KR102171306B1 - Network apparatus and management method for context based on report - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention breaks from the existing constraints that the state information transmitted by the UPF can only be used one-time, and reads (obtains) the past state information of the UPF from another node, that is, an SMF or another control node interlocking with the SMF. It proposes a context management method based on network devices and status information that realizes the technology to be able to do so.

Description

Network device and context management method based on status information performed in network device {NETWORK APPARATUS AND MANAGEMENT METHOD FOR CONTEXT BASED ON REPORT}

The present invention relates to a technology for storing status information transmitted through a Session Report Request (SRR) in a User Plane Function (UPF).

In the LTE communication system, as the type of communication service and the transmission request speed are diversified, the LTE frequency expansion and the evolution to the 5G communication system are actively progressing.

This rapidly evolving 5G communication system accommodates as many terminals as possible based on limited radio resources, while eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)/mMTC (massive machine type communications)/ It supports URLLC (ultra-reliable and low latency communications) scenarios.

In particular, in 5G, a network structure to support end-to-end terminals, base stations (access), cores, and servers is defined, and a single node (eg, S-GW, P-GW, etc.) in existing LTE (4G) By separating the functions of control signaling and data transmission/reception, which were performed in a complex manner, the network structure is defined by separating the control signaling function area (Control Plane) and the data transmission/reception function area (User Plane).

At this time, in 5G, the control node of the Control Plane is a Policy Control Function (PCF) that manages/controls policies such as AMF (Access and Mobility Function) that controls access to the wireless section of the terminal, terminal information and subscription service information for each terminal, and billing. ), SMF (Session Management Function) that manages/controls sessions for data service use for each terminal, NEF (Network Exposure Function) that shares information with external networks, and manages information on each node in the network/ It can be defined as the NRF (Network Repository Function) of the function to be controlled.

And, in 5G, the data node of the user plane is defined as UPF (User Plane Function) that transmits and receives data between the terminal and the server on an external service network (e.g., the Internet) through a session with the terminal based on the control (interlocking) of the SMF. can do.

Meanwhile, in 5G, a session report request (SRR) is defined as the only message that the UPF of the user plane can transmit to the SMF subjectively.

Accordingly, the UPF, when receiving downlink (DL) data to a terminal whose session has been released (for example, an idle terminal), is transmitted to obtain session information (hereinafter, DDN (Downlink Data Notification)), and the data session of the terminal. Status information (hereinafter, Usage) that transmits the uplink/downlink usage for the UPF, state information that transmits the overload status of the UPF (hereinafter, Overload), and status information that reports errors on traffic and packets processed in the session ( Hereinafter, status information defined in the 5G standard, such as error), CPU for processing the UPF's own traffic, and status information (hereinafter, load) that transfers the memory resource load status, can be transferred to the SMF through the SRR message.

However, the current standard defines that the UPF immediately deletes the status information transmitted through the SRR when a response Session Report Response "success" indicating success in receiving the SRR message is returned after transmitting the SRR to the SMF. .

For this reason, the state information transmitted by the UPF has a limitation that cannot but be used as a one-time use, and there is a problem in that it cannot be obtained even if the past state information of the UPF is required not only in the SMF but also in the control node of the Control Plane.

Accordingly, in the present invention, by proposing a method for storing the state information transmitted from the UPF through the SRR, it is intended to provide a service environment in which the past state information of the UPF is required to be viewed (obtained).

The present invention was created in view of the above circumstances, and an object to be reached in the present invention is to provide a specific technical method for storing the state information transmitted through the SRR from the UPF, the context based on the network device and the state information. It is to provide a management method.

In order to achieve the above object, a network device according to a first aspect of the present invention provides storage for receiving storage information from a control node in relation to state information for at least one of the network device and a data session controlled by the network device. Information receiver; And a storage control unit storing a context based on the transmitted state information according to the previously received storage information when the state information is transmitted to the control node.

Specifically, it may further include a reporting unit for generating the state information according to the triggering condition for each state information and transmitting it to the control node.

Specifically, when receiving a request for past status information from the control node, the storage control unit may extract a context according to the request for past status information from among the stored contexts and transfer the extracted context to the control node.

Specifically, the network device is a node of a data transmission/reception area (User Plane) for creating and controlling a data session under control of the control node belonging to a control signaling area (Control Plane), and among the state information and the extracted context At least one is transmitted through a session report request message defined so that the node in the data transmission/reception area can transmit to the node in the control signaling area regardless of the reception of the request from the node in the control signaling area. I can.

Specifically, the storage information may include at least one of a period time for storing a context based on state information, a maximum number of storage, and a context type for each type of the state information.

Specifically, the storage control unit allocates context storage resources based on the maximum number and context type for each state information according to the storage information, and from the time when the storage information is received to the time when the interval time elapses. Based on the context window, it is possible to create a context structure in which the context stored in the context storage resource is deleted according to a sliding window method.

Specifically, at least one of the storage information and the past state information request may be received through a session control message received from the control node.

Specifically, when transferring the extracted context to the control node, the storage control unit may use a case of transferring status information to the control node and a specific identifier identified.

Specifically, the specific identifier may be an identifier identified in the past state information request received from the control node, or an identifier defined to be used in connection with a target context to be transmitted.

In order to achieve the above object, a context management method based on status information performed in a network device according to a second aspect of the present invention is provided in relation to status information on at least one of the network device and a data session controlled by the network device. A parameter receiving step of receiving storage information from a control node; And a context storage step of storing a context based on the transmitted state information according to the previously received storage information when the state information is transmitted to the control node.

Specifically, when receiving a request for past status information from the control node, a context transfer step of extracting a context according to the request for past status information from among the stored contexts and transferring the context to the control node may be further included.

Specifically, the network device is a node of a data transmission/reception area (User Plane) for creating and controlling a data session under control of the control node belonging to a control signaling area (Control Plane), and among the state information and the extracted context At least one is transmitted through a session report request message defined so that the node in the data transmission/reception area can transmit to the node in the control signaling area regardless of the reception of the request from the node in the control signaling area. I can.

Specifically, the storage information may include at least one of a period time for storing a context based on state information, a maximum number of storage, and a context type for each type of the state information.

Specifically, in the context transfer step, when transferring the extracted context to the control node, a case of transferring state information to the control node and a specific identifier identified may be used.

Specifically, the specific identifier may be an identifier identified in the past state information request received from the control node, or an identifier defined to be used in connection with a target context to be transmitted.

According to the context management method based on the network device and status information of the present invention, by realizing a technology for storing the status information transmitted through the SRR from the UPF, a service environment in which the past status information of the UPF can be viewed (obtained) when necessary. To derive an effect that can provide

1 is an exemplary diagram showing the structure of a 5G system.
FIG. 2 is an exemplary diagram showing a process in which the UPF delivers status information through a Session Report Request (SRR) in the existing technology.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a network device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a context management method based on state information according to an embodiment of the present invention from a system perspective.
5 is a detailed flowchart illustrating a context management method based on state information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention relates to a technology for storing status information transmitted through a Session Report Request (SRR) in a User Plane Function (UPF).

The 5G communication system accommodates as many terminals as possible based on limited radio resources, while eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)/mMTC (massive machine type communications)/URLLC (ultra-reliable and Low latency communications, high reliability and low latency communications) scenarios are supported.

In particular, in 5G, a network structure to support end-to-end terminals, base stations (access), cores, and servers is defined, and a single node (eg, S-GW, P-GW, etc.) in existing LTE (4G) By separating the functions of control signaling and data transmission/reception, which were performed in a complex manner, the network structure is defined by separating the control signaling function area (Control Plane) and the data transmission/reception function area (User Plane).

1 is an exemplary diagram showing the structure of a 5G system.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the control node of the Control Plane in 5G manages/controls policies such as Access and Mobility Function (AMF) that controls access to the wireless section of the terminal, terminal information and subscription service information for each terminal, and billing. PCF (Policy Control Function), SMF (Session Management Function) that manages/controls sessions for data service use for each terminal, NEF (Network Exposure Function) that shares information with external networks, and each node in the network It can be defined as NRF (Network Repository Function), which is a function that manages/controls information about information.

In 5G, the data node of the User Plane is a User Plane (UPF) that transmits and receives data between the terminal and the server on an external service network (e.g. DN (Data Network)) through a session with the terminal based on SMF control (interlock). Function).

Meanwhile, in 5G, a session report request (SRR) is defined as the only message that the UPF of the user plane can transmit to the SMF subjectively.

Accordingly, the UPF, when receiving downlink (DL) data to a terminal whose session has been released (for example, an idle terminal), is transmitted to obtain session information (hereinafter, DDN (Downlink Data Notification)), and the data session of the terminal. Status information defined in the 5G standard, such as status information (hereinafter, Usage) that transmits the uplink/downlink usage for the UPF, and status information (hereinafter, Overload) that transmits the UPF's own overload status, is sent to the SMF through the SRR message. I can deliver.

However, the current standard defines that the UPF immediately deletes the status information transmitted through the SRR when a response Session Report Response "success" indicating success in receiving the SRR message is returned after transmitting the SRR to the SMF. .

With reference to FIG. 2, according to the current standard definition, a process in which the UPF transmits status information through SRR (Session Report Request) will be described.

For example, it is assumed that the UPF delivers usage status information.

The UPF monitors usage (eg, UL usage, DL usage, etc.) for each data session it controls according to a triggering condition defined to deliver usage status information, and if a triggering condition is satisfied, the corresponding usage (eg: Status information of UL usage, DL usage, etc.) can be generated and transmitted to SMF through SRR (1).

Accordingly, the SMF can process the usage status information transmitted through the SRR from the UPF according to the process defined in the standard, and returns a response Session Report Response "success" indicating successful reception of the SRR message to the UPF. (2).

After transmitting the SRR to the SMF, the UPF immediately deletes the current usage status information transmitted through the SRR when a response Session Report Response "success" indicating success in receiving the SRR message is returned (3).

As described above, in the current standard, the UPF immediately deletes the status information transmitted through the SRR when the Session Report Response "success" is returned after sending the SRR to the SMF, so the status information transmitted by the UPF can be used as a one-time use. There are only limitations.

Due to this limitation, if the current standard is followed, there is a problem that it cannot be obtained even if the past state information of UPF is required in the control node of the control plane as well as the SMF.

Accordingly, the present invention proposes a method for storing the state information transmitted from the UPF through the SRR, and further proposes a method to enable the reading (acquisition) of the UPF's past state information when necessary.

Specifically, a network device that realizes the technical solution proposed in the present invention is proposed.

Referring to FIG. 3, when the network device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described, the network device 100 includes a storage information receiving unit 120 and a storage control unit 130.

Furthermore, the network device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a reporting unit 110.

The network apparatus 100 of the present invention may correspond to a node of the User Plane shown in FIG. 1, that is, each UPF.

Accordingly, the network apparatus 100 of the present invention includes a process module (1, 2,...N) for performing its function as a UPF in a user plane and an interface module (1, 2,. ..N) will be equipped.

And the network device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is the terminal side (R) AN in order to connect a data session between a node (SMF) of a control plane, a terminal, and an external service network (eg, DN (Data Network)). , A communication unit 140 for communicating with an external service network (eg, a DN (Data Network)) and/or other UPF may be further included.

Accordingly, the communication unit 140 supports the N4 interface defined to communicate with the SMF, supports the N3 interface defined to communicate with the (R)AN, supports the N6 interface defined to communicate with the DN, and communicates with other UPFs. It can support the N9 interface defined to be.

However, the communication unit 140, as defined in the service-based interface between nodes (NF) defined in 5G, SMF and other NF (Network Function) communication with a Nupf interface (Request/Response, Subscribe/Notify).

All or at least a part of the configuration of the network device 100 may be implemented in the form of a hardware module or a software module, or may be implemented in a form in which a hardware module and a software module are combined.

Here, the software module may be understood as, for example, an instruction executed by a processor that controls operations in the network device 100, and such instructions may have a form mounted in a memory in the network device 100. .

As a result, the network device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention realizes the method proposed by the present invention, that is, a method of storing the state information transmitted through the SRR from the UPF through the above-described configuration, and hereinafter. Each configuration in the network device 100 will be described in more detail.

The storage information receiving unit 120 receives storage information from the control node in relation to the state information of at least one of the network device 100 and the data session controlled by the network device 100.

Here, the control node providing storage information to the network device 100 of the present invention is an SMF belonging to the control signaling area (Control Plane), and the network device 100 generates and controls a data session under the control of the SMF. It corresponds to a node in the user plane, that is, UPF.

Accordingly, the storage information receiving unit 120 of the network device 100, UPF of the present invention, in relation to the state information on the data session controlled by the network device 100, UPF and the network device 100, UPF, SMF Archived information can be received from

An embodiment of receiving storage information in the present invention will be described in detail as follows.

First, referring to the reporting unit 110, the reporting unit 110 performs a function of generating status information according to a triggering condition for each status information and transmitting it to a control node, that is, an SMF.

Specifically, in the network devices 100 and UPF, triggering conditions set in the SMF for each of various types of status information for data sessions controlled by the network devices 100 and UPF and the network devices 100 and UPF ( Example: Trigger / Threshold / Event) is held.

Here, the state information generated by the network device 100 (UPF) is the state information transmitted to obtain session information when receiving downlink (DL) data to a terminal whose session has been released (eg, an idle terminal) (hereinafter, DDN ( Downlink Data Notification)), status information that delivers uplink/downlink usage for the terminal's data session (hereinafter, Usage), status information that conveys the overload status of UPF itself (hereinafter, Overload), traffic processed within the session And various types of status information defined by the 5G standard, such as status information (hereinafter, referred to as “error”) that reports an error on a packet, and status information (hereinafter referred to as “load”) that delivers the load status of the CPU and memory resources for UPF's own traffic processing. It may include.

Accordingly, the reporting unit 110 performs monitoring according to triggering conditions (eg, Trigger / Threshold / Event) set for each state information, and generates state information that satisfies the triggering condition and transmits it to the SMF.

At this time, the status information transmitted to the SMF is a session report request message defined so that the node in the data transmission/reception area can transmit to the node in the control signaling area regardless of the request received from the node in the control signaling area. Delivered through.

That is, the reporting unit 110 transmits the status information to the SMF through the SRR message.

For example, when explaining the usage status information among the status information as an example, the reporting unit 110, in units of data sessions (PDU sessions) of each terminal controlled by itself, to a triggering condition defined to deliver usage status information Accordingly, usage (eg, UL usage, DL usage, etc.) can be monitored.

Accordingly, when a triggering condition of a specific data session is satisfied during monitoring, the reporting unit 110 may generate usage status information for a corresponding specific data session and transmit it to the SMF through the SRR.

At this time, the usage status information includes Start Time, End Time, monitoring time (measurement for a certain period, before/after applying QoS), Volume Measurement (Uplink (UL usage), Downlink (DL usage), Total (total usage)) )), Duration Measurement, Application Detection Information (specific application/traffic identification), Time of First Packet, and Last Packet information may be included.

Furthermore, the usage state information may include information on UE Client IP, Server IP, QoS information, session and delay value and speed for each flow.

The storage information receiving unit 120 may receive storage information from the SMF in relation to the status information (eg, DDN, Usage, Overload, etc.) transmitted from the reporting unit 110 to the SMF as described above.

At this time, the storage information may be received through a session control message received from the SMF.

That is, the network device (100, UPF), based on the session control message received from the SMF, specifically information according to the Session Establishment Request message (e.g., UE ID, Slice ID, PDU session ID, QER, FAR, etc.) Data session is created, and the data session of the terminal based on the session control message received from the SMF, specifically information according to the Session Modify Request message (e.g., UE ID, Slice ID, PDU session ID, QER, FAR, etc.) Control.

The storage information receiving unit 120 may receive storage information for status information (eg, DDN, Usage, Overload, etc.) through this session control message received from the SMF and a Session Establishment/Modify Request.

For example, when receiving a session control message from the SMF, the storage information receiving unit 120 may check whether storage information in the message exists, and if there is, acquire and store (or update pre-stored storage information).

Specifically, according to an embodiment, the storage information may have a structure including at least one of a period time for storing a context based on state information, a maximum number of storage, and a context type for each type of state information.

For example, in the storage information, for each status information (e.g. DDN, Usage, Overload, etc.), the interval time (e.g. DDN_100 seconds, Usage_24 hours, Overload_10 minutes, etc.) and the maximum number of storages (Example: DDN_100, Usage_1000, Overload_50, etc.) can be included.

In addition, the storage information includes a context type that specifies what type of context should be created for each status information (eg DDN, Usage, Overload, etc.). For example, in the case of DDN status information, DDN Report Request ID/DDN It may be a context type of sequence number (SEQN), and in the case of usage status information, it may be a context type of Usage Report Request ID/Usage Report SEQN/ Usage Report Trigger (what triggering condition is satisfied and reported).

Meanwhile, according to another embodiment, the storage information may include at least one of a section time, a maximum number, and a context type for each type of SRR message.

In addition, according to another embodiment, the storage information may optionally include at least one of a section time, a maximum number, and a context type for each Service Name/Service Operation/Attribute Name of the Nupf interface.

When the state information is transmitted to the control node, that is, the SMF, the storage control unit 130 stores a context based on the state information transmitted this time according to the storage information previously received from the storage information receiving unit 120.

That is, the storage control unit 130 may generate and store a context based on the state information transmitted this time according to the storage information whenever the status information is transmitted from the reporting unit 110 to the SMF through the SRR message.

To describe an embodiment in detail, the storage control unit 130 allocates context storage resources based on the maximum number and context type for each state information according to the latest storage information previously received from the storage information receiving unit 120 can do.

For example, in the case of DDN status information included in storage information, section time (ex: DDN_100 seconds), maximum number (ex: DDN_100), DDN Report Request ID/DDN sequence number (SEQN)/part or all of the status information Assuming the context type of, the storage control unit 130 determines the maximum number (eg, DDN_100) and context type (eg: DDN Report Request ID/DDN SEQN/part or all of the status information) for DDN status information. As a basis, context storage resources that can store the maximum number of DDN contexts can be allocated.

In addition, in the case of usage status information included in the storage information, section time (e.g., Usage_24 hours), maximum number (e.g. Usage_1000), URR ID/Usage Report SEQN/Usage Report Trigger/Status information part or all context type Assuming that, the storage control unit 130 sets the maximum number (eg, Usage_1000) and context type (eg, URR ID/Usage Report SEQN/Usage Report Trigger/part or all of the status information) for usage status information. As a basis, context storage resources that can store the maximum number of usage contexts can be allocated.

In this manner, the storage control unit 130 may allocate context storage resources based on the maximum number and context type for each state information according to storage information.

And, the storage control unit 130, according to the storage information, based on the context window from the time when the storage information is received for each state information to the time period elapsed, the context stored in the context storage resource is a sliding window ( A context structure to be deleted can be created according to the sliding window method.

For example, in the case of DDN status information included in the archive information, section time (eg: DDN_100 seconds), maximum number (eg: DDN_100), DDN Report Request ID/DDN sequence number (SEQN)/ some or all of the status information Assuming the context type of, the storage control unit 130, for the DDN status information, the context window (t +) from the time when the storage information is received (t) to the time period (eg, DDN_100 seconds) elapses. 100 seconds), it is possible to create a context structure that deletes the context stored in the DDN context storage resource according to the sliding window method.

In addition, in the case of usage status information included in the storage information, section time (e.g., Usage_24 hours), maximum number (e.g. Usage_1000), URR ID/Usage Report SEQN/Usage Report Trigger/Status information part or all context type Assuming, the storage control unit 130, with respect to the usage state information, the context window (t + 24 hours) from the time when the storage information is received (t) to the time period (eg, Usage_24 hours) elapses Based on, it is possible to create a context structure that deletes the context stored in the usage context storage resource according to the sliding window method.

In this manner, the storage control unit 130 may generate a context structure that allows the generated context to be automatically deleted after being stored for each state information according to the storage information for the duration of the context window.

Accordingly, the storage control unit 130, each time the report unit 110 transmits the status information to the SMF through the SRR message, creates a context based on the current status information in the form of a context according to the storage information, and assigns and It can be stored in the created context storage resource according to the context structure.

As described above, when the network device 100 (UPF) of the present invention transmits the state information to the SMF through the SRR message, the transmitted state information-based context is created and stored.

That is, the network device 100, UPF of the present invention, even if the status information transmitted from the UPF to the SMF through the SRR message is immediately deleted (reset) when a Session Report Response "success" is returned from the SMF, It can store context.

Furthermore, when receiving a request for past status information from a control node, that is, an SMF, the storage control unit 130 may perform a function of extracting a context according to the current status information request from among stored contexts and transmitting the context to the SMF.

At this time, the request for past status information from the SMF may be received through a session control message received from the SMF.

That is, the network device (100, UPF), based on the session control message received from the SMF, specifically information according to the Session Establishment Request message (e.g., UE ID, Slice ID, PDU session ID, QER, FAR, etc.) Data session is created, and the data session of the terminal based on the session control message received from the SMF, specifically information according to the Session Modify Request message (e.g., UE ID, Slice ID, PDU session ID, QER, FAR, etc.) Control.

The storage control unit 130 may receive a request for past state information through such a session control message and a Session Establishment/Modify Request received from the SMF.

For example, when receiving a session control message from the SMF, the storage control unit 130 may check whether there is a request for past status information in the message.

This can be confirmed based on a specific identifier predefined between the network device 100 (UPF) and the SMF.

According to an example, in the present invention, as a specific identifier for identifying a past status information request, a Context information flag may be defined, and in the case of Context information flag = 1, it may be defined as indicating a past status information request.

In this case, the storage control unit 130, upon receiving the session control message from the SMF, the context infor. If Flag=1 is confirmed, it can be confirmed that a request for past status information is received.

Meanwhile, the extracted context may be transmitted to the SMF through an SRR message.

Accordingly, when the storage control unit 130 receives a request for past status information from the SMF through a session control message (Session Establishment/Modify Request), the SRR message extracts the context according to the current status information request from among the stored contexts. It can be delivered to the SMF through

According to an example, the past status information request will include information for designating the context of the delivery target.

For example, the past state information request may include information indicating a UE ID, a Slice ID, and the last 50 seconds as information for designating a context of a delivery target.

In this case, the storage control unit 130 extracts a context in which the UE ID and Slice ID coincide among the contexts stored in the context storage resource for each state information, from the contexts created within the last (last) 50 second period, and uses the SRR message. Can be delivered to SMF.

For another example, the past status information request may include information indicating a usage, a slice ID, and the last 50 as information for designating a context of a delivery target.

In this case, the storage control unit 130 extracts a context in which the Slice ID matches among the 50 contexts from the recently created (last) context among the contexts stored in the usage context storage resource, and transmits it to the SMF through the SRR message. have.

At this time, when transferring the extracted context to the SMF through the SRR message, the storage control unit 130 may use a case of transferring the status information to the SMF and a specific identifier identified.

Specifically, the specific identifier may be an identifier identified in a past state information request received from the SMF, that is, the above-described context information flag = 1, or a separate identifier defined to be used in connection with a target context to be transmitted.

When transferring the extracted context to the SMF through the SRR message, the storage control unit 130 may use/include the Context information flag=1 as a specific identifier so that the SMF can be identified with the case of transmitting the status information, or A separate identifier previously defined between the device 100 (UPF) and the SMF may be used/included as a specific identifier to allow the SMF to be identified with the case of transmitting status information.

As described above, in the case of transmitting the state information to the SMF through the SRR message, the network device 100 (UPF) of the present invention creates and stores a context based on the transmitted state information.

In addition, the network apparatus 100 (UPF) of the present invention extracts/transmits the context according to the request when the past status information is requested from the SMF, so that the past status information of the UPF is stored in another node, that is, the SMF or another control node interlocking with the SMF Make it possible to read (obtain) if necessary.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, the state information transmitted by the UPF is retrieved when the previous state information of the UPF is required by another node, that is, an SMF or another control node interlocking with the SMF, free from the existing constraint that it can only be used once. The effect of enabling (acquisition) can be expected, and based on this, the effect of implementing a variety of high-quality services can be expected.

Hereinafter, a context management method based on state information according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

First, a context management method based on state information according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4 from a system perspective.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the SMF realizes the context storage and delivery function with the network device 100 (UPF) of the present invention in response to a request from another control node (Network Function) interworking with the SMF.

When receiving a context storage request from another NF (20) (S10, e.g. URLLC service_Slice ID), SMF (10) sends the UPF (100) to the session control message (Session Establishment/Modify Request) through storage information (hereinafter , Referred to as storage parameters) can be delivered (S20)

In this case, the UPF 100 returns a response (ok) to a session control message (Session Establishment/Modify Request) (S22), and then prepares to store the context according to the storage parameter.

On the other hand, the UPF 100 performs monitoring according to triggering conditions (e.g., Trigger / Threshold / Event) set for each status information (e.g., DDN, Usage, Overload, etc.), and generates status information that satisfies the triggering conditions. Thus, the operation of transmitting to the SMF 10 through the SRR is performed (S30, S40).

At this time, the UPF 100 generates/stores the context based on the state information according to the storage parameter whenever the state information is transmitted to the SMF 10 through the SRR message (S35, S45).

Upon receiving a context provision request from another NF (20) (S50, e.g.: time_last 50 seconds, UE ID, Slice ID), SMF (10) sends a session control message to UPF (100) (Session Establishment/Modify Request) The request for past status information is transmitted through (S60).

At this time, SMF (10) is the context infor. By including Flag=1, the UPF 100 can identify that the request for the past status information is.

UPF(100) returns a response (ok) to a session control message (Session Establishment/Modify Request) (S62), and then extracts the context according to the current state information request from the stored context (S70) SRR It is transmitted to the SMF (10) through (S80).

At this time, the UPF (100) is the context infor. By including Flag=1, the SMF 10 can identify the context delivery according to the past state information request.

In this case, the SMF 10 may transfer the received context to the other NF 20 after processing necessary to transfer the received context to the other NF 20 (S90).

Hereinafter, a context management method based on state information according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

According to the state information-based context management method of the present invention, the network device 100 (UPF) may receive storage parameters from the SMF (S100).

For example, the network device 100, UPF, based on the session control message received from the SMF, specifically the information according to the Session Establishment Request message (e.g., UE ID, Slice ID, PDU session ID, QER, FAR, etc.) Data session is created, and the data session of the terminal based on the session control message received from the SMF, specifically information according to the Session Modify Request message (e.g., UE ID, Slice ID, PDU session ID, QER, FAR, etc.) Control.

According to the state information-based context management method of the present invention, the network device (100, UPF) provides information on state information (e.g., DDN, Usage, Overload, etc.) through this session control message and Session Establishment/Modify Request received from SMF. Storage parameters can be received (S100).

According to the state information-based context management method of the present invention, the network device 100, UPF allocates context storage resources based on the maximum number and context type for each state information according to the received storage information (storage parameter), It is possible to create a context structure in which the context stored in the context storage resource is deleted according to a sliding window method based on the context window from the time when the parameter is received for each state information to the time when the section time has elapsed. (S110).

For example, in the case of DDN status information included in storage information, section time (ex: DDN_100 seconds), maximum number (ex: DDN_100), DDN Report Request ID/DDN sequence number (SEQN)/part or all of the status information Assuming the context type of the network device (100, UPF), the maximum number of DDN status information (eg: DDN_100) and the context type (eg: DDN Report Request ID/DDN SEQN/status information) ), a context storage resource that can store the maximum number of DDN contexts can be allocated.

In addition, in the case of usage status information included in the storage information, section time (e.g., Usage_24 hours), maximum number (e.g. Usage_1000), URR ID/Usage Report SEQN/Usage Report Trigger/Status information part or all context type Assuming that, the network device (100, UPF) has the maximum number of usage status information (e.g. Usage_1000) and the context type (e.g. URR ID/Usage Report SEQN/Usage Report Trigger/Part or all of the status information). ), a context storage resource that can store the maximum number of usage contexts can be allocated.

In this way, the network apparatus 100 and UPF may allocate context storage resources based on the maximum number and context type for each state information according to storage information (storage parameter).

In addition, for example, in the case of DDN status information included in the storage information, section time (eg: DDN_100 seconds), maximum number (eg: DDN_100), DDN Report Request ID/DDN sequence number (SEQN)/ part of status information or Assuming the overall context type, the network device 100, UPF, for DDN status information, is a context window from the time when the storage information is received (t) to the time when the interval time (e.g., DDN_100 seconds) elapses. On the basis of (t + 100 seconds), a context structure that deletes the context stored in the DDN context storage resource according to the sliding window method can be created.

In addition, in the case of usage status information included in the storage information, section time (e.g., Usage_24 hours), maximum number (e.g. Usage_1000), URR ID/Usage Report SEQN/Usage Report Trigger/Status information part or all context type Assuming, the network device 100 (UPF), for the usage status information, the context window (t + 24) from the time when the storage information is received (t) to the time when the section time (eg, Usage_24 hours) elapses. Based on time), a context structure that deletes the context stored in the usage context storage resource according to the sliding window method can be created.

In this way, the network device 100, UPF, according to the storage information (storage parameter), for each state information, creates a context structure that allows the generated context to be stored for the context window time and then automatically deleted. can do.

Meanwhile, according to the state information-based context management method of the present invention, the network device 100, UPF performs monitoring according to triggering conditions (eg, Trigger / Threshold / Event) set for each state information (S120), and triggering conditions. The state information that satisfies is generated and transmitted to the SMF through the SRR (S130).

According to the state information-based context management method of the present invention, each time the network device 100, UPF transmits the state information to the SMF through the SRR message in step S130, the context based on the present state information is generated according to the storage parameter. And can be stored (S140).

For example, the network device 100, UPF, whenever the status information is transmitted to the SMF through the SRR message in step S130, creates a context based on the current status information in the form of a context according to the storage parameter, and pre-allocates And it can be stored in the created context storage resource according to the context structure.

As described above, according to the state information-based context management method of the present invention, when the network apparatus 100 (UPF) transmits the state information to the SMF through the SRR message, the transmitted state information-based context may be created and stored.

And according to the state information-based context management method of the present invention, the network device 100 (UPF) checks whether a request for past state information from the SMF is received (S150).

At this time, the request for past status information from the SMF may be received through a session control message received from the SMF.

That is, according to the state information-based context management method of the present invention, the network device 100, UPF, when receiving a session control message (Session Establishment/Modify Request) from the SMF, the context infor. When Flag=1 is confirmed, it can be confirmed that a request for past status information is received (S150 Yes).

When a request for past status information is received (S150 Yes), the network device 100 (UPF) may extract a context according to the current past status information request from among the stored contexts and transmit it to the SMF through the SRR message (S160, S170). ).

According to the state information-based context management method of the present invention, when the network device 100 (UPF) transmits the extracted context to the SMF through the SRR message (S170), the context information flag=1 is used/included as a specific identifier to When the status information is transmitted and identified by the network device (100, UPF) and the SMF, a separate identifier previously defined between the network device (100, UPF) and the SMF is used/included as a specific identifier so that the SMF transmits the status information and the identification You can do it.

According to the state information-based context management method of the present invention, the network device 100 (UPF), unless the connection to the data session (eg, PDU session) of the context storage target based on the state information is released (S180 No), step S120 And it is possible to repeat the function of the step below.

As described above, according to the state information-based context management method of the present invention, when state information is transmitted to the SMF through an SRR message, a context based on the transmitted state information is created and stored, and when past state information is requested from the SMF. By extracting/transmitting the context according to the request, it is possible to view (obtain) the past state information of the UPF in another node, that is, the SMF or another control node interlocking with the SMF.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, the state information transmitted by the UPF is retrieved when the previous state information of the UPF is required by another node, that is, an SMF or another control node interlocking with the SMF, free from the existing constraint that it can only be used once. The effect of enabling (acquisition) can be expected, and based on this, the effect of implementing a variety of high-quality services can be expected.

The context management method based on status information according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded in a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like alone or in combination. The program instructions recorded in the medium may be specially designed and configured for the present invention, or may be known and usable to those skilled in computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. -A hardware device specially configured to store and execute program instructions such as magneto-optical media, and ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include not only machine language codes such as those produced by a compiler but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like. The above-described hardware device may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the present invention, and vice versa.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments so far, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the technical field to which the present invention belongs without departing from the gist of the present invention claimed in the following claims. Anyone of ordinary skill in the art will say that the technical idea of the present invention extends to the range in which various modifications or modifications are possible.

According to the network device and state information-based context management method according to the present invention, it exceeds the limitations of the existing technology in that it realizes a method that overcomes the existing constraints that the state information transmitted by the UPF can only be used once. According to this invention, it is an invention that has industrial applicability because it is not only the use of the related technology, but also the possibility of commercialization or business of the applied device is sufficient as well as the degree to be practically obvious.

100: network device (UPF)
110: reporting unit 120: storage information receiving unit
130: storage control unit 140: communication unit

Claims (14)

In the network device,
A storage information receiver configured to receive storage information for storing a context based on state information from a control node in relation to state information on at least one of the network device and the data session controlled by the network device; And
And a storage control unit for storing a context based on the transmitted state information according to the previously received storage information when the state information is transmitted to the control node. The method of claim 1,
The storage control unit,
When receiving a request for past status information from the control node, a context according to the request for past status information is extracted from among the stored contexts and transmitted to the control node. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The network device is a node of a data transmission/reception area (User Plane) for creating and controlling a data session under control of the control node belonging to a control signaling area (Control Plane),
At least one of the status information and the context,
Regardless of the reception of a request from a node in the control signaling area, the data transmission/reception area node is delivered through a session report request message defined to be transmitted to the node in the control signaling area. Network device. The method of claim 1,
The above storage information,
And at least one of a section time for storing a context based on state information, a maximum number of storing, and a context type for each type of the state information. The method of claim 4,
The storage control unit,
According to the storage information, context storage resources are allocated based on the maximum number and context type for each state information,
A context structure for deleting a context stored in the context storage resource according to a sliding window method based on a context window from a time point when the storage information is received to a time point at which the section time has elapsed is created. Network device. The method of claim 2,
At least one of the storage information and the past status information request,
The network device, characterized in that received through a session control message received from the control node. The method of claim 2,
The storage control unit,
When transferring the extracted context to the control node, a specific identifier identified as when transferring the status information to the control node is used. The method of claim 7,
The specific identifier,
And an identifier identified in the past state information request received from the control node or an identifier defined to be used in connection with a target context to be transmitted. In the context management method based on status information performed in a network device,
A parameter receiving step of receiving storage information for storing a context based on state information from a control node in relation to state information on at least one of the network device and the data session controlled by the network device; And
And a context storage step of storing a context based on the transmitted state information according to the previously received storage information when the state information is transmitted to the control node. The method of claim 9,
Upon receiving a request for past status information from the control node, a context transfer step of extracting a context according to the request for past status information from among the stored contexts and transmitting the context to the control node is further included. How to manage context. The method of claim 9 or 10,
The network device is a node of a data transmission/reception area (User Plane) for creating and controlling a data session under control of the control node belonging to a control signaling area (Control Plane),
At least one of the status information and the context,
Regardless of the reception of a request from a node in the control signaling area, the data transmission/reception area node is delivered through a session report request message defined to be transmitted to the node in the control signaling area. Context management method based on state information. The method of claim 9,
The above storage information,
The context management method based on status information, comprising at least one of a section time for storing a context based on the status information, a maximum number of storage, and a context type for each type of the status information. The method of claim 10,
The context transfer step,
When transferring the extracted context to the control node, a case of transferring the status information to the control node and a specific identifier identified are used. The method of claim 13,
The specific identifier,
The context management method based on state information, characterized in that the identifier identified in the past state information request received from the control node or an identifier defined to be used in connection with a delivery target context.

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