WO2019192417A1

WO2019192417A1 - Service diversion indication method and device

Info

Publication number: WO2019192417A1
Application number: PCT/CN2019/080753
Authority: WO
Inventors: 李永翠; 李岩
Original assignee: 华为技术有限公司
Priority date: 2018-04-03
Filing date: 2019-04-01
Publication date: 2019-10-10
Also published as: CN110351777A; CN110351777B

Abstract

Provided in the application are a method and a related device for indicating a service diversion. The method comprises: an anchor session management function network element receives a first identifier from an intermediate session management function network element, wherein the first identifier is used to identify a user plane function network element that accesses a first data network; the anchor session management function network element instructs the intermediate session management function network element to be inserted into the user plane function network element according to the first identifier, and the user plane function network element is configured to divert a first service to the first data network. The method and related device for indicating the service diversion provided by the application can help the terminal to access the local data network, even though the terminal is not within the service scope of the anchor session management function network element.

Description

Method and apparatus for indicating service diversion

The present application claims the priority of the Chinese Patent Application, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. .

Technical field

The present application relates to the field of communications and, more particularly, to methods and apparatus for indicating traffic splitting.

Background technique

In the existing 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 a non-roaming state, the user plane function (UPF) network element in the user plane path of the PDU session of the terminal is controlled by an SMF network element. . For example, the PDU session of the terminal corresponds to two UPF network elements, one UPF network element is located at the location of the access device close to the terminal, and the other UPF network element is located in the central equipment room. At this time, the SMF network element of the PDU session of the terminal is managed. Need to control the UPF network elements of these two different locations.

However, the above 5G network architecture is inconsistent with the actual deployment of the operator. In the actual deployment of the operator, considering the complexity of the configuration across the administrative area and the requirement of the operator to hide the network topology, the SMF network element and the UPF network element are usually divided according to the administrative area. In other words, SMF network elements also have a range of services. The SMF network element can only manage the UPF network elements in the service range, and cannot manage the UPF network elements outside the service range. In this case, when the terminal is not in the service range of the anchor SMF network element, how to make the terminal still have access to the local data network is a hot research topic.

Summary of the invention

The present application provides a method and related apparatus for indicating service offload, which can help the terminal to access the local data network when it is not within the service scope of the anchor session management function network element.

In a first aspect, the present application provides a method of indicating a traffic offload. The method includes: the anchor session management function network element receives a first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, where the first identifier is used to identify a user plane function network element that accesses the first data network; the anchor session management function network The user, according to the first identifier, instructs the intermediate session management function network element to insert the user plane function network element identified by the first identifier, where the user plane function network element is configured to offload the first service to the first data network.

In the method, the intermediate session management function network element reports the first identifier of the user plane function network element for accessing the first data network to the anchor session management function network element, and then the anchor session management function network element is configured according to the first An identifier indicates that the intermediate session management function network element inserts a user plane function network element for offloading the first service of the terminal to the first data network, so that when the terminal is no longer anchored within the service scope of the session management function network element, It helps the terminal to access the local data network through the inserted user plane function network element.

Optionally, the first identifier may be a data network access network identifier.

With reference to the first aspect, in a first possible implementation, the anchor session management function network element indicates, according to the first identifier, that the intermediate session management function network element insertion is used to offload the first service to the first data network. The user plane function network element includes: the anchor session management function network element instructs the intermediate session management function network element to insert a user plane for offloading the first service to the first data network according to the first identifier and the control rule Functional network element.

Optionally, the anchor session management function network element indicates, according to the first identifier and the control rule, that the intermediate session management function network element inserts a user plane function network element for offloading the first service to the first data network, and may include The anchor session management function network element determines that the first session identifier is included in the control rule, and indicates that the intermediate session management function network element inserts a user plane function network element for offloading the first service to the first data network.

In combination with the first aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a second possible implementation manner, the anchor session management function network element indicates, according to the first identifier, that the intermediate session management function network element is inserted for using the first service. The user plane function network element that is offloaded to the first network includes: the anchor session management function network element determines, according to the first identifier, a local offload that triggers the first service.

That is, the anchor session management function network element first determines whether to trigger the local traffic distribution of the first service according to the first identifier reported by the intermediate session management function network element, and determines that the local traffic distribution of the first service is triggered. The intermediate session management function network element is instructed to insert a user plane function network element for offloading the first service to the first data network.

With the first aspect or any one of the foregoing possible implementation manners, in a third possible implementation manner, before the anchor session management function network element receives the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, the method further includes: The anchor session management function network element sends subscription request information to the intermediate session management function network element, and the subscription request information is used to subscribe to the data network access identifier change event.

Correspondingly, the anchor session management function network element receives the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, and includes: the event that the anchor session management function network element receives the data network access identifier change event from the intermediate session management function network element. Notification information, the event notification information carries the first identifier.

In this implementation manner, the anchor session management function network element sends the subscription request information to the intermediate session management function network element, so that the intermediate session management function network element can only send the anchor point to the anchor point when the data network access identifier changes. The session management function network element reports the first identifier, which helps to save signaling overhead.

With reference to the first aspect, or any one of the foregoing possible implementation manners, in a fourth possible implementation manner, before the anchor session management function network element receives the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, the method further includes: The anchor session management function network element sends an acquisition request message to the intermediate session management function network element, where the acquisition request message is used to request the identifier of the user plane function network element for accessing the data network.

Optionally, the obtaining request message may be used to request to obtain an identifier of a user plane function network element for accessing the data network within the service scope of the intermediate session management function network element.

With reference to the first aspect, or any one of the foregoing possible implementation manners, in a fifth possible implementation, before the anchor session management function network element receives the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, the method further includes: The anchor session management function network element sends at least one data network access identifier to the intermediate session management function network element, where the at least one data network access identifier includes the first identifier.

In this implementation manner, the anchor session management function network element sends at least one data network access identifier to the intermediate session management function network element, which helps the intermediate session management function network element to access the anchor according to the at least one data network. The point session management function network element sends the first identifier, which helps to save signaling overhead.

In conjunction with the fifth possible implementation, in a sixth possible implementation, before the anchor session management function network element sends the at least one data network access identifier to the intermediate session management function network element, the method further includes: the anchor The session management function network element receives the response message of the acquisition request message from the intermediate session management function network element, where the response message includes a data network access identifier list, where the data network access identifier list includes the first identifier; The anchor session management function network element determines the at least one data network access identifier according to the data network access identifier list and the control rule.

In this implementation manner, the at least one data network access identifier sent by the anchor session management function network element to the intermediate session management function network element is obtained according to the data network access identifier list and the control rule reported by the intermediate session management function network element, Helps save on signaling overhead.

With reference to the first aspect or any one of the foregoing possible implementation manners, in a seventh possible implementation manner, the method is performed during the insertion process of the intermediate session management function network element, or the intermediate session management function network element Execute after the insertion process is completed.

With reference to the first aspect or any one of the foregoing possible implementation manners, in an eighth possible implementation, the user plane function network element used for accessing the first data network is located in the service scope of the intermediate session management function network element. Inside.

In a second aspect, the present application provides a method of indicating a traffic offload. The method includes: the intermediate session management function network element sends a first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, where the first identifier is used to identify a user plane function network element that accesses the first data network; the intermediate session management function network element The user plane function network element identified by the first identifier is used to offload the first service to the first data network, as indicated by the anchor session management function network element.

In the method, the intermediate session management function network element reports the first identifier of the user plane function network element for accessing the first data network to the anchor session management function network element, and then the anchor session management function network element according to the first The identifier of the intermediate session management function is inserted into the user plane function network element for offloading the first service of the terminal to the first data network, so that the terminal does not anchor the session management function network element within the service scope. When the terminal accesses the local data network through the inserted user plane function network element.

With reference to the second aspect, in a first possible implementation, before the intermediate session management function network element sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, the method further includes: the intermediate session management function network element from the anchor The point session management function network element receives subscription request information, which is used to subscribe to the data network access identity change event.

Correspondingly, the intermediate session management function network element sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, including: when the intermediate session management function network element detects the data network access identifier change event, to the anchor session management function network The element sends event notification information, and the event notification information carries the first identifier.

In this implementation manner, the intermediate session management function network element can report the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element only when the data network access identifier changes, thereby contributing to saving signaling overhead.

With reference to the second aspect or the first possible implementation manner, in a second possible implementation manner, before the intermediate session management function network element sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, the method further includes: the middle The session management function network element receives the acquisition request message from the anchor session management function network element, where the acquisition request message is used to request the identifier of the user plane function network element used for accessing the data network.

With the second aspect or any one of the foregoing possible implementation manners, in a third possible implementation manner, before the intermediate session management function network element sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, the method further includes: The intermediate session management function network element receives at least one data network access identifier from the anchor session management function network element, where the at least one data network access identifier includes the first identifier.

Correspondingly, the intermediate session management function network element sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, including: the intermediate session management function network element sends the anchor session management function network element according to the at least one data network access identifier. The first identifier.

In this implementation, the intermediate session management function network element may not send the data network access identifier except the at least one data network access identifier, thereby contributing to saving signaling overhead.

In conjunction with the third possible implementation manner, in a fourth possible implementation manner, before the intermediate session management function network element sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, the method further includes: the intermediate session management function network The meta-anchor session management function network element sends a response message of the acquisition request message, where the response message includes a data network access identifier list, where the data network access identifier list includes the first identifier.

The implementation may enable the anchor session management function network element to determine the at least one data network access identifier according to the data network access identifier list, thereby contributing to saving signaling overhead.

With reference to the second aspect or any one of the foregoing possible implementation manners, in a fifth possible implementation manner, the method is performed during the insertion process of the intermediate session management function network element, or the intermediate session management function network element Execute after the insertion process is completed.

With reference to the second aspect, or any one of the foregoing possible implementation manners, in a sixth possible implementation, the user plane network element used for accessing the first data network is located in the service scope of the intermediate session management function network element. Inside.

In a third aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for indicating traffic splitting. The apparatus comprises means for performing the method of any of the possible implementations of the first aspect or the first aspect. The modules included in the device can be implemented in software and/or hardware.

In a fourth aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for indicating traffic splitting. The apparatus comprises means for performing the method of any of the possible implementations of the second aspect or the second aspect. The modules included in the device can be implemented in software and/or hardware.

In a fifth aspect, the application provides an anchor session management function network element. The anchor session management function network element includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is used to execute the program. The processor and the transceiver implement the method of any one of the possible implementations of the first aspect or the first aspect when the processor executes the code.

Optionally, the anchor session management function network element may further include a memory. Memory is used to store programs and data.

In a sixth aspect, the application provides an intermediate session management function network element. The intermediate session management function network element includes a processor and a transceiver. The processor is used to execute the program. The processor and the transceiver implement the method of any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect or the second aspect when the processor executes the code.

Optionally, the intermediate session management function network element may further include a memory. Memory is used to store programs and data.

In a seventh aspect, the application provides a computer readable storage medium. Program code for execution of the communication device is stored in the computer readable storage medium. The program code includes instructions for performing the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

In an eighth aspect, the application provides a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium stores program code for execution of an anchor session management function network element or a central office session management function network element. The program code includes instructions for performing the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

In a ninth aspect, the application provides a computer program product comprising instructions. When the computer program product runs on the communication device, the anchor session management function network element, or the intermediate session management function network element, causing the communication device, the anchor session management function network element, or the intermediate session management function network element to perform the first aspect or The method in the second aspect.

In a tenth aspect, the present application provides a system chip, including an input/output interface, at least one processor, at least one memory, and a bus, the at least one memory is configured to store an instruction, and the at least one processor is configured to invoke the at least one An instruction of a memory to perform the operations of the method of the first aspect or the second aspect.

In an eleventh aspect, the present application provides a communication system comprising an anchor session management function network element in the fifth aspect and/or an intermediate session management function network element in the sixth aspect.

DRAWINGS

1 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a method for indicating service offloading according to an embodiment of the present application;

2 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a method for indicating service offloading according to an embodiment of the present application;

3 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a method for indicating service offloading according to an embodiment of the present application;

4 is a schematic flowchart of a method for indicating service offloading according to an embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a method for indicating service offloading according to another embodiment of the present application; FIG.

6 is a schematic flowchart of a method for indicating service offloading according to another embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a method for indicating service offloading according to another embodiment of the present application; FIG.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a method for indicating service offloading according to another embodiment of the present application; FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a method for indicating service offloading according to another embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of an apparatus for indicating service offloading according to an embodiment of the present application.

detailed description

The technical solutions in the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1 , an application scenario of the method for indicating service offloading in the embodiment of the present application may include a user equipment (UE) 101, an access network (AN) device 102, and a user plane function. User plane function (UPF) network element 103, access and mobility management function (AMF) network element 104, session management function (SMF) network element 105, policy control function (policy control) Function, PCF) network element 106 and data network (DN) 107.

A UE may also be referred to as a terminal device. The terminal device can communicate with one or more core networks (CNs) via the AN device. A terminal device may be referred to as an access terminal, a terminal, a subscriber unit, a subscriber station, a mobile station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a wireless network device, a user agent, or a user device. The terminal can be a cellular phone, a cordless phone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld with wireless communication capabilities. A device, a computing device, or other device connected to a wireless modem, an in-vehicle device, a wearable device or an Internet of Things, a terminal device in a vehicle network, and any form of terminal device in a future network.

The AN device may be a radio access network (RAN) device. An example of a RAN device is a base station (BS).

A base station, also referred to as a base station device, is a device that accesses a terminal to a wireless network, including but not limited to: a transmission reception point (TRP), a 5G node B (gNB), and an evolved node B ( Evolved node B, eNB), radio network controller (RNC), node B (node B, NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), A home base station (for example, home evolved node B, or home node B, HNB), a base band unit (BBU), or a Wifi access point (AP), or a small base station device (pico).

It should be understood that the specific types of base stations are not limited herein. In systems with different wireless access technologies, the names of devices with base station functions may vary. For convenience of description, in all embodiments of the present application, the foregoing devices for providing wireless communication functions to terminals are collectively referred to as base stations.

The UPF network element has the functions of packet forwarding, encapsulation, and statistics of the terminal device.

The AMF network element is responsible for access and mobility management of the terminal equipment. For example, it is responsible for UE location update, UE registration network or UE handover.

The SMF network element is responsible for the selection and reselection of the UPF network element, the allocation of the Internet protocol (IP) address, and the like, and can also be responsible for the establishment, modification, and release of the session.

The PCF network element is used to implement a unified policy framework including managing network behavior, providing policy rules for the control plane to be executed, and obtaining subscription information related to policy decisions.

DN refers to the carrier network that provides data transmission services for the UE. For example, the DNS may be a network that provides services such as IP multi-media (IMS), Internet services, and the like.

It should be understood that the embodiments of the present application are not limited to the system architecture shown in FIG. 1. For example, a communication system to which the communication method of the embodiment of the present application can be applied may include more or fewer network elements or devices. The device or network element in FIG. 1 may be hardware, or may be functionally divided software or a combination of the two. The devices or network elements in Figure 1 can communicate with other devices or network elements.

In the application scenario shown in FIG. 1, a PDU session may be established between the UE 101 to the AN device 102 and the UPF network element 103 to the DN 107, such that the UE 101 can access the DN 107 through the PDU session. The PDU session is managed by SMF network element 105. The DN 107 can be referred to as a center DN.

As shown in FIG. 2, the service range of the SMF network element 105 is area 1. When the UE 101 is located in the area 2 outside the area 1, for example, when the UE 101 moves from the area 1 into the area 2, the SMF network element 105 inserts the SMF network element 108 for the UE 101 and inserts the UPF network element 109 to facilitate the SMF. The network element 108 and the UPF network element 109 serve the UE 101.

The service range of the SMF network element 108 is area 2, and the UPF network element 109 is located within the service range of the SMF network element 108. It should be understood that other UPF network elements may also be deployed within the service scope of the SMF network element 108.

The SMF network element 105 may be referred to as an anchor-SMF (A-SMF) network element, and the SMF network element 108 may be referred to as an intermediate SMF (intermediate-SMF, I-SMF) network element.

The DN 110 is deployed within the service area of the I-SMF network element 108. DN 110 can be referred to as a local DN.

Another schematic diagram of the application scenario in which the SMF network element 105 inserts the SMF network element 108 into the UE 101 is shown in FIG. The application scenario shown in FIG. 3 is different from the application scenario shown in FIG. 2 in that, in the application scenario shown in FIG. 2, the A-SMF network element 105 and the AMF network element 104 pass the I-SMF network element. 108 communication, in the application scenario shown in FIG. 3, the A-SMF network element 105 and the AMF network element 104 can communicate directly.

In the application scenario shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, when the UE 101 is not within the service range of the SMF network element 105 and is located within the service range of the SMF network element 108, the service of the UE 101 may be served by the SMF network element 108. The local DN 110 in the range provides services, which can save the delay of the UE 101 accessing the DN. Therefore, when the UE 101 is not within the service range of the SMF network element 105 and is within the service range of the SMF network element 108, the UE 110 can access the local DN 110 to save access latency.

A technical problem regarding how to implement the UE 101 access to the local DN 110. The embodiment of the present application proposes a method for indicating service offload based on this problem, so that the UE 101 can access the local DN 110 when the UE 101 is located outside the service range of the A-SMF network element 105.

A schematic flowchart of a method for indicating service offloading according to an embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. 4. S401 and S402 may be included in the method shown in FIG.

It should be understood that FIG. 4 illustrates the steps or operations of the method, but these steps or operations are merely examples, and other embodiments of the present application may also perform other operations or variations of the operations in FIG. Moreover, the various steps in FIG. 4 may be performed in a different order than that presented in FIG. 4, and it is possible that not all operations in FIG. 4 are to be performed.

S401. The I-SMF network element sends a first identifier to the A-SMF network element, where the first identifier is used to identify the UPF network element that accesses the first DN. Correspondingly, the A-SMF network element receives the first identity from the I-SMF network element.

The I-SMF network element may be an SMF network element that provides session management services for the UE at the current location. The first DN may be a DN located within the service range of the I-SMF network element.

The UPF network element identified by the first identifier is located in the service range of the I-SMF network element. Or it can be said that the UPF network element used for accessing the first DN is located in the service range of the I-SMF network element. Or it can be said that the UPF network element used for accessing the first DN is managed by the I-SMF network element.

For example, the I-SMF network element may be an I-SMF network element 108, and the A-SMF network element may be an SMF network element 105. The UPF network element identified by the first identifier is the UPF network element 109. The first DN can be the local DN 110.

The first identifier may be a data network access identifier (DNAI).

S402. The A-SMF network element, according to the first identifier, instructs the I-SMF network element to insert the UPF network element identified by the first identifier, where the UPF network element is configured to offload the first service to the first DN.

Correspondingly, the I-SMF network element inserts, by the A-SMF network element, a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN.

The "insertion of the UPF network element" means that the UPF network element is inserted in the transmission path of the first service, and after the UPF network element is inserted, the function of the UPF is a distribution point, that is, used to offload the first service. To the first data network.

The first service is a service performed by the UE, and the first DN may provide a service corresponding to the first service. The UPF network element may include at least one of an uplink classifier (ULCL) network element and a branch point (BP).

The I-SMF network element, in the instruction of the A-SMF network element, inserts a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN, and may include: an I-SMF network element in the A-SMF network element. In the instruction, the UPF network element is selected, and the N4 session connection between the I-SMF and the UPF network element is established, and the packet forwarding rule is sent to the UPF network element. The UPF network element may also be referred to as an intermediate UPF network element.

For example, after applying the method shown in FIG. 4 in the scenario shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the SMF network element 108 can select the UPF network element 109 to establish an N4 session connection between the SMF network element 108 and the UPF network element 109. The packet forwarding rule is sent to the UPF network element 109, and the UPF network element 109 forwards the packet corresponding to the first service of the UE to the local DN 110.

Of course, the SMF network element 108 may also select other UPF network elements that are located within the service range of the SMF network element 108 or that are selected by the SMF network element 108 as the intermediate UPF network element. This embodiment of the present application is not limited thereto.

The packet forwarding rule may include user plane tunnel information, AN user plane tunnel information, and the like of the UPF network element in the A-SMF service range. The packet forwarding rule may further include offload information, where the offload information may include service information. The service information may include packet header feature information, such as source IP information, destination IP information, and IP quintuple.

The traffic distribution information sent by the SMF network element 108 to the UPF network element 109 may be the same as that of the SMF network element 108. The traffic distribution information sent by the SMF network element 108 to the UPF network element 109 may be SMF. The network element 108 is determined based on the offloading policy received by the SMF network element 108 from the SMF network element 105.

An example in which the traffic distribution policy and the traffic distribution information are the same is that the traffic distribution information and the traffic distribution policy include “the source IP address is IP1”. An example of the SMF network element 108 determining the traffic distribution information according to the traffic distribution policy is as follows: the traffic distribution policy includes: the identifier of the application (APP) is APP1, and the SMF network element determines the IP2 according to the correspondence between APP1 and APP1 and IP2. The offloading information may include "the destination IP is IP2".

Optionally, the I-SMF network element may select a local anchor UPF network element as the offloaded UPF network element, and the local anchor point UPF network element is used to access the first DN, and the local anchor point UPF network element may be connected to the intermediate UPF network element. Yuan or set up separately.

In a scenario where the local anchor UPF network element and the intermediate UPF network element are deployed separately, the I-SMF network element may send the user plane tunnel information of the intermediate UPF network element to the local anchor point, thereby establishing an AN to the medium UPF network element. Then connect to the user plane of the local anchor UPF network element.

In addition, the I-SMF network element can send the user plane tunnel information of the intermediate UPF network element to the UPF network element in the A-SMF service range through the A-SMF network element, thereby establishing the AN to the intermediate UPF network element, and then to the A. - User plane connection between UPF network elements within the scope of the SMF service.

When the intermediate UPF network element receives the uplink packet from the AN, it can determine whether to send the uplink packet to the local anchor UPF network element or to the A-based network according to the header feature of the uplink packet and the packet forwarding rule. UPF network elements within the scope of the SMF network element service.

For example, when the destination IP address of the uplink packet is IP1, the UPF network element sends the uplink packet to the local anchor UPF network element.

In the method shown in FIG. 4, the A-SMF network element may, according to the first identifier, instruct the I-SMF network element to insert the UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN, and may include: The A-SMF network element determines, according to the first identifier, a local offload that triggers the first service.

That is, the A-SMF network element may instruct the I-SMF network element to insert the UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN when determining the local offloading of the first service according to the first identifier. .

In the method shown in FIG. 4, optionally, the A-SMF network element instructs the I-SMF network element to insert a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN according to the first identifier, and may pass the following The method is implemented by: the A-SMF network element instructing the I-SMF network element to insert a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN according to the first identifier and the control rule.

Optionally, the control rule may be a policy and charging control rule (PCC rules). The control rule may include service information and location information corresponding to the service. The service information may be represented by a data network name (DNN), a single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI), an application identifier, an IP quintuple, or the like; The location information corresponding to the service can be represented by a set of DNAI.

Optionally, the control rule may be that the A-SMF network element is obtained from the PCF network element. For example, the control rule may be obtained by the A-SMF network element 105 from the PCF network element 106.

Optionally, the A-SMF network element, according to the first identifier and the control rule, instructing the I-SMF network element to insert the UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN, may be implemented in the following manner: When the SMF network element determines that the control rule includes the first identifier, the I-SMF network element is instructed to insert a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN.

Alternatively, the A-SMF network element instructs the I-SMF network element to insert a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN according to the first identifier and the control rule, which can be implemented by: A-SMF When the network element determines that the first rule is included in the control rule, it determines that the local traffic is triggered by the first service, and instructs the I-SMF network element to insert a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN.

Alternatively, the A-SMF network element instructs the I-SMF network element to insert a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN according to the first identifier, the control rule, and the service information. For example, when the first identifier and the service information reported by the UPF network element 103 satisfy the control rule, the A-SMF network element instructs the I-SMF network element to insert a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN. The service information can be obtained by the service detection of the UPF network element 103 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, and the detected service information is reported to the A-SMF network element.

For example, if the service information detected by the UPF network element 103 includes "the destination IP is IP1", the first identifier is DNAI1, and the control rule includes "the DNAI corresponding to IP1 is {DNAI1, DNAI2}", then the A-SMF network element It can be determined that the first identifier and the service information detected by the UPF network element 103 both satisfy the control rule.

Optionally, the A-SMF network element, according to the first identifier and the control rule, instructing the I-SMF network element to insert a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN, may include: the A-SMF The network element sends the service information of the first service and the first identifier to the I-SMF network element when the network element determines the offloading of the first service according to the first identifier and the control rule. The service information and the first identifier of the first service may be referred to as a traffic off policy.

At this time, the I-SMF network element inserts the UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN, and the method includes: the I-SMF network element according to the offloading policy Inserting a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN, so that the UPF network element can offload the first service to the first DN.

For example, the A-SMF network element sends a traffic offloading policy to the I-SMF. The traffic splitting policy includes the service information of the first service and the first identifier. The I-SMF network element selects the UPF network element according to the first identifier, and the UPF network element has a traffic off function. The I-SMF network element sends a packet forwarding rule to the UPF network element, so that the UPF network element offloads the first service to the first DN. The packet forwarding rule includes the traffic distribution information, and the traffic distribution information is determined by the I-SMF network element according to the traffic distribution policy, or the I-SMF network element may send the traffic distribution information to the UPF network element by using other methods. For example, the traffic information is sent to the UPF network element directly through the communication message between the I-SMF network element and the UPF network element.

For example, when the first identifier is DNAI1, and a group of DNAI in the control rule is {DNAI1, DNAI2, DNAI3, DNAI4}, the A-SMF network element can trigger local traffic offloading, and send a shunting strategy to the I-SMF network element. The traffic splitting strategy includes the DNAI1 and the corresponding service information, so that the I-SMF network element inserts the UPF network element identified by the DNAI1 according to the splitting policy.

For another example, the first identifier is DNAI1, a set of DNAI in the control rule is {DNAI1, DNAI2, DNAI3, DNAI4}, and the service information in the control rule is "the destination IP is IP1", and the service detected by the UPF network element 103 When the information is "the destination IP is IP1", the A-SMF network element determines that the local service is offloaded, and sends a traffic off policy to the I-SMF network element, where the traffic policy includes the DNAI1 and the corresponding service information "the destination IP is IP1". The I-SMF network element inserts a UPF network element corresponding to the DNAI1 identifier according to the offloading policy.

For another example, the first identifier is DNAI1, a set of DNAI in the control rule is {DNAI1, DNAI2, DNAI3, DNAI4}, the service information in the control rule is DNN1, and the service information detected by the A-SMF according to the UPF network element 103. When it is determined that the current session or the current service flow accesses the DNN1, the A-SMF network element determines that the local service is offloaded, and sends a traffic distribution policy to the I-SMF network element, where the traffic policy includes the DNAI1 and the corresponding service information. The service information refers to the service flow that accesses the DNN1, and the I-SMF network element inserts the UPF network element corresponding to the DNAI1 identifier according to the offloading policy.

In the method shown in FIG. 4, optionally, before performing S401, the method may further include: the A-SMF network element sending subscription request information to the I-SMF network element, where the subscription request information is used to subscribe to the data network. Access identification change event. Accordingly, the I-SMF network element receives the subscription request information.

At this time, the specific implementation manner of the S401 may include: when the I-SMF network element detects the data network access identifier change event according to the subscription request message, sending event notification information to the A-SMF network element, where the event notification information carries the First identification. Correspondingly, the A-SMF network element receives an event notification message of the data network access identity change event from the I-SMF network element. For example, as shown in Figure 5.

Optionally, before performing S401, the method shown in FIG. 4 may further include: the A-SMF network element sending at least one DNAI to the I-SMF network element. Correspondingly, the I-SMF network element receives the at least one DNAI from the A-SMF network element. For example, as shown in Figure 6.

For example, the A-SMF network element transmits at least one DNAI to the I-SMF network element through the subscription request message. The at least one DNAI refers to the DNAI contained in the strategy information acquired by the A-SMF from the PCF network element.

At this time, the I-SMF network element sends the event notification information to the A-SMF network element when the data network access identifier change event is detected according to the subscription request message, which may include: the I-SMF network element according to the subscription request message and The at least one DNAI sends an event notification message to the A-SMF network element when the data network access identity change event is detected.

For example, the I-SMF network element detects that a data network access identifier change event occurs according to the subscription request message, and sends an event notification to the A-SMF network element when the changed DNAI is the DNAI included in the at least one DNAI. Information, the event notification information includes the DNAI after the change. The DNAI after the change is the first identifier.

The at least one DNAI may be an identifier of the UPF network element capable of performing traffic offloading, so as to avoid the I-SMF network element to the A-SMF network when the service of the UPF network element service corresponding to the DNAI after the change does not need local shunting. Yuan reported the first logo. By this implementation, the I-SMF network element sends the event notification information to the A-SMF network element only when the changed DNAI is one of the at least one DNAI, thereby reducing the number of times the I-SMF reports the notification information. Help save signaling overhead.

In addition, in this implementation manner, the I-SMF network element reports the first identifier in the event notification message, and after receiving the first identifier, the A-SMF network element may not need to determine whether to start the local service offload, but may The offloading policy is sent to the I-SMF network element, and the I-SMF network element is inserted into the UPF network element identified by the first identifier.

This will be further described in conjunction with FIG. 6.

In the method shown in FIG. 4, optionally, before performing S401, the method may further include: the A-SMF network element sending an acquisition request message to the I-SMF network element, where the acquisition request message is used for requesting acquisition And an identifier of the UPF network element accessing the data network; the I-SMF network element receives the acquisition request message.

At this time, a possible implementation manner of the S401 may include: sending, by the I-SMF network element, a response message of the acquisition request message to the A-SMF network element according to the acquisition request message, where the response message includes a DNAI list; The A-SMF network element receives the response message.

The DNAI list can include DNAI within the scope of the I-SMF network element service. For example, as shown in FIG.

At this time, a possible implementation manner of S402 may include: the A-SMF network element instructing the I-SMF network element to insert a UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN according to the response message and the control rule. .

The A-SMF network element, according to the response message and the control rule, instructing the I-SMF network element to insert the UPF network element for offloading the first service to the first DN, may include: the A-SMF network element determining the control rule includes In response to all or part of the DNAI in the list of DNAIs in the message, the I-SMF network element is instructed to insert the UPF network element corresponding to all or part of the DNAI identifier. The whole or part of the DNAI is the first identifier. The I-SMF network element is instructed to insert the UPF network element corresponding to all or part of the DNAI identifier. The I-SMF network element may be inserted into the corresponding UPF network element according to the whole or part of the DNAI identifier.

In this case, the A-SMF network element indicating that the I-SMF network element inserts the all or part of the DNAI identifier of the UPF network element may include: the A-SMF network element sends a control rule to the I-SMF network element, where the control rule includes the A shunting strategy for all or part of the DNAI. That is, the offloading strategy is all or part of the DNAI and corresponding business information.

For example, when the DNAI list in the response message includes {DNAI1, DNAI2}, and the control rule includes {DNAI1, DNAI2, DNAI3}, the A-SMF network element sends DNAI1 and DNAI2 and DNAI1 and DNAI2 to the I-SMF network element. Corresponding business information.

After the I-SMF network element receives the offloading policy from the A-SMF network element, the I-SMF network element determines whether the DNAI1 or DNAI2 in the offloading policy matches the identification information of the current location of the UE. The identifier information of the current location of the UE may be a base station identifier or a tracking area identifier. The DNAI1 or the DNAI2 may be a tracking area identifier list, where the list may include at least one tracking area identifier, or the DNAI1 or the DNAI2 may be a tracking area. An index of the identifier list, the index has a correspondence relationship with the tracking area identifier list, or the DNAI1 or the DNAI2 may be a UPF network element list, and the list may include at least one UPF network element.

The DNAI1 is used as the tracking area identifier list, and the current location identifier information of the UE is the tracking area identifier. If the DNAI1 contains the current location identifier information of the UE, the I-SMF network element determines that the DNAI1 matches the identifier information of the current location of the UE.

The DNAI1 is used as the tracking area identifier list, and the current location identifier information of the UE is the base station identifier. The I-SMF network element may first determine the tracking area corresponding to the current location identifier information of the UE according to the correspondence between the base station identifier and the tracking area identifier. Identifying, and then determining whether the DNAI1 contains a tracking area identifier corresponding to the current location identification information of the UE. If included, the I-SMF network element determines that the DNAI1 matches the identification information of the current location of the UE.

Taking the DNAI1 as the UPF network element list and the current location identification information of the UE as the tracking area identifier, the I-SMF network element may first determine the service range corresponding to the UPF list according to the UPF network element list, and then determine whether the current location identifier of the UE is The service area of the UPF network element in the UPF list. If so, the I-SMF network element determines that the DNAI1 matches the identification information of the current location of the UE.

This will be further described in conjunction with FIG.

Optionally, if the A-SMF network element sends the acquisition request message to the I-SMF network element, the method may further include: sending the A-SMF network element to the I-SMF network element, before performing S401. At least one DNAI, the I-SMF network element receiving the at least one DNAI. The at least one DNAI may be carried in the acquisition request message. For example, as shown in FIG.

At this time, the I-SMF network element sends the response message of the acquisition request message to the A-SMF network element according to the acquisition request message, which may include: the I-SMF network element according to the at least one DNAI, and the I-SMF The DNAI in the range of the network element service sends a response message of the acquisition request message to the A-SMF network element, where the response message includes a DNAI list, and the DNAI included in the DNAI list belongs to the at least one DNAI. The DNAI included in the DNAI list is the first identifier.

For example, if the at least one DNAI is {DNAI1, DNAI2, DNAI3, DNAI4}, and the DNAI of the I-SMF network element service range is {DNAI1, DNAI2, DNAI5}, then the list of DNAI returned by the I-SMF network element may be {DNAI1, DNAI2}.

The at least one DNAI may be the DNAI in the control rule, so that the I-SMF network element reports to the A-SMF network element when the service of the UPF network element service of the I-SMF network element service range is not required to be localized. A logo. That is to say, in the implementation manner, the first identifier reported by the I-SMF network element to the A-SMF network element must be in at least one DNAI in the control rule, so that the I-SMF network element and the A-SMF network can be reduced. Signaling overhead between elements.

In addition, in this implementation manner, after receiving the first identifier, the A-SMF network element sends a traffic off policy to the I-SMF network element, indicating that the I-SMF network element is inserted into the UPF network element corresponding to the first identifier. The instructing the I-SMF network element to insert the UPF network element corresponding to the first identifier may also be described as the I-SMF network element inserting the corresponding UPF network element according to the offload policy.

This will be further described in conjunction with FIG.

Optionally, the A-SMF network element sends an acquisition request message to the I-SMF network element, where the I-SMF network element carries the DNAI list of the UPF network element of the I-SMF network element service range in the response message of the acquisition request message. In the case of the method shown in FIG. 4, the A-SMF network element sends a subscription request message to the I-SMF network element according to the DNAI list in the response message and the DNAI list in the control rule, the subscription request message. For subscribing to a DNAI change event; wherein the subscription request message may include a DNAI list in the response message and a DNAI included in the DNAI list in the control rule; after receiving the subscription request message, the I-SMF network element detects When the DNAI where the current location of the UE is changed and the changed DNAI is the DNAI (ie, the first identifier) in the DNAI subscribed to the subscription request message, the I-SMF network element sends an event notification message to the A-SMF network element, the event notification The message includes the first identifier. After receiving the event notification message, the A-SMF network element sends a traffic offloading policy related to the first identifier to the I-SMF network element, where the traffic splitting policy includes the first identifier and the first identifier. Corresponding business information I-SMF network element receives the offload policy, and insert the first network element identifier corresponding to UPF according to the offload policy, for the first service distribution in the network element UPF. For example, as shown in FIG.

For example, when the DNAI list in the response message sent by the I-SMF network element includes {DNAI1, DNAI2}, and the DNAI list in the control rule includes {DNAI1, DNAI3, DNAI4}, the subscription request message may carry the DNAI1.

This will be further described in conjunction with FIG.

Alternatively, the method shown in FIG. 4 may occur after the insertion process of the I-SMF network element.

For example, after the I-SMF network element insertion is completed, the A-SMF network element sends a subscription request message to the I-SMF network element and the A-SMF network element receives the event notification message from the I-SMF network element.

For example, after the I-SMF network element insertion is completed, the A-SMF network element sends an acquisition request message to the I-SMF network element and the A-SMF network element receives the response message from the I-SMF network element.

Alternatively, the method shown in FIG. 4 may occur in the insertion process of the I-SMF network element.

For example, in the process of the UE moving out of the service range of the A-SMF network element and triggering the insertion of the I-SMF network element, the A-SMF network element may send a subscription request message to the I-SMF network element. When the I-SMF detects that an A-SMF subscription event occurs, the A-SMF network element receives an event notification message from the I-SMF network element.

For example, in the process of the UE moving out of the service range of the A-SMF network element and triggering the insertion of the I-SMF network element, the A-SMF network element may send an acquisition request message and an A-SMF network element from the I-SMF network element from the I-SMF network element. The SMF network element receives the response message.

It should be understood that the method illustrated in Figure 4 is equally applicable to roaming scenarios. In the roaming scenario, the I-SMF in the method shown in FIG. 4 is located in the visited site Public Site Mobile Network (V-PLMN), and acts as a visited session management function (Vit-SMF) network. The A-SMF is located in the Homed Public Land Mobile Network (H-PLMN) and acts as a home session management function (homed-SMF, H-SMF) network element.

The flow of the method for indicating service offload shown in FIG. 4 will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 9.

The method for indicating traffic offloading shown in FIG. 5 includes S501 to S506.

S501. The A-SMF network element obtains policy information from the PCF network element. The policy information includes a control rule, which may be a policy and charging control (PCC) rule.

The policy information may include a traffic off policy. For example, the PCC rule may include a traffic off policy, so that the A-SMF determines whether to trigger the traffic off according to the traffic off policy.

For example, the traffic distribution policy may include service information of the service to be offloaded and location information corresponding to the service information.

The service information may be identified by an application identifier or an IP quintuple, or may be identified by a DNN or an S-NSSAI.

The location information corresponding to the service information can be identified by a set of DNAIs.

S502. The A-SMF network element sends a subscription request message to the I-SMF network element, where the subscription request message carries the subscribed event information.

Event information, used to indicate that the A-SMF subscribes to a DNAI change (change of DNAI) event. The event information can be represented by a pre-agreed event identifier (ID).

S503. The I-SMF network element sends an event notification message to the A-SMF network element after the DNAI change event is detected according to the subscription request message, where the event notification message carries the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE. This DNAI is the first identifier in the method shown in FIG.

For example, after the UE moves from the service range of the A-SMF network element to the I-SMF network element, the I-SMF network element detects whether the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE has changed according to the subscription request message. After detecting that the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE changes from DNAI1 to DNAI2, the I-SMF sends an event notification message to the A-SMF network element, and the event notification message carries the changed DNAI2.

S502 and S503 can occur in the insertion process of the I-SMF network element. For example, after the UE moves from the area 1 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 to the area 2, that is, after the service range of the SMF network element 105 is removed, the SMF network element 108 is inserted, and S502 and S503 are executed in the process.

Alternatively, S502 and S503 may occur after the insertion process of the I-SMF network element. For example, after the insertion flow of the SMF network element 108 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 is completed, S502 and S503 are executed.

S504: The A-SMF network element determines whether to trigger the local service offload according to the DNAI in the event notification message in S503 and the offloading policy obtained in S501.

When the DNAI in the event notification message satisfies the offloading policy, the A-SMF network element decides to trigger the local service offload.

The DNAI in the event notification message satisfies the shunting strategy. It can be understood that the set of DNAI indicated by the shunting strategy includes the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE.

Optionally, the current service flow information of the UE also satisfies the traffic distribution policy, and is understood to be: the UPF network element 103 detects the service information, and sends the detected service information to the A-SMF, where the service information indicated by the traffic off policy includes the The service information detected by the UPF network element 103.

For example, if the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE is DNAI1, and the set of DNAI in the shunting strategy is {DNAI1, DNAI2, DNAI3}, the A-SMF network element determines that the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE satisfies the shunting strategy, then the A-SMF Decided to trigger local business offloading.

For example, if the service information detected by the UPF network element 103 is the destination IP address being IP1, and the service information in the traffic distribution policy is {the destination IP address is IP1, DNN, APP1}, the A-SMF determines the condition for triggering the local service offloading to include: The A-SMF network element determines that the current service information of the UE satisfies the traffic off policy.

S505. The A-SMF network element sends a split strategy related to the DNAI1 to the I-SMF network element.

For example, the A-SMF network element transmits DNAI1 and service information corresponding to DNAI1 to the I-SMF network element.

S506: The I-SMF network element performs local service offload according to the offload policy.

For example, the I-SMF network element performs a ULCL network element or BP insertion process.

For example, in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the I-SMF network element selects the UPF network element 109, and establishes a user plane connection between the AN device 102, the UPF network element 109, and the UPF network element 103.

The method for indicating traffic offloading shown in FIG. 6 includes S601 to S605.

S601 can refer to S501, and details are not described herein again.

S602. The A-SMF network element sends a subscription request message to the I-SMF network element, where the subscription request message carries the subscribed DNAI change event information and the at least one DNAI. The at least one DNAI is DNAI included in the shunting strategy.

S603. The I-SMF network element detects, according to the subscription request message, that the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE is changed, and the changed DNAI is included in at least one DNAI in S602, and the I-SMF network element is sent to the A-SMF network element. An event notification message is sent, where the event notification message carries the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE. This DNAI is the first identifier in the method shown in FIG.

For example, when at least one DNAI carried in the subscription request message is {DNAI1, DNAI2, DNAI3}, and the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE is DNAI1, the event notification message carries DNAI1.

S602 and S603 can occur in the insertion process of the I-SMF network element. For example, after the UE moves from the area 1 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 to the area 2, that is, after the service range of the SMF network element 105 is removed, the SMF network element 108 is inserted, and S602 and S603 are performed in the insertion process.

Alternatively, S602 and S603 may occur after the insertion process of the I-SMF network element. For example, after the insertion flow of the SMF network element 108 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 is completed, S602 and S603 are executed.

S504 to S605 can refer to S505 to S506, and details are not described herein again.

The method for indicating service offload shown in FIG. 7 includes S701 to S705.

S701 can refer to S701, and details are not described herein again.

S702. The A-SMF network element sends an acquisition request message to the I-SMF network element, requesting to acquire the DNAI.

S703. The I-SMF network element returns a response message to the A-SMF network element, where the response message carries the DNAI information. The DNAI information represents the local service deployment within the scope of the I-SMF network element service.

For example, the DNAI information includes DNAI within the scope of the I-SMF network element service. The DNAI included in the DNAI information is the first identifier.

S702 and S703 may occur in the insertion process of the I-SMF network element. For example, after the UE moves from the area 1 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 to the area 2, that is, after the service range of the SMF network element 105 is removed, the SMF network element 108 is inserted, and S702 and S703 are performed in the insertion process.

Alternatively, S702 and S703 may occur after the insertion process of the I-SMF network element. For example, after the insertion flow of the SMF network element 108 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 is completed, S702 and S703 are executed.

S704. The A-SMF network element sends a traffic offloading policy related to the DNAI information in S703 to the I-SMF network element according to the DNAI information in S703 and the policy information in S701.

For example, when DNAI information includes {DNAI1}, and a set of DNAI in the shunt strategy includes {DNAI1, DNAI2, DNAI3}, the A-SMF network element sends a DNAI1-related shunting strategy to the I-SMF network element.

S705: The I-SMF network element performs local service offload according to the offloading policy.

For example, when the I-SMF network element detects that the current location of the UE is located at the DNAI1, the ULCL network element or BP insertion process is performed.

The method for indicating service offload shown in FIG. 8 includes S801 to S805.

S801 can refer to S501, and details are not described herein again.

S802. The A-SMF network element sends an acquisition request message to the I-SMF network element to request to acquire the DNAI. The acquisition request message carries at least one DNAI. The at least one DNAI is DNAI included in the shunting strategy.

S803. The I-SMF network element returns a response message to the A-SMF network element, where the response message carries the DNAI information. The DNAI information represents DNAI of the at least one DNAI located within the service range of the I-SMF network element. The DNAI included in the DNAI information is the first identifier.

Among them, S802 and S803 can occur in the insertion process of the I-SMF network element. For example, after the UE moves from the area 1 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 to the area 2, that is, after the service range of the SMF network element 105 is removed, S802 and S803 may be performed during the insertion of the SMF network element 108.

Alternatively, S802 and S803 may occur after the insertion process of the I-SMF network element. For example, after the insertion flow of the SMF network element 108 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 is completed, S802 and S803 are executed.

S804 to S805 can refer to S505 to S506, and details are not described herein again.

The method for indicating traffic offloading shown in FIG. 9 includes S901 to S907.

S901 can refer to S501, and details are not described herein again.

S902. The A-SMF network element sends an acquisition request message to the I-SMF network element to request to acquire the DNAI.

S903. The I-SMF network element returns a response message to the A-SMF network element, where the response message carries the DNAI information. The DNAI information represents the local service deployment within the scope of the I-SMF network element service.

For example, the DNAI information includes DNAI within the scope of the I-SMF network element service.

S904. The A-SMF network element sends a subscription request message to the I-SMF network element, where the subscription request message carries the subscribed DNAI change event information and the at least one DNAI. The at least one DNAI is a DNAI that is included in both the policy information and the I-SMF network element service.

For example, DNAI in the range of I-SMF network element services includes {DNAI1, DNAI2}, and a group of DNAI in the strategy information includes {DNAI1, DNAI2, DNAI3}, and the at least one DNAI includes DNAI1 and DNAI2.

S905: The I-SMF network element detects, according to the subscription request message, that the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE changes, and the changed DNAI is located in at least one DNAI in S904, and the I-SMF network element sends the information to the A-SMF network element. The event notification message carries the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE. The corresponding DNAI is the first identifier in the method shown in FIG.

For example, when at least one DNAI carried in the subscription request message is {DNAI1, DNAI2}, and the DNAI corresponding to the current location of the UE is DNAI1, the event notification message carries DNAI1.

Among them, S902 to S905 can occur in the insertion process of the I-SMF network element. For example, after the UE moves from the area 1 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 to the area 2, that is, after the service range of the SMF network element 105 is removed, the SMF network element 108 is inserted, and S902 to S905 are performed during the insertion.

Alternatively, S902 to S905 may occur after the insertion process of the I-SMF network element. For example, after the insertion flow of the SMF network element 108 in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 is completed, S902 to S905 are performed.

S906 to S907 can refer to S505 to S506, and details are not described herein again.

FIG. 10 is a schematic structural diagram of an apparatus for indicating service offloading according to an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that the device 1000 indicating the traffic offload shown in FIG. 10 is only an example,

The apparatus 1000 indicating the traffic offloading may include a communication module 1010 and a processing module 1020.

The apparatus 1000 for indicating service offloading may be used to perform the steps performed by the A-SMF network element in the method shown in any of Figures 2-9. An example of an apparatus 1000 that indicates traffic offloading is ASMF.

For example, the communication module 1010 is configured to receive a first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, where the first identifier is used to identify a user plane function network element that accesses the first data network.

The processing module 1020 is configured to: according to the first identifier, the intermediate session management function network element is inserted into the user plane function network element, where the user plane function network element is configured to offload the first service to the first data network.

In a possible implementation manner, the processing module 1020 may be specifically configured to: according to the first identifier and the control rule, instruct the intermediate session management function network element to insert a user plane function network element that offloads the first service to the first data network.

In a possible implementation manner, the processing module 1020 may be specifically configured to: determine, according to the first identifier, a local offload that triggers the first service.

In a possible implementation manner, the communication module 1010 may be further configured to: before receiving the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, send the subscription request information to the intermediate session management function network element, where the subscription request information is used to subscribe to the data network. Access identification change event.

The communication module 1010 is specifically configured to receive event notification information of the data network access identifier change event from the intermediate session management function network element, where the event notification information carries the first identifier.

In a possible implementation, before receiving the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, the communication module 1010 is further configured to send an acquisition request message to the intermediate session management function network element, where the acquisition request message is used for requesting acquisition. The identifier of the user plane function network element that enters the data network.

In a possible implementation, before receiving the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, the communication module 1010 is further configured to send the at least one data network access identifier to the intermediate session management function network element, where the at least one The first identifier is included in the data network access identifier.

In the case that the communication module 1010 sends the acquisition request message to the intermediate session management function network element, in a possible implementation manner, before the communication module 1010 sends the at least one data network access identifier to the intermediate session management function network element, the communication module 1010 may also use to:

Receiving, by the intermediate session management function network element, a response message for obtaining the request message, where the response message includes a data network access identifier list, where the data network access identifier list includes the first identifier;

And determining the at least one data network access identifier according to the data network access identifier list and the control rule.

In a possible implementation, the device 1000 may be applied to the insertion process of the intermediate session management function network element, or may be applied to the intermediate session management function after the network element insertion process is completed.

The apparatus 1000 indicating the traffic offloading may be used to perform the steps performed by the I-SMF network element in the method shown in any of Figures 2-9. An example of an apparatus 1000 that indicates a traffic offload is an I-SMF.

For example, the communication module 1010 is configured to send a first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, where the first identifier is used to identify a user plane function network element that accesses the first data network.

The processing module 1020 is configured to insert the user plane function network element, where the user plane function network element is configured to offload the first service to the first data network, under the instruction of the anchor session management function network element.

In a possible implementation manner, before the communication module 1010 sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, the communication module 1010 may further be configured to receive subscription request information from the anchor session management function network element, where the subscription request information is used to subscribe to the data. Network access identification change event.

The communication module 1010 may be specifically configured to: when the data network access identifier change event is detected, send event notification information to the anchor session management function network element, where the event notification information carries the first identifier.

In a possible implementation, before the communication module 1010 sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, the communication module 1010 may also be configured to receive an acquisition request message from the anchor session management function network element, and obtain the request message for requesting acquisition. The identifier of the user plane function network element used to access the data network.

In a possible implementation, before the communication module 1010 sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, the communication module 1010 may further be configured to receive, by the anchor session management function network element, at least one data network access identifier, where the at least one data network access identifier is received. A data network access identifier includes a first identifier.

The communication module 1010 is specifically configured to: send the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element according to the at least one data network access identifier.

In the case that the communication module 1010 receives the acquisition request message from the anchor session management function network element, in a possible implementation manner, before the communication module 1010 sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, the communication module 1010 may also be used to: Sending a response message of the acquisition request message to the anchor session management function network element, where the response message includes a data network access identifier list, where the data network access identifier list includes the first identifier.

In a possible implementation, the apparatus 1000 may be applied to the insertion process of the intermediate session management function network element, or may be applied to the intermediate session management function after the network element insertion process is completed.

In the device 1000 indicating the traffic offload, one example of the communication module 1010 is a transceiver, and one example of the processing module 1020 is a processor.

When the communication module 1010 is a transceiver, the transceiver can include a receiver and a transmitter for indicating the relevant steps of the reception, and the transmitter is configured to perform the relevant steps of the transmission.

The communication module 1010 is a transceiver. When the processing module 1020 is a processor, optionally, the device 1000 for indicating service offloading may further include a memory for storing the program code. This memory can be integrated with the processor in one.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements and algorithm steps of the various examples described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the solution. A person skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each particular application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of the present application.

A person skilled in the art can clearly understand that for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working process of the system, the device and the unit described above can refer to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiment, and details are not described herein again.

In the several embodiments provided by the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices, and methods may be implemented in other manners. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the unit is only a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be another division manner, for example, multiple units or components may be combined or Can be integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be an indirect coupling or communication connection through some interface, device or unit, and may be electrical, mechanical or otherwise.

The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, may be located in one place, or may be distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of the embodiment.

In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

The functions may be stored in a computer readable storage medium if implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as a standalone product. Based on such understanding, the technical solution of the present application, which is essential or contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, may be embodied in the form of a software product, which is stored in a storage medium, including The instructions are used to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of the present application. The foregoing storage medium includes: a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and the like, which can store program code. .

The foregoing is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto, and any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application. It should be covered by the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

A method for indicating service offloading, comprising:

The anchor session management function network element receives the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, where the first identifier is used to identify a user plane function network element that accesses the first data network;

The anchor session management function network element indicates that the intermediate session management function network element is inserted into the user plane function network element according to the first identifier, where the user plane function network element is used to offload the first service to the The first data network.
The method according to claim 1, wherein the anchor session management function network element instructs the intermediate session management function network element insertion to offload the first service to the first according to the first identifier A user plane function network element of a data network, including:

The anchor session management function network element instructs the intermediate session management function network element to insert the user plane function network that offloads the first service to the first data network according to the first identifier and a control rule. yuan.
The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anchor session management function network element indicates, according to the first identifier, that the intermediate session management function network element is inserted to offload the first service to the The user plane function network element of the first network includes:

The anchor session management function network element determines, according to the first identifier, a local offload that triggers the first service.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein before the receiving the first identifier by the intermediate session management function network element, the method further comprises:

The anchor session management function network element sends subscription request information to the intermediate session management function network element, where the subscription request information is used to subscribe to a data network access identifier change event;

The anchor session management function network element receives the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, including:

The anchor session management function network element receives the event notification information of the data network access identifier change event from the intermediate session management function network element, where the event notification information carries the first identifier.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein before the receiving the first identifier by the intermediate session management function network element, the method further comprises:

The anchor session management function network element sends an acquisition request message to the intermediate session management function network element, where the acquisition request message is used to request to obtain an identifier of a user plane function network element used for accessing the data network.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein before the receiving the first identifier by the intermediate session management function network element, the method further comprises:

The anchor session management function network element sends at least one data network access identifier to the intermediate session management function network element, where the at least one data network access identifier includes the first identifier.
The method according to claim 6, wherein the method further includes: before the anchor session management function network element sends the at least one data network access identifier to the intermediate session management function network element, the method further includes:

The anchor session management function network element receives the response message of the acquisition request message from the intermediate session management function network element, where the response message includes a data network access identifier list, where the data network access identifier list is Including the first identifier;

The anchor session management function network element determines the at least one data network access identifier according to the data network access identifier list and the control rule.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the method is performed during insertion of the intermediate session management function network element, or the method is in the intermediate session management function network The meta insert process is executed after completion.
A method for indicating service offloading, comprising:

The intermediate session management function network element sends a first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, where the first identifier is used to identify a user plane function network element that accesses the first data network;

The intermediate session management function network element is inserted into the user plane function network element under the instruction of the anchor session management function network element, where the user plane function network element is configured to offload the first service to the first Data network.
The method according to claim 9, wherein before the sending, by the intermediate session management function, the network element to the anchor session management function network element, the method further includes:

The intermediate session management function network element receives subscription request information from the anchor session management function network element, where the subscription request information is used to subscribe to a data network access identifier change event;

The intermediate session management function network element sends a first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, including:

When the intermediate session management function network element detects the data network access identifier change event, the event notification information is sent to the anchor session management function network element, where the event notification information carries the first identifier.
The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein before the first session management function network element sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, the method further includes:

The intermediate session management function network element receives an acquisition request message from the anchor session management function network element, where the acquisition request message is used to request to obtain an identifier of a user plane function network element for accessing the data network.
The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein before the first session management function network element sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, the method further includes:

The intermediate session management function network element receives at least one data network access identifier from the anchor session management function network element, where the at least one data network access identifier includes the first identifier;

The intermediate session management function network element sends a first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, including:

The intermediate session management function network element sends the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element according to the at least one data network access identifier.
The method according to claim 12, wherein before the sending, by the intermediate session management function, the network element to the anchor session management function network element, the method further includes:

The intermediate session management function network element sends a response message of the acquisition request message to the anchor session management function network element, where the response message includes a data network access identifier list, where the data network access identifier list includes The first identifier is described.
The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the method is performed during insertion of the intermediate session management function network element, or the method is in the intermediate session management function network The meta insert process is executed after completion.
An apparatus for indicating service offloading, comprising:

a communication module, configured to receive a first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element, where the first identifier is used to identify a user plane function network element that accesses the first data network;

a processing module, configured to: according to the first identifier, the intermediate session management function network element is inserted into the user plane function network element, where the user plane function network element is configured to offload the first service to the first data The internet.
The device according to claim 15, wherein the processing module is specifically configured to:

And indicating, according to the first identifier and the control rule, the intermediate session management function network element inserting the user plane function network element that offloads the first service to the first data network.
The device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the processing module is specifically configured to:

Determining, according to the first identifier, a local offload that triggers the first service.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the communication module is further configured to manage the intermediate session before the communication module receives the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element The function network element sends subscription request information, where the subscription request information is used to subscribe to a data network access identifier change event;

The communication module is specifically configured to receive event notification information of the data network access identifier change event from the intermediate session management function network element, where the event notification information carries the first identifier.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the communication module is further configured to manage the intermediate session before the communication module receives the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element The network element sends an acquisition request message, where the acquisition request message is used to request to obtain an identifier of a user plane function network element for accessing the data network.
The device according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the communication module is further configured to send at least the intermediate session management function network element before receiving the first identifier from the intermediate session management function network element. A data network access identifier, wherein the at least one data network access identifier includes the first identifier.
The device according to claim 20, wherein before the communication module sends the at least one data network access identifier to the intermediate session management function network element, the method is further configured to:

Receiving, by the intermediate session management function network element, the response message of the acquisition request message, where the response message includes a data network access identifier list, where the data network access identifier list includes the first identifier;

And determining the at least one data network access identifier according to the data network access identifier list and the control rule.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein the apparatus is applied to an insertion process of the intermediate session management function network element, or the apparatus is applied to the intermediate session management function After the NE insertion process is completed.
An apparatus for indicating service offloading, comprising:

a communication module, configured to send a first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, where the first identifier is used to identify a user plane function network element that accesses the first data network;

The processing module is configured to insert the user plane function network element, where the user plane function network element is configured to offload the first service to the first data network, under the indication of the anchor session management function network element.
The device according to claim 23, wherein the communication module is further configured to receive subscription request information from the anchor session management function network element before sending the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element, where The subscription request information is used to subscribe to a data network access identifier change event;

The communication module is specifically configured to: when the data network access identifier change event is detected, send event notification information to the anchor session management function network element, where the event notification information carries the first identifier.
The device according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the communication module is further configured to receive an acquisition request message from the anchor session management function network element before sending the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element. The obtaining request message is used to request to obtain an identifier of a user plane function network element used for accessing the data network.
The device according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the communication module is further configured to manage the function network element from the anchor session before sending the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element. Receiving at least one data network access identifier, where the at least one data network access identifier includes the first identifier;

The communication module is specifically configured to: send the first identifier to the anchor session management function network element according to the at least one data network access identifier.
The device according to claim 26, wherein the communication module sends the first request identifier to the anchor session management function network element, and is further configured to: send the acquisition request message to the anchor session management function network element The response message includes a data network access identifier list, where the data network access identifier list includes the first identifier.
The apparatus according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the apparatus is applied to an insertion process of the intermediate session management function network element, or the apparatus is applied to the intermediate session management After the function network element insertion process is completed.
An anchor session management function network element, wherein the anchor session management function network element is used to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 14.
An intermediate session management function network element, wherein the intermediate session management function network element is used to perform the method of any one of claims 15 to 28.
A computer storage medium, wherein the computer readable storage medium stores program code for execution by a communication device, the program code comprising means for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 14. instruction.