WO2022143373A1 - Procédé de communication et nœud - Google Patents

Procédé de communication et nœud Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022143373A1
WO2022143373A1 PCT/CN2021/140715 CN2021140715W WO2022143373A1 WO 2022143373 A1 WO2022143373 A1 WO 2022143373A1 CN 2021140715 W CN2021140715 W CN 2021140715W WO 2022143373 A1 WO2022143373 A1 WO 2022143373A1
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Prior art keywords
node
network element
application layer
message
destination node
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PCT/CN2021/140715
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English (en)
Chinese (zh)
Inventor
李汉成
胡伟华
吴问付
周汉
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华为技术有限公司
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Publication of WO2022143373A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022143373A1/fr

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00—Connection management
    • H04W76/10—Connection setup
    • H04W76/12—Setup of transport tunnels
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W28/00—Network traffic management; Network resource management
    • H04W28/02—Traffic management, e.g. flow control or congestion control
    • H04W28/06—Optimizing the usage of the radio link, e.g. header compression, information sizing, discarding information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W28/00—Network traffic management; Network resource management
    • H04W28/02—Traffic management, e.g. flow control or congestion control
    • H04W28/06—Optimizing the usage of the radio link, e.g. header compression, information sizing, discarding information
    • H04W28/065—Optimizing the usage of the radio link, e.g. header compression, information sizing, discarding information using assembly or disassembly of packets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/0005—Control or signalling for completing the hand-off
    • H04W36/0011—Control or signalling for completing the hand-off for data sessions of end-to-end connection
    • H04W36/0033—Control or signalling for completing the hand-off for data sessions of end-to-end connection with transfer of context information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W36/00—Hand-off or reselection arrangements
    • H04W36/0005—Control or signalling for completing the hand-off
    • H04W36/0055—Transmission or use of information for re-establishing the radio link
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W76/00—Connection management
    • H04W76/10—Connection setup
    • H04W76/11—Allocation or use of connection identifiers

Definitions

  • the embodiments of the present application relate to the field of communication technologies, and in particular, to a communication method and a node.
  • uplink general packet radio service (GPRS) tunneling protocol users can be established between access network equipment and user plane functional network elements. face (GRPS tunnelling protocol user plane, GTP-U) tunnel and downlink GTP-U tunnel.
  • GTP-U GRPS tunnelling protocol user plane
  • the data network can send downlink packets to the user plane functional network elements, and the user plane functional network elements forward the downlink packets to the access network equipment through the downlink GTP-U tunnel, and the access network equipment then forwards the downlink packets to the access network equipment.
  • the downlink message is forwarded to the terminal device.
  • the terminal equipment can send uplink packets to the access network equipment, and the access network equipment forwards the uplink packets to the user plane function network element through the uplink GTP-U tunnel, and the user plane function network element then forwards the uplink packet to the user plane function network element.
  • the uplink message is forwarded to the data network.
  • the existing GTP-U tunnel is a tunnel between nodes, and the header of the GTP-U packet only has the tunnel identifier transmitted to the next hop node.
  • there may be multiple intermediate nodes between the access network device and the user plane functional network element which requires the configuration of forwarding rules for multiple intermediate nodes on the path for transmitting GTP-U packets.
  • the terminal device when the terminal device is switched, there may also be multiple intermediate nodes between the two access network devices before and after the terminal device is switched, and it is also necessary to transmit GTP-U messages between the two access network devices.
  • the forwarding rules are configured on multiple intermediate nodes on the path of the text. Too many configurations will affect the efficiency of session establishment and terminal device switching, bring about higher delay, and affect user experience.
  • the embodiments of the present application provide a communication method and node, which are used to solve the problem that when a session is established or a terminal device is switched, it is necessary to configure forwarding rules for multiple intermediate nodes on the transmission path of application layer packets such as GTP-U packets. complicated question.
  • the present application provides a communication method, the method includes: a source node encapsulates a packet in an application layer packet, and a packet header of the application layer packet includes the purpose of the application layer packet The identifier of the node; the source node sends the application layer packet to a first intermediate node, and the first intermediate node is located on the path between the source node and the destination node for transmitting the application layer packet.
  • the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
  • the intermediate node located on the path for transmitting the application layer packet between the source node and the destination node can be based on the The identifier of the destination node in the packet header of the application layer packet determines the forwarding path for forwarding. It is not necessary to configure forwarding rules such as GTP-U tunnels on the intermediate nodes, which reduces the configuration complexity during session establishment and terminal device switching. It is beneficial to improve the efficiency of session establishment and terminal device switching, and improve user experience.
  • the packet header of the application layer packet includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
  • the tunnel identifier includes the identifier of the destination node.
  • the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node can be carried in the packet header of the application packet to further identify the tunnel for the destination node to receive the application layer packet, and at the same time, the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node can be extended to achieve the purpose of passing the
  • the tunnel identifier corresponding to the node indicates the identifier of the destination node, which is beneficial to ensure reliable transmission of application layer packets.
  • the method further includes: the source node receives a session message from a session management function network element, where the session message includes the identifier of the destination node; or, the source node receives a session message from the session management function network element; A handover command for the management function network element, where the handover command includes the identifier of the destination node.
  • the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane functional network element; or, the source node is a user plane functional network element, and the destination node is the first access network element.
  • the session management function network element when a session is established or a terminal device is switched, can configure the identity of the destination node to the source node through a session message or a switching command, so that the source node can encapsulate the identity of the destination node in the application layer message. This avoids configuring forwarding rules for intermediate nodes located on the path for transmitting application layer packets between the source node and the destination node, which is beneficial to improve the efficiency of session establishment and terminal device switching.
  • the present application provides a communication method, the method includes: a source node encapsulates a message in an application layer message, and a message header of the application layer message includes an identifier of one or more intermediate nodes , the one or more intermediate nodes are located on the path for transmitting the application layer packet between the source node and the destination node; the source node sends the application layer packet to the first intermediate node, and the first intermediate node sends the application layer packet.
  • An intermediate node is located on the path for transmitting the application layer message between the source node and the destination node.
  • the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
  • the identifier of one or more intermediate nodes located on the path for transmitting the application layer packet between the source node and the destination node is introduced into the packet header of the application layer packet such as the GTP-U packet, so that the intermediate The node can determine the forwarding path based on the identifiers of one or more intermediate nodes included in the packet header of the application layer packet and forward it. It is not necessary to configure the forwarding rules such as GTP-U tunnel on the intermediate node, which reduces the time required for session establishment and termination.
  • the configuration complexity during device switching is conducive to improving the efficiency of session establishment and terminal device switching, and improving user experience.
  • the one or more intermediate nodes may include the first intermediate node.
  • the identifier of the first intermediate node connected to the source node may be included in the packet header of the application layer packet, or may not be included in the packet header of the application layer packet.
  • the identifier of the node is not included in the packet header of the application layer packet, it is beneficial to reduce the size of the packet header of the application layer packet and reduce the transmission overhead of the application layer packet.
  • the packet header of the application layer packet further includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
  • the packet header of the application layer packet includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node, which can further identify the tunnel through which the destination node receives the application layer packet, which is beneficial to ensure reliable transmission of the application layer packet.
  • the method further includes: the source node receives a session message from a session management function network element, the session message includes the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes; or, the source The node receives a handover command from the session management function network element, the handover command including the identity of the one or more intermediate nodes.
  • the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane functional network element; or, the source node is a user plane functional network element, and the destination node is the first access network element.
  • the session management function network element can use the session message or switching command to transfer the information of one or more intermediate nodes on the path of the application layer message transmission between the source node and the destination node.
  • the identification is configured to the source node, so that the source node can encapsulate the identification of one or more intermediate nodes in the packet header of the application layer packet, so as to avoid the transmission of the application layer packet between the source node and the destination node.
  • the intermediate node configures the forwarding rules, which is beneficial to improve the efficiency of session establishment and terminal device switching.
  • the present application provides a communication method.
  • the method includes: a first intermediate node receives an application layer packet from a source node, and a packet header of the application layer packet includes a message of the application layer packet.
  • the identifier of the destination node; the first intermediate node forwards the application layer message according to the identifier of the destination node.
  • the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
  • the packet header of the application layer packet includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
  • the tunnel identifier includes the identifier of the destination node.
  • forwarding the application layer packet by the first intermediate node according to the identifier of the destination node includes: acquiring the application layer packet by the first intermediate node according to the identifier of the destination node The next-hop node where the layer message is transmitted to the destination node; the first intermediate node sends the application layer message to the next-hop node.
  • the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane functional network element; or, the source node is a user plane functional network element, and the destination node is the first access network element.
  • the present application provides a communication method, the method includes: a first intermediate node receives an application-layer packet from a source node, and a packet header of the application-layer packet includes the information of one or more intermediate nodes. identifier, the one or more intermediate nodes are located on the path for transmitting the application layer packet between the source node and the destination node; the first intermediate node forwards the packet according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes the application layer message.
  • the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
  • the packet header of the application layer packet further includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
  • the first intermediate node forwarding the application layer packet according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes includes: the first intermediate node according to the one or more intermediate nodes The identifier of the node is used to obtain the next hop node for transmitting the application layer message to the destination node; the first intermediate node sends the application layer message to the next hop node.
  • the method further includes: the first intermediate node deletes the identifier of the first intermediate node from the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes, or deletes the one or more intermediate nodes The identifier of the next hop node of the first intermediate node in the identifier of the node.
  • the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane functional network element; or, the source node is a user plane functional network element, and the destination node is the first access network element.
  • an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the device has a function of implementing each step in the first aspect or the second aspect, and the function can be implemented by hardware or by executing corresponding software in hardware.
  • the hardware or software includes one or more units (modules) corresponding to the above functions, such as a communication unit and a processing unit.
  • the device may be a chip or an integrated circuit.
  • the apparatus includes a processor and an interface circuit, the processor is coupled to the interface circuit, and is configured to implement the functions of each step in the first aspect or the second aspect.
  • the interface circuit can be a transceiver or an input-output interface.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a memory storing a program executable by the processor for implementing the functions of the steps in the first aspect or the second aspect above.
  • the device may be a source node.
  • an embodiment of the present application provides a communication device, the device has a function of implementing each step in the third aspect or the fourth aspect, and the function can be implemented by hardware or by executing corresponding software in hardware.
  • the hardware or software includes one or more units (modules) corresponding to the above functions, such as a communication unit and a processing unit.
  • the device may be a chip or an integrated circuit.
  • the apparatus includes a processor and an interface circuit, the processor is coupled to the interface circuit, and is configured to implement the functions of each step in the third aspect or the fourth aspect.
  • the interface circuit can be a transceiver or an input-output interface.
  • the apparatus may further comprise a memory storing a program executable by the processor for implementing the functions of the steps in the third or fourth aspect above.
  • the device may be the first intermediate node.
  • an embodiment of the present application provides a communication system, including a source node and a first intermediate node, wherein the source node has a function of executing the method provided in the first aspect or the second aspect, the first The intermediate node has the function of executing the method provided by the third aspect or the fourth aspect.
  • an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer program, which, when the computer program runs on a computer, causes the computer to execute the method provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects.
  • an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium, where a computer program is stored in the computer-readable storage medium, and when the computer program is executed by a computer, the computer is made to execute the above-mentioned first The method provided by any of the to fourth aspects.
  • an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip, where the chip is configured to read a computer program stored in a memory and execute the method provided in any one of the first to fourth aspects above.
  • an embodiment of the present application further provides a chip system, where the chip system includes a processor for supporting a computer device to implement the method provided in any one of the above-mentioned first to fourth aspects.
  • the chip system further includes a memory for storing necessary programs and data of the computer device.
  • the chip system can be composed of chips, and can also include chips and other discrete devices.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network architecture provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an existing GTP-U message encapsulation format
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an uplink GTP-U tunnel of a PDU session provided by an embodiment of the present application
  • FIG. 4 is one of the schematic diagrams of a PDU session creation process provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 5 is one of the schematic diagrams of the temporary GTP-U tunnel in the UE handover process provided by the embodiment of the present application;
  • FIG. 6 is one of schematic diagrams of a communication process provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 7 is one of schematic diagrams of GTP-U message encapsulation formats provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 8 is the second schematic diagram of the GTP-U message encapsulation format provided by the embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 9 is the third schematic diagram of the GTP-U message encapsulation format provided by the embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 10 is the second schematic diagram of the communication process provided by the embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 11 is a fourth schematic diagram of a GTP-U packet encapsulation format provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a GTP-U tunnel of a PDU session provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 13 is the second schematic diagram of the PDU session creation process provided by the embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 14 is the second schematic diagram of a temporary GTP-U tunnel in a UE handover process provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • 15 is a schematic diagram of a UE handover process provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 16 is one of schematic structural diagrams of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • FIG. 17 is the second schematic structural diagram of a communication device provided by an embodiment of the present application.
  • the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present application may be applicable to the 5G network architecture shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the 5G network architecture shown in Figure 1 may include three parts, namely the terminal equipment part, the data network (DN) part and the operator network part.
  • the operator network may include a network exposure function (NEF) network element, a policy control function (PCF) network element, a unified data management (unified data management, UDM) network element, and an application function (application function) network element.
  • NEF network exposure function
  • PCF policy control function
  • UDM unified data management
  • application function application function
  • function, AF) network element access and mobility management function (access and mobility management function, AMF) network element, session management function (session management function, SMF) network element, (wireless) access network ((radio) access network, (R)AN) and user plane function (user plane function, UPF) network elements, etc.
  • AMF access and mobility management function
  • SMF session management function
  • R wireless access network
  • R user plane function
  • UPF user plane function
  • Terminal equipment also known as user equipment (UE)
  • UE user equipment
  • UE user equipment
  • the terminal device may be a mobile phone (mobile phone), a tablet computer (pad), a computer with wireless transceiver function, a virtual reality (virtual reality, VR) terminal, an augmented reality (augmented reality, AR) terminal, an industrial control (industrial control) wireless terminals in ), wireless terminals in self-driving, wireless terminals in remote medical, wireless terminals in smart grid, wireless terminals in transportation safety , wireless terminals in smart cities, wireless terminals in smart homes, etc.
  • a virtual reality virtual reality, VR
  • augmented reality augmented reality
  • industrial control industrial control
  • the above-mentioned terminal device can establish a connection with the operator network through an interface (eg, N1, etc.) provided by the operator network, and use the data and/or voice services provided by the operator network.
  • the terminal device can also access the DN through the operator's network, and use the operator's service deployed on the DN and/or the service provided by a third party.
  • the above-mentioned third party may be a service provider other than the operator's network and the terminal device, and may provide other services such as data and/or voice for the terminal device.
  • the specific expression form of the above third party can be specifically determined according to the actual application scenario, and is not limited here.
  • An access network device also known as a (radio) access network ((R)AN) device, is a device that provides wireless communication functions for terminals.
  • Access network equipment includes, but is not limited to, the next-generation base station (g nodeB, gNB), evolved node B (evolved node B, eNB), radio network controller (radio network controller, RNC), node B ( node B, NB), base station controller (BSC), base transceiver station (BTS), home base station (for example, home evolved nodeB, or home node B, HNB), base band unit (base band) unit, BBU), transmission point (transmitting and receiving point, TRP), transmitting point (transmitting point, TP), mobile switching center, etc.
  • g nodeB, gNB next-generation base station
  • eNB evolved node B
  • eNB radio network controller
  • RNC radio network controller
  • node B node B
  • BSC base station controller
  • BTS base transceiver station
  • the AMF network element is the control plane network element provided by the operator's network. It is responsible for the access control and mobility management of the terminal equipment accessing the operator's network, such as the management of mobility status, the allocation of user temporary identities, and the authentication and authorization of users. .
  • the SMF network element is a control plane network element provided by the operator network, and is responsible for managing the protocol data unit (PDU) session of the terminal device.
  • a PDU session is a channel for transmitting PDUs. Terminal devices need to communicate PDUs with the DN through the PDU session.
  • the PDU session is established, maintained and deleted by the SMF network element.
  • SMF network elements include session management (such as session establishment, modification and release, including GTP-U tunnel maintenance between UPF and RAN), selection and control of UPF network elements, service and session continuity (SSC) Session-related functions such as mode selection and roaming.
  • session management such as session establishment, modification and release, including GTP-U tunnel maintenance between UPF and RAN
  • SSC service and session continuity
  • the UPF network element is the gateway provided by the operator, and is the gateway for the communication between the operator's network and the DN.
  • UPF network elements include user plane-related functions such as data packet routing and transmission, packet inspection, service usage reporting, quality of service (QoS) processing, legal interception, uplink data packet detection, and downlink data packet storage.
  • QoS quality of service
  • DN also known as packet data network (PDN)
  • PDN packet data network
  • the operator's network can access multiple DNs, and a variety of services can be deployed on the DNs, which can provide Services such as data and/or voice.
  • the UDM network element is the control plane network element provided by the operator, which is responsible for storing the subscriber permanent identifier (SUPI), security context (security context), subscription data and other information of the subscriber in the operator's network.
  • SUPI subscriber permanent identifier
  • security context security context
  • subscription data and other information of the subscriber in the operator's network.
  • the information stored by the UDM network element can be used for authentication and authorization of terminal equipment to access the operator's network.
  • the NEF network element is the control plane network element provided by the operator.
  • the NEF network element opens the external interface of the operator's network to the third party in a secure manner.
  • the SMF network element needs to communicate with a third-party network element, the NEF network element can be used as a relay for the communication between the SMF network element and the third-party network element.
  • the PCF network element is a control plane function provided by the operator, and is used to provide the SMF network element with the policy of the PDU session.
  • the policies may include charging-related policies, QoS-related policies, authorization-related policies, and the like.
  • the AF network element is a functional network element that provides various business services. It can interact with the core network through the NEF network element, and can interact with the policy management framework for policy management, such as providing routing rules and processing policies to the core network.
  • the communication interface N9 among Nnef, Npcf, Nudm, Naf, Nudr, Namf, Nsmf, N1, N2, N3, N4, N6, and the unshown UPF network elements in FIG. 1 is an interface serial number.
  • interface serial numbers refer to the meanings defined in the 3GPP standard protocol, which is not limited here.
  • network elements or functions may be network elements in hardware devices, software functions running on dedicated hardware, or virtualized functions instantiated on a platform (eg, a cloud platform).
  • a platform eg, a cloud platform
  • the foregoing network element or function may be implemented by one device, or may be implemented jointly by multiple devices, or may be a functional module in one device, which is not specifically limited in this embodiment of the present application.
  • 5G network architecture is only an example of a possible network architecture to which the technical solutions provided in this application are applicable, and the technical solutions provided in this application can also be applied to future network architectures or other similar network architectures, such as 6G network architectures, etc. .
  • the existing GTP-U tunnel is a tunnel between nodes, and the GTP-U tunnel can be identified by the IP address and tunnel identifier (such as tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID)) carried in the header of the GTP-U packet.
  • IP address and tunnel identifier such as tunnel endpoint identifier (TEID)
  • Figure 2 it is a schematic diagram of the existing GTP-U packet encapsulation format, which can be carried by the IP/UDP header field in the packet header (non-payload part) of the GTP-U packet.
  • the destination IP address and the TEID carried in the TEID field identify the GTP-U tunnel through which the GTP-U packet is transmitted.
  • the SMF network element will create a GTP-U tunnel for each segment between the RAN and the UPF network element for the PDU session, including the uplink GTP-U tunnel for each segment between the RAN and the UPF network element, and Downlink GTP-U tunnels in each segment between UPF network elements and RAN.
  • the I-UPF network element is an intermediate UPF network element located between the RAN and the UPF network element, and plays the role of forwarding the GTP-U message sent by the RAN to the UPF network element.
  • the I-UPF network element is managed by the I-SMF network element
  • the UPF network element is managed by the SMF network element (the I-UPF network element and the SMF network element in Figure 3).
  • the UPF network element is managed by the SMF network element at the same time. If the I-UPF network element and the UPF network element are managed by the SMF network element at the same time, the signaling between the I-SMF network element and the SMF network element in the following PDU session creation process can be omitted. interactive steps), the specific PDU session creation process may include:
  • S401 The RAN forwards a session creation request (eg, a PDU session creation request) from the UE to the AMF network element.
  • a session creation request eg, a PDU session creation request
  • the AMF network element forwards the session creation request to the selected I-SMF network element.
  • the AMF network element may create a session management (session management, SM) context request through the PDU session, and forward the session creation request to the I-SMF network element, that is, transparently transmit the session creation request to the I-SMF network element , wherein the session creation request is carried in the PDU session creation session management context request.
  • SM session management
  • the I-SMF network element and the selected I-UPF network element perform N4 session creation/modification request and response interaction, and configure the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier and the downlink tunnel endpoint identifier of the I-UPF network element.
  • the I-SMF network element selects the I-UPF network element. If the I-SMF network element allocates the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier and the downlink tunnel endpoint identifier to the I-UPF network element, the I-SMF network element indicates the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier in the N4 session creation/modification request sent to the I-UPF network element.
  • the response also referred to as N4 session creation/modification response indicates the identifier of the uplink tunnel endpoint and the identifier of the downlink tunnel endpoint.
  • the I-SMF network element forwards the session creation request to the SMF network element, and indicates the downlink tunnel information of the I-UPF network element (including the I-UPF network element's downlink tunnel information) in the session creation request. IP address and downstream tunnel endpoint identification).
  • S405 The SMF network element and the selected UPF network element perform an N4 session creation/modification request and response interaction, and configure the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier of the UPF network element.
  • the SMF network element selects the UPF network element. If the SMF network element assigns the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier to the UPF network element, the SMF network element indicates the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier in the N4 session creation/modification request sent to the UPF network element; if the UPF network element assigns the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier identifier, the UPF network element will indicate the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier in the N4 session creation/modification response sent to the SMF network element.
  • the SMF network element sends a session creation response (such as a PDU session creation response) to the I-SMF network element, and indicates the uplink tunnel information (including the UPF network element) of the UPF network element in the session creation response IP address and upstream tunnel endpoint identifier).
  • a session creation response such as a PDU session creation response
  • the I-SMF network element sends the session establishment response to the AMF network element, and indicates in the session establishment response the uplink tunnel information of the I-UPF network element (including the I-UPF network element's IP address and upstream tunnel endpoint ID).
  • the I-SMF network element may create a session management context response (also referred to as a PDU session creation session management context response) through a PDU session, and send the session creation response to the AMF network element, that is, the session is established.
  • the response is transparently transmitted to the AMF network element, wherein the session establishment response is carried in the PDU session establishment session management context response.
  • the AMF network element sends a session request (eg, a PDU session request) to the RAN, where the session request includes information indicated in the session creation response, such as uplink tunnel information of the I-UPF network element.
  • a session request eg, a PDU session request
  • the session request includes information indicated in the session creation response, such as uplink tunnel information of the I-UPF network element.
  • S409 The RAN allocates a downlink tunnel endpoint identifier.
  • the RAN sends a session request (eg, a PDU session request) to the AMF network element, where the session request indicates downlink tunnel information of the RAN (including the IP address of the RAN network element and the downlink tunnel endpoint identifier).
  • a session request eg, a PDU session request
  • the session request indicates downlink tunnel information of the RAN (including the IP address of the RAN network element and the downlink tunnel endpoint identifier).
  • the AMF network element sends a session modification request (eg, a PDU session modification request) to the I-SMF network element, where the session modification request indicates downlink tunnel information of the RAN.
  • a session modification request eg, a PDU session modification request
  • S412 The I-SMF network element and the I-UPF network element perform N4 session creation/modification request and response interaction, and configure downlink tunnel information of the RAN and uplink tunnel information of the UPF network element.
  • the identifier of the uplink tunnel of the I-UPF network element can also be determined by the I-SMF network element or the I-UPF network element and then performed by the I-SMF network element and the I-UPF network element in step S412.
  • the interaction of the N4 session creation/modification request and response is indicated to the other party.
  • the interaction of the N4 session creation/modification request and response performed by the I-SMF network element and the I-UPF network element may not indicate the I-UPF network element. the uplink tunnel ID.
  • the I-SMF network element returns a session modification response (eg, a PDU session modification response) to the AMF network element.
  • a session modification response eg, a PDU session modification response
  • the existing GTP-U tunnel is a tunnel between nodes. Therefore, if there are multi-level intermediate UPF network elements between the RAN and UPF network elements corresponding to the PDU session, during the process of creating the PDU session. It is necessary to configure the multi-level intermediate UPF (I-UPF) network elements included between the RAN and the UPF network elements, which will affect the PDU session establishment efficiency, bring higher delay, and affect user experience.
  • I-UPF multi-level intermediate UPF
  • the I-UPF1 network element serves RAN1
  • the I-UPF2 network element serves RAN2
  • the downlink data flow will be sent from the UPF network element to the RAN1 through the I-UPF1 network element.
  • the air interface of the UE has been switched to RAN2. Therefore, RAN1 cannot directly forward downlink data to the UE.
  • the solution of the existing solution is: before the UE switches from RAN1 to RAN2, first create a temporary GTP- U tunnel, then in the handover process, the downlink data received by RAN1 will be sent to RAN2 through the pre-created temporary GTP-U tunnel, through the I-UPF1 network element and the I-UPF2 network element, and then sent to the UE; after the handover is completed After that, delete the created temporary GTP-U tunnel.
  • the temporary GTP-U tunnel created before the UE handover and the temporary GTP-U tunnel deleted after the handover need to be created or configured node by node. If the intermediate UPF network element (as shown in Figure 5) The I-UPF1 network element and the I-UPF2 network element) are managed by different SMF network elements, and the configuration will be more complicated.
  • the embodiment of the present application proposes a communication scheme.
  • the encapsulation format of application layer packets such as GTP-U packets the Based on the identity of the destination node and/or the identity of one or more intermediate nodes, the indication of the path for transmitting the application layer message between the source node and the destination node is realized, thereby avoiding forwarding rules such as GTP-U tunnels to the intermediate nodes.
  • the signaling and delay overhead brought by the configuration improves the user experience.
  • At least one may also be described as one or more, and the multiple may be two, three, four or more, which is not limited in this application.
  • "/" may indicate that the objects associated before and after are an "or" relationship, for example, A/B may indicate A or B; “and/or” may be used to describe that there are three types of associated objects A relationship, for example, A and/or B, can mean that A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural.
  • words such as “first” and “second” may be used to distinguish technical features with the same or similar functions.
  • the words “first”, “second” and the like do not limit the quantity and execution order, and the words “first”, “second” and the like do not limit the difference.
  • words such as “exemplary” or “for example” are used to represent examples, illustrations or illustrations, and any embodiment or design solution described as “exemplary” or “for example” should not be construed are preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs.
  • the use of words such as “exemplary” or “such as” is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner to facilitate understanding.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a communication process provided by an embodiment of the present application, and the process includes:
  • the source node encapsulates a message in an application layer message, and a message header of the application layer message includes an identifier of a destination node of the application layer message.
  • the application layer packet may be a packet carried at Layer 2 (data link layer) or above Layer 3 (network layer), such as GTP-U packets, generic routing encapsulation (generic routing encapsulation, GRE) packets, virtual extensible local area network (VXLAN) packets, etc.
  • the identifier of the destination node can be the IP address of the destination node, media access control (media access control, MAC) address, etc.
  • the source node may be the first access network device (RAN1), and the destination node may be a UPF network element; for downlink data transmission of a session, the source node may be a UPF network element , the destination node can be RAN1; in addition, in the handover process of the UE, the source node can also be RAN1, and the destination node can also be RAN2, where RAN2 is the access network device that the UE accesses after the handover, and RAN1 is the access network device that the UE accesses before the handover access network equipment.
  • RAN1 is the access network device that the UE accesses before the handover access network equipment.
  • the intermediate node located on the path for transmitting the application layer message between the source node and the destination node may be an intermediate user plane function (I-UPF) network. element, which plays the role of forwarding the application layer message sent by the source node to the destination node.
  • I-UPF intermediate user plane function
  • the encapsulation format of GTP-U packets can be improved or extended.
  • the header of the message implements the indication of the forwarding path for the intermediate node to forward the GTP-U message to the destination node.
  • a field for carrying the identification of the destination node of the GTP-U packet such as an identification (Target) field, may be added to the packet header of the GTP-U packet.
  • the intermediate node may determine a forwarding path for forwarding the GTP-U message to the destination node according to the identifier of the destination node included in the header of the GTP-U message.
  • the packet header of the GTP-U packet may also carry the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node, such as the tunnel endpoint identifier corresponding to the destination node, which is used to identify the destination node receiving the GTP-U packet.
  • the tunnel endpoint identifier corresponding to the destination node may be carried by adding other fields to the packet header of the GTP-U packet, for example, by adding a P-TEID field.
  • the TEID field in the header of the GTP-U packet can also be extended to the N-TEID field, and the end-to-end tunnel identifier is carried by the N-TEID field, and the end-to-end tunnel identifier is used to identify the end-to-end tunnel. Identify the tunnel through which the destination node receives the GTP-U message from the source node, and each node uses the end-to-end tunnel identifier to identify the GTP-U tunnel on the path for transmitting the GTP-U message between the source node and the destination node.
  • the N-TEID field may be composed of a TEID field and a Target field, where the TEID field is used to carry the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node, such as the tunnel endpoint identifier corresponding to the destination node, and the Target field carries the destination node identifier. , such as the IP address of the destination node, etc.
  • the tunnel ID corresponding to the destination node and the ID of the destination node constitute the end-to-end tunnel ID.
  • the intermediate node may determine the forwarding path for forwarding the GTP-U message to the destination node according to the identifier of the destination node in the N-TEID field.
  • the Target field is added to the header of the GTP-U message or the TEID field in the header of the GTP-U message is extended to the N-TEID field
  • a field for carrying transmission path information such as a UPF list (list) field, may also be added to the packet header of the GTP-U packet.
  • the transmission path information includes the identifiers of one or more intermediate nodes on the path where the GTP-U message is transmitted between the source node and the destination node. or the identifiers of multiple intermediate nodes, to determine the forwarding path for forwarding the GTP-U message to the destination node.
  • the identifier of the intermediate node may be an IP address of the intermediate node, a tunnel identifier corresponding to the intermediate node, and the like.
  • the tunnel identifier corresponding to the intermediate node may be the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier of the intermediate node.
  • the UPF list field may carry the identifier of the next-hop intermediate node of the source node, or may not carry the identifier of the next-hop intermediate node of the source node.
  • I-UPF1 is the next-hop intermediate node of the source node, when RAN1 encapsulates the GTP-U message sent to RAN2, the GTP-U
  • the UPF list field in the header of the message may only carry the identifier of I-UPF2, or may carry both the identifier of I-UPF1 and the identifier of I-UPF2.
  • the source node may learn the identity of the destination node and one or more intermediate nodes on the path for transmitting the application layer message from the session message from the session management function network element.
  • One or more items of information such as the identifier of the destination node and the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
  • the session message may be a session creation/modification request (such as an N4 session creation/modification request), a session creation response, etc.
  • the source node of downlink data transmission for a session may be the UPF network element, and the destination node may be RAN1 , the session management function network element can send a session creation/modification request including the identity of RAN1 to the UPF network element; for the uplink data transmission of the session, the source node can be RAN1, the destination node can be the UPF network element, and the session management function network element to the
  • the session creation response sent by RAN1 may also be called other messages when forwarded to RAN1 via other network elements.
  • it may also be called a session request. It carries the session creation response or carries the information included or indicated in the session creation response, such as the identifier of the UPF network element.
  • the source node can obtain the identity of the destination node, the identity of one or more intermediate nodes on the path for transmitting the application layer message, and the tunnel identity corresponding to the destination node from the handover command from the session management function network element. one or more of the information.
  • the source node may be RAN1 and the destination node may be RAN2, and the handover command may also be called other messages when forwarded between the session management function network element and other network elements of RAN1, such as by
  • the access and mobility management function network element forwards it to RAN1, it is called a handover command
  • the session management function network element sends it to the access and mobility management function network element, it can also be called a UE context update response.
  • the UE when an application on the UE is started, the UE is triggered to request to create a PDU session, the UE sends a PDU session creation request to the RAN (such as RAN1) to which it accesses, and RAN1 sends the PDU session creation request via the access and the mobility management function network element and other network elements to the session management function network element, the session management function network element selects the UPF network element for the PDU session, and sends the identity of the UPF network element to the access and mobility through the PDU session creation response.
  • the management function network element, the access and mobility management function network element sends information such as the PDU session creation response or the UPF network element identifier indicated by the PDU session creation response to the RAN1 through the PDU session request, and the RAN1 learns the uplink of the UE's PDU session.
  • the destination node of the message is the UPF network element, and the identifier of the destination node is the identifier of the UPF network element.
  • RAN1 When RAN1 receives the uplink packet of the PDU session from the UE, it can encapsulate the uplink packet into a GTP-U packet using the encapsulation format shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8 or Figure 9.
  • the Target field in the packet header carries the identifier of the UPF network element, which is used by the intermediate node to determine the forwarding path for forwarding the GTP-U message to the UPF network element according to the identifier of the UPF network element.
  • the identification of one or more intermediate nodes on the path where the source node transmits the application layer message to the destination node can also use the routing policy locally configured by the source node (such as a routing table containing the transmission path for the source node to send application-layer packets to each node or device in the network where the source node is located) or the routing policy issued by the session management function network element.
  • the routing policy locally configured by the source node (such as a routing table containing the transmission path for the source node to send application-layer packets to each node or device in the network where the source node is located) or the routing policy issued by the session management function network element.
  • the identifier of the destination node determine the path for transmitting the application layer message to the destination node, and then determine the identifiers of one or more intermediate nodes on the path for transmitting the application layer message to the destination node.
  • a forwarding rule for forwarding to the destination node may also be preconfigured on the intermediate node.
  • the forwarding rule may be: when the Target field is the identifier of the destination node, forward the application layer message to the destination node according to the identifier of the destination node.
  • the forwarding rules for forwarding to RAN1 may be pre-configured on the UPF network element. Specifically, the forwarding rule may be: when the Target field is the identifier of RAN1, forward the application layer packet to the intermediate node located on the path for transmitting the application layer packet between the UPF network element and RAN1.
  • the forwarding rules for forwarding to the UPF network element or RAN2 may be pre-configured on RAN1.
  • the forwarding rule may specifically be: when the Target field is the identifier of the UPF network element, forward the application layer packet to the intermediate node located on the path between the RAN1 network element and the UPF network element on the path for transmitting the application layer packet; the Target field is the RAN2 network element.
  • the application layer packet is forwarded to the intermediate node located on the path for transmitting the application layer packet between RAN1 and RAN2.
  • S602 The source node sends the application layer packet to an intermediate node, and the intermediate node receives the application layer packet.
  • the intermediate node is located on the path for transmitting the application layer message between the source node and the destination node.
  • RAN1 encapsulates the uplink packet from the UE as a GTP-U packet as shown in Figure 7 or Figure 8 or Figure 9. After the U message, RAN1 can send the encapsulated GTP-U message to the next hop node that transmits the GTP-U message, for example, send the encapsulated GTP-U message to the I-UPF network element serving RAN1.
  • S603 The intermediate node forwards the application layer packet according to the identifier of the destination node.
  • any intermediate node located on the path that transmits the GTP-U packet between the source node and the destination node receives the GTP-U packet from the source node.
  • the intermediate node can use the identifier of the destination node carried in the Target field or the N-TEID field in the header of the GTP-U packet, and the local routing policy (such as including the intermediate node to each node in the network where the intermediate node is located).
  • the SMF network element determines the forwarding path of the GTP-U packet to the destination node, and then determine the destination node of the GTP-U packet. The next hop node for the node to transmit.
  • the middle The node may also determine the next hop node for transmission to the destination node according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes.
  • the intermediate node in order to improve the forwarding efficiency of the GTP-U message and facilitate the intermediate node to quickly know the next hop node, if the identifier of one or more intermediate nodes included in the header of the GTP-U message forwarded by the intermediate node contains its own identification, and the intermediate node can delete its own identification in the identification of the one or more intermediate nodes when forwarding the GTP-U message to the next hop node; or, the intermediate node is in the next hop When forwarding the GTP-U message, the node deletes the identifier of the next hop node in the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes.
  • the above is mainly introduced based on the identification of the destination node to realize the determination of the forwarding path for the intermediate node to forward the application layer message to the destination node. In another possible implementation, it can also be based on the location between the source node and the destination node.
  • the identification of one or more intermediate nodes on the path for transmitting the application layer message between the two nodes realizes the determination of the forwarding path for the intermediate node to forward the application layer message to the destination node.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a communication process provided by an embodiment of the present application, and the process includes:
  • the source node encapsulates the message in an application layer message, and the message header of the application layer message includes the identifiers of one or more intermediate nodes.
  • the one or more intermediate nodes are located on the path for transmitting the application layer message between the source node and the destination node.
  • the transmission path information includes the identifiers of one or more intermediate nodes on the path where the GTP-U message is transmitted between the source node and the destination node, so that the intermediate nodes can or the identifiers of multiple intermediate nodes, to determine the forwarding path for forwarding the GTP-U message to the destination node.
  • the identification of the destination node may also be carried in the transmission path information, that is, in the header of the GTP-U packet, not only the source node and destination node.
  • the transmission path information may also carry the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
  • the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node is the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier of the destination node, and the transmission path information carries the uplink tunnel endpoint identifier of the destination node.
  • the intermediate node of the previous hop of the destination node can identify the destination node according to the upstream tunnel endpoint identifier of the destination node, determine the GTP-U tunnel for the destination node to receive the GTP-U message, and forward the GTP-U message to the destination node.
  • Target can also be added to the header of the GTP-U message field or extend the TEID field in the header of the GTP-U message to the N-TEID field.
  • the UPF list field the Target field or the N-TEID field, refer to the description in the communication process shown in Figure 6. Let's go into details.
  • the Target field in the N-TEID field can not only be the identifier of the destination node, It may also be information such as a global unified identifier, as long as the end-to-end tunnel identifier carried in the N-TEID field is guaranteed to be unique.
  • the forwarding rule for forwarding to the destination node may also be preconfigured on the intermediate node.
  • the specific forwarding rule can be: when the Target field is the identifier of the destination node, the application layer packet is forwarded to the destination node. If the Target field is the global unified identifier instead of the identifier of the destination node, the specific forwarding rule can be: according to the UPF list The transmission path information in the field forwards the application layer packet.
  • the forwarding rules for forwarding to RAN1 may be pre-configured on the UPF network element.
  • the forwarding rule may be: when the Target field is the identifier of RAN1, forward the application layer packet to the intermediate node located on the path between the UPF network element and RAN1 on the path for transmitting the application layer packet; or if the Target field is the global unified identifier, When it is not the identifier of the destination node, the identifier of RAN1 is indicated in the UPF list field while forwarding the application layer message to the intermediate node.
  • the forwarding rules for forwarding to the UPF network element or RAN2 may be pre-configured on RAN1.
  • the forwarding rule may specifically be: when the Target field is the identifier of the UPF network element, forward the application layer packet to the intermediate node located on the path between the RAN1 network element and the UPF network element on the path for transmitting the application layer packet; the Target field is the RAN2 network element.
  • the application layer packet is forwarded to the intermediate node located on the path for transmitting the application layer packet between RAN1 and RAN2.
  • the identifier of the destination node (UPF network element or RAN2) is indicated in the UPF list field while forwarding the application layer message to the intermediate node.
  • S1002 The source node sends the application layer packet to an intermediate node, and the intermediate node receives the application layer packet.
  • the intermediate node is located on the path for transmitting the application layer message between the source node and the destination node.
  • the intermediate node forwards the application layer packet according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes.
  • intermediate node forwarding the application layer message according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes reference may be made to the description in the communication process shown in FIG. 6 , which will not be repeated.
  • GTP-U message transmission and the tunnel configuration process for GTP-U message transmission in conjunction with part of the PDU session creation or UE handover process.
  • Scenario 1 PDU session, taking the encapsulation format shown in (B) in Figure 9 as an example for GTP-U packets, as shown in Figure 12, for the uplink data transmission of the PDU session, the source node is RAN1 and the destination node is UPF The intermediate node between the network element, RAN1 and UPF network element is the I-UPF network element; for the downlink data transmission of the PDU session, the source node is the UPF network element, and the destination node is RAN1, the intermediate node between the UPF network element and RAN1 The node is an I-UPF network element. It is assumed that the I-UPF network element is managed by the I-SMF network element, and the UPF network element is managed by the SMF network element.
  • RAN1 forwards a session creation request (eg, a PDU session creation request) from the UE to the AMF network element.
  • a session creation request eg, a PDU session creation request
  • S1302 The AMF network element forwards the session creation request to the selected I-SMF network element.
  • the I-SMF network element forwards the session creation request to the SMF network element.
  • the I-SMF network element may further indicate the identifier of the I-UPF network element selected by the I-SMF network element in the forwarded session creation request, such as the IP address of the I-UPF network element.
  • S1304 The SMF network element and the selected UPF network element perform an N4 session creation/modification request and response interaction, and configure a first end-to-end tunnel endpoint identifier (N-TEID1).
  • the N-TEID1 is used to identify the tunnel through which the UPF network element receives the GTP-U message from the RAN1, and is used for the UPF network element to receive the GTP-U message from the RAN1.
  • the SMF network element selects the UPF network element. If the SMF network element allocates N-TEID1 to the UPF network element, the SMF network element indicates the N-TEID1 in the N4 session creation/modification request sent to the UPF network element; if the UPF network element allocates N-TEID1, then The UPF network element will indicate the N-TEID1 in the N4 session creation/modification response sent to the SMF network element.
  • the SMF network element sends a session creation response (eg, a PDU session creation response) to the I-SMF network element, and indicates the N-TEID1 in the session creation response.
  • a session creation response eg, a PDU session creation response
  • the session creation response may also indicate that the UPF network ID of the element, such as the IP address of the UPF network element.
  • the I-SMF network element sends the session establishment response to the AMF network element, where the session establishment response indicates the N-TEID1.
  • the identifier of the UPF may also be indicated in the session creation response; or the identifier of the UPF may be indicated in the session creation response;
  • the transmission path information is indicated in the creation response, and the transmission path information includes the identifier of the UPF network element, and may also include the identifier of the I-UPF network element.
  • the I-SMF network element can also send the session policy to the I-UPF network element.
  • the SMF network element sends a session request (eg, a PDU session request) to the RAN1, where the N-TEID1 is indicated in the session request.
  • a session request eg, a PDU session request
  • S1308 The RAN1 allocates a second end-to-end tunnel identifier (N-TEID2).
  • the N-TEID2 is used to identify the tunnel through which the RAN1 receives the GTP-U message from the UPF network element, and is used for the RAN1 to receive the GTP-U message from the UPF network element.
  • the RAN1 sends a session request (eg, a PDU session request) to the AMF network element, and indicates the N-TEID2 in the session request.
  • a session request eg, a PDU session request
  • the identifier of RAN1 may also be indicated in the session request, Such as the IP address of RAN1.
  • the AMF network element sends a session modification request (eg, a PDU session modification request) to the I-SMF network element, where the session modification request indicates the N-TEID2.
  • a session modification request eg, a PDU session modification request
  • the I-SMF network element can also send the session policy to the I-UPF network element, such as configuring the identification of GTP-U through N-TEID2 in the session policy The session corresponding to the message, etc.
  • the I-SMF network element forwards the session modification request to the SMF network element, where the session modification request indicates the N-TEID2.
  • the identifier of RAN1 may also be indicated in the session modification request.
  • the identifier of the I-UPF network element is not indicated in step S1303, the identifier of the I-UPF network element may also be indicated in the session modification request.
  • S1312 Perform N4 session modification request/response interaction between the SMF network element and the UPF network element, and configure the N-TEID2.
  • the SMF network element may also send transmission path information to the UPF network element, where the transmission path information includes all
  • the identifier of the RAN1 may also include the identifier of the I-UPF network element.
  • the forwarding rule for forwarding to the UPF network element/RAN1 may also be preconfigured on the I-UPF network element.
  • the forwarding rule may specifically be: when the Target field is the identifier of the UPF network element, forward the GTP-U message to the UPF network element; when the Target field is RAN1, forward the GTP-U message to RAN1.
  • the forwarding rule may specifically be: forward the GTP-U message according to the transmission path information in the UPF list field.
  • the forwarding rules for forwarding to RAN1 may be pre-configured on the UPF network element.
  • the forwarding rule may specifically be: when the Target field is the identifier of RAN1, forward the GTP-U packet to the I-UPF network element; or if the Target field is the global unified identifier rather than the identifier of the destination node, forward the GTP-U packet to the I-UPF network element
  • the GTP-U message is forwarded, and the identifier of RAN1 is indicated in the UPF list field.
  • the forwarding rule for forwarding to the UPF network element may be pre-configured on RAN1.
  • the forwarding rule may be: when the Target field is the identifier of the UPF network element, forward the GTP-U packet to the I-UPF network element; or if the Target field is the global unified identifier instead of the identifier of the destination node, forward the GTP-U packet to the I-UPF network element.
  • the network element forwards the GTP-U message, and the UPF list field indicates the identifier of the UPF network element.
  • the intermediate UPF network elements are It is not necessary to configure the forwarding rules of session granularity, and the forwarding path can be determined based on the identifier of the destination node or the transmission path information in the header of the GTP-U packet.
  • the above-mentioned PDU session creation process is illustrated by taking the different uplink and downlink end-to-end tunnel endpoint identifiers as an example, and if the uplink and downlink end-to-end tunnel endpoint identifiers are the same, only the uplink is executed. Or the downlink tunnel creation process is sufficient, that is, only the configuration process of the above N-TEID1 or N-TEID2 may be performed.
  • Scenario 2 UE switching scenario.
  • the UE switches from RAN1 to RAN2, and RAN1 communicates with the I-UPF1 network element, and RAN2 communicates with the I-UPF2 network element. Therefore, after the UE is handed over, the I-UPF1 network element will also be handed over to the I-UPF2 network. After the handover, the AMF1 network element that manages RAN1 will also be switched to the AMF2 network element that manages RAN2. To simplify the process, it is assumed that the I-UPF1 network element, the I-UPF2 network element and the UPU network element are all managed by the SMF network element.
  • RAN1 initiates a UE handover (handover) request to the AMF1 network element, including the identifier of RAN2.
  • the core network element selects the I-UPF2 network element, and creates an uplink GTP-U tunnel from the RAN2 to the UPF network element.
  • the process of creating the uplink GTP-U tunnel from RAN2 to the UPF network element reference may be made to the process of creating the uplink GTP-U tunnel from RAN1 to the UPF network element in FIG. 13 , which will not be repeated.
  • the information of the uplink GTP-U tunnel such as the end-to-end tunnel identifier and transmission path information for uplink data transmission from RAN2 to the UPF network element, will be sent to RAN2.
  • S1503 RAN2 allocates a third end-to-end tunnel identifier (N-TEID3).
  • the RAN2 sends a handover response (handover response) to the AMF2 network element, and the handover response indicates the N-TEID3.
  • the identifier of RAN2 may also be indicated in the handover response, Such as the IP address of RAN2.
  • the AMF2 network element sends a UE context update request to the SMF network element, where the UE context update request indicates the N-TEID3.
  • the identifier of RAN2 may also be indicated in the UE context update request, such as the IP address of RAN2 .
  • the SMF network element sends a UE context update response to the AMF2 network element, where the UE context update response indicates the N-TEID3.
  • the identifier of RAN2 may also be indicated in the UE context update response, such as the IP address of RAN2 .
  • the SMF network element can also determine the transmission path information of the downlink data from RAN1 to RAN2 during the UE handover process, for example, from RAN1 to I-UPF1 network element, from I-UPF1 network element to I-UPF2 network element, and then from I-UPF1 network element to I-UPF2 network element.
  • the SMF network element may further indicate the transmission path information in the UE context update response.
  • the AMF2 network element sends a UE context creation response to the AMF1 network element, where the UE context creation response carries the UE context update response or carries information included in the UE context update response, such as N- TEID3.
  • step S1507 the preparation process for the handover of the UE is completed.
  • the AMF1 network element sends a handover command (handover command) to the RAN1, and the handover command indicates the N-TEID3.
  • the information indicated by the handover command in S1508 includes the information indicated by the UE context update response in S1506. If the UE context update response also indicates the identity of RAN2, transmission path information, etc., it is also indicated in the handover command in S1508. The identity of the RAN2, transmission path information, etc. indicated by the UE context update response.
  • RAN1 can determine the identity of RAN2 according to the Target information in N-TEID3. If the Target is a global unified identity, then determine the identity of RAN2 according to the indicated identity of RAN2 or the identity of the destination node in the transmission path information, and then according to the forwarding policy (local configuration or SMF network element pre-configuration), determine to send the GTP-U message to the I-UPF1 network element first.
  • RAN1 encapsulates the identifier of RAN2 (in the Target field or the UPF list field) in the forwarded GTP-U message, and optionally encapsulates the identifier of I-UPF2 in the UPF list field (optionally in the UPF list field in this case). The identification of the package I-UPF1 in the middle).
  • the I-UPF1 network element After the I-UPF1 network element receives the GTP-U message from RAN1, according to the identifier of RAN2 in the header of the GTP-U message and the local forwarding policy (locally configured or pre-configured by the SMF network element) ), forward the GTP-U message to the I-UPF2 network element, or forward the message to the I-UPF2 network element according to the transmission path information in the GTP-U message. Afterwards, the I-UPF2 network element forwards the GTP-U message to the RAN2 in a similar manner.
  • the local forwarding policy locally configured or pre-configured by the SMF network element
  • S1511 The UE completes the handover process and releases the resources related to the original session on the RAN1 and the UPF network element.
  • the SMF network element can directly configure the transmission path information from RAN1 to RAN2 to RAN1, and when RAN1 receives the GTP-U message from the UPF network element, the When forwarding GTP-U packets, encapsulate the transmission path information from RAN1 to RAN2 in the forwarded GTP-U packets, so as to avoid intermediate UPF network elements (such as I-UPF1 network elements, I-UPF2 network elements), etc. Configuration of the mapping relationship of session granular GTP-U tunnels. As an example, referring to FIG.
  • the SMF network element may create temporary GTP-U tunnels from RAN1 to I-UPF1 network element, from I-UPF1 network element to I-UPF2 network element, and from I-UPF2 network element to RAN2.
  • the identifier TEID4 of the I-UPF1 network element, the identifier TEID5 of the I-UPF2 network element, and the identifier TEID6 of the RAN2 are sent to RAN1 as transmission path information, which are used to identify the forwarding of the GTP-U message from the UPF network element by RAN1 path of.
  • each network element includes a corresponding hardware structure and/or software module (or unit) for performing each function.
  • each network element includes a corresponding hardware structure and/or software module (or unit) for performing each function.
  • the present application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software with the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein. Whether a function is performed by hardware or computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality using different methods for each particular application, but such implementations should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.
  • FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are schematic structural diagrams of possible communication apparatuses provided by embodiments of the present application. These communication apparatuses can be used to implement the functions of the source node or the intermediate node in the above method embodiments, and thus can also achieve the beneficial effects of the above method embodiments.
  • the communication device may be the source node in FIG. 6 or FIG. 10 , the intermediate node in FIG. 6 or FIG. 10 , or the module applied to the source node or the intermediate node (such as chip).
  • the communication apparatus 1600 may include: a processing unit 1602 and a communication unit 1603, and may also include a storage unit 1601.
  • the communication apparatus 1600 is configured to implement the function of the source node or the intermediate node in the method embodiment shown in FIG. 6 or FIG. 10 .
  • the processing unit 1602 is used to implement corresponding processing functions.
  • the communication unit 1603 is used to support the communication between the communication device 1600 and other network entities.
  • the storage unit 1601 is used to store program codes and/or data of the communication device 1600 .
  • the communication unit 1603 may include a receiving unit and/or a sending unit for performing receiving and sending operations, respectively.
  • the processing unit 1602 is configured to encapsulate the packet in an application layer packet, where the packet header of the application layer packet includes the application layer packet The identifier of the destination node of the message; the communication unit 1603 is configured to send the application layer message to a first intermediate node, where the first intermediate node is located between the communication device and the destination node to transmit the application layer on the path of the message.
  • the packet header of the application layer packet includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
  • the tunnel identification includes the identification of the destination node.
  • the communication unit 1603 is further configured to receive a session message from the session management function network element, where the session message includes the identifier of the destination node; or, receive a session management function network element from the session management function network element. a handover command, where the handover command includes the identifier of the destination node.
  • the communication device is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane function network element; or, the communication device is a user plane function network element, and the destination node is the first network element.
  • the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
  • the processing unit 1602 is configured to encapsulate the packet in an application-layer packet, where the packet header of the application-layer packet includes identifiers of one or more intermediate nodes, the one or multiple intermediate nodes are located on the path for transmitting the application layer packet between the communication device and the destination node; the communication unit 1603 is configured to send the application layer packet to the first intermediate node, the first intermediate node The node is located on the path for transmitting the application layer message between the communication device and the destination node.
  • the one or more intermediate nodes include the first intermediate node.
  • the packet header of the application layer packet further includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
  • the communication unit 1603 is further configured to receive a session message from the session management function network element, where the session message includes the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes; or, receive a session message from the network element of the session management function.
  • the communication device is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane function network element; or, the communication device is a user plane function network element, and the destination node is the first network element.
  • the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
  • the communication unit 1603 is configured to receive an application layer packet from the source node, the packet header of the application layer packet includes the identifier of the destination node of the application layer packet; the processing unit 1602 is configured to, according to the purpose The identifier of the node, which forwards the application layer message.
  • the packet header of the application layer packet includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
  • the tunnel identification includes the identification of the destination node.
  • the processing unit 1602 when forwarding the application layer packet according to the identifier of the destination node, is specifically configured to obtain the destination node of the application layer packet to the destination node according to the identifier of the destination node.
  • the next hop node transmitted by the destination node; the communication unit 1603 is further configured to send the application layer packet to the next hop node.
  • the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane functional network element; or, the source node is a user plane functional network element, and the destination node is the first access network element.
  • the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
  • the communication unit 1603 is configured to receive an application layer packet from the source node, where the packet header of the application layer packet includes identifiers of one or more intermediate nodes, the one or more Multiple intermediate nodes are located on the path for transmitting the application layer message between the source node and the destination node; the processing unit 1602 is configured to forward the application layer packet according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes message.
  • the packet header of the application layer packet further includes the tunnel identifier corresponding to the destination node.
  • the processing unit 1602 when forwarding the application layer packet according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes, is specifically configured to obtain, according to the identifiers of the one or more intermediate nodes, the The next hop node for transmitting the application layer message to the destination node; the communication unit 1603 is further configured to send the application layer message to the next hop node.
  • the processing unit 1602 is further configured to delete the identification of the communication device in the identification of the one or more intermediate nodes, or delete the identification of the one or more intermediate nodes. The identity of the next hop node of the communication device.
  • the source node is a first access network device, and the destination node is a user plane functional network element; or, the source node is a user plane functional network element, and the destination node is the first access network element.
  • the application layer message is a GTP-U message.
  • the communication device 1700 includes a processor 1710 and an interface circuit 1720 .
  • the processor 1710 and the interface circuit 1720 are coupled to each other.
  • the interface circuit 1720 can be a transceiver or an input-output interface.
  • the communication device 1700 may further include a memory 1730 for storing instructions executed by the processor 1710 or input data required by the processor 1710 to execute the instructions or data generated after the processor 1710 executes the instructions.
  • the processor 1710 is used to implement the function of the above-mentioned processing unit 1602
  • the interface circuit 1720 is used to implement the function of the above-mentioned communication unit 1603 .
  • a computer-readable storage medium on which instructions are stored, and when the instructions are executed, the communication methods applicable to the source node or the intermediate node in the above method embodiments can be executed.
  • a computer program product containing instructions is provided, and when the instructions are executed, the communication method applicable to the source node or the intermediate node in the above method embodiments can be executed.
  • a chip is provided, and when the chip is running, the communication method applicable to the source node or the intermediate node in the above method embodiments can be executed.
  • the embodiments of the present application may be provided as a method, a system, or a computer program product. Accordingly, the present application may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present application may take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) having computer-usable program code embodied therein.
  • computer-usable storage media including, but not limited to, disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.
  • These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory capable of directing a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory result in an article of manufacture comprising instruction means, the instructions
  • the apparatus implements the functions specified in the flow or flow of the flowcharts and/or the block or blocks of the block diagrams.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

La présente demande se rapporte au domaine technique des communications. Sont divulgués, un procédé de communication et un nœud qui sont utilisés pour résoudre le problème selon lequel, pendant l'établissement de session ou la commutation de dispositif terminal, il est nécessaire de configurer une règle de transfert pour une pluralité de nœuds intermédiaires sur un trajet de transmission de messages de couche d'application tels qu'un message GTP-U, conduisant à une configuration complexe. Le procédé consiste : à encapsuler, par un nœud source, un message dans un message de couche d'application, un en-tête de message du message de couche d'application comprenant un identifiant d'un nœud de destination du message de couche d'application ; et à envoyer, par le nœud source, le message de couche d'application à un premier nœud intermédiaire, le premier nœud intermédiaire étant situé sur un trajet, entre le nœud source et le nœud de destination, pour transmettre le message de couche d'application.
PCT/CN2021/140715 2020-12-28 2021-12-23 Procédé de communication et nœud WO2022143373A1 (fr)

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