CN116033593A

CN116033593A - Subscription method, device and equipment of session information

Info

Publication number: CN116033593A
Application number: CN202210226031.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 陈旭; 王丹
Original assignee: China Mobile Communications Group Co Ltd; China Mobile Communications Ltd Research Institute
Current assignee: China Mobile Communications Group Co Ltd; China Mobile Communications Ltd Research Institute
Priority date: 2021-10-22
Filing date: 2022-03-09
Publication date: 2023-04-28

Abstract

The invention provides a subscription method, a device and equipment of session information, and a method for opening an application function or a capability comprises the following steps: subscribing session information to a first network function; and receiving a notification for the subscription, and determining a policy control function PCF. The proposal of the invention solves the PCF addressing problem of the non-IP protocol data unit PDU session binding scene.

Description

Subscription method, device and equipment of session information

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of communications technologies, and in particular, to a method, an apparatus, and a device for subscribing session information.

Background

As shown in fig. 1, for a PCC (policy control and charging) architecture that requires that N7 (session management function SMF-policy control function PCF) and N5/Rx interface (access function AF-PCF) messages of the same user are addressed to the same PCF, a unique association of the user's traffic data flow (service data flow) and a specific QoS flow (specific QoS Flow) is achieved.

When deploying multiple individually addressable PCFs in a network, the BSF (Binding Support Function ) implements a 5G user PDU session (protocol data unit session) binding function.

The BSF stores, for each PDU Session, binding information of a Session such as a user identifier, DNN (content management system), a UE address (IP address or MAC address, etc.), an address of a PCF selected by the SMF, etc., so as to ensure that when the AF identifies a service transmission policy of the UE based on the UE address, PCF address query service is provided for the AF (application function) or the NEF (network open function), and the N5/Rx interface is addressed to the PCF corresponding to the PDU Session of the UE service.

The 5G network contains different types of PDU session: IPv4, IPv6, IPv4v6, ethernet, overtransstructed; the Non IP PDU session is oriented to vertical industry users/internet of things applications, and unlike large network users, the vertical industry users have no roaming characteristics, and the users have no requirement of acquiring mobile IP addresses to ensure internet application connectivity when accessing the data network DN. PCC policy control is implemented only within the local area network and the UE accesses the service application platform using the MAC address. The MAC address is not assigned by the 5G network, but the terminal itself, when accessing the network, is brought to the network.

When multiple BSFs exist in the 5G network, the MAC address field of the BSF service is difficult to plan in advance, and it is difficult to address the BSF to obtain the PCF address according to the UE MAC address, so no solution exists at present.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to provide a subscription method, device and equipment for session information. The PCF addressing problem of the non-IP PDU session binding scene is solved.

In order to solve the technical problems, the technical scheme of the invention is as follows:

a subscription method of session information, applied to an application function or a capability opening function, the method comprising:

subscribing session information to a first network function;

receiving a notification for the subscription, and determining a policy control function PCF; the notification includes session information.

Optionally, the session information is binding information related to the session, including a user identifier or a user address, a PCF address or PCF identifier of the policy control function, a data network name DNN, and/or a slice identifier.

Optionally, the subscription includes a user identity or a user address, and the subscription is related to a session of the user identity or the user address.

Optionally, the subscription is used to subscribe to the following cases:

binding information for the session related to the subscription is created, modified or updated;

or the session related to the subscription is established or the user address related to the session is changed or a user address is added in the session;

Alternatively, a user address is deleted from the session.

Optionally, the session information included in the notification is a user address associated with the session.

Optionally, subscribing to session information with the first network function, including subscribing to at least one of:

the user address associated with the session changes;

a user address is added in the session;

one user address is deleted from the session.

Optionally, the session is an IP PDU session or an ethernet protocol data unit PDU session, and the user address includes an IP address or a MAC address.

Optionally, the subscription further comprises at least one of a data network name DNN, a slice identity, a PDU session type.

Optionally, receiving a notification for the subscription, determining a policy control function PCF, further comprising:

receiving a notification for the subscription, obtaining at least one of the following from the notification:

the policy control function PCF identifier or address associated with the session corresponding to the user identifier or user address;

creating a first network function identifier or address with binding information of a session of the user;

binding information of a session containing the user identification or user address and a policy control function PCF identification or address; the binding information of the session also comprises a user address related to the session corresponding to the user identifier or the user address;

Determining a policy control function PCF according to the user address related to the session and the binding information of the session; or, according to the user address related to the session and the first network function identifier or address, querying the first network function to determine a policy control function PCF.

receiving a notification for the subscription, further obtaining, from the notification, at least one of:

the corresponding relation between the user identifier or the user address and the first network function identifier or the address which creates the binding information of the session of the user;

determining the first network function according to the corresponding relation;

and inquiring the first network function to determine a policy control function PCF according to the user address related to the session related to the binding information of the session.

Optionally, the user address is at least one of:

the user address is a user MAC address;

the user address is a user IP address;

the user address is a user address related to the session corresponding to the subscription.

Optionally, receiving a notification for the subscription, determining a policy control function PCF, comprising:

Receiving a notification for the subscription, and obtaining a user address related to the session according to the notification;

and determining a policy control function PCF according to the session corresponding to the user address.

Optionally, the identification or address of the policy control function PCF is from one of:

notification of relevant subscriptions to the session to which the user address corresponds;

inquiring related information of a session corresponding to the user address;

storing relevant information of a session corresponding to the user address;

and configuring relevant information of the session corresponding to the user address.

Optionally, the binding information of the session is created by a first network function; the policy control function PCF indicates, according to configuration or user subscription data, whether binding information for the session is created.

Optionally, the policy control function PCF indicates whether binding information for the session is created based on DNN and/or slice granularity.

Optionally, the PCF asks the SMF to report the user address of the session associated with the DNN and/or slice; the binding information for the session includes one or more user addresses associated with the session.

Optionally, the user address includes one of:

User Equipment (UE) establishes a request for establishing the PDU session or modifies a user address carried in the request;

the user plane function UPF detects the data packet according to the rule issued by the SMF for the PDU session and reports the user address;

in the authentication process of PDU conversation, DN-AAA returns user address;

the user address is an IP address or a MAC address.

Optionally, after receiving the user address related to the PDU session reported by the SMF, the PCF creates or updates binding information of the session to the first network function;

alternatively, the SMF creates or updates binding information for the session to the first network function.

Optionally, before subscribing to the session information with the first network function, further comprises:

acquiring an address or a list of addresses of a user; the user's address or list of addresses is assigned to a predetermined slice, a predetermined DNN and/or a predetermined session type.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a subscription method of session information, which is applied to the first network function and comprises the following steps:

receiving subscription of application functions or capability opening functions to session information;

a notification for the subscription is sent to an application function or a capability opening function, the notification comprising session information.

Optionally, the session information is session related binding information including a user identifier or a user address, a PCF address or PCF identifier of a policy control function, a data network name DNN, and/or a slice identifier.

Optionally, the subscription includes a user identifier or a user address, and the subscription is related to a session of the user identifier or the user address. Optionally, the subscription is used to subscribe to the following cases:

alternatively, a user address is deleted from the session.

Optionally, receiving a subscription of the application function or the capability opening function to the session information includes receiving at least one of the following events:

user address associated with session changes

A user address is added in the session;

one user address is deleted from the session.

Optionally, the subscription further carries at least one of a data network name DNN, a slice identity, a PDU session type.

Optionally, the notification for the subscription includes at least one of:

binding information of a session containing the user identification or user address and a policy control function PCF identification or address; the binding information of the session also includes a user address associated with the session corresponding to the user identification or user address.

Optionally, the user address is at least one of:

the user address is a user MAC address;

the user address is a user IP address;

The embodiment of the invention also provides a subscription device of session information, which is applied to an application function or a capability opening function, and comprises the following steps:

the receiving and transmitting module is used for subscribing session information to the first network function; receiving a notification for the subscription, and determining a policy control function PCF; the notification includes session information.

The embodiment of the invention also provides an application function or capability opening function entity, comprising the subscription device of the session information.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a subscription device of session information, which is applied to a first network function, and comprises:

and the receiving and transmitting module is used for receiving the subscription of the application function or the capability opening function to the session information and transmitting a notification aiming at the subscription to the application function or the capability opening function, wherein the notification comprises the session information.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a first network function entity, comprising the subscription device of the session information.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a communication device, which comprises: a processor, a memory storing a computer program which, when executed by the processor, performs the method as described above.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform a method as described above.

The scheme of the invention at least comprises the following beneficial effects:

subscribing to session information by subscribing to a first network function; receiving a notification for the subscription, and determining a policy control function PCF; the notification includes session information. Thereby enabling PCF addressing of non-IP PDU session binding scenarios.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a servitization interface of a session binding function network element and other function network elements;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for subscribing to session information according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a schematic flow chart of a subscription method of session information in an independent BSF scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic flow chart of a subscription method of session information in a non-independent BSF scenario according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is another flow chart of a subscription method of session information according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for subscribing to session information according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 7 is a block diagram of a subscription apparatus for session information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be embodied in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

As shown in fig. 2, an embodiment of the present invention provides a subscription method of session information, applied to an application function or a capability opening function, the method including:

step 21, subscribing session information to the first network function.

Here, the application function or the capability opening function may send a subscription request message to the first network function to subscribe to the session information.

Step 22, receiving a notification for the subscription, determining a policy control function PCF; the notification includes session information.

Here, after the application function or the capability opening function subscribes to the session information with the first network function, the first network function may send a notification message for the subscription to the application function or the capability opening function. And the application function or the capability opening function receives the notification message and obtains the session information contained in the notification message.

In this embodiment, session information is subscribed to by subscribing to the first network function; receiving a notification for the subscription, and determining a policy control function PCF; the notification includes session information; PCF addressing for non-IP PDU session binding scenarios is implemented.

Here, the session information is binding information related to the session, including a user identifier or a user address, a PCF address or PCF identifier of the policy control function, a data network name DNN, and/or a slice identifier.

The subscription includes a user identification or a user address, and the subscription is related to a session of the user identification or the user address.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the subscription is used to subscribe to the following cases:

alternatively, a user address is deleted from the session.

The session is an IP PDU session or an ethernet protocol data unit PDU session, and the user address includes an IP address or a MAC address.

The subscription further comprises at least one of a data network name DNN, a slice identity, a PDU session type.

Here, the AF with PCF service invocation request obtains the CPE ID/address list responsible for the slice and authorization within the DNN by configuring or querying the DN-AAA. AF initiates subscription to a first network function (e.g., BSF) of a service-specific slice and DNN through NEF (network open function); wherein, the subscription mode 1) subscribes to session information with the slice ID and the authorized CPE ID/address list in DNN. Subscription mode 2) slice ID and DNN and PDU session type (ethernet PDU session) subscription session information.

In an optional embodiment of the present invention, in the subscription method of session information, receiving a notification about the subscription, determining the policy control function PCF may further include:

In an optional embodiment of the present invention, in the method for subscribing session information, receiving a notification about the subscription, determining a policy control function PCF, further includes:

determining the first network function according to the corresponding relation;

Further, records may also be generated based on the notification and/or updated and deleted for existing records.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the session information included in the notification in step 22 is a user address related to the session. Specifically, the user address is at least one of the following:

1) The user address is a user MAC address;

2) The user address is a user IP address;

3) The user address is a user address related to the session corresponding to the subscription.

In the above step 21, subscribing to the session information with the first network function may specifically include subscribing to at least one of the following events:

the user address associated with the session changes;

A user address is added in the session;

one user address is deleted from the session.

For example, where the subscription is a change in a user address associated with a session, a user address is added to a session, or a user address is deleted from a session, the notification for the subscription may include the user address associated with the session.

In the step 22, when receiving the notification about the subscription and determining the policy control function PCF, the method specifically may include: receiving a notification for the subscription, and obtaining a user address related to the session according to the notification; and determining a policy control function PCF according to the session corresponding to the user address.

Specifically, according to the user address, a session corresponding to the user address may be determined, and further, a PCF associated with the session corresponding to the user address may be determined.

For example, the notification for subscription includes a first user address related to the first session, at this time, in step 22, a first session corresponding to the first user address may be determined according to the first user address, and then, an identifier or an address of a first PCF associated with the first session may be determined according to an association relationship between the user address and the identifier or the address of the PCF.

In addition, the identification or address of the PCF may be from one of:

1) Notification of relevant subscriptions to the session to which the user address corresponds;

2) Inquiring related information of a session corresponding to the user address;

3) Storing relevant information of a session corresponding to the user address;

4) And configuring relevant information of the session corresponding to the user address.

Here, the relevant subscription in the above item 1 is a subscription indicating a relevant event for a session corresponding to the user address; in the foregoing items 2 to 4, the relevant information about the session corresponding to the user address may specifically include one or more of the following information: including a user identification or user address, an address of the policy control function PCF or an identification of the PCF, a data network name DNN and/or a slice identification.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the binding information of the session is created by a first network function; the policy control function PCF indicates whether the binding information of the session is created or not according to configuration or user subscription data;

The PCF asks the SMF to report the user address of the session associated with the DNN and/or slice; the binding information for the session includes one or more user addresses associated with the session.

The creation process of the session information comprises the following steps:

acquiring a MAC address related to PDU session through a session management function SMF;

and updating session information in the session context of the user through the SMF, checking whether the PCF has subscription, and if so, reporting the MAC address related to the PDU session to the PCF.

Specifically, checking the subscribed slice, DNN and authorization rule, and distinguishing the slice from the DNN record CPE ID/address subscription list after passing; or checking the subscribed slice, DNN and authorization rule, and distinguishing the slice from DNN to record subscription event after the subscribed slice, DNN and authorization rule pass, wherein the subscription event is the MAC address update of PDU session;

the receiving PCF confirms that the session binding requirement exists based on configuration or user subscription, and when the session management function SMF selects PCF related to the session management based on the non-IP PDU session establishment of the designated slice/DNN triggered by CPE.

In this embodiment, the first network function (e.g. BSF) checks the subscribed slice and DNN and authorization rules, and after passing, distinguishes the slice from the DNN to record CPE ID/address subscription list (including AF identification/ID initiating subscription and slice/DNN/CPE information list subscribing); the first network function checks the subscribed slices and DNNs and authorization rules, and after passing, distinguishes the slices from DNNs recording subscription events (MAC address updates for ethernet PDU sessions.

When the CPE triggers the establishment of a Non IP PDU session (including an Ethernet PDU session) of a designated slice/DNN, the SMF receives a session establishment request, selects a policy control PCF related to session management, and the PCF confirms whether a session binding requirement exists or not based on configuration or user subscription, namely whether an AF has an N5 interface service calling requirement or not. Configuration and user subscription may be based on DNN and/or slice granularity.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the user address includes one of:

and in the authentication process of the PDU session, the DN-AAA returns the user address.

The user address is an IP address or a MAC address.

In the above embodiment of the present invention, after receiving the user address related to the PDU session reported by the SMF, the PCF creates or updates the binding information of the session to the first network function;

In an optional embodiment of the present invention, in the method for subscribing to session information, before subscribing to the session information to the first network function, the method further includes:

Acquiring an address or a list of addresses of a user; the user's address or list of addresses is assigned to a predetermined slice, a predetermined DNN and/or a predetermined session type; here, the address or list of addresses of the user may be obtained by configuring or querying the DN-AAA;

in this embodiment, the first network function (e.g., BSF) creates session information if session binding needs. The specific process of creating session information is as follows:

(1) The PCF asks the SMF to report the MAC address associated with this Non IP PDU session (Non-IP PDU session).

(2) The SMF acquires the MAC address, and specific ways may include:

(21) The UE establishes a request for PDU session establishment or modifies the MAC address carried in the request for PDU session modification;

(22) UPF detects source MAC address of user plane/media plane data packet according to SMF issued detection rule for conversation and then reports MAC address;

(23) When DNN related to the PDU session needs DN authentication, SMF initiates an authentication request to DN-AAA, after passing authentication, DN-AAA returns a set of MAC addresses authorizing to use the PDU session.

(3) After the SMF acquires the MAC address related to the PDU session, the session information is updated in the session context of the user, and the PCF is checked whether there is a subscription, if so, the PCF is reported the MAC address related to the PDU session. If the acquisition mode of the UPF detection or the carrying of the UE in the PDU session modification request message is adopted, the UE may report for multiple times.

(4) In the independent BSF scene, the PCF creates session information to the BSF after receiving the report; in a combined SMF and BSF scenario, the SMF creates session information to the PCF or directly to the BSF.

In the above embodiment of the present invention, further, the method further includes:

the Non IP PDU session (including ethernet PDU session) establishes the binding BSF creation session information of the selected session, and the BSF informs the AF of the slice/DNN/PCF address corresponding to the CPE creation session matching the upper subscribed CPE ID/address according to the subscription request.

Subsequently, the AF obtains the CPE and the MAC address of the device to which the CPE is connected by:

if the session binding information of the CPE changes (the MAC address of the device after the CPE is added), the BSF notifies the AF. AF saves the corresponding relation between CPE and MAC address of equipment behind CPE.

User plane management is performed between the AF and the UPF for the session, for example, the session is identified through a tunnel, when the session is identified, the UPF and the AF confirm the MAC address of the CPE, and when the AF receives the source address as other MAC addresses from the corresponding session, the AF stores the corresponding relationship between the CPE and the MAC address of the equipment behind the CPE.

When the source MAC address received from the user plane/media plane needs to initiate subscription to PCF, AF determines PCF address according to the CPEID/address-PCF address corresponding relation and MAC address of CPE and device connected with CPE. Thus, the PCF addressing problem of the Non IP PDU session binding scene is solved.

The above embodiments are not limited to the case where the address of the device to which the CPE is connected is a MAC address, but are also applicable to the case where the address of the device is an IP address.

In an implementation example of the present invention, as shown in fig. 3, in the case of independent BSF, the procedure for obtaining the MAC address of the device connected to the UE through DN-AAA authorization includes:

the AF obtains from the DN-AAA the list of CPE IDs/addresses responsible for the slice and authorization within the DNN.

The AF initiates a subscription request (carrying a slice, DNN, CPE ID or address list) to the BSF (including BSF1 and BSF 2) serving a particular slice and DNN, and also to the BSF (including BSF1 and BSF 2) via the NEF.

UE1 initiates PDU Session establishment (PDU session establishment) request to SMF 1;

UE1 performs DN authentication with DN-AAA authentication;

DN-AAA authorization;

SMF1 sends SM Policy Association Establishment (policy association establishment) request to PCF 1;

PCF1 confirms that the session binding requirement exists based on configuration or user subscription;

PCF1 sends SM Policy Association Establishment (SM policy association establishment) response to SMF 1;

PCF1 creates session information to BSF 1;

BSF1 informs AF and subscribed CPE (UE 1) ID or address related information (MAC address, PCF1 address of CPE connection);

AF receiving UE1 connected device accesses AF uplink data (MAC 3)

AF determines the PCF address based on the connection relationship of MAC3, MAC3 and CPE.

For UE2, initiate PDU Session establishment to SMF2 (PDU session establishment);

SMF2 sends SM Policy Association Establishment (policy association establishment) request to PCF 2;

PCF2 confirms that the session binding requirement does not exist based on configuration or user subscription;

PCF2 sends SM Policy Association Establishment (SM policy association establishment) response to SMF2, UE2 does not subscribe to UE MAC address related information.

The embodiment of the invention provides an application function for the non-IP PDU session to influence the routing capability of the user plane flow, and solves PCF addressing of the non-IP PDU session binding scene for the scene that the UE is connected with multiple devices.

The above embodiments are not limited to the case where the address of the device to which the CPE is connected is a MAC address, but are also applicable to the case where the address of the device is an IP address. In another implementation example of the present invention, as shown in fig. 4, in a non-independent BSF scenario, a process of obtaining a MAC address of a device connected to a UE through carrying the UE and detecting the UPF includes:

the AF obtains a list of CPE IDs/addresses responsible for the slice and authorization within the DNN.

AF initiates subscription requests (carrying the slice, DNN, CPE ID or address list) to the built-in BSFs (including BSF1 and BSF 2) serving the specific slice and DNN, and also to the built-in BSFs (including BSF1 and BSF 2) via the NEF.

UE1 initiates PDU Session establishment (PDU session establishment) request to SMF1;

PCF1 sends SM Policy Association Establishment (SM policy association establishment) response to SMF1;

SMF1 creates session information (including the MAC address carried by the user request) to BSF 1;

UPF1 detects the MAC address connected with CPE and reports SMF1;

SMF1 updates the binding information (including the MAC address of the UPF detected CPE connection) of the session to BSF1

AF receiving UE1 connected device accesses AF uplink data (MAC 3)

AF determines PCF address based on connection relation between MAC3 and CPE;

AF/NEF sends N5 interface subscription to PCF 1; or the AF inquires the binding information of the session to the BSF1 and then sends the N5 interface subscription to the PCF 1.

Fig. 5 is an example of another interactive flow of the subscription method of session information of the present invention, and steps such as detecting a MAC address by the 5G network are omitted in fig. 5, and only the sequence is schematically illustrated. In fig. 5, the step of the AF transmitting a subscription request to the BSF to subscribe to a user address change related to the session of UE1 precedes the BSF creating session binding information of UE 1. The notification of the subscription contains PCF address, and the PCF address associated with the session can be obtained through the notification. The process mainly comprises the following steps:

AF sends subscription request to BSF1 and BSF2, wherein the subscription request carries SUPI and/or MAC address of UE1, and changes of user MAC address of session corresponding to SUPI and/or MAC address of subscription UE1 (such as change of session related user address, addition of one user address in session, deletion of one user address in session); BSF1 and BSF2 create subscription information, respectively;

Subsequently, the BSF1 creates session binding information of the UE1, so that the BSF1 will send a notification corresponding to the subscription to the AF, where the notification carries session information, including the MAC address (MAC 1) of the user, and may also carry the PCF1 address. In this way, AF can save user MAC address (MAC 1) and PCF address related to conversation, thus establishing corresponding relation among user MAC address, conversation and PCF address;

thus, when the subsequent UE1 connected device (assuming that its MAC address is MAC 3) accesses the uplink data of the AF, the BSF1 may update the session binding information of the UE1, for example, add MAC3, and send a notification corresponding to the subscription to the AF, carrying session information, including the MAC addresses (MAC 1, MAC 3) of the user; the AF may then save the session-related user MAC address. So that the subsequent AF can access PCF1 for access by MAC3 based on the PCF address associated with the session.

Fig. 6 is an example of another interactive flow of the subscription method of session information of the present invention, and steps such as detecting a MAC address by the 5G network are omitted in fig. 6, and only the sequence is schematically illustrated. In fig. 6, the BSF first creates session binding information of the UE1, then initiates a session binding information query request for the session by the subsequent AF, and then subscribes to the BSF, and subscribes to a change of an associated user address of the session (e.g., the session associated user address changes, a user address is added in the session, and a user address is deleted in the session). The PCF address associated with the session can be obtained through inquiring the related information of the session. The process mainly comprises the following steps:

The BSF1 creates session binding information of the session 1 of the UE 1;

AF initiates a session binding information query of session 1 to BSF1, carrying the MAC address (MAC 1) of UE 1;

the BSF returns session binding information (comprising PCF1 address) corresponding to the session 1 to the AF, and the AF stores the session binding information of the session 1, including the PCF1 address and other information associated with the session 1;

AF initiates a subscription request to BSF1, carrying SUPI and/or MAC address of UE1, subscribing to change of user MAC address of session corresponding to SUPI and/or MAC address of UE 1; the BSF1 creates subscription information;

when the subsequent UE1 connected device (assuming that its MAC address is MAC 5) accesses the uplink data of the AF through session 1, the BSF1 may update session binding information of session 1 of UE1, for example, increase MAC5, and send a notification corresponding to the subscription to the AF, carrying session information, including the MAC addresses (MAC 1, MAC 5) of the user; the AF may then save the session-related user MAC address. So that the subsequent AF can access PCF1 for access by MAC5 based on the PCF address associated with the session.

The procedure when the subsequent UE1 connected device (assuming that its MAC address is MAC 7) accesses the uplink data of the AF through session 1 is similar, and will not be repeated here.

The session information is binding information related to the session, and comprises a user identifier or a user address, a policy control function PCF address or PCF identifier, a data network name DNN and/or a slice identifier.

Optionally, the subscription includes a user identifier or a user address, and the subscription is related to a session of the user identifier or the user address.

Optionally, the subscription is used to subscribe to the following cases:

alternatively, a user address is deleted from the session.

Optionally, the session information included in the notification is a user address related to the session. Specifically, the user address is at least one of the following:

1) The user address is a user MAC address;

2) The user address is a user IP address;

Optionally, receiving a subscription of the application function or the capability opening function to the session information may include receiving at least one of the following events:

user address associated with session changes

A user address is added in the session;

one user address is deleted from the session.

Optionally, the subscription is used to subscribe to the following cases:

alternatively, a user address is deleted from the session.

Optionally, the notification for the subscription includes at least one of:

It should be noted that, this embodiment of the method is a method on the first network function side corresponding to the method on the application function or capability opening function side, and all implementation manners in the embodiment of the method are applicable to this embodiment, so that the same technical effects can be achieved.

As shown in fig. 7, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a subscription apparatus 50 for session information, applied to an application function or a capability opening function, where the apparatus 50 includes:

a transceiver module 51, configured to subscribe session information to a first network function; receiving a notification for the subscription, and determining a policy control function PCF; the notification includes session information.

Optionally, the subscription is used to subscribe to the following cases:

alternatively, a user address is deleted from the session.

the user address associated with the session changes;

a user address is added in the session;

one user address is deleted from the session.

determining the first network function according to the corresponding relation;

Optionally, the user address is at least one of:

1) The user address is a user MAC address;

2) The user address is a user IP address;

inquiring related information of a session corresponding to the user address;

storing relevant information of a session corresponding to the user address;

Optionally, the user address includes one of:

The user address is an IP address or a MAC address.

It should be noted that, the device is a device corresponding to the method of the application function or the capability opening function side, and all implementation manners of the method are applicable to the embodiment of the device, so that the same technical effects can be achieved; the device further comprises a processing module 52 for processing the information received and transmitted by the transceiver module 51.

The receiving and transmitting module is used for receiving subscription of the application function or the capability opening function to the session information;

alternatively, a user address is deleted from the session.

User address associated with session changes

A user address is added in the session;

one user address is deleted from the session.

Optionally, the notification for the subscription includes at least one of:

Optionally, the user address is at least one of:

the user address is a user MAC address;

the user address is a user IP address;

It should be noted that, the device is a device corresponding to the method on the first network function side, and all implementation manners of the method are applicable to the embodiment of the device, so that the same technical effects can be achieved.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a first network function entity, comprising the subscription device of the session information. All the implementation manners in the above embodiment are applicable to this embodiment, and the same technical effects can be achieved.

The embodiment of the invention also provides a communication device, which comprises: a processor, a memory storing a computer program which, when executed by the processor, performs the method as described above. All the implementation manners in the method embodiment are applicable to the embodiment, and the same technical effect can be achieved.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when run on a computer, cause the computer to perform a method as described above. All the implementation manners in the method embodiment are applicable to the embodiment, and the same technical effect can be achieved.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative elements and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, or combinations of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that, for convenience and brevity of description, specific working procedures of the above-described systems, apparatuses and units may refer to corresponding procedures in the foregoing method embodiments, and are not repeated herein.

In the embodiments provided in the present invention, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and method may be implemented in other manners. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative, e.g., the division of the units is merely a logical function division, and there may be additional divisions when actually implemented, e.g., multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be omitted or not performed. Alternatively, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed with each other may be an indirect coupling or communication connection via some interfaces, devices or units, which may be in electrical, mechanical or other form.

The units described as separate units may or may not be physically separate, and units shown as units may or may not be physical units, may be located in one place, or may be distributed on a plurality of network units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment.

In addition, each functional unit in the embodiments of the present invention may be integrated in one processing unit, or each unit may exist alone physically, or two or more units may be integrated in one unit.

The functions, if implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as a stand-alone product, may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention may be embodied essentially or in a part contributing to the prior art or in a part of the technical solution, in the form of a software product stored in a storage medium, comprising several instructions for causing a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method according to the embodiments of the present invention. And the aforementioned storage medium includes: a usb disk, a removable hard disk, a ROM, a RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, etc.

Furthermore, it should be noted that in the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is apparent that the components or steps may be disassembled and/or assembled. Such decomposition and/or recombination should be considered as equivalent aspects of the present invention. Also, the steps of performing the series of processes described above may naturally be performed in chronological order in the order of description, but are not necessarily performed in chronological order, and some steps may be performed in parallel or independently of each other. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that all or any of the steps or components of the methods and apparatus of the present invention may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof in any computing device (including processors, storage media, etc.) or network of computing devices, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this description of the invention.

The object of the invention can thus also be achieved by running a program or a set of programs on any computing device. The computing device may be a well-known general purpose device. The object of the invention can thus also be achieved by merely providing a program product containing program code for implementing said method or apparatus. That is, such a program product also constitutes the present invention, and a storage medium storing such a program product also constitutes the present invention. It is apparent that the storage medium may be any known storage medium or any storage medium developed in the future. It should also be noted that in the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is apparent that the components or steps may be disassembled and/or assembled. Such decomposition and/or recombination should be considered as equivalent aspects of the present invention. The steps of executing the series of processes may naturally be executed in chronological order in the order described, but are not necessarily executed in chronological order. Some steps may be performed in parallel or independently of each other.

While the foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention, and such modifications and adaptations are intended to be comprehended within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A subscription method of session information, which is applied to an application function or a capability opening function, the method comprising:

subscribing session information to a first network function;

2. Subscription method for session information according to claim 1, characterized in that the session information is session related binding information comprising a user identity or user address, a policy control function PCF address or PCF identity, a data network name DNN and/or a slice identity.

3. A method of subscribing to session information according to claim 1, wherein the subscription comprises a user identity or a user address, the subscription being related to a session of the user identity or user address.

4. The subscription method of session information according to claim 1, wherein the subscription is used to subscribe to the following cases:

Alternatively, a user address is deleted from the session.

5. The method of subscription to session information according to claim 1, wherein the session information included in the notification is a user address associated with the session.

6. The method of subscribing to session information according to claim 5, wherein subscribing to session information with the first network function comprises subscribing to at least one of:

the user address associated with the session changes;

a user address is added in the session;

one user address is deleted from the session.

7. A method of subscribing to session information according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the session is an IP PDU session or an ethernet protocol data unit PDU session, and the user address comprises an IP address or a MAC address.

8. The method of subscription to session information according to claim 1, wherein the subscription further comprises at least one of a data network name DNN, a slice identity, a PDU session type.

9. The subscription method of session information according to claim 1, wherein receiving a notification for the subscription, determining a policy control function PCF, further comprises:

10. The subscription method of session information according to claim 1, wherein receiving a notification for the subscription, determining a policy control function PCF, further comprises:

Determining the first network function according to the corresponding relation;

11. The method of subscribing to session information according to claim 5, wherein the user address is at least one of:

the user address is a user MAC address;

the user address is a user IP address;

12. The subscription method of session information according to claim 11, wherein receiving a notification for the subscription, determining a policy control function PCF, comprises:

13. The subscription method of session information according to claim 12, wherein the identification or address of the policy control function PCF is from one of the following:

inquiring related information of a session corresponding to the user address;

Storing relevant information of a session corresponding to the user address;

14. The subscription method of session information according to claim 1, wherein the binding information of the session is created by a first network function; the policy control function PCF indicates, according to configuration or user subscription data, whether binding information for the session is created.

15. The subscription method of session information according to claim 14, wherein the policy control function PCF indicates whether binding information for the session is created based on DNN and/or slice granularity.

16. Subscription method for session information according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the PCF requires the SMF to report the user address of the session associated with the DNN and/or slice; the binding information for the session includes one or more user addresses associated with the session.

17. The method of subscription to session information of claim 11, wherein the user address comprises one of:

in the authentication process of PDU conversation, DN-AAA returns user address;

the user address is an IP address or a MAC address.

18. The method for subscribing to session information according to claim 14, wherein,

after receiving the user address related to PDU session reported by SMF, PCF creates or updates binding information of session to first network function;

19. The method of subscribing to session information according to claim 1, further comprising, prior to subscribing to the session information with the first network function:

20. A method for subscribing to session information, applied to a first network function, the method comprising:

21. Subscription method for session information according to claim 20, characterized in that the session information is session related binding information comprising a user identity or user address, a policy control function PCF address or PCF identity, a data network name DNN and/or a slice identity.

22. A method of subscribing to session information according to claim 20, wherein the subscription comprises a user identity or a user address, the subscription relating to a session of the user identity or user address.

23. The method of subscription to session information according to claim 20, wherein the subscription is used to subscribe to:

alternatively, a user address is deleted from the session.

24. The method of subscription to session information according to claim 20, wherein the session information included in the notification is a user address associated with the session.

25. The method for subscribing to session information according to claim 24, wherein,

Receiving a subscription of the application function or the capability opening function to the session information includes receiving at least one of the following events:

user address associated with session changes

A user address is added in the session;

one user address is deleted from the session.

26. A method of subscribing to session information according to any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein the session is an IP PDU session or an ethernet protocol data unit PDU session, and the user address comprises an IP address or a MAC address.

27. The method of subscription to session information according to claim 20, wherein the subscription further carries at least one of a data network name DNN, a slice identity, a PDU session type.

28. The method of subscribing to session information according to claim 20, wherein the notification for the subscription comprises at least one of:

29. The method of subscribing to session information according to claim 24, wherein the user address is at least one of:

the user address is a user MAC address;

the user address is a user IP address;

30. A subscription apparatus for session information, applied to an application function or a capability opening function, the apparatus comprising:

31. An application function or capability opening function entity, comprising subscription means for session information according to claim 30.

32. A subscription arrangement for session information, applied to a first network function, the arrangement comprising:

33. A first network function entity comprising the subscription means for session information of claim 32.

34. A communication device, comprising: a processor, a memory storing a computer program which, when executed by the processor, performs the method of any one of claims 1 to 19 or the method of any one of claims 20 to 29.

35. A computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 19 or the method of any one of claims 20 to 29.