WO2021232952A1

WO2021232952A1 - Method for processing tsn time synchronization service, and device

Info

Publication number: WO2021232952A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/084444
Authority: WO
Inventors: 陶源
Original assignee: 大唐移动通信设备有限公司
Priority date: 2020-05-21
Filing date: 2021-03-31
Publication date: 2021-11-25
Also published as: CN113709856A; CN113709856B

Abstract

Provided in embodiments of the present disclosure are a method for processing a TSN time synchronization service, and a device, the method comprising: before or after establishment of a PDU session, obtaining a first message sent by an AF, said first message requesting creating, updating, or deleting TSN time synchronization information.

Description

Method and equipment for processing TSN time synchronization service

Cross-references to related applications

This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202010437603.3 filed in China on May 21, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a method and device for processing a time-sensitive network (Time Sensitive Network, TSN) time synchronization service.

Background technique

The 5th generation mobile communication technology (5G) system can open time synchronization capabilities to application functions (AF), and activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization services based on AF requests. The main method is to create configuration activation information before establishing a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session, and initiate a time synchronization process through a User Plan Function (UPF) after the PDU session is established. The way of deactivation is that the AF requests the deletion of Unified Data Management (UDM) configuration information and releases the PDU session.

However, related technologies cannot dynamically configure the time synchronization activation state for existing PDU sessions, and lack the time accuracy supported by the dynamic configuration in the subscription information. The synchronization method (general precise time protocol (gPTP) or PTP) method.

Summary of the invention

An objective of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a method and device for processing TSN time synchronization services, so as to solve the problem that related technologies cannot dynamically configure the time synchronization activation state for existing PDU sessions.

In the first aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for processing TSN time synchronization service, which is applied to the policy control function PCF, and is characterized in that it includes:

Before or after the protocol data unit PDU session is established, the first message sent by the application function AF is acquired, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.

Optionally, obtain policy control and charging PCC rules according to the first message;

The PCC rule is sent to the session management function SMF, so that the SMF informs the user plane function UPF or the terminal UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization, and/or, according to the PCC rule, send the UE policy to the terminal UE .

Optionally, the first message carries one or more of the following combinations:

One or a group of UE identities;

PDU session type;

TSN time synchronization activation indication;

TSN domain number;

Clock logo

Clock accuracy;

Uplink or downlink synchronization information;

Synchronization information;

Activation or deactivation information.

Optionally, the sending the PCC rule to the session management function SMF includes:

Send the PCC rule to SMF by calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify; or,

According to the PCC rules, the UE policy is sent to the UE, including:

According to the PCC rules, the UE policy is updated, and the updated UE policy is sent to the UE through the UE configuration update process.

In the second aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for processing TSN time synchronization service, which is applied to AF, and includes:

Before or after the PDU session is established, a first message is sent to the PCF, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.

One or a group of UE identities;

PDU session type;

TSN time synchronization activation indication;

TSN domain number;

Clock logo

Clock accuracy;

Uplink or downlink synchronization information;

Synchronization information;

Activation or deactivation information.

In the third aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for processing TSN time synchronization service, which is applied to SMF, including:

Receive PCC rules from PCF;

According to the PCC rules, notify UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization;

Wherein, the PCC rule is obtained by the PCF according to a first message, the first message is sent by the AF to the PCF before or after the PDU session is established, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time Synchronization information.

Optionally, the notifying UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization according to the PCC rule includes:

The PDU session modification process is initiated according to the PCC rules, and the UPF and/or UE are notified to activate or deactivate the TSN time synchronization or update the information for activating the TSN time synchronization.

Optionally, the notifying UPF and/or UE to activate time synchronization includes:

Sending the activation time synchronization indication information to the UE;

and / or,

Send the activation time synchronization instruction information to UPF;

Wherein, the activation time synchronization indication information includes the information of the time source to be synchronized to and/or the TSN time synchronization activation indication.

In a fourth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for processing TSN time synchronization service, which is applied to UDM, and includes:

After the PDU session is established, obtain a second message from the application function AF, the second message requesting the UDM to create, or update, or delete the TSN time synchronization information;

According to the second message, the created or updated TSN time synchronization information is obtained, or the existing TSN time synchronization information is deleted according to the second message.

Optionally, the acquiring the second message from the AF includes:

AF sends the second message to the network opening function NEF,

After the second message is authorized by the NEF, the NEF sends the second message to the UDM.

Optionally, the method further includes:

Send the third message to SMF;

Wherein, the third message includes: TSN time synchronization information created or updated by the UDM,

Alternatively, the third message notifies the TSN time synchronization information of the SMF deleted by the UDM.

Optionally, the TSN time synchronization information includes one or more of the following combinations:

TSN domain number;

Clock logo

PDU session type;

Synchronization information; clock accuracy;

Uplink or downlink synchronization information;

Activation or deactivation information.

One or a group of UE identities;

Data network name;

Single network slice selection auxiliary information;

TSN domain number;

Clock logo

Clock accuracy;

Uplink or downlink synchronization information;

Activation or deactivation information;

Synchronization information.

In a fifth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for processing TSN time synchronization service, which is applied to AF, and the method includes:

After the PDU session is established, send a second message to UDM;

Wherein, the second message requests the UDM to create or update TSN time synchronization information, or the first message requests to delete TSN time synchronization information.

In the sixth aspect, the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for processing TSN time synchronization service, which is applied to SMF, including:

After the PDU session is established, receive the third message from UDM;

Optionally, the method further includes:

Initiate the PDU session modification process and notify the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization;

or,

Initiate the PDU session release process.

Sending the activation time synchronization indication information to the UE;

and / or,

Send the activation time synchronization instruction information to UPF;

In a seventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a PCF, including:

The first sending module is configured to obtain the first message sent by the AF before or after the PDU session is established, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.

In an eighth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a PCF, including: a first transceiver and a first processor;

The first transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the first processor;

The first processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: before or after the PDU session is established, obtain the first message sent by the AF, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.

In a ninth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AF, including:

The third sending module is configured to send a first message to the PCF before or after the PDU session is established, the first message requesting the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.

In a tenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AF, including: a second transceiver and a second processor;

The second transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the second processor;

The second processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: before or after the PDU session is established, send a first message to the PCF, the first message requesting the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.

In an eleventh aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an SMF, including:

The first receiving module is used to receive PCC rules from the PCF;

The notification module is used to notify the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization according to the PCC rules;

In a twelfth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an SMF, including: a third transceiver and a third processor;

The third transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the third processor;

The third processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: receive PCC rules from the PCF; according to the PCC rules, notify the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization;

In a thirteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a UDM, including:

The first obtaining module is configured to obtain a second message from the AF after the PDU session is established, the second message requesting the UDM to create, or update, or delete TSN time synchronization information;

The second processing module is configured to obtain the created or updated TSN time synchronization information according to the second message, or delete the existing TSN time synchronization information according to the second message.

In a fourteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a UDM, including: a fourth transceiver and a fourth processor;

The fourth transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the fourth processor;

The fourth processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: after the PDU session is established, obtain a second message from the AF, the second message requests the UDM to create, or update, or delete TSN time synchronization information; According to the second message, the created or updated TSN time synchronization information is obtained, or the existing TSN time synchronization information is deleted according to the second message.

In a fifteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AF, including:

The fourth sending module is used to send a second message to UDM after the PDU session is established;

In a sixteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AF, including: a fifth transceiver and a fifth processor;

The fifth transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the fifth processor;

The fifth processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: after the PDU session is established, send a second message to the UDM; wherein the first message requests the UDM to create or update TSN time synchronization information, or The second message requests deletion of TSN time synchronization information.

In a seventeenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an SMF, including:

The second receiving module is configured to receive a third message from the UDM after the PDU session is established; where the third message includes: TSN time synchronization information created or updated by the UDM, or the third message notification The TSN time synchronization information of the SMF deleted by the UDM.

In an eighteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an SMF, including: a sixth transceiver and a sixth processor;

The sixth transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the sixth processor;

The sixth processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: after the PDU session is established, receive a third message from the UDM; wherein, the third message includes: TSN time synchronization information created or updated by the UDM Or, the third message notifies the TSN time synchronization information of the SMF deleted by the UDM.

In a nineteenth aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a communication device, including: a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and capable of running on the processor. When the program is executed by the processor, The implementation includes the steps of the method described above.

In a twentieth aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a readable storage medium with a program stored on the readable storage medium, and when the program is executed by a processor, the steps including the method described above are implemented.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the TSN time synchronization service of one or a group of UEs can be activated (created or updated)/deactivated (deleted) based on the AF request, so that the activation status, clock accuracy, and time of one or a group of UEs can be dynamically configured. Source and other TSN time synchronization information, and realize uplink and downlink time synchronization through UE/DS-TT and UPF/NW-TT, so as to realize flexible time configuration and management for one or a group of UEs, and ensure time deterministic communication.

Description of the drawings

By reading the detailed description of the optional embodiments below, various other advantages and benefits will become clear to those of ordinary skill in the art. The drawings are only used for the purpose of showing alternative embodiments, and are not considered as a limitation to the present disclosure. Also, throughout the drawings, the same reference symbols are used to denote the same components. In the attached picture:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the bridge structure in the 5G system;

Figures 2a and 2b are schematic diagrams of time synchronization of TSN End Station through 5G system;

FIG. 3 is one of the flowcharts of the method for processing TSN time synchronization service in an embodiment of the disclosure;

4 is the second flowchart of the method for processing TSN time synchronization service in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is the third flowchart of the method for processing TSN time synchronization service in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is the fourth flow chart of the method for processing TSN time synchronization service in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is the fifth flowchart of the method for processing TSN time synchronization service in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is the sixth flowchart of the method for processing TSN time synchronization service in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is the seventh flowchart of the method for processing TSN time synchronization service in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is the eighth flowchart of the method for processing TSN time synchronization service in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is one of the schematic diagrams of the PCF in the embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is the second schematic diagram of the PCF in the embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is one of schematic diagrams of AF in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is the second schematic diagram of AF in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 is one of the schematic diagrams of SMF in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 is the second schematic diagram of SMF in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 is one of the schematic diagrams of UDM in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 is the second schematic diagram of UDM in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 19 is one of schematic diagrams of AF in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 20 is the second schematic diagram of AF in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 21 is the third schematic diagram of SMF in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 22 is the fourth schematic diagram of SMF in an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a communication device in an embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed ways

Currently, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1 Time Sensitive Network (TSN) is becoming the standard Ethernet technology for Industry 4.0 converged networks. 5G and TSN can coexist in factory deployments and meet major requirements such as the flexibility of 5G and the extremely low latency of TSN. But it is foreseeable that 5G TSN technology will be widely used in industrial control, machine manufacturing, high-definition audio and video transmission and other fields.

5G TSN technology has transformation requirements for terminals, base stations, transmission and core networks. Terminals and User Plan Function (UPF) need to support TSN Translator (TT) functions. The 5G system (5G System, 5GS) can be regarded as a bridge, consisting of a UPF (PDU session anchor (PSA)) side port, the user plane tunnel between the UE and the UPF, and the device The port composition of the side TSN converter (Device-Side TSN Translator, DS-TT) side. Figure 1 shows the system architecture of 5GS as Bridge. The main network functions are introduced as follows:

CNC: Centralized Network Configuration, centralized network configuration, can be applied to network equipment (bridge).

CUC: Centralized User Configuration, centralized user configuration, can be applied to user equipment (End Station).

AMF: Access and Mobility Management Function, access and mobility management functions, registration, connection management, etc.

UPF: User Plan Function, user plane function. The external PDU session node interconnected with the data network, message routing and forwarding.

SMF: Session Management Function, session management function. Session establishment and deletion, user plane selection and control, UE IP allocation, etc.

AF: Application Function, application function. Interact with the 3GPP core network to provide services. Based on the deployment of operators, trusted AFs can directly interact with related NFs, while untrusted AFs cannot directly interact with NFs. Instead, they should use the external disclosure framework through NEF. TSN AF is the AF that represents the interaction between the TSN domain (including CUC/CNC) and the control plane of the 5G system.

PCF: Policy Control Function, policy control function. Support a unified policy framework to manage network behaviors and provide policy rules for the control plane NF to execute.

UDM: Unified Data Management, unified data management. Store UE information, such as subscription information, and information about established PDU sessions.

NEF: Network Exposure Function, network opening function. Provides functions that safely expose the services and capabilities provided by the 3GPP network to external networks.

UDR: Unified Data Repository, unified database UDR. The storage of contract information (or called contract data) and the retrieval of contract information by UDM FE. The storage of strategy information and the retrieval of strategy information by PCF.

5G defines Application Function, which sends an AF request (Request) to the non-trusted domain (NEF) or to the trusted domain (PCF), which includes the target data network name (Data Network Name, DNN), application ID, N6 routing requirements, and application A series of parameters such as location. PCF generates policy control and charging (PCC) rules for the target PDU session (PDU Session) service flow according to these information parameters provided by AF, combined with its own policy control, and selects an appropriate UPF for it through SMF . TSN AF can represent the TSN domain (including CUC/CNC) to interact with the 5G system control plane.

Based on the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standard, the 5G system serves as a transparent transmission bridge of the TSN network, and the entire 5G system is regarded as a time-aware system. It is required that UE/DS-TT and UPF/Network-Side TNS Translator (NW-TT) can implement TSN Translator and meet all functions defined by IEEE802.1AS, for example, support Precision Time Protocol (Precision Time Protocol, PTP), timestamp, best master clock algorithm (Best Master Clock Algorithm, BMCA), etc. The internal clock (5G GM) that realizes the synchronization of the UE, gNB, and UPF to the 5G system maintains the synchronization of the network entity and synchronizes with the TSN domain, which has achieved end-to-end downlink and uplink time synchronization.

Figures 2a and 2b are schematic diagrams of time synchronization between the TSN End Stations at both ends through the 5G system. As a network element of the TSN system, the 5G system needs to receive the synchronization message ((g)PTP) sent from the time source (End Station) of the TSN. Update time information. In addition, all time information update processing is currently at the edge of the 5G system, that is, DS-TT or NW-TT is used for processing.

The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative work shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

The term "including" in the specification and claims of this application and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to clear Instead, those steps or units listed below may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or are inherent to these processes, methods, products, or equipment. In addition, the use of "and/or" in the description and claims means at least one of the connected objects, such as A and/or B, which means that it includes A alone, B alone, and there are three cases for both A and B.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used as examples, illustrations, or illustrations. Any embodiment or design solution described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed as being more preferable or advantageous than other embodiments or design solutions. To be precise, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to present related concepts in a specific manner.

The technology described in this article is not limited to Long Time Evolution (LTE)/LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, and can also be used in various wireless communication systems, such as Code Division Multiple Access (Code Division). Multiple Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), Single Carrier Frequency Single-carrier Frequency-Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) and other systems.

The terms "system" and "network" are often used interchangeably. The CDMA system can implement radio technologies such as CDMA2000 and Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA). UTRA includes Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and other CDMA variants. The TDMA system can implement radio technologies such as the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). OFDMA system can realize such as Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), Evolved UTRA (Evolution-UTRA, E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. Radio technology. UTRA and E-UTRA are part of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). LTE and more advanced LTE (such as LTE-A) are new UMTS versions that use E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, UMTS, LTE, LTE-A, and GSM are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). CDMA2000 and UMB are described in documents from an organization named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). The techniques described in this article can be used for the systems and radio technologies mentioned above, as well as other systems and radio technologies.

Referring to FIG. 3, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for processing a TSN time synchronization service. The execution subject of the method may be a PCF, and the specific steps include: step 301, step 302, and step 303.

Step 301: Before or after the establishment of the PDU session, obtain the first message sent by the AF, the first message requesting the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information;

Step 302: Obtain a policy control and charging (Policy Control and Charging, PCC) rule according to the first message;

Step 303: Send the PCC rule to the SMF, so that the SMF informs the user plane function UPF or the terminal UE to activate or deactivate the TSN time synchronization, and/or send the UE policy to the UE according to the PCC rule.

For example, sending the PCC rule to SMF by calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify;

Or, according to the PCC rules, the UE policy is updated, and the updated UE policy is sent to the UE through the UE configuration update process.

In some implementations, the first message carries one or more of the following combinations: (1) one or a group of UE identifiers; (2) PDU session type; (3) TSN time synchronization activation indication; (4) TSN domain number; (5) Clock identification, which can indicate a TSN domain clock (indicating different clocks according to the TSN domain number), or a 5G system clock, for example, if the clock identification indicates 5GS, select 5GS clock; (6 ) Clock accuracy; (7) Synchronization information; (8) Activation or deactivation information.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to dynamically configure TSN time synchronization information such as activation state, clock accuracy, and time source for one or a group of UEs, and realize uplink and downlink time synchronization through UE/DS-TT and UPF/NW-TT. In this way, flexible time configuration and management of one or a group of UEs are realized, and time deterministic communication is guaranteed.

Referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for processing a TSN time synchronization service. The execution subject of the method may be an AF, and the specific steps include: step 401.

Step 401: Send a first message to the PCF before or after the PDU session is established, the first message requesting the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.

In some embodiments, the first message carries one or more of the following combinations: (1) one or a group of UE identifiers; (2) PDU session type; (3) TSN time synchronization activation indication; (4) TSN domain number; (5) clock identification; (6) clock accuracy; (7) synchronization information; (8) activation or deactivation information.

Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for processing a TSN time synchronization service. The execution subject of the method may be SMF, and the specific steps include: step 501 and step 502.

Step 501: Receive PCC rules from PCF;

Step 502: According to the PCC rules, notify UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization;

Wherein, the PCC rule is obtained by the PCF according to the first message, the third message is sent by the AF to the PCF before or after the PDU session is established, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time Synchronization information.

In some embodiments, the SMF initiates the PDU session modification process according to the PCC rules, and informs the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization or update the information of activating TSN time synchronization, for example, update the time accuracy and synchronize to different TSN domains. .

For example: sending the activation time synchronization indication information to the UE; and/or, sending the activation time synchronization indication information to the UPF;

Wherein, the activation time synchronization indication information includes one or more of the following combinations:

(1) The information of the time source that needs to be synchronized;

(2) TSN time synchronization activation indication;

(3) Synchronization accuracy;

(4) Uplink or downlink synchronization information.

Referring to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for processing a TSN time synchronization service. The execution subject of the method may be UDM, and includes: step 601 and step 602.

Step 601: After the PDU session is established, obtain a second message from the AF, the second message requests the UDM to create, or update, or delete TSN time synchronization information;

That is, the second message can request to create or update TSN time synchronization information, that is, the second message can request to activate TSN time synchronization information, or the second message can also request to delete existing TSN time synchronization information, that is, the second message The message can request the deactivation of TSN time synchronization information.

Optionally, the TSN time synchronization information includes subscription information, and the second request requests UDM to create, update, or delete the subscription information.

Optionally, the parameters in the subscription information include one or more of the following combinations: (1) GPSI; (2) DNN; (3) S-NSSAI; (4) TSN domain number (domain number)/5GS; (5) ) Clock accuracy; (6) UL/DL synchronization information; (7) Activation/deactivation indication; (8) Synchronization information (PTP or (g) PTP, this parameter is only for the time source of 5GS GM clock); (9) PDU session type.

Step 602: Obtain the created or updated TSN time synchronization information according to the second message, or delete the existing TSN time synchronization information according to the second message.

In some implementation manners, the acquiring the second message from the AF specifically includes: the AF sending the second message to the network opening function NEF, and after the second message is authorized by the NEF, the NEF sends the The UDM sends the second message.

In some embodiments, after step 602, the method shown in FIG. 6 may further include: sending a third message to SMF; wherein, the third message includes: TSN time synchronization information created or updated by the UDM, Alternatively, the third message notifies the TSN time synchronization information of the SMF deleted by the UDM.

In some embodiments, the TSN time synchronization information may include one or more of the following combinations: (1) TSN domain number; (2) clock identifier; (3) PDU session type, for example, Internet Protocol (Internet Protocol, IP), Ethernet (Ethernet); (4) synchronization information; (5) clock accuracy; (6) uplink or downlink synchronization information; (7) activation or deactivation information.

In some embodiments, the second message may carry one or more of the following combinations: (1) one or a group of UE identifiers (such as GPSI); (2) data network name (DNN); (3) single Network slice selection auxiliary information; (4) TSN domain number; (5) clock identification; (6) clock accuracy; (7) uplink or downlink synchronization information; (8) activation or deactivation information; (9) synchronization information.

Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for processing a TSN time synchronization service. The execution subject of the method may be AF, and the specific steps include: step 701.

Step 701: After the PDU session is established, send a second message to UDM;

Wherein, the second message requests the UDM to create or update TSN time synchronization information, or the second message requests to delete TSN time synchronization information.

Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for processing a TSN time synchronization service. The execution subject of the method may be an SMF, and the specific steps include: step 801.

Step 801: After the PDU session is established, receive a second message from UDM;

Wherein, the second message includes: TSN time synchronization information created or updated by the UDM, or the second message notifies the TSN time synchronization information of the SMF to be deleted by the UDM.

In some embodiments, before step 501, the method further includes:

Subscribe to UDM for subscription information updates for one or a group of UEs or specific TSN domains.

In some embodiments, after step 501, the method further includes: initiating a PDU session modification process, informing the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization; or, initiating a PDU session release process.

The following describes the flow of the method for processing the TSN time synchronization service in the embodiment of the present disclosure in conjunction with the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

Embodiment 1: By adding subscription information in UDM, AF dynamically configures and activates TSN time synchronization information.

Refer to Figure 9, including: Step 0 to Step 13.

Step 0: UE/DS-TT obtains time source TSN domain 1 GM clock, 5GS GM clock; UPF/NW-TT obtains TSN domain 2 GM clock, TSN domain 3 GM clock, 5GS GM clock.

Step 1: The UE establishes a PDU session to the TSN network.

Step 2: SMF calls Nudm_SDM_Subscriberequest to subscribe to UDM for subscription information updates for one or a group of UEs or a specific TSN domain (domain).

The contract information can include one or more of the following combinations:

(1) DNN;

(2) Single Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (S-NSSAI);

(3) One or a group of UE identifiers (such as: Generic Public Subscription Identifier (GPSI));

(4) PDU session type (such as: Internet Protocol (IP), Ethernet (Ethernet));

(5) TSN time synchronization activation/deactivation indication;

(6) TSN domain number/5GS;

(7) Clock accuracy;

(8) Uplink or Downlink (Up Link/Down Link, UL/DL) synchronization;

(9) Synchronization information (PTP or (g)PTP, this parameter is only for the time source of 5GS GM clock).

Step 3: The AF calls the Nnef_ParameterProvision_Create or Nnef_ParameterProvision_Update service operation to send the creation or update information of the TSN time synchronization parameter to the NEF, requesting to create or update the contract information in the UDM.

Optionally, the parameters in the subscription information may include one or more of the following:

(1) GPSI;

(2) DNN;

(3) S-NSSAI;

(4) TSN domain number (domain number)/5GS;

(5) Clock accuracy;

(6) UL/DL synchronization information;

(7) Activation/deactivation instruction;

(8) Synchronization information (PTP or (g)PTP, this parameter is only for the time source of 5GS GM clock).

Step 4: If the information provided by the AF is authorized by the NEF, the NEF will send the creation/update subscription request information (Nnef_ParameterProvision_Create/Update Request) to the UDM.

Step 5: If the information provided by AF is authorized by UDM, UDM creates/updates contract information accordingly.

Alternatives:

Solution 1) Add subscription information for TSN Domain in UDM, including the subscription information described in step 2;

Solution 2) Add new parameters to the 5G VN Group (virtual network group) information in UDM, including one or more of the following combinations: (1) TSN domain number; (2) clock accuracy; (3) UL/DL Synchronization information; (4) Activation/deactivation indication; (5) Synchronization information (PTP or (g)PTP, this parameter is only for the time source of 5GS GM clock).

Step 6: UDM replies to NEF with create/update subscription response information (Nudm_ParameterProvision_Create/Update Response).

Step 7: NEF replies Nnef_ParameterProvision_Create/Update Response to AF.

Step 8: UDM calls the Nudm_SDM_Notification Notify service operation to notify the SMF of updated TSN time synchronization information, which includes the created/updated TSN time synchronization information.

Step 9: The SMF initiates the PDU session modification process and informs the UPF/UE to activate time synchronization. include:

1) When AF requests uplink time synchronization, SMF will activate time synchronization through NAS-SM information (if the requested PDU session type is IP or request to generate PTP synchronization frame), or through Port Management Information Container (PMIC) The indication information is sent to the UE (DS-TT), and the indication information contains the time source to be synchronized to (for example, TSN domain 1 GM clock, 5GS GM clock);

2) When AF requests downlink time synchronization, SMF sends the activation time synchronization indication information to UPF (NW-TT) through the N4 Session Modification request information or the PMIC included in the information, and the indication information contains the time source that needs to be synchronized ( For example, TSN domain 2 GM clock, 5GS GM clock).

Step 10: The DS-TT/NW-TT sends a synchronization frame (PTP/gPTP) according to the received time synchronization information, and realizes the uplink/downlink time synchronization through the uplink and downlink time synchronization mechanism in the related technology.

The following is the deactivation TSN time synchronization operation:

Step 11: AF calls the Nnef_ParameterProvision_Delete service operation to NEF, sends TSN time synchronization information deletion information, and deletes existing time synchronization information.

Step 12: Same as Step 4 and Step 5. After being authorized, UDM deletes the subscription information accordingly, and informs SMF that the subscription information has been deleted.

Step 13: SMF performs one of the following operations:

1) The SMF initiates the PDU session modification process, and notifies the UE through NAS-SM or PMIC, or notifies the UPF through N4 Session Modification to activate TSN time synchronization. For example, no more operations related to time synchronization maintenance.

2) The SMF initiates the PDU session release process and releases the PDU session.

Embodiment 2: The method of AF affecting routing is used to request activation of TSN time synchronization, and time synchronization information is dynamically configured.

Refer to Figure 10, including: step 0 to step 14.

Step 0: UE/DS-TT obtains time source TSN domain 1 GM clock, 5GS GM clock, UPF/NW-TT obtains TSN domain 2 GM clock, TSN domain 3 GM clock, 5GS GM clock.

Step 1: AF calls the Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Create service operation to create an AF request.

Optionally, the request information includes one or a combination of the following: (1) one or a group of UE identification (such as GPSI); (2) PDU session type (such as: IP, Ethernet); (3) TSN time Synchronization activation indication; (4) TSN domain number/5GS; (5) clock accuracy; (6) synchronization information (PTP or (g) PTP, this parameter is only for information such as the time source is 5GS GM clock).

Step 2: AF sends request information to NEF, NEF stores the AF request to UDR, PCF subscribes to the UDR for changes in the AF request, and obtains the information requested by the AF from the notification information. Alternatively, the AF sends the information directly to the PCF.

Step 3: The PCF generates a new PCC rule according to the AF request, including the information requested by the AF in step 2.

Step 4a: PCF sends PCC rules to SMF by calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify;

Step 4b: If uplink synchronization is requested, the UE policy is updated according to the PCC rules, and the updated UE policy is sent to the UE through the UE configuration update process.

It is understandable that steps 1-4a and 4b occur before the establishment of the PDU session.

Step 5: The UE initiates the process of establishing a PDU session to the TSN network.

During the establishment of a PDU session, SMF selects the corresponding PCF and informs UPF/UE to activate time synchronization, including:

Method 1: When AF requests uplink time synchronization, SMF will activate the time through NAS-SM information (if the request PDU session type is IP or request to generate PTP synchronization frame), or through Port Management Information Container (PMIC) The synchronization indication information is sent to the UE (DS-TT). Optionally, the activation time synchronization indication information may include the time source to be synchronized (for example, TSN domain 1 GM clock, 5GS GM clock);

Method 2: When AF requests downlink time synchronization, SMF sends the activation time synchronization indication information to UPF (NW-TT) through the N4 Session Modification request information or the PMIC included in the information, and the indication information contains the time source that needs to be synchronized. (For example, TSN domain 2 GM clock, 5GS GM clock).

Steps 6a, 6b: DS-TT/NW-TT sends a synchronization frame (PTP/gPTP) according to the received time synchronization information, and realizes uplink/downlink time synchronization through the uplink and downlink time synchronization mechanism in related technologies.

The following is the update operation of TSN time synchronization information:

Step 7: AF calls the Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Create service operation to create an AF request;

The requested information can include one or a combination of the following: (1) one or a group of UE identifiers (such as GPSI); (2) PDU session identifier; (3) synchronization parameters that need to be updated, for example, TSN domain number /5GS, clock accuracy, UL/DL synchronization information.

It is understandable that steps 1-7 are to establish a PDU session according to the information requested by the AF, and indicate the process of different activated TSN time synchronization.

Step 8: AF sends request information to NEF, NEF stores the AF request to UDR, PCF subscribes to the UDR for changes in the AF request, and obtains the information requested by the AF from the notification information. Or AF directly sends the information to PCF.

Step 9: The PCF generates a new PCC rule or updates an existing PCC rule according to the AF request, including the information requested by the AF in step 7.

Step 10: PCF sends PCC rules to SMF by calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify.

Step 11: The SMF initiates the PDU session modification process according to the PCC rules and notifies the UPF/UE to activate time synchronization, the same as the method 1) and the method 2) of step 5.

It should be noted that step 7-11 is to update the synchronization state of the PDU session in the related technology after the PDU session is established.

The following is the deactivation TSN time synchronization operation:

Step 12: AF calls the Nnef_TrafficInfluence_Create service operation to create an AF request. The requested information may include one or more of the following combinations: (1) one or a group of UE identifiers (such as GPSI); (2) PDU session identifiers; (3) ) Deactivate the logo.

Step 13: Same as steps 2-4, send the information requested by AF to SMF.

Step 14: SMF performs one of the following operations:

It should be noted that steps 12-14 are to deactivate the synchronization state of the PDU session in the related technology after the PDU session is established.

Referring to FIG. 11, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a PCF, and the PCF 1100 includes:

The first sending module 1101 is configured to obtain the first message sent by the AF before or after the PDU session is established, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.

In some implementation manners, the PCF 1100 may further include: a first processing module 1102, configured to obtain PCC rules according to the first message;

The second sending module 1103 is configured to send the PCC rules to the SMF, so that the SMF notifies the UPF or the UE to activate or deactivate the TSN time synchronization, and/or, according to the PCC rules, send the UE policies to the UE.

For example, the second sending module 1103 sends the PCC rule to the SMF by calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify; or, according to the PCC rule, the UE policy is updated, and the updated UE policy is sent to the UE through the UE configuration update process.

The PCF provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can execute the method embodiment shown in FIG. 3 above, and its implementation principles and technical effects are similar, and details are not described herein again in this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a PCF. The PCF 1200 includes: a first transceiver 1201 and a first processor 1202;

The first transceiver 1201 sends and receives data under the control of the first processor 1202;

The first processor 1202 reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: before or after the PDU session is established, obtain the first message sent by the AF, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.

In some implementation manners, the first processor 1202 further performs the following operations: obtain PCC rules according to the first message; send the PCC rules to the SMF, so that the SMF notifies the UPF or UE to activate or deactivate Activate TSN time synchronization, and/or, according to PCC rules, send the UE policy to the UE.

For example, the PCC rule is sent to the SMF by calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify; or, the UE policy is updated according to the PCC rule, and the updated UE policy is sent to the UE through the UE configuration update process.

Referring to FIG. 13, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AF, and the AF1300 includes:

The third sending module 1301 is configured to send a first message to the PCF before or after the PDU session is established, the first message requesting to create, update or delete TSN time synchronization information.

The AF provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure may execute the method embodiment shown in FIG. 4, and its implementation principles and technical effects are similar, and details are not described herein again in this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AF. The AF1400 includes a second transceiver 1401 and a second processor 1402;

The second transceiver 1401 sends and receives data under the control of the second processor 1402;

The second processor 1402 reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: before or after the PDU session is established, send a first message to the PCF, the first message requesting the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.

The AF provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can execute the method embodiment shown in FIG. 4 above, and its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and the details are not repeated here in this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an SMF, and the SMF 1500 includes:

The first receiving module 1501 is configured to receive PCC rules from the PCF;

The notification module 1502 is configured to notify the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization according to the PCC rules;

Optionally, the notification module 1502 is further configured to initiate a PDU session modification process according to the PCC rules, and notify the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization.

In some embodiments, the notification module 1502 is further configured to send the activation time synchronization indication information to the UE; and/or, send the activation time synchronization indication information to the UPF;

(1) The information of the time source that needs to be synchronized;

(2) TSN time synchronization activation indication;

(3) Synchronization accuracy;

(4) Uplink or downlink synchronization information.

The SMF provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can execute the method embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and its implementation principles and technical effects are similar, and details are not described in this embodiment here.

Referring to FIG. 16, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an SMF. The SMF 1600 includes a third transceiver 1601 and a third processor 1602;

The third transceiver 1601 sends and receives data under the control of the third processor 1602;

The third processor 1602 reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: receive the PCC rule from the PCF; according to the PCC rule, notify the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate the TSN time synchronization;

In some embodiments, the third processor 1602 reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: sending the activation time synchronization indication information to the UE; and/or, sending the activation time synchronization indication information to the UPF;

(1) The information of the time source that needs to be synchronized;

(2) TSN time synchronization activation indication;

(3) Synchronization accuracy;

(4) Uplink or downlink synchronization information.

Referring to FIG. 17, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a UDM, and the UDM 1700 includes:

The first obtaining module 1701 is configured to obtain a second message from the AF before or after the PDU session is established, the first message requesting the UDM to create, update, or delete TSN time synchronization information;

The second processing module 1702 is configured to obtain the created or updated TSN time synchronization information according to the second message, or delete the existing TSN time synchronization information according to the second message.

In some embodiments, UDM1700 further includes:

The fifth sending module is configured to send a third message to the SMF; wherein the third message includes: TSN time synchronization information created or updated by the UDM, or the third message informs the SMF that the SMF is used by the TSN time synchronization information deleted by UDM.

In some embodiments, TSN time synchronization information may include one or more of the following combinations: (1) TSN domain number; (2) clock identifier; (3) PDU session type; (4) synchronization information; (5) clock Accuracy; (6) Uplink or downlink synchronization information; (7) Activation or deactivation information.

In some embodiments, the first message may carry one or more of the following combinations: (1) one or a group of UE identifiers; (2) data network name (DNN); (3) single network slice selection assistance Information; (4) TSN domain number; (5) clock identification; (6) clock accuracy; (7) uplink or downlink synchronization information; (8) activation or deactivation information; (9) synchronization information.

The UDM provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can execute the method embodiment shown in FIG. 6 above, and its implementation principles and technical effects are similar, and details are not described herein again in this embodiment.

Referring to Fig. 18, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a UDM. The UDM 1800 includes: a fourth transceiver 1801 and a fourth processor 1802;

The fourth transceiver 1801 sends and receives data under the control of the fourth processor 1802;

The fourth processor 1802 reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: before or after the PDU session is established, obtain a second message from the AF, the second message requests the UDM to create, or update, or delete the TSN time Synchronization information; according to the second message, the created or updated TSN time synchronization information is obtained, or the existing TSN time synchronization information is deleted according to the first message.

In some implementation manners, the fourth processor 1802 reads the program in the memory and performs the following operations: sending a third message to the SMF; wherein, the third message includes: the TSN time created or updated by the UDM Synchronization information, or the third message notifies the TSN time synchronization information of the SMF deleted by the UDM.

In some embodiments, the second message may carry one or more of the following combinations: (1) one or a group of UE identifiers; (2) data network name (DNN); (3) single network slice selection assistance Information; (4) TSN domain number; (5) clock identification; (6) clock accuracy; (7) uplink or downlink synchronization information; (8) activation or deactivation information; (9) synchronization information.

Referring to FIG. 19, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AF, and the AF1900 includes:

The fourth sending module 1901 is configured to send a second message to the UDM before or after the PDU session is established;

The AF provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can execute the method embodiment shown in FIG. 7 above, and its implementation principles and technical effects are similar, and details are not described herein again in this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 20, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an AF. The AF2000 includes: a fifth transceiver 2001 and a fifth processor 2002;

The fifth transceiver 2001 sends and receives data under the control of the fifth processor 2002;

The fifth processor 2002 reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: before or after the PDU session is established, send a second message to the UDM; wherein, the second message requests the UDM to create or update TSN time synchronization information , Or the second message requests to delete the TSN time synchronization information.

Referring to FIG. 21, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an SMF, and the SMF 2100 includes:

The second receiving module 2101 is configured to receive a third message from the UDM before or after the PDU session is established; wherein, the third message includes: TSN time synchronization information created or updated by the UDM, or the first Three messages notify the TSN time synchronization information of the SMF deleted by the UDM.

In some embodiments, the SMF2100 further includes:

The initiation module is used to initiate the PDU session modification process, and notify the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate the TSN time synchronization; or, initiate the PDU session release process.

The SMF provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can execute the method embodiment shown in FIG. 8 above, and its implementation principles and technical effects are similar, and details are not described herein again in this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 22, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides an SMF. The SMF 2200 includes: a sixth transceiver 2201 and a sixth processor 2202;

The sixth transceiver 2201 sends and receives data under the control of the sixth processor 2202;

The sixth processor 2202 reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: before or after the PDU session is established, receive a third message from the UDM; wherein, the third message includes: the TSN created or updated by the UDM Time synchronization information, or the third message notifies the SMF of the TSN time synchronization information deleted by the UDM.

In some embodiments, the sixth processor 2202 reads the program in the memory and also performs the following operations: initiate a PDU session modification process, notify the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization; or initiate PDU session release process.

The SMF provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure can execute the method embodiment shown in FIG.

Please refer to FIG. 23. FIG. 23 is a structural diagram of a communication device applied in an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 23, a communication device 2300 includes: a processor 2301, a transceiver 2302, a memory 2303, and a bus interface, where:

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the communication device 2300 further includes: a program that is stored in the memory 2303 and can run on the processor 2301. When the program is executed by the processor 2301, the step.

In FIG. 23, the bus architecture may include any number of interconnected buses and bridges. Specifically, one or more processors represented by the processor 2301 and various circuits of the memory represented by the memory 2303 are linked together. The bus architecture can also link various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, power management circuits, etc., which are all known in the art, and therefore, no further descriptions are provided herein. The bus interface provides the interface. The transceiver 2302 may be a plurality of components, including a transmitter and a receiver, and provide a unit for communicating with various other devices on the transmission medium. It should be understood that the transceiver 2302 is an optional component.

The processor 2301 is responsible for managing the bus architecture and general processing, and the memory 2303 can store data used by the processor 2301 when performing operations.

The communication device provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure can execute the method embodiments shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 10, and the implementation principles and technical effects are similar, and the details are not described herein again in this embodiment.

The steps of the method or algorithm described in conjunction with the disclosure of the present disclosure may be implemented in a hardware manner, or may be implemented in a manner in which a processor executes software instructions. The software instructions can be composed of corresponding software modules, and the software modules can be stored in RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disks, mobile hard disks, read-only optical disks, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and can write information to the storage medium. Of course, the storage medium may also be an integral part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium may be located in the ASIC. In addition, the ASIC may be located in the core network interface device. Of course, the processor and the storage medium may also exist as discrete components in the core network interface device.

Those skilled in the art should be aware that, in one or more of the foregoing examples, the functions described in the present disclosure can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented by software, these functions can be stored in a readable medium or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on the readable medium. The readable medium includes a computer storage medium and a communication medium, where the communication medium includes any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

The specific embodiments described above further describe the purpose, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present disclosure in further detail. It should be understood that the above descriptions are only specific embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The protection scope, any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made on the basis of the technical solution of the present disclosure shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure may adopt the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. Moreover, the embodiments of the present disclosure may adopt the form of a computer program product implemented on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program codes.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to flowcharts and/or block diagrams of methods, devices (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be understood that each process and/or block in the flowchart and/or block diagram, and the combination of processes and/or blocks in the flowchart and/or block diagram can be realized by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to the processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, an embedded processor, or other programmable data processing equipment to generate a machine, so that the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment are used to generate It is a device that realizes the functions specified in one process or multiple processes in the flowchart and/or one block or multiple blocks in the block diagram.

These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to work in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including the instruction device. The device implements the functions specified in one process or multiple processes in the flowchart and/or one block or multiple blocks in the block diagram.

These computer program instructions can also be loaded on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, so that a series of operation steps are executed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce computer-implemented processing, so as to execute on the computer or other programmable equipment. The instructions provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one process or multiple processes in the flowchart and/or one block or multiple blocks in the block diagram.

It should be noted that it should be understood that the above division of each module is only a division of logical functions, and can be fully or partially integrated into a physical entity during actual implementation, or can be physically separated. And these modules can all be implemented in the form of software called by processing elements; they can also be implemented in the form of hardware; some modules can be implemented in the form of calling software by processing elements, and some of the modules can be implemented in the form of hardware. For example, the determining module may be a separately established processing element, or it may be integrated in a chip of the above-mentioned device for implementation. In addition, it may also be stored in the memory of the above-mentioned device in the form of program code, which is determined by a certain processing element of the above-mentioned device. Call and execute the functions of the above-identified module. The implementation of other modules is similar. In addition, all or part of these modules can be integrated together or implemented independently. The processing element described here may be an integrated circuit with signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the above method or each of the above modules can be completed by an integrated logic circuit of hardware in the processor element or instructions in the form of software.

For example, each module, unit, sub-unit or sub-module may be one or more integrated circuits configured to implement the above method, for example: one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), or one or Multiple microprocessors (digital signal processor, DSP), or one or more field programmable gate arrays (Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA), etc. For another example, when one of the above modules is implemented in the form of processing element scheduling program code, the processing element may be a general-purpose processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or other processors that can call program codes. For another example, these modules can be integrated together and implemented in the form of a system-on-a-chip (SOC).

The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects, and not necessarily used to describe a specific sequence or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein are, for example, implemented in a sequence other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations of them are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those clearly listed. Those steps or units may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or are inherent to these processes, methods, products, or equipment. In addition, the use of "and/or" in the description and claims means at least one of the connected objects, such as A and/or B and/or C, which means that it includes A alone, B alone, C alone, and both A and B. Exist, B and C exist, A and C exist, and A, B, and C all exist in 7 cases. Similarly, the use of "at least one of A and B" in this specification and claims should be understood as "A alone, B alone, or both A and B exist".

Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In this way, if these modifications and variations of the embodiments of the present disclosure fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and their equivalent technologies, the present disclosure is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

A method for processing time-sensitive network TSN time synchronization service, applied to the policy control function PCF, includes:

Before or after the protocol data unit PDU session is established, the first message sent by the application function AF is acquired, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.
The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

According to the first message, obtain policy control and charging PCC rules;

The PCC rule is sent to the session management function SMF, so that the SMF informs the user plane function UPF or the terminal UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization, and/or, according to the PCC rule, send the UE policy to the terminal UE .
The method according to claim 1, wherein the first message carries one or more of the following combinations:

One or a group of UE identities;

PDU session type;

TSN time synchronization activation indication;

TSN domain number;

Clock logo

Clock accuracy;

Uplink or downlink synchronization information;

Synchronization information;

Activation or deactivation information.
The method according to claim 2, wherein the sending the PCC rule to the session management function SMF comprises:

Send the PCC rule to SMF by calling Npcf_SMPolicyControl_UpdateNotify; or,

According to the PCC rules, the UE policy is sent to the UE, including:

According to the PCC rules, the UE policy is updated, and the updated UE policy is sent to the UE through the UE configuration update process.
A method for processing TSN time synchronization service, applied to AF, includes:

Before or after the PDU session is established, a first message is sent to the PCF, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.
The method according to claim 5, wherein the first message carries one or more of the following combinations:

One or a group of UE identities;

PDU session type;

TSN time synchronization activation indication;

TSN domain number;

Clock logo

Clock accuracy;

Uplink or downlink synchronization information;

Synchronization information;

Activation or deactivation information.
A method for processing TSN time synchronization service, applied to SMF, includes:

Receive PCC rules from PCF;

According to the PCC rules, notify UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization;

Wherein, the PCC rule is obtained by the PCF according to a first message, the first message is sent by the AF to the PCF before or after the PDU session is established, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time Synchronization information.
The method according to claim 7, wherein the notifying UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization according to the PCC rule comprises:

The PDU session modification process is initiated according to the PCC rules, and the UPF and/or UE are notified to activate or deactivate the TSN time synchronization or update the information for activating the TSN time synchronization.
The method according to claim 8, wherein said notifying UPF and/or UE to activate time synchronization comprises:

Sending the activation time synchronization indication information to the UE;

and / or,

Send the activation time synchronization instruction information to UPF;

Wherein, the activation time synchronization indication information includes the information of the time source to be synchronized to and/or the TSN time synchronization activation indication.
A method for processing TSN time synchronization service, applied to unified data management UDM, including:

After the PDU session is established, obtain a second message from the application function AF, the second message requesting the UDM to create, or update, or delete the TSN time synchronization information;

According to the second message, the created or updated TSN time synchronization information is obtained, or the existing TSN time synchronization information is deleted according to the second message.
The method according to claim 10, wherein said acquiring a second message from said AF comprises:

AF sends the second message to the network opening function NEF,

After the second message is authorized by the NEF, the NEF sends the second message to the UDM.
The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising:

Send the third message to SMF;

Wherein, the third message includes: TSN time synchronization information created or updated by the UDM,

Alternatively, the third message notifies the TSN time synchronization information of the SMF deleted by the UDM.
The method according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the TSN time synchronization information includes one or a combination of the following:

TSN domain number;

Clock logo

PDU session type;

Synchronization information; clock accuracy;

Uplink or downlink synchronization information;

Activation or deactivation information.
The method according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the first message carries one or more of the following combinations:

One or a group of UE identities;

Data network name;

Single network slice selection auxiliary information;

TSN domain number;

Clock logo

Clock accuracy;

Uplink or downlink synchronization information;

Activation or deactivation information;

Synchronization information.
A method for processing TSN time synchronization service, applied to AF, and the method includes:

After the PDU session is established, send a second message to UDM;

Wherein, the second message requests the UDM to create or update TSN time synchronization information, or the first message requests to delete TSN time synchronization information.
A method for processing TSN time synchronization service, applied to SMF, includes:

After the PDU session is established, receive the third message from UDM;

Wherein, the third message includes: TSN time synchronization information created or updated by the UDM,

Alternatively, the third message notifies the TSN time synchronization information of the SMF deleted by the UDM.
The method according to claim 16, further comprising:

Initiate the PDU session modification process and notify the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization;

or,

Initiate the PDU session release process.
The method according to claim 17, wherein said notifying UPF and/or UE to activate time synchronization comprises:

Sending the activation time synchronization indication information to the UE;

and / or,

Send the activation time synchronization instruction information to UPF;

Wherein, the activation time synchronization indication information includes the information of the time source to be synchronized to and/or the TSN time synchronization activation indication.
A type of PCF, including:

The first sending module is configured to obtain the first message sent by the AF before or after the PDU session is established, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.
A PCF, including: a first transceiver and a first processor;

The first transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the first processor;

The first processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: before or after the PDU session is established, obtain the first message sent by the AF, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.
A type of AF, including:

The third sending module is configured to send a first message to the PCF before or after the PDU session is established, the first message requesting the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.
An AF, including: a second transceiver and a second processor;

The second transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the second processor;

The second processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: before or after the PDU session is established, send a first message to the PCF, the first message requesting the creation, update or deletion of TSN time synchronization information.
A type of SMF, including:

The first receiving module is used to receive PCC rules from the PCF;

The notification module is used to notify the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization according to the PCC rules;

Wherein, the PCC rule is obtained by the PCF according to a first message, the first message is sent by the AF to the PCF before or after the PDU session is established, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time Synchronization information.
An SMF, including: a third transceiver and a third processor;

The third transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the third processor;

The third processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: receive PCC rules from the PCF; according to the PCC rules, notify the UPF and/or UE to activate or deactivate TSN time synchronization;

Wherein, the PCC rule is obtained by the PCF according to a first message, the first message is sent by the AF to the PCF before or after the PDU session is established, and the first message requests the creation, update or deletion of TSN time Synchronization information.
A type of UDM, including:

The first obtaining module is configured to obtain a second message from the AF after the PDU session is established, the second message requesting the UDM to create, or update, or delete TSN time synchronization information;

The second processing module is configured to obtain the created or updated TSN time synchronization information according to the second message, or delete the existing TSN time synchronization information according to the second message.
A UDM, including: a fourth transceiver and a fourth processor;

The fourth transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the fourth processor;

The fourth processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: after the PDU session is established, obtain a second message from the AF, the second message requests the UDM to create, or update, or delete TSN time synchronization information; According to the second message, the created or updated TSN time synchronization information is obtained, or the existing TSN time synchronization information is deleted according to the second message.
A type of AF, including:

The fourth sending module is used to send a second message to UDM after the PDU session is established;

Wherein, the second message requests the UDM to create or update TSN time synchronization information, or the first message requests to delete TSN time synchronization information.
An AF, including: a fifth transceiver and a fifth processor;

The fifth transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the fifth processor;

The fifth processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: after the PDU session is established, send a second message to the UDM; wherein the first message requests the UDM to create or update TSN time synchronization information, or The second message requests deletion of TSN time synchronization information.
A type of SMF, including:

The second receiving module is configured to receive a third message from the UDM after the PDU session is established; where the third message includes: TSN time synchronization information created or updated by the UDM, or the third message notification The TSN time synchronization information of the SMF deleted by the UDM.
An SMF, including: a sixth transceiver and a sixth processor;

The sixth transceiver sends and receives data under the control of the sixth processor;

The sixth processor reads the program in the memory to perform the following operations: after the PDU session is established, receive a third message from the UDM; wherein, the third message includes: TSN time synchronization information created or updated by the UDM Or, the third message notifies the TSN time synchronization information of the SMF deleted by the UDM.
A communication device, comprising: a processor, a memory, and a program stored on the memory and capable of running on the processor, the program being executed by the processor includes any of claims 1 to 18 One of the steps of the method described.
A readable storage medium having a program stored on the readable storage medium, and when the program is executed by a processor, the steps including the method according to any one of claims 1 to 18 are realized.