JP6367874B2 - Method and apparatus for establishing a direct tunnel - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for establishing a direct tunnel.

GTP (General Packet Radio Service Tunneling Protocol) is a communication protocol widely applied between network elements of GPRS networks. For example, it is applied between SGSN (Serving GPRS Support Node) and GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node). GTP continues to be used in EPS (Evolved Packet System). GTP is used to transfer signaling messages and service data packets. A network element that uses the GTP protocol uses an IP address, a UDP (User Data Protocol) port number, and a TEID (Tunnel Endpoint Identifier) to identify the GTP tunnel.
The direct tunnel is one of user plane tunnel modes in the GPRS network and is also used in the EPS network. RNC (Radio Network Controller) and GGSN or SGW (Serving Gateway) use the SGW in the EPS network to establish user plane tunnels directly, without the need to traverse SGSN, and uplink and downlink user planes Data packets are transferred directly between the RNC and the GGSN (or SGW). When a user terminal is idle in direct tunnel mode, the SGSN uses a signaling message to update the user plane tunnel on the GGSN (or SGW) and to create a user plane tunnel between the SGSN and GGSN (or SGW). Establish; when an idle user terminal downlink data packet is forwarded to the SGSN via the corresponding user plane tunnel, the SGSN establishes a signaling connection and radio bearer between the user terminal and the network. Initiate a paging process to trigger the user terminal to initiate a service request process to change the user terminal to a connected state. In the service request process, if the SGSN decides to establish a direct tunnel, the SGSN separates the RNC and GGSN (or SGW) to exchange tunnel endpoint identifiers between the RNC and GGSN (or SGW). Exchange signaling messages with and establish a direct tunnel between RNC and GGSN (or SGW). The service request process may also be actively initiated by the user terminal. The direct tunnel mechanism can reduce the number of path hops for forwarding user plane data packets, thereby reducing service delay.
However, due to some service and terminal characteristics, the SGSN frequently sends signaling messages to the GGSN or SGW in order to establish a direct tunnel or cancel the direct tunnel. For this reason, the number of signaling messages that need to be processed in the GGSN or SGW increases, and the signaling load in the GGSN or SGW increases.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0222430 International Publication No. 03/067912

3GPP TS 23.060 V9.11.0 (2011-12), [online], December 14, 2011, p277-p278, [search date 2015.10.15], URL, http://www.3gpp.org/ftp/Specs /archive/23_series/23.060/23060-9b0.zip

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for establishing a direct tunnel that can reduce the number of signaling messages that need to be processed in a GGSN or SGW and can reduce the signaling load in the GGSN or SGW To do.

  To achieve the above objective, the following technical solutions are used in the embodiments of the present invention.

A method for establishing a direct tunnel,
The mobility management network element determining that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel;
Sending a request message to the gateway to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway;
Receiving a response message sent by the gateway to confirm that the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway has been successfully established;
A method comprising:

A device for establishing a direct tunnel,
A determining unit configured to determine that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel;
A transmitter configured to send a request message to the gateway to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway;
A receiver configured to receive a response message sent by the gateway to confirm that the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway has been successfully established;
A device comprising:

  In a method and apparatus for establishing a direct tunnel provided by an embodiment of the present invention, it is determined that the characteristics of a user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel; a radio access network and a gateway; A request message is sent to the gateway to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the gateway; a response message to confirm that the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway has been successfully established A response message sent by the gateway is received. In the prior art, when a direct tunnel is established, signaling messages are frequently sent to the GGSN or SGW. For this reason, the number of signaling messages that need to be processed in the GGSN or SGW increases, and the signaling load in the GGSN or SGW increases. The solution provided in the embodiment of the present invention can reduce the number of signaling messages that need to be processed in the GGSN or SGW, reduce the signaling load in the GGSN or SGW, and at the same time, some services The delay requirement can be guaranteed.

To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description are merely some embodiments of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can obtain still other drawings according to these accompanying drawings without creative efforts.
FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method for establishing a direct tunnel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an apparatus for establishing a direct tunnel according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for establishing a direct tunnel in a GPRS network according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for establishing a direct tunnel in an EPS network according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of another method for establishing a direct tunnel in a GPRS network according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of another method for establishing a direct tunnel in an EPS network according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an apparatus for establishing a direct tunnel according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The following clearly and completely describes the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Apparently, the embodiments described below are merely a part rather than all of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

First Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for establishing a direct tunnel. As shown in FIG. 1, the method includes the following steps.

  Step 101: The mobility management network element determines that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel.

  The characteristic of the user terminal includes at least one of a signaling characteristic of the user terminal and a service attribute of the user terminal, and the signaling characteristic of the user terminal includes a connection state and an idle state of the user terminal. The service attribute of the user terminal includes a service duration corresponding to a PDP context of the user terminal or a bearer context of the user terminal, The type of service, the duration of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, the amount of the downlink data packet, the traffic of the downlink data packet, and the down link Link data packet Comprising at least one of the time interval between bets.

Optionally, the frequency of switching between the connected state and idle state of the user terminal is counted and the mobility management network element determines that the frequency is within a preset frequency range, or
The mobility management network element determines that the type of user terminal is within a preset type range, or
The mobility management network element counts the duration of the received service corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, wherein
The duration is within a preset duration, or
A mobility management network element counts the amount of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, where the amount is within a preset amount range, or ,
A mobility management network element counts the traffic of the downlink data packet corresponding to a PDP context of the user terminal or a bearer context of the user terminal, where the traffic is within a pre-configured range of traffic. Or
The mobility management network element counts the time interval of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, wherein the time interval is within a preset time interval Or
The mobility management network element determines that a service type corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal is a preset service type.

  Step 102: A request message is sent to the gateway. Here, the request message is used to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway.

  Optionally, a predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel is configured on the mobility management network element; or the predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel is an operation and maintenance network element or parameter distribution network. Configured on the element and distributed to the mobility management network element. The parameter delivery network element may be a policy and charging rules function network element or a network element such as a data gateway.

  The gateway may be a data gateway or a serving gateway.

  Step 103: Receive a response message sent by the gateway. Here, the response message is used to confirm that the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway has been successfully established.

  The gateway establishes a direct tunnel according to the RNC's user plane IP address and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC carried in the received request message, and then the user terminal's PDP context or user Respond to the mobility management network element so that downlink service data packets corresponding to the bearer context of the terminal can be sent to the radio access network via a direct tunnel established using the data gateway or serving gateway Send a message.

  In the method for establishing a direct tunnel provided by an embodiment of the present invention, between the radio access network and the gateway, the characteristics of the user terminal are determined to satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel. A request message is sent to the gateway to establish a downlink direct tunnel between; a response message sent by the gateway is received, where the response message is a downlink between the radio access network and the gateway Used to confirm that the direct tunnel has been successfully established. Embodiments of the present invention reduce downlink direct tunnels established for user terminals that frequently switch between connected and idle states according to the user terminal characteristics. Thus, the number of signaling messages that need to be processed at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, the signaling load at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, and at the same time the delay requirements of some services can be guaranteed.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for establishing a direct tunnel. Here, the device may be a mobility management network element. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus includes a determination unit 201, a transmission unit 202, and a reception unit 203.

  The determining unit 201 is configured to determine that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel.

  The characteristics of the user terminal include at least one of a signaling characteristic of the user terminal and a service attribute of the user terminal, and the signaling characteristic of the user terminal includes a frequency of switching between a connection state and an idle state of the user terminal, A user terminal service attribute corresponding to a user terminal PDP context or a user terminal bearer context, a service type, a user terminal PDP context or a user terminal. At least one of the duration of the downlink data packet corresponding to the bearer context of, the amount of the downlink data packet, the traffic of the downlink data packet, and the time interval between the downlink data packets.

  Further, in the determining unit, the first counting unit is configured to count the frequency of switching between the connected state and the idle state of the user terminal, and the first determining unit is configured to have a frequency range in which the frequency is set in advance. Configured to be within.

  Further, the determining unit is configured to determine that the type of the user terminal is within a preset type range.

Further, in the determining unit, the second counting unit is configured to count the duration of the received service corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, and the second determining unit Is configured to determine that it is within a set duration, or
The second counting unit is configured to count the amount of downlink data packets corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, and the second determining unit is within a range of a preset amount. Is configured to determine that, or
The second counting unit is configured to count the traffic of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, and the second determining unit is within the traffic range in which the traffic is set in advance. Is configured to determine that, or
The second counting unit is configured to count the time interval of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, and the second determining unit is a time interval in which the time interval is set in advance. Is configured to be within the range.

  Furthermore, the determination unit is configured to determine that the service type corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal is a preset service type.

  It should be noted that the function of the determining unit may be completed by the first counting unit and the first determining unit, or may be completed by the second counting unit and the second determining unit.

  The transmitting unit 202 is configured to transmit the request message to the gateway. Here, the request message is used to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway.

  Optionally, a predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel is configured on the mobility management network element, or the predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel is an operation and maintenance network element or parameter distribution network. Configured on the element and distributed to the mobility management network element.

  The receiving unit 203 is configured to receive a response message transmitted by the gateway. Here, the response message is used to confirm that the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway has been successfully established.

  In the apparatus for establishing a direct tunnel provided by the embodiment of the present invention, the determining unit determines that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel; Send a request message to the gateway, where the request message is used to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway; the receiver receives the response message sent by the gateway; Here, the response message is used to confirm that the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway has been successfully established. Embodiments of the present invention reduce downlink direct tunnels established for user terminals that frequently switch between connected and idle states according to the user terminal characteristics. Thus, the number of signaling messages that need to be processed at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, the signaling load at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, and at the same time the delay requirements of some services can be guaranteed.

Embodiment 2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for establishing a direct tunnel, and the application scenario of this method is as follows. In the GPRS network or EPS network, when the mobility management network element initiates a paging process for an idle user terminal, or the user terminal is active, to trigger the user terminal to initiate a service request process When a service request process is initiated automatically, a direct tunnel is established.

  In the GPRS network, the radio access network is RNS (Radio Network Subsystem) that uses 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access of UTRAN (Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network), the mobility management network element is SGSN, and the data gateway Is the GGSN.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the method includes the following steps.

  Step 301: A mobility management network element receives a downlink user plane data packet transmitted by a data gateway and obtains a state of a user terminal corresponding to the user plane data packet.

  The mobility management network element obtains the state of the user terminal using the user context corresponding to the received downlink user plane data packet. If the user context does not include downlink user plane information, it indicates that the user terminal is in an idle state; if the user context includes downlink user plane information, it indicates that the user terminal is in a connected state. The downlink user plane information is the user plane IP address and the tunnel endpoint identifier of the PDP context assigned by the RNC.

  Step 302: If the user terminal is idle, the mobility management network element initiates a paging process for the user terminal and sends a paging message to the user terminal.

  Note that the user terminal can also actively initiate a service request process when the user terminal needs to transmit a user plane data packet. In this case, Step 301 and Step 302 are not executed, that is, the paging process is not started, the connection with the radio access network is established, and the subsequent processing is directly executed.

  Step 303: After detecting the paging message, the user terminal establishes a connection with the radio access network.

  After the user terminal detects the paging message, the user terminal restores the signaling connection with the network using a radio resource connection establishment process.

  Step 304: The user terminal sends a service request message to the mobility management network element.

  After establishing a connection with the radio access network, the user terminal sends a service request message to the mobility management network element so that the mobility management network element establishes a bearer for the user terminal. Here, the service request message carries the user identifier of the user terminal.

  Optionally, the mobility management network element performs security functions, complete authentication at the user terminal, and obtains a security vector for the HLR (Home Location Register) to encrypt signaling messages on the control plane. May be. The HLR manages and maintains home user subscription information.

  Step 305: The mobility management network element sends a radio access bearer assignment request to the radio access network to establish an uplink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway. Here, the radio access bearer allocation request includes the user plane IP address of the data gateway and the uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier of the PDP context allocated by the data gateway.

  Note that when the mobility management network element decides to establish a direct tunnel for the PDP context corresponding to the downlink data packet, the radio access bearer allocation request sent to the radio access network is sent to the user plane of the data gateway. It should be noted that it carries the IP address and the uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier of the PDP context assigned by the data gateway. Thus, an uplink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal is transmitted to the data gateway through the direct tunnel via the radio access network. Downlink data packets are transmitted to the mobility management network element via the indirect tunnel and forwarded to the radio access network by using the data gateway.

Indirect tunnels can be referred to as two-section tunnel modes. For example, in a GPRS network, a tunnel corresponding to the same PDP context has two sections, a user plane tunnel is established between GGSN and SGSN, and a user plane tunnel is established between SGSN and RNC. Is done. A direct tunnel can also be referred to as a one-section tunnel mode. For example, in a GPRS network, tunnels corresponding to the same PDP context have one section, and the user plane tunnel is established directly by the RNC and GGSN. The direct tunnel mode can improve the transfer efficiency of user plane data packets, reduce service delay, and improve the service experience of the user terminal.
In the prior art, if the mobility management network element decides to establish a direct tunnel for the PDP context of the user terminal, both the uplink and the downlink use the direct tunnel.

  The uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier of the PDP context is assigned to the radio access network by the data gateway. Optionally, when the user terminal changes from connected state to idle state, the mobility management network element is sent by the data gateway previously using processing such as signaling message of PDP activation process or PDP context update Stores the uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier of the PDP context.

  Step 306: The radio access network returns a radio access bearer assignment response message to the mobility management network element. The radio access bearer assignment response is used to confirm that the uplink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway has been successfully established.

  After receiving the radio access bearer assignment request sent by the mobility management network element, the radio access network sends a radio bearer establishment request to the user terminal, and the user terminal returns a radio access network establishment complete message to the radio bearer; After receiving the radio bearer establishment complete message, the radio access network transmits a radio access bearer assignment response message to the mobility management network element.

  It should be noted that the radio access bearer assignment response message includes the user plane IP address of the radio network controller RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC. The user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC are in the radio access bearer assignment response message to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway. Be transported.

  RNS is a radio network subsystem that controls the resources of all cells. Each RNS includes one RNC (Radio Network Controller) and one or more Node Bs. The RNC is an RNS control unit that manages various interfaces and manages radio resources and radio parameters. The main functions of RNC include system information broadcast and access control functions, mobility management functions such as handover and RNC transition, and resource management functions such as macro diversity combining, power control, and non-bearer allocation. Node B is controlled by RNC, provides radio transceiver for specific cells, completes switching between RNC and radio channel, radio transmission and related via air interface between Node B and mobile station Implement control functions.

  Step 307: The mobility management network element determines whether or not the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel.

  If the mobility management network element determines that the characteristics of the user terminal do not meet the predetermined conditions for establishing a direct tunnel, it reduces the number of signaling messages that need to be processed and reduces the signaling load on the data gateway As such, the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway for the user terminal is not established; the mobility management network element satisfies that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel If it is determined that there is, step 308 is executed.

  Step 308: If it is determined that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel, the mobility management network element sends a packet data protocol PDP context update request message to the data gateway. The PDP context update request message includes the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC, and the PDP context update request message is a downlink between the radio access network and the data gateway. Used to establish a direct tunnel.

  Optionally, a predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel is configured on the mobility management network element; or the predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel is an operation and maintenance network element or parameter distribution network. Configured on the element and delivered to the mobility management network element. The parameter delivery network element may be a network element such as a policy and charging rules network element and a data gateway.

  Optionally, in order to establish a downlink direct tunnel for the PDP context of the user terminal, the mobility management network element determines according to the characteristics of the user terminal. The characteristics of the user terminal include at least one of signaling characteristics of the user terminal and service attributes of the user terminal. The signaling characteristics of the user terminal include at least one of the frequency of switching between the connection state and the idle state of the user terminal and the type of the user terminal, and the service attribute of the user terminal includes the service of the PDP context of the user terminal The duration of the data, the type of service, the duration of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal, the amount of downlink data packets, the traffic of downlink data packets, and the time interval between downlink data packets Contains one.

For example, when the predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel is a threshold range of the switching frequency of the preset state, the mobility management network element switches the switching frequency between the connection state of the user terminal and the idle state. The packet data protocol PDP context update request message is transmitted to the gateway when the counted state switching frequency is determined to be within the threshold range of the state switching frequency, and between the radio access network and the gateway. Establishing a downlink direct tunnel for
Optionally, the mobility management network element may count the frequency of switching between the connected state and the idle state of the user terminal by counting the frequency of occurrence of the Iu interface release process and the service request process. The Iu interface is a connection interface between the RNC and the SGSN. When the Iu interface release process is executed, the user terminal changes to an idle state; when the service request process is executed, the user terminal changes to a connected state. When the frequency satisfies a preset frequency threshold range, for example, the user terminal executes switching of the state less than 2 times in 5 minutes, and the user terminal executes switching of the state of 5 times or more within 3 hours If this is the case, the mobility management network element establishes a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway.

For example, if the predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel is a predetermined type of user terminal, the mobility management network element determines that the type of user terminal is within a predetermined type range. Send a PDP context update request message to the gateway to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway;
Optionally, the mobility management network element may obtain the type of user terminal using information contained in the received signaling message transmitted by another network element. For example, the user terminal type may be an international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) or a user terminal type included in a received signaling message transmitted by a network element such as a radio access network, a data gateway or a serving gateway. It is obtained by using information such as an identifier. For example, if the predetermined type of user terminal is a feature phone, the mobility management network element may establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway if the user terminal type is a feature phone. Establish; the mobility management network element does not establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway or the serving gateway when the user terminal type is a smartphone. Smartphones have features such as fast dormancy, platform and service heartbeats, and push mechanisms, all of which make the smartphone frequently switch between connected and idle states. Failure of the mobility management network element to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway or serving gateway can reduce signaling messages that need to be processed at the data gateway or serving gateway.

  For example, when the pre-set condition for establishing a direct tunnel is a predetermined duration threshold of service, the mobility management network element may continue the received service corresponding to the user terminal's PDP context. Count time. Here, the duration is within the range of a predetermined period. For example, if the service duration is greater than 3 seconds or the service duration is greater than 2 seconds, the mobility management network element establishes a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway. When the service continues, the user terminal is always in a connected state. The longer the period of service, the easier it is to establish a direct tunnel, and establishing a direct tunnel reduces the number of forwarding path hops for the associated user plane forwarding if the service continues. Transfer delay can be reduced.

  For example, when a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel is a preset service type, the mobility management network element is a service type in which a service type corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal is preset. And sends a PDP context update request message to the data gateway to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway.

  Optionally, the mobility management network element may obtain the service type corresponding to the downlink data packet by the deep packet analysis means, or use the differentiated service code point or the flow label in the IP header of the downlink data packet. Or the extension header of the GTP header may be used to obtain the service type of the downlink data packet, or the signaling message transmitted by the data gateway or the serving gateway may be used to obtain the service type of the downlink data packet. May be obtained. For example, when the preset service type is voice service or video service, if the service type of the downlink data packet is voice, or if the service type of the downlink data packet is video service, the mobility management network element is Establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway. If the service type of the downlink data packet is an instant messaging service, the mobility management network element does not establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway. Different services may have different delay requirements, some services can tolerate longer delays, while some services are sensitive to delay. Establishing a direct tunnel for services with high delay requirements can take advantage of direct tunnels and reduce service delays.

  For example, if the predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel is a pre-set duration threshold for downlink data packets, the mobility management network element may select the duration of the downlink data packet corresponding to the current PDP context. Count. For example, when the duration of a downlink data packet is greater than 1 second, or when the duration of a downlink data packet is greater than 700 milliseconds, the mobility management network element may Establish a link direct tunnel. The longer the duration of the downlink data packet, the easier it is to establish a direct tunnel, which establishes the number of transport path hops for user plane forwarding of downlink data packets corresponding to the PDP context. It is possible to reduce the transfer delay.

  For example, if the predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel is a preset amount of downlink data packets, the mobility management network element counts the amount of downlink data packets corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal . Here, the quantity is in a predetermined quantity range. For example, if the amount of downlink data packets is 10 or more, the mobility management network element establishes a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway. The longer the duration of the downlink data packet, the easier it is to establish a direct tunnel, and establishing a direct tunnel reduces the number of forwarding path hops for subsequent user plane forwarding of downlink data packets. Transfer delay can be reduced.

For example, if the predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel is a preset traffic of a downlink data packet, the mobility management network element counts the traffic of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal. To do. Here, the traffic is within a predetermined range of traffic. For example, if the downlink data packet traffic is greater than 1M or the downlink data packet traffic is 300K or more, the mobility management network element establishes a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway. .
The greater the downlink data packet traffic, the easier it is to establish a direct tunnel, which establishes the number of forwarding path hops for user plane forwarding of downlink data packets corresponding to the PDP context. It is possible to reduce the transfer delay.

  For example, if the predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel is a time interval between downlink data packets, the mobility management network element counts the time interval between downlink data packets corresponding to the PDP context. Here, the time interval is within a preset time interval. For example, if the time interval between data packets is not greater than 2 seconds, or the time interval between data packets is less than 3 seconds, the mobility management network element may be a downlink direct between the radio access network and the data gateway. Establish a tunnel. Longer time intervals between downlink data packets lead to a high possibility of switching mobility management network elements between connected and idle states, leading to improper establishment of direct tunnels.

  The condition for transmitting the request message to the data gateway described in Step 308 of the present invention is that one of the user terminal functions, any two combinations, or any combination of two or more of the direct tunnels It should be noted that a request message may be sent to the data gateway when a predetermined condition for establishing is met. Optionally, the predetermined conditions for establishing a direct tunnel may be set according to a specific application scenario.

  Step 309: The data gateway returns a PDP context update response message to the mobility management network element. The PDP context update response message is used to confirm that the direct tunnel has been successfully established according to the NC user plane IP address and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC.

  The data gateway establishes a direct tunnel between the gateway and the radio access network according to the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC, corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal Downlink service data packets are transmitted to the radio access network via a direct tunnel using a data gateway.

  Step 310: The mobility management network element receives a PDP context update response message sent by the data gateway.

  In the method for establishing a direct tunnel provided by an embodiment of the present invention, it is determined that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel. A request message is sent to the data gateway. The request message is used to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway. A response message sent by the data gateway is received. The response message is used to confirm that the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway has been successfully established. Embodiments of the present invention reduce downlink direct tunnels established for user terminals that frequently switch between connected and idle states according to the user terminal characteristics. Thus, the number of signaling messages that need to be processed at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, the signaling load at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, and at the same time the delay requirements of some services can be guaranteed.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide another method for establishing a direct tunnel, and the application scenario of the method is as follows. In an EPS network, a direct tunnel is established when a mobility management network element initiates a service request process for an idle user terminal or when a user terminal actively initiates a service request process. In an EPS network, the access network may be an RNS using UTRAN 3GPP access, the mobility management network element may be an SGSN, the serving gateway may be an SGW, and the data gateway may be It may be a PGW (Packet Data Network Gateway).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the method includes the following steps.

  Step 401: The mobility management network element receives a downlink user plane data packet transmitted by a serving gateway and obtains a state of a user terminal corresponding to the user plane data packet.

  The mobility management network element obtains the state of the user terminal using the user context corresponding to the received downlink user plane data packet. If the user context does not include downlink user plane information, it indicates that the user terminal is in an idle state; if the user context includes downlink user plane information, it indicates that the user terminal is in a connected state. The downlink user plane information is the user plane IP address and the tunnel endpoint identifier of the PDP context / bearer context assigned by the RNC.

  Step 402: When the user terminal is in an idle state, the mobility management network element starts a paging process for the user terminal and sends a paging message to the user terminal.

  It should be noted that when the user terminal needs to transmit a user plane data packet, the user terminal can also actively start processing a service request. In this case, Step 401 and Step 402 are not executed, that is, the paging process is not started, and establishment of a connection with the radio access network and subsequent processing are directly executed.

  Step 403: After detecting the paging message, the user terminal establishes a connection with the radio access network.

  Step 404: The user terminal sends a service request message to the mobility management network element.

  After establishing a connection with the radio access network, the user terminal sends a service request message to the mobility management network element so that the mobility management network element establishes a bearer for the user terminal. The service request message carries the user identifier of the user terminal.

Optionally, the mobility management network element performs security functions, complete authentication at the user terminal, and obtains a security vector for the HSS (Home Subscriber Server) so as to encrypt signaling messages on the control plane. May be. The HSS manages and maintains home user subscription information.

  Step 405: The mobility management network element sends a radio access bearer assignment request to the radio access network to establish an uplink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the serving gateway. The radio access bearer assignment request includes the user plane IP address of the serving gateway and the uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier of the bearer assigned by the serving gateway.

  Note that if the mobility management network element decides to establish a direct tunnel for the bearer corresponding to the downlink data packet, the radio access bearer assignment request sent to the radio access network is the user plane IP of the serving gateway. It should be noted that it carries the address and the bearer uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the serving gateway. Thus, the uplink data packet corresponding to the bearer context of the user terminal is transmitted to the serving gateway via the direct tunnel using the radio access network. Downlink data packets are sent to the mobility management network element via the indirect tunnel by using the serving gateway and then forwarded to the radio access network.

  Step 406: The radio access network returns a radio access bearer assignment response message to the mobility management network element. The radio access bearer assignment response is used to confirm that the uplink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the serving gateway has been successfully established.

  The radio access bearer assignment response message includes the user plane IP address of the radio network controller RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC; the user plane IP address of the RNC and the down assigned by the RNC. It should be noted that the link user plane tunnel endpoint identifier is carried in the radio access bearer assignment response message so as to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the serving gateway.

  Step 407: The mobility management network element determines whether or not the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel.

  If the mobility management network element determines that the characteristics of the user terminal do not meet the predetermined conditions for establishing a direct tunnel, it reduces the number of signaling messages that need to be processed and reduces the signaling load on the serving gateway As such, the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the serving gateway is not established for the user terminal. If the mobility management network element determines that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel, step 408 is executed.

  Step 408: If it is determined that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel, the mobility management network element sends a bearer change request message to the serving gateway. The bearer change request message includes the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC, and the bearer change request message includes the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the serving gateway. Used to establish.

  Optionally, a predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel is configured on the mobility management network element, or the predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel is an operation and maintenance network element or parameter distribution network. Configured on the element and delivered to the mobility management network element. The parameter delivery network element may be a network element such as a policy and charging rules network element and a data gateway.

  Optionally, the mobility management network element decides to establish a downlink direct tunnel for the bearer context of the user terminal according to the characteristics of the user terminal. The characteristics of the user terminal include at least one of signaling characteristics of the user terminal and service attributes of the user terminal, and the signaling characteristics of the user terminal include the frequency of switching between the connection state and the idle state of the user terminal. The user terminal's service attribute includes the duration of the service of the user terminal's bearer context, the type of service, and the duration of the downlink data packet corresponding to the bearer context of the user terminal. It includes at least one of time, amount of downlink data packets, traffic of downlink data packets, and time intervals between downlink data packets.

  The process of determining whether the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel is performed corresponding to FIG. 3 except that the PDP context in the GPRS network is a bearer context in the EPS network. This is the same as the arithmetic processing in step 308 in the embodiment. The details are therefore not repeated in this step.

  In step 408 of the present invention, the request message is served by the serving gateway when one of the user terminal functions, any two combinations, or any combination of two or more meets a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel. Note that may be sent to Optionally, the predetermined conditions for establishing a direct tunnel may be set according to a specific application scenario.

  Step 409: The serving gateway returns a bearer context change response message to the mobility management network element. The bearer context change response message is used to confirm that the direct tunnel has been successfully established according to the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC.

  The serving gateway establishes a direct tunnel between the serving gateway and the radio access network according to the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC to support the bearer context of the user terminal Downlink service data packets are transmitted to the radio access network via the direct tunnel using the serving gateway.

  Step 410: The mobility management network element receives a bearer context change response message sent from the serving gateway.

  In the method for establishing a direct tunnel provided according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is determined that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel, and a request message is sent to the serving gateway. Sent. The request message is received a response message sent by the serving gateway used to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway. The response message is used to confirm that the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the serving gateway has been successfully established. Embodiments of the present invention reduce downlink direct tunnels established for user terminals that frequently switch between connected and idle states according to the user terminal characteristics. Thus, the number of signaling messages that need to be processed at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, the signaling load at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, and at the same time the delay requirements of some services can be guaranteed.

  One embodiment of the present invention provides another method for establishing a direct tunnel, and the application scenario of the method is as follows. In the GPRS network or the EPS network, a direct tunnel is established when the user terminal starts the PDP activation process. In the GPRS network, the access network is an RNS that uses UTRAN 3GPP access, the mobility management network element is an SGSN, and the data gateway is a GGSN. Also, the solution provided in this embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the PDP context activation procedure initiated by the user terminal and also applies to the secondary PDP context activation procedure initiated by the user terminal. You can also. The present invention provides a detailed description using, as an example, a PDP context activation procedure initiated by a user terminal.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the method includes the following steps.

  Step 501: The user terminal initiates a PDP context activation procedure and sends a PDP context activation request message to the mobility management network element.

  The PDP context activation request message includes a PDP activation type, a PDP address, an APN (Access Point Name), necessary QoS (Quality of Service), a PDP configuration option, and the like.

  Step 502: The mobility management network element receives the PDP context activation request message sent by the user terminal and sends a PDP context establishment request to the data gateway.

  Step 503: The data gateway receives the PDP context establishment request sent by the mobility management network element and returns a PDP context establishment response to the mobility management network element.

  If the data gateway can satisfy QoS, a PDP context establishment response is returned to the mobility management network element, and if the data gateway cannot satisfy QoS, a PDP context establishment rejection is returned to the mobility management network element.

  The PDP context establishment response includes the data gateway user plane IP address and the uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the data gateway and is used to establish an uplink direct tunnel.

  Step 504: The mobility management network element sends a radio access bearer assignment request to the radio access network. The radio access bearer assignment request includes the user plane IP address of the data gateway and the uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the data gateway.

  Step 505: The radio access network returns a radio access bearer assignment response message to the mobility management network element. The radio access bearer assignment response message includes the user plane IP address of the radio network controller RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC.

  Steps 504 and 505 are similar to the process of executing steps 305 and 306 in the above embodiment, and the process of obtaining the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC It is. For details, reference may be made to step 305 and step 306 of the above embodiment, details of which are not repeated here.

  Step 506: The mobility management network element returns a PDP context activation response message to the user terminal.

  Step 507: The mobility management network element determines whether or not the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel.

  If the mobility management network element determines that the characteristics of the user terminal do not meet the predetermined conditions for establishing a direct tunnel, it reduces the number of signaling messages that need to be processed and reduces the signaling load on the data gateway As such, a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway is not established for the user. If the mobility management network element determines that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel, step 508 is executed.

  Step 508: The mobility management network element establishes a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the data gateway when it is determined that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel. Therefore, a PDP context update request message is transmitted to the data gateway. The PDP context update request message includes the RNC user plane IP address and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC.

  The execution of step 508 is the same as the execution of step 308 in the above embodiment. Refer to step 308 for details.

  Note that the condition for transmitting the request message to the data gateway described in step 508 of the present invention is that one of the user terminal functions, any two combinations, or any combination of two or more of the direct tunnels It should be noted that a request message may be sent to the data gateway when a predetermined condition for establishing is met. Optionally, the predetermined conditions for establishing a direct tunnel may be set according to a specific application scenario.

  Step 509: The data gateway returns a PDP context update response message to the mobility management network element. The PDP context update response message is used to confirm that the direct tunnel has been successfully established according to the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC.

  The execution of step 509 is the same as the execution of step 309 in the above embodiment. For details, step 309 may be referred to.

  The data gateway establishes a downlink direct tunnel between the gateway and the radio access network according to the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC. A downlink service data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal is transmitted to the radio access network via the direct tunnel using the data gateway.

  Step 510: The mobility management network element receives a PDP context update response message sent from the data gateway.

  In the method for establishing a direct tunnel provided by an embodiment of the present invention, if the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel, the packet data protocol PDP context update request message is a data Sent to the gateway. The downlink direct between the radio access network and the data gateway according to the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC included in the PDP context update request message. A tunnel is established and a PDP context update response message is sent to the mobility management network element. Embodiments of the present invention reduce downlink direct tunnels established for user terminals that frequently switch between connected and idle states according to the user terminal characteristics. Therefore, the number of signaling messages that need to be processed in the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, and the signaling load in the GGSN or SGW can be reduced.

  One embodiment of the present invention provides another method for establishing a direct tunnel, and the application scenario of the method is as follows. In the GPRS network or the EPS network, a direct tunnel is established when the user terminal starts the PDP activation procedure. In the EPS network, the access network may be an RNS using UTRAN 3GPP access, the mobility management network element may be an SGSN, the serving gateway may be an SGW, and the data gateway may be a PGW. It may be. Also, the solution provided in the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the PDP context activation procedure initiated by the user terminal, and can be applied to the secondary PDP context activation procedure initiated by the user terminal. You can also. The present invention, as an example, gives a detailed description using a primary PDP context activation procedure initiated by a user terminal.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the method includes the following steps.

  Step 601: The user terminal initiates a PDP context activation procedure and sends a PDP context activation request message to the mobility management network element.

  Step 602: The mobility management network element sends a session establishment request to the serving gateway.

  Step 603: The serving gateway receives the session establishment request sent by the mobility management network element, forwards the session establishment request to the data gateway, receives a response from the data gateway, and then sends a session establishment response to the mobility management network element. Send back.

  The session establishment response includes the serving gateway user plane IP address and the uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the serving gateway and is used to establish an uplink direct tunnel.

  Step 604: The mobility management network element sends a radio access bearer assignment request to the radio access network. The radio access bearer assignment request includes the user plane IP address of the serving gateway and the uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the serving gateway.

  Step 605: The radio access network returns a radio access bearer assignment response message to the mobility management network element. The radio access bearer assignment response message includes the user plane IP address of the radio network controller RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC.

  Steps 604 and 605 are the same as the process of performing steps 305 and 306 in the above embodiment, and the process of obtaining the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC It is. For details, reference can be made to step 305 and step 306 in the above embodiment, details of which are not repeated here.

  Step 606: The mobility management network element returns a PDP context activation response message to the user terminal.

  Step 607: The mobility management network element determines whether the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel.

  If the mobility management network element determines that the characteristics of the user terminal do not meet the predetermined conditions for establishing a direct tunnel, it reduces the number of signaling messages that need to be processed and reduces the signaling load on the serving gateway As such, the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the serving gateway is not established for the user. If the mobility management network element determines that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel, step 608 is executed.

  Step 608: The mobility management network element establishes a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the serving gateway when it is determined that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel. In order to do so, a bearer change request message is sent to the serving gateway. The bearer change request message includes the RNC user plane IP address and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC.

  The execution of step 608 is the same as the execution of step 308 in the above embodiment. For details, reference may be made to step 308.

  Note that the condition for transmitting the request message to the serving gateway described in Step 608 of the present invention is that one of the user terminal functions, any two combinations, or any combination of two or more of the direct tunnels is used. It should be noted that a request message may be sent to the serving gateway when a predetermined condition for establishing is met. Optionally, the predetermined conditions for establishing a direct tunnel may be set according to a specific application scenario.

  Step 609: The serving gateway returns a bearer change response message to the mobility management network element. The bearer change response message is used to confirm that the direct tunnel has been successfully established according to the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC.

  The execution of step 609 is the same as the execution of step 309 in the above embodiment. For details, step 309 may be referred to.

  The serving gateway establishes a downlink direct tunnel between the gateway and the radio access network according to the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC, and enters the user terminal's PDP context. Corresponding downlink service data packets are transmitted to the radio access network via the direct tunnel using the serving gateway.

  Step 610: The mobility management network element receives a bearer change response message sent from the serving gateway.

  In the method for establishing a direct tunnel provided by the embodiment of the present invention, a bearer change request message is transmitted to the serving gateway when the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel. , The serving gateway is downed between the radio access network and the serving gateway according to the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC included in the bearer change request message. A link direct tunnel is established and a bearer change response message is sent to the mobility management network element. Embodiments of the present invention reduce downlink direct tunnels established for user terminals that frequently switch between connected and idle states according to the user terminal characteristics. Thus, the number of signaling messages that need to be processed at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, the signaling load at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, and at the same time the delay requirements of some services can be guaranteed.

  Corresponding to the method embodiments provided in the embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for establishing a direct tunnel. The device can be a mobility management network element. As shown in FIG. 7, the apparatus includes a transmission unit 701, a reception unit 702, and a determination unit 703.

The transmitting unit 701 is configured to transmit a radio access bearer allocation request to the radio access network in order to establish an uplink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway. The radio access bearer assignment request includes the user plane internet protocol IP address of the gateway and the uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the gateway.
The gateway includes a data gateway or a serving gateway.
The receiving unit 702 is configured to receive a radio access bearer assignment response transmitted by the radio access network. The radio access bearer assignment response is used to confirm that the uplink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway has been successfully established. The radio access bearer assignment response includes the user plane internet protocol IP address of the radio network controller RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC.
The determining unit 703 is configured to determine that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel.

  The characteristics of the user terminal include at least one of signaling characteristics of the user terminal and service attributes of the user terminal. The signaling characteristics of the user terminal include at least one of a frequency of switching between a connection state and an idle state of the user terminal and a type of the user terminal, and the service attribute of the user terminal is the PDP context of the user terminal or the user terminal Service duration corresponding to the current bearer context, type of service, duration of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, the amount of downlink data packets, the traffic of the downlink data packets And at least one of the time intervals between downlink data packets.

  Optionally, a predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel is configured on the mobility management network element, or the predetermined condition for establishing the direct tunnel is an operation and maintenance network element or parameter distribution network. Configured on the element and delivered to the mobility management network element.

In accordance with the determination that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel, the transmission unit 701 transmits a request message to the gateway. The request message is used to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway.
The receiving unit 702 is configured to receive a response message transmitted by the gateway. The response message is used to confirm that the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway has been successfully established.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the determination unit 703 includes a first counting unit 7031 and a first determination unit 7032.
The first counting unit 7031 of the determining unit 703 is configured to count the frequency of switching between the connected state and the idle state of the user terminal. The first determination unit 7032 of the determination unit 703 is configured to determine that the frequency is within a preset frequency range.

  Specifically, the determination unit 703 is configured to determine that the type of the user terminal is within a preset type range.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the determination unit 703 includes a second counting unit 7033 and a second determination unit 7034.

  As indicated by a broken line in FIG. 7, the function of the determining unit may be completed by the first counting unit 7031 and the first determining unit 7032, and by the second counting unit 7033 and the second determining unit 7034 Note that it may be completed.

The second counting unit 7033 of the determining unit 703 is configured to count the duration of the received service corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, and the second determining unit 7034 of the determining unit 703. Is configured to determine that the duration is within a preset duration range.
In addition, the second counting unit 7033 is configured to count the amount of downlink data packets corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, and the second determining unit 7034 has a preset amount. It is configured to determine that it is within a quantity range.
In addition, the second counting unit 7033 is configured to count the traffic of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, and the second determining unit 7034 is configured to preset the traffic It is configured to determine that it is within range of traffic.
The second counting unit 7033 is configured to count the time interval of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, and the second determining unit 7034 sets the time interval in advance. Configured to be within a specified time interval.

  Furthermore, the determination unit 703 is specifically configured to determine that the service type corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal is a predetermined service type.

In the GPRS network, the transmission unit 701 transmits a PDP context update request message to the data gateway. The PDP context update request message includes the RNC user plane IP address and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC.
In the EPS network, the transmission unit 701 transmits a bearer change request message to the service gateway. The bearer change request message includes the RNC user plane IP address and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC.
The data gateway or serving gateway establishes a direct tunnel between the gateway and the radio access network according to the user plane IP address of the RNC and the downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the RNC. A downlink service data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal is transmitted to the radio access network via the direct tunnel using the data gateway or the serving gateway.

Further, in the GPRS network, the receiving unit 702 receives the PDP context update response message transmitted from the data gateway.
In the EPS network, the receiving unit 702 receives the bearer change response message transmitted by the serving gateway.

  In an apparatus for establishing a direct tunnel provided by an embodiment of the present invention, a preset condition is determined, a transmission unit transmits a request message to a gateway, and the gateway is included in the request message. Establishes a downlink direct tunnel between radio access and gateway according to RNC user plane IP address and downlink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by RNC and sends response message to mobility management network element To do. Embodiments of the present invention reduce downlink direct tunnels established for user terminals that frequently switch between connected and idle states according to the user terminal characteristics. Thus, the number of signaling messages that need to be processed at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, the signaling load at the GGSN or SGW can be reduced, and at the same time the delay requirements of some services can be guaranteed.

  The foregoing descriptions are merely exemplary embodiments of the embodiments of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

201 Decision part
202 Transmitter
203 Receiver
701 transmitter
702 Receiver
703 decision part
7031 First counter
7032 First decision part
7033 Second counter
7034 Second decision part

Claims (18)

A method for establishing a direct tunnel,
The mobility management network element determining that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel;
Sending a request message to the gateway to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway;
Receiving a response message sent by the gateway to confirm that the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway has been successfully established;
Have
The method, wherein the characteristics of the user terminal include signaling characteristics of the user terminal . The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior to the mobility management network element determining that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy the predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel.
Transmitting a radio access bearer allocation request to the radio access network for establishing an uplink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway, wherein the radio access bearer allocation request is Including a user plane internet protocol (IP) address and an uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the gateway;
Receiving a radio access bearer assignment response transmitted by the radio access network, wherein the uplink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway is successfully established. Steps used to confirm that
Including methods. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristic of the user terminal further includes a service attribute of the user terminal,
The signaling characteristics of the user terminal include at least one of a frequency of switching between a connected state and an idle state of the user terminal and a type of the user terminal;
The service attribute of the user terminal is a duration of service corresponding to a packet data protocol (PDP) context of the user terminal or a bearer context of the user terminal, a type of service, the PDP context of the user terminal or the user terminal At least one of a duration of a downlink data packet corresponding to the bearer context of, a quantity of the downlink data packet, traffic of the downlink data packet, and a time interval between the downlink data packets,
METHODS. The method of claim 1, comprising
The predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel is configured on the mobility management network element, or the predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel is on an operation and maintenance network element or a parameter distribution network element And is delivered to the mobility management network element,
Method. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mobility management network element determines that the characteristic of the user terminal satisfies the predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel. The mobility management network element counting the frequency of switching between a connected state and an idle state of the user terminal;
Determining that the frequency is within a preset frequency range;
Including methods. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mobility management network element determines that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy the predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel. Step is
The mobility management network element determines that the type of the user terminal is within a preset type range. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mobility management network element determines that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy the predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel. Step is
The mobility management network element counts the duration of the received service corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal and determines that the duration is within a preset duration Step to perform, or
The mobility management network element counts the amount of downlink data packets corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, and determines that the amount is within a preset amount range Or
The mobility management network element counts the traffic of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal and determines that the traffic is within a preset range of traffic. Step or
The mobility management network element counts a time interval between the downlink data packets corresponding to a PDP context of the user terminal or a bearer context of the user terminal, and the time interval is within a preset time interval. The step of judging that there is,
Including methods. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mobility management network element determines that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy the predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel. Step is
The mobility management network element determining that a type of service corresponding to a PDP context of the user terminal or a bearer context of the user terminal is a preset service type;
Including methods.   9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the gateway is a data gateway or a serving gateway. A device for establishing a direct tunnel,
A determining unit configured to determine that the characteristics of the user terminal satisfy a predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel;
A transmitter configured to send a request message to the gateway to establish a downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway;
A receiver configured to receive a response message sent by the gateway to confirm that the downlink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway has been successfully established;
With
The apparatus, wherein the characteristics of the user terminal include signaling characteristics of the user terminal . The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
The transmitting unit is further configured to transmit a radio access bearer allocation request for establishing an uplink direct tunnel between the radio access network and the gateway to the radio access network, and The access bearer assignment request includes a user plane internet protocol (IP) address of the gateway and an uplink user plane tunnel endpoint identifier assigned by the gateway;
The receiving unit is further configured to receive a radio access bearer assignment response transmitted by the radio access network, and the radio access bearer assignment response is transmitted between the radio access network and the gateway. A device used to verify that an uplink direct tunnel has been successfully established. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the characteristic of the user terminal further includes a service attribute of the user terminal ,
The signaling characteristics of the user terminal include at least one of a frequency of switching between a connected state and an idle state of the user terminal and a type of the user terminal;
The service attribute of the user terminal may include a duration of a service corresponding to a PDP context of the user terminal or a bearer context of the user terminal, a type of service, the PDP context of the user terminal, or the bearer context of the user terminal. Including at least one of the duration of a corresponding downlink data packet, the amount of the downlink data packet, the traffic of the downlink data packet, and the time interval between the downlink data packets;
Equipment. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
The predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel is configured on a mobility management network element, or
The predetermined condition for establishing a direct tunnel is configured on an operation and maintenance network element or a parameter distribution network element and is distributed to the mobility management network element;
apparatus. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the determination unit includes:
A first counter configured to count the frequency of switching between the connected state and idle state of the user terminal;
A first determining unit configured to determine that the frequency is within a preset frequency range;
A device comprising: A device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising:
The apparatus, in particular, configured to determine that the type of the user terminal is within a preset type range. A device according to any one of claims 10 to 13, comprising:
A second counter configured to count the duration of the received service corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal;
A second determination unit configured to determine that the duration is within a preset duration, or
The second counting unit is configured to count the amount of downlink data packets corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, and the second determining unit Is configured to determine that it is within a set amount, or
The second counting unit is configured to count the traffic of the downlink data packet corresponding to the PDP context of the user terminal or the bearer context of the user terminal, and the second determining unit Configured to determine that it is within a preset range of traffic, or
The second counting unit is configured to count a time interval of the downlink data packet corresponding to a PDP context of the user terminal or a bearer context of the user terminal, and the second determining unit includes the time Configured to determine that the interval is within a preset time interval;
apparatus.   The apparatus according to any one of Claims 10 to 13, wherein the determination unit is configured in particular to set a service type corresponding to a PDP context of the user terminal or a bearer context of the user terminal in advance. A device that is configured to determine that it is within a type of service.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the gateway is a data gateway or a serving gateway.

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