment request 3 from the anchor SMF network element.

The session establishment request 3 carries second information related to a session, where the second information related to the session may include, for example, current location information of the terminal or the session related information carried in the session establishment request 1, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

Optionally, if the anchor SMF network element may obtain the policy information related to the session from the PCF network element, the second information related to the session may also carry the policy information related to the session, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

In addition, the session establishment request 3 also carries downlink tunnel information of an intermediate UPF network element, where the downlink tunnel information of the intermediate UPF network element may include, for example, a tunnel identifier of an N9 tunnel between the intermediate UPF network element and the target UPF network element on the side of the intermediate UPF network element, where the tunnel identifier may include, for example, an end point address or an end point identifier, and the end point identifier may be, for example, a tunnel end point identifier (TEID), and this embodiment of the present application is not specifically limited to this. The downlink tunnel information of the middle UPF network element may be allocated by the anchor SMF network element, or may be sent to the anchor SMF network element after being allocated by the middle UPF network element.

It should be noted that, if the anchor SMF network element allocates the downlink tunnel information of the middle UPF network element, there is no inevitable execution sequence between step S606 and step S607, and step S606 may be executed first, and then step S607 is executed; step S607 may be executed first, and then step S606 may be executed; steps S606 and S607 may also be executed simultaneously, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

S608, the simplified SMF network element determines a target UPF network element serving the terminal according to the second information related to the session.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the simplifying the SMF network element, according to the second information related to the session, to determine the target UPF network element serving the terminal, specifically may include: the simplified SMF network element selects a target UPF network element for the terminal according to the current position information of the terminal and at least one of S-NSSAI or DNN corresponding to the session; or, the simplified SMF network element may request the information of the target UPF network element from a network function storage network element, for example, an NRF network element, and after the NRF network element selects the target UPF network element for the terminal according to the current location information of the terminal and at least one of the S-NSSAI or DNN corresponding to the session, the information of the target UPF network element is sent to the simplified SMF network element. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit how the simplified SMF network element determines the target UPF network element serving the terminal according to the second information related to the session.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the simplified SMF network element may also be configured to select a target UPF network element according to a local configuration, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

S609, the simplified SMF network element sends an N4 session establishment request 2 to the target UPF network element, so that the target UPF network element receives an N4 × session establishment request 2 from the simplified SMF network element.

The N4 × session establishment request 2 may carry downlink tunnel information of the intermediate UPF network element, and is used to establish an N9 tunnel between the intermediate UPF network element and the target UPF network element.

Of course, the N4 session establishment request 2 may also carry other information, which is used to establish a corresponding session on the target UPF network element, and reference may be specifically made to the existing session establishment method, which is not described herein again.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the target UPF network element may further send an N4 session establishment response 2 corresponding to the N4 session establishment request 2 to the simplified SMF network element, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the application.

S610, the simplified SMF network element sends a session establishment response 3 to the anchor SMF network element, so that the anchor SMF network element receives the session establishment response 3 from the simplified SMF network element.

The session establishment response 3 carries an Internet Protocol (IP) address allocated to the terminal by the SMF network element and uplink tunnel information of the target UPF network element. The uplink tunnel information of the target UPF network element may include, for example, a tunnel identifier of an N9 tunnel between the intermediate UPF network element and the target UPF network element on the side of the target UPF network element, where the tunnel identifier may include, for example, an end point address or an end point identifier, and the end point identifier may be, for example, a TEID, and this is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application. The uplink tunnel information of the target UPF network element may be allocated by the simplified SMF network element, or may also be sent to the anchor SMF network element after being allocated by the target UPF network element.

It should be noted that, if the simplified SMF network element allocates the uplink tunnel information of the target UPF network element, there is no inevitable execution sequence between step S609 and step S610, and step S609 may be executed first, and then step S610 is executed; step S610 may be performed first, and then step S609 may be performed; steps S609 and S610 may also be executed simultaneously, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the application.

S611, the anchor point SMF network element initiates establishment of an N3 tunnel between the middle UPF network element and the access network element.

The specific process of establishing the N3 tunnel may refer to the existing implementation manner, and is not described herein again.

S612, the anchor SMF network element sends a Policy and Charging Control (PCC) update request to the PCF network element, so that the PCF network element receives the PCC update request from the anchor SMF network element. Wherein, the PCC updates and carries the IP address allocated to the terminal by the simplified SMF network element.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the PCF network element may further send a PCC update response corresponding to the PCC update request to the anchor SMF network element, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

S613, the anchor SMF network element sends a session establishment response 2 to the AMF network element, so that the AMF network element receives the session establishment response 2 from the anchor SMF network element. Wherein, the session establishment response 2 carries the IP address allocated by the simplified SMF network element to the terminal.

S614, the AMF network element sends a session establishment response 1 to the terminal, so that the terminal receives a session establishment response 2 from the AMF network element. Wherein, the session establishment response 2 carries the IP address allocated by the simplified SMF network element to the terminal.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the anchor SMF network element may also send a session establishment response carrying the IP address to the terminal in the process of establishing the N3 tunnel, and the related description may refer to an existing implementation manner, which is not described herein again.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the anchor SMF network element may also carry an IP address allocated by the simplified SMF network element to the terminal in a Route Advertisement (RA) and send the IP address to the terminal, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

Based on the session management method provided by the embodiment of the application, the session from the terminal to the UPF network element in some special areas can still be established after the network elements are divided according to the network.

The actions of the anchor SMF network element in steps S601 to S614 may be executed by the processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown in fig. 5 calling the application program code stored in the memory 503, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

Taking the session management system shown in fig. 2 applied to the 5G network shown in fig. 3 without inserting an intermediate UPF network element as an example, as shown in fig. 7, the session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

S701-S704 and the synchronization steps S601-S604, the related description may refer to the embodiment shown in fig. 6, and will not be repeated herein.

S705, the anchor point SMF network element determines that the middle UPF network element does not need to be selected for the terminal according to the current position information of the terminal.

For example, if the anchor SMF network element determines that the current access network element of the terminal is connected to the anchor UPF network element according to the current location information of the terminal, the anchor SMF network element may determine that the middle UPF network element does not need to be selected for the terminal, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

S706 is similar to step S607, except that in this embodiment, the session establishment request 3 does not need to carry the downlink tunnel information of the intermediate UPF network element, and the related description may refer to the embodiment shown in fig. 6, which is not described herein again.

S707-S708 are similar to steps S608-S609, except that N4 × session establishment request 2 in this embodiment does not need to carry downlink tunnel information of the intermediate UPF network element, and related descriptions may refer to the embodiment shown in fig. 6, and are not described herein again.

S709 is similar to step S610, except that the uplink tunnel information of the target UPF network element carried in the session establishment response 3 in this embodiment may include, for example, a tunnel identifier of an N3 tunnel between the access network element and the target UPF network element at the target UPF network element side, and related descriptions may refer to the embodiment shown in fig. 6, which is not described herein again.

S710, the anchor SMF network element sends an N2 Session Management (SM) request to the access network element through the AMF network element, so that the access network element receives the N2SM request from the anchor SMF network element.

The N2SM request carries the uplink tunnel information of the target UPF network element, and is used to establish an N3 tunnel between the target UPF network element and the access network element. The N2SM request is also used to allocate radio resources for the session.

And S711, the access network element sends an N2SM response to the anchor SMF network element through the AMF network element, so that the anchor SMF network element receives the N2SM response from the access network element.

Wherein, the N2SM response carries the downlink tunnel information of the access network element. The downlink tunnel information of the access network element is used for establishing an N3 tunnel between the target UPF network element and the access network element. The downlink tunnel information of the access network element may include, for example, a tunnel identifier of an N3 tunnel between the local UPF network element and the access network element on the access network element side, where the tunnel identifier may include, for example, an endpoint address or an endpoint identifier, and the endpoint identifier may be, for example, a TEID, and the like, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, before sending the N2SM response to the AMF network element, the access network element may further configure radio resources for the session as needed, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the application.

S712, the anchor SMF network element sends a session update request to the simplified SMF network element, so that the simplified SMF network element receives the session update request from the anchor SMF network element.

Wherein, the session update request carries the downlink tunnel information of the access network element.

S713, the simplified SMF network element sends an N4 session update request to the target UPF network element, so that the target UPF network element receives an N4 session update request from the simplified SMF network element. Wherein, the N4 session update request carries downlink tunnel information of the access network element.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the application, the target UPF network element may further send an N4 session update response corresponding to the N4 session update request to the simplified SMF network element, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the application.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the simplified SMF network element may further send a session update response 2 corresponding to the session update request 2 to the anchor SMF network element, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

S714-S716, and synchronization steps S612-S614, the related description can refer to the embodiment shown in fig. 6, and will not be repeated herein.

The actions of the anchor SMF network element in steps S701 to S716 may be executed by the processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown in fig. 5 calling an application program code stored in the memory 503, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

Optionally, taking the application of the session management system shown in fig. 2 to the 5G network shown in fig. 4 as an example, as shown in fig. 8, the session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application includes the following steps:

s801 to S802 and synchronization steps S601 to S602, the related description may refer to the embodiment shown in fig. 6, and the description of the embodiment of the present application is not repeated herein.

And S803, the AMF network element determines an intermediate SMF network element serving the terminal.

The mode in which the AMF network element determines the intermediate SMF network element serving the terminal may refer to a mode in which the AMF network element determines an anchor SMF network element serving the terminal, and is not described herein again.

S804 is similar to step S603, except that the anchor SMF network element in step 603 of the embodiment shown in fig. 6 is replaced by an intermediate SMF network element, and the session-related first information in step S603 of the embodiment shown in fig. 6 is replaced by session-related third information, where the session-related third information may include, for example, current location information of the terminal, and at least one of S-NSSAI or DNN corresponding to the session, and this is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the application. In addition, the session establishment request 2 also carries information of the anchor SMF network element, and the relevant description may refer to the embodiment shown in fig. 6, which is not described herein again.

In this embodiment of the present application, the information of the anchor SMF network element may be, for example, an IP address, a Full Qualified Domain Name (FQDN), or a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the anchor SMF network element, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, the information of the anchor SMF network element may also be provided in other forms, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

S805-S806 are similar to steps S605-S606, except that the anchor SMF network element in steps S605-S606 in the embodiment shown in fig. 6 is replaced by an intermediate SMF network element, and related descriptions may refer to the embodiment shown in fig. 6 and are not described herein again.

S807, the intermediate SMF network element sends a session establishment request 4 to the anchor SMF network element, so that the anchor SMF network element receives the session establishment request 4 from the AMF network element. The session establishment request 4 carries first information related to a session, and is used for requesting establishment of the session connected to the target network.

Step S603 may be referred to for description of the first information related to the session, which is not described herein again.

S808 and the synchronization step S604, the related description may refer to the embodiment shown in fig. 6, and will not be repeated herein.

S809-S812 and S607-S610, the related description can refer to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, and will not be repeated herein.

S813, the anchor SMF network element sends a session establishment response 4 to the intermediate SMF network element, so that the intermediate SMF network element receives the session establishment response 4 from the anchor SMF network element.

Wherein, the session establishment response 4 carries the IP address allocated to the terminal by the simplified SMF network element and the uplink tunnel information of the target UPF network element. The related description may refer to the embodiment shown in fig. 6, and will not be repeated herein.

And S814, the intermediate SMF network element initiates the establishment of an N3 tunnel between the intermediate UPF network element and the access network element.

S815-S817 and the synchronization steps S612-S614, the related description may refer to the embodiment shown in fig. 6, and will not be repeated herein.

The actions of the anchor SMF network element in steps S801 to S817 may be executed by the processor 501 in the communication device 500 shown in fig. 5 calling the application program code stored in the memory 503, which is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

In summary, an embodiment of the present application discloses a session management method, including: an anchor point session management network element receives a first message, wherein the first message carries session related information and is used for requesting to establish a session, and the session is a session connected to a target network; and the anchor point session management network element selects a target user plane management network element for the terminal according to the session related information, wherein the target user plane management network element is a user plane management network element of a target user plane functional network element for managing the service of the target network.

As one implementation, the session-related information includes at least one of an S-NSSAI corresponding to the session or a DNN corresponding to the session.

In one possible implementation, the receiving, by the anchor session management network element, the first message includes: the anchor session management network element receives a first message from a mobility management entity.

Further, the method may further include: and the anchor point session management network element selects an intermediate user plane function network element for the terminal according to the position information of the terminal, wherein the intermediate user plane function network element is a user plane function network element which is in an interface with a current access network element of the terminal.

In another possible implementation manner, the receiving, by the anchor session management network element, the first message includes: and the anchor point session management network element receives a first message from an intermediate session management network element, wherein the intermediate session management network element is a session management network element for managing an intermediate user plane function network element, and the intermediate user plane function network element is a user plane function network element interfaced with a current access network element of the terminal.

Optionally, the session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: and the anchor point session management network element initiates the establishment of a path between the current access network element of the terminal and the target user plane function network element.

Or, optionally, the session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: and the anchor point session management network element initiates the establishment of a path between the current access network element of the terminal and the intermediate user plane functional network element and a path between the intermediate user plane functional network element and the target user plane functional network element.

Optionally, the session management method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include: the anchor point conversation management network element receives an IP address distributed for the terminal from a target user plane management network element; and the anchor point session management network element sends the IP address to the terminal.

As an implementation manner, the selecting, by the anchor point session management network element, a target user plane management network element for the terminal according to the session related information includes: the anchor point conversation management network element sends a second message to the network function storage network element, wherein the second message is used for requesting to select a user plane management network element for managing a target user plane function network element for the terminal; and the anchor point session management network element receives the information of the target user plane management network element from the network function storage network element.

In the above session management method, for example, the operation of the anchor session management network element may refer to the operation of the anchor SMF network element in fig. 6 to 8 and the above description, which is not repeated herein.

The above-mentioned scheme provided by the embodiment of the present application is introduced mainly from the perspective of interaction between network elements. It is to be understood that, in order to implement the above functions, the anchor session management network element includes a hardware structure and/or a software module for performing the respective functions. Those of skill in the art would readily appreciate that the various illustrative elements and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as hardware or combinations of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is performed as hardware or computer software drives hardware depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present application.

In the embodiment of the present application, functional modules may be divided for the anchor session management network element according to the above method example, for example, each functional module may be divided corresponding to each function, or two or more functions may be integrated in one processing module. The integrated module can be realized in a hardware mode, and can also be realized in a software functional module mode. It should be noted that, in the embodiment of the present application, the division of the module is schematic, and is only one logic function division, and there may be another division manner in actual implementation.

For example, in a case where the functional modules are divided in an integrated manner, fig. 9 shows a schematic structural diagram of an anchor session management network element 90. The anchor session management network element 90 includes: a transceiver module 901 and a processing module 902. The transceiver module 901 is configured to receive a first message, where the first message carries session-related information and is used to request to establish a session, where the session is a session connected to a target network. A processing module 902, configured to determine, according to the session-related information, a target user plane management network element serving as a terminal, where the target user plane management network element is a user plane management network element that manages a target user plane functional network element serving as a target network.

As an implementation manner, the transceiver module 901 is specifically configured to: a first message is received from a mobility management entity.

Optionally, the processing module 902 is further configured to determine, according to the location information of the terminal, an intermediate user plane function network element serving the terminal, where the intermediate user plane function network element is a user plane function network element interfacing with a current access network element of the terminal.

As another implementation, the transceiver module 901 is specifically configured to: receiving a first message from an intermediate session management network element, wherein the intermediate session management network element is a session management network element for managing an intermediate user plane function network element, and the intermediate user plane function network element is a user plane function network element interfacing with a current access network element of a terminal.

In a possible implementation manner, the processing module 902 is further configured to initiate establishment of a path between a current access network element of the terminal and a target user plane function network element.

In another possible implementation manner, the processing module 902 is further configured to initiate establishment of a path between a current access network element of the terminal and an intermediate user plane function network element, and a path between the intermediate user plane function network element and a target user plane function network element.

Optionally, the transceiver module 901 is further configured to receive an IP address allocated to the terminal from the target user plane management network element; the transceiving module 901 is further configured to send the IP address to the terminal.

As one implementation, the determining, by the processing module 902, a target user plane management network element serving for the terminal according to the session related information includes: sending a second message to a network function storage network element, wherein the second message is used for requesting to select a user plane management network element for managing a target user plane function network element for the terminal; and receiving information of the target user plane management network element from the network function storage network element.

All relevant contents of each step related to the above method embodiment may be referred to the functional description of the corresponding functional module, and are not described herein again.

In the present embodiment, the anchor session management network element 90 is presented in a form of dividing each functional module in an integrated manner. A "module" herein may refer to a particular ASIC, a circuit, a processor and memory that execute one or more software or firmware programs, an integrated logic circuit, and/or other device that provides the described functionality. In a simple embodiment, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the anchor point session management network element 90 may take the form shown in fig. 5.

For example, the processor 501 in fig. 5 may cause the anchor session management network element 90 to execute the session management method in the above-described method embodiment by calling a computer executing instruction stored in the memory 503.

In particular, the functions/implementation procedures of the transceiver module 901 and the processing module 902 in fig. 9 can be implemented by the processor 501 in fig. 5 calling a computer executing instruction stored in the memory 503. Alternatively, the function/implementation procedure of the processing module 902 in fig. 9 may be implemented by the processor 501 in fig. 5 calling a computer executing instruction stored in the memory 503, and the function/implementation procedure of the transceiver module 901 in fig. 9 may be implemented by the communication interface 503 in fig. 5.

Since the anchor point session management network element provided in this embodiment can execute the session management method, the technical effect obtained by the anchor point session management network element can refer to the method embodiment described above, and is not described herein again.

Optionally, an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip system, where the chip system includes a processor, and is configured to support the anchor point session management network element to implement the session management method, for example, determine, according to session-related information, a target user plane management network element serving a terminal. In one possible design, the system-on-chip further includes a memory. The memory is used for storing program instructions and data necessary for the anchor session management network element. Of course, the memory may not be in the system-on-chip. The chip system may be formed by a chip, and may also include a chip and other discrete devices, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.

In the above embodiments, the implementation may be wholly or partially realized by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using a software program, may be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. The procedures or functions described in accordance with the embodiments of the present application are all or partially generated upon loading and execution of computer program instructions on a computer. The computer may be a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a network of computers, or other programmable device. The computer instructions may be stored on a computer readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer readable storage medium to another, for example, from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wire (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or can comprise one or more data storage devices, such as a server, a data center, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., Solid State Disk (SSD)), among others.

While the present application has been described in connection with various embodiments, other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed application, from a review of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the word "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Although the present application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments thereof, it will be evident that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Accordingly, the specification and figures are merely exemplary of the present application as defined in the appended claims and are intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of the present application. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made in the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the application. Thus, if such modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is intended to include such modifications and variations as well.

Claims

1. A method for session management, the method comprising:

an anchor point session management network element receives a first message, wherein the first message carries session related information and is used for requesting to establish a session, and the session is a session connected to a target network;

the anchor point session management network element determines a target user plane management network element serving as a terminal according to the session related information, wherein the target user plane management network element is a user plane management network element of a target user plane functional network element which manages the target network service;

the target network refers to a network corresponding to a preset special area in the network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the first message by the anchor session management network element comprises:

and the anchor point session management network element receives the first message from a mobility management entity.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:

and the anchor point session management network element determines an intermediate user plane function network element serving for the terminal according to the position information of the terminal, wherein the intermediate user plane function network element is a user plane function network element interfaced with the current access network element of the terminal.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the first message by the anchor session management network element comprises:

the anchor point session management network element receives the first message from an intermediate session management network element, wherein the intermediate session management network element is a session management network element for managing an intermediate user plane function network element, and the intermediate user plane function network element is a user plane function network element interfaced with a current access network element of the terminal.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising:

and the anchor point session management network element initiates the establishment of a path between the current access network element of the terminal and the target user plane function network element.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising:

and the anchor point session management network element initiates the establishment of a path between a current access network element of the terminal and an intermediate user plane function network element and a path between the intermediate user plane function network element and the target user plane function network element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising:

the anchor point session management network element receives an internet protocol IP address which is from the target user plane management network element and is distributed to the terminal;

and the anchor point session management network element sends the IP address to the terminal.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the determining, by the anchor session management network element, a target user plane management network element serving the terminal according to the session-related information comprises:

the anchor point session management network element sends a second message to a network function storage network element, wherein the second message is used for requesting to select a user plane management network element for managing the target user plane function network element for the terminal;

and the anchor point session management network element receives the information of the target user plane management network element from the network function storage network element.

9. The method according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the session-related information comprises at least one of single network slice selection assistance information S-NSSAI corresponding to the session or a data network name DNN corresponding to the session.

10. A method for session management, the method comprising:

an anchor point session management network element receives a first message, wherein the first message carries session-related first information and is used for requesting to establish a session, and the session is a session connected to a target network;

the anchor point session management network element determines a target user plane management network element serving as a terminal according to the first information related to the session, wherein the target user plane management network element is a user plane management network element of a target user plane functional network element which manages the target network service;

the anchor point session management network element sends a second message to the target user plane management network element, wherein the second message carries second information related to the session;

the target user plane management network element receives the second message from the anchor session management network element, and determines the target user plane functional network element serving the terminal according to the second message related to the session;

11. An anchor session management network element, comprising: a transceiver module and a processing module;

the receiving and sending module is configured to receive a first message, where the first message carries session-related information and is used to request to establish a session, where the session is a session connected to a target network;

the processing module is configured to determine, according to the session-related information, a target user plane management network element serving as a terminal, where the target user plane management network element is a user plane management network element that manages a target user plane functional network element serving as the target network;

12. The anchor session management network element of claim 11, wherein the transceiver module is specifically configured to:

receiving the first message from a mobility management entity.

13. The anchor session management network element of claim 12,

the processing module is further configured to determine an intermediate user plane function network element serving the terminal according to the location information of the terminal, where the intermediate user plane function network element is a user plane function network element interfacing with a current access network element of the terminal.

14. The anchor session management network element of claim 11, wherein the transceiver module is specifically configured to:

receiving the first message from an intermediate session management network element, where the intermediate session management network element is a session management network element that manages an intermediate user plane function network element, and the intermediate user plane function network element is a user plane function network element that interfaces with a current access network element of the terminal.

15. Anchor point session management network element according to any of claims 11 to 14,

the processing module is further configured to initiate establishment of a path between the current access network element of the terminal and the target user plane function network element.

16. Anchor point session management network element according to any of claims 11 to 14,

the processing module is further configured to initiate establishment of a path between a current access network element of the terminal and an intermediate user plane function network element, and a path between the intermediate user plane function network element and the target user plane function network element.

17. Anchor point session management network element according to any of claims 11 to 14,

the transceiver module is further configured to receive an internet protocol IP address allocated to the terminal from the target user plane management network element; and sending the IP address to the terminal.

18. The anchor session management network element of any one of claims 11-14, wherein the processing module determines a target user plane management network element serving the terminal according to the session-related information, comprising:

sending a second message to a network function storage network element, wherein the second message is used for requesting to select a user plane management network element for managing the target user plane function network element for the terminal;

and receiving the information of the target user plane management network element from the network function storage network element.

19. A session management system, characterized in that the session management system comprises: anchor point conversation management network element and target user plane management network element;

the anchor point session management network element is configured to receive a first message, where the first message carries first information related to a session and is used to request to establish the session, and the session is a session connected to a target network; determining a target user plane management network element serving as a terminal according to the first information related to the session, wherein the target user plane management network element is a user plane management network element of a target user plane functional network element which manages the target network service; sending a second message to the target user plane management network element, wherein the second message carries second information related to the session;

the target user plane management network element is configured to receive the second message from the anchor session management network element, and determine the target user plane functional network element serving the terminal according to the second message related to the session;

20. The session management system according to claim 19,

the target user plane management network element is also used for distributing an Internet Protocol (IP) address for the terminal and sending the IP address to the anchor point session management network element;

the anchor point session management network element is further configured to receive the IP address from the target user plane management network element, and send the IP address to the terminal.

21. The session management system according to claim 19 or 20,

the intermediate session management network element is further configured to receive a third message from the mobility management network element, where the third message carries information of the anchor session management network element and third information related to a session, and is used to request to establish a session, where the session is a session connected to a target network; determining an intermediate user plane function network element serving the terminal according to the third information related to the session; and sending the first message to the anchor session management network element according to the information of the anchor session management network element;

correspondingly, the anchor session management network element is configured to receive a first message, and includes: for receiving the first message from the intermediate session management network element.