WO2021147065A1 - Communication method, access network device, and core network device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a communication method, an access network device, and a core network device. The communication method comprises: an access network device receives a protocol data unit (PDU) session resource modification request from a core network device, the PDU session resource modification request comprising an identifier of a Quality of Service (QoS) flow and being used to instruct to release information of an identifier of an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network radio access bearer (E-RAB) corresponding to the QoS flow; and the access network device sends a PDU session resource modification response to the core network device.

Description

A communication method, access network equipment, and core network equipment Technical field

This application relates to the field of communication, and more specifically, to a communication method and device

Background technique

Based on different operating strategies, market demands, etc., a 5G network architecture and a 4G network architecture may be deployed in the network at the same time. Under this kind of heterogeneous system architecture, it is also necessary to ensure normal communication to ensure user experience.

Summary of the invention

This application provides a communication method and device to ensure user experience.

In a first aspect, a communication method is provided, including: an access network device receives a protocol data unit (PDU) session resource modification request from a core network device. The PDU session resource modification request includes the flag of the quality of service QoS flow and the flag (E-RAB ID) used to indicate the release of the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network radio access bearer (E-RAB) corresponding to the QoS flow. Information. The access network device sends a PDU session resource modification response to the core network device.

The core network device sends a PDU session resource modification request to the access network device, and the QoS flow flag in the PDU session resource modification request is used to indicate the release of the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network radio access corresponding to the QoS flow. The information of the flag of the bearer (E-RAB) can enable the access network device to release the E-RAB flag corresponding to the QoS flow, so that the core network device can reclaim these E-RAB flags. When the E-RAB mark in the network is completely used, the core network equipment can recycle part of the E-RAB mark and allocate it to the QoS flow in the high-priority PDU session to ensure that the high-priority PDU session is used. Data can be forwarded to the 4G network to ensure normal communication and ensure user experience.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the PDU session resource modification request further includes the E-RAB flag. This facilitates the access network equipment to directly obtain the E-RAB flag that needs to be released. This can save the processing time for the access network device to find the E-RAB ID corresponding to the QoS flow, reduce the delay, and further ensure the user experience.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the access network device releases the E-RAB flag of the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network radio access bearer corresponding to the QoS flow.

The access network device releases the E-RAB ID corresponding to the QoS flow, so that the core network device can reclaim the E-RAB ID and re-allocate it to the QoS flow in the high-priority PDU session as needed to ensure these high-priority flows. The data in the PDU session can be forwarded to the 4G network to ensure normal communication and ensure user experience.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the access network device releases the mapping between the QoS flow and the flag of the E-RAB.

The access network device releases the mapping between the QoS flow and the E-RAB ID, so that the core network device can reclaim the E-RAB ID and re-allocate it to the QoS flow in the high-priority PDU session as needed to ensure these The data in the high-priority PDU session can be forwarded to the 4G network to ensure normal communication and ensure user experience.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementation manners of the first aspect, the method further includes: the access network device releasing the transport layer address and the general packet radio service tunnel protocol tunnel endpoint flag corresponding to the E-RAB.

After the access network device releases the transport layer address (transport layer address) and GTP-TEID corresponding to the E-RAB, the access network device does not forward data of the QoS flow corresponding to the E-RAB to different systems. In this way, after avoiding data forwarding of these QoS flow data to the 4G network, the 4G network cannot determine the E-RAB corresponding to the QoS flow, and cannot perform data processing. This can avoid the signaling overhead caused by invalid data forwarding.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the method further includes: the access network device receives the re-allocated E-RAB flag from the core network device, and the re-allocated E-RAB flag The E-RAB flag is re-allocated for the QoS flow.

In this way, the data of these QoS flows for which the E-RAB mark is reassigned can also be forwarded by different systems, thereby ensuring the corresponding user experience.

With reference to the first aspect, in some implementations of the first aspect, the core network device is an AMF, the QoS flow flag, and an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network for indicating the release of the QoS flow The information of the flag of the radio access bearer E-RAB comes from the session management entity SMF.

In a second aspect, a communication method is provided, which includes a core network device sending a protocol data unit PDU session resource modification request to an access network device, where the PDU session resource modification request includes a flag of a quality of service QoS flow, and a flag for indicating a release The radio access of the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network corresponding to the QoS flow carries the information of the E-RAB flag. The core network device receives a PDU session resource modification response from the access network device.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementation manners of the second aspect, the PDU session resource modification request further includes the E-RAB flag.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the core network device sends the re-allocated E-RAB flag to the access network device, and the re-allocated E-RAB flag is The QoS flow is re-allocated.

With reference to the second aspect, in some implementations of the second aspect, the core network device is an AMF, the mark of the quality of service QoS flow, and an evolved universal terrestrial radio interface for indicating the release of the corresponding QoS flow The information of the sign of the E-RAB bearer in the wireless access to the network comes from the session management entity SMF.

In a third aspect, an access network device is provided, including a receiving unit and a sending unit. The receiving unit is configured to receive a protocol data unit PDU session resource modification request from a core network device. The PDU session resource modification request includes a flag of a quality of service QoS flow, and a general purpose for indicating the release of the evolution corresponding to the QoS flow. The terrestrial radio access network radio access carries the information of the E-RAB logo. The sending unit is configured to send a PDU session resource modification response to the core network device.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the PDU session resource modification request further includes the E-RAB flag.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the access network device further includes a processing unit configured to release the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network radio corresponding to the QoS flow Access bearer E-RAB logo.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the processing unit is configured to release the mapping between the QoS flow and the flag of the E-RAB.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementation manners of the third aspect, the method further includes: the access network device releases the transport layer address corresponding to the E-RAB and the general packet radio service tunnel protocol tunnel endpoint flag.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the receiving unit is further configured to receive the redistributed E-RAB flag from the core network device, and the redistributed E-RAB flag It is re-allocated for the QoS flow.

With reference to the third aspect, in some implementations of the third aspect, the core network device is an AMF, the QoS flow flag, and an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network corresponding to the QoS flow is used to indicate the release The information of the flag of the radio access bearer E-RAB comes from the session management entity SMF.

In a fourth aspect, a core network device is provided, including: a sending unit and a receiving unit. The sending unit is configured to send a protocol data unit PDU session resource modification request to an access network device, where the PDU session resource modification request includes a flag of a quality of service QoS flow, and an evolution message used to indicate the release of the QoS flow. The universal terrestrial radio access network wirelessly accesses the information carrying the E-RAB logo. The receiving unit is configured to receive a PDU session resource modification response from the access network device.

With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementation manners of the fourth aspect, the PDU session resource modification request further includes the E-RAB flag.

With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementation manners of the fourth aspect, the sending unit is further configured to send the re-allocated E-RAB flag to the access network device, and the re-allocated E-RAB flag It is re-allocated for the QoS flow.

With reference to the fourth aspect, in some implementations of the fourth aspect, the core network device is an AMF, the mark of the quality of service QoS flow, and an evolved universal terrestrial radio interface for indicating the release of the corresponding QoS flow The information of the sign of the E-RAB bearer in the wireless access to the network comes from the session management entity SMF.

In a fifth aspect, a communication method is provided, including: a core network device sends a protocol data unit PDU session resource modification request to an access network device, where the PDU session resource modification request includes a universal terrestrial radio access network radio access bearer E -RAB flag and information for indicating the release of the E-RAB flag; the core network device receives the PDU session resource modification response from the access network device.

In a sixth aspect, a communication method is provided, which includes a core network device sending a protocol data unit PDU session resource modification request to an access network device, where the PDU session resource modification request includes a universal terrestrial radio access network radio interface that needs to be released. Incoming bears the E-RAB logo.

The core network device receives a PDU session resource modification response from the access network device.

In a seventh aspect, a communication system is provided, which is characterized by including the access network device of the third aspect and the core network device of the fourth aspect.

In an eighth aspect, another communication device is provided, including a processor, which is coupled with a memory and can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the first aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect. The method of the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, or the method of the third aspect, or the method of the fourth aspect. In a possible implementation manner, the device further includes a memory. In a possible implementation manner, the device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled with the communication interface.

In a ninth aspect, another communication device is provided, including a processor, which is coupled to a memory and can be used to execute instructions in the memory to implement the first aspect or any one of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect. The method of the second aspect or any one of the possible implementations of the second aspect, or the method of the third aspect, or the method of the fourth aspect. In a possible implementation manner, the device further includes a memory. In a possible implementation manner, the device further includes a communication interface, and the processor is coupled with the communication interface.

In one implementation, the communication interface may be a transceiver, or an input/output interface.

In a tenth aspect, a processor is provided, including: an input circuit, an output circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is used to receive a signal through the input circuit and transmit a signal through the output circuit, so that the processor executes the method in any one of the possible implementation manners of the foregoing aspects.

In the specific implementation process, the above-mentioned processor may be a chip, the input circuit may be an input pin, the output circuit may be an output pin, and the processing circuit may be a transistor, a gate circuit, a flip-flop, and various logic circuits. The input signal received by the input circuit may be received and input by, for example, but not limited to, a receiver, and the signal output by the output circuit may be, for example, but not limited to, output to the transmitter and transmitted by the transmitter, and the input circuit and output The circuit can be the same circuit, which is used as an input circuit and an output circuit at different times. This application does not limit the specific implementation of the processor and various circuits.

In an eleventh aspect, a processing device is provided, including a processor and a memory. The processor is used to read instructions stored in the memory, and can receive signals through a receiver, and transmit signals through a transmitter, so as to execute the method in any one of the possible implementation manners of the foregoing aspects.

In a possible implementation manner, there are one or more processors and one or more memories.

In a possible implementation manner, the memory may be integrated with the processor, or the memory and the processor may be provided separately.

In the specific implementation process, the memory can be a non-transitory (non-transitory) memory, such as a read only memory (ROM), which can be integrated with the processor on the same chip, or can be set in different On the chip, this application does not limit the type of memory and the way of setting the memory and the processor.

It should be understood that the related data interaction process, for example, sending instruction information may be a process of outputting instruction information from the processor, and receiving capability information may be a process of receiving input capability information by the processor. Specifically, the processed output data may be output to the transmitter, and the input data received by the processor may come from the receiver. Among them, the transmitter and receiver can be collectively referred to as a transceiver.

The above-mentioned processing device may be a chip, and the processor may be implemented by hardware or software. When implemented by hardware, the processor may be a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, etc.; when implemented by software, the processing The processor may be a general-purpose processor, which is implemented by reading software codes stored in the memory. The memory may be integrated in the processor, may be located outside the processor, and exist independently.

In a twelfth aspect, a computer program product is provided. The computer program product includes: a computer program (also called code, or instruction), which when the computer program is executed, causes the computer to execute any of the above aspects The method in the possible implementation mode.

In a thirteenth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program (also called code, or instruction) when it runs on a computer, so that the computer executes the above-mentioned aspects. Any one of the possible implementation methods.

In a fourteenth aspect, a chip is provided, which is characterized by comprising: a processor, configured to read instructions stored in a memory, and when the processor executes the instructions, the chip realizes the above aspects Any one of the possible implementation methods.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the quality of service control in the 5G network architecture.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the 4G network architecture.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of QoS control in the 4G network architecture.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an architecture in which a 5G network and a 4G network are deployed at the same time.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of interaction of the first embodiment of this patent application.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of interaction of the second embodiment of this patent application.

Fig. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of an access network device provided by this patent application.

Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a core network device provided by this patent application.

Fig. 10 shows a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.

Detailed ways

The technical solution in this application will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a 5G network architecture. As shown in Figure 1, the 5G network includes a core network (Core Network, CN) and an access network (Radio Access Network, RAN).

The access network includes radio access network (RAN) equipment, which is a device that connects terminal equipment (UE) to the wireless network.

Exemplarily, the access network device may have the following implementation modes:

1) The access network equipment is gNB. The gNB provides new radio (NR) control plane and/or user plane protocols and functions for terminal equipment.

2) The access network equipment is an ng-eNB: the ng-eNB provides the terminal equipment with the control plane and/or user plane protocols and functions of evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA).

Exemplarily, the access network equipment may include a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). Among them, the CU includes the radio resource control (RRC) layer of the gNB, the service data adaptation protocol (SDAP) layer and the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, or the CU includes The RRC layer and PDCP layer of the ng-eNB. The DU includes a radio link control (radio link control, RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and a physical layer of the gNB or ng-eNB. Optionally, the CU may further include a centralized unit-control plane (central unit-control plane, CU-CP) and a centralized unit-user plane (central unit-user plane, CU-UP). The CU-CP mainly includes the RRC layer in the gNB-CU or ng-eNB-CU, and the control plane in the PDCP layer. The CU-UP mainly includes the SDAP layer in the gNB-CU or ng-eNB-CU, and the user plane in the PDCP layer.

The core network equipment includes an access and mobility management function (AMF) entity, a session management function (session management function, SMF) entity, and a user plane function (UPF) entity. The AMF is connected to the access network equipment. AMF is mainly responsible for access control and mobility management. SMF is connected to AMF and UPF respectively, and is mainly responsible for session management. UPF is connected to the access network equipment and SMF respectively, and is mainly responsible for packet routing and forwarding, and quality of service processing on the user plane.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of quality of service (QoS) control in the 5G network architecture. As shown in Figure 2, in a 5G network architecture, a terminal device (UE) establishes a connection with a data network through a protocol data unit (PDU) session, and obtains services provided by the data network. In the 5G network architecture, QoS control is implemented based on QoS flow. One PDU session can include one or more QoS flows. QoS flow is the finest granularity of QoS differentiation in a PDU session. For each terminal device, UPF establishes one or more PDU sessions. The access network device establishes at least one radio bearer (RB) for each PDU session, and maps the QoS flow in the PDU session to an appropriate radio bearer. The access network equipment performs QoS flow transmission between the NG-U tunnel and the UPF.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the 4G network architecture. As shown in Figure 3, the 4G network includes an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) and a core network. Terminal equipment (UE) can access the wireless network through E-UTRAN.

Exemplarily, the E-UTRAN may be an eNB: the eNB provides the terminal equipment with the protocol and function of the control plane and/or the user plane of the evolved universal terrestrial radio access (E-UTRA).

The core network equipment includes a mobility management entity (MME), a packet data network gateway (P-GW), and a serving gateway (S-GW). MME is connected to E-UTRAN and serving gateway respectively, and is mainly responsible for session management, access control, and mobility management. S-GW is connected to MME and P-GW respectively, and is mainly responsible for packet routing and forwarding. The P-GW is connected to the S-GW and is mainly responsible for the IP address allocation of the UE.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of QoS control in the 4G network architecture. In the 4G network architecture, the QoS model is implemented based on an evolved packet system (evolved packet system, EPS) bearer method. EPS bearer is the finest granularity of QoS control. EPS bearers include data radio bearers, S1 bearers, and S5/S8 bearers. Among them, the data radio bearer is the bearer between the UE and the eNB, and the S1 bearer is the bearer between the eNB and the S-GW. The S5/S8 bearer is the bearer between the S-GW and the P-GW. The data radio bearer and the S1 bearer together are called the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network radio access bearer, E-UTRAN radio access bearer, E-RAB. The EPS bearer and E-RAB have a one-to-one correspondence.

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an architecture in which a 5G network and a 4G network are deployed at the same time. The core network control plane equipment MME of the 4G network and the core network control plane equipment AMF of the 5G network are connected to provide intercommunication between the 4G core network and the 5G core network, for example, UE mobility management. Devices with SMF function and P-GW control plane (PGW-C) are respectively connected to the core network control plane device AMF of the 5G network and the core network device S-GW of the 4G network to provide functions such as session management. The device with the SMF function and the P-GW control plane (PGW-C) function may be a device that has the SMF function and the PGW-C function. Alternatively, the device having the SMF function and the P-GW control plane (PGW-C) function includes multiple devices that cooperate to have the SMF function and the PGW-C function. Devices with UPF functions and P-GW user plane (PGW-U) functions are connected to the 5G network access network equipment and the 4G network core network equipment S-GW respectively to provide user-plane service quality processing, etc. Function. The device with the UPF function and the PGW-U function can be one device, and the device has the UPF function and the PGW-U function. Alternatively, the device having the UPF function and the PGW-U function includes a plurality of devices that cooperate to have the SMF function and the PGW-U function.

Under this simultaneous deployment of 5G network and 4G network architecture, when the 5G network needs to forward the data of the QoS flow in the PDU session to the 4G network, it may happen that due to the limitation of the number of E-RABs, the QoS flow cannot be allocated The E-RAB causes the data in the QoS flow to be unable to be forwarded to the 4G network, which in turn causes the terminal device to be unable to receive and/or send the data in the QoS flow in the 4G network, which seriously affects the user experience.

This patent application proposes a communication method in order to provide a solution to provide possibilities for improving user experience.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of interaction of the first embodiment of this patent application. As shown in Figure 6, a communication method includes the following steps:

601. The core network device sends a request message to the access network device. This request message is used to request the release of the E-RAB flag. For example, the information element included in the request message may enable the access network device to determine that the request message is used to release the E-RAB flag. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the request message from the core network device.

The core network device sends a request message for requesting the release of the E-RAB flag to the access network device, so that the access network device can release the E-RAB flag, so that the core network device can reclaim these E-RAB flags. The core network equipment can allocate the recovered E-RAB mark to other QoS flows in the high-priority PDU session to use, so as to ensure that the data in these high-priority PDU sessions can be forwarded by different systems to ensure normal communication and ensure user experience.

The core network device may start to proceed to step 601 when it finds that the E-RAB mark has been allocated when it encounters the need to perform forwarding in a different system. Of course, the core network equipment can also reclaim the E-RAB flag in advance as needed, avoiding the delay caused by reclaiming the QoS flow in a high-priority PDU session before forwarding data in a different system, and further ensuring the user experience.

In an example, the request message may be a PDU session resource modification request (PDU session resource modify request).

In the first implementation manner, the PDU session resource modification request includes the flag of the quality of service QoS flow and the information used to indicate the release of the flag of the E-RAB corresponding to the QoS flow.

The information used to indicate the release of the E-RAB flag corresponding to the QoS flow can be used by the access network device to understand that the E-RAB flag corresponding to the QoS flow needs to be released. In a specific implementation, the information can be an E-RAB ID revocation indicator (E-RAB ID revocation indicator) or an E-RAB ID release indicator (E-RAB ID release indicator), or the information can be an E-RAB revocation indicator ( E-RAB revocation indicator) or E-RAB release indicator (E-RAB release indicator). The specific information format is not limited, as long as the access network device understands that it needs to release the E-RAB flag corresponding to the QoS flow.

Optionally, the PDU session resource modification request further includes the E-RAB flag. This facilitates the access network equipment to directly obtain the E-RAB flag that needs to be released. This can save the processing time for the access network device to find the E-RAB ID corresponding to the QoS flow, reduce the delay, and further ensure the user experience.

Table 1 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the cells included in the PDU session resource modification request

Table 1

Optionally, the PDU session resource modification request may include a QoS Flow Add or Modify Request (QoS Flow Add or Modify Request). The cell structure shown in Table 1 above may be located in the above QoS flow addition or modification request. The QoS flow addition or modification request may be in the form of a list (List). Table 2 shows a schematic diagram of the second structure of the cells included in the PDU session resource modification request.

In the second implementation manner, the PDU session resource modification request includes an E-RAB flag and information for indicating the release of the E-RAB flag. In a specific implementation, the information may be a revocation indicator (revocation indicator) or a release indicator (release indicator).

Table 3 shows the third structural schematic diagram of the cells included in the PDU session resource modification request.

E-RAB logo (E-RAB ID)
Revocation instruction (revocation indicator) or release instruction (release indicator)

table 3

The E-RAB flag and the information used to indicate the release of the E-RAB flag may correspond to the QoS flow for which the mapping relationship between the QoS flow and the E-RAB ID needs to be released. For example, the PDU session resource modification request includes a QoS Flow Add or Modify Request (QoS Flow Add or Modify Request). For the QoS flow that needs to release the mapping relationship between the QoS flow and the E-RAB ID in the QoS flow addition or modification request, you can Correspondingly, the E-RAB flag and the information used to indicate the release of the E-RAB flag are added.

In the third implementation manner, the PDU session resource modification request includes E-RAB ID revocation information or release information. E-RAB ID revocation information or release information includes E-RAB ID revocation list (E-RAB ID to revoke list) or E-RAB ID release list (E-RAB ID to release list).

Table 4 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of the cells included in the PDU session resource modification request.

Table 4

The foregoing implementation manners all use the information element in the request message to make the access network device determine the information used to instruct the release of the E-RAB flag corresponding to the QoS flow. Of course, the message type of the request message can also be used to make the access network device determine that the request message is used to release the E-RAB flag.

602. The access network device releases the E-RAB flag.

In the first implementation manner, the access network device releases the E-RAB flag corresponding to the QoS flow. Or, the access network device releases the mapping between the QoS flow and the flag of the E-RAB. The mapping between the QoS flow and the E-RAB flag may be stored before the access network device.

If the PDU session resource modification request does not include the E-RAB flag corresponding to the QoS flow, the access network device can determine the E-RAB corresponding to the QoS flow according to the corresponding relationship between the QoS flow and the E-RAB ID that it has acquired. -RAB ID, and then release the E-RAB ID. If the PDU session resource modification request includes the E-RAB flag corresponding to the QOS flow, the access network device can directly release the E-RAB ID. After the access network device releases the E-RAB ID, it can be considered that the QoS flow can no longer be mapped to the E-RAB. That is, the QoS flow does not have a corresponding E-RAB ID.

In the second or third implementation manner, the access network device can directly release the E-RAB ID. After the E-RAB ID is released, the QoS flow previously mapped to the E-RAB ID can no longer be mapped to the E-RAB. That is, these QoS flows have no corresponding E-RAB ID. The access network device also releases the mapping between the QoS flow and the E-RAB flag.

In a possible implementation manner, the access network device can determine whether to release the E-RAB ID immediately. If the E-RAB ID is not released immediately, the access network device releases the E-RAB ID after determining that the E-RAB ID can be released. For example, if the data in the QoS flow corresponding to the E-RAB ID is forwarding the data in the different system, the access network device can release the E-RAB after determining that the data in the QoS flow has completed the data forwarding in the different system. ID.

After the access network device releases the E-RAB mark, the core network can reclaim the E-RAB ID and allocate the E-RAB ID to other high-priority QoS flows as needed.

For example, network usage allocation and retention priority (allocation and retention priority, ARP) lists (including ARP priority, preemption ability, and preemption ability) and single network slice selection assistance information (single network slice selection assistance information, S-NSSAI) pair The priority of the PDU session is sorted; when the network needs to forward the data in the higher priority PDU session to the 4G network, the mapping between the QoS flow of the PDU session and the E-RAB needs to be established. The E-RAB ID recovered by the core network can be allocated to QoS flows in these high-priority PDU sessions.

603. The access network device sends a response message to the core network device. Correspondingly, the core network device receives the response message from the access network device. In an example, the response message may be a PDU session resource modification response (PDU session resource modify response).

The information element included in the response message can enable the core network device to determine that the E-RAB flag is successfully released. For example, in one implementation manner, the PDU session resource modification response includes the flag of the quality of service QoS flow. After receiving the response message, the core network device can determine that the E-RAB flag corresponding to the QoS flow has been released according to the flag of the QoS flow in the response message.

In an optional manner, after step 602, step 604 may be performed: the access network device releases the transport layer address corresponding to the E-RAB and the general packet radio service tunnel protocol tunnel endpoint Logo (GTP-TEID). After the access network device releases the transport layer address (transport layer address) and GTP-TEID corresponding to the E-RAB, the access network device does not forward the data of the QoS flow corresponding to the E-RAB to different systems. In this way, after avoiding data forwarding of these QoS flow data to the 4G network, the 4G network cannot determine the E-RAB corresponding to the QoS flow, and cannot perform data processing. This can avoid the signaling overhead caused by invalid data forwarding.

In another optional manner, after step 603, step 605 may be performed: the core network device sends to the access network device an E-RAB flag that is re-allocated to the QoS flow. The access network device correspondingly receives the E-RAB flag re-allocated to the QoS flow from the core network device. In this way, the data of these QoS flows for which the E-RAB mark is reassigned can also be forwarded by different systems, so as to ensure the corresponding user experience.

The E-RAB flag reassigned to the QoS flow is different from the original E-RAB flag of the QoS flow. In order to distinguish, the original E-RAB mark of the QoS flow can be called the first E-RAB mark, and the E-RAB mark re-allocated for the QoS flow in step 605 is the second E-RAB mark. The E-RAB flag re-allocated to the QoS flow may be shared with other QoS flows.

In an example, the core network device sends the E-RAB flag that is re-allocated to the QoS flow to the access network device, which can be implemented by the core network device sending a PDU session resource modification request to the access network device. The PDU session resource modification request includes the flag of the QoS flow and the flag of the E-RAB re-allocated to the QoS flow by the core network device.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the core network device in steps 601-605 may be an AMF. In an optional manner, the information used to indicate the release of the E-RAB flag corresponding to the QoS flow may be included in the PDU session resource modification request transfer (PDU session resource modify request transfer) message in the PDU session resource modification request message. Yuanzhong. Correspondingly, step 606 may also be included before step 601: the SMF sends the PDU session resource modification request transfer containing the information used to indicate the release of the E-RAB flag to the AMF. After the AMF receives the PDU session resource modification request transfer, it can use the PDU session resource modification request message to send the PDU session resource modification request transfer information element to the access network device. An implementation manner of step 606 is that the SMF sends a PDU session resource modification request transfer to the AMF through a PDU session update session management context service (Nsmf_PDUSession_UpdateSMContext) operation including a PDU session resource modification request transfer.

This patent application may also include step 607: The core network device sends a PDU session resource setup request (PDU session resource setup request) or a PDU session resource modification request to the access network device. The access network device receives the request.

The PDU session resource establishment request or the PDU session resource modification request includes the new QoS flow and the first E-RAB flag (E-RAB 1). In order to distinguish, the QoS flow involved in step 601 can be called the first QoS flow (QoS flow 1), and the new QoS flow in step 607 is the second QoS flow (QoS flow 2). Through step 607, the access network device can determine that the second QoS flow has a mapping relationship with the first E-RAB flag. When the data of the second QoS flow needs to be forwarded to the 4G network, it can be directly forwarded to the different system, so as to ensure the corresponding user experience.

Taking the architecture shown in Figure 5 as an example, when the 5G network needs to forward the data of the QoS flow in the PDU session to the 4G network, the AMF can allocate available E-RAB IDs to devices with SMF and PGW-C functions. The SMF determines the mapping between the QoS flow and the E-RAB ID, and sends the mapping to the access network device of the 5G network through the AMF. The device with SMF function and PGW-C function sends the E-RAB ID to the access network device of the 4G network, thereby establishing the transport layer address and general packet radio service tunnel corresponding to the E-RAB ID Protocol tunnel endpoint identifier (GTP-TEID). When data is forwarded in a different system, the access network device of the 5G network sends the data of the QoS flow and the E-RAB ID corresponding to the QoS flow to the access network device of the 4G network, and the access network device of the 4G network uses E- The transport layer address (transport layer address) corresponding to the RAB ID and the general packet radio service tunnel protocol tunnel endpoint identifier (GTP-TEID) are used for data forwarding. In this patent application, the E-RAB ID is recovered in time through an appropriate method, so that the different system forwarding can proceed smoothly, thereby ensuring the corresponding user experience.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of interaction of the second embodiment of this patent application. As shown in Figure 7, a communication method includes the following steps:

701. The core network device sends a PDU session resource setup request (PDU session resource setup request) to the access network device. Correspondingly, the access network device receives the PDU session resource establishment request.

The request includes the QoS flow flag, the E-RAB ID and time information corresponding to the QoS flow. The time information is used to indicate the time for the access network device to retain the mapping between the QoS flow and E-RAB ID, or to instruct the access network device to release the QoS flow and E-RAB after the time indicated by the time information expires Mapping between IDs. In specific implementation, the information can be E-RAB ID revocation waiting time (E-RAB ID revocation time to wait) or E-RAB ID release waiting time (E-RAB ID release time to wait), and the information can also be E-RAB revocation waiting time (E-RAB revocation time to wait) or E-RAB release waiting time (E-RAB release time to wait).

In an implementation manner, the time information may be added to the QoS flow establishment request list in the PDU session resource establishment request message for each QoS flow mapped between the QoS flow and the E-RAB ID that needs to be released. The time indicated by the time information can be an enumerated type, for example, 1s, 2s, 5s, 10s, 20s, or 60s. Table 5 shows a schematic structural diagram of information elements included in the PDU session resource establishment request.

QoS Flow Add Request List QoS Flow Add Request List
QoS Flow Add Request Item QoS Flow Add Request Item
QOS Flow Identifier (QoS Flow Identifier)
E-RAB logo (E-RAB ID)
Time information

It is worth noting that the PDU session resource establishment request in step 701 can also be replaced with a PDU session resource modification request. Correspondingly, the PDU session resource modification request needs to include the QoS flow flag, the E-RAB ID and time information corresponding to the QoS flow.

702. After the time indicated by the time information arrives, the access network device releases the E-RAB ID.

After receiving the request in step 701, the access network device maintains the mapping between the QoS flow and the E-RAB ID before the time indicated by the time information arrives, and releases the E-RAB ID after the time arrives. After the access network device releases the E-RAB ID, it can be considered that the QoS flow can no longer be mapped to the E-RAB. That is, the QoS flow does not have a corresponding E-RAB ID.

Fig. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of an access network device provided by this patent application. As shown in FIG. 8, the access network device 800 includes a receiving unit 810 and a sending unit 820.

The receiving unit 810 is configured to perform the receiving action performed by the access network device in the method embodiment of this patent application, for example: the receiving action of step 601 in the embodiment of FIG. 6. Optionally, the receiving unit 810 is further configured to perform the receiving actions of step 605 and step 607 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

The sending unit 820 is configured to execute the sending action performed by the access network device in the method embodiment of the present patent application, for example, step 603 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

Optionally, the access network device 800 further includes a processing unit 830. The processing unit 830 is configured to perform processing actions performed by the access network device in the method embodiment of the present patent application. For example, steps 602 and 604 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

The access network device 800 may also execute the method in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, the receiving unit 810 is configured to perform the receiving action of step 701 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. The processing unit 830 is configured to execute step 702 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

Fig. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a core network device provided by this patent application. As shown in FIG. 9, the core network device 900 includes a sending unit 910 and a receiving unit 920.

The sending unit 910 is configured to execute the sending action performed by the core network device in the method embodiment of the present patent application, for example: step 601 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. The receiving unit 920 is configured to perform the receiving action performed by the core network device in the method embodiment of the present patent application, for example: the receiving action of step 603 in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

Optionally, the sending unit 910 is further configured to perform the sending actions of step 605 and step 607 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6.

The core network device 900 may also execute the method in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, the sending unit 910 is configured to perform the sending action of step 701 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 shows a communication device 1000 provided by an embodiment of the present application. The device 1000 includes a processor 1010 and a transceiver 1020. The processor 1010 and the transceiver 1020 communicate with each other through an internal connection path, and the processor 1010 is used to execute instructions to control the transceiver 1020 to send signals and/or receive signals.

Optionally, the device 1000 may further include a memory 1030, and the memory 1030, the processor 1010, and the transceiver 1020 communicate with each other through an internal connection path. The memory 1030 is used to store instructions, and the processor 1010 can execute the instructions stored in the memory 1030. In a possible implementation manner, the apparatus 1000 is configured to implement various processes and steps corresponding to the sending end in the foregoing method embodiment. In another possible implementation manner, the apparatus 1000 is configured to implement various processes and steps corresponding to the receiving end in the foregoing method embodiment.

It should be understood that the apparatus 1000 may be specifically an access network device or a core network device in the foregoing embodiment, or may be a chip or a chip system. Correspondingly, the transceiver 1020 may be the transceiver circuit of the chip, which is not limited here. Specifically, the apparatus 1000 may be used to execute each step and/or process corresponding to the access network device or the core network device in the foregoing method embodiment. Optionally, the memory 1030 may include a read-only memory and a random access memory, and provide instructions and data to the processor. A part of the memory may also include a non-volatile random access memory. For example, the memory can also store device type information. The processor 1010 may be used to execute instructions stored in the memory, and when the processor 1010 executes the instructions stored in the memory, the processor 1010 is used to execute the foregoing method embodiments corresponding to the access network device or the core network device The various steps and/or processes.

An embodiment of the present application also provides a processing device, including a processor and an interface; the processor is configured to execute the method in any of the foregoing method embodiments.

It should be understood that the aforementioned processing device may be a chip. For example, the processing device may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on chip (SoC), or It is a central processor unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processing circuit (digital signal processor, DSP), or a microcontroller (microcontroller unit). , MCU), it can also be a programmable logic device (PLD) or other integrated chips.

In the implementation process, each step of the above method can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor or instructions in the form of software. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed and completed by a hardware processor, or executed and completed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the field, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware. To avoid repetition, it will not be described in detail here.

It should be noted that the processor in the embodiment of the present application may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capability. In the implementation process, the steps of the foregoing method embodiments can be completed by hardware integrated logic circuits in the processor or instructions in the form of software. The above-mentioned processor may be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components . The methods, steps, and logical block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor or the like. The steps of the method disclosed in the embodiments of the present application may be directly embodied as being executed and completed by a hardware decoding processor, or executed and completed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can be located in a mature storage medium in the field, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, or electrically erasable programmable memory, registers. The storage medium is located in the memory, and the processor reads the information in the memory and completes the steps of the above method in combination with its hardware.

It can be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application may be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or may include both volatile and non-volatile memory. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (programmable ROM, PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (erasable PROM, EPROM), and electrically available Erase programmable read-only memory (electrically EPROM, EEPROM) or flash memory. The volatile memory may be random access memory (RAM), which is used as an external cache. By way of exemplary but not restrictive description, many forms of RAM are available, such as static random access memory (static RAM, SRAM), dynamic random access memory (dynamic RAM, DRAM), and synchronous dynamic random access memory (synchronous DRAM, SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (double data rate SDRAM, DDR SDRAM), enhanced synchronous dynamic random access memory (enhanced SDRAM, ESDRAM), synchronous connection dynamic random access memory (synchlink DRAM, SLDRAM) ) And direct memory bus random access memory (direct rambus RAM, DR RAM). It should be noted that the memories of the systems and methods described herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memories.

According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application also provides a computer program product. The computer program product includes computer program code. When the computer program code runs on a computer, the computer executes the steps shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. The steps or processes performed by the access network device or the core network device in the illustrated embodiment.

According to the method provided in the embodiments of the present application, the present application also provides a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program code, and when the program code runs on a computer, the computer executes FIG. 6 or FIG. The steps or processes performed by the access network device or the core network device in the embodiment shown in 7 are.

The terms "component", "module", "system", etc. used in this specification are used to denote computer-related entities, hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, the component may be, but is not limited to, a process, a processor, an object, an executable file, an execution thread, a program, and/or a computer running on a processor. Through the illustration, both the application running on the computing device and the computing device can be components. One or more components may reside in processes and/or threads of execution, and components may be located on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable storage media having various data structures stored thereon. The component can be based on, for example, a signal having one or more data packets (e.g. data from two components interacting with another component in a local system, a distributed system, and/or a network, such as the Internet that interacts with other systems through a signal) Communicate through local and/or remote processes.

It should be understood that "at least one" in this document refers to one or more, and "plurality" refers to two or more than two. "And/or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and/or B, which can mean: A alone exists, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A, B can be singular or plural. The character "/" generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "The following at least one item (a)" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of a single item (a) or a plurality of items (a). For example, at least one of a, b, and c can mean: a, or b, or c, or a and b, or a and c, or b and c, or a, b and c, where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

Those of ordinary skill in the art may realize that the various illustrative logical blocks and steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. accomplish. Whether these functions are executed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraint conditions of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that, for convenience and concise description, the specific working process of the above-described system, device, and unit may be based on the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed system, device, and method can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division, and there may be other divisions in actual implementation, for example, multiple units or components may be combined or It can be integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not implemented. In addition, the displayed or discussed mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices or units, and may be in electrical, mechanical or other forms.

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

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

In the foregoing embodiments, the functions of each functional unit may be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, it can be implemented in the form of a computer program product in whole or in part. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions (programs). When the computer program instructions (programs) are loaded and executed on the computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated in whole or in part. The computer may be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions may be transmitted from a website, computer, server, or data center. Transmission to another website, computer, server or data center via wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server or data center integrated with one or more available media. The usable medium may be a magnetic medium (for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, and a magnetic tape), an optical medium (for example, a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (for example, a solid state disk (SSD)).

If the function is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application essentially or the part that contributes to the existing technology or the part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including Several instructions are used to make a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage media include: U disk, mobile hard disk, read-only memory (read-only memory, ROM), random access memory (random access memory, RAM), magnetic disk or optical disk and other media that can store program code .

The above are only specific implementations of this application, but the protection scope of this application is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application. Should be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims (23)

1. A communication method, characterized by including:

   The access network device receives a protocol data unit PDU session resource modification request from the core network device. The PDU session resource modification request includes a flag of a quality of service QoS flow and an evolved universal terrestrial radio for indicating the release of the corresponding QoS flow. The wireless access of the access network bears the information of the E-RAB logo;

   The access network device sends a PDU session resource modification response to the core network device.
2. The communication method according to claim 1, wherein the PDU session resource modification request further includes a flag of the E-RAB.
3. The communication method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method further comprises:

   The access network device releases the evolved universal terrestrial radio access network radio access bearer corresponding to the QoS flow

   E-RAB logo; or,

   The access network device releases the mapping between the QoS flow and the E-RAB flag.
4. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the method further comprises:

   The access network device releases the transport layer address corresponding to the E-RAB and the general packet radio service tunnel protocol tunnel endpoint flag.
5. The communication method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the method further comprises:

   The access network device receives the re-allocated E-RAB flag from the core network device, and the re-allocated E-RAB flag is re-allocated for the QoS flow.
6. The communication method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the core network device is an AMF, the QoS flow flag, and an evolved universal terrestrial radio interface for indicating the release of the QoS flow corresponding to the evolution. The information of the sign of the E-RAB bearer in the wireless access to the network comes from the session management entity SMF.
7. A communication method, characterized in that:

   The core network device sends a protocol data unit PDU session resource modification request to the access network device. The PDU session resource modification request includes a flag of a quality of service QoS flow and an evolved universal terrestrial radio interface for indicating the release of the corresponding QoS flow. The wireless access to the network carries the information of the E-RAB logo;

   The core network device receives a PDU session resource modification response from the access network device.
8. The communication method according to claim 7, wherein the PDU session resource modification request further includes a flag of the E-RAB.
9. The communication method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the core network device sends the re-allocated E-RAB flag to the access network device, and the re-allocated E-RAB flag is The QoS flow is re-allocated.
10. The communication method according to any one of claims 7-9, wherein the core network device is an AMF, the mark of the quality of service QoS flow, and an evolved universal terrestrial for indicating the release of the corresponding QoS flow The information of the radio access network's radio access bearer E-RAB flag comes from the session management entity SMF.
11. An access network equipment, characterized in that it comprises

    The receiving unit is configured to receive a protocol data unit PDU session resource modification request from a core network device, where the PDU session resource modification request includes a flag of a quality of service QoS flow and an evolved universal terrestrial used to indicate the release of the QoS flow The radio access network radio access carries the information of the E-RAB logo;

    The sending unit is configured to send a PDU session resource modification response to the core network device.
12. The access network device according to claim 11, wherein the PDU session resource modification request further includes a flag of the E-RAB.
13. The access network device according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising a processing unit,

    The processing unit is configured to release the E-RAB flag of the E-RAB radio access bearer corresponding to the QoS flow; or,

    The processing unit is used to release the mapping between the QoS flow and the E-RAB flag.
14. The access network device according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the method further comprises:

    The access network device releases the transport layer address corresponding to the E-RAB and the general packet radio service tunnel protocol tunnel endpoint flag.
15. The access network device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the receiving unit is further configured to receive the re-allocated E-RAB flag from the core network device, and the re-allocated E-RAB The flag is re-allocated for the QoS flow.
16. The access network device according to any one of claims 11-15, wherein the core network device is an AMF, a flag of the QoS flow, and an evolved universal land for indicating the release of the QoS flow The information of the radio access network's radio access bearer E-RAB flag comes from the session management entity SMF.
17. A core network equipment, which is characterized in that it includes:

    The sending unit is used to send a protocol data unit PDU session resource modification request to the access network device, where the PDU session resource modification request includes a flag of a quality of service QoS flow and an evolved universal land used to indicate the release of the QoS flow The radio access network radio access carries the information of the E-RAB logo;

    The receiving unit is configured to receive a PDU session resource modification response from the access network device.
18. The core network device according to claim 17, wherein the PDU session resource modification request further includes a flag of the E-RAB.
19. The core network device according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the sending unit is further configured to send a flag of the re-allocated E-RAB to the access network device, and the flag of the re-allocated E-RAB is The flag is re-allocated for the QoS flow.
20. The core network device according to any one of claims 17-19, wherein the core network device is an AMF, a mark of the quality of service QoS flow, and a general purpose for indicating the evolution of the corresponding QoS flow The information of the sign of the E-RAB bearer in the radio access of the terrestrial radio access network comes from the session management entity SMF.
21. A communication system, characterized by comprising the access network equipment according to claim 11 and the core network equipment according to claim 17.
22. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein the computer program includes instructions for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1-10.
23. A chip, characterized by comprising: a processor, configured to read instructions stored in a memory, and when the processor executes the instructions, the chip is made to implement any one of claims 1-10. The method described.

Images